Update

Moving day went much quicker than we expected.  As you can see from Lucy's picture at 1pm on Saturday, we were done and exhausted.  Congrats to Cullen and Becky for being official house owners!  Hopefully they will figure out their A/C issues real soon.

Date Night

A full week back at work after having an entire week off makes for one loooooong week.  We were excited to go meet up with KSteve and Meg for Happy Hour and a movie (Way, way back) on Friday.  On our drive there we received a fantastic phone call from our friends B and Tug to tell us some big news.  They are engaged! and we couldn't be more excited (especially since yours truly introduced them).  So congrats to B and Tug!!

After enjoying some Happy Hour sushi and drinks we walked over to the AMC movie and dine in theatre.  This theatre was amazing and I was wondering why Tommy and I had not been here before.  Tommy will tell you that there is nothing better than candy, popcorn and beer being served directly to you.  The only thing Tommy dislikes more is having to go to the bathroom and wondering if he is missing an important part in the movie.  We just happened to solve that problem too, with the Run Pee app on your iphone.  This app lets you know the best times to go to the bathroom and it will tell you what you missed while you were gone, amazing!

After we left the movie theatre Tommy informed me that he was never going back to a normal movie theatre again.  So if that's not a top dollar recommendation I don't know what else you want to hear :-)  Side note the movie was great I would highly recommend it (no matter what theatre you go to).  Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Moving Day

Not for me but instead for Cullen and Becky.  On Wednesday Cullen and Becky bought their very own house in Chandler, AZ.  Last night we all went over to check out the place (before we help move everything in these next few days).  It was exciting to see where they are going to start their lives together and they couldn't have picked a better place to do that.  Here are just a few of the professional pictures, so enjoy!

Official moving day starts at 7:30am on Saturday.  We better start resting up now.

Trying...

Normally I LOVE waking up to hear the rain coming down but when my alarm clock went off at 5:20am (for Pilates) there was nothing I wanted more than to snuggle back into bed.  There is something about the rain that makes me want to relax and read a good book.  So rain was not the best way to start my first day trying to get back into the serious working out routine.  Never the less I got up and went to Pilates and received a nice butt kick from my trainer.  I am sure I won't be able to walk tomorrow and possibly even tonight.  Since I am trying to back into shape may as well look the part.  Check out the new digs at Ellie.  There stuff is so comfortable I was purchasing stuff even on vacation in Mexico, now that's dedication.  Happy Thursday, we almost made it through the first full week back from vacation (and trust me it definitely wasn't easy).

Back to life

We finally got back into town late last night.  With access to a phone, internet and shopping we are starting to settle into our routine.  Ahhhhh just look at just some of the cute finds I saw on sale at Anthropologie.

Friday, July 19th

I sit down to write this after finishing a book, taking a shower and eating breakfast.  It has been a pretty productive morning and yet another beautiful sunny day awaits us.  Yesterday we got to experience more of downtown Tuxpan.  We had a trip to the store and the mercado (the market).  We having been eating three meals a day with lunch being the biggest meal of the day.  If lunch is later in the day (3 or 4pm) we will end up having dinner late, which is what we did last night.  Last night we took the bus downtown near the park to get Tommy and his brother's favorite tortas for dinner.  We may have even stopped to pick up my favorite Mexican treat un choco mil (it's like a chocolate shake so you know I will love it right Mom?).  Since it was late it was fun to see what some of the locals were up too.  After dinner we walked along the river and it was pretty with all the lights and beautiful views. We hopped back on the city bus and cruised home to wrap up another busy day in Tuxpan. Today is Tommy's cousins birthday and graduation from college so we will be having a small fiesta.  

So I am off to find my party hat, until later...

Wednesday, July 17th

Ahhhh humidity, when your fingers are just a little too fat that you can't put your rings on.  Oh how I have not missed those days.  We woke up to clouds this morning after listening to it rain all night.  We spent our morning lounging around, sudokuing and reading a good book a friend let me borrow. It was a great way to spend the morning since it was cloudy with chances of rain. The sun started to peak through in the late afternoon so we were lucky enough to head to the beach. Finally some sunshine and time to walk in the water.  The temperature of the water was just perfect.  Tommy made sure to enjoy a Corona in the hammock. As we drove home our stomachs were growling and we were exhausted from a day in the sun.  Dinner never tasted so good after such a long day. Tortillas, chicken, rice, salsa all rolled into one. It was delicious! We can only hope to grab some desserts and relax until the sun sets.  Until tomorrow...

Tuesday, July 16th

Today was full of relaxation...like a true vacation.  The sun peaked in and out throughout the day but never stayed out for too long. It was plenty humid though, even more than a summer day in Minnesota. Today was very similar to a weekend in the U.S. for us full of food, errands and time to ourselves.  It was perfect in everyway.  We started our day with a little exploring downtown for shrimp cocktails (every common for breakfast here), the bank and then a trip to Walmart. After a morning full of errands and taxi rides we relaxed at home in the A.C.  It was sooo humid today I am sure it will rain soon.  

Never have I had so much time to write, read and to complete my Sudoku book, nerd alert.  After a delicious dinner of steak, potatoes and cucumbers Tommy and I went for a walk down by the river. We were able to check out the new houses being built, a few restaurants and the Marine station.  After walking for a bit we started to notice that I was the site to be seen.  I forget that some of the locals have ever seen someone like me and I am reminded after repetitive stares.  Finally we decided to turn around to stop and get more of Tommy's favorite street corn. We will definitely need a diet plan when we get back from vacation from all this eating.  We finish our day snuggling up to watch the U.S. soccer game as it finally starts to rain outside.  You really can't beat another eye opening day! Life is good!

Sunday, July 14th

We started our morning off with a bang  or should I say a beep (an alarm), in order to take the bus to Zamora.  Tommy has family in Zamora which is just two hours away.  The drive over was absolutely breathtaking. Endless green trees mixed with jungle and mountains. Every town is filled with cute stone houses in all different colors.  After settling in to Zamora and meeting 20 or so extended relatives we finally sat down to eat.  

**sidenote: my friends and family would be blown away at the things I've tried to eat.  I drew the line at pig skin and an entire fish today. 

As if we didn't see enough beautiful things on our drive over we headed to the Tajin Ruins. I have never see anything quite like this and we were sure to take lots of pictures, which we hope to be able to upload soon. After 5 hours in the sun and no sunburn we headed back to Rosie's Tia's house.  We showered quickly and went to mass to celebrate Tommy's Dad. Catholic service all in Spanish makes for a very interesting hour and 20 minutes. Tommy and I were excited to see a little poodle puppy kneeling in the aisle next to us. The puppy was carrying her toy in her mouth the entire time. It definitely reminded us of our little perrito at home. Yes we are officially those crazy dog people in case it was still up for debate.

Lastly we ended our night with a large celebration for the state of Veracruz. This included a parade where Tommy's Tia was the queen and a carnival.  More importantly Tommy finally got to eat his street corn.  You know what they say happy boyfriend, happy vacation. After walking until our feet were sore we went to bed after un braso tu Tommy's Abuelita y a "Buenas noches. Gracias por todo". 

El Ultimo. 

And the journey begins!

Saturday July 13th, 2013
Most Saturday mornings start off with a walk to the park or maybe even a little doggie scratching at her cage (ready to go potty), this morning was very different.  Tommy's family and I headed to the airport at 4am and I had no idea what my trip would entail when my day began.  I was/ I am excited to see where Tommy and his family are from and even more importantly to meet more of their family.  If I could take away one thing from today (and trust me I've learned much more than just one thing) it would be that Tommy and I need to continue to travel. The plan would be to get outside of ourselves and to learn about another culture at least once a year.  As the day has continued from car, plane, taxi and now bus I have seen the environment continue to change.  In the beginning the differences were small and somehow I have ended my day only able to communicate with Tommy's family. Every location or mode of transportation has a new/nerve racking experience.

In the car- Sammy took us to the airport (Lucy was in the back). Definitely our most comfortable environment.
In the airport- about to board the plane to Mexico, I quickly realize the language exchange was
already starting (all announcements were in Spanish and English).
In the taxi-  Mexican drivers make me look good, some might even say I am a safe driver. As soon as we were dropped off at the bus stop, I quickly realized I was the minority. Unable to communicate and taking in lots of open stares.  I quickly asked questions about things I might need help with (como se dice wheat en Espanol?)  trust me this made ordering lunch quite interesting.
And the last mode of transportation was the bus-  this was probably the 2nd most comfortable environment (movies in English with Spanish subtitles to watch the whole way there) but I am quickly reminded at security and while dropping off my bag that I have little to no way to communicate.

I can already see that in one day Tommy has become a whole new level of companion (and never less then the best at that).  Never would I have guessed to see/experience so much just in the first day. This makes me excited to see what tomorrow brings as we go to celebrate the passing of Tommy's father (5 years ago) with some of his relatives.

Wish me luck or maybe an open positive mind and a Spanish dialect/accent.

Love, Megs

**disclaimer: all typed on Tommy's cell phone sorry for mis-spelling and weird formatting.

All pooped out

We had a blast relaxing up at my parents this weekend.  Golfing, swimming, walking, eating, etc.  We decided to come home a day early to get things organized for the week or more importantly for Mexico in a few days.  Someone might need a vacation from our vacation.
Bubbas as we turned out of paradise...

and two seconds later.

Breakfast date

Thank goodness Mom and Dad flew in for a few days so some of us had a good excuse to get together.  We headed out for breakfast at Joe's Farm Grill and it was delicious (definitely try the yummy yummy breakfast tacos).  Along with a little time to catch up and an adorable sneezing 1 year old the adults were kept entertained for most of the meal.  Cade is growing up so fast and is changing all the time.  Who knows what he will be up to after Tommy and I get back from Mexico on the 21st (only 6 more days till vacation).  Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday weekend and is enjoying their last free hours.

An upset tummy...

after a few too many cocktails from celebrating the 4th of July made for a rough Friday.  Luckily my brother and boyfriend had my best interest at heart when they picked up some gluten free tomato soup at Mirabel.  That soup definitely saved my day along with a few Sprites.  Gotta love Gluten Free...

Wheelin' and dealin'

My/maybe our new favorite obsession is finding great deals.  I am not talking about being one of those crazy couponers but I am talking about smart shopping within reason.  Fresh and Easy was reading our money saving minds this week when I got these in the mail.  $5 off for the next 8 weeks along with extra friend points depending on when you come in and shop at Fresh and Easy.  Last week Tommy and I both were able to use the same coupon (so we saved a total of $10).  After finishing our shopping at the grocery store, we also found another great deal and purchased our flights to Cabo for Emily's wedding in February.  We found them on Expedia and we were able to get 10,000 free miles using my new credit card.  I love it, just another day wheelin' and dealin'...

Case of the Mondays

While we were looking forward to the holiday, this was definitely the longest short week ever.  I worked my butt off to get enough done Monday- Wednesday in order to use PTO on Friday.  Monday was packed with back to back clients and a quick dinner so the entire group (Tommy, Lucy, Sam and I) headed to get a little treat before Lucy's dog obedience class.  FroYo is just fantastic and it definitely helped us to get enough energy for doggie class.

Chocolate and gummy bears and a gold star from the instructor helped to start the week off right.