De Rigeur for November

I have noticed its de rigeur to use the month of November to share with the internet all for which you are grateful.  Some people post a daily tribute on facebook or twitter-even if the reflection is just three seconds it takes to post a stats update on a social network, I think it’s always a good idea to stop and reflect on what all we are grateful for. 

Today I will list out 30 things I’m thankful for.  While this list is not all exclusive, or in any particular order, it does touch on the big thing.

1. I’m grateful for my family and that I like them all.  Of course I love them, but its rare these days to actually enjoy every single family member- My parents, uncle/aunts, cousins, even my in-laws, I enjoy being around all of them, as they each bring a particular flavor to the table-and for that I love and like them.

2. I am thankful for my hubby.  He puts up with my energy, my nagging, the cat, and the fact that I don’t like (Alabama) football.  Its also pretty wonderful that he loves me for all my faults.

3. I’m thankful that my parents act young.  They may be older than most parents, but I’m glad they are healthy and active.

4. I am grateful for stylemepretty.com, gilt.com, spider solitaire, Pacman, and Tetris.  Without these wonderful inventions, I would be a bored person (at work).  I am also thankful for Ankit, for adding some competition to the day.

5. I’m thankful that my husband is an only child and that my mother-in-law lives ones stop light away.  I get all her attention- which I love. 

6. I’m grateful that my sister is my best friend and that she’ll always be bossy.  There are three things in life that are constant- death, taxes, and Ann being bossy.  I hope she never changes.

7. I’m thankful for cookie dough.

8. I’m thankful that I have the ability to look back on my life thus far and think how wonderful it has been.

9. My thankful I got to know my grandparents, Boppy and Grandma.  They were both exceptionally outstanding people and I’m so grateful they were my grandparents.

10. I’m thankful for Iron Tribe Crossfit.  Its more of a social outlet than actual workout/competition for me, but I enjoy it and therefore I’m thankful for it.

11. I’m grateful for all the traveling I’ve done.  As a young child and now.  There are so many places in the world that are interesting that are hundreds of thousands of miles away and I’m thankful that I have traveled so some of them.

12. I’m thankful for my job (sometimes).

13. I’m grateful for my closet, shoe, and handbag collection.

14. I’m grateful that Scott and I laugh all the time when we’re together.  He always finds a way to make me laugh.  I love to laugh, and I love him.

15. I’m thankful for home cooked food.  I don’t care anymore who cooks it, as long as its home cooked. 

16. I’m grateful for all the friendships I have scattered all over the US.  Sometimes I’m not that good at staying in tough, but for the most part, when we reunite, its just like old times.

17. I’m grateful that 24 of my family members will be going on a cruise together this Christmas.  I’m sure we’ll come back with plenty of memories/stories.

18. I’m grateful for technology.  Especially cell phones.

19. I’m grateful that I live close to a TCBY. (My body is not).

20. I’m grateful for our home.  Although I’m not grateful for the mess inside the home.

21. I’m grateful for Papoose.  He is one of the most selfless people I know and I’m honored to be part of his family.

22. I’m grateful for William and his phone calls.  While I can’t understand much of what he says, his voice always brightens my day. 

23. I’m grateful for my coworkers. The locations we have to go to aren’t always the most desirable- so it’s nice to have fun coworkers around to joke with to make the time pass faster.  There is only one I’m not grateful for.  Ok, maybe two.

24. I’m grateful for all the time I spent going to swim practice.  It taught me at a young age dedication, hard work, and self-confidence.  I miss the smell of chlorine and the feel of swimmer’s ear.

25. I’m thankful that my dad-enough said.

25. I’m grateful that I know how to ski and for all the ski trips we go on as a family.

27. I’m grateful for chocolate.

28. I’m grateful for my dog Nellie and her energy.

29. I’m grateful for mine and Scott’s health.

30. Lately, I’m thankful (again) for my family.  Because at the end of the day, they are the people who I am so happy to spend the rest of my life with.  

I can taste Thanksgiving

Hooray its almost Thanksgiving!!  Just when I start getting tired of work, traveling, and the daily grind, it becomes holiday season-the best season of all.  My parents are coming this weekend, which is quite the event for us.  I can’t remember the last time they were both here together.  Usually daddy will visit on his way to a cycling event, and mom will visit on her way from Tampa to Birmingham-so to have them together means we’ll have a packed house! 

I worked my booty off getting the house ready for the big arrival.  Lisa helped me decorate the tree (ok that’s a lie, she did it all), the house got cleaned, and both rats (Nellie and Gigi) have been brushed and polished ready to see their grandparents.  I remember when Boppy and Grandma use to visit us in Tennessee.  Before they came, mom would go on mad crazed cleaning rage.  We had to polish all the silver, clean under the beds, mop all the hardwoods, and daddy would vacuum the garage.  That’s pretty funny- vacuuming the garage- I use to think how silly my dad was for doing that, now I find myself vacuuming the garage. Haha.

The best part of Thanksgiving is the food.  Lisa is cooking this year - which means it will all be prepared with about 5 lbs of butter.  I’m sure Scott is already day dreaming about the food coma he’ll be in.  I’m thankful that 3 days out of the year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easer) Scott is full.

After our food coma wears off, we’ll be heading to Iron Tribe for their Bring-a-Friend day.  Scott is brining John (brother-in-law) and I’m bringing daddy.  This should be entertaining.  Mom will probably come to watch-and document John and Daddy getting their butts kicked.

I’ve already got Black Friday mapped out in my head.  Let’s just say, it starts on Thursday at 10pm.  I need to find something particular to shop for.  This same thing happened last year- I didn’t really have anything special to shop for, so I just went ahead and purchased everything I could think of just incase I needed it.  Got any ideas?

Well that’s all for now folks.  Have a fabulous Thanksgiving filled with family, food, and shopping!!!

Slacking

This is slightly embarrassing.  I can’t believe it’s been almost 3 months since my last post.  I don’t even have a good excuse-well I’m sure I can think of something since we all know I’m never at fault (in true Neidhardt fashion).  I’m also sure none of the 5 followers probably have even noticed that I’ve been MIA.  Its only my dedicated coworkers, looking for entertainment, that have noticed my laziness (Helpling/2 Naughty) Here are some news items that  happened since the preceding blog post.

·         We (me, Scott, Lisa, and Papoose) took a surprise trip to NYC for Papoose’s 85^th birthday to see The Phantom of the Opera.  It was a blast and I know Papoose loved it-although I’m sure he is still recovering.



·          For the first time in William’s life, he was the cool kid at school.  Grandma Karen got him a Curious George backpack from the clearance rack at Costco and his life changed.  The kids in his class were so obsessed with the backpack and its zippers, the teacher asked John to keep the backpack at home, since it was such a disturbance.  Oh and he also got his first professional hair cut!  No more Lloyd Christmas look-a-like.  I feel like he has a chance at being the cool kid again-hopefully for more than 1 day next time.



William in his Fireman oufit for Halloween



·         Football games!!  Last weekend wasn’t the best.  I was on suicide watch with Scott since Bama lost and we had to cancel all our reservations in Miami for the BCS Championships.  Thankfully, he has made a full recovery.  I, on the other hand, don’t get upset when Auburn losses since that would be awfully repetitive.



·         Our big black hairy baby, Nellie, had surgery.  The doctors originally thought she ate a foreign object, but after surgery, they discovered she suffers from IBS -which means she now gets fancy dog food.



·         I have been traveling in the great state of Mississippi for 3 months straight.  Not sure how I got on the Naughty List, but I’m on it, and I now have to work in MS.  While for the most part the state is beautiful, some things dumbfound me.  For example, I was at the Wal-Mart in West Point (probably the first mistake) and witnessed the couple purchase at least 80 packets of Kool-Aid.  They weren’t even on sale.  It was amazing to see Kool-Aid packets fill up an entire Wal-Mart bag.

·         I have become un-addicted to gilt.com.  It was a long process-but it had to happen.

·         Our next big thing will be Thanksgiving.  Not sure if I’m more excited about Lisa’s cooking or Black Friday….tough call…but I’ll pick Lisa’s cooking since its Paula Deen style.  My parents will be coming in town for the holiday along with The Musser’s.  The highlight of the holiday will probably be going on The Polar Express with William, Olivia and Harper (his cousins)!! Can’t wait!!  Such an exciting time for everyone!

Hope everything is doing well and loving the fall/winter weather as much as me!

Happy Fall Y'all!



Nellie on the way home from doggie ER



Honey-Do List

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Time has been flying by here at the Farris household and we’re attempting to get some of the “honey do” items checked off the list!  I finally convinced Scott to let us get a new couch.  This was about 1 year in the making.  While the couch isn’t as awesome as our old one (no chase lounge) it does smell nice, the pillows stand up, and it’s not torn up by the dog.  We are also finally replacing the scratched up doors and crown molding around the house.  Next on our agenda is painting.  Don’t worry, we outsource all our work- the hardest part is picking out a color.

 

A few weeks ago I had a mini girls night out – Me, KTP, and Lee went to a charity event call The White Party.  Since KTP’s bachelorette party was previously planned for that night, we decided to call it Katie’s Freedom Party.  It was a success.

Scott’s 28^th birthday was last week!  He celebrated with a family birthday dinner and a golf outing to FarmLinks with 5 of his buddies. His big gift this year from the family was a new Apple computer.  This is our first Apple product (not including ipods).  It’s a bit of a learning curve but I still believe Apples are overpriced and overly confident.  Besides those two little facts, the computer is great.

 

Also, a big shout out to my best friend, Taylor- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  She is spending her birthday working up in DC.  I kinda feel sorry for her-mainly bc it sucks celebrating a birthday away from home, but then I remember that last week she was chillin’ at St. Kitts Island- relaxing, fishing, and enjoying the most beautiful beaches God made—and then I don’t really feel sorry for her anymore.  I’d trade lives with her any day.

 

William is a UFO?

As many of you know, my nephew, William, is the cutest kid in the world (although I'm probably a bit bias).  Sometimes, he can be mistaken for  a thug, Olympic swimmer, Denis the Menace, or Lloyd Christmas...until now....William might be a UFO.  Yes, that's right, William could be related to my childhood hero, E.T Phone Home.  Here is the proof- You decide.

You can't deny the similarity

Either way, William and his father, John, both have "unique" hair (and facial expressions)

Thug for Life

As many of you know, looks are deceiving.  This is especially true with me.  While outwardly I look like an average Jane (no pun intended), deep down, I’m gangster.  Yup, true story.  When I was a kid, I dreamed of getting cornrows in my hair with hot pink big barrettes, I know all the lyrics of Gangsters Paradise, and I hail from the projects of East Tennessee.

With that said, I know my fair share of rap music.  On my way home yesterday, a song came on 95.7 Jamz, and I actually listened to the lyrics….which made me burst out laughing.  I have complied a few of my all time favorite rap lyrics that, when taken out of the song, are pretty interesting. 

·         “How can I maintain, with mad shit on my brain?”  –Ruff Ryders’ Anthem by DMX.  Because mad shit is always on the brain.

·         “Brenda, LaTisha, Linda, Felicia, Dawn, LaShaun, Ines Alicia, Teresa, Monica…ect” What These B** Want by DMX.  The name list when on and on-there comes a point where bragging turns into an STD.

·         “I'm a BET soldier and MTV gangsta, I will be on VH1 when I'm done bein famous” – Lil’ Wayne.  Speaking the truth- his next appearance will be on Celebrity Rehab.

·         "I keep it O.G. watching episodes of O.C." – Brand New by Living Legends.  Even gangsters watch the OC.

·         “I’m a venereal disease like a menstrual bleed…” – Lil’ Wayne.  Why would anyone call themselves this?

·         “Address me as your highness, high as United, 30,000 feet up and you are not invited” – So Appalled by Kanye West.   Noone can explain what comes out of Kanye's mouth.

·         “Feels like a midget is hanging from my neckless” – Stand Up by Ludacris.  Say what?

·         “I’m so cheesy ho my swag got high cholesterol” – All of the Lights by Childish Gambino.  Serious disease-no joking matter.

·         “Green got cheese like a nacho, if you ain’t got no a$$ beotch, wear a poncho” Rack City by Tyga.  This explains the recent tunic trend.

·         “You should make your own toilet tissue, since you the shit” – Duces by Kanye West.  A new way of making toilet tissue.  Hope Kleenex doesn’t catch on…

Ok so that’s my top 10 weird/funny lyrics from a rap song.  The list could go on to about 50, but I decided to spare y’all.  I challenge all 5 of my blog followers to use one of the quotes today during conversation.  Also, Happy Chick Fil A Appreciation Day!  I think there should be an Examiner Appreciation Day, where all the bankers come together and bring us lunch…I’ll keep dreaming.

Rain, Sleep, and Blogs

I love rainy days.  Does anyone remember the song “I’m Only Happy When It Rains” by Garbage?  Totally like 15 years ago.  Whenever it rains, I think of that song.  A bit random, I know. 

Any who…. So, lately I’ve been having a hard time sleeping- not that any of y’all care- but between pain in my foot/leg/hip/back and Scott rolling all night, I’m pretty much Sleepless in Birmingham.  My solutions: (1) get a new mattress (2) get a king size bed (3) take pain medicine before I sleep or (4) drink Nyquil.  I’m thinking a mixture of  #3 or #4 would be the best solution.

So out of boredom I decided to read some random blogs of people I don’t know.  This is what I’ve learned.

·         People are boring, incredibly boring.

·         Most “active” blogs are either about someone getting married, having a baby, obsessed with an animal, or that random weirdo who likes to blog about nothing at all (like myself)

·         A lot of blogs are like Pinterest, but with words

·         There is this thing lately where bloggers fill out a questionnaire to get more followers…not sure what that’s  all about.

·         The blogs with custom-made banners are normally the most active. 

I don’t think my finding will solve world peace, but it’s a start.

On a side note my beloved coworker, Beth, will be moving to greener pastures in 2 weeks.  While I’ll miss her perfectly put together outfits, talking about Brittany Spears and baby names, and dreaming of planning kids’ parties together, I know her decision to leave is the right one.  But don’t you worry people, she has a fabulous blog- full of Pinterest pictures, a custom made banner, make up, fashion, and all things southern:  http://ourmillerhighlife.blogspot.com/

Another Apology

Ahh …yesss. I know, I know, I owe y’all another apology for the lack of a blog post. My regrets, truly.  You would think I am the only person to blame for slacking off….however, in true Jorgenson fashion, I am never at fault, so I’m going to list all others who are at fault:

1. Scott. Ever since he graduated, he has been studying nonstop for the NAPLEX and law exam. Thankfully, he passed them and is now a licensed pharmacist!! Since he was studying nonstop, the house was a bit quiet. Also, I figure that now since I'm married, I need to stop blaming my Mom for everything, so Scott, naturally, is the next in line.  I should also welcome Scott to the real world- full of computers, bosses, short lunches, and 280 traffic at 5pm.  His 1st office consists of a cubical with 2 computer monitors and a lifetime of work.

2. Dr. Kirchner for operating on my foot. Its been a month and 4 days The foot is healing well, thank you. And I have a new appreciation for people with disabilities (minus those with dyslexia).

ouch

3. My boss. I’ve been busy at work. You might want to reread what I just wrote because I’ll probably never write it again.

4. The lack of crossfit combined with Scott starting the Transformation Challenge. When I don’t work out, I'm not myself, thus, no blog. Today was my first day back to Iron Tribe, hopefully I'll be back to brand new in a few weeks! Scott started the transformation challenge last week. They are charting how much stronger he gets in 40 days and the winner get a prize. This means he has to eat 99% Paleo-so I’m in the kitchen (attempting) to cook. I’m going on about 50/50 that the meal is eatable.

5. My best friend, Katie Pauley. I've been busy hosting her a couples shower a few weekends ago and her Bachelorette party in 2 weeks. We're going to Hotlanta for her party... TeeTay (Taylor Vinson) and I have spent the better part of the last couple months planning it. I don't know what it is, but I love everything about wedding. Scratch that, I love everything about a party, regardless of the occasion.

Compliments of TeeTay

I can’t really use William as an excuse. He has been doing so many cute things that I could have blogged about. Ann sent me tons of photos of him in their pool. I may or may not have spent all day looking at them. He is a little pool rat (aka future Olympic swimmer).

Wet shirt + butt cut

Look at that chubby tummy.  So full of sugar I want to eat him up!

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful week and I give you my word that I'll post more often!

Most spoiled dog- sleeping in her bed of goose down and silk pillows

4th of July 2012!

Happy 4^th of July!

This is one of my favorite holidays.  Not only do we get to celebrate America’s independence, but also you get to enjoy a day off work to cook out, eat apple pie, and watch fireworks!! What more could someone ask for?  For over 20 years, every 4^th of July my family would fly up to North Dakota to have a family reunion and celebrate my grandfather’s (Boppy) birthday.  Ever since Boppy got sick and passed, we haven’t done this, which always makes me a bit sad on July 4^th because I remember all the fun memories I had as a kid- fishing, tubing, jet skiing, eating burgers, and taking pontoon rides.  I cannot wait to re-start the family reunion soon!  

This July 4^th, Scott will be studying for his Alabama Pharmacy Law test, which will be on Thursday, and I will be participating in the neighborhood’s Apple Pie Contest.  I know you’re jealous of our exciting plans!  In true Jane fashion, I have found a lope hole in the Apple Pie Contest rules and will be actually entering Scott’s grandfather’s (Papoose) pie.  He is an expert pie maker-his recipe is even a Leonelli family secret recipe!  I already know we’ll win.

Also this Thursday, I go to the orthopedic surgeon and get my foot cast removed!!!  Doc said, depending on the healing, he’ll probably put me in a walking boot.  One step closer to wearing normal shoes!

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL and safe 4^th of July.  Can’t wait to see everyone’s pictures of being on the lake, eating corn on the cob, and enjoying fireworks!

Since the Foot Surgery

Things that have happened since my foot surgery (in no particular order):

-          I’ve discovered the reason why people were born with 2 legs.  After the first couple of days of playing with crutches and enjoying the fact that your husband is waiting on you hand and foot, you start to realize how inconvenient it is to be missing the use of one leg.  Most importantly, I miss running, crossfit, and vacuuming.

-         

-          Its been raining in Tampa all week but I’m not worried, because the 2 most important people in tampa, William and Lando (my coworker’s nephew), are better swimmers at the age of 2 than most people are in their entire life.  Nevertheless, I hope everyone is safe (and has flood insurance).

-          Probably one of the top 10 coolest coworkers ever, Bain Rumohr, is retiring from his life as a public servant, to pursue a career in the private sector.  While he, by himself, is only semi-cool, his family together elevates his rating to a top ten position.  His son, Wes, is a future NBA star.  His father looks like George W, and he and his brother look like Prince Harry and Prince William, respectively.  Yes, that does mean Bain looks like Prince Harry, which implies that he is a ginger.  Don’t judge- he is the coolest ginger I know.  

-          I have zero respect for anyone that uses the scooters at Wal Mart, unless they have legit medical reason to use one.  Being lazy is not an excuse.  That is all I can say on this topic.

-          My Grandfather-in-Law, Papoose, got to participate in the last Honor Flight out of Birmingham!  What an honor!  He served in WW2 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force.  We welcomed him home at the Birmingham airport along with many other family members and friends of the veterans last week.  It was quite the experience and was humbled by the American spirit in each one of the veterans.   

-          During my time of laying in bed I’ve have the learning experience of watching my cat all day.  She sits on the bed and watches for lizards to crawl on the window, once on the window, Gigi attacks the lizard with her clawless paw on the glass and pretends to kill it.  This is repeated about 2-5 times a day, depending on the lizard’s appearance, of course.  Its pretty entertaining to watch...or maybe my standards for entertainment have declined.

Yup, that’s about all I’ve learned.  A huge thank you to my mom, Lisa, and Scott for taking care of me and helping out around the house!!  In just a few weeks I’ll be back in my Louboutins and Nikes!!  

Lately

Ever since the vacation, Scott and I have been going a million miles a minute!  Scott has been studying for the NAPLEX, which he’ll be taking in a few weeks, and I have been catching up at work and unpacking.  Every since I’ve known Scott, he has been a student.  Somehow throughout this entire time, I’ve never seen him study until now, which makes me think that this NAPLEX thing is a pretty be deal.  Apparently it’s a 300 question test of everything you learned in your 4-years of pharmacy school.  How crazy is that?  If someone tried to test me on everything I learned in my 4-year undergrad classes, I would have failed before the test even started!  So, a HUGE good luck to him- I’m already just so proud of everything he’s done!

In other news, my foot surgery will be this Wednesday!  It was originally pushed back for 2 weeks because the doctor got sick.  What kind of doctor gets sick?  Exactly.  I guess we all forget that doctors don’t walk on water and they too, are human and get sick.  I can’t wait to wear my fancy shoes again and for my mom to come visit!! 

The thought of not being able to work out for 2-3 weeks makes my head spin.  I cannot think of any one time in my life where I’ve gone over 3 or 4 days without workout.  The gym is my stress reliever.  Our Crossfit coach, Clint, said he could find some workouts I can do while sitting down-sounds like a Silver Sneaker workout-I’d rather not.  Speaking of CrossFit, my beloved coworker, Scott Hercules, did what people dream of…he quite his corporate job (OCC) and went with his passion.  He is now a CrossFit and Endurance Coach at CrossFit Inertia in Jacksonville, FL.  I know he absolutely loves his new life-training for triathlons, CrossFit competitions, and talking about food all day…I’m jealous.  Check him out (he even does online coaching! http://www.herculesendurance.com/ )

Lastly, sweet baby William has Pink Eye.  I’m not sure who’s to blame for this dirty infection---being around 100 kids at daycare, or his mother, Ann??  Since William is the most loved kid at school, I know no one would do this to him; therefore, his dirty mother is to blame.  Sickening.  First, she puts William in Jesus sandals and/or Crocs, and then she gives him a Lloyd Christmas hair cut, and now Pink Eye.  I’m pretty sure Child Protection Services will make Ann give William up until she cleans up her act.  Luckily, I’m his Godmother and I would be more than happy to take him-and never give him back.   

  

Vacation Part II

Barcelona- We started the trip off with a bang - 1 ½ days touring Barcelona and all its beautiful, unique architecture.  The city prides its self for its architecture with no building being a square.  During this whole trip, experiencing buildings built in the 16th century with the details that only a brain surgeon could do, really makes you think about how young and square the city you live in is.

One of Gaudi's famous buildings

Sagrada Famili

1992 Olympic Stadium

Nice, France- What is the likely hood that the annual F1 race will be happening on the day we go to Monte Carlo? About 1 out of 365 chance.  Once in France, we hopped onto the train and headed to the playground of the wealthy.  We got to be around the F1 race, listen to their jet-like engines race through the city’s streets, and we got to the last gate of security to see The Casino de Monte-Carlo, where James Bond was filmed.  Beautiful cars lined the streets of townhomes with the perfect view of the water and even prettier people walked the streets.  Most people that came to the F1 race came by water in their fancy yachts with a helicopter pad.  It was a beautiful town and I enjoyed walking the winding roads with the most perfect views.

Monte Carlo

The Casino and stadium seating for the race

Us at some Fort in Nice

Florence, Italy- Here we experienced our first Excursion hosed by Celebrity.  The port was about a 90 minute bus ride into Florence, so almost everyone on the ship contracted Celebrity for the bus ride.  So, as most of you know, there are tons of “more mature” people on cruises (to be politically correct, lets call them Q-tips, since all their heads are white).  Ok, so these Q-tips, walk around the ship like its their nursing home-but let me tell you-the second they hear “please line up for the bus” you would mistake them for a marathon runner.  It was quite unreal to witness and was even quite comforting to think that one day, I’ll get to do the same.  Beside from the Q-tips running us over, Florence was beautiful. We climbed up over 540 stair steps to get to the top of a chrurch’s bell town.  The view was amazing, but what was even more amazing, was watching Scott try to fit through the tiny openings in the stairwell.  Scott studied in Italy during a summer in college and had already been to Florence, Rome, Naples, and Venice-so he was my personal tour guide, taking me to all the local hang outs and the best gelato shops. 

The Duomo

the view after 540 steps

sculpture of Scott's back

Rome, Italy- We took another Excursion with Celebrity- so we could cut all the lines! This was the longest day of the trip!  We went to the Colosseum, ate a 3 course Italian lunch, went into the Vatican and toured the church and Sistine Chapel. Pretty much everything in Rome blew me away.  Our tour guide was excellent and taught us all about the history.  However, this day was a special day in the Vatican-part of the square was blocked and they were getting ready for some big event with the Pope. Therefore, the place seemed even more packed than normal.  However, I think what blew my mind almost as much as all the art work, were the massive groups of Chinese tour groups that are about 50 deep.  They all follow a tour guide holding a pole and will completely run you over to get to the tour guide-that is unless their umbrella doesn’t knocks you out first. Overall, Rome was one of my favorite stops- I just wish we had more time to visit.

The Colosseum

Beautiful ceiling in The Vatican

The Alter in St. Peters Basilica

Naples, Italy- Ok so when someone says they are going to Naples, what do you think? Rolling hills filled with vineyards and olive trees, big homes with orange tile roofs…wrong.  I should clear the air.  Naples is the dirtiest city I’ve ever been too- dirtier than New York after New Years Eve.  The image that most people think of is more of the outside towns of Naples- the Amalfi Coast.  Our plan was to head over to Capri on a water taxi to soak up the sun on the picturesque beaches and then purchase my birthday present from Scott- a pair of bespoke sandals.  Unfortunately, the water taxi drivers were on strike because of the price of oil- what a let down.  So we walked the street of Naples, ended up in the ‘wrong part of town’.... whoops, so we high tailed it back to port and called it an early day.  But everything ended perfect because once we got back to our stateroom, we had rose petals, champagne, and chocolate strawberrys waiting for us- thanks Tiffany (oh and breakfast in bed the next morning)!! To top it off, I even won the minute slot game in the casino!

One of the few pics we took in Naples

-

Thanks Tiffany (and Scott for the pose)!

Just enough money to pay for drinks that night

Montenegro- On our boat ride into the port I saw this very long road that went all the way to the top of a big hill that over looked the bay.  I told Scott, we were going to hike it.  He thought I was crazy.  After walking around aimlessly we finally foundthe beginning of the road- which is actually an old trail made by monks to get to the top of the hill where a church was.  We were told that it will take 45 minutes to get to the top.  Of course, Scott saw this as a challenge.  So we booked it up the hundreds of stairs to the top in 25 minutes-he thinks this is good training for The Amazing Race (if we ever get on it!)  The view was well worth the hike!  After, we walked around the old town and went back on the boat and chilled at the pool/pool bar.

view from the room

view after the hike

future Amazing Race winners

Venice, Italy- This stop was by far on the my favorite places! Venice is amazing! We took a water taxi to Murano to check out the glass blowing.  Once in Murano we quickly got escorted to a private gallery to check out all the one-of-a-kind pieces.  Since I wasn’t able to get the sandals in Capri, Scott and I purchased a gorgeous glass piece which will be shipped to us soon!  We even got the artist to sign our names on it! After that, we took a gondola ride around the town and headed back to the boat for dinner. Our boat actually stayed docked in Venice for another day, so we headed out the next morning to walk the bridges and do some shopping.  We had breakfast at a little restaurant that overlook Ponte Di Rialto, the oldest and most famous Venetian bridge.

view from the bridge



St. Marks Basilica
  

our 1st Murano piece

Gondola ride

Breakfast of a champ

 Croatia- Another beauty.  We took a ride up to the top of a mountain that over looked the Old City and its great wall.  Scott is a huge fan of the show The Missing, parts of the show were filmed on the great wall- so that was pretty cool.  We also walked around the Old City and found the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the 3rd oldest in the world.  I tried to get a picture of the inside, but a Chinese tour group was in the way.  Scott loves the Italian coffee so we enjoyed coffee and a croissant in the Old City.

The Old City and its walls

The old pharamacy (note Chinese tour group)

Everything about the trip was amazing...until the end.  A HUGE thank you to everyone that made it so memorable-- The Neidhardt Family for booking the vacay (Cruises-n-more.com), Uncle Mike & Aunt Pat for the special dinner, Tiffany for the special treat, Mrs. Carol for watching Nellie, Momma Sita for taking care of the house and Gigi, our dinner friends- the canadians (who, we just found out is famous  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3RE34Mog7M) and the many Chinese tour groups for blocking most of our pictures.

sailing back to Barcelona