I leave in 36 hours and I do not have a single item packed. Not. One. Item. (Can you sense the panic setting in?)
I just finished making meals for my mom. I decided on: Chicken Delicious, Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein, Sloppy Joes, Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes, Baked Ziti and Three cheese chicken pasta and veggies. I figure those meals, plus leftovers and a trip to the local pizza joint should be good, right? And if not, well I guess they won't starve before the 14th.
United just pulled their flights today for safety checks. Thank goodness it wasn't Friday or we would be in deep doo doo as we can't miss our flight in Chicago or we will miss our flight from Singapore to Thailand.
Have I mentioned that I have not added a single item to the new suitcases that my darling husband bought for me over the weekend? Not. A. Single. Item.
Matt managed to get a really cool phone from work that will allow people to call into his work line and for us to call out via wifi and not use a calling card or any international fees. We tested it this afternoon, so fingers crossed that it works once there. I think I will buy an International calling card just in case.
And work... argh... I have so much to get done. I really do not want to take it with me, but I think I will have to. At least to be able to manage emails and such for some projects I am working on and waiting back information. As Val said in an email yesterday, being in business for yourself sometimes stinks because there is no escaping work. There are no "vacation days". Just like a mail man, come rain or shine, at home or in Thailand, work still needs to be done.
So overall, minus work items, getting the second shot in the hep series that is due (oops) and well of course packing anything (not sure I mentioned that yet), I have worked through my to-do list pretty well. I am contemplating pulling an all-nighter tomorrow so I will sleep on that 19 hour flight. I am not sure how to handle this time difference and flight yet, plus my already there insomnia. Matt loves to sleep on planes so he has no worries about his sleep. Heck he can sleep anywhere -- chairs, platform beds, the ground.
I will have limited computer access and our rooms are supposed to have high speed so hopefully I will be able to stop in a time or two. After all I need to feed my online addiction somehow.
Happy hump day!
Showing posts with label vacations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacations. Show all posts
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
In the final stretch
Only 12 days until we leave –– that's it. I am starting to get very a wee bit nervous.
I have never been this far from my kids and that worries me out. What if something happens? It is a 19 hour flight back to the states, plus time getting back to North Carolina. Alot can happen in that time. What if they need to talk to us? With an 11 hour time difference, no cell phone and them having to dial internationally to the hotel who knows if they will be able to reach us.
My kids schedules are pretty busy. School, gymnastics, baseball, AWANAS, youth group, homework... I am worried that we will come home and find my mom babbling "ba ba ba ba" like Goldie Hawn in Overboard. However with my bound instruction manual for mom she should be okay (can we say anal?).
Let's reevaluate those hours on an airplane. We have a 2 hour flight to Chicago and then a 19 hour flight to Singapore. From there we have another hour flight to Phuket. Don't worry we do stop for fuel in Hong Kong, we just don't deplane (yes I am that pathetic and called to ask). Nineteen hours inside the same airplane. In my seat. With Matt. I have a horrible time sleeping on a plane and am a wee bit claustrophobic so who knows how this will go. I have thought about getting the Dr to give me something for my nerves, but I have this fear of having a bad reaction and dying somewhere over the ocean. Maybe there will be some cool commercial real estate magazines left behind for me to look through. You always find the most interesting items in airplane seat pockets.
Asia is a totally different place than anything I have ever been to before. Don't get me wrong, it will be amazing. But there are also alot of unknowns. Luckily Matt has been to Thailand before so he knows what to expect. He just told me to make sure I brush my teeth with bottled water and do not have any ice or vegetables or fruit off a street stand without washing it myself in bottled water and I should be okay. I'll just keep in the back of my mind the travel clinic nurse's warning to stay away from the rabid monkeys and wild dogs. And I will try not to think about what lives in the water over there. And I definitely won't Google anything.
Speaking of food, I do not eat anything that lives in water. Plus I am allergic to coconut. I may not eat for 10 days.
I know I am silly. I am getting an amazing life experience and I am excited. But the older I get the more type A and less adventurous I get. Plus add on the vast amounts of things I need to get done before my mom gets here in 8 days and it is a cause for guzzling Pepcid AC by the bottle.
I have never been this far from my kids and that worries me out. What if something happens? It is a 19 hour flight back to the states, plus time getting back to North Carolina. Alot can happen in that time. What if they need to talk to us? With an 11 hour time difference, no cell phone and them having to dial internationally to the hotel who knows if they will be able to reach us.
My kids schedules are pretty busy. School, gymnastics, baseball, AWANAS, youth group, homework... I am worried that we will come home and find my mom babbling "ba ba ba ba" like Goldie Hawn in Overboard. However with my bound instruction manual for mom she should be okay (can we say anal?).
Let's reevaluate those hours on an airplane. We have a 2 hour flight to Chicago and then a 19 hour flight to Singapore. From there we have another hour flight to Phuket. Don't worry we do stop for fuel in Hong Kong, we just don't deplane (yes I am that pathetic and called to ask). Nineteen hours inside the same airplane. In my seat. With Matt. I have a horrible time sleeping on a plane and am a wee bit claustrophobic so who knows how this will go. I have thought about getting the Dr to give me something for my nerves, but I have this fear of having a bad reaction and dying somewhere over the ocean. Maybe there will be some cool commercial real estate magazines left behind for me to look through. You always find the most interesting items in airplane seat pockets.
Asia is a totally different place than anything I have ever been to before. Don't get me wrong, it will be amazing. But there are also alot of unknowns. Luckily Matt has been to Thailand before so he knows what to expect. He just told me to make sure I brush my teeth with bottled water and do not have any ice or vegetables or fruit off a street stand without washing it myself in bottled water and I should be okay. I'll just keep in the back of my mind the travel clinic nurse's warning to stay away from the rabid monkeys and wild dogs. And I will try not to think about what lives in the water over there. And I definitely won't Google anything.
Speaking of food, I do not eat anything that lives in water. Plus I am allergic to coconut. I may not eat for 10 days.
I know I am silly. I am getting an amazing life experience and I am excited. But the older I get the more type A and less adventurous I get. Plus add on the vast amounts of things I need to get done before my mom gets here in 8 days and it is a cause for guzzling Pepcid AC by the bottle.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
What Happens When You Go Away For Two weeks
Garden Before Trip:
Garden After Trip:
Example of flowers before trip:
Example of flowers before trip:
Lesson learned: Think twice about asking a certain neighbor to water plants again.
Garden After Trip:
Example of flowers before trip:
Example of flowers before trip:
Lesson learned: Think twice about asking a certain neighbor to water plants again.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Whirlwind Midwest Tour Week One
We made it safely last Sunday from North Carolina to Illinois and now we are in Ohio. Can I say boy am I tired. Not sleep tired, just exhausted tired.
It was such an awesome past week getting to spend time with many people we haven't seen in almost a year. Gymnastics practice, lunches, dinners, walks to DQ, the zoo, lots of wine, overnights and even a trip to Six Flags in St. Louis. (Don't worry I have lots of pictures to share once I upload my photos.)
The 6 days went by fast... too fast. And yes I left in lots of tears (as did Emily and Sam). Will we ever move back to Decatur? Most likely not. But if it is one thing this past week proved, it is that you do not need to live in the same town to be friends. In many ways it was like we never left. Emily jumped right into practice with her old gym friends and then bounced from house to house giggling with all her friends. Chris spent the night with his friend Austin and fought with Ashley just like he had never been away for a year. Sam played with Hannah and held hands with Noah like it was just yesterday when they last saw each other. And of course I drank cosmos and ate yummy food with Val, gossiped with Tina, and fell into my old routine with Jamie like it was nothing.
Hopefully I will be flying back to Decatur this fall for a few contract projects I am working on. So until next time my Decatur pals, thank you for such an awesome week. I can't wait to come back and do it again soon. Miss you guys already!!
So now we are in Ohio visiting family and then going away for a kidless weekend with college friends. I am really looking forward to another wonderful week. So stay tuned. I am sure this week will prove to be full of laughs, tears and fun as well.
It was such an awesome past week getting to spend time with many people we haven't seen in almost a year. Gymnastics practice, lunches, dinners, walks to DQ, the zoo, lots of wine, overnights and even a trip to Six Flags in St. Louis. (Don't worry I have lots of pictures to share once I upload my photos.)
The 6 days went by fast... too fast. And yes I left in lots of tears (as did Emily and Sam). Will we ever move back to Decatur? Most likely not. But if it is one thing this past week proved, it is that you do not need to live in the same town to be friends. In many ways it was like we never left. Emily jumped right into practice with her old gym friends and then bounced from house to house giggling with all her friends. Chris spent the night with his friend Austin and fought with Ashley just like he had never been away for a year. Sam played with Hannah and held hands with Noah like it was just yesterday when they last saw each other. And of course I drank cosmos and ate yummy food with Val, gossiped with Tina, and fell into my old routine with Jamie like it was nothing.
Hopefully I will be flying back to Decatur this fall for a few contract projects I am working on. So until next time my Decatur pals, thank you for such an awesome week. I can't wait to come back and do it again soon. Miss you guys already!!
So now we are in Ohio visiting family and then going away for a kidless weekend with college friends. I am really looking forward to another wonderful week. So stay tuned. I am sure this week will prove to be full of laughs, tears and fun as well.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Stopping in to Say "hi!"
The kids and I made it to Carolina Beach! So here we are... week #2 at the beach and I am loving it. I could move to the beach in a heartbeat. There is something calming about the crashing of the waves and the smell of the salt in the air. I really needed the break. But don't worry, I'll be back blogging in full force Saturday night.
My access is very very limited (I am connected through a neighbor somewhere right now) so I am not sure if I will get to post anymore. So if not, have a wonderful July 4th and I'll "see" you on Saturday!!
My access is very very limited (I am connected through a neighbor somewhere right now) so I am not sure if I will get to post anymore. So if not, have a wonderful July 4th and I'll "see" you on Saturday!!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Goodbye Oak Island
Today was our last day on Oak Island. Tomorrow morning everyone sets off for home (with the exception of me and the kids who are going to another beach for a week with some neighbors) It was such an awesome week –– soaking up the rays, reading, kayaking, boogie boarding, swimming, eating and even a big birthday party.
Thanks guys for such an awesome vacation. Only 359 more days until we do it all again.
Matt and myself.
My girls.
Chris playing in the sand.
Matt and Em out kayaking.
Sami and Matty.
The whole family.
Matt and myself again. Aren't we cute?
My beautiful kids.
Our whole house.
Thanks guys for such an awesome vacation. Only 359 more days until we do it all again.
Matt and myself. 
My girls. 
Chris playing in the sand. 
Matt and Em out kayaking. 
Sami and Matty. 
The whole family.
Matt and myself again. Aren't we cute?
My beautiful kids. 
Our whole house.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Makings of Beer Butt Chicken
While on vacation we alternate who cooks dinner each night. Our friends Steve and Jess always make an awesome dinner of Beer Butt Chicken and cheesy potatoes. Anytime you shove a can of beer up the butt of a chicken is picture worthy.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Saying "Hi!" From the Beach
Greetings from Oak Island, North Carolina. How surprised was I to find out that an updated feature to our beach house this year is wireless access. So here I am!
We have gone to the beach for 8 years with our good friends from college and some other friends. We have five houses rented next to each other with 12 families including over 25 kids! It is always such a fun time and we look forward to the last week of June every year.
Matt and Kate with their 3 kids, along with Steve and Jess and their baby Gabby all came for a few days in sunny Fuquay Varina to visit before we drove down to Oak Island on Saturday morning. How different it was to only drive 3 hours compared to the 17+ hours it used to take from Illinois.
The kids are already having a blast playing in the sand, jumping in the waves and flying kites while the adults soak up the rays, read on the beach and play fun games like poker (which I won yesterday!)
This really is heaven.
Our beach house –– Geveva Too
View down the beach.
My precious Sami.
Chris trying to fly a kite.
Our friend Steve counting out the chips for a friendly game of Texas Hold 'Em.
We have gone to the beach for 8 years with our good friends from college and some other friends. We have five houses rented next to each other with 12 families including over 25 kids! It is always such a fun time and we look forward to the last week of June every year.
Matt and Kate with their 3 kids, along with Steve and Jess and their baby Gabby all came for a few days in sunny Fuquay Varina to visit before we drove down to Oak Island on Saturday morning. How different it was to only drive 3 hours compared to the 17+ hours it used to take from Illinois.
The kids are already having a blast playing in the sand, jumping in the waves and flying kites while the adults soak up the rays, read on the beach and play fun games like poker (which I won yesterday!)
This really is heaven.
Our beach house –– Geveva Too
View down the beach. 
My precious Sami. 
Chris trying to fly a kite. 
Our friend Steve counting out the chips for a friendly game of Texas Hold 'Em.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Adios Readers
Sorry I have been so scarce. We leave tomorrow morning for 2 weeks at the beach (two weeks of heaven!) and our good friends from Ohio have been here since Wednesday. Packing for our family of 5 is hard when you have 8 extra people at the house. But come 9 am tomorrow the van (my new one BTW –– an awesome birthday present from my hubby) will be loaded and we will be on the road.
I am not sure how much access I will have but I hope to stop by a few times over the next two weeks. So keep stopping by!
I am not sure how much access I will have but I hope to stop by a few times over the next two weeks. So keep stopping by!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Weekend in the Hills
My SIL called me tonight and was talking about all the Jacobs' siblings and their families meeting somewhere in the mountains for a weekend. Since it wouldn't be until next spring we have plenty of time to look.
I love planning vacations. Yes, I am so anal that I practically plan what exit's we have to stop to pee at, but I love picking places to go and finding where to stay and what to do.
I stumbled upon really cool Pigeon Forge vacation rentals located in the Smokey Mountains. We were looking more towards West Virginia somewhere, but the Smokey Mountains just look so awesome I may have to suggest a switch in location.
So for now I will print this out and file it away in my "places to visit" file. What is one more place in the file, right? I would love to hear some of the places you suggest for visiting.
I love planning vacations. Yes, I am so anal that I practically plan what exit's we have to stop to pee at, but I love picking places to go and finding where to stay and what to do.
I stumbled upon really cool Pigeon Forge vacation rentals located in the Smokey Mountains. We were looking more towards West Virginia somewhere, but the Smokey Mountains just look so awesome I may have to suggest a switch in location.
So for now I will print this out and file it away in my "places to visit" file. What is one more place in the file, right? I would love to hear some of the places you suggest for visiting.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Swim Fun
The kids have had a blast swimming in the indoor and yes, even the outdoor (don't worry mom, it's heated) pool. Tomorrow we are hoping to hit the beach for a while.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Spring Break Here We Come
We are going on a mini vacation for Spring Break this year. For the month of March, Matt and I will see each other for a maximum of 10 days, and maybe less in April, so we decided to go with the kids on a short vacation over Spring Break.
We talked about a bunch of options, but when a guy at Matt's work suggested we meet up with his family at Myrtle Beach, we jumped at the chance. It is only 3 hours from here, plus their kids are the same age as our kids, and the best part... we are staying in a brand new, 1100 square foot villa, for only $200!!! For those that know me, you know how cheap I am so this is like Christmas for me.
I'm sure the guys will golf half of the time and my plan is to sit on the beach and read, read, read. I am looking forward to some great family time and great 2007 Spring Break memories.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Visiting The Big Mouse
We have been discussing family vacations and have been talking about when to take the kids back to Disney World. We went in September 2005 and it was such a blast. Now that Sam is old enough to really enjoy it we are talking about getting Disney World Tickets again.
The last time we went we booked through Disney itself. I am considering this place next time.
Orlandofuntickets.com is the ultimate source for discount tickets for Disney World and all Orlando theme parks, dinner shows and attractions. When planning your vacation to Orlando, the most expensive and intimidating factors in your planning process are the endless options of admission tickets. Disney tickets are now available for many different days and options from one to ten days for what is called, "Disney Magic Your Way". OrlandoFunTickets.com has the lowest prices on all discount Disney tickets and guarantees the lowest prices. Walt Disney World has so much to offer with four theme parks, two water parks and much, much more. OrlandoFunTickets.com has discounted tickets to everything Disney has to offer including Disneyquest, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Water Parks, as well as every Disney theme park ticket that is available. Also- when traveling to Orlando, most people also visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. For Night-time fun, dinner shows in Orlando are very popular. OrlandoFunTickets.com has the lowest discount prices for all Orlando dinner shows including Arabian Nights discount tickets, Medieval Times discount tickets, Pirates Dinner Adventure discount tickets, as well as all of the other major theme parks including Sea World tickets, Kennedy Space Center tickets, Universal Studios tickets, and more. For the lowest prices and always best personal service, visit Orlandofuntickets.com.
The last time we went we booked through Disney itself. I am considering this place next time.
Orlandofuntickets.com is the ultimate source for discount tickets for Disney World and all Orlando theme parks, dinner shows and attractions. When planning your vacation to Orlando, the most expensive and intimidating factors in your planning process are the endless options of admission tickets. Disney tickets are now available for many different days and options from one to ten days for what is called, "Disney Magic Your Way". OrlandoFunTickets.com has the lowest prices on all discount Disney tickets and guarantees the lowest prices. Walt Disney World has so much to offer with four theme parks, two water parks and much, much more. OrlandoFunTickets.com has discounted tickets to everything Disney has to offer including Disneyquest, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Water Parks, as well as every Disney theme park ticket that is available. Also- when traveling to Orlando, most people also visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. For Night-time fun, dinner shows in Orlando are very popular. OrlandoFunTickets.com has the lowest discount prices for all Orlando dinner shows including Arabian Nights discount tickets, Medieval Times discount tickets, Pirates Dinner Adventure discount tickets, as well as all of the other major theme parks including Sea World tickets, Kennedy Space Center tickets, Universal Studios tickets, and more. For the lowest prices and always best personal service, visit Orlandofuntickets.com.
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