tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23687674075621301522024-03-14T01:55:49.564-05:00Day in the Life of MichelleMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-33514600855450944932012-07-16T00:21:00.001-05:002012-07-16T00:21:19.440-05:00Hot, Hot, Hot...is how all the Wiley's are feeling. The AC fan is broken. These past two days I am reminded how difficult it is for me to sleep in warm weather. Pray that a new fan won't cost an arm and a leg. Anywho... It seems as though every time I write a post a significant amount of time has passed. Sorry! <br />
<br />
Sam has finally gotten scheduled for his clinical rotations. We will be heading to Baltimore and then New York. I am very excited that we will get to reconnect with friends that we haven't seen in quite some time. This whole process has had me from the depths of despair (waiting, waiting, and more waiting) to extreme jubilation (finally getting scheduled). I am extremely thankful for my Ross family for putting up with my craziness. I vented to them mostly because they know all to well how "the man" keeps us down.<br />
<br />
We aren't pregnant. My post from last year seems so premature, but the feelings are still true. It has been over a year and I'm still not pregnant. I had been late in January, but that was due to stress. So I keep thinking of cute ways to let everyone know and each time I get my period. Mothers Day and Fathers Day were bad. I listen to a radio show that gets syndicated throughout the US, Kidd Kraddick in the Morning. Kellie Rasberry is on the show and she has had problems with infertility. She mentioned how hard Mothers Day is for someone struggling to get pregnant. I cried. I never would have imagined that would be me.<br />
<br />
So that brings you pretty much up to date. Stay tuned for me freaking out... How am I gonna put a house into a Mazda 3? Two more weeks til Baltimore!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-45284667788743576502011-12-19T11:19:00.000-06:002011-12-22T12:37:06.816-06:00Team Wiley Christmas 2011<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFvVbQW2A8Q/Tu90vpEXRFI/AAAAAAAAASQ/f8nOBwCGj8k/s1600/August-September+iphone+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFvVbQW2A8Q/Tu90vpEXRFI/AAAAAAAAASQ/f8nOBwCGj8k/s320/August-September+iphone+027.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took this picture of Ursula back in September. (Note- Her ball baby is close by.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bquIl6P6o7E/Tu9vgGMk6OI/AAAAAAAAARQ/1O830EWXitY/s1600/Christmas+Card+2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bquIl6P6o7E/Tu9vgGMk6OI/AAAAAAAAARQ/1O830EWXitY/s320/Christmas+Card+2011+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">donning our fabulous Team Wiley shirts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjwE93TsWy4/Tu9vsM18HdI/AAAAAAAAARY/_ypOpf0pBD4/s1600/Christmas+Card+2011+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjwE93TsWy4/Tu9vsM18HdI/AAAAAAAAARY/_ypOpf0pBD4/s320/Christmas+Card+2011+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_HzeBCY8Y4/Tu9v3MgOwaI/AAAAAAAAARg/lPQy5KTvJ6w/s1600/Christmas+Card+2011+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_HzeBCY8Y4/Tu9v3MgOwaI/AAAAAAAAARg/lPQy5KTvJ6w/s320/Christmas+Card+2011+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy probably did something to show her hatred for having to sit in the family portrait. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7BLgrL_eOA/Tu9wCYgrSwI/AAAAAAAAARo/UW5dMlDShuI/s1600/Christmas+Card+2011+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7BLgrL_eOA/Tu9wCYgrSwI/AAAAAAAAARo/UW5dMlDShuI/s320/Christmas+Card+2011+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ursula looks thrilled.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbA87W1MOHo/Tu9wPege01I/AAAAAAAAARw/3C5WiZYgu4g/s1600/Christmas+Card+2011+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbA87W1MOHo/Tu9wPege01I/AAAAAAAAARw/3C5WiZYgu4g/s320/Christmas+Card+2011+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-niIF6Ti0wBw/Tu9xDQwCdDI/AAAAAAAAASI/85ZfExCe3bY/s1600/Christmas+Card+2011+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-niIF6Ti0wBw/Tu9xDQwCdDI/AAAAAAAAASI/85ZfExCe3bY/s320/Christmas+Card+2011+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the one we used. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwhfy9z6z1A/Tu9woVgaBuI/AAAAAAAAASA/EgA4w8vNO4w/s1600/Christmas+Card+2011+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwhfy9z6z1A/Tu9woVgaBuI/AAAAAAAAASA/EgA4w8vNO4w/s320/Christmas+Card+2011+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chewbacca is our angel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRQ8vl7WHgQ/Tu9wcSs_WnI/AAAAAAAAAR4/Y2KLRRcx_Xs/s1600/Christmas+Card+2011+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRQ8vl7WHgQ/Tu9wcSs_WnI/AAAAAAAAAR4/Y2KLRRcx_Xs/s320/Christmas+Card+2011+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ursula stealing all the attention away from Fancy. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Merry Christmas everyone! Love the nurse (Kris), the hospital administrator (moi), the doctor (Sam), Ursula, and Fancy.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-17858533774254872822011-12-17T10:13:00.002-06:002011-12-17T10:13:21.642-06:00Three Posts in Two DaysThat has to be some type of record right? No. Normal? Whoops! Anywho, you have to back track to check out my Dominica Day 4. It has a lot of pictures. Which, let us be honest, one of the main reasons you read blogs... for the pictures. I'm not judging. I do the same thing. Hope you enjoy. (Coming soon... I'll post our Christmas picture. You know you are eagerly awaiting it.)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-68060648501862456152011-12-16T20:21:00.001-06:002011-12-17T02:08:46.901-06:00It's Been Too Long....Bad blogger. I've been purposely avoiding you. I've been holding a lot of stuff in. Well, sorta. Someone hurt my feelings. It doesn't matter who or what was said. All that matters is that I felt like I was kicked in the gut. I really hope this person didn't mean what they said. Perhaps they just got flustered and spoke. I really hope that is the case. What is sad is that I don't know. I should know. They are supposed to be my friend right? Anywho, I have had time to calm down, reflect, and have decided to dismiss the whole incident. On top of that, I am anxious about Sam taking his test. I know he will pass, it is just the waiting for the confirmation. In addition to these things, cancer has been on my mind lately. A friend was diagnosed with their second type of cancer and another with their first. In a discussion with my friend who will beat cancer twice, I mentioned how once you are diagnosed you are overwhelmed with emotion. One of the feelings I felt was to live life. I mean really live it- not worrying, being appreciative, doing things to make you happy, etc. Being almost a 3 year survivor (yay!!), I feel I have lost some of that. I'm sad that I did. I don't want to be regretful. Anwyho, enough of the mess in my head!<br />
<br />
On a lighter note, Katie is giving away another blog makeover to celebrate her grand opening. In addition, she is offering $25 off any blog design purchased before January 5th (Ring a bell? Eek!! 33 years! {i had to edit this, I posted the wrong age. Damn, getting old sucks.}). Visit www.pricelessdesignstudio.com to learn more details. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://www.pricelessdesignstudio.net/custom-blog-makeover-giveaway/"><img height="156" id="yiv12562857905d506bc8-77cd-4478-9e3d-0b341269e008" src="http://us.mg6.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f571910%5fAGLci2IAANzSTubckgNJQH1yLEc&pid=2.2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="235" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-33151696287729693712011-10-29T12:11:00.002-05:002011-10-29T12:28:08.531-05:00We Interrupt 10 Days in Dominica...YAY!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new blog design! Thank you so much Katie. I am very thankful for your hard work. :)<br /><br />Soooooo.... I think we are bad luck for the house. Seriously. A couple of weeks ago we had the exploding stove top range. Cha-ching. This week it was the sewer line. Cha-ching. Spending money on home repairs is not fun, in case you are wondering. Spending about 4 days living with your parents is not fun. Okay, some of it was- no cooking, no cleaning, getting spoiled by your mom. <br /><br />Hate to cut this one short, but I want to crochet (I also have taken up scrap-booking! Crazy crafty me!) a bit before a coffee date. I promise to get back to the 10 days in Dominica challenge. My favorite trip is a three way tie and I'm having to get all the pictures together!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-67613792588983720602011-10-04T23:28:00.002-05:002011-12-17T10:10:00.665-06:0010 Days in Dominica- Day FourWhat has been your favorite trip?<br />
<br />
Um, so I have three. Here they are in chronological order-<br />
<br />
1. WET Dominica ride, Batibou Beach, and Pagua Bay<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shrxizFv3gQ/ToviS7ny6FI/AAAAAAAAAOc/s1DLKk5q0PQ/s1600/Pagua%2BBay%2B003%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659866171591288914" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shrxizFv3gQ/ToviS7ny6FI/AAAAAAAAAOc/s1DLKk5q0PQ/s320/Pagua%2BBay%2B003%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>our ride<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jswnaSkZxZQ/ToviTBGtWYI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Gd7PO1MEHbE/s1600/Pagua%2BBay%2B013.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659866173063125378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jswnaSkZxZQ/ToviTBGtWYI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Gd7PO1MEHbE/s320/Pagua%2BBay%2B013.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Batibou beach<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc7LvlLk1_E/ToviTZS4hyI/AAAAAAAAAOs/err6bCVeIoQ/s1600/Pagua%2BBay%2B075.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659866179556640546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc7LvlLk1_E/ToviTZS4hyI/AAAAAAAAAOs/err6bCVeIoQ/s320/Pagua%2BBay%2B075.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>another view of the beach<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmWcCzaekfc/ToviTrshjdI/AAAAAAAAAO0/oWzSpuoNU94/s1600/Pagua%2BBay%2B091.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659866184496025042" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmWcCzaekfc/ToviTrshjdI/AAAAAAAAAO0/oWzSpuoNU94/s320/Pagua%2BBay%2B091.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Pagua's awesome view<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv6ymcXk1gE/ToviT5qW6BI/AAAAAAAAAO8/vLTf9odp_G0/s1600/Pagua%2BBay%2B128.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659866188245035026" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv6ymcXk1gE/ToviT5qW6BI/AAAAAAAAAO8/vLTf9odp_G0/s320/Pagua%2BBay%2B128.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>Sam and I<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>
2. Scott's Head, Trafalgar Falls, and Screw's Spa<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_646859700"></span><span id="goog_646859701"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIWfAjOq8c0/Tuy6XIIQ40I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/8Ex00lMnUmk/s1600/ScottsHeadTrafalgarFallsScrewSpa+036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIWfAjOq8c0/Tuy6XIIQ40I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/8Ex00lMnUmk/s320/ScottsHeadTrafalgarFallsScrewSpa+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
calm Caribbean </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IntMXOnmWDo/Tuy6mENbpTI/AAAAAAAAAQY/Gh-Bs8uoPtk/s1600/ScottsHeadTrafalgarFallsScrewSpa+023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IntMXOnmWDo/Tuy6mENbpTI/AAAAAAAAAQY/Gh-Bs8uoPtk/s320/ScottsHeadTrafalgarFallsScrewSpa+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caribbean on left, Atlantic on right </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-No-HG4mrMIk/Tuy616bPVmI/AAAAAAAAAQg/MDbchcFJgTI/s1600/ScottsHeadTrafalgarFallsScrewSpa+078.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-No-HG4mrMIk/Tuy616bPVmI/AAAAAAAAAQg/MDbchcFJgTI/s320/ScottsHeadTrafalgarFallsScrewSpa+078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ana, me, Jacki, Keira, and Joleen at Trafalgar Falls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSCGVEdMjeE/Tuy68Ze0UoI/AAAAAAAAAQo/aLEZPLMntmw/s1600/182756_193303980698972_100000581145418_623350_7855112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSCGVEdMjeE/Tuy68Ze0UoI/AAAAAAAAAQo/aLEZPLMntmw/s320/182756_193303980698972_100000581145418_623350_7855112_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
relaxing at Screw's Spa</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
3. Silks Hotel and River tubing<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qtVmdiNR51o/Tuy8192xH3I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/B0DgCMFEVEA/s1600/Silks+Hotel+and+River+Tubing+006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qtVmdiNR51o/Tuy8192xH3I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/B0DgCMFEVEA/s320/Silks+Hotel+and+River+Tubing+006.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Silks </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-ZTWM9DKs4/Tuy9Nj0nFoI/AAAAAAAAARA/_wPoVNlpB_c/s1600/Silks+Hotel+and+River+Tubing+020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-ZTWM9DKs4/Tuy9Nj0nFoI/AAAAAAAAARA/_wPoVNlpB_c/s320/Silks+Hotel+and+River+Tubing+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
river behind Silks </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--86hIx7GlS4/Tuy8a-LyuAI/AAAAAAAAAQw/2XIeGDihotY/s1600/198995_10150100501073990_654363989_6290815_381644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--86hIx7GlS4/Tuy8a-LyuAI/AAAAAAAAAQw/2XIeGDihotY/s320/198995_10150100501073990_654363989_6290815_381644_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qtVmdiNR51o/Tuy8192xH3I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/B0DgCMFEVEA/s1600/Silks+Hotel+and+River+Tubing+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the group before floating</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-ZTWM9DKs4/Tuy9Nj0nFoI/AAAAAAAAARA/_wPoVNlpB_c/s1600/Silks+Hotel+and+River+Tubing+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JdExUmnjHFY/Tuy9PJcK2uI/AAAAAAAAARI/Gj8rPdd-RUg/s1600/183557_10150100498223990_654363989_6290780_4632740_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JdExUmnjHFY/Tuy9PJcK2uI/AAAAAAAAARI/Gj8rPdd-RUg/s320/183557_10150100498223990_654363989_6290780_4632740_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was continually attacked by the environment. </div>
<br />
Hope you enjoyed the pictures! I had a wonderful time on all these trips and the others that are not mentioned. Not only because of where we went, but because of the lovely ladies that went with me. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-17901374814727788962011-10-04T22:53:00.002-05:002011-10-04T23:22:22.783-05:0010 Days in Dominica- Day ThreeHow does the weather affect you?<br /><br />I thought I was prepared for the weather in Dominica because I'm from Texas. 100+ degree days are common in West Texas. Bring it. Yep, I was wrong. I was not prepared for the humidity. It was awful, but I got used to it just like the rain. (Texas readers, it is the wet stuff that falls from the sky.) There were times that it felt like it rained for days on end. It was tough at times, but you just find ways to deal with it. If you need to stand in front of your fan in your underwear, you do it. If you are starting to get down when it has rained for the 89th day in a row, talk to your girls.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-32991864375468506302011-10-02T22:07:00.004-05:002011-10-21T22:58:04.427-05:0010 Days in Dominica- Day TwoWhat has been better than expected?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwtuHtWPHB8/TovURqyP_KI/AAAAAAAAAOU/5lUpGBnrinc/s1600/We%2Bare%2Bon%2Ba%2Bboat%2521%2B007.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659850756729076898" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwtuHtWPHB8/TovURqyP_KI/AAAAAAAAAOU/5lUpGBnrinc/s640/We%2Bare%2Bon%2Ba%2Bboat%2521%2B007.JPG" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-91450112042959108602011-10-01T20:47:00.004-05:002011-10-01T23:20:38.178-05:0010 Days in Dominica- Day OneYet again, I beg for your forgiveness. It has been a long time. Too long really. Before I can catch y'all up on what is going on, I have a commitment to honor. One of the lovely Ross wives has started a 10 day blog challenge based on our experience in Dominica. With that, I proudly present....<br /><br />Day One- What do you miss most about home?<br /><br />When you first get to the island, you are instantly aware of the physical things missing. There are no divided highways, few street signs, or bursting metroplexes (no Starbucks or Target!). You are able to take in a lot of nature. When you get to your home it becomes even more apparent you are not living in the states. Electrical outlets are different, water can change from translucent to brown to nonexistent, appliances are small (at our first apartment they were written in Chinese), cable channels have the ability to change, constant internet signal is a luxury, hell- constant electricity is a luxury. All these things start to pile up, you are craving for normalcy, and before you know it... you have a "Dominican Day". A day in which everything goes wrong and you have lost all patience.<br /><br />Once you have experienced a "Dominican Day" (see my blog from August 27th 2010 for an example), you begin to miss people- your mom, best friends. People who were once a small drive or phone call away are now a planned Skype visit away. Keep your fingers crossed the internet stays connected!<br /><br />Living in a third world country is a humbling experience. You have to give up a lot of physical comforts. The strange thing is is that you become a lot more tolerant of things going wrong. You become stronger. How? The lovely, equally sweaty wife next to you is going through the same thing. Together we made it out. The others we left behind will as well.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-45160954864622313822011-07-28T17:01:00.002-05:002011-07-28T17:29:41.538-05:00Third Times a Charm... Right?I have tried to write about this twice. Each time, I am overwhelmed at trying to convey my thoughts and feelings. I am determined to post this one. Promise. <br /><br />We are trying to conceive (TTC). It is one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do. Not only is it physically draining (get your head outta tha gutta!), but it is extremely emotionally draining. I have never in my life been so consumed with my cycle. <br /><br />I got on the pill in my late teens to attempt to make my irregular, painful, long periods on time, less painful, and shorter. I had been on the pill for about 14 years. 14 years. Wow. Now that I am off them, I am updating my iPhone app about the slightest symptom. Tracking, tracking, tracking. It is helpful, but a curse.<br /><br />Last cycle I was late. Could I be? I didn't feel any different. I tried to be practical, we only have been trying a little while. I took a test and it was instantly negative. All the practicality I was trying to demonstrate flew out the door and I was devastated. I cried. <br /><br />There are so many things that go through your mind. If only I wasn't overweight and unhealthy all those years... All those 16 year old girls get pregnant at the drop of a hat... What if we can't... <br /><br />Sometimes I really wish there was a switch to flip on and off for my brain. Instead, I just try to take it cycle by cycle... onto the next one.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-46399921480162150902011-07-03T21:49:00.004-05:002011-07-03T22:55:15.856-05:00EvergladesA bunch of us celebrated the first day of summer by going the Everglades~<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzfFVlV0r3s/ThEutS2wMaI/AAAAAAAAANU/2yw01Ihci2w/s1600/Everglades%2B001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzfFVlV0r3s/ThEutS2wMaI/AAAAAAAAANU/2yw01Ihci2w/s320/Everglades%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625328765252940194" border="0" /></a>Mike, Sam, Burke, Zak, Sindy, Paige, Michael, Analeah<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXYyLzVl-M4/ThEuttyiYdI/AAAAAAAAANc/_7hnQfa1Sog/s1600/Everglades%2B010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXYyLzVl-M4/ThEuttyiYdI/AAAAAAAAANc/_7hnQfa1Sog/s320/Everglades%2B010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625328772483015122" border="0" /></a>snapping turtle<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-McdA9RVQuyY/ThEuuYLB-oI/AAAAAAAAANs/OW7zXXBBPPY/s1600/Everglades%2B018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-McdA9RVQuyY/ThEuuYLB-oI/AAAAAAAAANs/OW7zXXBBPPY/s320/Everglades%2B018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625328783860038274" border="0" /></a>vultures (reminds me of The Birds... eek!!!)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3eWqm5a5FE/ThEut0BVS1I/AAAAAAAAANk/-riqy0v4yuU/s1600/Everglades%2B016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3eWqm5a5FE/ThEut0BVS1I/AAAAAAAAANk/-riqy0v4yuU/s320/Everglades%2B016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625328774155684690" border="0" /></a>huge grasshopper<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16LZ49aRkHw/ThEuuhjiX5I/AAAAAAAAAN0/XMZ4Xl-eE8g/s1600/Everglades%2B021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16LZ49aRkHw/ThEuuhjiX5I/AAAAAAAAAN0/XMZ4Xl-eE8g/s320/Everglades%2B021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625328786378743698" border="0" /></a>alligator<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYtFbZqEyGE/ThEwtZoHHAI/AAAAAAAAAN8/pvIr6OUz08w/s1600/Everglades%2B033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYtFbZqEyGE/ThEwtZoHHAI/AAAAAAAAAN8/pvIr6OUz08w/s320/Everglades%2B033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625330966093831170" border="0" /></a>trying to figure out who would be the tastiest<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoqVSpWfbKQ/ThEwt6bgVxI/AAAAAAAAAOE/vQJTXwus5HI/s1600/Everglades%2B038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoqVSpWfbKQ/ThEwt6bgVxI/AAAAAAAAAOE/vQJTXwus5HI/s320/Everglades%2B038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625330974899328786" border="0" /></a>coming to get us<br /><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-30794758491548994162011-06-15T10:21:00.012-05:002011-06-15T15:15:48.326-05:00I'm in Miami TrickI've been a bad, bad girl. I know. It has been months, seems like years really... so a lot has happened.<br /><br />1. We no longer live in Dominica.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVhHNTlV8Jw/TfjTrBlDqmI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/w4xJQi8ChJc/s1600/Birthday%2BParty%252C%2BBridal%2BShower%2B059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVhHNTlV8Jw/TfjTrBlDqmI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/w4xJQi8ChJc/s320/Birthday%2BParty%252C%2BBridal%2BShower%2B059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618473271256394338" border="0" /></a>Our last visit to Pagua Bay<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3FgRN-hnY0/TfjTqNEXlhI/AAAAAAAAAJk/2QaiTLZVedE/s1600/Jungle%2BBay%252C%2BIGA%252C%2Band%2BNumber%2B1%2BBeach%2B035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3FgRN-hnY0/TfjTqNEXlhI/AAAAAAAAAJk/2QaiTLZVedE/s320/Jungle%2BBay%252C%2BIGA%252C%2Band%2BNumber%2B1%2BBeach%2B035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618473257160644114" border="0" /></a>Ana, Steph, me, & Mary at Jungle Bay<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kK0Fl9St8RQ/TfjTqZdjGOI/AAAAAAAAAJs/-M8O_skh1n8/s1600/Jungle%2BBay%252C%2BIGA%252C%2Band%2BNumber%2B1%2BBeach%2B045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kK0Fl9St8RQ/TfjTqZdjGOI/AAAAAAAAAJs/-M8O_skh1n8/s320/Jungle%2BBay%252C%2BIGA%252C%2Band%2BNumber%2B1%2BBeach%2B045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618473260487481570" border="0" /></a>Picard now has an IGA!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5LtH2wBHX8/TfjTqqpXhkI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/gsTJzAsvdN0/s1600/Jungle%2BBay%252C%2BIGA%252C%2Band%2BNumber%2B1%2BBeach%2B077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5LtH2wBHX8/TfjTqqpXhkI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/gsTJzAsvdN0/s320/Jungle%2BBay%252C%2BIGA%252C%2Band%2BNumber%2B1%2BBeach%2B077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618473265100457538" border="0" /></a>My last time at Number 1 Beach<br /><br /><br /></div>2. We got married.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2427ky2IO18/TfjYjtYYyFI/AAAAAAAAAKE/cINPcvuduB0/s1600/DSC_7121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2427ky2IO18/TfjYjtYYyFI/AAAAAAAAAKE/cINPcvuduB0/s320/DSC_7121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618478643133597778" border="0" /></a>The Kiss<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aF6BqwP444Q/TfjYkZuO_RI/AAAAAAAAAKU/vBNUHqHgVhk/s1600/DSC_7137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aF6BqwP444Q/TfjYkZuO_RI/AAAAAAAAAKU/vBNUHqHgVhk/s320/DSC_7137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618478655036390674" border="0" /></a>lighting the unity candle<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPcG8e9f8uc/TfjYj6Qi3OI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Exjvy1xdzxI/s1600/DSC_7206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPcG8e9f8uc/TfjYj6Qi3OI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Exjvy1xdzxI/s320/DSC_7206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618478646590364898" border="0" /></a>The shoes!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HXcgjY_DmMQ/TfjYk5XHcEI/AAAAAAAAAKc/G20t9KZcJhg/s1600/DSC_7249.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HXcgjY_DmMQ/TfjYk5XHcEI/AAAAAAAAAKc/G20t9KZcJhg/s320/DSC_7249.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618478663529361474" border="0" /></a>David, Aunt Sue, me, Sam, & Kris<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omr0t_G6mWk/TfjYlLoWt7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/gD-mSzHwyiw/s1600/DSC_7255.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omr0t_G6mWk/TfjYlLoWt7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/gD-mSzHwyiw/s320/DSC_7255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618478668433504178" border="0" /></a>Dad, Mom, me, Sam, & Russ<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOKxFj0tyI0/TfjgI_7Q8VI/AAAAAAAAAKs/e7O4pmlKNOE/s1600/Lubbock%2Biphone%2B025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOKxFj0tyI0/TfjgI_7Q8VI/AAAAAAAAAKs/e7O4pmlKNOE/s320/Lubbock%2Biphone%2B025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618486980348277074" border="0" /></a>after wedding cocktails at the Overton<br /><br /><br /></div>3. We went on our honeymoon to DisneyWorld.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aA0UQIPB3pQ/TfjiME4wFSI/AAAAAAAAAK0/aRWgP9IXAok/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aA0UQIPB3pQ/TfjiME4wFSI/AAAAAAAAAK0/aRWgP9IXAok/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618489232242775330" border="0" /></a>at the Magic Kingdom<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eE7fkD9Krw/TfjiMcNtPiI/AAAAAAAAAK8/Qq_DEYAMmF8/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B332.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eE7fkD9Krw/TfjiMcNtPiI/AAAAAAAAAK8/Qq_DEYAMmF8/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618489238504685090" border="0" /></a> kids can fight Darth Vader at Epcot<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXNiM34yUXY/TfjiM_FxpqI/AAAAAAAAALE/0k8aHhociog/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B347.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXNiM34yUXY/TfjiM_FxpqI/AAAAAAAAALE/0k8aHhociog/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B347.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618489247866660514" border="0" /></a>dinner at Brown Derby<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GBNgabogfPk/Tfjyg2uigaI/AAAAAAAAALM/_uqf79zBO4o/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GBNgabogfPk/Tfjyg2uigaI/AAAAAAAAALM/_uqf79zBO4o/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618507181405143458" border="0" /></a>night parade at Magic Kingdom<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTATYs0h8Tw/TfjyiRJhg3I/AAAAAAAAALs/X3GCTtJUmvY/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B441.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTATYs0h8Tw/TfjyiRJhg3I/AAAAAAAAALs/X3GCTtJUmvY/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618507205677515634" border="0" /></a>the ladies in Italy made me into a nun<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTHWCUGpprY/TfjyhIHvymI/AAAAAAAAALU/GfoCuh56bQ4/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTHWCUGpprY/TfjyhIHvymI/AAAAAAAAALU/GfoCuh56bQ4/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618507186074274402" border="0" /></a>at Epcot<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgLx9tbdXCw/Tfjyh1oHjZI/AAAAAAAAALc/p49whKGEFC4/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B394.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgLx9tbdXCw/Tfjyh1oHjZI/AAAAAAAAALc/p49whKGEFC4/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618507198289644946" border="0" /></a>in Mexico<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtsQ3byjQck/TfjyiCRPs3I/AAAAAAAAALk/Sh2t3NVHBbs/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtsQ3byjQck/TfjyiCRPs3I/AAAAAAAAALk/Sh2t3NVHBbs/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618507201683370866" border="0" /></a>in Norway<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqV_xDxH8XE/Tfj5HSPGl4I/AAAAAAAAAL0/puzY3tXCzCg/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B461.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqV_xDxH8XE/Tfj5HSPGl4I/AAAAAAAAAL0/puzY3tXCzCg/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618514438694279042" border="0" /></a>drummers in Japan<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3H-8pH1sQc/Tfj5H9weGzI/AAAAAAAAAL8/ILJuI46xiJ0/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B470.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3H-8pH1sQc/Tfj5H9weGzI/AAAAAAAAAL8/ILJuI46xiJ0/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618514450376956722" border="0" /></a>Jasmine waved at me<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRJBMTvDv1g/Tfj5IMBI2cI/AAAAAAAAAME/74OLqVPuIPk/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRJBMTvDv1g/Tfj5IMBI2cI/AAAAAAAAAME/74OLqVPuIPk/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618514454204963266" border="0" /></a>Beauty and the Beast<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_TI9a8EC2g/Tfj5InFYcCI/AAAAAAAAAMM/19995mEcGjA/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_TI9a8EC2g/Tfj5InFYcCI/AAAAAAAAAMM/19995mEcGjA/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618514461470519330" border="0" /></a>Belle<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PzWkV572mE/Tfj5IzB_MZI/AAAAAAAAAMU/UaRVnp_WS4w/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B501.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PzWkV572mE/Tfj5IzB_MZI/AAAAAAAAAMU/UaRVnp_WS4w/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618514464677507474" border="0" /></a>fireworks at Epcot<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XvbWxJdbr_I/Tfj_FkL2QQI/AAAAAAAAAMc/ncRcG5S5GZA/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B522.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XvbWxJdbr_I/Tfj_FkL2QQI/AAAAAAAAAMc/ncRcG5S5GZA/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618521006222491906" border="0" /></a>Circle of Life tree in Animal Kingdom<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VNqGl6-6qg/Tfj_FwxjZtI/AAAAAAAAAMk/JefxYxMeVbY/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VNqGl6-6qg/Tfj_FwxjZtI/AAAAAAAAAMk/JefxYxMeVbY/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618521009601865426" border="0" /></a>Mickey checkin' out my ring<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g775xB1klMA/Tfj_GSBs3WI/AAAAAAAAAMs/Vh-R3Bs8dg0/s1600/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B589.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g775xB1klMA/Tfj_GSBs3WI/AAAAAAAAAMs/Vh-R3Bs8dg0/s320/Bachlorette%2BHoneymoon%2BPics%2B589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618521018527964514" border="0" /></a>the Wiley's with Minnie<br /><br /><br /></div>4. We live in Miami (for the time being).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-ihQD-hhUw/TfkF5MdxZLI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Ji6HzistJy8/s1600/Sam%2527s%2Bfirst%2Bday%2Bin%2BMiami%2B001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-ihQD-hhUw/TfkF5MdxZLI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Ji6HzistJy8/s320/Sam%2527s%2Bfirst%2Bday%2Bin%2BMiami%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618528490278184114" border="0" /></a>single thumbs up on first day of 5th<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mj9CiGAuyNg/TfkF5glnUXI/AAAAAAAAAM8/pM5nzhGRlLQ/s1600/Sam%2527s%2Bfirst%2Bday%2Bin%2BMiami%2B006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mj9CiGAuyNg/TfkF5glnUXI/AAAAAAAAAM8/pM5nzhGRlLQ/s320/Sam%2527s%2Bfirst%2Bday%2Bin%2BMiami%2B006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618528495679787378" border="0" /></a>Sam, Michael, Sindy, & Kam first day of 5th<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nl831zfdWQ0/TfkObBUSy1I/AAAAAAAAANE/DY9Nbw07m98/s1600/Relay%2Bin%2BMiramar.htm"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nl831zfdWQ0/TfkObBUSy1I/AAAAAAAAANE/DY9Nbw07m98/s320/Relay%2Bin%2BMiramar.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618537867494214482" border="0" /></a>I got to help hold the banner for Miramar's Relay! I'm second from the left.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKRAmaKd6cM/TfkRgFmKC8I/AAAAAAAAANM/1wUiu-MxKoU/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKRAmaKd6cM/TfkRgFmKC8I/AAAAAAAAANM/1wUiu-MxKoU/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618541253077109698" border="0" /></a>Aunt Sue and I on the boat in Naples<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I hope this makes up for neglecting my blog and gets you all up to speed. We have under 2 months here in Miami before we get to go back home. I will make a better effort to keep you informed of Team Wiley happenings in Miami and in the future. :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-36690428088385536992011-02-17T19:56:00.007-06:002011-02-17T22:22:39.405-06:00SurvivorYes, I have been a bad blogger lately. I knew this day was coming and have had to process all my feelings associated with it. Today, I am cured. I won my battle with cancer. Even as I type those words it seems hard to believe. Before I can even begin to discuss this, I have to start with telling my story. This is the first time I have written it for the world to see. There are some pictures. Some of them are hard to look at. Maybe it is because I have reached this milestone that I feel okay posting them. This is me. I still have the scar and will forever wear it proudly, I am a survivor and here is my story.<br /><br />In the summer of 2008, I had coworkers ask what was wrong with my eye. Nothing, was my constant reply. It wasn't until then did I start actively paying attention to my eyes. Yep. The left one definitely was different than the right one. During an Optometrist visit, I mentioned this. He then promptly referred me to an Ophthalmologist. It took him looking at numerous pictures and two visits to decide my perceived eye problem was due to the way I was holding my head. Thankfully, he referred me to another Ophthalmologist.<br /><br />The next Ophthalmologist took one look at me and said it looks like I have Horner's Syndrome. Horner's occurs when there is damage to a sympathetic nerve. This can be attributed to a car wreck, open heart surgery, lung cancer, etc. I had none of these, so I had my first MRI. A couple of days later I got the call that there was an enlarged lymph node chain and a spot on my thyroid. I was told I may have lymphoma.<br /><br />After frantic calls to my primary doctor and the Ophthalmologist, I had an appointment with an Oncologist. The Oncologist ordered blood work, a PET scan, and MRI. I was relieved to hear that I didn't have lymphoma. He referred me to a Neurologist (still had no reason for the Horner's) and an Endocrinologist for the spot my thyroid.<br /><br />The Neurologist ran several MRI's. There was still no reason for the Horner's. I then was referred to a Neurological Ophthalmologist (I think.). He advised that it was a sporadic case of Horner's. I was advised to keep an eye on it (heehee) and if it got worse (impede my sight) come back in.<br /><br />The Endocrinologist advised me that most nodules are nothing. He left me with the decision to do nothing, have a biopsy, or take out my thyroid. I decided to have the biopsy.<br /><br />January 9, 2009 I had the procedure. It was awful. The procedure requires them to take three samples. I was warned that a preliminary reading will be taken to make sure they got enough samples. If not, I had to repeat the procedure again. The shot to numb my throat did not work. Not only did I feel the pressure of the ultrasound on my neck, I felt the needle go in, extract, and go out. Between each sample I laughed. It was easier for me to control my laughter than tears. From the procedure I went back to work.<br /><br />January 11, 2009 Sam and I went to Vegas to celebrate my 30th birthday. We had a fabulous time as always. After that trip, I went to Texarkana to celebrate Erin's 30th. In the back of my mind, I wondered about the results of my biopsy. I assumed no news is good news so I didn't press it until I came back home.<br /><br />Two weeks had passed since my biopsy without word about the results. I called the Endocrinologist and was told to come in. If you know anything about hearing results over the phone, most (keeping reading) of the time they make you hear bad news in person. I rushed from work to the office. I couldn't get a hold of anyone to go with me. I went alone and heard the news that my biopsy was abnormal. In spite of hearing this, I tried to think rationally and logically. I looked to the Endocrinologist for answers and he was of no help. I was told basically it was up to me- do nothing or take it out.<br /><br />I met with the Otolaryngologist and scheduled my surgery between semesters, February 18th, 2009. I remember waiting and waiting to be prepped. Family was there keeping me company while waiting and while being prepped. The Otolaryngologist told us that he would take out the enlarged lymph node chain and half of my thyroid. If it looked ify, he would take it all out. I requested that if he did, could someone please tell my family. He replied he would. In the middle of surgery, a nurse talked to my mom and Russ- they would take out all of my thyroid. When I was awakening from the anesthesia I had visits from the Anesthesiologist and Otolaryngologist. I thought I dreamt him telling me I had cancer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmKtzCJGqTs/TV3sRtEeNsI/AAAAAAAAAIc/EcMfD5wIY3A/s1600/Feb-May%2B09%2B002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmKtzCJGqTs/TV3sRtEeNsI/AAAAAAAAAIc/EcMfD5wIY3A/s320/Feb-May%2B09%2B002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574871702654826178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My neck before surgery</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2nsRe7rLH8/TV3sR92MFaI/AAAAAAAAAIk/SM87ApEG_Ug/s1600/Feb-May%2B09%2B003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2nsRe7rLH8/TV3sR92MFaI/AAAAAAAAAIk/SM87ApEG_Ug/s320/Feb-May%2B09%2B003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574871707158320546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My neck after surgery</span> </div><br />February 23, 2009 I was at home still waiting the results. Mom had just gone to the grocery store to pick up some supplies. No doubt she was getting some of my favorite things. She always has spoiled me. I don't know what led me to call, but I did. I was told over the phone I had Medullary Thyroid Cancer. An appointment was made to discuss everything and to figure out our next steps. I hung up the phone. Numb. Tears. No one to console me since I was home alone. I called Sam who at the time was coming back from Dallas. Kris answered the phone. I think I said- Pull over. I have cancer. Sam talked to me for a bit. He assured me everything will be okay. He would come straight to my house. We will figure out a game plan and he loves me. The next call was to Russ. People who work retail often have crazy schedules. Thankfully he picked up. I told him. After some comforting words, he told me to be strong when I told Mom. It seemed like it took her forever to get home. She was happy when she came home. I hated to tell her. I did and we both cried as we held on to each other. This whole day felt long and surreal. I did ordinary things- shower, eat, had visitors, but everything was different.<br /><br />April 1, 2009 I had my second surgery to remove the rest of the lymph nodes in my neck and some in my upper chest. Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) spreads to the lymph nodes and then to other parts of the body. MTC doesn't respond well to chemo or radiation, surgery is recommended. When talking about this surgery with the surgeon, he advised that he would use staples. I pleaded for him not to. He won. I remember looking at my neck for the first time. I cried. I looked like I belonged in a horror movie. I felt like I looked- awful. I was told that some other lymph nodes had enlarged since my first surgery, but like my first they were benign.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hquTbnGH4wM/TV3sSCex2tI/AAAAAAAAAIs/8KlHf0_eknw/s1600/Feb-May%2B09%2B022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hquTbnGH4wM/TV3sSCex2tI/AAAAAAAAAIs/8KlHf0_eknw/s320/Feb-May%2B09%2B022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574871708402309842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My neck before the second surgery</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaJV6wrdgh0/TV3vaHKdCPI/AAAAAAAAAI0/DiNpitXuV6c/s1600/Feb-May%2B09%2B027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaJV6wrdgh0/TV3vaHKdCPI/AAAAAAAAAI0/DiNpitXuV6c/s320/Feb-May%2B09%2B027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574875145633073394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">At the hospital enjoying the only thing I was allowed to eat after surgery</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crAuxVYmgZ0/TV3vaSS4T7I/AAAAAAAAAI8/dOGuSNSm7LA/s1600/Feb-May%2B09%2B032.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crAuxVYmgZ0/TV3vaSS4T7I/AAAAAAAAAI8/dOGuSNSm7LA/s320/Feb-May%2B09%2B032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574875148621205426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Staples</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2H7ufa5tCAc/TV3vabUivMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/xyfPrU9Bkt0/s1600/Feb-May%2B09%2B033.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2H7ufa5tCAc/TV3vabUivMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/xyfPrU9Bkt0/s320/Feb-May%2B09%2B033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574875151044099266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Removal of staples, still very swollen</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZY_p2CD6yA/TV3va0W-4FI/AAAAAAAAAJM/cukQBgmaXNE/s1600/Feb-May%2B09%2B034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZY_p2CD6yA/TV3va0W-4FI/AAAAAAAAAJM/cukQBgmaXNE/s320/Feb-May%2B09%2B034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574875157765218386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Side view</span> </div><br />There is so much after this part of the story. It involves me fighting with the insurance company to get my genetic testing. MTC can be sporadic or hereditary. Thankfully, my case was sporadic. Unfortunately, to this day I am still fighting with the insurance company in paying this claim. I don't want to bore all of you with this.<br /><br />Thanks to God, I am alive today. There are so many places in my story that I could have dropped the issue with my eye or my thyroid. Most of the symptoms I had with MTC were attributed to other medical issues I have. Theoretically, I could still have it in me. Maybe I would have found out soon, maybe later when it metastasized into other areas, or never at all.<br /><br />These thoughts and others I won't share often come to my mind. I don't think they will ever leave. I struggle with being thankful. Sometimes I feel as though I am not thankful enough. With that being said....<br /><br />Thank you. Chances are, if you are reading this, you helped me. I remember the visits, the flowers, the cards, the talks, those who helped me shower, those who braided my hair, those who brought me comfort food, those who held me, those who let me cry. To this day I have a wonderful support system. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. My battle was won with your help. It is as much my victory as yours. I love you all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6yqrl5vC6E/TV3x0qzkRyI/AAAAAAAAAJU/FUVRNCTOSF4/s1600/ScottsHeadTrafalgarFallsScrewSpa%2B027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6yqrl5vC6E/TV3x0qzkRyI/AAAAAAAAAJU/FUVRNCTOSF4/s320/ScottsHeadTrafalgarFallsScrewSpa%2B027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574877800900609826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">midway up Scott's Head in Dominica</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">overlooking Caribbean Sea</span><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-41549928272531934082010-12-13T10:21:00.002-06:002010-12-13T10:43:47.705-06:00What Sam failed to warn me about Dominica....As much as I complain about living here, it will be hard to leave. I never thought that I would make such wonderful friends in a short period of time. These people get the Dominican (and American) me. They understand how frustrating it is to have to hunt down bread. They know how annoying of a task it is to lug empty containers to get the filtered water from campus. They sympathize when you get frustrated at the locals for not being pleasant and or polite when you are at the end of your rope. They let you know when 7-11 is out of electricity, so you don't go there to buy it. They let you hug and play with their kids because they know you miss the ones from home (and who can give better kisses and hugs than kids?). They are kind to ignore the fact that sweat is dripping all over your face and onto your clothes (partly because they are sweating this much too). They know the all encompassing stress of Mini and Finals time. They are there to help you laugh, give you their shoulder to cry on, play Taboo to take your mind off of things, have girl nights with yummy food and movies, and when all else fails... just to listen. To all of those coming back, I cannot wait for the new adventures of next semester. To all of those leaving this semester, you will be greatly missed and I am certain our paths will cross again.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-55103651122645389582010-11-28T12:01:00.005-06:002010-11-28T12:31:42.184-06:0018 DaysOnly 18 days until we get to go home! It seems as though the time has flown by. Anywho....<br /><br />Thursday was Thanksgiving. We had a lovely feast on the lower dock. I am really thankful that Jacki organized our dinner. Having this family in Dominica, made it easier not being with my family in the States. Here are a couple of pictures of the amazing view.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKa2VyTZ6I/AAAAAAAAAHs/wiJ6Q0mTWKk/s1600/Thanksgiving%2Bin%2BDominica%2B015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKa2VyTZ6I/AAAAAAAAAHs/wiJ6Q0mTWKk/s320/Thanksgiving%2Bin%2BDominica%2B015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544664349598246818" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKa3Ug43NI/AAAAAAAAAH8/dHhDmMHfS-M/s1600/Thanksgiving%2Bin%2BDominica%2B059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKa3Ug43NI/AAAAAAAAAH8/dHhDmMHfS-M/s320/Thanksgiving%2Bin%2BDominica%2B059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544664366436637906" border="0" /></a><br />Sam and I are ready to chow down!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKa3_NrSuI/AAAAAAAAAIE/uj8C_3L6FWM/s1600/Thanksgiving%2B10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKa3_NrSuI/AAAAAAAAAIE/uj8C_3L6FWM/s320/Thanksgiving%2B10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544664377898781410" border="0" /></a><br />I love my Dominican family!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKa3K2ULqI/AAAAAAAAAH0/TU0Y_RwEOfw/s1600/Thanksgiving%2Bin%2BDominica%2B023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKa3K2ULqI/AAAAAAAAAH0/TU0Y_RwEOfw/s320/Thanksgiving%2Bin%2BDominica%2B023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544664363842154146" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday a couple of the spouses went to a Holiday Shopping event at Pagua Bay. I really was trying not to spend any money, but I found a fabulous silver bracelet. We stayed for lunch and beverages. It was a great time!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKfKK0i5MI/AAAAAAAAAIM/891R3pt7-1E/s1600/Shopping%2BTrip%2B001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TPKfKK0i5MI/AAAAAAAAAIM/891R3pt7-1E/s320/Shopping%2BTrip%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544669088298755266" border="0" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-8948048911135168682010-11-24T20:11:00.010-06:002010-11-24T22:02:15.141-06:00Thankful and BlessedI have a lot to be thankful and blessed for this year.<br /><br />The love of my life- Sam. I have never met anyone as smart, loving, fun, sarcastic, a Star Wars fanatic, loyal, easy going, determined, kind, and thoughtful as much as him. I am the luckiest girl alive! He truly, deeply, and honestly loves me (as I love him). Below is an engagement picture.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3NMQK1o1I/AAAAAAAAAGk/_ZXwbovIwfw/s1600/DSC_4765.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3NMQK1o1I/AAAAAAAAAGk/_ZXwbovIwfw/s320/DSC_4765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543312326745498450" border="0" /></a><br />My family has always been my biggest supporters. Whether it is in school, love, or life; they are the ones who have been there to listen, give advice, and most importantly love me. The first picture was taken about 20-30 minutes before Sam proposed. Aunt Lucy, my mom, Sam, Aunt Mona, and Uncle Johnny.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3Q-OrH-kI/AAAAAAAAAGs/qVMC-WHwmj0/s1600/Satgving%2Band%2BEngagement%2B042.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3Q-OrH-kI/AAAAAAAAAGs/qVMC-WHwmj0/s320/Satgving%2Band%2BEngagement%2B042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543316483872389698" border="0" /></a><br />Mom, Aunt Lucy, Uncle Peter, and Uncle Johnny in the parking lot of Smitty's (yummy Lockhart bbq).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3VMahojpI/AAAAAAAAAHE/O6DcxI7QVys/s1600/July-Aug%2B2010%2B004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3VMahojpI/AAAAAAAAAHE/O6DcxI7QVys/s320/July-Aug%2B2010%2B004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543321125618486930" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a blast from the past! I am sitting on my Grandpa's lap. My cousin Monica is standing with Grandma.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3Q-2BHddI/AAAAAAAAAG0/zMIgqCDZ2B8/s1600/10430187.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3Q-2BHddI/AAAAAAAAAG0/zMIgqCDZ2B8/s320/10430187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543316494433613266" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately, I do not have very many family pictures. Especially new ones. I really need to work on that. Everyone get your smiles on for Christmas!!<br /><br />My friends are the best! They have been there when I needed them the most. We can laugh, cry, say nothing, do crazy things, and just be ourselves. I am lucky to have very dear long friendships, as well as have new friendships in Dominica. All bring me joy! This picture was taken at my "last suppa" at Harrigans. It was a fabulous night! Neal, Andrea, Sarah, Matty, Keith, Chrystal, Kris in the back. Jayme, me, and Amy in the front.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3VN14TscI/AAAAAAAAAHM/_rbSr2vpOr4/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3VN14TscI/AAAAAAAAAHM/_rbSr2vpOr4/s320/IMG_0230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543321150141215170" border="0" /></a><br />Some of my work friends on my last day. It was bittersweet. I love them so much, but I had to go. Annette, Aleksandra, me, Mellanie, Jean and Jennifer in front.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3VL26epSI/AAAAAAAAAG8/iUIir9pG-vk/s1600/Last%2BDay%2B031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3VL26epSI/AAAAAAAAAG8/iUIir9pG-vk/s320/Last%2BDay%2B031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543321116059018530" border="0" /></a><br />These next peeps are awesome. This was taken at the first spouse party. (Tracy, I hope you don't mind I stole your pic!)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3ZKBAIIEI/AAAAAAAAAHc/-VZfRo_ZdcI/s1600/Fall%2BSpouses%2B10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 153px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3ZKBAIIEI/AAAAAAAAAHc/-VZfRo_ZdcI/s320/Fall%2BSpouses%2B10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543325482453835842" border="0" /></a><br />Here comes the part that I am especially thankful for- my health. As it gets closer to the two year mark ("cured"), I often times reflect on all that has happened. This year has been full of wonderful tests with no traces of Calcitonin. I am able to do things that I wasn't sure if I would be able to do. Here I am (in Dominica of all places!) still kickin' c's ass. All of the above people have helped me in my journey. You all still do. So, I thank each and everyone of you. One day I hope to strive to be as half as much of a blessing in your life as you are in mine. Love you.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3cY01VOqI/AAAAAAAAAHk/I4ybQBhndEo/s1600/Pagua%2BBay%2B067.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TO3cY01VOqI/AAAAAAAAAHk/I4ybQBhndEo/s320/Pagua%2BBay%2B067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543329035420252834" border="0" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-55510058065582656012010-11-23T19:02:00.010-06:002010-11-23T20:24:58.383-06:00Gabe- Master Driver of DominicaSome may think it is pathetic over how excited I was to drive in a truck today. (It wasn't a transport!) It truly is the small things here that bring a smile to my face. Sam tried to prepare me the best he could about living here. Being away from all your comforts is hard. Not being able to drive in a car, whenever and where ever you want takes getting used to.<br /><br />I was hanging out at the CAC today. Gabe walked in and announced that he rented a truck today to pick up a friend from the airport. We talked of going somewhere, anywhere. Jacki suggested we check out some cabins her parents may stay in. It was agreed- ROAD TRIP! (Note it is just one town over, but hey... WE GET TO GO RIDE IN A TRUCK!)<br /><br />Analeah approves of this trip! (Note: We are still in the parking lot of the CAC. The engine wasn't even on at this point.)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxqDR3OaLI/AAAAAAAAAFU/K4G0Rh05Uq4/s1600/November%2B10%2B020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxqDR3OaLI/AAAAAAAAAFU/K4G0Rh05Uq4/s320/November%2B10%2B020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542921845953423538" border="0" /></a><br />Excited Jacki.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxqrcOha9I/AAAAAAAAAFc/VQ5Jch5MnEM/s1600/November%2B10%2B021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxqrcOha9I/AAAAAAAAAFc/VQ5Jch5MnEM/s320/November%2B10%2B021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542922535930260434" border="0" /></a><br />The Master of Driving in Dominica- Gabe!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxrlJhSBcI/AAAAAAAAAFk/wADbEXPbZP4/s1600/November%2B10%2B022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxrlJhSBcI/AAAAAAAAAFk/wADbEXPbZP4/s320/November%2B10%2B022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542923527341082050" border="0" /></a><br />On the way to our destination, we picked up Emily and drove her to the next town.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxrlfYSzOI/AAAAAAAAAFs/gjYs9Hi-vkQ/s1600/November%2B10%2B023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxrlfYSzOI/AAAAAAAAAFs/gjYs9Hi-vkQ/s320/November%2B10%2B023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542923533208964322" border="0" /></a><br />She was excited too! She was having to go to Portsmouth to catch a transport to Roseau (an hour away) for groceries. The cooler is a necessity to keep groceries cold between destinations.<br /><br />Dominica is the opposite of Lubbock. Wikipedia has a quote Christopher Columbus used to describe the land- "he crumpled a piece of parchment roughly and threw it on the table. 'This', Columbus explained, 'is what Dominica looks like—completely covered with mountains with nary a flat spot.' " Now that you can picture the terrain, let me describe the roads. They are very narrow. Often times there are French gutters on the side- an open trench (you can drive off into and get stuck). There are a ton of potholes that don't ever get fixed (kinda like home in this way). Also, some are not paved. Oh! Let us remember to that you are driving on the opposite side as well. Gabe drove us up a huge hill to get to the cabins. It was extremely steep! I don't know if this translates well based on the picture I took....<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxyq1u8dJI/AAAAAAAAAF8/X7gezB-l-PM/s1600/November%2B10%2B028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxyq1u8dJI/AAAAAAAAAF8/X7gezB-l-PM/s320/November%2B10%2B028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542931321690289298" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxrl5TSX3I/AAAAAAAAAF0/qzqY5t8Ymys/s1600/November%2B10%2B026.JPG"><br /></a>After some struggles with the 4x4 shift thingy, we got to the cabins. They were absolutely gorgeous! The views stunning! Here are some views from the deck of the house (furthest up).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxz016MuII/AAAAAAAAAGE/3Wv4BfjAQOw/s1600/November%2B10%2B040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxz016MuII/AAAAAAAAAGE/3Wv4BfjAQOw/s320/November%2B10%2B040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542932593047812226" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxz1u0jSOI/AAAAAAAAAGM/iAaVgHHd7Wo/s1600/November%2B10%2B041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOxz1u0jSOI/AAAAAAAAAGM/iAaVgHHd7Wo/s320/November%2B10%2B041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542932608324946146" border="0" /></a><br />With the beautiful view, we had no choice... group shot!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOx0g93TRnI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Z2HxrmGc_GA/s1600/November%2B10%2B049.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TOx0g93TRnI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Z2HxrmGc_GA/s320/November%2B10%2B049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542933351097386610" border="0" /></a><br />Gabe, me, Analeah, and JackiMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-41115647569387714012010-10-18T20:07:00.013-05:002010-10-18T22:26:02.539-05:00First Dominican legs, now Sea legs!Sam and I went sailing yesterday. It was absolutely a blast! Let me show you....<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz2yHy5sfI/AAAAAAAAACY/v0fTUXLDlkc/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz2yHy5sfI/AAAAAAAAACY/v0fTUXLDlkc/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529565783450563058" border="0" /></a>Captain Chuck picked us up at PBH (Portsmouth Beach Hotel- where we used to live) early Sunday morning.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz3fm8EpuI/AAAAAAAAACg/KMn252Gogk8/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+042.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz3fm8EpuI/AAAAAAAAACg/KMn252Gogk8/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529566564904642274" border="0" /></a>I took a picture of PBH on the boat. It is the white building covered up by palm trees. It was too small for both of us to live there, but it was super close to the beach!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz5yxyj7XI/AAAAAAAAACw/nGapcDtkfSs/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+051.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz5yxyj7XI/AAAAAAAAACw/nGapcDtkfSs/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529569093258308978" border="0" /></a>Sam worked on the sails while....<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz5xpouyQI/AAAAAAAAACo/Qf6y23mOEuI/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+048.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz5xpouyQI/AAAAAAAAACo/Qf6y23mOEuI/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529569073889724674" border="0" /></a>Captain Chuck steered.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9XShW4LI/AAAAAAAAAC4/mgNaYkCai2M/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+068.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9XShW4LI/AAAAAAAAAC4/mgNaYkCai2M/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529573019054694578" border="0" /></a>I even got to steer for awhile!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9XsezYVI/AAAAAAAAADA/tTTzUHgJQ_A/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+083.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9XsezYVI/AAAAAAAAADA/tTTzUHgJQ_A/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529573026023301458" border="0" /></a>We cast two fishing poles and even got a bite on one of them!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9YOzj4CI/AAAAAAAAADI/y6FGd06D59I/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+095.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9YOzj4CI/AAAAAAAAADI/y6FGd06D59I/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529573035237171234" border="0" /></a>After a bit of fumbling with the non-cooperative Mahi-Mahi, we came up successful!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9YjYF-cI/AAAAAAAAADQ/ifmw7bBM3yM/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+105.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9YjYF-cI/AAAAAAAAADQ/ifmw7bBM3yM/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529573040759110082" border="0" /></a>Hope this doesn't gross anyone out... our catch had recently eaten.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9Zn4fZBI/AAAAAAAAADY/ixRLa3KBRFU/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+136.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLz9Zn4fZBI/AAAAAAAAADY/ixRLa3KBRFU/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529573059148604434" border="0" /></a>Jaleeka and Chuck made us a fabulous lunch! Tartar sauce, fried mahi-mahi, and homemade french fries. It was soooo good! I've had mahi-mahi before, but it pales in comparison to the one I had that day.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0AfIZxl0I/AAAAAAAAADg/uKACgolqG0Y/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+054.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0AfIZxl0I/AAAAAAAAADg/uKACgolqG0Y/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529576452312373058" border="0" /></a>The best hosts on water- Jaleeka and Chuck.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0Afmcgj-I/AAAAAAAAADo/770UPrP9fss/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+133.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0Afmcgj-I/AAAAAAAAADo/770UPrP9fss/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529576460376903650" border="0" /></a>Saaaailing takes me away.... (Christoper Cross reference! I kept singing this tune before we left and after we got back.)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0Af0fPapI/AAAAAAAAADw/jLAb-R8sqeg/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+120.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0Af0fPapI/AAAAAAAAADw/jLAb-R8sqeg/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529576464146459282" border="0" /></a>Our Caribbean home- Dominica.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0GHa8rodI/AAAAAAAAAD4/zsvzWuTUfwg/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+134.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0GHa8rodI/AAAAAAAAAD4/zsvzWuTUfwg/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529582642043527634" border="0" /></a>The island to our north- Guadeloupe.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0GIGtYz1I/AAAAAAAAAEA/ic4LVr87n8E/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+150.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0GIGtYz1I/AAAAAAAAAEA/ic4LVr87n8E/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529582653790539602" border="0" /></a>The water was a gorgeous shade of blue.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0GJF1pKFI/AAAAAAAAAEI/mCi_ykF8E7c/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+172.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0GJF1pKFI/AAAAAAAAAEI/mCi_ykF8E7c/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+172.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529582670736599122" border="0" /></a>Took this when we were on our way back to the island.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0NOf-_u0I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/zp_2iEOzpB0/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+232.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0NOf-_u0I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/zp_2iEOzpB0/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529590460235889474" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0OUBHa9xI/AAAAAAAAAEY/MivVtZF_gOA/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+238.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0OUBHa9xI/AAAAAAAAAEY/MivVtZF_gOA/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529591654540572434" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0OUWKJ4MI/AAAAAAAAAEg/i44Nx16CxLE/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+240.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0OUWKJ4MI/AAAAAAAAAEg/i44Nx16CxLE/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+240.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529591660189180098" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0OUu3NxyI/AAAAAAAAAEo/-Tl1DiKFDDU/s1600/We+are+on+a+boat%21+246.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TL0OUu3NxyI/AAAAAAAAAEo/-Tl1DiKFDDU/s320/We+are+on+a+boat%21+246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529591666820630306" border="0" /></a> Sunset on the boat.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-18092573765002692692010-10-10T22:33:00.002-05:002010-10-10T22:56:03.269-05:00Lt. Dan isn't the only one who has legs...Finally! I got my "Dominican legs" as Sam calls them. Saturday we went to Roseau for some grocery shopping. I am very thankful for Analeah and Michael who went as well. They showed us the ropes! This time I was able to do all the walking and not feel as though as I was going to die/pass out. We went to Sav-A-Lot and IGA. Then we ventured to St. Agnes which is a Catholic bookstore. I got a rosary since I forgot to pack one. We purchased a birthday gift for Jaz (aka Jazira.. aka "Jazz Hands"). Then back to Rituals (Dominican Starbucks) to wait for the bus. That night we ate like royalty-- steak, asparagus, rice, and "hippie bread".<br /><br />Today, Sam had to study all day. I went to church and hung out at home. We had spaghetti, which is one of our go to meals here. Anywho... here are some pictures... the first is a sunrise we had last month and next is part of the market in Roseau.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLKKd5PjrQI/AAAAAAAAACI/_RjsDPBeUuc/s1600/Sept-Oct+10+001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLKKd5PjrQI/AAAAAAAAACI/_RjsDPBeUuc/s320/Sept-Oct+10+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526631938923932930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLKKea8OrwI/AAAAAAAAACQ/DtTEXHPKFjg/s1600/Sept-Oct+10+006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/TLKKea8OrwI/AAAAAAAAACQ/DtTEXHPKFjg/s320/Sept-Oct+10+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526631947969670914" border="0" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-14713657223644199482010-10-05T19:37:00.003-05:002010-10-05T19:58:36.689-05:00Rain and Drain(age)It has been raining here for a couple of days now. Yesterday was by far one of the worst and also the first mini for Sam. Poor Sam! He got sick a couple of days before the mini and is still battling the sickness... which he gave to me. I have been miserable for about 2 days now. My nose will not quit running. I feel achy and have a slight fever. I have trying to drink as much as I can, which I am having trouble doing. He came home from school with the best present ever- KLEENEX!! My poor nose no longer has to be subjected to the poor quality Dominican toilet paper. I have never been so happy to see a box of Kleenex in my life! Anywho, back to yesterday...<br /><br />I hung out at the CAC (Community Activity Center.. i think). We started a Harry Potter marathon. I played Taboo with a couple of girls and it was absolutely fun! Analeah and I would have totally dominated if we played together. Mindmelding (Mexican dude... Ricardo Montalban! YES! {go watch Four Christmases}) with others is quite entertaining! Sam got done with his mini and hung out for a bit. We were supposed to go out that night for dinner and a couple of drinks, but by the time dinner came the Monster Lo-Carb I drank had already wore off. All energy zapped outta me. So we went to KFC. They actually had chicken! We came home and caught up on some Sunday cartoons.<br /><br />Today I have been in bed. I wish I could find the faucet hooked up to my nose so I could turn it off! The trip I was going to go on was canceled because of the increase in rain we have been experiencing. It looks like I have tomorrow planned out too... bed!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-16300829854506643102010-09-27T20:14:00.003-05:002010-09-27T20:41:41.911-05:00Funky TownApparently I was there and didn't even realize it. I went to a spouse party to celebrate September birthdays. I was talking to some new friends and they wanted to know how I was adjusting. Most days I stay at home waiting for Sam. I was diagnosed by my fellow spouses with funk. I tried to dispute it, but it is true. I was in a funk. I talked to my mom about this awhile back; I am not homesick. (I think that kinda shook her up.) Sure, I miss things... I miss fast food. (I would pinch a baby for some Rosa's, Chick-fil-a, Harrigans, Abuelo's, or McDonalds.) I miss my friends and family and the convenience of seeing them whenever I please. I am home though- Sam is my heart. All those months apart, I wasn't complete. I missed him so much. So why the funkiness? I can't pinpoint it. Perhaps it is because my life has been shook up. I am totally out of my element. Anywho, I believe it is over now.<br /><br />I have been accepted as a Standardized Patient. Basically I am a pretend patient for the medical students. Training starts Friday and I am excited that I get to help. Thursday is the RSO (Ross Spouse Organization) bake sale. I am going to make Cake Mix Cookies. I love that recipe from Heloise! I am making a white cake mix cookies with walnuts and dark chocolate. I hope they turn out okay. Jacki, who has been an absolutely wonderful friend, opened up her full size kitchen to me! Yea! I don't have to bake them in a toaster oven! (By the way, I did make brownies in it already. They took forever!) Thursday is also when I am hosting Grey's night at our apartment. Last week it was just me and Monique (she is also here for the first time and her boyfriend is third semester too). It was fun! I am going to open it up to as many spouses who want to cram into my bedroom and watch on my tiny tv. Overall, I am going to be more social.<br /><br />Tomorrow is Sam's birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!!!<br /><br />(I promise to post more pictures!)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-75500016436320818352010-08-29T22:43:00.002-05:002010-08-29T22:55:36.333-05:00Green PapayaI have managed to be lazy the last couple of days, camped in at our apartment- Green Papaya. Friday night we went to dinner at the restaurant downstairs, Riverside Cafe. During dinner Sam said that it was raining. I replied, nope. I looked behind me and it was! We were at the edge of the rainfall! That has never happened to me and it was kinda neat. Saturday I stayed home all day. We cooked a bit, nothing major- hotdogs for lunch and frito pie for dinner. Sunday we stayed home for the most part. My attempt at making mac&cheese was foiled by some deceased insects in the pasta. So we just had instant mashed potatoes and bbq sausage w/onions. We did take a late night excursion to 7-11. Seriously. There is a 7-11 here. (not an American 7-11 though) Earlier we heard that Hurricane Earl may come pay us a visit, so we bought some bottled water, a well needed can opener, and some other stuff. Tomorrow is the Indian River tour, so hopefully I will be able to post some more pictures here. Anwyho, until tomorrow...Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-51720847110372240042010-08-26T21:49:00.002-05:002010-08-26T22:16:05.816-05:00Purple Cresent Moonis the shape of the bruise on my bum. Moving in Dominica is not fun. Why? 1. Taxi Driver arrived late. Having all your stuff, stuffed into luggage, any bags/boxes you can find and then waiting for the driver to come, leads to a boring wait (everything is packed). 2. Taking all your stuff down 3 flights of stairs and to the entrance of the building (50 yards) is exhausting. 3. Getting to your new apartment and the only person you see doesn't speak English. We did get it out of him that the landlord wasn't there, but no time frame of when he would be back. 4. All of your belongings are on the ground floor and it starts to rain. 5. Deciding to move all belongs up 3 flights of stairs and unable to get motivated to hurry (even though it is raining) because you are already exhausted and sweaty. Thankfully, the person who was painting the stairs helped us. After all this, our landlord did show up and quickly showed us our apartment. I am so glad Sam asked how to use the a/c unit because it, as well as all the controls/appliances in our apartment are written in Chinese. After taking some time to recover, we decide to venture out to do some errands. On our way down we comment on how many stairs there are here, compared to our other place, and how using bathroom-like tile for stairs is not safe.. I go down. Hard. On the third to last step. I cried. I was beat down from our morning. What was worse is that I know our landlords would not have cared. They must have already had a complaint because there were small strips of grip on the steps. We went on to run our errands. Hours later, I developed a purple cresent moon on my bum and my right ring finger was swollen (I must have jammed it). Bonus... we have an ant invasion in our apartment. Small sugar ants (Sam's words)/ piss ants (mine). UGH!!! Yesterday I felt totally beat down. It eventually perked up. Thank goodness! Today we went to Roseau, the capital. It was crazy busy with people. We went to the "Walmart of Dominica". Unfortunately, due to time constraints and my tiredness, we didn't go to the grocery stores. I'm slightly worried. I'm having difficulty adapting- weather, physical activity, etc. I think my thyroid medicine may be off and me being a fat American is not helping me adjust as soon as I would hope. I feel at times extremely overheated and exhausted. Pray for me. Pray I don't take a tumble (Sam too) and that I finally adjust here!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-5325254128230466462010-08-23T22:37:00.005-05:002010-08-26T22:16:27.288-05:00BedYep. That is where I spent most of my day. I was sick from 230 to 330 this morning. It was awful. Then came the extreme bloatedness. Needless to say, we hardly did anything. We did manage to go to the beach for a bit. It rained while we were there. It was strange seeing the rain fall on the ocean. Since I was down for the count today, tomorrow we have some shopping planned and packing. We move into our new place on Wednesday. Welp, until tomorrow!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368767407562130152.post-16357887504067466862010-08-21T20:06:00.003-05:002010-08-21T20:22:26.995-05:00Dominica<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/THB7epgAF8I/AAAAAAAAAB4/BvCi6jRYQqE/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/THB7epgAF8I/AAAAAAAAAB4/BvCi6jRYQqE/s320/IMG_0265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508038110740486082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/THB7eQ3_p9I/AAAAAAAAABw/IsyMS8F-XAA/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/THB7eQ3_p9I/AAAAAAAAABw/IsyMS8F-XAA/s320/IMG_0255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508038104130234322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/THB7dzacimI/AAAAAAAAABo/LB-QR_x6R9A/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yUZPhslHa4A/THB7dzacimI/AAAAAAAAABo/LB-QR_x6R9A/s320/IMG_0247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508038096221669986" border="0" /></a><br />Finally! Seems like I have been preparing and anticipating this trip forever. I am going to go ahead and apologize now-- this blog is going to be spastic! First of all-- I am so glad I waited to go to a beach/ocean. It is gorgeous here. Hot and humid. I have never sweated so much in my life (not even when I was in Lockhart) The food is horrible. Bad. VERY BAD. No, I don't think you will fully understand just how bad. Tonight I had nachos... that had peas, green beans, tomatoes, beans, cheese, and weird chips. Yep. My stomach and I have never really been good friends. I have a feeling we are going to be mortal enemies. Welp, I hate to cut this so short, but I'm exhausted. Being a beach bum is hard... heeehee.. :) Here are some pictures!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06144942378154600066noreply@blogger.com0