Our fun family trip to Phoenix and Vegas was everything we hoped it would be...except restful! But we went and went and went...
I'm typing this from the comfort of our couch, with a small, thankful Houdini curled up next to me. Steinvic stays in Phoenix for a few more days...he's got way more vacation time than I do and this way, he can take in some Spring Training with the Reds.
We had a family get together at a cousin's house our second day in town, then headed to Vegas on Monday. That night, we got a feel for town, showed Young Man some of our favorite spots and plotted the next few days.
Tuesday, Steinvic had arranged for a massage for me in the spa - 80 minutes! WOW! When I got back, he and Young Man had purchased Beatleshow tickets for the three of us, as we'd purchased tickets for our aunt and uncle (who we always stay with) for George Wallace's show, so we all had something fun to do. We were all pleased - the Beatleshow was great and Young Man really liked it. Our Uncle had always wanted to see George Wallace, and we'd scored them "VIP" tickets, so they got to sit at a table down front. They said the show was awesome and were still laughing about it yesterday.
Wednesday, we ventured to downtown Las Vegas and Young Man, Steinvic and I ziplined down Fremont Street! Totally cool!!!!!! Later, back on The Strip, we convinced Young Man to ride the roller coaster atop New York, New York...Steinvic and I wimped out, but Young Man was up for the adventure and loved it.
Thursday, back home to Phoenix...Friday, seeing the family one last time, and Young Man and I headed back home this morning...I just drove back from Columbus this evening.
I have to say, I ate very healthily on our trip. While the cocktails had me above my ideal calories per my experiment, I still think I did pretty well, and tomorrow, I'm back on the bike. I'd lost 13.5 pounds altogether before we left, and I feel like I can keep doing what I need to so that the next time we're on vacation, I'll look and feel my best.
I miss everyone - especially Steinvic - already. It feels great to be home with Houdini, but it's never quite as much of a home without us all here... Just a matter of time.
Here's to a great vacation, lots of smiling, laughs, fun memories...and many more!
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, July 8, 2011
Chicago
Steinvic and I had a great time this week in Chicago. We left Sunday afternoon and returned Wednesday night. While my feet are still tender from all the walking we did while we were in the Windy City, and I still haven't caught up on sleep, it was all worth it and we had a fantastic time.
I'll give you the highlights here, and later, I'll post about how we got there.
We stayed at The Seneca. I'd call this hotel a well-kept secret. It's an older hotel, but is conveniently located next to everything, and is very tidy and nicely maintained. The staff is friendly and our room was VERY affordable, especially considering we were there on a holiday weekend and that the Taste of Chicago was also going on. Our suite was huge - king sized bed, giant closets (with a safe...very handy), a living room, dining area and full kitchen. The television sets were a little outdated, but they had LOTS of channels to choose from, including 3 HBO stations (and who goes to Chicago to watch television anyway?!) We met a nice fellow on the sun roof who told us about how he and his wife rented an apartment there three days a week, several months out of the year, and I could see them being pretty comfortable if their apartment was like our suite...everything you needed was right there. We also ate in the cafe there and it was good: small, casual, good variety on their home-cookin' style menu for such a small restaurant (it's also where we heard the unfortunate verdict in the Casey Anthony trial). There are also more upscale restaurants in the hotel, but we didn't go that route.
We found Dublin's Bar and Grill on our first night and I am not sure if we were starving or if they didn't have the best bites around. We each had a bowl of Manhattan clam chowder and shared an appetizer - lobster ravioli - and we were very pleased. (I can't seem to get through to their website, but it's on State Street if you wanna go!)
We spent lots of time at Navy Pier...we always do! A favorite spot to have drinks or grab a bite is Harry Caray's. We walk and walk, to the pier from wherever we're staying, along the pier to look at the water and watch the boats come in and go out. We actually took a water taxi from the pier to Soldier Field, where the U2 concert was held, and that is the way to travel for sure!
The concert was AWESOME and they played and played and played. I'm not sure if they were making up for the delayed show (originally planned for last summer, but Bono broke his back in Germany and many tour dates were postponed) or what, but that concert seemed a good bit longer than the other two we've seen on this 360 tour. Bono wore his leather jacket the entire time, and I asked Steinvic if he thought that Bono had air conditioning piped into his jacket because it was freaking hot out, and I can only imagine that the stage lights made it even hotter for the band. Anyway, it was kind of cool for us because this tour was the same tour when we got engaged back in 2009...so it was sweet and sentimental to hear Beautiful Day and remember how Steinvic proposed.
Leaving the concert was something else altogether...the opposite of sweet! Imagine some 60,000 buzzed and/or tired people all leaving the concert at the same time on foot, lumbering through the awkward paths that security had set up for them. It's like...11:30 at night, dark, and we're faaaaar away from our hotel. We probably walked a couple of miles before wising up and crossing the street, hailing a cab originally headed in the opposite direction. Our cabby was kind, but wanted to talk politics and I wasn't feeling it at that point in the evening! But we politely chatted and prayed our hotel would appear soon...it did and we fell into bed after 12:30. Big day!
Everyone always wants to eat at Gino's or Giordano's (or both) for deep dish pizza when they visit Chicago. Nothing wrong with that...you should try it if you haven't! But you will wait and wait to be seated. Like not 45 minutes...we're talking hours at peak times. Some feel it is worth the wait. Since we've eaten at both places several times on previous visits, we weren't feeling the wait. We were just kind of wandering around and came upon Pizano's. Steinvic wondered if they had deep dish pizza and I whipped out my phone and checked online and indeed, they did. We decided to check it out...and if you're ever in Chicago, you should, too. DELICIOUS pizza. Our server boasted that his 92-year-old mother walked a mile-and-a-half, three days a week, to come make their dough. Could be a legend, could be fact, but no matter what, the food and service were awesome. And no wait! Looked like more local folks than tourists to me. We will be back!
A favorite bar we enjoy while we're in town is Pippin's. They don't have a website, but it's on Rush Street. We like it because it's not pretentious, they have lots of good beer and booze there, and during happy hour, it's darned affordable (Absolute Citron and soda for me and a beer for Steinvic cost $7, which is nearly unheard of here in Ohio, much less in touristy Chicago.) The folks who work there are pretty nice, too, and we've always ended up meeting some nice couple or chatting with other like-minded visitors who want something low key.
If you need to get out of the heat (or cold, depending on when you visit), there is a lovely AMC theater right down the street from Navy Pier. We saw Bridesmaids and chuckled a lot. See it if you haven't! You can also bowl at the Lucky Strike nestled into the same complex, but we didn't because we felt it was kind of pricey (came out to $40 for us to bowl and rent shoes, which seemed a little high, and we weren't that interested in bowling anyway...) but if you're into bowling, you might want to check it out.
In a nutshell, that was our whirlwind tour of Chicago. It was wonderful! (I will post a few photos later...) We returned to a very wriggly, happy puppy and as great of a time as we had, it feels great to be home.
I'll give you the highlights here, and later, I'll post about how we got there.
We stayed at The Seneca. I'd call this hotel a well-kept secret. It's an older hotel, but is conveniently located next to everything, and is very tidy and nicely maintained. The staff is friendly and our room was VERY affordable, especially considering we were there on a holiday weekend and that the Taste of Chicago was also going on. Our suite was huge - king sized bed, giant closets (with a safe...very handy), a living room, dining area and full kitchen. The television sets were a little outdated, but they had LOTS of channels to choose from, including 3 HBO stations (and who goes to Chicago to watch television anyway?!) We met a nice fellow on the sun roof who told us about how he and his wife rented an apartment there three days a week, several months out of the year, and I could see them being pretty comfortable if their apartment was like our suite...everything you needed was right there. We also ate in the cafe there and it was good: small, casual, good variety on their home-cookin' style menu for such a small restaurant (it's also where we heard the unfortunate verdict in the Casey Anthony trial). There are also more upscale restaurants in the hotel, but we didn't go that route.
We found Dublin's Bar and Grill on our first night and I am not sure if we were starving or if they didn't have the best bites around. We each had a bowl of Manhattan clam chowder and shared an appetizer - lobster ravioli - and we were very pleased. (I can't seem to get through to their website, but it's on State Street if you wanna go!)
We spent lots of time at Navy Pier...we always do! A favorite spot to have drinks or grab a bite is Harry Caray's. We walk and walk, to the pier from wherever we're staying, along the pier to look at the water and watch the boats come in and go out. We actually took a water taxi from the pier to Soldier Field, where the U2 concert was held, and that is the way to travel for sure!
The concert was AWESOME and they played and played and played. I'm not sure if they were making up for the delayed show (originally planned for last summer, but Bono broke his back in Germany and many tour dates were postponed) or what, but that concert seemed a good bit longer than the other two we've seen on this 360 tour. Bono wore his leather jacket the entire time, and I asked Steinvic if he thought that Bono had air conditioning piped into his jacket because it was freaking hot out, and I can only imagine that the stage lights made it even hotter for the band. Anyway, it was kind of cool for us because this tour was the same tour when we got engaged back in 2009...so it was sweet and sentimental to hear Beautiful Day and remember how Steinvic proposed.
Leaving the concert was something else altogether...the opposite of sweet! Imagine some 60,000 buzzed and/or tired people all leaving the concert at the same time on foot, lumbering through the awkward paths that security had set up for them. It's like...11:30 at night, dark, and we're faaaaar away from our hotel. We probably walked a couple of miles before wising up and crossing the street, hailing a cab originally headed in the opposite direction. Our cabby was kind, but wanted to talk politics and I wasn't feeling it at that point in the evening! But we politely chatted and prayed our hotel would appear soon...it did and we fell into bed after 12:30. Big day!
Everyone always wants to eat at Gino's or Giordano's (or both) for deep dish pizza when they visit Chicago. Nothing wrong with that...you should try it if you haven't! But you will wait and wait to be seated. Like not 45 minutes...we're talking hours at peak times. Some feel it is worth the wait. Since we've eaten at both places several times on previous visits, we weren't feeling the wait. We were just kind of wandering around and came upon Pizano's. Steinvic wondered if they had deep dish pizza and I whipped out my phone and checked online and indeed, they did. We decided to check it out...and if you're ever in Chicago, you should, too. DELICIOUS pizza. Our server boasted that his 92-year-old mother walked a mile-and-a-half, three days a week, to come make their dough. Could be a legend, could be fact, but no matter what, the food and service were awesome. And no wait! Looked like more local folks than tourists to me. We will be back!
A favorite bar we enjoy while we're in town is Pippin's. They don't have a website, but it's on Rush Street. We like it because it's not pretentious, they have lots of good beer and booze there, and during happy hour, it's darned affordable (Absolute Citron and soda for me and a beer for Steinvic cost $7, which is nearly unheard of here in Ohio, much less in touristy Chicago.) The folks who work there are pretty nice, too, and we've always ended up meeting some nice couple or chatting with other like-minded visitors who want something low key.
If you need to get out of the heat (or cold, depending on when you visit), there is a lovely AMC theater right down the street from Navy Pier. We saw Bridesmaids and chuckled a lot. See it if you haven't! You can also bowl at the Lucky Strike nestled into the same complex, but we didn't because we felt it was kind of pricey (came out to $40 for us to bowl and rent shoes, which seemed a little high, and we weren't that interested in bowling anyway...) but if you're into bowling, you might want to check it out.
In a nutshell, that was our whirlwind tour of Chicago. It was wonderful! (I will post a few photos later...) We returned to a very wriggly, happy puppy and as great of a time as we had, it feels great to be home.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Home Again
We are back in town, babies...honeymoon supposedly over, winter upon us, Ohio time and jet lag a reality. I have to work in the morning, but Steinvic wisely took tomorrow off. After all, it is always the day after the day after our return home that kicks our hineys with the time change...
We had a great time and it is hard to believe that it's over... The family time is always the best part. We had a rocking party with the aunts, uncles and cousins the night before we left and that made the flight back a little rough. But all worth it...we will all remember the photos, the drinks and good conversation.
Tomorrow is a new day. Tonight is tortellini, homemade sauce, laundry and getting organized. And thinking about our good fortune. We have plenty to be thankful for...
We had a great time and it is hard to believe that it's over... The family time is always the best part. We had a rocking party with the aunts, uncles and cousins the night before we left and that made the flight back a little rough. But all worth it...we will all remember the photos, the drinks and good conversation.
Tomorrow is a new day. Tonight is tortellini, homemade sauce, laundry and getting organized. And thinking about our good fortune. We have plenty to be thankful for...
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
This is Perfect
We are here! I'm sitting here on our second real day at the beach, wearing my swim suits and coordinating shorts and hat (because that is how I roll) waiting for Steinvic & Son to wake up...
So far, all has been perfect! We arrived on Sunday afternoon, checked in and unloaded the car.
And, we walked down to the beach...it was still there, majestic and constant, and it missed me...I could tell.
We drove up to Alvin's Island to buy Young Man swim trunks and flip flops (oops - forgot) and a hat for me (oops - forgot) and then to the grocery store for supplies and to the booze store for even more supplies. Really, for a tourist trap, it wasn't too bad - hat, flip flops, trunks, water ball, three coozies and a free beach bag - $50.
As a reward for all our hard work, we went to McQuire's - a place that quickly became one of Steinvic's and my favorite spots when we were here years ago. It was as fun and good and interesting as the last time we were there, and of course, it's fun to show Young Man all the things we liked so much.
Yesterday, we woke, scarfed breakfast and hit the beach. Then the pool. Then out for a bit and lots of laziness, basketball, and chilling in between.
And now, I'm ready to do it all again. (If the boys ever wake up!)
Photos soon...just haven't taken as many pics as I thought I would! But the week is still young...
So far, all has been perfect! We arrived on Sunday afternoon, checked in and unloaded the car.
And, we walked down to the beach...it was still there, majestic and constant, and it missed me...I could tell.
We drove up to Alvin's Island to buy Young Man swim trunks and flip flops (oops - forgot) and a hat for me (oops - forgot) and then to the grocery store for supplies and to the booze store for even more supplies. Really, for a tourist trap, it wasn't too bad - hat, flip flops, trunks, water ball, three coozies and a free beach bag - $50.
As a reward for all our hard work, we went to McQuire's - a place that quickly became one of Steinvic's and my favorite spots when we were here years ago. It was as fun and good and interesting as the last time we were there, and of course, it's fun to show Young Man all the things we liked so much.
Yesterday, we woke, scarfed breakfast and hit the beach. Then the pool. Then out for a bit and lots of laziness, basketball, and chilling in between.
And now, I'm ready to do it all again. (If the boys ever wake up!)
Photos soon...just haven't taken as many pics as I thought I would! But the week is still young...
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Well On Our Way...
We're in a hotel room outside of Birmingham, Alabama. "We" includes me, Steinvic and Young Man. Young Man's friend flaked at the last minute, so it's just us three.
At first, I thought, "Crap...Young Man is going to be bored to tears the whole time, hanging out with 'just us.'"
And now that we're on our way, eight hours in, I'm happy that it's just us three. Young Man and I caught up on music, work, cars, society and all that on the way down. Steinvic hopped in back for the last third of the day and Young Man and I chattered away...before that we'd been yammering from the front/back seats.
Because I drove the whole 8 hours today! And I probably could have kept going, but I suddenly felt ready to get out of the car. Still, it was the easiest 8 hours in the car I've ever had.
Maybe it's because I'm so ready for this break.
Maybe it's because I'm so excited to share this place with Steinvic and Young Man.
Maybe it's becaus so often, I'm not in control of anything in my world, but this is a chance for me to have a heroine moment, where I can do something really great for the people I love most.
No matter the reason - let's not analyze it - we're about 4 hours away from our beach destination. We're going to take our time getting there, but by 3 tomorrow, we'll be there, checked in, comfortable, and taking in the beauty of a beach that I LOVE.
I'll let you know how it is when we get there...pictures and all.
At first, I thought, "Crap...Young Man is going to be bored to tears the whole time, hanging out with 'just us.'"
And now that we're on our way, eight hours in, I'm happy that it's just us three. Young Man and I caught up on music, work, cars, society and all that on the way down. Steinvic hopped in back for the last third of the day and Young Man and I chattered away...before that we'd been yammering from the front/back seats.
Because I drove the whole 8 hours today! And I probably could have kept going, but I suddenly felt ready to get out of the car. Still, it was the easiest 8 hours in the car I've ever had.
Maybe it's because I'm so ready for this break.
Maybe it's because I'm so excited to share this place with Steinvic and Young Man.
Maybe it's becaus so often, I'm not in control of anything in my world, but this is a chance for me to have a heroine moment, where I can do something really great for the people I love most.
No matter the reason - let's not analyze it - we're about 4 hours away from our beach destination. We're going to take our time getting there, but by 3 tomorrow, we'll be there, checked in, comfortable, and taking in the beauty of a beach that I LOVE.
I'll let you know how it is when we get there...pictures and all.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Numbers...
Tonight, I'll finish packing, clean the house a little, load everything in the car...and then become a nervous wreck. Oh, I know...everything will be fine. I know this. Heck, I'm commuting most every other week...I'm used to packing and traveling, right?
Truth is, I don't know why I get so wiggy right before going on vacation. I will be fine once I get to Columbus and to Steinvic, but the next 24 hours is critical. I make lists. I check things off of them. I make more.
This time tomorrow, all my stuff will be packed and I'll be counting down the minutes to leaving work.
And then I'll be off for 12 days. TWELVE. I have not had this much time off since I was a 17-year old.
Twelve days with Steinvic. Twelve! In a row! Such a treat.
We'll see U2 twice while we're away. That is a luxury.
We'll return to Las Vegas for what I'm guessing is my ninth time there. (I'll have to think about that...nine?)
We'll be in Arizona for most of our time and we'll spend it with family. Precious, wonderful, real people who I absolutely love. Steinvic is not only a great person...he comes from great people. I can't wait to see them all and hug them all.
I'll get to play with two of the best dogs ever. They are so much fun!
So, I think all of this will add up to an awesome vacation. I can hardly wait!
Truth is, I don't know why I get so wiggy right before going on vacation. I will be fine once I get to Columbus and to Steinvic, but the next 24 hours is critical. I make lists. I check things off of them. I make more.
This time tomorrow, all my stuff will be packed and I'll be counting down the minutes to leaving work.
And then I'll be off for 12 days. TWELVE. I have not had this much time off since I was a 17-year old.
Twelve days with Steinvic. Twelve! In a row! Such a treat.
We'll see U2 twice while we're away. That is a luxury.
We'll return to Las Vegas for what I'm guessing is my ninth time there. (I'll have to think about that...nine?)
We'll be in Arizona for most of our time and we'll spend it with family. Precious, wonderful, real people who I absolutely love. Steinvic is not only a great person...he comes from great people. I can't wait to see them all and hug them all.
I'll get to play with two of the best dogs ever. They are so much fun!
So, I think all of this will add up to an awesome vacation. I can hardly wait!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Listing...
Howdy! Long time no post...didn't mean to be gone for a whole week but somehow, it happened. So, let's see...
1. Our neighbor, Virginia, is moving today. I would go over to help, but part of me feels that would only make things easier on her selfish son and his horrible wife, so I am letting them handle it. I went to see her this week and took her the most beautiful calalilly and took her little dog a new stuffed friend to beat up on. We had a nice visit, even though her son and his wife were there. It pained me to shake her hand and be nice to a person who thought that Virginia should live in subsidized housing so that she could move into the unit...I'll think of that every time I see her ugly, stupid face. (wow, that sounded really mean...oh well. It's how I feel. She sucks.) I told Virginia I'd see her soon...her daughter's new place is about a five minute drive from here so I will be sure to keep in touch. She is a precious lady.
2. I am so very bothered by the Annie Le disappearance. I can only imagine how very frightened and frantic her fiance and family must be right now. I read this morning that the police were questioning a professor who abruptly called off class right around the time of the mysterious alarm/evacuation and Annie Le's disappearance. I hope they find her alive but I don't know...with each day that passes, that seems more unlikely. Prayers...
3. Not even talking about political beliefs, but I think Obama did a rockin' job this week when he introduced his proposed health care plan. It has to be really tough to try to combine so many different philosophies and opinions and I think he's doing a nice job of trying to unify the parties and find a solution. That Wilson shouted out "You're a liar" in the middle of Obama's speech is pathetic. I think Wilson is clearly overly emotional and unable to control himself, which makes me feel that he is not qualified to lead or make decisions. He should resign. And for all the Obama haters who think his outburst is funny or that it's a freedom of speech issue, um...no. There is a difference between freedom of speech and being a rude a-hole. If someone shouted, "I used to bang your daughter!" during her wedding ceremony, is it freedom of speech or just wholly inappropriate? I think you might see my point.
4. Steinvic and I have been battling colds for more than a week. We're finally getting better. Also, I have been trying the hoodia supplement. When I take it, I feel completely unhungry within about five minutes. I don't think it's psychological, because when I'm hungry, I'm hungry, flat out. I am also doing the stepper or walking every day. Determined to look my best by the holidays!
5. Our friend, J, came out and blew off some steam with us last night at our local. We even came back here and ate pizza and chilled for a bit and it was a really fun night. (J, if you're reading, I hope you didn't have a hangover today...and look! I'm posting!)
6. Steinvic scored us some butt cheap airfare for our trip out west next month! (Thank you, Steinvic!) The only thing was that the best rates included a day that I hadn't requested off, but we took the chance and bought the airfare and fortunately, my boss approved the extra day. We're going to be gone for TWELVE DAYS!!! This is officially the longest vacation I've ever taken in my whole life. I'm totally excited. We'll be in Glendale and in Vegas, seeing U2 twice and visiting family. It's going to be awesome.
I think that's enough of a catch up, don't you! I won't be gone so long next time...for reals...
1. Our neighbor, Virginia, is moving today. I would go over to help, but part of me feels that would only make things easier on her selfish son and his horrible wife, so I am letting them handle it. I went to see her this week and took her the most beautiful calalilly and took her little dog a new stuffed friend to beat up on. We had a nice visit, even though her son and his wife were there. It pained me to shake her hand and be nice to a person who thought that Virginia should live in subsidized housing so that she could move into the unit...I'll think of that every time I see her ugly, stupid face. (wow, that sounded really mean...oh well. It's how I feel. She sucks.) I told Virginia I'd see her soon...her daughter's new place is about a five minute drive from here so I will be sure to keep in touch. She is a precious lady.
2. I am so very bothered by the Annie Le disappearance. I can only imagine how very frightened and frantic her fiance and family must be right now. I read this morning that the police were questioning a professor who abruptly called off class right around the time of the mysterious alarm/evacuation and Annie Le's disappearance. I hope they find her alive but I don't know...with each day that passes, that seems more unlikely. Prayers...
3. Not even talking about political beliefs, but I think Obama did a rockin' job this week when he introduced his proposed health care plan. It has to be really tough to try to combine so many different philosophies and opinions and I think he's doing a nice job of trying to unify the parties and find a solution. That Wilson shouted out "You're a liar" in the middle of Obama's speech is pathetic. I think Wilson is clearly overly emotional and unable to control himself, which makes me feel that he is not qualified to lead or make decisions. He should resign. And for all the Obama haters who think his outburst is funny or that it's a freedom of speech issue, um...no. There is a difference between freedom of speech and being a rude a-hole. If someone shouted, "I used to bang your daughter!" during her wedding ceremony, is it freedom of speech or just wholly inappropriate? I think you might see my point.
4. Steinvic and I have been battling colds for more than a week. We're finally getting better. Also, I have been trying the hoodia supplement. When I take it, I feel completely unhungry within about five minutes. I don't think it's psychological, because when I'm hungry, I'm hungry, flat out. I am also doing the stepper or walking every day. Determined to look my best by the holidays!
5. Our friend, J, came out and blew off some steam with us last night at our local. We even came back here and ate pizza and chilled for a bit and it was a really fun night. (J, if you're reading, I hope you didn't have a hangover today...and look! I'm posting!)
6. Steinvic scored us some butt cheap airfare for our trip out west next month! (Thank you, Steinvic!) The only thing was that the best rates included a day that I hadn't requested off, but we took the chance and bought the airfare and fortunately, my boss approved the extra day. We're going to be gone for TWELVE DAYS!!! This is officially the longest vacation I've ever taken in my whole life. I'm totally excited. We'll be in Glendale and in Vegas, seeing U2 twice and visiting family. It's going to be awesome.
I think that's enough of a catch up, don't you! I won't be gone so long next time...for reals...
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