tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47922047945627196562024-02-07T19:44:20.464-06:00Acting AdultLife as a not-so-newly married actor gearing up to send husband to law school and planning our lives down to a perfect color-coordinated "T"Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.comBlogger442125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-38184644589817941712013-02-20T20:14:00.001-06:002013-02-20T20:14:20.940-06:00One Journey Ends as Another Begins<p>You may have noticed that things have been quiet around this blog for the past few months. I have popped in now and again but mostly, there haven’t been as frequent a posting here as I would have liked. </p> <p>Yes, it’s because work is crazy. Yes, it’s because my husband finished his last semester in law school in December and is working on studying for the bar at the end of the month. Yes, it’s because we’re getting ready for him to start his big boy job in March.</p> <p>But mostly? Every time I sat down to write something on here, it felt strange to be writing as an actor when I haven’t even been to an audition in over two years (or longer). I took a <a href="http://www.actingadult.blogspot.com/2010/11/feeling-of-relief.html">sabbatical back in 2010</a> and never really got back into it, given all the events at work and things going on in our lives. </p> <p>I want to write again. I want to share the ridiculous stories that are a sometimes daily occurrence around me.</p> <p>So I’m starting another journey as my husband ends his law school journey and goes into the real world. I’m ending this blog and starting again at <a href="http://www.wantingadventure.blogspot.com">www.wantingadventure.blogspot.com</a>. That seems to be a better fit for this stage of our lives.</p> <p>I hope that you’ll join me over there and follow along on my adventures!</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-11506299348921329692013-02-07T21:18:00.001-06:002013-02-07T21:18:52.775-06:00Blogging Meets Real Life<p>I did something last week that I never thought I was going to do.</p> <p>I met a blog friend. Sara from <a href="http://runninglawyer.blogspot.com/">Running with the Law</a> is a fellow Billiken so I knew we’d get along famously. We met for drinks after work – her from her law job and me from a crazy day of events.</p> <p>I’m not quite sure what I expected but having drinks with Sara was the highlight of my week. I thought we’d have nothing to talk about, that it would get awkward but it absolutely didn’t! We chatted for a while and then she had to run home to say goodnight to her lovely little man, Mac. Seriously, how did she even steal a few minutes away from <a href="http://runninglawyer.blogspot.com/2013/01/baby-mac-7-and-8-months.html">this little guy</a> to hang out with me?</p> <p>My first blog friend meet up went great, so here’s hoping to more of the same! Sara and I would love to get together with the husbands sometime – of course, we’re going to have to wait until AFTER the bar exam at the end of the month. That’s taking up quite a bit of Husband’s time, for some reason! Hehe.</p> <p>In fact, I just bought tickets for the boy band concert in June. Me, NKOTB, 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men – me and Sonya from <a href="http://adayinthelifesonya.blogspot.com/">A Day in the Life</a> are gonna rock out in section 303 in the nosebleeds! I cannot WAIT to see this concert and meeting her for the first time to watch it is going to be even better.</p> <p>I started this blog to connect with people. Even though I haven’t been able to update as much as I would like, I love that I have been able to take the online connection into the real world with friends like Sara and Sonya. It’s like we’ve known each other for years, because I’ve been reading their blogs almost daily for that long.</p> <p>What a neat thing this internet is.</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-22895557233694217912013-01-28T21:06:00.001-06:002013-01-28T21:06:20.592-06:00I’m in Love…<p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DVpVBs5Mlwc/UQc8pz9400I/AAAAAAAAEsk/sC3zn51MdzM/s1600-h/01-26-2013%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="01-26-2013" border="0" alt="01-26-2013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jlDnWIXmoAs/UQc8quCPI4I/AAAAAAAAEss/flUEzqi4TMU/01-26-2013_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="left">… with a scent. </p> <p align="left">That is, the Sandalwood essential oil scent in the Art of Shaving starter pack.</p> <p align="left">Husband decided that he wanted to start using some better shaving elements than his cartridge razor and gel shaving cream. He’s going to be shaving most days for his new job, and having a shaving routine that’s better for his skin is probably a good idea!</p> <p align="left">We had been to the Art of Shaving in the Galleria before for gifts and he wanted to check it out over the weekend. We walked out with a sample kit for about $20 and the thought we might be back for the bigger kit.</p> <p align="left">At home, he opened up the package and got everything set up. I sat next to the sink and just watched him shave. First, the essential oil was rubbed over his beard to soften the bristles and add a layer of protection against the razor. With that added, the razor glides over the skin and removes the hair, leaving the top layer of skin – which is a good thing! Second, he used the brush (not shown) to lather up and add the cream over his beard. LOTS of lather and it was everywhere. An amazing white beard he got to play with! It was really quite amusing. ;) </p> <p align="left">Then the shaving part happens. I’m kind of impressed by how he does that. It’s crazy to watch! Slowly, the beard and white foam disappeared and a clean shaven husband was left in his place. He added the moisturizer at the end and then beckoned me to come feel his shaven face.</p> <p align="left">And oh. my. goodness. I’m in love. I mean, I love my husband, of course. After 5.5. years, I would hope that’s still the case! But after he shaved with this stuff? I wanted to go out immediately to get him the full set, with a fancy badger brush for the lather and the safety razor he wanted to use instead of the cartridge razor. Because damn. I sure I do love my husband even more after that shave! So amazingly clean shaven and yummy smelling… Damn.</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-84767380922765022512013-01-07T09:31:00.000-06:002013-01-07T09:31:00.134-06:00Line Etiquette<p>So let’s say that you’re in line at the Container Store one Friday night after wandering around for hours finding the perfect hanger and other awesome things at your favorite store.</p> <p>There’s only one employee on a check out line and she calls for back up. You’ve lined up sort of behind the one person ahead of you that she’s checking out at the moment, and wait for the additional employees.</p> <p>Another customer comes up with their soon-to-be purchases right when the new employee opens up a check out line across from the one you’re in. You could slide two feet to the left and be in that newly-opened line.</p> <p>Yes, the other customer takes it upon themselves to walk to the new employee and check out. And doesn’t seem to think that’s a problem.</p> <p>This begs the question – when you’re in line, do you stand in line for the actual check out person or do you stand in a general line for multiple check outs and the first one that opens up is where you go? I am definitely a fan of standing in one and waiting for the next available cashier. It seems much easier and makes more sense for the I-can’t-choose-the-shortest-line-at-check-out-to-save-my-life me. </p> <p>Or am I the weird one?</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-31644975297082862602013-01-04T18:09:00.001-06:002013-01-04T18:09:47.804-06:00The Ending of 2012 Begins 2013<p>This holiday season, Husband and I were spoiled, completely and utterly.</p> <p>We were spoiled with my nephew’s first Christmas…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sQ5iIaCyEyw/UOduTKaBC3I/AAAAAAAAEos/hFYUk8MDkkw/s1600-h/image%25255B36%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KLiRL61bCp0/UOduUBjUkbI/AAAAAAAAEo0/XZksfRhhkjw/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p>We were spoiled by my in-laws…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-41LG7YCwvnk/UOduY_KiUZI/AAAAAAAAEo8/iYTrUFpbgho/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MZ6U6DBT8ps/UOduZp1qokI/AAAAAAAAEpE/jnruN1-ifP4/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>We were spoiled with the love of a new family…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4rjyPsN2TpQ/UOdueZA-P8I/AAAAAAAAEpM/dTvIxxKBVD0/s1600-h/image%25255B37%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-maivRg75ZDM/UOdufYLhuHI/AAAAAAAAEpU/vaX7e4S8AsM/image_thumb%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were spoiled with friends who were able to come to our Christmas celebration…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vT6WTK1OcY0/UOdukuytJBI/AAAAAAAAEpc/0EO6n2B93eo/s1600-h/image%25255B38%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qhsC7j0qCmc/UOduluS5tqI/AAAAAAAAEpk/YqjvGIVG0wk/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were spoiled with homemade presents that bring a memento of my Dad back into our lives (pillows made of his ties!)…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lXBEHQSPo98/UOdupscz1FI/AAAAAAAAEps/p4RH0TY0fEo/s1600-h/image%25255B40%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qs0l4ByMEMk/UOduq3_77AI/AAAAAAAAEp0/AWJTO4xIjnA/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="364" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were spoiled by snow in Texas…</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4sQSlW2cvsw2eBlE7bj4f0bMAV07g7M-zifupaKEd2vXlCDMHDHo2re4c_qLBDP_AEbLHR806AeXfxD8hXXhHfLGx3aQ5QK3pyK3Z_MiUCoiC0hsMcWbmmUoj-XsxVRrrzaizbzJBzI/s1600-h/image%25255B41%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lOZZTXf2gFw/UOduwTkWWsI/AAAAAAAAEqE/AfrJNMQqT_k/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were spoiled by lovely conversation and amazing food on Christmas…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yY70aJZjans/UOdu1c76QdI/AAAAAAAAEqM/XeEI9g07zvA/s1600-h/image%25255B42%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItQXsdD0ngIM9UnU86Ti2r-aLjWmZZDDs26ojuF4m-la4YtCE3DHITtLfSTN7Hx_ldY9hga7wLVDYoXk8FSqAr_7OSRaYSUuWTbpOUjxHds_YLCAysF3rlaUA2ydNK09RDE3SRus_PA8/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were spoiled by fabulous conversation after dinner…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JnnrSZncJCw/UOdu7Yu55wI/AAAAAAAAEqc/q-L3zTQ2HY4/s1600-h/image%25255B43%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dWeFr-x4ICU/UOdu8QQMC5I/AAAAAAAAEqk/sG_gwx_nes4/image_thumb%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were spoiled by amazing family…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yYP-XxeIacM/UOdvBW6YcTI/AAAAAAAAEqs/jBMnKuYyhoc/s1600-h/image%25255B44%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gy0zIhSwmQw/UOdvCbe1hvI/AAAAAAAAEq0/WWIeUPOzWpk/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were spoiled by celebrating a birthday that <a href="http://www.actingadult.blogspot.com/2012/03/im-sexy-and-i-know-it-sorry-now-its-in.html">nine months ago we weren’t sure would happen</a>…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WC8GPXZuFHw/UOdvHmceskI/AAAAAAAAEq8/Ulhfxxkrvsw/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKo2AYakuaPQ2upRYsiPhpquqTHYcKcrL7FdyR2qKgNQZXh0AKQvXj0tue-__v34qEfGbvCgOYJNUjUEwvagS-8Pdoc0jrwLMaOr3V_K39lEU7U_e1KmRi2RZEbaIxXhvXlPjQaTjjryc/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were spoiled by amazing rustic fancy food at the Lonesome Dove in Fort Worth to properly celebrate my brother’s birthday…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mInt6Zz806E/UOdvMX3M5oI/AAAAAAAAErM/d7J3d5SxdiM/s1600-h/image%25255B46%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vSf26Tnc98U/UOdvNS6lkEI/AAAAAAAAErU/IicWST98GGc/image_thumb%25255B22%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">And finally, we were spoiled by spending the New Year’s celebration at a friend’s cabin at Innsbrook, where it snowed on New Year’s Eve…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R9fK4uPt6nc/UOdvRYamdVI/AAAAAAAAErc/z8rK2k4O5Rg/s1600-h/image%25255B47%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9UPvL38cNaE/UOdvSsBINgI/AAAAAAAAErk/qcPO1NCbnOI/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">What an amazing two weeks and a wonderful way to start the new year off right.</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-55039056054893444622012-12-08T14:57:00.001-06:002012-12-08T14:57:39.699-06:00Starting Each Day with a Smile<p align="left">I’ve been trying really hard to get up every other morning and work out. It’s 45 minutes on the treadmill and I get to watch two episodes of<i></i><i></i><i> How I Met Your Mother</i> on streaming Netflix. Really, it’s the only thing that gets me out of bed sometimes.</p> <p>Earlier this week, when I went to grab my keys from the hanging organizer near the front door, I saw this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5v5OywTDIXI/UMOpv38n4uI/AAAAAAAAEnk/FQXN6cimd-c/s1600-h/Keys%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Keys" border="0" alt="Keys" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RvhNbvpsPjE/UMOpwZ7vIBI/AAAAAAAAEns/tMv9G5TsfzU/Keys_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>That’s my husband’s wedding ring on his key ring. I’m betting he put it there while he was at his personal training session on Wednesday because he doesn’t like to work out with his ring on. </p> <p>Come to think of it, neither do I. I’ve started removing my wedding band and engagement ring and keeping them overnight in a crystal ring holder next to my bed. It’s got Mickey Mouse on it and Hubs gave it to me for a birthday at one point over the years. It makes me smile every time I put my rings in there.</p> <p>But this way, I get to remember to put on my ring every morning – and remind myself of how lucky I am. I married an amazing man – and he’s been a wonderful partner for five and a half years. Even if he does leave his wedding band on his keys and not next to his bed. ;)</p> <p>Do you wear your wedding ring to bed?</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-77204501939090732502012-12-04T08:47:00.000-06:002012-12-03T21:06:27.632-06:00An Historic Weekend<p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-71xHmSUHmP8/UL1ocCLPFMI/AAAAAAAAEkc/BCKV_s1qH9s/s1600-h/Christmas%252520Haus%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas Haus" border="0" alt="Christmas Haus" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-JdySTa3TsS4sJIAkR3jdJK0ygIo5FjRRgUWxWVEuKpDQpKMCbfjuG500WBLnqPQ6QLgGjpol_AvRtJaY9pJ7kjYGXNS635Ctv6VEjJCKl78CktkSY6XMMjWWRCqqjsPx3WiO66tdvM/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>This weekend, two of my girlfriends went down to Historic Kimmswick for our annual Cookie Walk adventure. Kimmswick is an adorable little town south of St. Louis (link here <a href="http://visitkimmswick.com/"><u>http://visitkimmswick.com/</u></a>). They have other festivals like the Strawberry Festival and the Apple Butter Festival in other months, but us girls tend to go down during the Christmas period. The town is all dressed up and the houses and shops are decorated, the milk jug luminaries are set out all down the big highway that leads to town and then around the small streets, and everyone always has a great time.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lGGlZ4Gh5a0/UL1oeIvxTGI/AAAAAAAAEks/BjFmpA0iyCc/s1600-h/Classic%252520car%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Classic car" border="0" alt="Classic car" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TTO3MUc9F-c/UL1oemmWwtI/AAAAAAAAEk0/pKuAIRdSLog/Classic%252520car_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Usually when we go, we have to deal with coats and jackets and all that fun stuff. This year? It was over 60 degrees by the time we pulled in around 1:30 pm. Crazy. We had long sleeves and light jackets on and even then, we were kind of warm! But since the weather was so nice, there were lots of people around. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zMdO1bzBoZQ/UL1ogOhEkDI/AAAAAAAAEk8/A9qs0yeT92E/s1600-h/Christmas%252520cookie%252520plate%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas cookie plate" border="0" alt="Christmas cookie plate" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KPdrKKCFxe4/UL1og1f-2kI/AAAAAAAAElE/cmqBRMUYljE/Christmas%252520cookie%252520plate_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>We picked up our cookie bag and proceeded to “trick or treat” our way around the town. It’s so much fun! You go to each shop on the list and you get a cookie in every place! Included in your cookie walk ticket is your bag, map, all the cookies, and a printed and bound recipe book of all the cookies you just got! This way, if you find your favorite cookie (like the Oreo truffle – YUM!), you already have the recipe and can make your own for Christmas. Such a fun idea.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksKeTh25HiucDfT_RYf-3i-kMRIGFMPlZD92hNMuIvcEmHVl4922CanshHWnpJA0GnUAXaW4I4E-kyLemWxgBWq3XVMtcvhyphenhyphenMQ_38Anau2ip0Ogj2BrPF8BVqPPFsAjhly63WJUYvk2w/s1600-h/Blue%252520Owl%252520Restauarant.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Blue Owl Restauarant" border="0" alt="Blue Owl Restauarant" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SfQqK1e6LGs/UL1oi3OiSFI/AAAAAAAAElU/sB3M88vO_0k/Blue%252520Owl%252520Restauarant_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Then, we get to our favorite part of the day. The eating. We put our names in at the Blue Owl (link here <a href="http://www.theblueowl.com/"><u>http://www.theblueowl.com/</u></a>) when we first got there, and got a time of 4:30 pm to come back. Yup, that’s a three hour wait for those playing along at home. But it wasn’t so bad – we shopped while we waited. In fact, I told the girls that it was 4:15 pm and we had to go get our table and we were surprised the day had gone by so quickly! Usually, we eat lunch at the Blue Owl and then continue our shopping. This time, we had eaten lunch before we came down, but we still had to get our pie. Pie and wine. Awesome combination. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-swBon---tl0/UL1okI89LrI/AAAAAAAAElc/KMb910rYBEM/s1600-h/Apple%252520pie%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Apple pie" border="0" alt="Apple pie" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-afaT8bHt758/UL1okr6AXqI/AAAAAAAAElk/jA7ZrA5kPtQ/Apple%252520pie_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>They’re famous for the Levee High Apple Pie and this year, I had it a la mode. Oh my goodness. It was so wonderful! Now I’m thinking about it, and trying to find a way to get back down there before next Christmas. Someone remind me to get one of these for Thanksgiving next year!</p> <p align="center">We found a bunch of fun things, like a Christmas cookie plate, a sign that could not be truer…<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CyQghLZdjhA/UL1ol1aBxqI/AAAAAAAAEls/iU7FtyQRE4w/s1600-h/Coffee%25252C%252520chocolate%252520and%252520men%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Coffee, chocolate and men" border="0" alt="Coffee, chocolate and men" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppjVOZZIh9cNhx_y9uGSeNtD-Ivu-wMlevUWwIP9kCCNJpeGvZKrCf1Xs1MaN8xxrvsZCjT5qkVF3WFcTOPlVqzTUuOYb8hdFXHyOcQFQUShN1opWyj4oMlK_6R-PFoGOa-eOM14Bums/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">An odd way to decorate for the holidays…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hB2pEts_IvI/UL1onpeb19I/AAAAAAAAEl8/PvtUbttnm-c/s1600-h/Kitchen%252520strainer%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Kitchen strainer" border="0" alt="Kitchen strainer" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JULb1h42erE/UL1ooF2YzuI/AAAAAAAAEmE/Qdu9u9a1BfA/Kitchen%252520strainer_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">We confirmed that Disney is truly everywhere…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L52dLOBbhNE/UL1opY2HzKI/AAAAAAAAEmM/NQvJrMKyoIc/s1600-h/disney%252520stockings%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="disney stockings" border="0" alt="disney stockings" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JxDjzQF9Zcc/UL1op81dUII/AAAAAAAAEmU/vuGnufYtHBM/disney%252520stockings_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">And that I love snowmen. :)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1nK8fkvt1vE/UL1orB4-s-I/AAAAAAAAEmc/WrIvALTZa7s/s1600-h/Snowman.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Snowman" border="0" alt="Snowman" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cY6a4AhSlkY/UL1oseaKgmI/AAAAAAAAEmk/HQbINKP-iIo/Snowman_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="left">It’s officially Christmas after we spend the day in Kimmswick. What makes you really feel like it’s the holidays?</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-46155931516795616002012-12-03T21:09:00.001-06:002012-12-03T21:09:17.538-06:00Last Week in Law School<p>One of the reasons I started this blog was to reach out to others about Husband’s upcoming journey through law school. I thought that with all the time that he would spend studying and in class, I should have another outlet for both creativity and support. I had been reading blogs for a long time before that (and even back onto LiveJournal days) but this was the first one I really put forth and created on my own (let’s ignore the wedding planning that happened on LJ, mkay?).</p> <p>I wanted to share our story about the stresses and ups and downs of being in law school in the Midwest. With only 12 posts in 3.5 years, I’m not so sure that actually happened. In reality, the law school experience has been sprinkled throughout the whole of my blog, since it’s really been infused through our whole lives for the past three and a half years. It’s been something that we have lived with, day in and day out, month in and month out, for a very long time. </p> <p>I really can’t believe it’s coming to an end. </p> <p>Husband has completed his classwork for the semester, and had his last class as a full time graduate student last Thursday. Saturday started the reading period, and he’s in the middle of completing a few papers plus studying for a few exams. Come December 17, everything should be done and turned it. We have two weeks to relax, and then in the beginning of January, the online bar prep begins for a week and then switches to in-class bar prep for the rest of the month and into February. </p> <p>It will seem just like law school, but more intense, if that’s possible. At least that’s what I’ve been told. I won’t see much of him in the first two months of 2013 as he prepares for the bar exam at the end of February. It will take place in the idyllic city of Jefferson City, Missouri! Hah. Well, it’s not really a vacation since he’s not going to do much of anything but studying and taking the exam. </p> <p>We’ve got a Disney trip planned for March to celebrate his taking of the bar exam (yay!) and then, joy of joys, he begins his first job in March. I am ridiculously proud. My husband is absolutely brilliant and I couldn’t be happier for him. It’s what he wants to do, for a great company, with a wonderful set up for us. </p> <p>We have a lot to be thankful for in this last week of law school.</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-81767521637963456212012-11-29T21:14:00.001-06:002012-11-29T21:14:57.579-06:00Busy, Busy Bee<p>This fall, I’ve been busy…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SXQ8-HbnUFQ/ULgkn1ylE9I/AAAAAAAAEi8/6QZpHByGck8/s1600-h/10-20-2012%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="10-20-2012" border="0" alt="10-20-2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JGOCqCIdWzo/ULgko0eq5MI/AAAAAAAAEjE/mHVl0uhOTug/10-20-2012_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="265" /></a></p> <p align="center">Planning weddings.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D2znF83U1rk/ULgkpnuSH0I/AAAAAAAAEjM/gsTGdtxEnSw/s1600-h/11-18-2012%252520one%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11-18-2012 one" border="0" alt="11-18-2012 one" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_wXYx2po0FY/ULgkqOu4pWI/AAAAAAAAEjU/CGuUL5jfOuE/11-18-2012%252520one_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="297" /></a></p> <p align="center">Spending time with my favorite nephew – by the way, HOW did he get to be five months old?!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU_8Lyb6AV3ZXXBiigmCWn8sPB2_XW52C_BKdFbXb76yugj5fP1gjGI4hLV6fAT9_pF0xafslhj_-GT3UYwRAOkHg4j4tu7Pp4D2CF58b-vyb6Jm9FZVN6fJDyV4Lam5SxbwiaHXZ2_g/s1600-h/11-10-2012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11-10-2012" border="0" alt="11-10-2012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JOjgIWL3cyI/ULgkr_MkDTI/AAAAAAAAEjk/VJxdrvcoYNs/11-10-2012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="254" /></a></p> <p align="center">Loving live performance. If you’ve not seen Straight No Chaser in person, you must. Must.</p> <p align="left">While I love having lots of things to do – it keeps me from getting bored – I am so done with a crazy fall. For some reason, fall is always busy with events but this one takes the cake. I’ve called it event-a-polooza because I feel like I just ran a marathon. </p> <p align="left">Now that things are settling down, I can focus on the holidays and enjoy the gift wrapping and Christmas card addressing, plus gift making. I’m determined to make something from Pinterest, as soon as I decide which homemade gift to make.</p> <p align="left">So how have you been this fall?</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-25952001926943452182012-10-10T22:12:00.001-05:002012-10-10T22:12:29.302-05:00‘Tis the Season, I Guess!<p>I always seem to say this, but the fall is crazy.</p> <p>Not only do you have the start of a new semester – but this is the last law school semester Hubs will ever start! Yay! – but you also have a bunch of work events. We have the usual events that are every year plus new special ones that got added to the calendar that cause me to twitch a bit. At one of them a few weeks ago, I ended up pulling a shoulder muscle and didn’t realize it until I got home and Hubs went to hug me and I started to cry because it hurt so bad. He tried to give me a massage that night but it was clear that I needed professional help. The bestest mama in the world hooked me with a massage at a local chain and I felt MUCH better after that. Almost human, even.</p> <p>Then we’ve got all the holidays coming up. One of my work parties includes a Halloween dress up function, so that’ll be fun! Then there are conferences and more events and then the big annual dinner and then Thanksgiving. Then before we know it, it will be Christmastime (and maybe a trip to Vegas). That means Hubs finishes up law school (oh my goodness, it’s really here!), does the non-regalia ceremony thing, and then starts studying for the bar. Yikes.</p> <p>I’ll be a single lady until the end of February when the worst road trip to Jefferson City and the two day bar test for Hubs happens. I think I might even be more nervous than he is – if that’s even possible.</p> <p>That’s why I’m really glad we’ve been able to spend time together…</p> <p>Late night Ted Drewes run the other day…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v0AQ7wEKDDo/UHY5CeSAhTI/AAAAAAAAEhY/x09rerYcyl0/s1600-h/10-08-2012%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="10-08-2012" border="0" alt="10-08-2012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-egQSJaA-Zu8/UHY5DMn6uvI/AAAAAAAAEhg/3gwgqpW3bMg/10-08-2012_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="228" /></a></p> <p>An afternoon in the apple orchard in Illinois a few weeks ago…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dD0RuySj37M/UHY5D_ItMcI/AAAAAAAAEho/myY6gYYkUPw/s1600-h/09-30-2012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="09-30-2012" border="0" alt="09-30-2012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PfkWaV5Afm8/UHY5EpAOrHI/AAAAAAAAEhw/5AERQWo8PlU/09-30-2012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p>And a weekend with my mama and brother in Texas a few days ago. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y5h2WFZY-3E/UHY5F56E2BI/AAAAAAAAEh4/DyKwrFQmx3w/s1600-h/10-06-2012%252520two%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="10-06-2012 two" border="0" alt="10-06-2012 two" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2e74q1VJpfUZu_DN1IUNkXDrNFt_PoR_luhaSJqgFobfakZ2yWoxF_YnB74Ot8PRnxsuC5k2bQLiogPdmz-kbWQVc-lGnQbyQBvp5J3_J522GwQGMqtCKInKCMe6_YHAzkWm81EWv1g/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p>Best times ever. </p> <p>I’m saving up the moments because come bar-prep and then (hopefully) full-time-job-land, our dates will be fewer and farther between. Not that I’m going to complain about my husband starting his law career and going to a job every day that he (hopefully) loves as much as I love mine. It will be hard – students loans scare me – but the idea that he can start up his career is really exciting to me.</p> <p>So here’s hoping to more time hanging out on the couch, snuggling in the fall and into the winter, drinking new pumpkin beers, and enjoying our last semester as a law student husband and law school wife. </p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-61006552889852017692012-10-02T19:26:00.001-05:002012-10-02T19:26:38.428-05:00Who Am I, Anyway?<p>I feel like a totally new person.</p> <p>I have become a beer drinker. </p> <p>I’m not entirely sure when this happened. It probably started last year in September, when I went on the Weight Watchers program. While I was learning the ropes of managing my food intake, I decided to stop drinking because I’d rather eat my calories than drink them! Over the following months, I started doing some research on what alcohol beverages I could drink occasionally without totally blowing my point diet. The one thing I came up with? Budweiser Select. Not exactly the best or most fantastic tasting beer on the planet (I know, as a St. Louis resident, I should bite my tongue and not speak ill of the Brewery!). But it’s only 3 points and in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that awful. </p> <p>But my husband kept thrusting beers upon me whenever he ordered one. “HERE! Try this one” he’d say as he put the bottle in front of me. He wouldn’t stop until I took a sip of whatever he had ordered. In the beginning, it was just gross. I didn’t like any of them. It tasted just like alcohol only and wasn’t very good. </p> <p>Then… things changed. When he would order a beer, I wouldn’t wait until he offered it to me. I would grab it and taste it first.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/558707_972540469274_74424576_n.jpg" width="372" height="282" /></p> <p>Depending on which one he ordered, I would either love it or hate it. Love the lighter beers, hate the Octoberfest and stouts. Yuck. But slowly, I was coming to realize that beer wasn’t AWFUL. I actually… started to enjoy it.</p> <p>A few weeks ago, we spent the weekend at a friend’s cabin and she introduced me to Leinenkugel Lemon Berry Shandy. OH MY GOODNESS.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/546307_984517307594_157531123_n.jpg" width="424" height="286" /></p> <p>I’m smiling in this picture because of my beer. See? Husband is not so sure.</p> <p>So now when a server asks me what I’d like to drink and we’re at a drinking establishment, I ask to see their beer menu. I’m starting to learn about beer, which flavors I like and which types of beers don’t agree with me. I even want to attend a beer tasting to really taste the different versions and learn more about the process. Learning more means I find out more styles that I can drink – and enjoy while doing so!</p> <p>I only have one question now, from a recovering girly drinker…</p> <p>WHO AM I?!</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-60172287316687117672012-09-20T21:21:00.001-05:002012-09-20T21:21:13.619-05:00Technology Is Slightly Fixed<p>You know how I was complaining last week about all my <a href="http://www.actingadult.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-idevices-are-revolting.html">iDevices revolting against me</a>?</p> <p>Well, it seems the technology good fortunes have come back to all my fun electronic devices. The problem I was having with my iPhone not showing all the calendars? I finally was able to fix it by LOTS of googling. So many were having the same problem that someone at Google posted a link in a forum to allow which calendars to show on iPhones. AWESOME. <a href="https://www.google.com/calendar/iphoneselect?gsessionid=Fc4oPNc1n9K1henrzYAGFA&pli=1">This is the link</a>. Once I found that and told it which ones to sync, it magically fixed itself.</p> <p>Then over the weekend, I found a way to fix the iPad contacts thing. Apparently I have to set up an exchange sync plus the Gmail sync. I don’t understand it, but it seems to be working! </p> <p>I think I will get all this technology under control, sometime.</p> <p>But I still don’t have a working iPod shuffle. :(</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-74179114203758768222012-09-17T19:42:00.001-05:002012-09-17T19:42:46.936-05:00How To Relax in a Cabin<p>1. Don’t get scared by the creepily real looking owl on the porch.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-89vdEo7ZhnQ/UFfCO50xmkI/AAAAAAAAEbk/0diSf7pYqic/s1600-h/IMG_4736%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4736" border="0" alt="IMG_4736" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--N9ynNoxq3Q/UFfCPvrqn1I/AAAAAAAAEbs/hFq3w2MA05I/IMG_4736_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p>2. Make sure you have a good map.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kceH38V6kaA/UFfCQWlz5yI/AAAAAAAAEb0/fnyNGRcsUIY/s1600-h/IMG_4738%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4738" border="0" alt="IMG_4738" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cV2Em14xh68/UFfCQ8Uu2HI/AAAAAAAAEb8/FKbYNYk7UQk/IMG_4738_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">3. Confirm that you have a GoPro camera to capture the adventure, and attach it to someone’s head.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEged8SmgVA27f4d1I4ZCztVfhLKb_Gz0KIRMlpS9JAwIhPRgtOVWAZTxw5EyqnK_1slGbdWhEovjQMP23OeUUurimMK_zjYUzBNhtXNTMUdzQO6D_byKRhcPGggJU9qg-ZWBcASMvr-nOw/s1600-h/IMG_4742%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4742" border="0" alt="IMG_4742" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mWvpMnPOMv4/UFfCSN3mGeI/AAAAAAAAEcM/DXXup2kxpeA/IMG_4742_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">4. Beer. Check.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DVCFl5xdUTw/UFfCWF75VSI/AAAAAAAAEcU/DI6Xmag0Y4M/s1600-h/image%25255B51%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FBkw74CKsLI/UFfCXLZNznI/AAAAAAAAEcc/jjzbz_idzjQ/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">5. Find some gorgeous roads to golf cart upon, five people to a cart of course.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-II9B_7B4hrQ/UFfCaE-HVhI/AAAAAAAAEck/akOzD111zRg/s1600-h/image%25255B52%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8GygQ7gMNHf9jkTxowQdnhjzNWQCt-26KIyRiHOTF4lGPtQ5fvpAKZYjnmr20ygkMEC52AINBudtQ99ZjUSuykrSFBnVTcIntlsoMtjhZ7uDpGkvwdLggTyVpeeWB6wJhlMs5n2sN2M/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">6. Bring along a husband who makes ridiculous faces at the camera.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ibPhiL4LNdo/UFfCfGzWkmI/AAAAAAAAEc0/38_UgNMAR7c/s1600-h/image%25255B53%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KKLEUMgiv2Y/UFfCgJMIqnI/AAAAAAAAEc8/EkmTs_4hvUU/image_thumb%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">7. Don’t be scared by the ridiculously real looking owl on the BACK porch.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z3ekxvzX5hU/UFfChIHQrfI/AAAAAAAAEdE/p8ffeiSn-8Q/s1600-h/Owl%252520on%252520back%252520porch%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Owl on back porch" border="0" alt="Owl on back porch" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F6lNRMODTt0/UFfChxTcioI/AAAAAAAAEdM/jwb_ebrlPkI/Owl%252520on%252520back%252520porch_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="228" /></a></p> <p align="left">8. Laugh a lot at the speed bump signs along the road. Make the group stop to take a picture of the sign.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wRQAyz7AcLs/UFfCmgTXrnI/AAAAAAAAEdU/HFtT5B0tB30/s1600-h/image%25255B54%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VLuDoeqk19w/UFfCnidjPdI/AAAAAAAAEdc/zfpwAFM1yxg/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">9. After one hike, find a way down to the lake to skip some rocks in the sunset.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hH0RxBJey9s/UFfCsdp62LI/AAAAAAAAEdk/qkVmkdLLlWc/s1600-h/image%25255B55%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q_lSLXN3sZk/UFfCtYLg6pI/AAAAAAAAEds/8oohgZJe8Sw/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">10. Ask for your camera back, because you have no idea what pictures of you were on there.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r1cRREUe2qw/UFfCv0z_P5I/AAAAAAAAEd0/sh3QuUYLBWQ/s1600-h/image%25255B56%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sbCIcoLVp8s/UFfCwzCKhpI/AAAAAAAAEd8/gLJ_lbLJU0w/image_thumb%25255B22%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="184" height="274" /></a></p> <p align="left">11. Some will be amused at the hilarity, and others not so much.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D8PAnS06UWU/UFfCzCfUDOI/AAAAAAAAEeE/OkQMcG8E4aA/s1600-h/image%25255B57%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-itvFGvA0bPg/UFfCz2CiHKI/AAAAAAAAEeM/wcKnl5SKcsM/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="184" height="274" /></a></p> <p align="left">12. Be romantic in the golf cart and kiss your girlfriend.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z29dJK01P4M/UFfC30H5M9I/AAAAAAAAEeU/YdKkBq5RWqQ/s1600-h/image%25255B58%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-km8h1tkp0Uk/UFfC4oG-csI/AAAAAAAAEec/BT71Dxc-6wQ/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">13. Find a gorgeous place to watch the sunset.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DLtBQ549Rts/UFfC7gVJ8RI/AAAAAAAAEek/ISB6WqmBfU4/s1600-h/image%25255B59%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dMkVM-VttIo/UFfC8oBEf6I/AAAAAAAAEes/bFSaf1YYHHw/image_thumb%25255B25%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">14. Assess your domain… and your hiking group coming up the path behind you.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8sTQvO5CDY_tMuzMhXj3zguvNjLSDlEGnYhBnB7H-khc7YXkYYkM-0bOloEIwuZSo1hyE25EI3Y_9D3PuuO7Pa4vnR7-Wg_O-0-HZH4DAFWRUq6t7WZ-A0PjT-w_PlBmeLtCq46r8ZU/s1600-h/image%25255B60%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xBtp6AQPc5M/UFfDAe7eZHI/AAAAAAAAEe8/0XBvQV0ab_U/image_thumb%25255B26%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">15. Enjoy the wildlife around the cabin.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--tly8cRc43A/UFfDFQJ5LHI/AAAAAAAAEfE/8jTn8qX4Hn8/s1600-h/image%25255B61%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0C6KgVzq9vU/UFfDGenPRpI/AAAAAAAAEfM/7gi0ocuDhsk/image_thumb%25255B27%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b1AN7zBE7n0/UFfDLeCmcUI/AAAAAAAAEfU/BERlT_CNPnk/s1600-h/image%25255B62%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XtNBIqEaS34/UFfDMcPtIAI/AAAAAAAAEfc/gifFVqr_SkY/image_thumb%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">16. Explore the old sites at the resort, like the cemetery and old barn.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ifAb_YICdB0/UFfDRfK-afI/AAAAAAAAEfk/u3JuXD_lu3g/s1600-h/image%25255B63%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ot2BSFgHq6s/UFfDSqoAw1I/AAAAAAAAEfs/zgcCZCKme4Q/image_thumb%25255B29%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uDboydhEpOk/UFfDWTs-FbI/AAAAAAAAEf0/HvGYbqlsoHA/s1600-h/image%25255B64%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zwEQr2deX1o/UFfDXVq_VeI/AAAAAAAAEf8/43x0hJ6Cbks/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P93H6RURYbo/UFfDbRsivWI/AAAAAAAAEgE/bSWaF2PXKr4/s1600-h/image%25255B65%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gaqK22XDHsQ/UFfDcipxhVI/AAAAAAAAEgM/v8SD-wZNd6Q/image_thumb%25255B31%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lQj6PWC__wU/UFfDgSSPCFI/AAAAAAAAEgU/2l9VhYXrvBM/s1600-h/image%25255B66%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WwYCtd6tq5w/UFfDhDUPlpI/AAAAAAAAEgc/ENr6r7STn4k/image_thumb%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">17. Sleep in and have a wonderful time in the country. I can’t wait until we’re invited back and can spend another weekend out there.</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-61382276409902844032012-09-12T20:31:00.001-05:002012-09-12T20:31:42.293-05:00My iDevices are Revolting!<p>Technology is supposed to make life easier. Right? Well, my technology is rising up against me.</p> <p>I pretty much live in my Google suite, so having my email, contacts and calendar with me at all times is one of the main reasons why I got an iPhone a few years ago. Over the past few updates, the Google sync with the iPhone has gotten better – until now. I have multiple calendars on my iPhone, including my main calendar, Hubs’ calendar (so we know where each other is during the day), the birthday and anniversary calendar and the Things to Do in St. Louis one (where we add various things around town that might be fun to do – this way we won’t forget about them!).</p> <p>I’ve been having some issues with the Google sync, however. It will only show me MY calendar and not any of the others that the Google sync menu on the safari browsers tells me it <em>should</em> be showing. Not quite sure about how to fix this one. I’ve updated Google sync, shut the phone off and started it back up, plus let the calendar load and load and load, hoping it would get the message. NADA. Frustrating.</p> <p>But that’s only the beginning of the iDevice iDebacle. My iPad is pretty darn wonderful, even if I haven’t found a good free blogging app for it. Maybe then I’d blog more, eh? All the syncing went really well when we set it up, except the contacts. It hasn’t imported or synced any of my Google contacts to the device. When I looked at Hubs’ settings, they were all the same as mine. So yeah, no idea what’s going on there, either.</p> <p>Finally, I recently found my iPod shuffle (it was a replacement for my original Nano from back in the day that was recalled due to it apparently blowing up). I wanted to use it on a quick walk/run around the park and didn’t want to bother taking my iPhone out of it’s “Jessica-proof” Otterbox case. But when I plugged it in to charge it a bit, it simply wouldn’t turn on. Hours of charging later, it STILL won’t turn on. I have to take it to the Apple store and see if they can fix it.</p> <p>So all of my iDevices are revolting against me. Maybe I need to go back to cassette tapes?</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-77942513494075745102012-09-06T20:38:00.001-05:002012-09-06T20:38:54.899-05:00Another Year, Another Birthday Celebration<p>On Tuesday, I turned 29. But, as my family usually does, I celebrated all weekend!</p> <p>I slept in a bit on Saturday morning, before heading out for a friend’s bachelorette party at a winery that afternoon. On Sunday morning, after lectoring at church, I went to the same friend’s bridal shower. It was a tea party and we had a lovely time! I even got a fascinator. It was the first of two for the weekend!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4yvBi8uBxMs/UElPeMdvnRI/AAAAAAAAEYo/ROxSZrMfTgc/s1600-h/image%25255B27%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N-lPWtG80QM/UElPfHUAWYI/AAAAAAAAEYw/SK8G3VTJwos/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p>On Monday morning, however, Hubs surprised that morning after my work out with my birthday present from the family – a new iPad! I still have got to figure out how to blog from it. Maybe I will post more if my tablet is with me the entire day!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pznKKXq7V3Y/UElPjky-11I/AAAAAAAAEY4/MmjWgvK3HgI/s1600-h/image%25255B28%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I7LriWMU66o/UElPk4Wc0lI/AAAAAAAAEZA/B0xAIEmf_0Y/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="left">Of course, we had to go old-school for the present as well. Hubs got me the most beautiful edition of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare. It will start our fancy book for nice book shelves in the living room collection we want to start.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBGlh5An_ohkUX3oepP9fJtJMOZ5eoWgd_KBSkO3bto-oOq7Vgom3nNXzBAwR2QvoEZRAZB_p1uljoE7Hucx8forIP-5b8u1sAy-W-WoRmO2l2wVxTucBPr9u1vSW_oKZ2xZwVclEMps/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-62E4QAXm7AY/UElPpBVrrmI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/9hD5ZxCzDuE/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>We spent Monday afternoon shopping for my wedding planning emergency kit. It’s an exciting time around our house! Don’t you wish you were me? ;)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vrLjcKAlMk4/UElPujuusSI/AAAAAAAAEZY/KJn9rDJOnpw/s1600-h/image%25255B11%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9vC4eI19IbqZDCWIgu_4N4u8I7pRlifxH8IPwKgtL6OYj0pEWBkWuHsQhcv7xj0nNXUXtOj-4Vgbah4b4lgl7-ZcMpE5Aa3p7R3poflHIEPWMwInNpXnSsGanvEQDs2aj89JYKqjsDo/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a></p> <p>That night, we went out to the in-laws for dinner and cake. This was what I was waiting for. My cake. It was white almond cake with raspberry filling, from a local bakery, <a href="http://www.lubeleysbakery.com/">Lubeley’s</a>. Oh. My. Goodness. It was AMAZING. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulWcL1VplLhsg1QZlVHg0b0qPfdpDHZl-YIaytQqnKEtx1hfw6cOy72awFZ2sAwOqUuyDFPTwGLYMQRTeqltfAMK2B2aV_U2RLgy7UlpnoCaJ2lVY1w3TgikacOjUMlNwIUguxvzOqS0/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ssXHUwZixf4/UElP1RIxOXI/AAAAAAAAEZw/-UwzYR76nQ8/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ePhJlRhBBQA/UElP5y3r7LI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/-3nabdGJXRc/s1600-h/image%25255B30%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7lqrSt0aPG4/UElP7D2YRpI/AAAAAAAAEaA/Wznp-E-ErX8/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="324" height="217" /></a></p> <p>Of course, my in-laws wanted me to have something to open that night so I got my second fascinator of the weekend! This was one I was drooling over a few weeks ago at the craft festival in St. Charles. I want to wear it to work, but I wonder if it’s a bit over the top. But come the right event, I will actually pull it off! I promise. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eDcs6dOstF0/UElP-pYWkQI/AAAAAAAAEaI/NvYHkHq14UU/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVctIYU1TmVo72cEB3PMYooqa_mUslufBJ8udFiUnlhQdyZKwdUvvqORyhB_zP8icwoAbQHYvFdrzTccQ-w7VL0WLVFTvjrv0rS7FBC-H5t3Gzjk4zbmWNLQhro3WHqsCY1ua8FJe8qfs/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a></p> <p>The best present of all was my precious nephew in a onesie I gave him – stating that his auntie is the best. Which she is. I am. :)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IMF_25OJ3kA/UElQEO521eI/AAAAAAAAEaY/3tkyIx3Zp_U/s1600-h/image%25255B32%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fftm_2rPbSM/UElQFBMYU5I/AAAAAAAAEag/OBieLCa0aTA/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p>Isn’t he getting so big? He was four months old on my birthday. Seriously, it’s like light speed! He needs to stop growing.</p> <p>On my real birthday night, after a very long day of work and meetings, Hubs took me to Vin de Set, a wonderful French restaurant that we hadn’t tried before. It quickly became one of my favorite restaurants that we can go to for special occasions! YUM. The scallops were amazing, the trout was perfect, the wine was lovely (and expertly chosen by Hubs) and the crème brule was not only yummy, but complimentary for my birthday. Fabulous on all points!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RAtyTTRfexU/UElQKJrn-qI/AAAAAAAAEao/1KpFo6lW_3Q/s1600-h/image%25255B33%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yqIfYPftKkE/UElQLboW8gI/AAAAAAAAEaw/2OsmUxy0sOg/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="228" /></a></p> <p align="left">So my 29th birthday was officially a success. It’s a little surreal having completed the last birthday of my twenties. When I turned 20, I was in college, dating someone who I thought I would marry, when I planned to be an actor. Turning 29, I am married to the love of my life, in a job I adore, friends in person and online who are pretty darn amazing and I’m happy with where I am. Hopefully this next year will be just as amazing as the last!</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-55169894342229248602012-09-03T11:24:00.001-05:002012-09-03T11:24:35.000-05:00A Potential Weekend in Sin City<p>In Hubs’ law school career, we have been lucky enough to meet some amazing people. Truly, the students that started law school with my husband are some of the smartest, funniest, craziest kids on the planet. We have a blast when we hang out with them.</p> <p>When most of them graduated this past May, and starting making plans to take the bar in states other than Missouri (how DARE they!), we were a little bummed. Ok, a lot bummed. When some of the close friends sent out emails for their going away party, we were downright upset. People moved to Florida, Texas and many other states that ARE NOT MISSOURI. Not ok.</p> <p>Since one of them moved to Texas for their job, she also moved there for her fiancée. They live in Houston and they are awesome. We knew right away when they announced their engagement that we would be heading to Houston in February to attend their wedding. They are that kind of friend that we couldn’t imagine not being there. So I started looking for flights and I’ll get the hotel reserved soon. It will be so much fun! Even if it happens to be two weekends before Hubs takes the bar – whoops!</p> <p>Because of the timing of the wedding and the bar, this means we won’t go down for a mini vacation like I had hoped, to see the “sights” in Houston as they are. I mean, they have museums and shopping. That would have been fun. But basically, we’ll be stuck in the hotel while Hubs studies for the bar. And that’s ok! Because I want him to study!</p> <p>But that has bearing on my dilemma. A few weeks ago, I got the first email from the bride-to-be announcing the bachelorette party.</p> <p>In Vegas.</p> <p>In the middle of December.</p> <p>And I don’t know what to do.</p> <p>Hubs suggested I could ask for the trip for Christmas and I think my awesome mama is thinking this could be a possibility. I’m still waffling and trying to decide if I want to go. It means another day off work, and two weeks before I take a week off for spending Christmas with my mama in Texas. Which I’m REALLY looking forward to. I have the vacation but I always worry about being gone – but there aren’t any events on the horizon at that point.</p> <p>It’s also kind of expensive – over $430 for the flight and about $200 to share a hotel room for two nights. Plus dining and shopping and tickets to a, um, show club thing of some kind. Although the bride-to-be has said that as ladies, we’ll probably get in free for many of those clubs.</p> <p>I have never been to Las Vegas. I’ve never been on a destination bachelorette party. Hubs doesn’t really have a desire to visit Vegas for a while, since gambling isn’t our thing. I’ve always sort of wanted to go, mostly to see the theatrical shows and concerts and the glitz. I think when he graduates and we move on in our lives, this kind of thing that might not be possible due to schedules and money and other things that might need my attention more than girls’ get away trip.</p> <p>What would you do?</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-71585948998937348142012-08-31T08:05:00.000-05:002012-08-31T08:05:00.762-05:00August Awesomeness in Disney, Part Four<p>See parts <a href="http://actingadult.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-awesomeness-in-disney-part-one.html">one</a>, <a href="http://actingadult.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-awesomeness-in-disney-part-two.html">two</a> and <a href="http://www.actingadult.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-awesomeness-in-disney-part-three.html">three</a>.</p> <p>We ate, we drank, we had fun and met characters. But we did take some other pictures throughout the week that were really fun.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FDF_BPxJXIQ/UEAp0LVAOJI/AAAAAAAAESc/PIMGScV5l_E/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252824%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (24)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (24)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VMtJ2DicBQc/UEAp0jS9sFI/AAAAAAAAESk/-Hl_ux1ABqg/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252824%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">The view off the back of a boat from Downtown Disney to our hotel.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9XaZCQMibBY/UEAp1aziqEI/AAAAAAAAESs/90p3mWCBd44/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252819%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (19)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (19)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xvbO8w4E8po/UEAp19RVnyI/AAAAAAAAES0/8Pk46_CvRS4/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252819%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">Me and my fabulous Disney hat, plus a lanyard with new Annual Pass exclusive pins. Those are our souvenirs that we bring home from each trip.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EgSuEal212I/UEAp2iX1UrI/AAAAAAAAES8/HiShrMfD1aY/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252821%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (21)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (21)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fT4A7caGKGs/UEAp3LeI8BI/AAAAAAAAETE/yXP7OnvbKtU/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252821%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">Fabulous margaritas at Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P1JQc0RLQCs/UEAp30q7hBI/AAAAAAAAETM/HdfNQm-tHXk/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252834%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (34)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (34)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nQ0vlGytnR8/UEAp4cKDF7I/AAAAAAAAETU/zgBA1EXbKs4/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252834%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center">We got upgraded to a Princess room at Port Orleans: Riverside! It was amazing. This is the backdrop of the bed, and the picture actually lights up with fireworks when you hit a button. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lXSqmKV0owg/UEAp5D0NsoI/AAAAAAAAETc/AWHSgEb60eY/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252832%252529_wm%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (32)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (32)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z-Y0g7_QKMw/UEAp5oEZ9lI/AAAAAAAAETk/rtA2Az3r_DM/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252832%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center">Princess Tiana even left us a note! Well, she painted it onto the table but same thing.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1LXTnviT8Jc/UEAp6Zn6JmI/AAAAAAAAETs/zsutluhrElo/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252833%252529_wm%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (33)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (33)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SxFPd_KmqH8/UEAp64vphCI/AAAAAAAAET0/1L8GrntKi2o/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252833%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p align="center">There was even a Mickey waiting for us when we checked in.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujn4VZ6uQmE/UEAp7sEb88I/AAAAAAAAET8/VbybjHHLYrQ/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252847%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (47)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (47)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wgotFSv3sbs/UEAp8IYwh9I/AAAAAAAAEUE/aT6sAZRhmT0/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252847%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center">Hubs wanted to include this one because of the crane in the soon-to-open new Fantasyland!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aSTXrKd1Z2k/UEAp9BrmURI/AAAAAAAAEUM/rU4v-7dUk78/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252844%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (44)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (44)_wm" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9p80e8fKqG0/UEAp9kt0_eI/AAAAAAAAEUU/T9B3PqeBPcc/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252844%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center">Balloons on Main Street</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBjNjEkkbpJwUpOPZ5WVPnpoMtDJ-4Pt4Y5aSYmZ1lzTtBB3VnrMkr7wXG_-YxwGNkRjHcS_hM3IRn_xNzma7UBq_62U3Foi3u6RTSEHmT4itcKUijHfTGbGyqFf-ueYfmxRR0LMMZVI/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252845%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (45)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (45)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LHIbuQLSqLY/UEAp_B_p9eI/AAAAAAAAEUk/osrdm658OJ4/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252845%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center">We even got to take a tour of Main Street and go backstage. We learned the stories behind the forced perspective of the buildings on Main Street, and a bit behind the naming of the windows there. It’s a very big deal to have a window on Main Street and is only given for those who make a major contribution to the company somehow.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QCYD6RySRuk/UEAp_x-uXFI/AAAAAAAAEUs/EXh_w979ZjE/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252896%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (96)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (96)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-erJKQukD82I/UEAqAKYN5mI/AAAAAAAAEU0/YlnQxBy6aOw/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252896%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center">We had wonderful seats for the Wishes firework show – from an angle we hadn’t seen it before.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5Yo9hiZJ5js/UEAqAxh4YnI/AAAAAAAAEU8/xt3swjTc3H4/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252826%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (26)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (26)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Af0xKWFLk0o/UEAqBmsz-5I/AAAAAAAAEVE/tz9A_tjb9A4/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252826%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">Even without the twinkle lights on it, the castle always takes my breath away.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWVoru1QPvk-NluCT3HRu4VInIQo2uDrX330HPB7AP0myYhgndhiiYDE2yzzNsmJGndpJOKf1pwb2bHKxxkgMV-lo5o678lWpeyIlEtyUA1YqqtD5EXSYi9KYtDtHfzL0GwoctuqprBk/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528151%252529_wm%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (151)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (151)_wm" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z2P0mu3JPuE/UEAqDPbyIBI/AAAAAAAAEVU/Pe2lCmpVkBA/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528151%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">And what would a trip report be without adorable pictures of my nephew?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YnuSW-GN2Oc/UEAqDxAfkCI/AAAAAAAAEVc/oeuZQictuQY/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528152%252529_wm%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (152)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (152)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q5cx0zl9Pwg/UEAqEnA6DWI/AAAAAAAAEVk/218NE4pM5lc/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528152%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">I feel like I have a million pictures of him in different hats. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NomDQ1rqgAg/UEAqFfgLqSI/AAAAAAAAEVs/d-I6-F6vY2k/s1600-h/August-12-Disney-133_wm3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (133)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (133)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tpaCj-YIj54/UEAqGOZbRHI/AAAAAAAAEV0/xOX7Iomv6bw/August-12-Disney-133_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p align="center">The shirt says “my daddy wanted to name me booyah” – another treat from the ESPN Zone. Hehe.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DEwv5-R1dBg/UEAqHBLD_3I/AAAAAAAAEV8/DxU1fgUBdLw/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528138%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (138)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (138)_wm" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iQJTp3edynw/UEAqH4Nn2sI/AAAAAAAAEWE/a3XrneS_NWM/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528138%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center">One of our favorite parks. I love that big golf ball!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YGXFRJduqSw/UEAqI_MOUsI/AAAAAAAAEWM/I9xYAlfqlpw/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528158%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (158)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (158)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_UExoKhIAVg/UEAqJdJAbNI/AAAAAAAAEWU/nuU5i1jATFg/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528158%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">We took a much smaller raft than this big boat to Tom Sawyer Island in the Magic Kingdom one afternoon, wandered around, climbed on the paths, and then found some rocking chairs to just sit and look around.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mRQmZqsy_qo/UEAqKVR7lEI/AAAAAAAAEWc/VshOzOX63eQ/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528162%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (162)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (162)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hQI36swbAd0/UEAqLOckhnI/AAAAAAAAEWk/IqliD0dxA5E/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528162%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">One of our views, this was the small raft that takes you to the island.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P4gJ4Jb3bN8/UEAqMC47IyI/AAAAAAAAEWs/T4hYGsjtw7Y/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528159%252529_wm.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (159)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (159)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zjJppiG4zCo/UEAqM99xLUI/AAAAAAAAEW0/zpwvyWnM0_w/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528159%252529_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">What a view!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0JyBc8F0as4/UEAqNwR5qdI/AAAAAAAAEW8/uzI1kAQKq4U/s1600-h/August-12-Disney-161_wm3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (161)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (161)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vrUR1zDS29U/UEAqOeQjb_I/AAAAAAAAEXE/pEml-RIFgW4/August-12-Disney-161_wm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">The Imagineers have all kinds of little details that bring the story to life.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LFSCCWMNLD0/UEAqPFAXXKI/AAAAAAAAEXM/9FKvjAUv54w/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528142%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (142)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (142)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-umq9d7WXuew/UEAqPovH-rI/AAAAAAAAEXU/-155XsSyhso/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528142%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center">This is a tradition – the Attitude Picture. We have pictures of everyone on the last day of the trip, showing whatever attitude comes to mind. This day, my BIL and the family did NOT want to leave Disney – and you can tell by their expressions!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sC6BYDuPsqA/UEAqQccpHyI/AAAAAAAAEXc/fJuUNg-5OyY/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528140%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (140)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (140)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JTZVUpFYvmw/UEAqROqnlVI/AAAAAAAAEXk/YVGN8ER0tz8/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528140%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center">Less attitude here, I think.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OgooXp9OmIE/UEAqSMnhuwI/AAAAAAAAEXs/foJX8KuglpA/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528145%252529_wm%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (145)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (145)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0y_WnggdP98/UEAqS_fKdiI/AAAAAAAAEX0/JkN-nn93RQs/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528145%252529_wm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p align="center">We asked a nice cast member to take this family portrait. We were leaving Disney, but we would be back soon! We’re already planning the next one…</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-82344584428882304812012-08-30T08:51:00.000-05:002012-08-30T08:51:00.465-05:00August Awesomeness in Disney, Part Three<p>Read the first installments: <a href="http://actingadult.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-awesomeness-in-disney-part-one.html">part one</a>, and <a href="http://actingadult.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-awesomeness-in-disney-part-two.html">part two</a>.</p> <p>On our trip, we really enjoyed introducing our nephew to the characters – even though he won’t remember it! My BIL and his girlfriend had a lot of character greetings and got their autographs in his first autograph book. It was really cute. Some of our dining reservations included characters meals, where the characters come to your table for interaction rather than you waiting in line.</p> <p>Tigger took an interest in my nephew. He came back again later and wanted to hold him! The cast member who was accompanying him was clearly VERY nervous at this, but Tigger did great and so did the baby. He was a champ!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CPTLdTMGtvM/UD7G1-TzEaI/AAAAAAAAEPY/ErUC7r-kr5U/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252860%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (60)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (60)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7s1280fxQ8Q/UD7G2QxCPCI/AAAAAAAAEPg/SNfFn1meZUE/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252860%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="center">Don’t think the baby knows what to think about the day-go tiger next to him.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RReQZ7rInuI/UD7G3BFXfTI/AAAAAAAAEPo/hEFzYpHL1GQ/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252867%252529_wm%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (67)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (67)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z5f1qPw1Xjs/UD7G3oi9wEI/AAAAAAAAEPw/58BObO8FOU8/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252867%252529_wm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cbcX3JBFc_I/UD7G4o9Ux2I/AAAAAAAAEP4/8w1t2LsF14c/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252868%252529_wm%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (68)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (68)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VHkEfI1UiXw/UD7G5JBN2EI/AAAAAAAAEQA/xYXVlwKeYOA/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252868%252529_wm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="center">Of course, I needed my picture with him too!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mUDAXqqfloeHoF2pbr6ugM4Pyo7lz-ZDcoGiLSmYruypCP4cp4NfaGx8rVFUazJ3mLRRLkw8ed2hT89S6X4bWLcz0UpO5atxJ0-jC31mfKLDAJJk6JWS9LsnrBuvxANWr9Mw6pld1iM/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252849%252529_wm%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (49)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (49)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PpIBoYrr-uk/UD7G6edJKmI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/K2m4gAyT1Zo/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252849%252529_wm_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="center">This was my profile picture right when we came back. :)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EFqNt6ldQ6c/UD7G7TEJATI/AAAAAAAAEQY/ypqfhI7LQXw/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252853%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (53)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (53)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sQhIXoV-J7s/UD7G78Gm8kI/AAAAAAAAEQg/D4WEOhncf0Q/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252853%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="center">I felt bad smiling around Eeyore, but what else would I have done?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1kdsiVZwf0Y/UD7G88V1D1I/AAAAAAAAEQo/X3OSq0SGMNE/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252875%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (75)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (75)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P_piCoBsAxU/UD7G9mzv22I/AAAAAAAAEQw/IvEAmp_G62A/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252875%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="center">Family picture!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HpiScV9ZIgo/UD7G-Yd27FI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/I_YyCWdR5aM/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528109%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (109)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (109)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K8QhtwHIAzI/UD7G-0euFXI/AAAAAAAAERA/-XAy7azAk90/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528109%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="center">With the Big Cheese himself!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zhHQhm6EzWk/UD7G_u8LukI/AAAAAAAAERI/cTtb2kHg88A/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528104%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (104)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (104)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CtscAFO3nZE/UD7HA80fmiI/AAAAAAAAERQ/zagRBlUgRrI/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528104%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="center">Goofy is my BIL’s favorite character, so this was a great picture. </p> <p align="center">Notice Mickey on my nephew’s onesie!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ugukl7r1mwk/UD7HBmXIHbI/AAAAAAAAERY/qexCKI4W4k4/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528105%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (105)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (105)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vJir-KEjZ4E/UD7HCMYPg5I/AAAAAAAAERg/v193ZL0VfUA/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528105%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="center">I love my MIL’s face in this one.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PMHfD85AZWI/UD7HDE3cCSI/AAAAAAAAERo/kETZnjGWTxc/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528112%252529_wm%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (112)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (112)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xHGs-DNf06o/UD7HD5KvfcI/AAAAAAAAERw/8NnS3YEPuLE/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%252528112%252529_wm_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></a></p> <p align="left">I love meeting the characters, no matter how many times I may have seen them before.</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-68391552348673451342012-08-29T20:36:00.001-05:002012-08-29T20:36:06.402-05:00August Awesomeness in Disney, Part Two<p align="left">Read the first part of my trip <a href="http://actingadult.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-awesomeness-in-disney-part-one.html">here</a>.</p> <p align="left">Ok, so we ate a ton of ice cream for dinner on our first day at Disney. How else should you celebrate a three month birthday? ;)</p> <p align="left">So that was the first full day, on Saturday. Normally this would be the point where I moved on to Sunday’s pictures, Monday’s, and so on. But I guess we were having so much fun that we didn’t take a whole lot of pictures! We also have shots of almost ever part of the park, so we usually don’t take that many when we’re down there now. Also – I had SO much fun that I can’t quite remember what we did each day! </p> <p align="left">I do know that Hubs and I ate at one of our favorite restaurants during the week, at California Grill.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5wPndCngqJM/UD7DW_hHAqI/AAAAAAAAEM4/kxuv0dNBzwU/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525286%252529_wm%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (6)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (6)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8NF38tLlvf4/UD7DX7nOk4I/AAAAAAAAENA/7D8-Oweew08/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525286%252529_wm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Khy_vk72Zxg/UD7DYXoxaHI/AAAAAAAAENI/aY9OxgQ6wwE/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525285%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (5)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (5)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CxgW9vgsuio/UD7DY2HzYeI/AAAAAAAAENQ/x1yX095KioU/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525285%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were celebrating something, I’m sure! Well, since we weren’t celebrating a birthday or anything, they said we could celebrate coming back to our favorite restaurant and so, that’s what I got on my yummy caramelized banana and other awesome banana dessert. SO GOOD.</p> <p align="left">And just to continue with the food theme, we had the most amazing lunch at 50’s Prime Time Café with the whole family. It’s themed like you’re having dinner at your family table, with your aunt or uncle or cousin serving you lunch or dinner. Elbows off the table, eat your veggies, no back talk, things like that. If you mess up, you can end up doing some silly things! Our table was well-behaved and so no one got in trouble. But we all got names – Junior, Scout and I was Princess! It’s such a great theme and a fun way to interact with your server. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vAQNKEtCgDY/UD7DZueA4fI/AAAAAAAAENY/JdLFlDGRjJg/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252810%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (10)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (10)_wm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fTMPQ6h-JvQ/UD7DaZgSaWI/AAAAAAAAENg/3511Esyg0Dc/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252810%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">Brothers, hanging out in the restaurant lobby</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_sMSHW98r2k/UD7DbEHiKjI/AAAAAAAAENo/Xd9pF4NrUNE/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252812%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (12)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (12)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1JkTRFWK7Y0/UD7DbkV01FI/AAAAAAAAENw/m5WxUrAUub0/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252812%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">See? It looks like my grandma’s kitchen!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-70cUWoIxpNk/UD7DcrAcEeI/AAAAAAAAEN4/DAKqjcg7Q0c/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252814%252529_wm%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (14)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (14)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n6MoVbRzaVU/UD7DdbKcX8I/AAAAAAAAEOA/fYUDA2nJceU/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%25252814%252529_wm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="center">We asked the server for a family portrait and we got this unposed one. </p> <p align="center">So much better than the posed one!</p> <p align="left">The last memorable actually happened towards the beginning of the trip. While my BIL and that part of the family were back at the hotel, we ended up at Biergarten in Germany at Epcot with my in-laws. We had never been there, and we had a blast! You are assigned tables family-style, although we didn’t share a table with anyone. It’s a buffet with all of my family favorites – it felt like I was going to a big family reunion and had all the usual German dishes. SO GOOD.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HIBnao9MuTU/UD7DePKal0I/AAAAAAAAEOI/3tq6DYLYkFU/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525283%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (3)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (3)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-01i_9iyyq4g/UD7DenaQ9UI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/m46LtbVzU8M/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525283%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="center">There were even performers during lunch!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vN-XbRu0Gts/UD7Dfp940AI/AAAAAAAAEOY/dujt23dhZr0/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525281%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (1)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (1)_wm" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mQt6Xg-V39c/UD7DgDThhAI/AAAAAAAAEOg/5M4Ji6J8nWY/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525281%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="center">Me and hubs, and our drinks.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CM9snXpY8oI/UD7Dg_sgWuI/AAAAAAAAEOo/RxydbCG7x6M/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525282%252529_wm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney (2)_wm" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney (2)_wm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MutQIweibV8/UD7DhbPBRiI/AAAAAAAAEOw/3Dj1msSTSrA/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%252520%2525282%252529_wm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="left">We learned that Germans take their beer VERY seriously. But coming from St. Louis, this was no surprise! The family was quite amused when I tried to take a sip of beer from Hubs’ stein. It’s almost as big as my head. But my oh my was it good beer.</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-12095408909095667802012-08-28T20:40:00.001-05:002012-08-28T20:40:42.286-05:00Sometimes the Hype is Just Hype<p>I live in what the media occasionally calls the <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/11/dangerous_cities.html">most dangerous city in America</a>.</p> <p>Most of the time, I think the hype is just that – hype.</p> <p>I love St. Louis. I grew up here, before moving to Texas in elementary school. I adore the food, the people, the community feeling of all the suburbs (even if I don’t have an answer to <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/where-d-you-go-to-high-school-study-looks-into/article_cb5e17fa-5c95-55d8-af73-eae738ed84fd.html">age old question</a> of where I went to high school).</p> <p>So when a fellow Billiken alumni was shot and killed in a neighborhood near my work, an area where many friends live, an area where I frequent quite often for the bars and restaurants, I was concerned.</p> <p>I did not know the girl but I know that she didn’t deserve to be <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/two-charged-in-megan-boken-s-murder-in-central-west/article_d20ea64a-ee07-11e1-8043-001a4bcf6878.html">shot over a cell phone</a>. She was arguing with her assailants during a bungled burglary and was shot for it. It makes my heart hurt to read the article describing the event, just to warn you. This was in broad daylight and she was talking on the phone to her mother. I cannot even imagine being in either situation, Megan’s or her mother’s.</p> <p>Since I work nearby, I was a little concerned walking those streets. The police are talking about increasing patrols and putting more officers on the street, but I’m not so sure it makes me feel safer.</p> <p>Walking around my own apartment complex sort of worries me as well. Who knows who might be driving by looking for a young woman of slight build who could be an easy target?</p> <p>But I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder for my entire life. It’s just not a way to live. You have to strike a balance of safety but still live your life. Incidents like the one last week in our Central West End just makes me stop and think, and pray for Megan’s family, the families of the accused, our Billiken family and our St. Louis community. We just have to make things like this a rare occurrence and not the common as it’s starting to become.</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-19372920813916016812012-08-27T08:51:00.000-05:002012-08-27T08:51:00.650-05:00August Awesomeness in Disney, Part One<p>When we last visited Walt Disney World for New Year’s, I wasn’t sure when we would be able to come back. That trip was amazing because my mom and brother came with us and I got to show them why exactly I love vacationing at the House of the Mouse.</p> <p>But when we came back, our annual passes were burning holes in our pocket. We had purchased one for my birthday trip last September, knowing that we’d get at least two trips out of them. It makes much more sense to get an annual pass if you were doing two trips. But towards the end of the trip, I started to wonder when exactly we we could get back to Orlando.</p> <p>With Hubs heading to France for the semester, and starting his last semester of law school in August, we thought that an early August trip might work (and at that point we weren’t sure if he was coming home for the summer or not). It would be a reunion of sorts, for his parents and brother to spend some time with him before his last semester. When our nephew came along, my brother-in-law and his girlfriend decided to bring the little one for his first trip! So an early August trip to to WDW was planned!</p> <p>I left work early on Friday afternoon to meet Hubs at the house and head to the airport. Let me just say that I feel so badly for my colleagues at the office that day! I think I was doing the happy dance all.day.long until I left around 2:30 pm. They understood though.</p> <p>After many trial and tribulations, we ended up in our correct room very late at night. But we weren’t there for very long – we had an early morning date with the Magic Kingdom!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qmRtxiNMqAY/UDrSdslD8mI/AAAAAAAAELc/bxDJ_M_alk8/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney 1" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--pVMp9R4Guo/UDrSeUXCvqI/AAAAAAAAELk/vWf9zZZp5GA/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="left">We were able to get there for Rope Drop, or, first people to get into the park. They do a fun opening ceremony with the Mayor of Main Street plus the characters coming in on the train, right in front of the train depot. I loved it. </p> <p align="left">Later that afternoon, we met up with my in-laws to celebrate our nephew’s three month birthday. I can’t even believe how big he’s getting!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-raO6H3XQ4x0/UDrSfvWPCQI/AAAAAAAAELs/33WPHO5S-44/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney 2" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fIKfAWjdoeY/UDrSgJ1PwII/AAAAAAAAEL0/p1K3lB30Yyg/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="left">The Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream was a fitting celebratory dessert for the adults… he had milk. ;) 8 scoops of ice cream, every topping in the joint plus an entire can of whip cream.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P-Sn_p9tgfo/UDrShJZOw6I/AAAAAAAAEL8/7zkP43AfwLs/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney 3" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AjBll855rvk/UDrShqjM0wI/AAAAAAAAEME/mbWttRNFvFU/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="left">And the aftermath…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BYEQfWMdntk/UDrSi526OLI/AAAAAAAAEMM/0Cj7WY4OmGQ/s1600-h/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%2525204%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August '12 Disney 4" border="0" alt="August '12 Disney 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C03G4GXuqck/UDrSjV4uAhI/AAAAAAAAEMU/BOlSIjnJPCk/August%252520%25252712%252520Disney%2525204_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="left">We didn’t really eat a lot the rest of the day. But eating ice cream for dinner is just what vacation is for, right?</p> <p align="left">And this was just the first day.</p> <p align="center">To be continued…</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-16563893438420729322012-08-26T19:57:00.001-05:002012-08-26T19:57:49.510-05:00Weekends Recharge My Batteries<p>This weekend has been a nice quiet one – my favorite. Friday night was a housewarming for a law school friend, Saturday morning was a Costco run and the afternoon at the mall before a dinner with friends, and today Hubs and I visited the penguins at the zoo, bought some awesome running shoes for both of us and snuggled to watch television in the basement as it thundered outside. </p> <p>Love.</p> <p>So as Hubs came downstairs to hang out with me post-studying, we saw a show recorded on our DVR that he said we *had* to watch.</p> <p><a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/nadia-gs-bitchin-kitchen/index.html">Bitchin’ Kitchen</a> is apparently a comedy cooking show on the Cooking Channel. He found it one night while staying up late with a bit of insomnia. My apologies if the name of the show offends, but really, it is the FUNNIEST show I have seen in a long time. </p> <p>We can’t quite tell if the host is Italian, Canadian, deranged or just brilliant. The show is like any other cooking show, but she’s got an edge – and a theme. The one we saw? Depression Desserts. Los of options to make your depression go away! And the desserts she made? We were drooling. So much so that we are going to try to make some of the desserts and stat! </p> <p>So my husband and I spent Sunday night enjoying each other’s company, drooling at cooking shows. </p> <p>I love Sundays.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center">*I was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own.*</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-39293166682782279242012-08-16T08:21:00.003-05:002012-08-16T08:21:54.012-05:00Guest Posting Today at So Wonderful, So MarvelousI really do love this blogging community that has sprung up for me in the past few years of writing on this blog. I have met some amazing people via blog, Twitter and Instragram. I think it satisfies my curiosity about how other people live, and I love it!<br />
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When Michelle of <a href="http://www.sowonderfulsomarvelous.com/">So Wonderful, So Marvelous</a> asked me and Hubs to participate in her marriage questionnaire, I thought it sounded like fun! I sent her my answers right after coming back from Disney, so they're a little punchy. ;)<br />
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In any case, check out the post <a href="http://www.sowonderfulsomarvelous.com/2012/08/about-us-jessica-husband-married-5-years.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SoWonderfulSoMarvelous+%28%7BSo+Wonderful%2C+So+Marvelous%7D%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">here</a>!Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-89886959000760532142012-08-15T21:56:00.001-05:002012-08-15T21:56:54.000-05:00Modern Life is Complicated<p>I’m having storage issues.</p> <p>Before we left for the wedding and for Disney (trip report and pictures are forthcoming), we discovered a problem. Our long-time Maxtor external hard drive wouldn’t boot. We plugged it into my PC, into Hubs’ Mac, even took it to work to see if it worked on those computers. My IT guy looked at it on his break and deemed it probably dead. He couldn’t get it to boot either.</p> <p>We were stuck.</p> <p>I had had good experience with the customer service at the Microcenter store here in town when  my Acer PC wouldn’t recognize its DVD player and therefore I couldn’t upload some pictures from a Disney Photo Pass DVD to my hard drive. I decided to take the hard drive there to see if they could help me out.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the second they plugged it in, they looked at me and told me it was dead. It wasn’t booting, and apparently something has happened to the plates inside. It’s the worst possible scenario and the most expensive fix. </p> <p>I took the hard drive home and on my desk it has sat ever since, while Hubs and I try to decide what to do with it. It’s got all our wedding pictures, videos, and all our personal photos since 2004. I so want those pictures!</p> <p>But that leads us to this week – we got back from Disney on Saturday night, and I’m dying to write about the trip and show you the most adorable pictures of my nephew with Tigger. SO CUTE. However… when I went to upload my Disney pics from the DSLR to the computer, I got an error message that I don’t have enough room on my 220 GB hard drive PC. So either I start deleting the pictures I’ve been saving up to transfer to the external hard drive or just not deal with pictures this week.</p> <p>I’ve decided that I can wait until later to add pictures to Facebook and blog about them, but the storage issues are getting quite annoying.</p> <p>And yes, we’re looking into cloud storage too. But I want to have the storage in person with all of our pictures from our life. Is that too much to ask? </p> <p>The ironic part of all of this? When I plugged in the external hard drive a few weeks ago and found out it was dead, I was about to back all of the pictures up to multiple DVDs as an extra safe back up. </p> <p>UGH.</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792204794562719656.post-19886681053832055702012-08-13T19:43:00.001-05:002012-08-13T19:43:18.487-05:00Celebrate Good Times, Come On!<p>We’ve been very lucky to have a low-key summer around here. Hubs has been off from school, but he’s been working as a research assistant and an admin help around the school, so that hasn’t really meant he’s been any less busy.</p> <p>There was a trip to DFW back in May and then it’s been kind of quiet, at least, by our standards. We are gearing up for a VERY busy fall around work, but we had two trips in the past two weeks that would just get us geared up for all the craziness to come.</p> <p>Hubs’ family has a wonderful friendship with another family from when they lived on the same street when Hubs was born. The kids are the same age, and they have been friends ever since. Their only daughter got married at the end of July and we packed up and headed to Columbus, OH, for a celebration at Ohio State. The family drove up on Thursday night so everyone could participate in the pre-wedding activities and I flew in after work on Friday.</p> <p>Saturday morning, everyone including my nephew, got gussied up for the wedding.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UXTBVCF3O18/UCme95AfulI/AAAAAAAAEIc/cTyo8fdpAeg/s1600-h/Wedding%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 1" border="0" alt="Wedding 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c22anHt3OLU/UCme-V_dQSI/AAAAAAAAEIk/hbWLkHW2T84/Wedding%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="center">Brother-in-law, nephew and his mama</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCBknhw5Q2Tl1vpJEn7R6ZaiInWT9NY24o813_4fU9XalT_aSDfHJgh_ao-pMGIMaqTXmXa8-bnf1zUhT8iedrRIrE4ZrGoSo_yH2H4OAGFpj0TBasHh5RDLS_zC-KxvDWQri7647vMQ/s1600-h/Wedding%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 2" border="0" alt="Wedding 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oWx9RiwqCyY/UCme_QN-JPI/AAAAAAAAEI0/L5zWfdmCcnI/Wedding%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="left">He will sleep anywhere. And how is this position even comfortable?!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tvHDqVNbRXY/UCmfAcS-G7I/AAAAAAAAEI8/V9Uh6CPN_vI/s1600-h/Wedding%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 3" border="0" alt="Wedding 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d_eAQtv3qXM/UCmfAwXeCOI/AAAAAAAAEJE/6FdfzKU6nwQ/Wedding%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="left">The ceremony was at the family parish in the Columbus suburbs, and it was a beautiful church. The bride was glowing, of course, and they played my favorite song – “How Beautiful” – as the communion meditation song. I cried, of course. ;) We did, however, have an unusual priest. Something about having fun rather than focusing on the solemnity of the occasion just put an odd spin on the whole vow portion of the afternoon.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p03O2jUmqCA/UCmfBu14lGI/AAAAAAAAEJM/u5p3PcmUwi0/s1600-h/Wedding%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 4" border="0" alt="Wedding 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ms_klzAOfro/UCmfB2VGd1I/AAAAAAAAEJU/mp91mNpbRC8/Wedding%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="left">The food at the Blackwell was wonderful! The couple had an open bar during the cocktail hour and then limited beverages with the drink tickets. It turned out really well and I’m sure saved them some cash! Besides, Hubs and I “borrowed” his parents’ cards and really enjoyed ourselves!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EnAxGsoQG54/UCmfCht6y4I/AAAAAAAAEJc/nyErShFfGXY/s1600-h/Wedding%2525205%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 5" border="0" alt="Wedding 5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5Wk0b0kl2ERjH6WP_6o_hv1aU690UEyWNJloe8ZRvaDzkTm5j-ZVcn3pNgy-aQScpL8L1TZ5-YhLT_kUL-i5zuXUFwM5mmtDIxD0j5WfJL0TkLYh6pK4Zk1CmjUNliAFXcwWKU-eoVA/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="left">The centerpieces were old lanterns surrounded by oranges and other greenery. Real candle light added a nice touch! The little lantern next to it was our place card and our favor! Great way to do double-duty. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O5y_upK61p0/UCmfEAzNdsI/AAAAAAAAEJs/g6zY9O9Liy8/s1600-h/Wedding%2525206%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 6" border="0" alt="Wedding 6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4frxVjD-aZw/UCmfEszAkgI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/O-LhVJAG7LQ/Wedding%2525206_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="left">Her colors were pink and orange, which turned out really well. There was nice lighting and the chair ties were a pretty touch. The cake was the centerpiece of the room, as it should be!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xzrUyBaTEm4/UCmfFOYpq0I/AAAAAAAAEJ8/bx1uASf8VD0/s1600-h/Wedding%2525207%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 7" border="0" alt="Wedding 7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0L_JXrivCtk/UCmfFlcxLTI/AAAAAAAAEKE/jaFcDqKr6EI/Wedding%2525207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="left">A self-portrait. I hate the lighting in receptions for taking pictures, though – they never turn out quite right!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX3TDesIYGhN1N-e8Z4DHtSgK6wqs_goEvbF63Dwi76LJqIB83U9lhwpaKYV_NbsSDdjIcdEQFBcuUYWezJ_GaWKU2l6vCJSn2Vpw3SM93jMfIEfntNsi9dB_cbhqJbMAVOu49bPMJPI/s1600-h/Wedding%2525208%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 8" border="0" alt="Wedding 8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MKXpUU2lAdk/UCmfGw5fJkI/AAAAAAAAEKU/OZLojjsq1kw/Wedding%2525208_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="left">There were desserts galore at the reception! First, cake pops, then wedding cake, and Rita’s Ice afterwards! I was a very happy camper.</p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W9sTnp-OGV0/UCmfHh7YIMI/AAAAAAAAEKc/GhWOkuC8V3A/s1600-h/Wedding%2525209%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 9" border="0" alt="Wedding 9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oXUAsXH0p7M/UCmfIPscRVI/AAAAAAAAEKk/Ogiu1Qj9M_Y/Wedding%2525209_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="left">See also: photo booth. Very amusing!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CvvqEnsKebU/UCmfIwo1m7I/AAAAAAAAEKs/OYLgGH9RC5s/s1600-h/Wedding%25252010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Wedding 10" border="0" alt="Wedding 10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sMCG8Jqj3qg/UCmfJQHt5oI/AAAAAAAAEK0/HxsKlmBZ06s/Wedding%25252010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p align="left">There was a lot of dancing at this reception and lots was done by Yours Truly. Husband even came with me on the dance floor for a few of them – and that is quite an unusual occurrence! But we had a blast (could that possibly be due to the open bar and extra drink tickets? Don’t know!). At the end of the night, I caught this adorable picture of my in-laws. They are so truly in love, I had to snap a photo. Aren’t they adorable?</p> <p align="left">In the end, what’s not to like about weddings? They’re so much fun!</p> Jessica @ Wanting Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259936815744813817noreply@blogger.com0