Summertime Fun - Past, Present and Future

My cousin's wedding went by without a hitch! Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time (even with the heat and humidity) and family squabbles seemed to not be the top priority on everyone's mind. There was only one snarky comment after the ceremony that was muttered, but I think it was ignored because it was a damn wedding for goodness sake! No need for fighting and bickering!

On Saturday, Billy, Jeff and I went to Billy's sister's house (Darcy) to surprise his father for his 69th birthday. What made this such a surprise was the fact that we would NEVER normally be out in her neck of the woods. Billy and Jeff are very close but they don't often hang out with their sister much so needless to say, Billy's dad was FLOORED when he saw the 3 of us at the house munchin down on deviled eggs and veggies. We all ate our fair share of crab, hamburgers and birthday cake. Hopefully we'll all get to go back because everyone had a really good time.

At the bottom of the hill in Darcy's backyard, there was a pier with a boat (owned by Darcy and her boyfriend). After stuffing my face and falling into a complete food coma, I walked down to the dock and sat down for a little bit while my food digested. Sitting at the pier was so peaceful, calm and beautiful. I started to think of how me and my 2 cousins (the older boys) would spend hours on the dock at the marina catching catfish with hotdog bait and we would explore the boatyard. My parents, my aunt and uncle and grandparents all co-owned a boat at the time and they would sit on the boat and do "adult" things... like drink and gossip and stuff. When I was thinking of those good times, I started to tear up a bit because I know nothing like that will happen again. I don't know what went on with them in the past, but now they can hardly be in the same room with each other. Why were they all able to tolerate each other at the docks? Were they pretending to get along for the sake of us kids? We used to vacation together to OC every year, but that stopped when my mom and her brother/my uncle fought during those trips. Where did all of the squabbles come from? I am completely baffled by it all!!!!

I think the only thing I can do now is work to make sure my cousins, my sister and I don't repeat this history. While our personalities are sooo different, what matters most is that when we ignore what cliques we're part of and set aside our differences... We are the next generation and it would be a shame to see all of us turn out like our parents did.

manic Summer ranting

I can't wait! The next few months are sure to bring lots of fun!

My cousin Ben is marrying his long-time girlfriend next weekend and Billy and I are so excited for the wedding. There's some family bullshit that I'm sure is going to threaten the happy times, but I'm not going to let it get to me. SERIOUSLY. Both sides of the family need to give it a rest for a day and CELEBRATE the once in a lifetime event!

We have a few Phish concerts to go to and while they aren't my favorite band, the whole festival-type atmosphere is a blast! Sunshine, warm weather and live music - a perfect Summer combination.

After Phish, to the Riviera Maya we go July 12-July 19. I CAN'T WAIT! Blue water, white sand and all-inclusive STUFF. Snorkeling, hiking around Mayan ruins, 100% relaxation...yay! I'll be sure to put up plenty of pictures when we get back.

I've picked up casual running over the past few months (around the neighborhood and on the treadmill at the gym) I love the way it makes me feel and look. It's a great way for me to work out the day's frustration and stress. Bonus points for the bikini-ready body I'll have :)

Summertime, here I come!

Facts About Poop

We're back!

Wow... after 7 days of not thinking and basically being complete slugs, it's tough to adjust to doing "normal" things (grocery shopping, paying bills, etc.) It's so nice to be back home though and being away really makes you appreciate stuff when you get back. I'm so freakin happy to be around our little furry children AND I think my stomach is relieved to be enjoying some standard fare. We both were very smart and stayed out of the hot Dominican sun during peak hours, but we are TAAANNNN!!! Here are some pictures if you haven't seen them yet http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlhcrawford/sets/72157620784973167/

Our days consisted of grabbing chairs under an umbrella early in the morning and then eating breakfast at the World Cafe (buffet type restaurant with ANYTHING your little heart desires). We'd jump in the pool, grab some drinks from the swim up bar and relax (occasionally hopping into the clear blue ocean to swim with some fishies). A shower and a nap would usually follow and then we'd go and explore one of the5-6 restaurants in the resort. Billy's drink of choice was rum & coke and I enjoyed some great spicy Bloody Marys (I learned that you shouldn't drink more than one, unless you want to get sick later!). On a few nights, local craftsmen would come in and set up shop to sell their wares (I got a Larimar-gem of Dominican- pendant after some tough bargaining) and there were some spectacular shows in the convention hall. Lots of talented women in thongs doing high kicks in heels, dressed in some crazy elaborate garb. Oh, and there was a casino... We spent a lot of time goofing around on the video poker/slot machines. Sadly, we're not millionaires :) Surprisingly, our favorite restaurant turned out to be Bordeaux (French cuisine), Chateaubriand, Baked Grouper, Creme Brulee... yummy!

The people that worked in the resort were so friendly and accommodating! Many think this type of place exploits the native culture of the country, and I have to disagree. The people we interacted with were so proud to show us how they lived, talked, ate, drank, etc. It is a beautiful country and I would love to go back - SOON!

It was a lovely, relaxing vacation that we both deserved!

eeny meeny miney moe!

We chose this deal where the Resort (Dreams) picks the location where we stay in the Dominican when we go on vacation this summer...It's a little cheaper BUT it also prolongs the mystery of where we're going. All three of the Resorts are gorgeous, so I'm pretty sure we win no matter what happens. I CAN'T WAIT!!!