Jakub--HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Thank you for being my sidekick through this crazy thing called life. I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. I love you more!
M
Friday, July 24, 2015
Five Years of Wedded Bliss
I cannot believe that Jakub and I have been married for 5 years today. I still remember our "first date" when he showed up with a backwards hat, t-shirt, khaki shorts, and white socks in brown sandals. Who knew that we would be celebrating 7 years together and 5 years of marriage. It's truly funny what life throws your way and I'm truly blessed to have found my soulmate.
Jakub--HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Thank you for being my sidekick through this crazy thing called life. I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. I love you more!
M
Jakub--HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Thank you for being my sidekick through this crazy thing called life. I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. I love you more!
M
Monday, July 13, 2015
Carnival Liberty
Let me start off by saying that I love vacation. What I don't love are 8 hour flights and the vacation hangover. Needless to say, the vacation hangover usually means you had a great vacation....and that we did!
We traveled to San Juan for embarkation this cruise. Since we had been to the port on a prior cruise, I decided to book the Sheraton right across the street from the cruise terminal. To say it was easy was an understatement....all we had to do was walk across the street to board our home for the next seven days. We were on the Carnival Liberty two years ago and were anxious to get back on board. We boarded the ship, went to our stateroom, and immediately drew back the curtains. The view was beautiful and we were ready for a drink to start the vacation off right!
Our first stop was St. Thomas and we were beyond excited. When were on board the same ship in 2013, we were unable to stop in St. Thomas because we got stuck in the middle of a tropical storm. We were super bummed since we had booked this amazing excursion. Once we knew we were going back to St. Thomas, we immediately booked the excursion again. It was a Champagne Catamaran Cruise to St. John and it was absolutely ah-mazing. The crew was super friendly and the views were picturesque. I think the pictures speak for themselves...
The second stop was in Barbados. We decided to head to the beach and hopped on board a taxi with a Canadian family. They informed us that they were going to take an island tour so we tagged along. The views from the top of the mountain were something that you see on a postcard. It was interesting to see and learn about the island and of course we stopped by the house that Rhianna grew up in.
The third stop was in St. Lucia. Jake had been dreaming of going to the island and was excited to hit the beach. We took about a 30 minute taxi ride to Pigeon Island, right next to the Sandals resort. It was a beautiful beach and even though it was cloudy, we were able to enjoy the water. There was a guy with a boat that was selling drinks in fruit. I thought it would be "so Caribbean" to drink from a pineapple so I went for it. The next thing I know, he is pouring half a bottle of rum in my pineapple. And not even good rum...you know, the kind that burns all the way down. The pineapple was delicious though and yes, I went back for a refill. Did I mention that I met a guy selling jewelry on the beach named Carlos who told me my name excited him? #strangerdanger
The fourth stop was St. Kitts. We didn't get a chance to see much of the island and decided to lay low while we enjoyed the quiet time at the ship's pool. We did some shopping and walked around the port. It was rather windy that day and the ship could barely stay on the dock. Made for some great pool weather though!
The fifth and final stop was St. Maarten. I hadn't been to the island since Spring Break in '08 (senior year of college). It was just as I remembered it. We took the water taxi over to the boardwalk/beach and swam in the turquoise water. It was beautiful and Jake and I contemplated "accidentally" missing the ship.
We were lucky enough to have sat with some of the best dinner table mates we could've asked for. It certainly made dinner enjoyable every night and lots of laughs to be had. We miss you Lauren and Tyler!
Phew, that was a busy week! We had the best time and was probably one of the better itineraries that we have ever been on with the most perfect weather. Now, on to planning our vacation for 2016....
M
We traveled to San Juan for embarkation this cruise. Since we had been to the port on a prior cruise, I decided to book the Sheraton right across the street from the cruise terminal. To say it was easy was an understatement....all we had to do was walk across the street to board our home for the next seven days. We were on the Carnival Liberty two years ago and were anxious to get back on board. We boarded the ship, went to our stateroom, and immediately drew back the curtains. The view was beautiful and we were ready for a drink to start the vacation off right!
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| Dinner at Senior Frogs in San Juan |
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| The Sheraton across the street from the port. |
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| The rooftop of the Sheraton looking into the marina. |
Our first stop was St. Thomas and we were beyond excited. When were on board the same ship in 2013, we were unable to stop in St. Thomas because we got stuck in the middle of a tropical storm. We were super bummed since we had booked this amazing excursion. Once we knew we were going back to St. Thomas, we immediately booked the excursion again. It was a Champagne Catamaran Cruise to St. John and it was absolutely ah-mazing. The crew was super friendly and the views were picturesque. I think the pictures speak for themselves...
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| Welcome to Barbados! |
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| St. James Parish |
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| On top of the hill looking over the island. |
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The third stop was in St. Lucia. Jake had been dreaming of going to the island and was excited to hit the beach. We took about a 30 minute taxi ride to Pigeon Island, right next to the Sandals resort. It was a beautiful beach and even though it was cloudy, we were able to enjoy the water. There was a guy with a boat that was selling drinks in fruit. I thought it would be "so Caribbean" to drink from a pineapple so I went for it. The next thing I know, he is pouring half a bottle of rum in my pineapple. And not even good rum...you know, the kind that burns all the way down. The pineapple was delicious though and yes, I went back for a refill. Did I mention that I met a guy selling jewelry on the beach named Carlos who told me my name excited him? #strangerdanger
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| The boat that my pineapple drink came from. |
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| The Pineapple Drink |
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| Sailing away to our next port. |
The fourth stop was St. Kitts. We didn't get a chance to see much of the island and decided to lay low while we enjoyed the quiet time at the ship's pool. We did some shopping and walked around the port. It was rather windy that day and the ship could barely stay on the dock. Made for some great pool weather though!
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We were lucky enough to have sat with some of the best dinner table mates we could've asked for. It certainly made dinner enjoyable every night and lots of laughs to be had. We miss you Lauren and Tyler!
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| Formal Night #2 |
Phew, that was a busy week! We had the best time and was probably one of the better itineraries that we have ever been on with the most perfect weather. Now, on to planning our vacation for 2016....
M
Monday, June 8, 2015
Carnival Imagination
I apologize in advance about the late post. Wrote this the day we got back to the desert and never posted. Better late than never....
We are back from an extended Memorial Day weekend! We decided that we missed cruising so much that we would take 2 of the them this year. The first cruise was a short 4 day cruise from Los Angeles to Catalina Island, CA and Ensenada, Mexico. Even though the weather was a little cool for us Arizonans, it sure was nice to get away, relax, and unwind.
The day before we left on the cruise, we were able to catch a Dodgers game at Dodgers Stadium. The stadium has so much character and history. We had great seats and were able to meet up with one of Jakub's college friends, Tim who spoiled us (THANK YOU!).
Our first day on the ship was our day at sea. We enjoyed a very fun formal night with some amazing food.
Our first stop on the cruise was Catalina Island, CA. I've always wanted to go to Catalina and it was such a charming little town. We walked through the shops downtown and up to the famous casino.
Our second stop was in Ensenada, Mexico. I really wasn't sure what to think of this city prior to going. We docked in the industrial part of town and took a short bus ride into downtown. With nothing really to look at, we decided to take an adventure to La Boufadora and the flea market. After about 45 minutes, we were finally there. To say the views were gorgeous would be a complete understatement. They were picturesque....just like you would see on a postcard. We were able to see the blowhole, La Boufadora (one of few in the world), eat some delicious food, and do some local shopping. We were also lucky to have an excellent tour guide that really gave us some wonderful insights of the city.
We had a wonderful time and can't wait to embark on our next journey in just a month!
M
We are back from an extended Memorial Day weekend! We decided that we missed cruising so much that we would take 2 of the them this year. The first cruise was a short 4 day cruise from Los Angeles to Catalina Island, CA and Ensenada, Mexico. Even though the weather was a little cool for us Arizonans, it sure was nice to get away, relax, and unwind.
The day before we left on the cruise, we were able to catch a Dodgers game at Dodgers Stadium. The stadium has so much character and history. We had great seats and were able to meet up with one of Jakub's college friends, Tim who spoiled us (THANK YOU!).
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| "Play Ball" |
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| View of LA from Dodger Stadium |
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| Embarkation Day |
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| Formal Night |
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| The best part of formal night.....lobster! |
Our first stop on the cruise was Catalina Island, CA. I've always wanted to go to Catalina and it was such a charming little town. We walked through the shops downtown and up to the famous casino.
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| Casino on Catalina Island |
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| Catalina Island, CA |
Our second stop was in Ensenada, Mexico. I really wasn't sure what to think of this city prior to going. We docked in the industrial part of town and took a short bus ride into downtown. With nothing really to look at, we decided to take an adventure to La Boufadora and the flea market. After about 45 minutes, we were finally there. To say the views were gorgeous would be a complete understatement. They were picturesque....just like you would see on a postcard. We were able to see the blowhole, La Boufadora (one of few in the world), eat some delicious food, and do some local shopping. We were also lucky to have an excellent tour guide that really gave us some wonderful insights of the city.
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| La Boufadora |
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| Delicious homemade tacos in Ensenada |
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| Ensenada, Mexico |
We had a wonderful time and can't wait to embark on our next journey in just a month!
M
Friday, May 1, 2015
True Arizonan
I am officially a true Arizonan! Yesterday, I was lucky recipient of not one, not two, but THREE scorpion stings. Lets set the scene...
I woke up at 4:00 a.m. to both of my elbows burning. I thought that I had a bite of some kind but scorpion sting definitely wasn't the first thing that came to mind. I wiped it down with some rubbing alcohol and that didn't help. There was no bump or redness. I went back to bed and used my iPhone light to check around. I laid down but quickly realized I needed something more. I got up, took a shower, and scrubbed both arms down. Still stinging, I decided to hop back in bed and hoped for at least another 45 minutes of sleep until I had to get ready for work.
The alarm rang at 6:03 a.m. and I crawled out of bed and walked in the bathroom. Jake was getting ready and was talking to me. While he was talking, I felt something pinch the inside of my leg and the next thing I know I'm flinging a scorpion across the bathroom. I was completely frozen for at least 10 seconds, Jake forced me to get my composure enough to go grab a shoe, and stepped on that jerk. I heard a crunch but he was still moving so I gave it another stomp. Never thought killing a scorpion would be so exhilarating. My burning elbows finally made sense.
After sting number three, I was hurting. I went downstairs, Jake got me some ice, and I called poison control. "Luckily," Jake was stung a couple years ago so he knew the routine. He packed me with some ice, I talked to poison control, and he left for work. Holy cow do those things BURN! Poison control harassed me all day and told me my symptoms weren't bad for being stung three times. Guess they didn't have arms that felt like they were on fire!
Today, my whole left arm is killing me and partially numb. Considering what my symptoms could've been according to poison control, I think I got pretty darn lucky. When Jake was stung, his entire arm went numb for a few days.
Needless to say, we will be scorpion proofing our house this weekend and investing in a black light. We have our work cut out for us!
M
I woke up at 4:00 a.m. to both of my elbows burning. I thought that I had a bite of some kind but scorpion sting definitely wasn't the first thing that came to mind. I wiped it down with some rubbing alcohol and that didn't help. There was no bump or redness. I went back to bed and used my iPhone light to check around. I laid down but quickly realized I needed something more. I got up, took a shower, and scrubbed both arms down. Still stinging, I decided to hop back in bed and hoped for at least another 45 minutes of sleep until I had to get ready for work.
The alarm rang at 6:03 a.m. and I crawled out of bed and walked in the bathroom. Jake was getting ready and was talking to me. While he was talking, I felt something pinch the inside of my leg and the next thing I know I'm flinging a scorpion across the bathroom. I was completely frozen for at least 10 seconds, Jake forced me to get my composure enough to go grab a shoe, and stepped on that jerk. I heard a crunch but he was still moving so I gave it another stomp. Never thought killing a scorpion would be so exhilarating. My burning elbows finally made sense.
After sting number three, I was hurting. I went downstairs, Jake got me some ice, and I called poison control. "Luckily," Jake was stung a couple years ago so he knew the routine. He packed me with some ice, I talked to poison control, and he left for work. Holy cow do those things BURN! Poison control harassed me all day and told me my symptoms weren't bad for being stung three times. Guess they didn't have arms that felt like they were on fire!
Today, my whole left arm is killing me and partially numb. Considering what my symptoms could've been according to poison control, I think I got pretty darn lucky. When Jake was stung, his entire arm went numb for a few days.
Needless to say, we will be scorpion proofing our house this weekend and investing in a black light. We have our work cut out for us!
M
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Febru-March
It has been entirely too long since I have posted anything. February vanished and before I knew it, March flew by too! Holy. Cow.
At the end of February, we were lucky enough to attend the Alan Jackson concert. What an entertainer and an excellent show. I'm so happy that were able to see him when he came through Phoenix. Another legend to check off our list!
The weather has been absolutely beautiful the last few of weeks (sorry East Coasters...not trying to put salt in an open wound) and Spring Training came and went in the Valley. Jakub and I were able to catch our first game at Sloan Park, spring home of the Chicago Cubs. This facility opened last year and it was so nice. We really enjoyed ourselves and happy to soak in some of the desert sunshine.
We also had a chance to catch a game at Camelback Ranch (spring home of the Dodgers and White Sox). Couldn't have planned better weather than what we had for Spring Training this year.
Our last Spring Training game was a night game at Goodyear Ballpark (spring home of the Indians and Reds). We have only been to this park once even though it is just a few miles down the road from our house. It was a lot of fun and a nice break from the desert sun.
My parents were recently out for a visit just before Easter and we had a great time. We took in a hockey game, ate delicious food every night, and had a chance to relax and enjoy each others company. Somehow time just flies when they are here and it's never quite long enough.
I hope that the past couple of months have been great for you and promise to get my act together and start posting more blogs. Sometimes, life just gets in the way. Here are a few random photos from the last couple months that I had to share.
Until the next one...
M
At the end of February, we were lucky enough to attend the Alan Jackson concert. What an entertainer and an excellent show. I'm so happy that were able to see him when he came through Phoenix. Another legend to check off our list!
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| Alan Jackson |
The weather has been absolutely beautiful the last few of weeks (sorry East Coasters...not trying to put salt in an open wound) and Spring Training came and went in the Valley. Jakub and I were able to catch our first game at Sloan Park, spring home of the Chicago Cubs. This facility opened last year and it was so nice. We really enjoyed ourselves and happy to soak in some of the desert sunshine.
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| Sloan Park |
We also had a chance to catch a game at Camelback Ranch (spring home of the Dodgers and White Sox). Couldn't have planned better weather than what we had for Spring Training this year.
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| Camelback Ranch |
Our last Spring Training game was a night game at Goodyear Ballpark (spring home of the Indians and Reds). We have only been to this park once even though it is just a few miles down the road from our house. It was a lot of fun and a nice break from the desert sun.
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| Goodyear Ballpark |
My parents were recently out for a visit just before Easter and we had a great time. We took in a hockey game, ate delicious food every night, and had a chance to relax and enjoy each others company. Somehow time just flies when they are here and it's never quite long enough.
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| Glass action for the Coyotes game |
I hope that the past couple of months have been great for you and promise to get my act together and start posting more blogs. Sometimes, life just gets in the way. Here are a few random photos from the last couple months that I had to share.
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| Hi Mom! -Maci |
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| This is what happens when Grandma comes to town. |
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| This is a screen shot from the Pro Bowl....where's Waldo? (hint: M for Melanie) |
Until the next one...
M
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Pro Bowl and Media Day
It has been absolutely crazy in Arizona lately with all of the snowbirds and events happening. Jake and I were lucky enough to attend the Pro Bowl and Media Day this year. I thought a journey through photos would be most appropriate.
Pro Bowl
Media Day
M
Pro Bowl
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| In front of the stadium |
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| Pro Bowl Coaches - Carter and Irvin |
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| Michael Irvin |
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| Randall Cobb |
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| Golden Tate |
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| JJ Watt |
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| Touchdown! |
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| View from our seats |
Media Day
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| Nate Solder |
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| Tom Brady |
M
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