Afternoon of miracles!

So a few weeks ago I found out I was missing a Praxis exam. Yeah, I have taken so many, but apparently I wasn't done.  These are special standardized tests I took as part of my graduate work in my teaching program.  I only had a small window left to take it.  I checked and was able to sign up for a spot within the required window,.  Wahoo!

Today was the day.  I went to print my admission ticket and realized to my complete horror that I had signed up to take it in CENTER CITY PHILLY instead of the suburban testing center that I meant to.  (Pregnancy brain strikes again, seriously).  In panic mode I hopped in the car with little hope I would be able to make it in time.

Well, miracle of miracles, there was NO traffic going to the city at 4:30, which is basically unheard of.  I got to Center City in under an hour, which, it usually take at least an hour and fifteen minutes from where I live.  It was almost creepy how quickly traffic was moving and with no congestion.  That alone calls for a celebration!

I was a little dismayed when I realized the testing center was in Old City (about two blocks from the Liberty Bell) an area which is infamous for NO parking!  I didn't have enough money to pay to park in a garage which is what I usually do when I drive to Center City.  I drive a big bad mini-van and parallel parking that beast is no joke.  I circled the block once and then, cue the Hallejulah angel chorus, a huge van pulled out of a spot, right in front of the testing center!  I was able to pull right in with no trouble.  Another cause for celebration!!

Then the meter would not take my dollar bills!  I kept trying to put them in, but they wouldn't take them.  Finally I figured I was so lucky to even make it there and I would just deal with the parking ticket later.  I ran into the testing center and took my test.

And it was freakin' hard. There were lots of questions about art and phys ed, and I have no experience to draw on there at all. But, at the end, the computer gave me an unofficial score, and I passed!  Actually, not to toot my own horn, but after I e-mailed my advisor he let me know that this was an EXCEPTIONAL score.  So go me.  More celebration!

Then, when I came out my car windshield was TICKET FREE!  I was shocked!  I have gotten a ticket after parking like ten minutes illegally in the city, and it took me over an hour to take the test, so this was truly miraculous.

So, all in all, there was lots of cause for celebration this afternoon.

I am linking up with Lindsay for her monthly link-up.  Happy Tuesday!

catch up

It was a good weekend around here.  Ryan went on one of this quarterly crazy cleaning binges, so Isaac and I really had no choice but to get on board.  Except for our bathroom, the entire house is clean, vacuumed, organized, and tidy.  It's a nice way to start off my first *official* week at school (which begins tomorrow).  Ryan also starts his first day at his new job today, so it just feels like a nice fresh start for all of us.  Isaac doesn't start until next week though.  So he is getting some good grandma time in this week.

I have been debating quite a bit about how long to keep on with my mall job.  Some days I feel like I need to immediately put in my two weeks and then other times I feel like I could do it a bit longer.  I like the people I work with.  It's a relatively easy and mindless job.  The little bit of extra cash is provides is nice (although probably mostly eaten up by the gas/food it takes to sustain working at the second job) but the discount is a really nice perk, especially with back to school and the holidays approaching.  The month of August ,despite my wide open availability they had only put me on for one or two shifts a week, which felt doable going into the school year.  However, I am not even hugely pregnant but I am starting to be really tired at the end of my shifts, just from being on my feet the whole time, so I'm not sure I can go back to working all day at school and then closing at night as I continue to grow and expand.  Then last week the schedule email suddenly had me closing four nights this week, my first week back at school.  Which, that can't happen.  September is always my insane month and I would like to see my family once in a while.  So I don't know. Opinions are welcome.

In other news, how adorable is my sister in law Deb?

 She is due the day after me and just had her big ultrasound.  Deb and Patrick are having a....... BOY!  So it will be one of each come late December for the Horne family.  I'm so excited and wish that they lived closer.

Pregnancy brain continues to strike.  This weekend alone I left my phone at the grocery store and then picked Isaac up a half an hour late from his dad's (which didn't make his dad particularly happy). It is starting to become a bad joke that I will inevitably drive Isaac to the wrong soccer field for practice.  I am starting to feel like I have early onset Alzhiemer's.  It's scary.  If I don't put it in my phone with a reminder alert I just don't remember it correctly or at all.

Happy Monday all!

Pregnancy Update

How far along: 20 weeks-- halfway there!!!
 

How big is baby: At the ultrasound the technician estimated 1 pound, 12 ounces.
 

Weight gain: Still doing well.  I think a lot better than last time around, but it's still early yet.
 

Sleeping: I have been sleeping with earbuds in the past few nights and that has helped.  My mind starts racing when I get up to go the bathroom though and then it can take quite a while to fall back to sleep.
 

Food cravings: Still French Fries.  And sweets.
 

Food aversions: Nothing really.
 

Other symptoms: Still weepy and emotional over everything. Seriously, everything. I think at this point Ryan is just randomly throwing out comforting stock phrases out of desperation ("I support you", "I hear you", "I appreciate you").  Also I am ready for my super bionic nose power to go away. It will be nice to do the dishes without gagging.  

 

Miss Anything? Unscheduled summer days!  This week has already been slammed with last minute summer ieps and then next week is busy, busy with in service days.
 

Doctor’s appointment: We finally got into the hospital and had our ultrasound.  This little baby is a "she" and seems to already be stubborn (just like her mama!).  She kept her knees locked together and wouldn't move around much no matter what we did.  Her measurements looked good and are on track with our due date.  Nothing jumped out as troublesome, so that is a relief.  Ryan and I have bloodwork to do this week. Next appointment is the big glucola one in September.
 

 Wedding Rings: Still on! 
 

 Clothes: I had been wearing some flowy looser dresses to work this week. Also bought a few more maternity shirts at work Saturday.
 

 Movement: Lots and lots his week!  Except during the ultrasound. Then then she was totally still.
 

 Best moment of the week: Ryan and I were able to have a little date night on Friday.  Qdoba and a movie.  
 

 What I’m looking forward to: Starting to buy some things that are pink or have ruffles or are animal print (but nothing princess!!!!). Also looking forward to my sister in law Deb getting her ultrasound results.  Wouldn't two girls be SOOO fun!?
 

What I did / Got for baby:   These are some cute Alaska baby things my sister sent.

Finally got in for our ultrasound and...

 

 

 

It is a bit of a mind switch after over eight years of raising a boy, but Ryan and I are thrilled!

 



Cruise food

 

Okay, last cruise post.  Seriously.

 

One of the best things about crusing is the food!  They say the average cruiser gains 5-10 pounds on a 7 day cruise and it is easy to see why.  The food is available 24 hours a day, there are tons of amazing options and it is all included with the price of your cruise. We did some breakfasts in the main dining room and some in the buffet, lunches in the buffets, and dinners in the main dining room.  The only thing we didn't try was room service.

Amazing appetizers.  My favorite appetizer of the week was the strawberry soup which was served cold.  Ryan ordered shrimp cocktail almost everyday. 

The main dishes were delicious.  Each day in the main dining room there were two menus-- an everyday menu that had things like burgers, fried chicken, and steak.  There was also a second menu that had things that were just for that day.  So it was easy to find something we liked.  Or two somethings we liked.  Ryan often ordered two entrees.

Our only food complaint was that the sherbet always came  out melty looking.  The chocolate cake in the upper left hand corner was the best!  I ordered it every night.  The cake in the upper right hand was a little treat Ryan had arranged without telling me. On the first night in the dining room the waiters came and sang a little "happy honeymoon" song to us and surprised us with the yummy cake.

You can choose two dining options: anytime dining where you come and go or an assigned dining time.  We did the assigned time.  When you do the assigned time they give you a table and you eat with the same people each night.  We were assigned to sit with a nice couple, she was a special ed teacher and he was a physical therapist.  They only came to dinner the first two nights though, which was just as well.  They had just finished a Disney Cruise and really just wanted to talk a lot about how this cruise didn't measure up to that one, which got a little tiresome.  We also liked the assigned dining because we got to know our waitstaff so well.  Soon they knew our drink preferences and greeted us by name.

 

I would definitely recommend cruising to anyone.  Our cruise was very reasonably priced (partially because we didn't mind a tiny interior room and booked at the last minute) and is a great deal when you consider that price includes all your food, lodging and entertainment.  And best of all, they just keep reminding you to "relax!  You're on vacation!". We can't wait to plan our next cruise!

Third Thursday Threads

It's time to get ready for school to start again.  That means getting my new classroom in order and actually getting dressed in something other than yoga pants.  As you can see from the background, I still have a long way to go to get the new room in order.   Bri was having a link up for geometric prints so I thought this dress would be perfect for the theme.

It first made it's appearance at brother's rehearsal dinner in my new favorite family photo of the three of us.
 

It's not a maternity dress but it works really well as one.  I expect to get a few more months worth of wear out of it.

Isaac was getting jealous and wanted in on the classroom self timer pics.  Of course, his new WWE championship belt had to make an appearance too.

 

 

 Happy Thursday everyone!

Pregnancy Update: 19 Weeks

 

How far along: 19 weeks
 

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says baby is about the size of a banana which seems big since last week it was the size of a tomato.
 

Weight gain: I am doing good on weight gain!  Surprisingly.  We haven't had much extra money for snacks or trips for icecream, so I think that has helped.
 

Sleeping: Has been awful the past few days.  I keep waking up feeling desperate to go to the bathroom and then when I come back to bed Ryan is snoring and I can't fall back to sleep.  Or I just find myself awake in the night for no reason.
 

Food cravings: Still French Fries.  And sweets.
 

Food Aversions: Popcorn looks and smells gross to me.
 

Other symptoms: Still weepy and emotional over everything. Some heartburn this week.  I had terrible heartburn during my pregnancy with Isaac but not till the end.
 

Miss Anything? A good night's rest!
 

Doctor’s appointment: I had an appointment that on Monday that was nothing special.  I did hear the heartbeat though and according to the theories some subscribe to the heartbeat fell into the "girl" range.
 

Wedding Rings: Still on! 
 

Clothes: If you see me, I am probably wearing one of about three outfits cobbled together from my "fat clothes" that still fit.  I have worn that maternity maxi dress in the picture above a few times now.  It is so comfy.  I may buy it in other colors.
 

Movement: Lots and lots his week!
 

Best moment of the week: Going to the movies and out to lunch with my mom and Isaac.And cleaning out all of Isaac's clothes.  Long overdue and now I actually know what he needs for back to school.
 

What I’m looking forward to: Our ultrasound on Friday!!  The big gender reveal!!!
 

What I did / Got for baby: My friend Becca gave me this little diaper cake (it got a little wilted on the car ride home).  Someone had given it to her but her baby had already outgrown the newborn size diapers.  She also gave me a book that she had received two of.  My sister also sent some fun baby stuff from Alaska but I haven't had a chance to photograph it.

What I learned this week: Not enough sleep equals a cranky, weepy Lisa.

Cruise Recap: Day at Sea and Miami

 

 The next day of our cruise was a day at sea.  Ryan insisted on getting up early to watch the sunrise over the water. I got up grudgingly but was glad I did in the end.  It was peaceful and beautiful.

 

 

 

We had a leisurely breakfast and then settled in on the deck with a couple of books, our iPods, and a beautiful ocean view.  That was my second favorite moment after the honeymoon.  Just relaxing with each other without a care in the world. 

 

I also scheduled a manicure for myself at the ship spa as a celebrating for not biting them for so long. It was a "fire and ice" manicure where they rubbed cooling gel all over my hands and arms and then massaged them with hot stones. 

 

We also spent some time in the Caribbean Lounge playing more bingo.  

 

I ended up winning five dollars.  Ryan persuaded me to try to "invest it" in the slot machines.

 

So of course, I promptly lost the five dollars.  I still don't understand the appeal of casinos one bit.  I could have taken my five dollars and chucked it over the side of the ship with the same results.

 

After dinner we checked out another show at the ship, and then we went to the comedy show.  We loved the one comedian Rob Little.  Ryan got his picture taken with him.

 

We returned to our room, packed our luggage and left it out for the porters.  When we woke up we were back in Miami.  We had booked ourselves a flight the next day, so we could have an extra day to explore Miami. The ship offered Miami excursions and since we hadn't been successful at finding much on our own we decided to book a double decker bus tour through the Carnival. That bumped us up from being one of the last people allowed off the ship to one of the first people.

 

We sadly said good-bye to the Carnival Victory and headed off on a scorching hot tour of the city.

 

The picture above is for Isaac.  The home of his beloved Miami Heat.

 

You can't read the temperature gauge that well but it was over 100 degrees!

I loved all of the art deco architecture of South Beach and fancy schmancy houses.

We escaped to our hotel to cool down for a bit and then to figure out public transportation to South Beach.  Our hotel had a free airport shuttle, so we took that to the airport and then transfered to a bus.  Not the most direct route to South Beach but definitely the cheapest.   South Beach was beautiful.

 

Blue skies, blue water, white sand.  Amazing.  How can I ever be satisfied with the Jersey Shore again?

We wanted to stay for the sunset thinking it would setting over the water. 

 

But it actually set the opposite direction.  Oh well.  Still pretty.

 

The next day we slept in and then it was time to say good-bye to Miami and head home.

We had such an amazing trip.  It was so nice to take a break from all of the stresses and worries of everyday life and to just focus on each other and talk about our goals and our kids and our life.  We are so grateful to my parents who basically made the trip possible and who watched Isaac the whole time we were gone.   Who knows when we will get a chance to have another long getaway just the two of us with the baby on the way, so it was really special.

Cruise Day 3: Cozumel

Cruise recap continues.  I apologize in advance for the amount of time it will probably take this page to load with all of the photos.

Day 3 was Cozumel.  We didn't get there until the afternoon so we had some time to relax around the ship.  

 

We played Bingo and Ryan won 25 dollars!

We found another towel animal friend in our room.  The next picture shows the view from our ship as we pulled into Cozumel. 

The little area where the ship docked was a total tourist trap full of stores selling junky souvenirs and bars pushing cheap drinks.  We had done a lot of research on excursions in Cozumel.  I have always wanted to see South American ruins and Ryan was game, but the tour to see Tulum required taking a boat over to the mainland and wouldn't have left time for the beach.  We decided to compromise by seeing the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio which was much closer and would still leave time for other things. 

The meeting spot for our tour was in front of that little temple shaped fountain.  It was sooo hot and sunny there and I was already terribly sunburned by this point, so not good for me.

They relocated us to a shadier spot and Ryan decided to enjoy a Corona, since we were in Mexico after all.

Soon we were on our bus with our tour guide Alex.  

Familiar sights along the way.  We also passed a Costco.  Cozumel was a cute little island.  Tourism is their only industry really, so they take it pretty seriously.  I really loved it and would love to have a chance to visit the island again.

Getting a tour of the ruins and learning all about the Mayans.  It was fascinating. The Mayans were so advanced in math and science it is unreal.  

The descriptions were all in Spanish, English and Mayan.  Our tour guide spoke all three as well.  He was excellent!

I don't know if you can tell how sweaty we were, but we were out in the middle of the jungle and it was HOT and humid and we had our bathing suits under our clothes.  Thank goodness they gave us a free bottle of water. 

There were also lots of these iguanas running around sunning themselves.  Ryan enjoyed chasing after them but they really creeped me out.

We picked up a few souvenirs from the shops there.  Ryan loved haggling with the vendors we encountered and was tickled by seeing how cheap he could get them down to.  It was interesting because even though we we were in Mexico, every where we went in Cozumel people were speaking English and accepted American dollars. 

Next it was back to the bus to head to the beach.  The beach was my favorite part of the whole cruise.  It was so beautiful and the water was clear and warm.

First view of the beach:

Toes in the sand.

Seriously, is this not the definition of paradise?

 You could stand in water up to your waist and still see your toes and tiny fish swimming near you.  It was amazing.  Again, a far cry from the water at the Jersey Shore.  Although it was a bit rocky as you can sort of see in the pictures above.

We also had free wifi there so we texted family and sent them some pictures so they could all be jealous.  

My only complaint about the excursions was I wish we could have had more beach time.  It was so peaceful and beautiful and romantic.  When you hear the word "honeymoon" this beach is actually what came to my mind.

Our next stop was dinner.  We knew we wanted to go all out for dinner in Mexico.  Ryan had bought a Fodor's guidebook to Carribean ports and the Cozumel chapter had recommended a place called Pancho's Backyard.  It turned out to be a stone's throw away from our ship.

The book had given them great reviews and we were not disappointed!  We each ordered sort of a sample platter type meal at our waiter's recommendation, as well as appetizers and dessert.

   

Ryan braved their special habenero hot sauce and while he enjoyed it, it made his nose start to run and little beads of sweat form on his forehead.  He loved it though and poured it on his entree.  I touched a little bit to my tongue and had to gulp down water, so I don't know how he managed it.  We bought a bottle to take home though.

on the bathroom door

We watched the sun setting over the water and wished we could stay in Cozumel in that moment forever.  But soon, it was time to head back to the ship.

Carnival is very tricky in that they route all of the traffic coming back to the ship through a huge gift shop. You have no choice but to go through it.  Performers of all sorts are in it too, trying to get any last tips or pesos and encouraging the drunk people to buy condoms (TMI, but true).

We were exhausted when we got back to the ship.  They had scheduled a huge Mexican buffet and dance party that evening.  We were going to rest and then get up to go, but we ended up sleeping right through, which was probably just as well.  We came back to the room to find a swan friend left for us.

We loved every second of Cozumel but were ready to recuperate on our day at sea.