Australia: Days 3-4, Fraser Island

Day three of our trip began by getting picked up in a crazy 4-wheel drive vehicle (a requirement for Fraser Island.) There were about 12 people in our tour group, from Sweden, Germany, Ireland, and France. The truck/svu/van/whatever hopped on a ferry and soon we were on the world's largest all sand island.

The beach is a highway on this island there, and it's amazing how fast we were flying in this crazy vehicle. It could climb up ridiculous rocky trails. A few times I sort of feared for my life. Not only were these trails extremely bumpy, they were also only big enough for about a car and a half. Sometimes another car would be coming the opposite direction, so it could be a little different maneuvering. Our tour guide informed us the rule was the bigger car has the right of way, and if the car sizes are the same, the bigger driver gets the right of way. :)

After some driving around we got to have our first adventure. We had about a 3k hike to Lake Wabby. The first 2k were through a rain forrest, and the last was over a big sand dune.

As we were walking through the rain forest there was this trail of caterpillars crossing the path. How funny is that? And even more strange, notice how they are basically color coordinated, every other one? Weird...

There's Karen. We were so excited to get to the lake. It was super hot and humid.

Just about to start the last kilometer.

Pictures don't do this beast justice. It was SO freaking hot and the dune was endless. I felt like I was wandering the desert for 40 years.

Sooo, here's a random photo totally out of order, but that's the truck/van thing we drove in, parked near the highway.

Karen chatting up our new German friends. They were super nice and cute.

Once we finally made it we were STOKED. Honestly, I'm pretty sure I've never been that stinky and sweaty? TMI? Be prepared, if you go to Australia (and I wasn't even there in the summer) it's hot and humid. And I'm not a sweater.

People were rolling down the dune into the lake.

As we walked back there was a spider web RIGHT in the middle of the path, basically at face level. I was leading the troops. Yes, I almost walked into that.

We drove over all this crazy rock.

Here's Karen and me at the S. S. Maheno.

via

The S. S. Maheno was an Edwardian line on the Tasman Sea crossing between New Zealand and Australia, and was used as a hospital ship by the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy during World War I.

A landmark on 75 Mile Beach in Fraser Island is the shipwreck of the S.S. Maheno. The S.S. Maheno was originally built in 1905 in Scotland as a luxury passenger ship for trans-Tasman crossings. During the First World War the ship served as a hospital ship in the Mediterranean, Gallipoli, and the English Channel, before returning to a luxury liner. In 1935, the ship was declared outdated and on June 25, 1935 the ship was being towed from Melbourne to Japan for scrap metal when it was caught in a strong [out of season] cyclone. A few days later, on July 9, 1935 she drifted ashore and was beached on Fraser Island. During the Second World War the Maheno served as target bombing practice for the RAAF. The ship has since become severely rusted. Climbing on the shipwreck is not permitted.

This thing was seriously huge.

We were really lucky we got these shots, shortly after someone got in trouble for being in there.

With our pervy, glass eyed, tobacco-stained teeth tour guide, Greg. But very nice.

The next day we hiked through another rain forrest. It was so gorgeous and green and lush. I wish I had a good camera to document it.

Moss covered everything.

That's the base of a huge tree that had fallen over. Seriously. HUGE.

Lake McKenzie...also known as Heaven.

The freshwater lakes on Fraser Island are some of the cleanest lakes in the world. A popular tourist area is Lake McKenzie which is located inland from the small town of Eurong. It is a "perched" lake sitting on top of compact sand and vegetable matter 100 meters above sea level. Lake McKenzie has an are of 150 hectares and is just over five meters in depth. The beach sand of Lake McKenzie is nearly pure silica and it is possible to wash hair, teeth, jewelry, and exfoliate one's skin. The lakes have very few nutrients and pH varies, though sunscreen and soaps are a problem as a form of pollution.

Our tour guide told us we could exfoliate our skin and clean our jewelry. I didn't have any of my jewelry with me, but there were some girls who washed their wedding rings. Apparently they come out more clean than if you took them to the jeweler. It's pretty sweet. I can't believe there are actual lakes made entirely of rain. It was really nice to end this portion of our trip here because after being in the water we had to get on the truck/van to drive a few hours, then be dropped off at a bus stop, wait three hours, and then get on an overnight bus to Airlie Beach. (And then get on a sailboat for three days....showering during this trip was a luxury.) It was weird to leave a lake actually feeling clean.

Lately

Lately I've been doing a whole lotta socializing and outdoor-izing.  July crept up and summer came with it.  But not just any summer, the most amazing summer any New Yorker could ever imagine.  With the exception of a few days, this summer has been filled with days in the 70s and little, if any, humidity.  It has be EXCEPTIONAL.  Things were a little rough for a while there.  Honestly I even felt like breaking up with New York a few times, but wow oh wow, New York has seriously stepped it up and now we're more serious than ever.  I'm just constantly happy because of the weather and my surroundings.  Like now, for instance.  I'm currently blogging via the free wifi at Battery Park.  I'm sitting on a blankee, with my bike, Diet Dr. Pepper, and a book by my side.  My view is the Hudson River, the Jersey City skyline, oh yeah, and the Statue of Liberty.  There's a light breeze, and life is basically good.  (Minus the asian lady who just plopped herself 6 feet away from me and hawked a lugie into her hand.  Yes, you read that right.  Way to ruin the moment huh?)

Anyway, I've been having a lot of fun, and not really blogging any of it.  I can't even remember what I've mentioned and what I haven't.  Did I mention I went to Boston for the 4th?  Did I mention it was great?  Did I talk about my birthday and how I spent 4 1/2 hours alone at the spa and it was the best decision I ever made?  Really.  Best way to bring in 26.

I experienced my first time at a New York beach two Saturdays ago.  I've been hesitant for so long.  I mean, how cool can the Atlantic Ocean really be?  And I mean, who PAYS to go to a beach??  But I went, and yeah, it's totally annoying to pay, but it was better than I'd anticipated.  I actually had a blast.

Did I talk about the woman who was murdered in a building which is basically a block away from my apartment?  Did I mention how when that awful thing was happening, I was mostly likely strolling right in front of said building, on my way home from a coworkers?  It makes me sick.  I was terrified for a couple days.  It's still very creepy, but I'm not as upset as I was.

This weekend was possibly the best weekend I've had in months.  The weather was amazing.  Friday night I organized a big group to go watch Jaws on the U.S.S. Intrepid.  I'd never been on it before so it was pretty cool just to check it out.  Lots of people showed up and we had a great time.  We started getting rained on about 30 minutes into the movie, and stuck around for a bit to try to stick it out, but finally baled.  In typical Mormon group style, we stood around for another 20 minutes trying to figure out what to do.  We ended up splitting up into a couple different groups.  I got into a cab to head downtown with a few other girls.  I have to say, it was the best cab ride I've ever had.  The driver was so friendly, and we talked the entire time.  He told us if we could guess where he's from he'd give us a free ride and you know what?  Libby guessed it.  Afganistan.  He asked where we were all from and after we all responded with various parts of the country he asked how we could be such good friends and how we knew each other.  I simply told him we met at church.  Then Libby handed me a pass a long card.  I told her I'd never given one away before, and she said she never had either.  I waited until the end of the ride and then gave it to him (and we paid anyway.)  I got out feeling so good, until about 20 seconds later when we walked into Libby's building's lobby and I realized I'd left my phone in the cab.  CRAP.  I've heard of others doing this, and they rarely get them back.  (Actually a coworker of mine found someone's iPhone in a cab once, and sold it to her doorman for $30.  I know.)

I had Kristen calling my phone but no one picked up.  I went to up to Libby's apartment to get on her computer to track down a number for the cab company.  I actually knew this guy's name, since we took notice of it when trying to guess where he was from.  I figured even though I didn't know the cab number, since I knew his name maybe dispatch could call him?  I got very frustrated very quickly.  I knew I was racing the clock because it was only a matter of minutes that someone else got in the cab.  Of course online I couldn't find any phone numbers, only "Email us your questions/complaints/reports of lost items here."  Awesome.  I decided to try my phone again, and he picked up!  He was only a few blocks away, so I went racing out the door.  (Oh yeah, did I mention I was still in my wet clothes from the rain?)  When I got to him I realized it wasn't my cab driver who had my phone, but a very nice, very cute, very Irish, Collin Farrell-type, who refused my many attempts to reward him with some cash for his honesty.  He simply wished me a lovely weekend and went on his way.  And you know what?  I did have a very lovely weekend, thanks.

Saturday per the usual I brunched with the girls, followed by wedding gift shopping, and mani/pedis.  Then Rachel Martinez came in from Boston.  She was starving so we headed to a great sushi place down by the water, with the Statue of Liberty view.  Colin and Britt met up with us and we had a great time.  I had just eaten but munching on the edimame was delish!

Then the three of them took off for the movies while I got ready for Kim and Ryan's wedding reception.  Libby and I met up and headed to the Arsenal in Central Park and wow, it made me rethink my San Diego wedding.  It was beautiful.  An outdoor venue, with great views.  The music was great, the weather was fabulous, and the bride and groom were beaming.  I absolutely adore these two.

One of the best parts of the reception was the favors they gave to the guests.  Everyone received a little white sack (like a brown lunch bag) with a note saying:

One of our favorite activities as a couple is to surprise strangers with a bit of hospitality.  Please continue our celebration by using this favor to do someone else a favor.  On your way home tonight, take the time to give this sack lunch to someone in need.

I know, right?  I choke up a little every time I think about it.  Only Kim and Ryan would think to take their special day, and make it about helping so many others.  Really though, if you know this couple it doesn't come as a surprise.  They are just good, solid people.  The world would be so much better with more Kims and Ryans.

After the reception we headed up to W. 104th Street (all the while looking unsuccessfully for homeless people.)

The party was awesome.  Jen really has an amazing apartment.  They have their own private rooftop terrace.  Everyone who was anyone was there.

Rachel and I finally headed out, and thanks to the slow train service we ended up on the same train as a huge group of downtowners.  It was great.  One of these people was Libby.  She and I still had not seen someone in need.  Seriously??  How is this possible.  Even when we had to change trains at Times Square station we didn't see anyone.  That never happens.

Finally we got on our train and saw a couple guys that looked like they could qualify as "in need."  We weren't positive, though, and felt a little apprehensive acting like, "Oh, you're needy.  Here's some grub."  Before we got off Lib said, "Let's do it."  So we did, and it was so great.  I walked up to one guy and just said, "This is for you."  And you should have SEEN how excited he got.  It really got me, and made me think I really should pack a lunch every time I leave the house because I waste an embarrassing amount of food, and there's people going hungry out there.  Thanks Kim and Ryan, for not just helping me help one person, but helping me change the way I think.

Sunday Stephanie Baker was in town.  Actually she'd been in town since Friday but with all the shenanigans I had Friday night I completely forgot to meet up with her and her darling fiance.  Luckily we could get together for a late lunch on Sunday.  It's always so much fun to catch up with high school friends.  She and Scott are getting married next month and I couldn't be happier for them.

After lunch I hung out with Britt for a bit, and then met up with a group who were picnic-ing at the park at which I'm currently blogging.  What a fun time we had.  We hung out for about three hours, talking, laughing till our sides hurt, and playing scum.  Four of the people in the group were actors, and honestly freaking hilarious.  I loved hanging out with them.  I felt so free to do or say anything and be a total dork and not have to worry about looking stupid.  It was so fun.

We ended the night by chilling at Libby's for a bit, and then I went home early-ish.

Like I said, fan-freakin-tastic weekend.

Alright, the sun is setting, and I want to enjoy the sunset instead of staring at this screen.

Pictures to come.  Soon.  I hope.  :)

Busy six weeks ahead of me....Rexburg for Chels's wedding, moving, concerts, and I'm sure more outdoor time.  :)

.  

Meet my BFFs: Elise

Jason and Elise

Hawaii June 2009

Today's Elise's birthday!  Boy did I luck out in the sister-in-law department (I guess maybe it has something to do with having awesome brothers with great taste?)  Elise has been a part of our family for three and a half years but even before it was "official" she felt like a sister.  My favorite memories with Elise are when she and Jason were dating and I'd come to Provo and stay with her and after Jason would go home we'd stay up talking and laughing.  I can always count on Elise to never get sick of my lengthy stories, and in fact she encourages them, especially dating stories.  

One of my absolute favorite things about Elise is I can always catch her eye when we're in a group setting and something happens that's awkward, weird, or just one of those "yikes" moments.  Every time, without fail.  Even when I don't think about it, our eyes just catch, and depending on the situation, we either laugh, shake our heads, or both our eyes just get huge.  Maybe you have to experience it, but it's a connection we always have.

I can also always feel confident that I can text Elise with any little gripe and she'll totally understand, whether it's when I'm sitting in the chapel and it's ten minutes after and we still haven't started, or telling her about something totally tacky someone said.  She just gets it.

I have to say, when reading Elise's interview she answered (for the most part) in ways I could have guessed.  I was surprised a couple times, but her answers reminded me why I love her so much.  With Elise, I always know what I'm going to get.  There's nothing too unpredictable.  She is stable, dependable, organized, and just, well, together.  What you see is what you get.

Lastly, I love love love that, just like Nadia is for Brad, Elise is absolutely perfect for Jason.  I used to think that Jason changed so much (in a good way) when Elise came into his life, but now I realize he didn't change at all, he just became a more complete and better version of himself.  The longer they are married the more in love I see they are, and really it's just pretty inspiring.  (If you don't believe how in love they are, just check Jason's facebook status today.) :)

Anyways, happy birthday Elise!  I love you! 

What do you do?

I am a teacher.  High school.  United States & World History.  Everyone asks me if it is scary.  It isn't.  The kids are really good & I actually love it a lot.

(Elise has some pretty awesome stories as well.)

Describe your perfect day.

Sleep in (this means until like 7am.)  Start off with a massage, mani & pedi.  Go to the beach (with Jason) for a few hours with a good book (or Us Weekly) in one hand & a huge fountain Diet Coke in the other.  Go shopping (alone) for a few hours with no budget.  Go to dinner with Jason at Ruth's Chris.

(I'm with you on shopping alone.  Love it.)

If I could give you front row tickets to any concert, what would you pick?

Coldplay.  I have wanted to see them for years & years.  But you're off the hook because I'm going tomorrow.

If you only have time to watch one tv show a week, which would you choose?

Law & Order.  The original.  No Criminal Intent.  No SVU.  Give me Jack McCoy.  All time favorite TV show.

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

I don't like group settings.  I would much rather hang out with one or two friends than in a group of 3-4+.  I tend to get shy & quiet when I am in big groups.

When you've had a really bad day what makes you feel better?

Taking a long nap on the couch & getting frozen yogurt.

If I gave you $100,000 with the stipulation that you couldn't save it or invest it, and had to spend it within a week, what would you do with it?

I don't need a week.  I could spend it in a day!  First, buy Jason a car.  Second, buy a new car for myself.  And if there is any left over, I'd buy some combination of clothes & shoes.

(Oh!  What kind of cars??)

What beauty product can you not live without?

Mascara.

What's one of your guiltiest pleasures?

Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

(Okay I SO did not know this!  I love that show!  So dumb but I think they are seriously so funny!)

If you could change one thing about the male race what would it be?

Hmmmm.  This is tough.  My exposure to males that I know really well is limited & I hate to make stereotypes, but I'd have to say that sometimes girls just want to vent & don't want advice or want their problems solve.

(So true.  I think every female agrees with you.)

You've been married for three and a half years.  Is there anything that still surprises you?  Or would you say you and Jason are perfectly predictable?

I don't know if I would say perfectly predictable, because you never know.  But we do mesh & know each other really well, so surprises are few and far between.

What's your favorite comfort food?

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup.

What is one trend you just never quite understood?

Those oxford booties that were popular a couple falls ago.  Hideous.  Oh.  I saw a pair of Tory Burch jelly shoes today at the mall.  If that catches on, I'm pretty sure that will be the winner.

(I don't care what you say, I love those oxford booties!  :))

What's one of your favorite things about living in San Diego?

The weather.  And being close to our family.

What book are you currently reading?

In the Time of the Butterflies.  I just started it...only about 8 pages in.

What is a piece of modern technology that you could not live without?

Google.

Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been?

Grand Cayman.

What book should be required reading for every American?

Well, it isn't a book, but The Declaration of Independence.

You've got two roundtrip tickets anywhere in the world.  Where do you go and who do you take?

I'd take Jason.  Can I pick 3 places?  Okay, good.  For the history lover in me-Paris.  For the adventurer in me-Machu Picchu.  For the I just want to lay on the beach in the sun part of me-Phuket, Thailand.

(Those three are totally on my list as well.)

What three material possessions do you value most?

My wedding ring (because of the sentimental value), my computer (all the pictures), and my bed-our mattress & sheets are heavenly.

(A girl after my own heart.  A heavenly mattress and sheets are a must.)

What are you looking forward to?

The next 5 years.

What are three things on your "bucket list"?

1. See the above travel question.

2. Run a marathon.

3. Add more items to my bucket list.  (I really can't think of anything that I just have to do!)

Who is someone who has changed or shaped your life for the better?

I'm going to go with the easy answers here, only because they are so true.  My parents & my husband.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Your mom is totally right when she tells you to enjoy eating carne asada fries for lunch every day while you can.  Someday (read 21) you won't metabolize them and they will go straight to your hips & love handles and you will hate going to the gym.

(That Leslie, she is one smart woman!)

What do you know to be absolutely positively true?

Complaining & worrying about little things are a waste of time.  Enjoy life.  Be grateful for what you have, spend time with people you love, & laugh.

Homesick

It's not often I wish I lived back in Calfornia, but these posts by Elise always tug at my heart strings, and make me miss the kids so much.  They just look like they're getting so big all of a sudden.  :(

Luckily I still have Mad sorta close to make me feel like somewhat of an involved aunt.  

Kids, come visit aunty in the big apple!

PS It's someone's birthday tomorrow...check back tomorrow for her bday interview!

Meet my BFFs: Maria & Britt

Britt, me, and Maria celebrating our birthdays

I am so excited to introduce you to my NYC BFFs.  

Brittany is a southern darling.  She's always got a piece of southern advice to pass along for any occasion.  She's the adorable girly girl that can hang with the guys.  She's an amazing cook, and one of the most compassionate, generous, and thoughtful friends I've ever had.

Maria is brilliant.  She spells success in every way possible.  She is wise beyond her years, and doesn't sweat the small stuff.  Truly an old soul.  She's the most level headed girl I've ever known.  She keeps me grounded, and inspires me to just be better.  

Both of these girls are always down for everything.  I can always depend on them and they never let me down.

They are my go-to girls, the top of my Fave 5, and anything and everything a girl needs.  They have been so supportive through so much, and I can honestly say I'm a better person for having them both in my life.  They have inspired me, lifted me up, cried with me, and made me laugh until I was on the floor in hysterics.  I can always count on them for anything I need, whether it's a shoulder to cry on, a friend to go out to eat with, or someone to keep me in check when I'm contemplating a bad decision.  (Or push me over the edge when I'm considering a pricey new gift for myself.)  

If I'm thinking of going out with an ex, I'll get the famous line, "What would be the point of that?"  If I'm considering buying an ugly dress, I'll get, "I don't like that."  If it's a date I'm rehashing that didn't go so well, or I'm wondering about something a guy said, there's no hesitation with, "That's weird."  They'll call me out when I'm being ridiculous, and carry me when I'm feeling low.  Never in my life have I had friends that can be so honest, in such a non threatening way.  I truly feel safe with these girls.  (Even when I try to escape the city and keep it a secret, they can always figure me out, and never get mad at me.)  :)  

They are my truest friends here, that really just get me.  They're angels in my life.  

In so many ways they are so opposite, but they go together like peanut butter and chocolate, which is why it made perfect sense to write their post together.  If you don't know these girls you need to get to know them.  I laughed and cried while reading their answers.  They are so SO Maria and Britt.

I love you so much darlings!

What do you do in the city?

B: I work in the fashion office at Macy's.

M: I work too much most of the time.  I eat a lot too.

Where's your favorite place to go in the city?

B: Bryant Park

M: The temple-cheesy I know, but it is the truth.

(If you want a sweet story, ask Britt why.)

What would you do if you randomly had the day off work?

B: Go to brunch, shopping and then to a baseball game.

M: Sleep and then go to a matinee Broadway show.

(I think we need to arrange a day off sometime ladies.)

Living in NYC on a budget is tough; what's something on which you're willing to splurge?

B: Throwing parties and dinners for friends. Your friends really become your family here.

M: I have splurging problems.  I don't want to answer this.  :)  Whatever it is, it would cost $10,000.00.

(So true.  SO TRUE.  Hahahaha.)

If I could give you front row tickets to any concert, what would you pick?

B: Upgrade me to front row at B. Spears and I'll be your bff forever!

M: Coldplay-I totally got screwed out of tickets once, so I feel like I deserve to see them and get really awesome seats.

(B, I'm working on it.  And Maria's story?  I've heard it.  She does deserve them.)

If you only had time to watch one tv show a week, which would you choose?

B: 24.  Jack Bauer is hot!

M: How I Met Your Mother.  Love that show.

(B-Indeed!  M-Still never seen an epi.  Perhaps once we're roomies again?)

What makes for a perfect date?

B: Preparation and conversation that leads to laughing.

M: If he genuinely makes me laugh AND I'm attracted to him.  I'm easy to please.

(Guys, are you taking notes?)

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

B: I change clothes at least 5 times a day.

M: I'm kinda sensitive.

When you've had a really bad day what makes you feel better?

B: Dancing and Ben and Jerry's coffee heath bar crunch ice cream.

M: Hearing my mom's voice.

Who's your celebrity crush?

B: Older- Daniel Craig

Younger- Shia Labeouf

M: I'm lame-I don't have crushes.  I'm not lying.  I can never answer this question and I hate it that I can't answer.

(Maria, I so knew this would be your answer.  When we find you that guy that makes you twitterpaited we'll know he's the one.)

What are your dating pet peeves?

B: Vague-ness... use your words, men.

M: When the guy thinks he is smarter than me...he has been wrong every time...every time.

(Seriously guys....did I mention she's brilliant?)

What beauty product can you not live without?

B: Urban Decay eyeliner. It stays on forever!

M: Moisturizer

If you could change one thing about the male race what would it be?

B: Nothing. I like them the way they are.  I just wish I could understand their thought process.

M: I would make it so they could actually use complete sentences when conversations get serious.

What's your favorite comfort food?

B: Any kind of southern cookin': mashed potatoes, fried okra, BBQ...

M: Mac & Cheese

What is one trend you just never quite understood?

B: Black nail polish

M: Capris-even though I gave in a little bit myself.

What's your favorite restaurant in the city?

B: Kittichai on Thompson St. Great atmosphere for dinner.

M: Shake Shack-lame but true.

What book are you currently reading?

B: The Alchemist and Girls in Trucks

M: Dandeline Wine

You've got two round trip tickets anywhere in the world. Where do you go and who do you take?

B: Egypt (I've been dying to go!), and taking Shia Labeouf...duh.

M: I would take my sister to Greece-she has always wanted to go.

What three possessions do you value most?

B: My journals, my music, my pearl earrings

M: Laptop, bed, iPod

Who is someone who has changed or shaped your life for the better?

B: Ms. Folsom, for instilling in me a love for music and all performance art.

M: Mr. Perkins, a high school teacher of mine that supported my decision to go to college at the age of 15.  He gave the best advice.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

B: Life is not a race, so stop and smell the roses.

M: Don't stop dancing.  You are actually quite good.  It will be your only regret.  Oh yeah, and you will get kinda fat when you stop.  True statement.

(So NOT a true statement!!)

In your opinion, what is the most overrated thing about the city?

B: The nightlife. Going out can be fun, but 9 times out of 10, clubs are ghetto and shady.

M: Oh...so so many things.  Ummmm....best food in the world....notsomuch.

(B, SO true!)

What is a piece of modern technology that you could not live without?

B: My iPod

M: Phone

What do you know to be absolutely positively true?

B: "Kindness and compassion are never out of date or out of style."

M: I am a daughter of God.  He knows me, He loves me.

Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been?

B: Venice, Italy.

M: Hawaii-on a mountain top with my family, looking at the ocean.

What book should be required reading for every American?

B: The Travels of a T-shit in a Global Economy by Pietra Rivoli

M: To Kill a Mockingbird

What are you looking forward to?

B: Graduating 

M: Vacationing in Europe!

(Britt is not only full time employed, she's also a student at the prestigious FIT.)

What are three things on your "bucket list"?

B: Learn to make a Hawaiian quilt, travel to every continent, live a life that will inspire others.

M: Run a marathon, take a safari trip to South Africa, kiss all my grandkids' chubby baby cheeks.  I still want to be around to meet them all.

(B, you can check off number three.  M, I'll help you next year with number two.  And perhaps we can help each other with number one?  It's on my list as well.)

We had a great 4th.

How about you?

PS

Nad's birthday is the 4th, despite what the date says for the below post...

Meet my BFFS: Nad

Nadia, Madeline, and Brad

aka "Bradialine"

It's Nadia's birthday today!  Hip hip hooray!  I got to thinking about it, and even though all my siblings, and in-laws, have blogs, they're all much more humble than I, and rarely will talk about themselves.  I think this is so sad because, well, they're all really cool.  So to honor Nad on her birthday, I thought I would interview her so you all could learn a little more about her.

When reading her answers I found myself laughing out loud one minute, and tearing up a little the next.  This is exactly my relationship with Nadia.  When we get together we're always laughing, however at times we can have very deep conversations that might make me shed a tear or two (in a good way) and leave me always feeling closer to this sister-in-law of mine whom I'm so blessed to have in my life.  (Good job picking such a great one Brad.)  :)

Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading Nadia's interview as much as I did.

Happy birthday Nad!  I love you!  (And to everyone else, a happy 4th of July!)

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day would consist of being surrounded by the people I love. Of course, we would spend the day at my summer home in Greece, swimming and sailing in turquoise water, then lunch with the locals and off to the Hellenic Festival, for theater and dancing…

If I could give you front row tickets to any concert, what would you pick?

Until a few days ago it would have been Michael Jackson – without a doubt. Now that that’s not an option, I still love Brit. So I guess Brittney Spears.

If you only had time to watch one tv show a week, which would you choose? 

TMZ

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

I hate surprises, I know it sounds weird. It’s not like I don’t like the “surprise I got you a gift, for no reason” it’s the surprises that need planning – visitors, trips… also, I’ve realized half the time I don’t even know what I want, so I’m very hard to buy for. It takes a special person to know what I will like.

(Except of course visitors from New York showing up on your doorstep, right?:)

When you've had a really bad day what makes you feel better?

A cozy blanket and a good movie or book.

Who's your celebrity crush?

Bear Grylls but that’s no surprise. Sooo I’ll add another - Christian Bale.

What beauty product can you not live without?

Just one?? How about 3 - Mascara, lip stuff and lotion

What's one of your guiltiest pleasures?

I’ll give you two, one for the tummy and one for the funny bone. See’s Chocolate and Katie and Peter, if you don’t know it you are better off – trust me.

If you could change one thing about the male race what would it be?

I wouldn’t mind if they took a little better care of their feet. A quick pedi wouldn’t hurt.

You've been married for five years. Is there anything that still surprises you? Or would you say you and Brad are perfectly predictable?

Well, of course there are always surprises. I think on the outside looking in we are pretty predictable, but we have our little quirks just like everyone else.

What's your favorite comfort food?

Carbs – Is that a food?

I love bread, potatoes…all that stuff. And I’m always up for a lil Mexican Food. LOL, for real I LOVE Mexican.

What is one trend you just never quite understood? 

Skinny jeans for guys …

(Amen!)

What's one of your favorite things about living in Boston?

The Red Sox, not just the team but the games, the players and the people who cheer for the team. Those people make the Red Sox who they are. The people here are amazing. If you have never been to a game at Fenway Park I highly suggest it. It’s an awesome experience whether you like the teams that are playing or not. 

What's your favorite part about being a mom?

Being a mom is the thing that brings me the most happiness I have ever known. One of my favorite things is seeing the world through Maddie’s eyes. Everything is so new and exciting.

What book are you currently reading?

Beyond the Myth: The Story of Joan of Arc (plus a few others on the side.)

What is a piece of modern technology that you could not live without? 

Computer (we have a love hate relationship) oooh and my camera!!

Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been?

Costa Rica - The Rain Forest.

What book should be required reading for every American?

Oh man, I love to read! I cant possibly pick one. Follow the River by James Alexander, The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

You've got two roundtrip tickets anywhere in the world. Where do you go and who do you take?

Ummm, ok can I make a few stops with those tickets?  I would go all over Europe, Africa, Egypt, Greece and Peru (and I mean anywhere and everywhere.)  And I would take Brad.

What three material possessions do you value most?

My wedding ring, because it’s from my sweetheart. A life time worth of pictures; But most of all, recent gift from my dad that his dad (my Grandpa) had given to my Grandma at a very special time in their lives. Both my Grandparents are gone now which is part of the reason I value this more then anything.

What are you looking forward to?

Learning and having as many new experiences as I can, and watching my kids grow up.

What are three things on your "bucket list"?

Skydive, bungee jump and travel to as many countries as possible. I’m trying to talk Brad into “the ticket around the world” (and yes there really is such a thing.)

(I may join you on that round the world ticket, I've been checking those out as well!  I'm obsessed.)

Who is someone who has changed or shaped your life for the better?

My daughter Madeline. I’m not the same person I once was. Being a mom has changed me in a hundred ways, and I wouldn’t change any of them. Also my mom, I could go on for days about her but instead I'll just say, if I can be half the mom she is to me I will know I have given my kids the best of me.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t worry so much about what other people think. Take care of yourself and the people you love and the rest will work it self out.

What do you know to be absolutely positively true?

I know that if I live this life to the best of my ability I can be with my family for all eternity. Nothing makes me happier than knowing the people I love will never be very far away.

"It looks like Armageddon out here."

That's a direct quote from a coworker when we walked out of the office to this:


That same coworker said four hours earlier, "It's a ten outside!" It was that gorgeous.
What's UP with this weather???


Not to mention, I'm currently on a bus headed to Bean Town and THIS is the traffic. Me no likey.
Before the bus even pulled away I received two emails from MegaBus saying to expect delays because of the heavy traffic caused by "several" accidents. Awesome.
Happy 4th!!

Sigh.

I came across this ridiculous picture tonight and it really made me miss my long hair.  I feel like my hair has quit growing recently.  :(  (And it also sorta made me wonder if I should lighten my hair a bit?  Haven't touched the color since 2004, but it looks lighter here.....maybe I'm just bored?  Reagan, your thoughts?)

Can't. Get. Enough.

Yes, I'm that aunt.  The one who thinks (knows) her nieces and nephews are the cutest in the entire world.  Yup.  

I'm headed to Bean Town tomorrow.  I just can't get enough of this curly headed darling.  I mean really, is there anything more presh?

I cannot resist her.

Mad loves the Pink Panther.

Not to mention this darling who's also irresistible.  Guys, she's single.  Be nice and I might introduce you.  (Or if you play your cards right you just might get yourself a Rachel sandwich.)

Can't wait to see you my favorite little New Mexican!

I feel like so much has happened but I just can't make time for blogging.  Remember that time I went to Australia three (three!!) months ago?  I'll finish blogging it soon.  In the mean time, here's what else has happened:

• Duck Beach
• Boston trips
• Girls' weekends
• I had a birthday
• My love Megan Marshall got engaged!!! and asked me to be a bridesmaid (such an honor if you know Meg, she's got more friends than anyone I know.)  Can't even wait for June 2010!
• Found an apartment-hurray!!
• Dreamt up more vacations

Hopefully I'll have time to bloggity blog more soon.

Meg and Rae Jan 2007

Gorilla pod giveaway!

So my new favorite blog is doing a giveaway!  I've actually never entered a blog giveaway before, but I've really been wanting one of these cool contraptions for a while, and, well, I really love this blog so I wanted to promote it as well.

In this contest the blog author (blauthor?) asked everyone their favorite part of July 4th.  It got me curious, what's your favorite part of the 4th?  

And don't forget to get your slice of pink!