Friday, March 23, 2012
next big trip
My next big trip is in the making. Well actually the trip has been booked and airfare has been purchased. My mom and I are going to Australia AND New Zealand on a cruise! It seems like forever away but it'll be here before I knowing. We will be going over Christmas break. Our flights will be long and as my mom put it "we will be tired when we get there and exhausted when we get home but we will be doing it in style." All but one of our flights throughout our journey are either business or first class. The one that is in coach is only 2.5 hours. I can handle that. I'm so excited!!!!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Colorado Spring Break 2012
During Spring Break, I went to Colorado with one of my good friends, Angie, and we visited one of my good friends from college, Trixie. We had a blast! We went snowshoeing and snow tubing. I still haven't gotten up the courage to attempt snowboarding again or try to learn to ski. One day though I will.
Our Monday started with an afternoon flight to Denver. It was perfect because we didn't have to be up super early and we could finish running errands if we needed to, which I needed to because I spent my Sunday sick on the couch (blame it on dirty 5 year olds that have their hands in their mouth all day long even when told to remove them from their mouth because they are spreading germs). We landed and Trixie was there to get us. We went home and picked up her husband Ryan and also got a tour of their very cute little house. I love it! They have spent some time remodeling and they have done a wonderful job of making it a perfect home for the two of them. I love that they were so gracious to let us stay there with them even though they have very little space for guests. They blew up the air mattress and gathered all the extra pillows they could for us :)
That night we went to the Cherry Cricket. I think that was what it was called. It was a neat little burger place that I highly recommend. It was delicious but if you get the fries, one order is enough for at least 2 people. I had a ton left over. They did card everyone that went in so I didn't take offense when they asked for my ID. I know that one day I will be so grateful that I look very young for my age, but now, I wish I looked somewhat close to my age.
Tuesday morning we got up somewhat early....well about 7:30am. We got ready and got all of our snow gear and headed out. We first made a stop by a fabulous Denver breakfast hot spot. It was called Snooze. There are a few in the area. I had this french toast that was to die for! It had this gooey maple nutty goodness on top. It was so good that Angie and I ended up going back on Thursday before our day in Denver. So after breakfast we headed for the mountains. Trixie took us to a beautiful location near Copper Mountain called Clinton Gulch. I don't know if that is the given name for the place or the name they made up but it was beautiful. The snow was just like I remembered. We put on our show shoes and headed out. Snow shoeing is not for the out of shape. Yes, I am out of shape and yes I managed just fine but it was tough, especially when I fell in the snow and tried to put my hand down to get up and would just sink again. Or how about when my snowshoe came off and I couldn't stand. I had a few difficulties. We kept trekking until we got to a small little hill. That's where we decided to stop for lunch. We packed lunches...correction! Trixie packed our lunches. She made a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich :) We sat and enjoyed the beauty that surrounded us. It was so peaceful! We eventually headed back down and to the car. By the time we got back to Trixie's it was time to sit and relax a bit before enjoying some delicious dinner. I would like to mention that I picked up a new recipe while I was there. It is a super easy crock pot meal that I have already made once and I foresee making again in the future because it was #1 easy and #2 delicious! We were wiped out that night.
The next day we were on our own. Trixie had to work so she had one of her friends come pick us up so we could be at the rental car place at 9am. We got there and had the choice of a Versa or a Chrysler. I don't know cars so I didn't care. We decided that it would be best if Angie drove and I navigated because she doesn't read maps too well. I'm a map reader by nature so I had no problem figuring our way around especially with the trusty iPhone. The only problem is I should have remembered to bring my car charger. Anyways, that day we headed off to Keystone. I have been there before but to snowboard and I have horrible memories from that so I try to forget about them. We didn't make tubing reservations until we got there because we weren't really sure when we were going to get there but it worked out fine. We had to wait maybe an hour. It wasn't a bad wait and it definitely allowed for some fun people watching. So tubing was a lot of fun! We had an hour to tube and it was a perfect amount of time. It actually got hot up there tubing. You could do single runs or doubles or up to four people but obviously we kept it at 2 people since it was just us. When we were done there we headed over to Breckenridge. I'm pretty sure the place was over populated with Texans. They flock to that place apparently. It's a cute little town with lots of little shops that I loved. We were there for maybe an hour or so. Half of our time we spent in line at a little crepe hut. The guys had to have been making a killing on their crepes. The line was forever long and we waited. They were absolutely wonderful and had us googling crepe places in Denver the next day. So after our walk around town we were ready for our non-trafficky ride home. It was a nice drive followed by a quick fast food dinner and a nice quiet rest at home.
The next day was our last day. We spent the day at Snooze, REI, and 16th Street Mall.....all lovely places. We made our way back to the airport early and got to people watch and such. We had exit row seats on the way home and thankfully didn't have to step up and do anything. FYI, if you ever fly with a cold, BEWARE. Apparently you aren't supposed to. My ear got extremely stopped up on our descent down and I was in a lot of pain. It has just recently been relieved of all the pressure and I think my hearing is back to normal.
Overall, the trip was a lot of fun and great practice navigating for Amazing Race one day :) I even used a copy of a paper map to get us around at one point. It was perfect practice because I'm pretty sure they don't allow iPhones on Amazing Race!
I can't wait for some more beautiful Colorado time.....and of course fun times with Trixie. She is one of the best hostesses our there that I know. Oh and I can't forget her husband Ryan and their dog Nigel!
Our Monday started with an afternoon flight to Denver. It was perfect because we didn't have to be up super early and we could finish running errands if we needed to, which I needed to because I spent my Sunday sick on the couch (blame it on dirty 5 year olds that have their hands in their mouth all day long even when told to remove them from their mouth because they are spreading germs). We landed and Trixie was there to get us. We went home and picked up her husband Ryan and also got a tour of their very cute little house. I love it! They have spent some time remodeling and they have done a wonderful job of making it a perfect home for the two of them. I love that they were so gracious to let us stay there with them even though they have very little space for guests. They blew up the air mattress and gathered all the extra pillows they could for us :)
That night we went to the Cherry Cricket. I think that was what it was called. It was a neat little burger place that I highly recommend. It was delicious but if you get the fries, one order is enough for at least 2 people. I had a ton left over. They did card everyone that went in so I didn't take offense when they asked for my ID. I know that one day I will be so grateful that I look very young for my age, but now, I wish I looked somewhat close to my age.
Tuesday morning we got up somewhat early....well about 7:30am. We got ready and got all of our snow gear and headed out. We first made a stop by a fabulous Denver breakfast hot spot. It was called Snooze. There are a few in the area. I had this french toast that was to die for! It had this gooey maple nutty goodness on top. It was so good that Angie and I ended up going back on Thursday before our day in Denver. So after breakfast we headed for the mountains. Trixie took us to a beautiful location near Copper Mountain called Clinton Gulch. I don't know if that is the given name for the place or the name they made up but it was beautiful. The snow was just like I remembered. We put on our show shoes and headed out. Snow shoeing is not for the out of shape. Yes, I am out of shape and yes I managed just fine but it was tough, especially when I fell in the snow and tried to put my hand down to get up and would just sink again. Or how about when my snowshoe came off and I couldn't stand. I had a few difficulties. We kept trekking until we got to a small little hill. That's where we decided to stop for lunch. We packed lunches...correction! Trixie packed our lunches. She made a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich :) We sat and enjoyed the beauty that surrounded us. It was so peaceful! We eventually headed back down and to the car. By the time we got back to Trixie's it was time to sit and relax a bit before enjoying some delicious dinner. I would like to mention that I picked up a new recipe while I was there. It is a super easy crock pot meal that I have already made once and I foresee making again in the future because it was #1 easy and #2 delicious! We were wiped out that night.
The next day we were on our own. Trixie had to work so she had one of her friends come pick us up so we could be at the rental car place at 9am. We got there and had the choice of a Versa or a Chrysler. I don't know cars so I didn't care. We decided that it would be best if Angie drove and I navigated because she doesn't read maps too well. I'm a map reader by nature so I had no problem figuring our way around especially with the trusty iPhone. The only problem is I should have remembered to bring my car charger. Anyways, that day we headed off to Keystone. I have been there before but to snowboard and I have horrible memories from that so I try to forget about them. We didn't make tubing reservations until we got there because we weren't really sure when we were going to get there but it worked out fine. We had to wait maybe an hour. It wasn't a bad wait and it definitely allowed for some fun people watching. So tubing was a lot of fun! We had an hour to tube and it was a perfect amount of time. It actually got hot up there tubing. You could do single runs or doubles or up to four people but obviously we kept it at 2 people since it was just us. When we were done there we headed over to Breckenridge. I'm pretty sure the place was over populated with Texans. They flock to that place apparently. It's a cute little town with lots of little shops that I loved. We were there for maybe an hour or so. Half of our time we spent in line at a little crepe hut. The guys had to have been making a killing on their crepes. The line was forever long and we waited. They were absolutely wonderful and had us googling crepe places in Denver the next day. So after our walk around town we were ready for our non-trafficky ride home. It was a nice drive followed by a quick fast food dinner and a nice quiet rest at home.
The next day was our last day. We spent the day at Snooze, REI, and 16th Street Mall.....all lovely places. We made our way back to the airport early and got to people watch and such. We had exit row seats on the way home and thankfully didn't have to step up and do anything. FYI, if you ever fly with a cold, BEWARE. Apparently you aren't supposed to. My ear got extremely stopped up on our descent down and I was in a lot of pain. It has just recently been relieved of all the pressure and I think my hearing is back to normal.
Overall, the trip was a lot of fun and great practice navigating for Amazing Race one day :) I even used a copy of a paper map to get us around at one point. It was perfect practice because I'm pretty sure they don't allow iPhones on Amazing Race!
I can't wait for some more beautiful Colorado time.....and of course fun times with Trixie. She is one of the best hostesses our there that I know. Oh and I can't forget her husband Ryan and their dog Nigel!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
start of the bucket list: updated
Ok so a time or two I have referred to my "bucket list" but have yet to post that list. Therefore I thought now would be the time to post those things that were on my travel section of my bucket list. Being the organized person that I am, did you think I had just one long list??? Of course not....I've got different sections. So here goes my travel bucket list.
1. Go on an African safari
2. Go to Niagara Falls
3. Walk on a glacier
4. Travel through the Panama Canal
5. Visit the Amazon Rainforest
6. See Mt. Ranier up close and not just from the plane
7. Cruise to Antarctica
8. Tour Machu Picchu
9. Go to a concentration camp in Europe
10. See The Gateway Arch
11. Travel to the Four Corners Region and take a picture of course
12. Visit wineries in Napa Valley
13. See Mount Rushmore
14. Take a cross country road trip stopping whenever I feel the need.
15. See the Northern Lights
16. NYE in Times Square.
17. Go to the super bowl for the experience. It would be a plus if I liked one of the teams playing.
18. Be part of a flash mob.
19. Go to baseball spring training in Arizona.
20. Cage swimming with great white sharks.
21. See the start of the Iditarod.
21. Apply for reality tv. (Anyone want to apply for the amazing race with me?)
This is just the start. I'm hoping to get started on these ASAP. Some will take more disciplined saving that others but I'm not planning in sitting back and doing nothing.
***If you have any helpful tips on any of these, please share :)
1. Go on an African safari
2. Go to Niagara Falls
3. Walk on a glacier
4. Travel through the Panama Canal
5. Visit the Amazon Rainforest
6. See Mt. Ranier up close and not just from the plane
7. Cruise to Antarctica
8. Tour Machu Picchu
9. Go to a concentration camp in Europe
10. See The Gateway Arch
11. Travel to the Four Corners Region and take a picture of course
12. Visit wineries in Napa Valley
13. See Mount Rushmore
14. Take a cross country road trip stopping whenever I feel the need.
15. See the Northern Lights
16. NYE in Times Square.
17. Go to the super bowl for the experience. It would be a plus if I liked one of the teams playing.
18. Be part of a flash mob.
19. Go to baseball spring training in Arizona.
20. Cage swimming with great white sharks.
21. See the start of the Iditarod.
21. Apply for reality tv. (Anyone want to apply for the amazing race with me?)
This is just the start. I'm hoping to get started on these ASAP. Some will take more disciplined saving that others but I'm not planning in sitting back and doing nothing.
***If you have any helpful tips on any of these, please share :)
Thursday, February 23, 2012
getting closer
I'm definitely ready for my spring break traveling! After tomorrow, I just have 2 more weeks. It can't get here any faster. The sad part is that it will be over before I know it.
I'm somewhat in denial that I probably won't take a summer vacation this year. I mean it's really tough considering I spent more than 2 weeks in Alaska the last 2 summers. I love that place and would do anything in my power and budget to get back there this summer but I just don't think it is going to happen. Sad! Maybe I'll figure out something equally fun. Alaska is hard to top unless it's Europe and that's certainly not happening this summer.
I guess I'll keep my eyes focused on Colorado right now because like I've said before I absolutely love the beauty of that place. I'll get to see large amounts of snow without me having to make up any days of school and that makes me happy. Even though there will be no moose sightings, I get to see the mountains and good friends. What more could I ask for?
I'm somewhat in denial that I probably won't take a summer vacation this year. I mean it's really tough considering I spent more than 2 weeks in Alaska the last 2 summers. I love that place and would do anything in my power and budget to get back there this summer but I just don't think it is going to happen. Sad! Maybe I'll figure out something equally fun. Alaska is hard to top unless it's Europe and that's certainly not happening this summer.
I guess I'll keep my eyes focused on Colorado right now because like I've said before I absolutely love the beauty of that place. I'll get to see large amounts of snow without me having to make up any days of school and that makes me happy. Even though there will be no moose sightings, I get to see the mountains and good friends. What more could I ask for?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
colorado tubing
Ok, so I'm pretty aware that I almost never get comments on here. It could be due to the fact that very few people read this or maybe you don't want me to know you read this. I need some help though. I'm planning a trip to Colorado for spring break with a friend to visit a friend. I haven't had much luck with snowboarding so I'd prefer to not try again just yet. I don't really think I want to attempt skiing just yet. Another option is tubing. Looks like and sounds like fun....definitely something to try.
So I guess I need opinions on several different ski resorts. Anyone been to Winter Park? Or Copper Mountain? Or Keystone? Anyone been tubing?
What are some of your other favorite things to do/see in the Denver area? We are planning some snowshoeing but I'm trying to decide what other fun things to do.
So I guess I need opinions on several different ski resorts. Anyone been to Winter Park? Or Copper Mountain? Or Keystone? Anyone been tubing?
What are some of your other favorite things to do/see in the Denver area? We are planning some snowshoeing but I'm trying to decide what other fun things to do.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
my next adventure will be.....
Colorado! I've been thinking about it for awhile. Not only is the state absolutely beautiful, I have a good college friend there and an old friend from sky ranch that I see now an then. Spring break is a break for a reason. I'm excited to get away with one of my besties to visit another bestie. Trixie always has fun stuff to do. She introduced me to snowboarding which I failed miserabely with and introduced me to snowshoeing which is a workout even though you are just walking. I definitely am excited! I don't have the details but hopefully it will give me my travel fix until summer. I'm still debating what to do this summer. No one has the same adventuresome side as me so its tough to plan. I'll figure out something! In the meantime ill be planning a Colorado spring break trip! "Woohoo, spring break, Texas!"
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
quick trip and some new places on my list of places I want to go
My latest traveling adventure was a quick trip filled with early mornings and lots of plane flights. I guess that's what happens when you want decent priced airline tickets. I'm currently in the executive lou ge for US Airways waiting for my flight. I will update a little more about the trip and the few things I saw at a later time. Because of this trip I now have new places on my list of places I want to travel to. The problem is, I have to work most of the year and it's hard to fit the many places I want to travel in to the short summer break they give us. Be looking for an update late and maybe a few pictures.
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