Arrival in Philly is a Success!!

I have one hour before I take off for London. So far, my day has been pretty successful, but I've still had a few hiccups. But NOTHING compare to 2 years ago!

I realized this morning as we were getting ready to drive off to the airport that I forgot to refill my prescription and would be 4 days short. After multiple whispers of all kinds of cuss words so my parents wouldnt hear, we decided they would refill them and overnight them to me in London. Way to save money Meg! But my parents reassured me they would take care of it all, which is really very awesome!

We get to the airport and I'm checking my bags hoping that they didn't change any policies in the last 2 years, but I was wrong, very wrong. I was charged $55.00 for my second bag when 2 years ago the first 2 were free. I had to face the fact that there was nothing I could do, and say goodbye to more money.

I've done a good job with not making any eye contact or socializing with a single sole, and it has resulted in my flying experience being great so far. Although, when I landed in Philly, I walked across what felt like the entire airport to get to my next gate, sat for about 5 minutes when they announced the gate had been moved.... all the way back to where I came from! I get over to the gate and it's no bigger than a small restaurant and is packed like sardines with annoying people. I found a spot to sit on the floor and some big dude decided he wanted to stand next to me, almost on top of me! I tried to deal, but ultimately had to move, when I did, the jerk walks away!!! How ironic.

I will be boarding soon. Wish me luck that the rest goes just as well as it has so far. See you soon from across the world!!

It's That Time, Once Again

As the days get longer and the weather starts to burn, I think to myself 'Oh summer, how I need to get away!' There have been a lot of ups and downs and unexpected events that have happened recently, and it's made me realize that another international vacation is much needed. It was almost as if one day I woke up and decided, if Rachelle will have me, I'm coming back! It only took one email and she welcomed me yet again with open arms. Then a couple days ago, without a second thought, I just went to the US Airways website and booked my flight to England. It's official.

This time, we will make our way to Italy. It's not set in stone as to where all we will be going over there, but we have discussed Rome (obviously), Florence, Venice, Pompeii, The Leaning Tower of Pisa.... wait, that sounds like the entire country. You're driving, right Rachelle?? Or is this going to be another Bath experience!? Either way, I foresee some amazing stories.

I leave for this adventure the end of July and will be gone for two weeks. However, I've already made it pretty known that if I find something better over there, I may not return. Just ship me my dog.

This year, no airport security fiasco, no delayed flights, and no stolen airplane seats! Fingers crossed, I'm sure I just jinxed myself.

In any Adventure, Someone is Always Bound to get Hurt

The last couple days have been perfect weather up here. Not too cold and pure sunlight. Although, you run into some problems when it’s cool and sunny out, at least I do. I have so many different tan and burn lines now, I look like I should be doing some show in the circus. Let’s just say, aloe vera is my new best friend.

Monday we took a trip to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. Unfortunately, Jeremy was pretty sick this day and was unable to go along with us. I believe Carter really enjoyed seeing all the sea creatures, mostly because they were behind glass, and not blowing any loud horns at him like in the parade. I think Carter’s favorite places were the birds and the shark tunnels. I would have thought the tunnels would have scared him to death, but he did surprisingly well, and even walked by himself through them. I can’t say I learned a lot at the aquarium because I didn’t read one sign about the fish we were looking at. My job was to snap photos of a child’s first visit to an aquarium. I felt like a wedding photographer I was taking so many. What Jen and Jeremy don’t realize is that they will be receiving a pretty large bill in the mail soon. And that’s including a family discount!

On Tuesday, Jen, Jeremy and I decided to take advantage of the perfect weather and take a hike down to some tide pools near Boiler Bay. Luckily Jeremy was starting to feel better, but as the day progressed, it turned out to be a different story. We first started by hiking down a very steep cliff to get to the tide pools at the bottom. Once we did get down to the bottom the only thing we really had to worry about was taking careful steps over the hundreds of stones. I was surprised to find a pretty large starfish on the side of a rock, which I got more excited over than all the overly huge ones at the aquarium.

We saw a cave in the distance and decided it would be cool to make our way to it and explore through it. On the way there Jen and I were getting extremely hot, and I was getting tired of carrying my jacket with me. Since we were the only ones in sight for miles, we decided to leave behind our jackets on some of the rocks. Both jackets were actually mine, and were both very expensive. One of which was my Cambridge University sweater, so you can imagine how worried I was. As we got closer to the cave we realized we needed to get to the other side of some rocks. Jeremy was first to make his way, and ended up getting one shoe wet. Jen was next, and was a little wiser. She took off both shoes and rolled up her pants. After tossing her shoes over and a little helpful hand from Jeremy, she made it successfully to the other side.

I then realized that if they both did it, I needed to as well. After I safely made it over, we left behind our shoes and sock and made the last few steps to the cave. We then realized that we couldn’t even get in it. A slight disappointment, but we continued on with our exploring. After taking as many pictures as possible, I could see the waves getting bigger and realized that high tide was probably making its way in. I thought of my sweaters, and our shoes that we left behind and we decided to stop and turn around to go back home. It would have been a perfect trip but on the way back Jeremy took a different route than Jen and I and ended up falling on a dangerously slippery rock, landing full force on his elbow. After a loud scream from Jen we made our way to him to find a very deep cut on his hand and a bloody scrape on his elbow. And we weren’t even close to getting back to the beginning. However, Jeremy being the trooper that he his (although maybe it just has to do with the fact that he is a male) we made our way back to the cliff we originally came down, thankfully with our shoes and sweaters. Quickly making our way up, I somehow ended up leading the way and saw a snake in my path. I think my scream scared him more that I was scared, because when he heard and saw me he quickly scurried off, as did I. In the car, at last!

Despite the slight injury and my odd looking sunburn, we had a great time and quite an adventure. Definitely worth doing again!

It’s time to get to bed, because early tomorrow morning, dad, Jeremy and I are taking another adventure, this time out in the sea to catch our fish!

Temporally Out of Service

I realize I have been here now for one full week, and have managed to write zero posts. I’d say the first few days were pure, solid relaxation. Jen and Jeremy arrived on Tuesday, which was another lazy day for all of us.

However, come Wednesday, I hit a speed bump. I’m not quite sure what I did, but I somehow managed to move in a way that made my back go out. I spent all Wednesday night screaming in absolute agony and 100% immobile. I slept on the floor with mom in my bed attempting to keep me calm. It hurt so bad that I couldn’t take deep breaths, which in turn resulted in an anxiety attack. When I have an anxiety attack, the only way I can feel better, is to take deep breaths. So you see my dilemma here? Regardless, Thursday morning the pharmacist up here in OR gave me an emergency supply of the muscle relaxers I was given from a car accident I was in a few weeks ago. Each day, I’m a little better. The best part is that I’m actually able to walk now. However, what really puts me down, is that I had planned on going to the sand dunes that are about an hour away and ride an ATV through them. Considering, I can’t even pick up my baby nephew, I don’t think it would be the safest idea to do something that requires that much movement.

Despite this unfortunate setback, I have still had a great time up here. Yesterday we went to the Saturday market in Newport. While waiting in line for some tasty crepes, a group of 3 young guys, who looked to be poor, but likely faking it, decided to provide the shoppers with some pleasant entertainment. We had a trumpet player assisted by a melodica player. Let me just say, I was not entertained. The third guy must not have been blessed with a musical talent, but rather poetry. I don’t believe the writing of poetry, but rather, the reading of it. I felt a little awkward when he stood in front of the other two, and began Shakespeareicly reciting a very strange poem. Once our crepes were ready, I darted away from the creepy guys and tried to find a safe place to sit to avoid the strong winds. Because it was so windy, we decided we had enough of the market.

We then made our way to Historic Bayfront Newport. I love this part of Newport. You are always guaranteed to see some strange people. A few years ago when I was here I walked right by a girl who was being pulled by another girl with a dog leash. She did not have a shirt on, and had black tape X’s over her nipples. Unfortunately, I didn’t see anything that extravagant this year. The best I got, was a man skillfully carrying his groceries.

Oregon likes to celebrate the 4^th of July on both the 3^rd and 4^th. It must be their way of trying to guarantee visible fireworks, as every other day is covered with thick fog or huge rain clouds. That was tonight, July 4^th. Yesterday, however, was perfect. We purchased our own fireworks and had a bonfire in the driveway. This morning there was a Fourth of July parade about 5 minutes from our house. I’d like to remind you that we do live in a pretty small town, so it was a small town parade. More like, people just hanging signs with their store or restaurant names over their everyday vehicles. Carter got pretty freaked when the fire truck blew his horn and when the steamroller plowed through. It even scared me because when it revved the engine, the entire street shook… a little strange if you ask me. At the end of the parade, Santa decided to show up. I’m not sure why, but he was riding on one of the floats waving to all the kiddos.

The rest of the day was cloudy and foggy, but as soon as the sun went down, around 9:30pm, lots of people on the beach blew off all their fireworks. As I am still sitting here on the couch, and it is now 10:30, there are still many people blowing them off. We have a front row seat to the Fourth of July celebrations. Which is a lot nicer than freezing our bagungas off on the beach.

Tomorrow we’re off to the aquarium, and later in the weeks we will attempt our deep sea fishing. Happy Fourth everyone!!

All Play and no Work

Whew.. You have no idea how hard that was to say. For the last week I have contemplated whether or not I was going to log into my email for work, and though I have already checked it twice, I am officially telling you all, don't expect me to be replying to anything or anyone!

As I sit here on the deck at my house in Oregon, with a jacket on, and the warm sun beating down on me, I think of my poor sweating pals back home and think 'don't you wish you were me right about now!' My travel experience here yesterday was much more pleasant than last year. If you recall, I had a Philly security guard call for backup on me. Needless to say, I learned my lesson. Yesterday I showed up at the airport with a sweet grin on my face, a hat on and headphones in my ears. I did every attempt to avoid any discussion or confrontation with anyone. It was a success! No mean security guards to deal with, no tears, and only a fraction of the stress I experienced last year. Domestic travel is far easier than international travel! Let's see if I just jinxed myself.

When we landed I was reminded of all the past memories in the Portland airport. It's been 2 1/2 years since I've been here, and I'm extremely glad to be back. Now, I had a 3 hour drive to the coast to look forward to. Shortly after we got in the car we made a stop for some food. I was recommended by a coworker to try the popular Oregon burger joint, Burgerville. One confusing, and slightly embarrassing order later, we sat at our table outside and ate our food. The scenery was nice. It was like a 50's diner, but with no annoying music. I don't want to go offending any coworkers, because I love you to death my dear, but I really don't think Burgerville has anything on my favorite In and Out! Don't get me wrong, the food there was tastey, but almost a little too healthy for me! Can you believe I just said that? Well, yes, I can. I like my food dripping with fatty grease. Yes, I plan to die at a young age. Regardless, I ate every last piece of my food and felt sickly full after.

Three hours later, we were home. I've now had 2 warm, sunny days. If you know anything about Oregon, you know that the sun rarely visits here. But I'm special enough for it to come out and say hi, for 2 whole days. My parents have been here for a week already, and have not yet made it down to the beach. Me on the other hand, day 1. I don't waste any time.

Not sure what's in store for tomorrow, but I can guarentee one thing, I will not be working! Poor suckers sitting in our sardine stuffed cube. I'll be basking in the sun (hopefully) listening to the sounds of the ocean. Two more days and the rest of the family arrives. I can't wait! One almost 2 year old, and two at heart 10 year olds.. I mean, loving sister and brother-in-law :) Let the party start!

Adventures in Oregon

Unfortunately this summer, I will not be traveling overseas. Rather, I will be going on a much needed relaxed, family vacation to the Oregon coast. It has been over 2 years since I have made the trip up there, and this trip couldn't be coming at a better time. When stress sky rockets, it's time to escape.

I do plan to do a few adventures that I have never done before. I will attempt to go deep sea fishing with my dad and brother-in-law. I am a little frightened to do this as last year, my brother-in-law was ill for days after he went. That would not be a relaxing vacation. I can be sick here at home, I don't want to do it in a beautiful beach house.

I also plan to rent an ATV and risk my life with crazy driving in the sand dunes of Oregon. Now let me just add that in the majority of my active sport things I attempt to do, something of mine breaks. And I don't mean a pair of sunglasses or a watch. We're talking bones, skin, teeth... wait, I still have all my teeth. I haven't gone pirate yet. Maybe this summer will be the time. These future posts are sometime to look forward to.

Oregon is one of the most beautiful, green places I've been. I hope to find my soul and peace in the forests and beaches up there. I hope that even though I will still be in the USofA, you will still follow my posts. Oregon is known for slow driving, and hippy weirdos. I know that there will be some interesting stories, and maybe a few pictures to come.

4 more weeks until paradise. I hope you come with me.

When Life Seems Lost, What's Next?

I realize it's been over 6 months since I think I've even navigated to this page. But alas, I have returned. It's hard to say where I've been the last 6 months. Seems as though it's been a roller coaster to nowhere. But there comes a time when you decide it's time to unsnap the buckle, pull yourself out of the seat, and step onto solid ground. My solid ground has been the most difficult place to find these days, but I realize I can't continue on this stomach turning coaster any longer. I feel as though the path I'm on isn't taking me anywhere but in circles. Instead, the whole world is spinning around me, and I'm lost in the center of it. In these rough economic times, there are people out there who have lost everything they know. Their home, their job, a car, some even their sanity. As I'm sitting here on my patio of my newly purchased home, on a stack of comfortable savings, with a booming career in front of me, I feel as though my life has been ripped apart and torn away from me. Someone from the outside looking in at me, on the surface, would think I have everything going for me, that I am the happiest, luckiest person in the world. They would be shocked to learn that they are completely and totally wrong. I will be the first to admit I have lost my soul, my spirit, my passion. Some may say that is even worse than being in a financial crisis. To me, that seems true.

However, I choose to move forward and find my soul again, regain my spirit and passion for life. But I have realized that this is not something I could ever do on my own. As I currently do some intense soul searching here in the places I know so well, where so many memories reply in my head (that I absolutely want to forget), I take on the challenge of "finding myself" in the midst of all my chaos.

There is one thing that I know I want and need to do, and that is continuing my travels, and continuing to learn all I can about the world around us. My problem for this traveling I so long to do, hopefully in the next 5 months, is that I will have to embark on this adventure alone. I will not have the luxury of staying with family or friends, in a place that I can feel safe and comfortable, as I did last summer. I will be stepping out of any element I ever thought was my own.

Everyday I sit and ponder where it is that I would like to go to help in "finding myself" and the end result is me saying in my head 'I don't want to go anywhere on my own. There's no way I could ever do that.' But here, now, I ask you for your help, for your advise. Everyone has their own opinion of where a great vacation spot would be, and I want to hear where those spots of yours are, or where you would one day like to visit. I'd also like to hear where you think would be a place for me to go to find the peace and solitude I so desperately wish to find. I have always had a huge desire to travel to any Asian country, but I know so little about them, it scares me to death to think I would go there alone.

Purpose of this post? Your thoughts, your opinions, your dreams. Somewhere you'd like to go, something you'd like to experience. Ideas or advise as to where I should travel to this summer. And then when I embark on that adventure, you will have all the joys of hearing them all over again right here, on this blog.

Thanks for all the love, support and helpful hints that are to come.