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!).

"Play Ball"

View of LA from Dodger Stadium

Our first day on the ship was our day at sea.  We enjoyed a very fun formal night with some amazing food.

Embarkation Day

Formal Night

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. 

Casino on Catalina Island

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.

La Boufadora

Delicious homemade tacos in Ensenada

Ensenada, Mexico

We had a wonderful time and can't wait to embark on our next journey in just a month!

M

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hi Mom! -Maci

This is what happens when Grandma comes to town.

This is a screen shot from the Pro Bowl....where's Waldo? (hint: M for Melanie)

Until the next one...

M

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

In front of the stadium

Pro Bowl Coaches - Carter and Irvin

Michael Irvin

Randall Cobb

Golden Tate

JJ Watt

Touchdown!

View from our seats

Media Day

Nate Solder

Tom Brady

M

29

This is the last year of my twenties...holy cow! I thought that 29 things about me would be an fun way to share my birthday.  Here we go....

1. I'm deathly afraid of cows and horses.
2. I'm a HUGE fan of Professional Bull Riders.
3. I'm adopted.
4. I still haven't change my last name on my internet bill.
5. My original major in school was going to be Music Education...I ended up with Sport Business.
6. I still have my 814 area code on my cell phone and have had the same number since I was 16.
7. If I didn't marry Jakub, I would've married Hines Ward.
8. My dream vacation is going to Bora Bora.
9. I've been on 5 cruises and going on another one this summer.
10. I'm dying to go on a Mediterranean cruise.
11. I've traveled to 35 states (not to include the ones I have been in via airport).
12.  I had to learn how to spell my married last name.
13. My favorite color is pink.
14. I love jewelry.  My favorite piece is my Tiffany bracelet that was my wedding gift.
15. I have a shopping problem...and I admit it. (isn't that step 1?)
16. In the past year, I have lost 40 pounds.

17. I have scorpion vision. I find all of the ones that make it into the house. 

18. My shoe size is 11. You know what they say about big feet? It means you have a big heart!

19. I sleep like a rock. I don't hear a thing. 

20. I could live in Ugg boots and leggings. 

21. I have seen New Kids on the Block four times....as an adult. 

22. I'm obsessed with my nails and get biweekly manicures. If I don't have polish on, check my temperature. 

23. My dogs are my practice children. 

24. My drink of choice is Riesling. 

25. I have an enormous sweet tooth. My favorite is Daffins chocolate from home. 

26. I can out talk a lot of guys when it comes to sports. Especially football and hockey. 

27. I have never been to the Grand Canyon and I have lived in Arizona for over 6 years.

28. I've watched every season of the Real Housewives of Orange County. It is my guilty pleasure. 

29. I'm terrified to turn 30.



Thank you for all of the birthday emails, text messages, phone calls, and Facebook posts this past weekend...you sure do know how to make a girl feel loved!

The wonderful cake from Jake!

M

MJ's Sparkle Shop

I am pleased to announce that I have finally launched my Etsy store for all of my handmade jewelry. It has been some time in the making but I am very excited to share my passion with everyone.  Below is a snapshot of some items currently posted.  I have been adding new items each day. Come and take a look...just in time for Valentine's Day!

For all my blog readers, enjoy 10% off by using LIFEASWIFE at checkout until January 14th.

M

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

We were finally able to go home after a long 4 years of not being home for Christmas. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful families and friends. It doesn't seem like a lifetime would be enough to spend with them but we had to settle for a few very short 4 days.

Saturday evening, we were able to see Jake's family. It's always nice too catch up and see how quickly the kids have grown. We even had time to squeeze in some beautiful family photos of everyone at once. That never happens and are very grateful that we were able to capture these memories.

The whole family

Marcin, Juliet, Tom, Hania, Jake, Me

Jake and I

 Sunday we saw one of our best friends that we haven't seen in a year and a half. We grabbed a delicious brunch with mimosas at Rivers Casino and then ventured over to the Steelers game. The weather was calm but chilly and it made for a perfect atmosphere to watch the Steelers beat the Chiefs and clinch a playoff spot.

Jason, Ashley, Me, and Jake at the Steelers game

Monday and Tuesday we made our way north to see my family in Meadville. My parents took me to an early birthday dinner at Aoyama Japanese Steakhouse in Erie, had some delicious cheesecake for dessert, and got to spend some quality time with my parents.

My Grandparents

My Dad, Mom, Me, and Jake

Christmas Eve was busy but we were able to squeeze everyone in. We went to see my family in Ohio for an early dinner. It was crazy with all the kids but worth every second spent with everyone. In the evening we went back down to Pittsburgh to be with Jakub's family and have the traditional Polish dinner. Everything was so delicious and had a great time opening gifts.

My mother in law and I in front of the dinner table.

Jakub and his brother Marcin

Jakub, Natalia, Marcin

Jakub and his family

Now, I sit on the flight back to Arizona on Christmas Day (while listening to *NSYNC holiday songs) counting all the blessings that I have in my life. I have the best parents, in laws, extended family, and friends that anyone could possibly ask for.  I'm also especially thankful that I said YES to a very important question exactly 6 Christmases ago.  I have the best husband a girl could ever ask for.  I'm so happy that we were able to make the trip back and hope that we don't have to wait another four years to do it again.

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. I hope that Santa brought you everything you wanted.  In the words of *NSYNC, "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays."

M