Loss Part 2

It's sad that it takes losing someone to think of past memories. We should think of people and fond memories all the time. Some of my favorite memories of Pappaw are going over to his house with all my family and eating dinner and hanging out. Pappaw would always get out his guitar and sing old country songs. Some of my Uncles and my Aunt Margaret (who has an amazing voice) would join in. There were other times where me and my cousins would spend the night and sleep on the pull-out sofa staying up late watching Sunny and Cher or some old show from back in the day. I have several more memories than that too, obviously. I am so greatful to have such a large family that can share all these memories with.

Loss Part 1

I have lost people in my life and each one has been hard. But I lost my Pappaw last night and it has hit me harder than any loss I have had. It happened last night around 8:00. He had been in the hospital off and on with pneumonia and was finally placed in a rehab facility to start getting better. Over the past few years he had become all too familiar with hospitals. However, each time he went in he would bounce back. He was a fighter. A strong man. It was just too much for him last night. My Aunt called me and told me to get to the hospital last night because my Mom needed me there. I knew it wasn't good. Not 5 minutes after I arrived, the Nurse led us back to "the room" and the Doctor came in to deliver the news. I was so glad I could be there for my Mom and my Aunt (who I lovingly refer to as my 2nd Mom). They let us come in and see Pappaw to say our good-byes. I knew he had only been gone for a very short time, and I don't know what I expected to see. But it was surreal. As more family arrived, we all stayed in the room with him until the funeral home arrived. The strongest person there was my Mammaw. She didn't shed a tear. I think she felt it was her place to keep her cool and make everyone feel better by telling stories and joking. That's just like her.

I have so many memories of spending time with both my Mammaw and Pappaw. It seems like yesterday......

Dream Weaver

So random. Last night I dreamnt that I bought Frank a Harley Davidson for his birthday. The strange part is he is not a Harley fan, doesn't ride motorcycles, his birthday is in May, and clearly I have no money to up and make this kind of purchase in reality. Anyway, in my dream I waited until the last possible minute to buy his gift because in reality he is really hard to buy for. He has everything he wants and he isn't into any 1-thing. If he is into something, he researches and ends up buying it for himself.

So in my dream, I had to rush to buy his gift on my way to meet him for dinner. I just stopped by the local Harley store and bought him a nice vintage bike similar to the one below (minus Brad Pitt-sigh). No idea how much it cost in my dream or even if Harley makes vintage bikes. But I remember having to have someone drive it to the restaurant for me and for some reason he couldn't drive it home. Not because he can't drive a bike (he grew up on them), but no idea why...then I woke up. Dreams are strange and sometimes have no meaning. As if you already didn't know that.

Vacation 2010

Ole! We just returned from an 8 day vacation on the Mayan Riviera. We stayed at the Valentin Imperial Maya and it was wonderful. We got upgraded to First Class both ways, and had a private Suburban all to ourselves for airport transportation. I felt a little bit like a Celeb. Honestly, the private Suburban didn't cost much more than the hotel transport and was totally worth it!

Car Service (ignore the deflated hair, sweaty face, tired look I'm sporting)


Hotel Lobby



Our days mostly consisted of laying by the pool and reading. Oh, and eating. Did I mention we ate a lot? We ate a ton. The food by far was the best hotel food (all-inlclusive or otherwise) I have ever had in all my years of travel. Everything had so much flavor. I know I gained 20 pounds between the food and the pina coladas, champagne, and mexican coffee!

Main Pool (I didn't get any good pics of the pool by our room that we stayed at all the time)

French restraunt

Menu scroll thing at Indonesian restaurant

Inside Japanese Restaurant


Aside from non-stop eating and drinking, I WENT SCUBA DIVING AGAIN!!! After over 10 years it was time to get back on that horse and face my fears. It was AMAZING! I was more than proud of myself and I can't wait to do it again.
Me very nervous before my first dive

Best place to be ever

I've missed all this stuff so much


The hotel grounds were beautiful with a lot of wildlife. And when we got home to our own wildlife, our little Tangie went Brazilian. The vet had to shave her when they groomed her because she was so matted up. With all her hair I couldn't feel the mats under it all.






Tangie in her new sweater...she is not used to being so hairless.


It was an amazing trip and oh so relaxing. I read 3 books, ate my weight in food, and layed in the sun so much that I have a good reserve of vitamin D. Good to be home.

In The Quest For Less

Weight that is. I have read various articles that give good tips on ways to reduce belly fat and help aid in weight loss. In addition to exercise, of course. Some things are a given, like drinking water through out the day. A lot of people do this. It helps you feel full. People also put lemon in their water to give it some flavor.

Lemons - The pectin in lemon peel is an excellent source of fiber, which helps stop the body from absorbing sugar quickly. Pectin also helps eliminate cravings. Drinking water with a whole lemon for weight loss is an excellent way to speed up weight loss and detox the body.

Cherries - Cherries are low in calories, low in fat and contain a high percentage of water. Research has shown increasing water consumption will boost energy levels and help increase metabolism.

Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice - Drinking 3 glasses a day over 12 weeks, can help you loose an additional 3 pounds. Try the brands that are 100% juice and no added sugar.

Milk - Several studies have concluded that calcium-rich dairy products helped people lose more weight from the abdominal region than those taking calcium supplements or eating a low-calcium diet.

I definately plan on trying these tips in addition to exercising more frequenly. My body isn't the same it was 10 years ago. Hell, even one year ago. It's crazy what mid-30's can do to ones ability to lose weight and keep it off.

Expedition Great White

Oh. Mah. Gah. I am about to be in Shark Nerd Heaven. I just saw a commercial on National Geographic for a new show coming out called Expedition Great White. Amazing. Check out this preview!

If You Love To Travel...

You need to check out my friend Shannon's new website. That Travel Spark. She gives great advice on traveling with kids, packing, and planning great trips. You will also find good tips and ideas to know before you go!