Seattle Visitor

Kate was in town for a business trip and came a day early to hang.  This was her first time to Chicago, and we definitely made all the stops... food stops included.  It was a long day, but I got her thru all major downtown landmarks.  It was a gorgeous day outside and as always, I just love being in the city on a sunny day.  

Cheers!

Mother's Day

 We spent Mother's Day at Camille's house.

 Look at how big my first great nephew is... Marshall!!!

Then take a look at how big my first niece is... She's seriously like hugging a toothpick.  

San Diego May 2013

San Diego, told thru Instagram...  

I tagged along on another work trip with my super busy traveling around the United States husband... he flew in Tuesday night, I flew in Thursday morning.  San Diego has been on my list of places to see and I was glad to check it off the list.

The trip started off with going directly to Lolita's with Adam and his co-workers (thanks J!)  for a California burrito... it's a burrito with french fries in it!!!  It was amazing...  we then went to Pink Berry... a favorite west coast treat, that seriously needs to move it's way East.  Afterward, Adam had to go back to work and I had nothing to do but go to the hotel and enjoy cocktails poolside.  Whoa is me.

When Adam was done, we headed to a happy hour and met a client of Adam's at a sports bar BarleyMash.

Adam and I went across the street and had dinner at SearSucker... so delicious (thanks J!).  After that, I headed back to the hotel (making another pit stop at Pink Berry) and Adam went back to the bar to hang with his work peeps.  I was done with beer for the day. 

Friday, we went to Hotel Coronado.  And enjoyed the hotel amenity of lying pool side.  It was so windy... the water in the pool was making waves, but we survived.  We didn't do that however until we put our feet in the Pacific.  My very first time touching West coast waters.

We then headed to Seaport Village where we met up with Jan.  Jan is an old co-worker from my ortho days.  She moved out to San Diego about one year ago and probably won't ever come back.  We headed to happy hour at Anthony's Gratto...our server was Diane.  She was in love with Adam, so needless to say, we got great service!

That night we went to Petco Park and enjoyed a night of baseball.  San Diego Padres won!!!  I love going to different stadiums and comparing them.  Petco Park was really nice.  We had great seats for 20 bucks. 

Saturday we headed out to Balboa Park and walked around a bit.  Look at me climbing trees.

After walking around we headed to Ocean Beach with one purpose only... FISH TACOS at South Beach Bar and Grill.  This was a recommendation to me from a coworker who lived in SD for 6 years... she says she has never found anything to compare.  Sign us up... we were the first customers at 11 am.  And we were not disappointed.  Drinking before noon.... and fish tacos... hey, we are on vacation!!!!!!!!!  

We drove around making a stop at Torrey Pines, so Adam could see the golf course.  We went to Del Mar and La Jolla as well.

Saturday night, we met up with Mike and Anne Marie.  Mike is Adam's stepbrother who lives in San Diego, Anne Marie is his wife.  It was the first time I had met both of them.  We went to Crab Hut, where I ordered 1 lb. of shrimp and just peeled and ate, peeled and ate.  It was awesome.  They even give you a bib and plastic gloves.  Our time with Mike and Anne Marie was short, but it was so much fun!  Next time, we want to meet those cute kids of theirs!!!!!!

We left for home on Sunday.  I was so glad that I got to go too.  It was nice to get out to sunny Cali and place yet another city under my belt!!!

found this in the airport and i love it.

Naureen and Imad

Following the death of a close co-worker and friend.  My co-workers and I dried our tears to CELEBRATE Naureen and Imad's Wedding Day on April 26th.  It was seriously gorgeous.  This is the second Muslim wedding I have attended in my life.  Don't ask me what they said... but I know that Naureen was happy.

Check out these super cool couches that were the centerpiece of the room.  The background was made up of candles.  At first I just thought they were lights, but indeed the whole back drop was a wall of candles.

I was not allowed to sit on couches... alas. 

Us non-Muslims found the restaurant located withen Venutis and purchased a few drinks pre-wedding.  Apparently, Indian weddings always start late... we didn't mind.

These two were like superstars, so I couldn't get that great of a picture of them looking at me.

My better half and I.

I did however interrupt Naureen's dinner to snag a picture and pulled Bea and Merissa in it with me!

Here's the group picture.  Based on how good we look, you'd never know what we all do on a daily basis... butts and guts!!!!

The Calling

"The Calling"

Do you sometimes wonder?
Why you do the job you do?
Did you choose your career?
Or did your job choose you?
Way back before you were born.
God knew there was a need.
So He picked your fertile heart.
And planted a caring seed.
Then He waited and He watched.
Knowing before too long.
The desire in you to help others.
Would continue to grow strong.
He guided you throughout life.
Through the courses that you took.
Because you were a chosen one.
You are written in His book.
The caring heart He put in you.
As you put others first.
Leaving only one path to take.
In you there was a thirst.
Not seeking fame or fortune.
Born with a tender touch.
You are who you’re meant to be.
That’s why you care so much.
Because caring doesn’t take practice.
It’s not something you rehearse.
You answered a special calling.
When you became a nurse.

Written by Edwin Hofert