Sisters Go Home

I realized I mentioned something in my last blog that - if youre a religious follower but dont actually know me (is there such a thing??) youre probably surprised at. And thinking "well Id like to hear more about that!" Yes, My sister and I went to Italy in March! And since shes slightly slacking with putting up the thousands of pictures we took and I finally figured out how to transfer pictures from my phone onto my computer, I will reveal to you the shining moments of our week-long, whirlwind of a trip to our homeland! Again, I dont have nearly as many pictures of our trip, so my telling will be much more brief than hers. Besides, shes good at telling stories.

We left on a red eye to Atlanta Friday night (March 22) and arrived eeeeearly Saturday morning. We were forced to leave the gate area of the airport during out 10hr layover, but were restricted to the airport as it was raining and we each had three bags of luggage.

We then arrived in Rome Sunday morning, hopped on a bus to the train station, hopped on a train to Venice, hopped on the vaporetto toward our B&B, and walked the rest of the way.

We spent the afternoon and next morning trying to sightsee and shop, despite the 7 degree weather... in Celsius.

We LOVED our B&B. Seriously, the cutest room with the cutest juliet balcony over a little canal. And we got to lounge in bed with our first Italian style breakfast! And the best cafe lattes we had all trip! This was also where we were introduced to Nutella. (That will be mentioned again... count on it!) We couldnt feel our fingers or toes but we fell in love with Venice.

Monday afternoon, we walked to the vaporetto, hopped on the vaporetto, hopped on a train to Florence, and took a taxi to our next B&B. Our room was delightful! We shared a private garden area with 2 other rooms, but we were the only ones who used it [to get wifi]. Our room was the best, we have no doubt! We hunted for a restaurant, while trying to sight see.

Tuesday morning we discovered the best cafe! We sipped our cafe lattes and enjoyed our breakfast pastries - mine a Nutella croissant and Jordanna something equally delicious. Then we went on a food tour, learning about their coffee customs (which is not as luxurious as we have here in the US), wine and food pairings, gelato, and other delicacies like white truffle. Then we did more sight seeing with some shopping. We also saw the infamous David, by Michaelangelo. Dont worry - we censored ourselves.

THAT NIGHT. We walked to a restaurant Jordanna had been dying to try (credit to her friends who had visited). It was a good 20-25minute walk, but it was well worth it. I had decided not to order anything and Jordanna ordered her pear and cheese pasta she HAD to try. I took one bite and ordered my own. We split the one she had and she ordered another one as well. BEST DINNER. Literally, one of the best meals of my life. I didnt pause to take a picture... Jordanna did though! =)



The next day, we embarked on our huge climb to the famous Pizzalle Michaelangelo. The famous lookout point over Venice. We had quite the workout! But the view was worth it! We didnt have to buy any postcards because we got the exact picture!








We then had to hurry to make to to our cooking class. We tasted the best pesto and the most incredible tomato herb spread. Then headed to the cooking school to make homemade pasta, tiramisu, and the sauces that accompany the pasta. That is a story in itself... For a whole other blog. Long story short, we were originally not liked by the chef because of our tardiness. By the end, we were the favorites.

For the rest of the day, we shopped (with Jordanna purchasing a new luggage addition to contain some our new purchases), did a little more sightseeing, grabbed some dinner, and prepared ourselves to say goodbye to Florence.

Early Thursday morning, we hopped in a taxi, hopped on a train/switched trains to Cinque Terre, hopped in a taxi to our hotel (when we nearly lost our lives), and got lost in the two streets trying to find our hotel. Cinque Terre is a small beach town. We had it all set up to go snorkeling with gear provided by our hotel! I was so excited. But we prepared ourselves for a snorkel fail with the cold weather we experienced all trip. It was gloomy, grey, and raining. All. Afternoon.

Outside the train station in Cinque Terre

We walked around to the shops, trying to find a little cafe to eat in (we had been spoiled in Florence), but it was as though the town was shut down for the rain. They also had a landslide the day before so part of the town was inaccessible. We walked around in the wind, rain slapping us in the face, attempting to capture the once-in-a-lifetime moments with our cameras. After shopping in a little shop, we headed back to the hotel and had a plateful of pasta, complementary with our room. We decided to lay low in our hotel the rest of the night, reconfiguring our over-packed suitcases and listening to the rain hit the cobblestone streets.



Early the next morning, we caught our early taxi and headed back to the train station (with a much smoother driver). We hopped on a train/switched trains to Rome and hopped in a taxi to our hotel. One the way, we drove by the Colosseum (per our request) and jumped out for a quick picture. We were able to drop off our things at the hotel, were given a map of the city, and headed out to sightsee for the last afternoon of our time in Italy.


We took the metro to the Vatican. (Oh, and this was on Good Friday. Oh and the new pope had only been selected 1-2 weeks earlier.) The church in the Vatican was closed. Huge parts were under renovation. But it was amazing, what we were able to see! We were pulled into a store on the way back to the metro, where I got a cute dress and Jordanna purchased the leather jacket she had been searching for.

Once back to our hotel area, we journeyed to the Pantheon and several other well known places for photo ops. Our feet were killin, but we covered a lot of ground! Finally we got some gelato and headed back to the hotel for a break before going to dinner. After a short break, we returned to the streets of Rome to see the Trevi Fountain and find a great spot for dinner. We spent our dinnertime reflecting on the trip - things we loved, things we wished we could do/eat again, things we were surprised by, things we were happy we did. We walked our final Italy walk back to the hotel and spent most of the night repacking our suitcases to fit everything.


We had a 4am date with a taxi driver to head to the airport, which ended up being a Mercedes with a suited driver. We finally got through checkin and security and boarded our plane to Paris. Upon arriving to Paris, we flew through customs and the gate area to find our ginormous plane to LAX. Though we had a 11-12hour flight to get through, we loved our flight experience. We were delayed getting back to San Diego, but finally took off on our puddle jumper and landed in San Diego Easter Eve.

We had the best time. We learned so so much. About each other, about Italy, about traveling [in a foreign country]. I love time spent with my sister. I love getting to experience things with her. It had been a while since we had spent that much time together, but [I think] we both enjoyed every bit of it. (Minus hiking up to the lookout point, maybe.) It was definitely a whirlwind of a trip, but we had a week to go to Italy. It was now or never. We fit in as much as we could. If we didnt do it the way we did, we wouldve been kicking ourselves. Heres to Italia 2013!

Venice!

From the top of the bell tower... 

we braved the immense cold for a fantastic photo op!

Florence

crossing the river

after our AMAZING dinner

Chefs in the making

Thank you sister! Youre the best sister/travel buddy/trip coordinator/"interpretor"! 

To Burger or Not to Burger...

Well its way past due for that time again. The time to entertain my audience with a funny story, Carly insights, an all-about-Ava post, or really at this point - MONTHS after my last post - ANYTHING for my readers to read. I guess you could say Ive been trying to build the suspense. But really, I dont have great stories to tell. My life revolves around my canine child and I know people get tired of hearing all about her. So I took myself away from the blog world to regroup and re-examine.

Again, I really just havent had any brilliant things to share. But its me. I mean, I do always have something to say. Whether it be on the weather, on driving around, errands, etc.. My reputation of having an opinion succeeds me. [Is that the proper terminology?]

Anywhoo. I figured Id share about a consistent struggle in my life. Something Ive always had looming over my head and always had to face, but really tried to ignore. And recently, I had a slight epiphany. Well, maybe epiphany is a little too bold of a word. I had a realization. And I thought some people would understand and join in my realization with me. The past several weeks, to months, to really years, I have had the desire to lose weight. Ive never been small. And when a lot of people say that, they really were years ago, but they forgot those days. No. I mean, Ive never been a small person. I was a crazy child who always had energy. I played sports, though I was never the fastest runner or the fastest swimming. I feel I have extra floatation devices holding me back. But I was tough in my sports. I played positions that I didnt need to be fast because I could use my strength. Even in that though, I would be exercising for hours a day and depressingly, never lost a pound. Apparently I was building muscle. I swear - you cant do one without the other. I would give up. Sure I was getting stronger, but I wasnt seeing the results I wanted to see. And that is not encouraging.

So the past several years, while I was in college, I was a Kinesiology major. I was nearly the only person in my department who didnt like to run. And pretty much really didnt like working out. I need incentive. I need something fun, where it feels like Im not working out. And most importantly, I need to see the pounds falling on the floor. If it doesnt have those things, count me out or count me done after a try. The nice thing was in college, I would actually lose weight because I wasnt eating good home cooked food. I was also doing more and had a higher level of stress, which took a toll on my eating. But all in the meanwhile, we would talk about exercising and eating right in my classes and all I could do was look around at all the triathalon looking bodies and think "you people dont understand." In one class, I was even used as an example because I was the only person who admitted to hate running. Luckily, I wasnt scrutinized - it was used as "what other activities could we suggest that would make her enjoy working out?" And that was my Kinesiology class life.

Upon graduating and returning home, I have indulged in my moms cooking, along with the ability to have thin mints or extra snacks that I wouldnt usually find in my apartment at school. Yes, those pounds I may have lost at school have crept up on me with a vengence for not doing it properly. Dont get me wrong. Ive dieted. Ive have "lifestyle changes." And they worked temporarily. And slowly. Have you ever watched a snail move? Well, I wish I was losing weight that fast. But then I get to a point where its not happening fast enough. Its too much work. Its exhausting. Its hard. Excuses? Im the queen when it comes to this stuff. My sister and I started going back to the gym, eager to get bikini bodies by the time we went to Italy. We would look at all the skinny people at the gym and think "go home, youre done here!" Well. We went a total of maybe five times from January to our trip in March. Obviously, we didnt have bikini ready bodies, as much as we were excited talking about it and determined to see our vision through. I will add that Italy was cold and rainy. We had rain coats on the whole time! So fortunately, our not-so-bikini bodies did not need to be modeled.

So here I am, almost two months after our Italy trip, still wanting to lose weight. Still wanting to be a runner because I know Ava would absolutely love that. Where was I going with all this?? A realization... Oh right!

I have a lot of friends who post pictures of their breakfast/lunch/dinner choices on facebook or instagram (yes! I have an instagram now!) and have elated captions with the food. Mind you, its a shake. Not a cookies n cream shake, but a honey, sea grass, flaxseed, cranberry shake. And the captions usually say something to this effect: "The perfect way to start a day! Yum!" or "I dont know what Id do without my dirt smoothie!" It takes every fiber in my being to not comment and say "Well my pancakes and sausage would beg to differ!" Because really, if I started my day out like that (and I have recently), its not a good way to start my day. And I see those posts and have these thoughts every time. And suddenly it hit me.

These people arent crazy! Theyre using reverse psychology! On themselves! Let me explain. If you are going to eat that healthy poop, then you HAVE to convince yourself its delicious too. Its completely mental. I felt a little better. Knowing oh, they want to dump that and grab an egg mcmuffin too! Theyre just pretending its good! I think its mean that the best food is actually the worse food for you.

And with that realization came more thought. I want to lose weight. Seriously. And I probably need to. But I know I will never be tiny. I am big boned - its totally a thing. But I could look healthier. I could be toned and more defined. Im muscular, so I will never be incredibly lean. But I cant eat food that I dont like. If Im going to take it in, it needs to be good. Good tasting. Otherwise Id rather not eat. Thats where the portion thing comes in. Paula Deen lost all her weight through portion control, not by taking real butter out of her dishes. And she doesnt indulge in nearly as many sweets and rich things as she used to. Well. Props to her. I have a self disciplined problem. Hence why I havent gone to the gym this week and dont opt away from the thin mints. My grandma doesnt eat chocolate. Her reasons were not weight, but she hasnt touched chocolate in years! Props!

So in my quest to lose weight, I have to focus on fun exercise. Ive realized. I refuse to give up the things I love for the rest of my life. I love food. I love cooking. I love tasting. Food makes me happy. Maybe only for a bit, but I actually rarely have times where I think "I wish I didnt eat that." If Im stuffed, I think "Was it delicious? Yes. Then it was worth it." I dont have the self disciple to give up burgers for the rest of my life. Or meat. Or chocolate because there are times where I want a smore. If you are ok with giving up that food, then props to you. I hope you enjoy your days and find other things that fulfill that happiness.

And so, I have decided, for now, and for always, I will have food. Because in reality, everyone wishes they could have the delicious real stuff that they may push aside.

New Experiences

WELL. Its about time I put something up on this thing right?! And because my life is working and Ava, you can guess what this post is about!

Last weekend, Jordanna and I embarked on a first time adventure. We declared Saturday a beach day. Not for the purpose of coloring our pale bodies. This trip was not even for us. It was for our beloved children. Emma and Baker had been to the beach once before. Emma loved it! Baker did great! And this time, we were incorporating Ava into the mix. This was her first beach excursion. So I was so excited for her! After a couple walks around Lake Murray with Em and Bakes, we all concluded the beach is a must after all three tried running into the lake multiple times.

So Jordanna and I piled into my car with our puppies and headed East until we hit the ocean. (Literally.) We found a pretty packed parking lot, but it didnt scare us. We just prayed Ava would come when she was called and Baker would be nice to all the curious dogs. We really werent concerned about Emma. Shes everybodys friend. We climbed out of the car and began the trek across the sand to the water. We found a slow-traffic area, where Ava and Baker wouldnt be overwhelmed by a bunch of other dogs and crossed our fingers as we unleashed them one by one, starting with Miss Emma.

Well Emma led the pack. And a pack they were. Baker and Ava became little buddies as Emma was a little in her own world, but stuck close to us. Poor Baker couldnt go out quite as far as the girl since his legs are shorter, but he didnt let that stop him! We lost a few balls in the current, but we came prepared and the girls were thankful for that. Jordanna and I were so excited that they were so happy and did so well. We decided it needed to become a regular event, since they loved it so much and it pooped them out for the day!

Upon leaving, we looked up a do-it-yourself dog wash in the area on Jordannas handy dandy iphone, so we would go home with clean, sleepy puppies. We lucked out and got them all washed in good timing! Minus the fact that I squirted hypo-allergenic shampoo up my nose. But we left with handfuls of bones for the pups! When we got back to my car, we were surprised to find it not starting, not even hearing the engine turn. I rolled down my windows so they pups wouldnt overheat as we assessed what the problem could be. I was in park. Nothing was left on for the battery to die... but it seemed like that was the problem. So Jordanna called AAA while I tried to look for addresses as to where we were exactly. As I turned around I noticed a AAA truck park right behind us. So I asked the guy if he was on duty and if he could help us. Turned out he was the one dispatched to the call and fixed us up in no time! Thank you Lord!! I needed a new battery. But hey. Its fixed.  The puppies were very patient waiting and walked with Jordanna so they werent stuck in the car. Well... Emma and Baker were very patient. Ava was a little perturbed but she was fine.

In all. It was a highly successful day! The dogs were happy and we were happy with our happy dogs. Who then slept most of the day cuz they were so sleepy from such an adventure! Were sure more beach trips wil occur soon!

                                        

Snapshot

May 8, 2012

Getting home with my new puppy and about to give her a bath.

She has gotten SO BIG! 

Life With Ava

Well, Ive had my little bundle of joy for a few months now. She has quickly become part of the family. She is so easy to love. Shes intelligent, respectful, playful, hilarious, sweet, and so much more! She is the gift that keeps on giving.

Obviously, Ive been a little MIA on here... hardly any posts the pasts few months. And I was doing really good at the beginning of the year! Sorry about that.... although truthfully I havent had any great stories to share with the world. And Im kinda one of those "new parents" everyone groans about because all they can talk about is their new child. But all my stories really are about Ava. So I decided I would try not to solely talk about her but that she is my baby, so if people get irritated with Ava stories then they just need to find a new friend.

So I thought I would share how my life has changed since Ava entered my world. Since she IS my stories nowadays... Not that Im complaining! I dont want to talk about anything else!

First off - I wake up a lot earlier. My day usually begins between 5 and 6am. I make her wait until 6, which she is getting better at each day. She stretches out across my body - I dont understand how it could be comfortable for her. She yawns with a little whine. She jumps off the bed, then back on. She sits next to me and stares at me. She grabs a random find and chews on it... Today it was a receipt. Really though - this is better than in the beginning. Shes the sweetest in the morning.

This means that Im typically tired throughout most of the day and turn in pretty early at night. And with that, Im asleep within minutes of my head hitting the pillow... which is pretty rare for me. (The 8 or 9 oclock bed times could be why she wakes up so early.... I guess the problem could be my own fault.)

We ALL have to be a lot more protective and careful with our food... Especially Mom. Ava has stolen a hamburger right out of her hand before! Shes also stolen a muffin, chips, and a few other things. She is a true Lab. Always hungry, will eat anything. I usually share my banana with her in the mornings. She is getting better, but not enough to put food close to the edge of the counter or leave food unattended to on the table.

(Here is a fun, hilarious video I caught of my girl in action!)

I drive differently with her - more methotically and with quieter music.

I dont have my nails painted nearly as often as I used to. I find that I have to jump on the opportunity to paint them when Avas sleeping... otherwise they wont last long with teeth scrapings and hair in them.

I spend more money at Petsmart than anywhere else, for anything else. I may go in needing food, but I never walk out without a new toy of some sort. Poor dog has toys coming out of her ears.

Im always rushing home from whatever I was out doing, just because I want to get to her. And of course, to Sam too. Hes still around and our big sweet boy. (Liking Ava more and more, but still not wanting to admit it, might I add.)

We have another dog that has assumed the position of guard dog, a position Casey took very seriously. So Ava has some big shoes to fill, but I think she knows and is doing a good job at filling them. Though I havent figured out the best way to get her to stop barking and growling at company, she is the first to alert us and keep the house safe.

There are so many other little things that are done differently now that we have a little one running around. But its funner with her. She provides endless entertainment. Shes growing up a little more each day, but she is definitely still a puppy! My little puppy!

Another White to the Black

When we had Casey, it was custom to see black and white. Sam with his thick black coat, and Casey right next to him with her yellow/blonde. They were yin and yang. Thhey were the cutest together. When you found Casey, Sammy was usually not far behind. He took cues from her. I think that was one reason it was so hard on him when we lost her. She was first. He came and learned from her.

Since weve brought Ava into our family, the biggest adjustment has been on the animals. Especially Sam. At first he was annoyed with her. Im sure wondering if she would ever leave. But each day, he wakes up to her. I think hes realizing she isnt leaving. Its taken time, but he tolerates her more and more. For the first time, he is the trainer. Ava follows him all over the yard. Shes his little white shadow. And hes starting to not only put up with her, but kinda like her. Though I dont think he wants to admit it. But truly, he looks for her when shes not right beside or behind him.

Seeing a black and white pair just puts such a smile on my face. Sammy has a little buddy again. Hes not alone. And Avas charm is finally winning him over. Its a precious, precious thing.

Introducing... AVA!

As you may or may not know, I graduated from college about 2 weeks ago!!!! Yup! Done with that aspect of life. And in that respect, I apologize for being so MIA on here. Though I like to post, the things to talk about seem unimportant compared to the massive amount of work I had to accomplish. But now I am free to post as I so desire! Until life really picks back up with work and such. In a sense, it already has become quite interesting.

My graduation gift from my parents was a PUPPY!!!!! For months - probably years - I have been talking about getting a puppy. I have been wanting a puppy and have vowed to get a puppy once I was done with college and could, once again, have an animal. And so, at lunch after graduation, I opened a very creative poem announcing my gift of a puppy from my parents! Apparently they had been searching and searching for the perfect puppy to add to our family but have not been successful. That is when I joined the search.

She has the prettiest green eyes! And loves to be outside, where they seem to shine the most!

Despite my searching (we are on a waiting list for a litter due late May, available July), I failed as well. Until last Tuesday night when my mom pulled up craigslist. Not 10 minutes prior, a post had been put up with 4 Lab mix puppies, 1 female, 3 male, almost 8 weeks old. Mom called to see if we could check them out. Within another 5 minutes, we were headed to see my possible new puppy.

As we drove, my mom because giving me a little pep talk/lecture. The topic: Dont allow cuteness to dictate my decision. I shouldnt take her just because she was super duper cute. I needed to be sure she would be a good fit and such. Of course I agreed. Nothing should be solely judged based on looks. So, with this little pep talk in mind, we found the house, rang the doorbell, and were taken around to where the puppies were kept (outside).

Upon opening the gate, 4 ADORABLE puppies came tearing across the yard to us! Immediately, we both sank down to meet them at their level. I found the little girl and held on to her, getting a feel if we were meant to be. Mom was lying down, allowing the little boys to climb all over her. She was falling in love with them too and even chose her favorite. I found myself reminding her not to base it solely on cuteness!

But the little female had my heart. She was a feisty little thing, standing her ground in a family full of boys. She had these bright green eyes that you couldnt miss. She was solid, big paws, thick legs, big floppy ears. I didnt want to let her go as she licked my face and gnawed on my fingers. My mom looked at me, waiting for the cue. Seeing as I refused to put her down, I just couldnt separate myself from her. I had to have her.

We drove away with an extra little addition sitting on my lap as we drove home. My little 3/4 lab, 1/8 husky, 1/8 boxer girl became mine immediately. We fell in love. Quickly became inseparable. Within the first night, she would look to me for approval or for safety. She cuddled with me in bed until she decided she wanted to sleep - then she wanted space. She only woke up once during the night and slept until 7! (That was the only time that has happened so far...)

Each day I learn something new about my little girl. She is so so much like my sweet Casey. She is very stubborn, but so easy to love. Shes playful and feisty. Shes absolutely ADORABLE! She loves her toys, but can often get distracted by things she shouldnt get into... but Ive chosen to choose my battles. Ultimately, chewing on the cat tree is better than chewing on the wall. She watches tv and barks at herself in the mirror. She has SUCH a personality and is quite a character!

It is an adjustment for everyone. Especially Sam, Simon, and Sofie. But theyre getting there. Ava has been very respectful to Sam, but is constantly intrigued by all the animals. She desperately wants a friend in Sam and is trying to win over his affection. At some point, all of them will love her as much as we do.

She is the perfect addition to our family. 

She is the perfect little buddy. 

I am so grateful for her and so in love with her.