We missed the Art Car Parade this year, but I was so happy to see (via facebook) that our good friends Jay and Gwendolyn were in the parade!
They have this great hearse art car, but last year it had a fever (was overheating) so they had to miss the parade. Not this year...
Seeing the car anytime I drive up to their house cracks me up - the car is nearly as long as their driveway.
Art cars truly are a labor of love, and I am so glad people enjoy making them because they are beautiful (and sometimes scary) to look at.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Mexico Cruise
We are back on land and had a great time on the cruise! It was a great vacation, especially nice since my cellphone simply wouldn't work so I just packed it away and enjoyed time with Kevin, my sister and her friend. I was glad to see they liked it, it was the first cruise for each of them and the second for us.
We had lots of good food, time to relax (lots of reading of my book!), and just had a great time. The cruise directors always have something going on - lots of trivia games, which I love. This time they even had 2 nights of comedians, and we made it to an 'adults only' show, the material is more like what we're used to at a comedy club, as opposed to the 'family friendly' show we'd seen before.
We also checked out the casino (lost $40 at roulette), and I rode the HUGE slide this time! Even with all there is to do on the boat - the excursions are definitely the best part for me.
Our first excursion took us by bus to see some of the historic spots in M
erida, including a HUGE cathedral. It has THE largest indoor Christ statue in the world (the largest is the outdoor one in Rio de Janiero). Our tour guide (Jerry) was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He was always pointing out things for us to see along the way and telling us a little about the history and life in the area. After seeing the sites we were taken to a hacienda (plantation) that has been turned into a rum distillery. We were able to tour the place - even see some workers bottling the rum -and then have a tasting. The setting was great, we sat on benches (think park benches) under a canopy of trees and were able to taste rum as well as several fruity liqueurs -- my favorite one was made with a fruit called guanabana. If you didn't like it, you could toss it over your shoulder into the plants, though most of what I didn't like went to Kevin. We saw lots of iguanas and a gorgeous tree called the 'Fire tree'.
Our second excursion was a first for me - snorkeling! We went with a group to a man-made beach on Cozumel where we were able to walk right into the water and snorkel. There were small reefs and lo
ts of fish! I had a hard time at first, but once I got the hang of it - it took a bit for me to get used to breathing through the tube how I needed to - it was really very serene. At times the water was rough so it was tough to stay under sometimes, but I got the hang of it (and a good workout!) The guide who was with us has great eyes, he brought up several creatures for us to see and touch - including a small yellow stingray! The shore set-up worked well so that we could go back onshore when we were ready - my sister and I went back out again while Kevin and Ana stayed on dry land. I did get stung by tiny jellyfish, I felt something burning on my arm and leg, and then saw that it was swollen when I was out of the water. apparently its pretty common - they had a bottle of Caladryl right at the counter. Leave it to me to find the jellyfish.
All in all, we came out pretty well - no sunburn, just the jellyfish and some overeating. We did better than some people who overdid it in Progreso - know your limits people. There is one excursion called "Corona Beach Party" which is basically an open bar in the sun. Last year and again this year we've seen people who imbibed WAY too much and had difficulty walking. The woman we saw this year actually went swimming in a small fountain -I thought she had leaned against it to steady herself and actually said I hope she doesn't drown when I thought she fell in, nope turns out she was getting in to swim....she did this not once, but twice. I hate to think what the locals must think of Americans when behavior like that and what you think of on Spring Break is most of what they see. I like a good drink, but also like to be in control of myself, especially in a foreign country.
I'm not ready to head back to work, but am very glad to be home!
We had lots of good food, time to relax (lots of reading of my book!), and just had a great time. The cruise directors always have something going on - lots of trivia games, which I love. This time they even had 2 nights of comedians, and we made it to an 'adults only' show, the material is more like what we're used to at a comedy club, as opposed to the 'family friendly' show we'd seen before.
We also checked out the casino (lost $40 at roulette), and I rode the HUGE slide this time! Even with all there is to do on the boat - the excursions are definitely the best part for me.
Our first excursion took us by bus to see some of the historic spots in M
erida, including a HUGE cathedral. It has THE largest indoor Christ statue in the world (the largest is the outdoor one in Rio de Janiero). Our tour guide (Jerry) was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He was always pointing out things for us to see along the way and telling us a little about the history and life in the area. After seeing the sites we were taken to a hacienda (plantation) that has been turned into a rum distillery. We were able to tour the place - even see some workers bottling the rum -and then have a tasting. The setting was great, we sat on benches (think park benches) under a canopy of trees and were able to taste rum as well as several fruity liqueurs -- my favorite one was made with a fruit called guanabana. If you didn't like it, you could toss it over your shoulder into the plants, though most of what I didn't like went to Kevin. We saw lots of iguanas and a gorgeous tree called the 'Fire tree'.Our second excursion was a first for me - snorkeling! We went with a group to a man-made beach on Cozumel where we were able to walk right into the water and snorkel. There were small reefs and lo
ts of fish! I had a hard time at first, but once I got the hang of it - it took a bit for me to get used to breathing through the tube how I needed to - it was really very serene. At times the water was rough so it was tough to stay under sometimes, but I got the hang of it (and a good workout!) The guide who was with us has great eyes, he brought up several creatures for us to see and touch - including a small yellow stingray! The shore set-up worked well so that we could go back onshore when we were ready - my sister and I went back out again while Kevin and Ana stayed on dry land. I did get stung by tiny jellyfish, I felt something burning on my arm and leg, and then saw that it was swollen when I was out of the water. apparently its pretty common - they had a bottle of Caladryl right at the counter. Leave it to me to find the jellyfish.All in all, we came out pretty well - no sunburn, just the jellyfish and some overeating. We did better than some people who overdid it in Progreso - know your limits people. There is one excursion called "Corona Beach Party" which is basically an open bar in the sun. Last year and again this year we've seen people who imbibed WAY too much and had difficulty walking. The woman we saw this year actually went swimming in a small fountain -I thought she had leaned against it to steady herself and actually said I hope she doesn't drown when I thought she fell in, nope turns out she was getting in to swim....she did this not once, but twice. I hate to think what the locals must think of Americans when behavior like that and what you think of on Spring Break is most of what they see. I like a good drink, but also like to be in control of myself, especially in a foreign country.
I'm not ready to head back to work, but am very glad to be home!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Cruisin
Right now I am enjoying the view of the Gulf of Mexico and there is a high probability that I have a fruity drink in my hand....love a good vacation!!!
We're going with my sister and her best friend on a cruise to celebrate sister's 30th birthday! Its the same itinerary as the one we went on last year but will be a much different trip. We're taking different excursions - seeing a rum plantation (and having a tasting!) and snorkeling, a first for me.
I know that this year's vacation means a lot more to Kevin - he's looking forward to reading for fun and also not reading if he doesn't want to, its been a long semester and we're both ready for the break.
Pictures to follow!
We're going with my sister and her best friend on a cruise to celebrate sister's 30th birthday! Its the same itinerary as the one we went on last year but will be a much different trip. We're taking different excursions - seeing a rum plantation (and having a tasting!) and snorkeling, a first for me.
I know that this year's vacation means a lot more to Kevin - he's looking forward to reading for fun and also not reading if he doesn't want to, its been a long semester and we're both ready for the break.
Pictures to follow!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Scholarship dinner
dang, I wrote up a post about the Scholarship dinner we went to recently, but Blogger ate it! It was posted and everything and then Blogger had some sort of issue and everything posted since Wednesday was taken away.....grrr, good thing I'm not a prolific writer....
I don't really want to rewrite the entire post, but we had a great time and had some great food (salmon and carrots with honey glaze and new potatoes). I was able to meet some of Kevin's professors and classmates. HE even met one of his professors in person for the first time - he'd had that professor for an online class.
We weren't able to get any good photos because we sat up front and the presentations were literally right next to us, I felt like I should duck to avoid being in other people's photos!
We got there early and were able to walk around the campus a little bit (not too much since we each had dressy, not so comfortable shoes on), I never knew there was a school called Austin College on the grounds that is now Sam Houston State University. I'm so proud of Kevin and love seeing him in his element!
I don't really want to rewrite the entire post, but we had a great time and had some great food (salmon and carrots with honey glaze and new potatoes). I was able to meet some of Kevin's professors and classmates. HE even met one of his professors in person for the first time - he'd had that professor for an online class.
We weren't able to get any good photos because we sat up front and the presentations were literally right next to us, I felt like I should duck to avoid being in other people's photos!
We got there early and were able to walk around the campus a little bit (not too much since we each had dressy, not so comfortable shoes on), I never knew there was a school called Austin College on the grounds that is now Sam Houston State University. I'm so proud of Kevin and love seeing him in his element!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Corpus Christi
Its been a busy few weeks. Work is busy and added to my regular workload I've been busy taking care of my VP duties with TAIR. The VP duties should even out for a while, but its been extra busy getting ready for the planning meeting and then doing follow-ups afterwards.
The next conference will be in Corpus Christi so we held our planning meeting there, to be able to see the hotel facilities. It was my first trip to Corpus and its a great place! I didn't have much time to look around but did get to eat at two restaurants in town. I really liked Water Street, fresh seafood is the best! We walked to the Landry's for dinner and I could definitely spend more time walking on the seawall and looking at the signs. There was even a carnival up the street
from us, but again no time. If you like fast food, the original Whataburger is in Corpus, I saw it but felt no need to eat there.
The only photo I took is this one with my phone. This was the view from my hotel balcony. It is the USS Lexington, which I hope to tour the next time I'm in town. I found out afterward that this is the ship that Jill's grandfather served on it in WWII! Kevin and I have toured an aircraft carrier in San Diego and were amazed at the small place they slept in for months at a time. I'll be back in February for the conference and have already mentioned the city as a vacation spot for the two of us, its not a bad drive from our house and would be a great weekend get-away.
The next conference will be in Corpus Christi so we held our planning meeting there, to be able to see the hotel facilities. It was my first trip to Corpus and its a great place! I didn't have much time to look around but did get to eat at two restaurants in town. I really liked Water Street, fresh seafood is the best! We walked to the Landry's for dinner and I could definitely spend more time walking on the seawall and looking at the signs. There was even a carnival up the street
from us, but again no time. If you like fast food, the original Whataburger is in Corpus, I saw it but felt no need to eat there.The only photo I took is this one with my phone. This was the view from my hotel balcony. It is the USS Lexington, which I hope to tour the next time I'm in town. I found out afterward that this is the ship that Jill's grandfather served on it in WWII! Kevin and I have toured an aircraft carrier in San Diego and were amazed at the small place they slept in for months at a time. I'll be back in February for the conference and have already mentioned the city as a vacation spot for the two of us, its not a bad drive from our house and would be a great weekend get-away.
Monday, May 2, 2011
We watched history being made last night. I was getting a little bit of work done and about ready to go to bed, but Kevin saw on the news that the President was about to make a statement. We had no idea what the statement was about, but knew it was something big. We watched the speculation and then the leaks being reported, and finally confirmation -- Osama bin laden was dead.
We stayed up with the nation to watch the statement. Word spread like wildfire with all of the social media out there -- facebook, twitter, you name it people heard the news that way. Today I was able to check in to a "World without Osama bin Laden" on foursquare and it felt good.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard that a plane had hit the World Trade Center and still cry when I see the footage from that day, I guess I always will...
We stayed up with the nation to watch the statement. Word spread like wildfire with all of the social media out there -- facebook, twitter, you name it people heard the news that way. Today I was able to check in to a "World without Osama bin Laden" on foursquare and it felt good.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard that a plane had hit the World Trade Center and still cry when I see the footage from that day, I guess I always will...
Sunday, May 1, 2011
March for Babies
The March for Babies went well today! My sister and I joined many thousands of other people in Houston to walk 5 miles to raise money so that 'one day all babies will be born healthy'. This is the fourth year we've participated in the walk and each year it gets bigger and bigger. In prior years the crowd has thinned out as we got away from the start line, but this year there was a large number of people around us the entire time, making it tough to walk at the pace we want to at times, but a great problem since that means more and more people are walking and fundraising for a great cause.
There are many people near and dear to me that are having babies right now, and I like to think that I'm doing my little part to help make sure the babies are born healthy and happy.
Many people walk in honor or in memory of a child in their own life who was born too early. We saw a number of shirts with the child's name and stats printed, it is staggering to see how small some of them are, and heart-breaking to see the ones who lived only a very short time. I also know that some of the kids in strollers and walking themselves are the very same kids we are walking for..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)