Vacay Pics

Our house


J and Zach snacking on the beach


J playing in his fox hole


J and Zach, enjoying popsicles on the deck


My hubby


J, playing with sidewalk chalk


Hubby and J

Home at last!

While it was a fun vacation, it is so good to be home! We left this morning at around 9 and got home at close to 7. We stopped outside of Charleston for lunch at this place called Shem Creek Bar & Grill. My husband and I had eaten there when we vacationed in Sullivan's Island, SC a few years ago. I got my shrimp and grits, so I was happy.

The ride home was less than pleasurable. Three year olds and road trips just don't mix. Between him saying "Mommy" 50,000 times and smooshing his Rice Krispies into the upholstery, I was a little more than frazzled when we got home.

We are almost done unpacking and now it is back to the real world! Can't say I am looking forward to going back to work on Tuesday, but I am very happy to be home. Will add pics to my posts tomorrow.

Beach Vacay, Last Day

Today was another typical day. Spent the morning on the beach and then napped all afternoon. When I woke up, I had terrible pains in my right side - so bad that I couldn't move. I am pretty sure that my ovaries are still enlarged from all of the fertility meds, but it had me scared nevertheless. All I could think was "ectopic" pregancy, but the pain wasn't long lived, so I think my first theory is correct. I'll find out for sure next week at the doctor's.

For dinner, we ended up going to some local BBQ place with a buffet full of fried food. On this vacation, I certainly hit my annual quota on fried crap. Anyhow, the waitress was all about J and asked if she could come back home and nanny for us. Maybe we looked like we could afford a nanny...but we certainly can't. Besides, she was way too cute to nanny in my house!

I took a pregnancy test this evening and again it was positive and dark, which is a good thing. As I said, I like peeing on sticks.

Now, we're just packing and getting ready for bed. It will be a long drive tomorrow, which I am not looking forward to. That said, I am looking forward to lunch in Charleston - I am craving real shrimp and grits!

Beach Vacay, Day 6

Today, I decided to take a digital HPT...partly because I am neurotic like that and partly because I enjoy peeing on sticks. I only had one, and it was a dud. The little hour glass blinked for a few minutes and then the thing went blank.

We spent the late morning and early afternoon at the beach. I actually got out into the sun for a change, but not without a slathering of SPF 70. I am paranoid of the sun anymore. My mom was recently diganosed with squamous cell carcinoma on her nose and it's going to take a plastic surgeon to fix it - worse yet, it is starting to spread because she waited too long to take care of it. She is prone to these kinds of things, as am I. Back in 1994, I had a spot of basal cell carcinoma removed from my face. Probably even more motivating though is the fact that all of the sun damage I have acquired over the years is starting to show up on my face.

Anyhow, in the early afternoon, J turned into a little monster, so I forced him to take a nap. I ended up napping with him, sleeping until around 4.

Later, we had dinner at a place called the Seafood Barn (seriously) - it was shaped like a barn and everything! We stopped for ice cream on the way home, and then spent the rest of the evening relaxing.

Beach Vacay, Day 5

It is hard to believe the week has flown by so fast. Where I am normally thrilled to see that I am over the hump, this week it has me realizing that we only have 3 more nights until we head home.

Today, hubby and I went to see Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince in Wilmington while my mother-in-law watched J. It was a great movie, though I thought I was going to beat the kid's butt in back of me who kept kicking my seat. I get even more irritated at parents who don't make their kids stop. Maybe I should have beat them!

We just hung in for dinner. I sat on the deck and read a book while most everyone went out for a walk on the beach. I was just feeling a little too tired. Overall, I am feeling pretty alright today, except that my son's hot dog bun almost made me wretch.

Anyhow, only a few more nights. Will have to spend some time in the sun so that people don't think I vacationed in Antarctica. Tomorrow.

Beach Vacay, Day 4

Today, we spent some time at the beach in the morning. Not much though. We were annoyed because some kid kept coming up to our canopy to try and play with J's toys. It wouldn't have been so bad except that he was way older than J and talking very loudly. It's like, "Dude! I didn't come here to get annoyed by someone else's kid. My own does a fine job on his own, thankyouverymuch!" That is a joke. Mostly.

Anyhow, we chilled out inside and then took a nap. J. fell asleep on the floor next to his toys with his butt up in the air. So cute! I ditched everyone and decided to hit a few of the local shops.

I ended up doing some bathing suit shopping because my boobs are busting out of the ones I brought. I also felt I needed a little more coverage because I am not the skinny mini I was last year. The lady in the store picked out a bunch for me to try on, even insisting I try on a zebra get-up. I politely took it into the fitting room, but there was no way I would have worn that. She kept asking me to step out so she could see...I truly believe the woman was a sadist.

Anyhow, I ended up getting a black tankini top that I really liked. I have plenty of black bottoms, so it will work.

The other big shopping extravaganza in town is the Food Lion. I hit that too.

When I got back, we all went to a place called the Provision Company. The food was pretty good. The concept is a little different though - you order your food, find a table, and they bring it to you...if you want more to drink, you get up and get it yourself. They have an honor system. I can't imagine that everyone is entirely honest in this economy, but they probably make up for it by selling bottles of Food Lion water for $2.

Afterwards, we went and had ice cream, then drove around a bit to see the island. Now, we are back at the house hanging out. Another day in paradise.

Beach Vacay, Day 3

Today, the weather was awful so after a little beach time (under the canopy), we decided to head to Wilmington for the afternoon.

We had lunch at a great little restaurant called The Pilot House. They had the best shrimp and grits and cornbread! We then spent some time walking the River Walk. We saw a Coast Guard ship up close and the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial from a distance. Then, we stopped for ice cream.

On the way back, we picked up a few pounds of shrimp and my sister-in-law made an awesome shrimp orzo for dinner.

It would have been a relaxing evening except that the kids were winding each other up, pushing each other's buttons. Both kept getting hurt because they were acting so rambunctious. THIS is why J needs a brother or sister!!!

Beach Vacay, Day 2

Today was a good day. Subdued, but good. I woke up at around 6:30, which is definitely not characteristic, but it gave me some solitude so that I could enjoy breakfast on the deck peacefully.

In the late morning, we all headed down to the beach. I stayed under the canopy the entire time,1qwa but still ended up getting sun somehow. J was being a terror for part of the morning, but behaved better once Zach joined him for play. My husband dug out what equated to a fox hole and the kids had a blast playing in it.

Later, we hung out by the pool for a bit and then took a nap. This is the life! Then, off to the store for groceries and back to enjoy taco night.

Now, to try and calm J down enough to get him ready for bed. He goes to bed late as it is, but he is all keyed up from playing with Zach and is jumping around like a monkey.

In other news, if I am not pregnant, I will be shocked. Current daily occurrences include nausea and fatigue, and today began the frequent urination. Also, I am craving cheese and almonds like it's nobody's business and am repulsed by sweets. Me, repulsed by sweets?!? WTF?!? I ate a Good N' Fruity today because I LOVE them, and it tasted like wax to me.

I think I am going to test tomorrow. But, don't worry - if it comes up negative, I will not assume I am not pregnant (nor will I assume I am). I know it is early. Last time I was pregnant though, the HPTs I used (I buy the cheap ones from eBay - 50 for $15) showed a very faint line several days before I was supposed to test, which got progressively darker each day. I was checking out some other charts on Fertility Friend and those who tested on CD28 and were pregnant got a positive result. Tomorrow is CD28 for me, so I am going to go for it. I just can't stand it!

Beach Vacay, Day 1

We made it to our destination! It was about an 8 hour drive, which entailed J. asking every five minutes where the beach was. I was grateful for his nap so that I could relax and watch a movie.

I had wanted to stop in Charleston for lunch, but hubby and J. ruined theirs with McDonald's a few hours before we got there. Maybe on the way back. I could do with some shrimp and grits.

Anyhow, we are here. The house is gorgeous! Directly on the ocean with a pool, a giant deck, and a hammock. I don't think I want to leave!

J. is doing great with the other little boy who is here. He has been sharing, which is quite a fete for him. At 2 (and premature), the other boy, Zach, is almost as tall as J., which freaks me out. My husband and I constantly wonder about J.'s height and it appears that he is in the 10th percentile for his age. I am looking forward to his check-up on the 20th to discuss this. But anyways, J. loves Zach, which is great.

At the end of the day, we all sat on the deck - most with drink in hand (except me), while the kids ran around. We ordered pizza for dinner, and headed to bed at a round 10:30.

Looking forward to a fun week on the beach! I seriously could live here forever!

The Nantucket Stroll

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I went with our friends to Nantucket for the annual Christmas Nantucket Stroll. Basically, the Stroll is an event where all of the hoity-toity rich folk who have some kind of vested interest in Nantucket flock to bask in Christmas cheer.

On Friday, December 2, we flew up to Boston to meet our friends. I had started getting a cold a few days prior and on the plane while we were making our initial descent, my ears started clogging and wouldn't pop. Can I just say that it was one of the worst feelings I've ever experienced?!? I couldn't hear and it felt like someone was jabbing an icepick in my eardrum. It eventually unclogged after we landed, thankfully.

The four of us spent the afternoon in Boston at Faneuil Hall. We had lunch at this amazing place called Kingfish Hall and then hit a few stores. Afterwards, we drove to our friend's family home in Braintree and later, his mom took Stephen and I to the mall for some Christmas shopping. That night, we went out to dinner locally.

On Saturday morning, we drove to Cape Cod to catch a high-speed ferry to Nantucket. It was freezing cold and the seas were super rough, but somehow we made it without a vomiting episode from the pregnant lady.

When we got to Nantucket, I swear, I fell in love with the place. It's so quaint and charming, much like some of the villages we visited in Scotland. Cobblestone streets and little shops and restaurants...it was incredible! We checked in to our B&B and then set out to shop and eat and shop and eat. It was absolutely freezing, but we bundled up and made the best of it (and even ran into Santa playing Scrabble at a coffee shop - see below).

That night, we had dinner at a pretty cool Japanese fusion restaurant, and while we were waiting at the bar for our table, we started talking to some guys. One of the guys mentioned that his in-laws live in Juno Beach, so I mentioned the town that I grew up in south Florida. He looked at his friend and said, "Isn't Billy B. from that town?" When he said that, I about freaked! See, there is this guy, Billy, that I've known since 5th grade. When we were pre-teens, we used to hang out in his neighborhood and play truth or dare and all of those other games that pre-teens play. I went out with his brother (but dumped him for someone else), and have even stayed in touch with his mom on and off through the years. I knew that he was working summers in Nantucket, but didn't expect him to be there in December. I said, "You know Billy? Where can I find him?" He was working at a bar near our B&B, so after dinner we went to go see him. When I first approached him and said, "Do you know who I am?" He looked stumped...mind you, I don't look much like I did back then. Or at least, I'd like to believe that my level of attractiveness has improved over the years. I reminded him of two of our old friends and it came to him right away. We talked for awhile - he's married now and living in Nantucket full time. It was so great to see him! And what a small world, ya know?!?

Anyhow, the next morning, we woke up to snow!!! It was beautiful, yes, but very slippery for a pregnant lady to be walking in. And very cold and wet for a pregnant lady who is sick to be walking in. We had breakfast, did a little shopping, and then got our things and took at taxi to the airport.

At the airport, I was amazed to find dozens and dozens of people with dogs, hanging out on their leashes, dressed in $100 outfits. The rich really are different! Anyhow, we took a 9-passenger plane back to Cape Cod...my first experience in a tiny plane. I got to sit up front with the pilot, which was cool, though he wasn't very friendly.

On the way back to Boston, I started feeling run down and horrible. There was nothing I wanted more than to either a) sleep or b) die. We had dinner at our friend's house in Braintree and then headed to the airport, where we were faced with an hour delay.

On the plane ride home, my ears didn't pop until we landed again, which totally sucked...so I have learned my lesson. Never again will I fly if I have a cold! We finally made it home at 2:30am. Despite being sick, we had a wonderful time. We decided though that next time, we will go to Nantucket during the summer months!

Oooh, Ahhh

This past weekend, my husband came to Arizona to stay with me - we had an absolutely amazing time!!!

On Thursday, we spent the afternoon in Sedona. The drive there was stunning, but nothing compared to the town itself. Rightfully voted the most beautiful place in America, it is like no place we've ever been! We then drove up to Flagstaff to check out the Snowbowl (a snowcapped peak that you can see from Prescott) and then headed back "home."

On Friday afternoon, we went to the Grand Canyon. If I thought that the scenery couldn't get better than Sedona, I was wrong. It was just incredible - breathtaking - awe-inspiring! We did the shuttle tour (because we are out of shape wimps) and decided to stay until sunset. Such a wise decision that was - we found a perch that was deserted and stayed until sundown.

It was easily the most spiritual experience I've ever encountered. Everything is so massive and permanent that it makes you question the triviality of your life. Seeing it made me realize that anything is possible and that stress is so unnecessary (although when you are away from the scenery, the stress does indeed come back, unfortunately).

On Saturday, we went and saw Revenge of the Sith (KICK ASS MOVIE) and went gambling at a really shitty casino. I did win $40 on the slots though, which was $40 more than my husband won!

On Sunday, we headed back to the Grand Canyon to check out the Desert View, which was equally incredible. We even decided to venture off and hike in the woods to have a picnic lunch...saw two coyotes and got bit by ants.

We SO needed this trip. With me being gone so much, we really needed the quality time. It was such an amazing weekend.

We still don't want to live here, but it's definitely a great place to visit!

Bag Snatchers on British Airways

Before I post my journal from my trip to Scotland, I must bitch about something that happened to me on the flight home from London. Thing is, I try so hard to be conscientious. For example, if I were to find a wallet, I wouldn't take anything out of it - I'd find out who it belonged to and get it back to them. If there was no identification, I might even place an ad in the paper under lost and found!

On Saturday, during my layover in London I stopped at Harrods to find gifts for those people I couldn't find gifts for while in Scotland. I bought a beautiful Wedgewood plate for my mother-in-law because she house-sat for us for two whole weeks, taking care of our pets and ensuring our house was hurricane-ready. I also bought a really cute Christmas ornament. On the plane, they came through to ask if anyone wanted to purchase duty-free items...I chose a teddy bear that's a female pilot (in a pink outfit with the leather cap and goggles) for my boss' upcoming baby girl (my boss is a pilot); and a limited edition box of Godiva chocolates for my dad.

After I bought everything, I transferred it all into the Harrods bag so it would be easier to carry when I got off the plane. I put the items under my seat and forgot about them. When I realized I'd forgotten, I went back to find that someone had taken my bag - and they didn't turn it in to the flight attendants.

The airport personnel was so nice - they were checking the passenger list for people sitting near me and catching them at customs. The supervisor tried to help me find who took it for over an hour - she was so great. But alas, whoever took it had already hidden it in their luggage and had no intention of giving it back. I hope whoever took it saw me frantic and in tears -- and that they have a conscience that will eat at them so bad it makes the chocolates taste rotten.

I do believe in karma, however and know that whoever took it will get theirs. It wasn't so much the money I was upset about (well, I was but I am over that now)...it was the fact that someone thought that they had a right to take the gifts that I bought for my family while I was on a vacation. It's not like I'm going back to London anytime soon!

I'll just have to take comfort in the fact that what comes around, goes around.

Scotland: Day 15

Alas, today was our last full day in Scotland. I am now at the Corus Hotel in North Queensferry and Stephen will soon be flying to Paris for the night. My flight leaves tomorrow at 8:25am.

We set out in the morning for Dumfernline, a town with great shopping, and had lunch at McDonald's (can you tell were are getting tired of Scottish food???). We then went to Dumfernline Abbey and Palace, where King Robert the Bruce is buried. After, we went and visited Aberdour Castle, however it wasn't all that impressive.

All in all, we had a wonderful trip and we are both very satisfied that we know more about Scottish history and geography than most Americans ever will! We're ready to go home now though...we miss the USA!!!

Scotland: Day 14

Today was probably my least favorite day because first thing in the morning, my "monthly disappointment" arrived. We then found out that we couldn't stay an extra night at our dream B&B. PLUS, it was raining with gale force winds - all around, a bad combination.

We first went to Dumbarton Castle, climbing steps for what seemed like forever in the windy and rainy weather. My cramps were unbelievable - but after some Alleve, I felt somewhat better...just in time for Dundonald Castle, which was pretty cool. We then went to my most anticipated castle, Culzean (see pic above). Culzean Castle was like the Disney World of castles - absolutely gorgeous with a deer pasture, gardens, and a beautiful water view.

After that, we drove to Glasgow to have dinner at Esca, a restaurant that Scotland for Dummies recommended. It wasn't open yet so we had an appetizer at another place first. After dinner, we went in search of a place to sleep. We drove around for quite some time before settling for a Holiday Inn Express (smoking room - yuck) in Bathgate, between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Scotland: Day 13

For once, we were able to sleep in and were spared a "traditional Scottish breakfast." We were off at 11 to head west. We went first to Inveraray Castle (see pic below) - it looked straight out of a storybook! Definitely among my favorites. We passed by Kilchurn Castle as we were driving over to Oban, but there was no way to get to it, so we kept driving.

On our way to Oban, we stopped at the Bonawe Iron Furnace in Strathclyde and Dunstaffnage Castle (see pic above) and Chapel.

We had lunch in Oban - what a beautiful coastal town! After dining at a pancake restaurant, we walked the streets and shopped. On our way back from Oban, we stopped at Carnassarie Castle - it was free (a rarity) and deserted...a very cool and beautiful castle - I even pulled a Girls Gone Wild stunt for my husband! It was a long walk uphill to get there, but definitely worth it.

We continued back and decided to head to Helensburgh for Chinese takeaway. Our first meal at home in 2 weeks! Definitely a great day!

Scotland: Day 12

After breakfast (Stephen tried the black pudding - nasty!!!), we left Isle of Skye. We drove for several hours and then stopped briefly in Glenfinnan to see the Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct, site where they filmed a scene for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. We couldn't see it very well so Stephen drove us to a restricted area to view it better - we went underneath it and took some pics (he's such a rule breaker).

We then went to Fort William to look in the shops and have lunch. After, we continued south, past Glencoe and down to Loch Lomond - to our new destination in Luss (see photo above). We are staying at THE most amazing place ever!!! It's a brand-new guest house and our toom is two stories with a private entrance, in-room breakfast, jacuzzi tub, 2 TVs, DVD player, living room, and vanity table, and is right on Loch Lomond! This is heaven (and for only 27 pounds/per person/per night, it's a steal).

After taking a bath, we went to dinner at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. We had oysters, mussels, and the best smoked salmon either of us has ever had. We may never leave!

Scotland: Day 11

We started out the day having breakfast at the Skye Picture House - they had all the guests set up to eat at the same table, so we got to talk to some pretty cool people - a couple from Melbourne, Australia and a couple and a single guy (suspect he was gay) from England.

We set out for another exciting day. We headed to the Northern half of the Isle of Skye - first stopping to take pics of the Old Man of Storr, a super cool looking mountain. We then stopped to see Kilt Rock and the waterfall next to it. It was absolutely gorgeous! We continued driving up the coast (and back down it), back around to Portree.

We stayed in Portree for a bit - had lunch and did some shopping. Later, we went back to the Picture House and Stephen took a nap while I read. We then went out, got dinner, and then -- brace yourselves -- went and did laundry.

I almost forgot the BEST PART of the day! We got to see a shepherd and two border collies herd a bunch of sheep down a mountain, onto the highway, and into a gated pasture (see picabove). Too cool! Oh, and Stephen climbed up to a waterfall while I sat in the car (it was cold and raining and I am a wuss).

Scotland: Day 10

Today, we left Drumnadrochit and headed to the Isle of Skye. On the way, we passed through the most beautiful scenery, including the Five Sisters of Kintail and many waterfalls, and lochs.
The weather started getting nasty when we got to the Eilean Donan Castle (see pic above), and stayed that way for the rest of the day. We had lunch in Portree and then drove over to Dunvegan Castle.

After our adventure, we came back to check into our B&B, the Skye Picture House. We rested a bit and then went to dinner at the only restaurant that was open. After, we went to a laundrymat/convenience store/Internet cafe to check on the hurricane, and then came back to the room to shower and go to bed.

Oh, and good news! Ivan is expected to turn further north - to the Panhandle, instead of Tampa Bay - woo hoo! But - bad for those people, of course.

Scotland: Day 9

It's September 11th - it's weird to be out of the country for such a profound and sad anniversary...but we do remember. They talk about it on the news here and, thankfully, also cover a lot about Hurricane Ivan.

Today, we ventured to Kilravock Castle (now a B&B but we snuck on the grounds to take pics) and then to Cawdor Castle (my favorite so far) - it was so beautiful. It had a real hedge maze and the most beautiful garden we've ever seen. After the castle, we went to Nairn, a small town on the North Sea. We walked the beach and had lunch at a little cafe there.

We then headed to Fort George to walk around the fort - it was very cold and windy but beautiful. We then went back east, attempting to visit Brodie Castle (see photo), but it was closed...and then visited the Dallas Dhu Distillery (fun video, free booze).

We headed back west, attempting to visit Stuart Castle (it was private) and then into Inverness to have dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Stephen had kung pao chicken and I had sweet and sour chicken - both were the best we'd ever had!

It's now 7:30 and we're back in the room to relax and turn in early. Tomorrow, we head to Isle of Skye!

Scotland: Day 8

Today we left Pitlochry. Before we left, we stopped to check in on Hurricane Ivan (now on its way to Jamaica). We headed to Drumnadrochit to stay at the Glen Rowan House for two nights. On the way, we stopped in Fort Augustus for lunch and came across a petting zoo of sorts - we got to see Highland Coos (cows with lots of hair), red deer, lots of sheep, rabbits, chickens, Shetland ponies, goats, and pigs...FUN! We then went to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness (no monsters to be seen).

After, we checked into our room (we have twin beds!!!), we headed out to find a laundrymat. The closest one was 13 miles away in a convenience store. That took about 1.5 hours (to do one load) - after, we headed back to town (or so we thought).

We ended up going the wrong way and headed to Inverness. We took it as a good sign and stayed for dinner. We ate at Bella Italia, a UK chain. Our server was this wacky lady who kicked ass - it's a rarity to get good service in restaurants here (we were terrified of the man who took our lunch order today - he was damn mean).

We then returned to our room and now Stephen is watching a tv program about dog poo...not kidding. Other than the poo show, this was another gorgeous and fun day!