Summer Travels

The Boy from Texas and I had big plans of going on a fun trip this summer.  We had tossed around Napa or Idaho or Chicago.  Somehow, we blinked and it's now September and no big trip happened.  With LL on the way shortly, we'll be shooting for next year I guess.

We did, however, have a couple of fun long weekends away.

In June, we loaded up with some of our best friends, who we'll call County Agent and Photographer, and headed to the lake.  Everyone seemed to have had a couple of stressful weeks at work and we decided we just needed some time to get away.  Lucky for us, Aunt and Uncle Evil Kineval were at their lake house and offered to host.  BB absolutely loved running around the pontoon boat, but when it came time to strap on a life jacket so he could swim, he was having NONE of that.  Poor kid never even got in the water!  But regardless, some fun in the sun and stuffing our faces with homemade food from my aunt was just what the doctor ordered.

BB and Aunt Evil Kineval

Then in July, we headed back to the lake to meet up with my family for a birthday celebration.  This year, I have uncles turning 70 and 60, I have a cousin who turned 50, my brother turns 30, and we happened to have this little celebration the weekend The Boy from Texas turned 31.  Birthdays galore!  We spent the weekend soaking up the sun and enjoying the water!  I much prefer the lake when I'm able to ski, but two summers of pregnancy in a row put a bit of a kink in that.  But riding in the boat and swimming were still quite enjoyable.

How many guys does it take to get my dad in the water?

My dad skiing

In August, we headed to my cousin's wedding in Red River.  Red River is our yearly snow skiing destination, but I had never been in the summer, so I was excited to check it out.  Things sure look different without all the snow!  It was perfect weather and an awesome time with family.  BB thoroughly enjoyed himself running around town and especially dancing at the wedding reception.  I bet he tasted half the rocks in Red River!

The Face looks way less intimidating in the summer.

BB's first time at the Lift House Bar

Our side of the family 

The sticks were more interesting than the wedding.

The Boy from Texas raced go karts.

And the Honeymoon Destination Is.......

I was never a girl who dreamed about her wedding.  I never thought about dresses or flower arrangements or first dance songs.  But a honeymoon?  Now that, I can get on board with!  The world traveler in me was quite excited to do a little research and plan something awesome.

We sort of narrowed the world down to four finalists.

1.  Ireland

We have talked about going on a honeymoon trip to Ireland since about 2 months into this relationship.  It is at the top of both of our dream travel destinations list.  I love sheep.  He loves beer.  We want to drive on the wrong side of the road.  It sounds amazing.

Downside....we only have a week.  By the time you take a day out to get there and a day to come back, you don't have much time in country.  Everyone I talked to tells me you want to have at least 10-14 days there.  Plus, if we flew clear to Ireland, I'd want to be sure we ran and ran and saw as much as we could to get our money's worth, and that might not be the ideal pace for a honeymoon.

So after a lot of thought, we ruled this one out but you best believe that there is a 5 year anniversary fund already in the works so that we can make it happen in 2019!

2.  Vermont/New Hampshire/Maine

Once Ireland was kinda out the window, I tried to think of something else fun.  We really aren't beachy people, so ideas like Florida or the Bahamas were just not our speed.  I came up with the idea of doing the Northeast, kind of fall foliage, maple farms, light houses, bed and breakfasts type tour.  I've never been and thought it might be sort of romantic and relaxing.

The Boy from Texas wasn't a huge fan.  He thought it sounded kinda boring and he's spent some time working  up in the Northeast and wasn't a huge fan.  So, another one bit the dust.

3.  Napa Valley, California

My next idea was Napa.  After my summer in San Francisco and subsequent girls weekend there, I just love the Valley.  It's so beautiful and peaceful and we could go wine tasting and ride in a hot air balloon!  Well, when I asked The Boy from Texas about doing a hot air balloon, he responded with, "The only positive thing I can say about that is that at least we would die together."  Not as positive as one might hope.

So my sweet friend Mrs. Arizona helped me check out hotel options and flights and all sorts of activities.  It was definitely the cheapest option (thanks to Southwest flights being cheap into Oakland), but in the end we just weren't sure it was for us.  I don't drink and I had already been there.  The Boy from Texas apparently hates hot air balloons.  And while I thought he might like Napa, I also thought he might think it was kinda snooty and pretentious.  So, another option down.

4.  Banff, Canada

As I was on Google and Pinerest looking up "honeymoon destinations," I came across a photo of Lake Louise, Canada and immediately thought, "This is where we have to go!"  Once I showed said p photo to The Boy from Texas and mentioned we could drive to the place where Lonesome Dove was shot, he was ready to book immediately!

The Banff area is located in the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta.  I've had several friends go there (and a couple from not far from the area) who have raved about it being fun and beautiful and a great trip.  Flights are much easier and shorter than other international destinations, prices are not wholly outrageous, and there looks to be a ton of things to do.  Hiking, kayaking (if it's not too cold?), sleigh rides (if it's cold enough), a glacier tour, cute shops, beautiful drives.....Oh, and I'll be able to accomplish my goal of being to 10 countries before I'm 31 (used to be 30 but that ship sailed!)

Ladies and gents, we have a winner!

Photo via Pinterest

Oh, and because we are awesome and only doing this honeymoon thing once....we'll be staying three nights at the gorgeous hotel you see in the picture.  Yep.  Chateau Lake Louise, here we come!  (The rest of the nights you may find us at Motel 6 or a box under a bridge because we'll be out of money....)

So....if you have been or know anything about the area....give us some must-do ideas!!

Random Church Wandering

“Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what’s right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in.” ~Andrew Zimmern

I've got a bit of a habit of wandering into random churches when I travel.  I love churches--especially old ones--so it's always fun to see a new church in a new city.

Doing this has led me into a bunch of really cool situations.  I was able to be there for the Feast Day of the Infant of Prague and to pray right before the very statue.  It's taken me to a rosary kneeling before the bones of St. Faustina in Poland.  To a quiet vigil in San Francisco.  Quiet moments at St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe.  And last month, I stumbled upon an evening prayer meeting  at a beautiful Episcopal church in Indianapolis, where they invited me right up to the alter, handed me a book, and off we went.

I think that these experiences have served two purposes for me.  The first is that I've been able to see God everywhere--different buildings, different denominations, different countries, different types of services.  I find it uplifting and inspiring that He truly is everywhere!  The other, and this one is really important for a planner like me, is that I've learned that some of the best things you'll see in life are those you just stumble upon.  It's okay to throw away the itinerary, turn off the cell phone, put down the map, and just see what you see.

Give it a try the next time you're on the road...

Tips for the Traveling Girl

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”   ~Earnest Hemingway

This is probably not breaking news for those of you who know me or have been around this here blog, but I travel.  A lot.  Be it weekend trips to see The Boy from Texas or my crazy family, amazing trips to Europe, crazy events like steeplechases or running with yucky naked people or St. Patty's Day in Chicago, or work trips that take me to every small town in Texas....this girl knows a thing or two about traveling.

So today I thought I'd share a few tips for you other travelers out there.

1.  Make yo bed before you go.  My mother is probably currently doing a mix of head nodding and having a stroke that I am actually saying this after rebelling and refusing to do so for so many years of my life.  But I'm here to tell you, before I go on a trip of any length, I put clean sheets on my bed and make that baby up.  The odds are that I'm going to return exhausted, late at night, probably sunburnt, and there's not much that beats crawling into a fresh, clean bed!

2.  Have two of everything.  I'm talking toiletries here girls.  I have two of everything---hair brushes, toothbrushes, shampoos, razors, soap, deodorant....you name it.  I keep my travel stuff in a big ziplock baggie and it never leaves my suitcase.  This prevents me frantically trying to pack 5 minutes before I have to get out the door and leaving my deodorant sitting on the counter.  I know that it's already packed and I'm good to go.

3.  Always have some cash.  I'm actually really terrible about this one kids.  I'm completely reliant on my friend DC---debit card.  But, that being said, when you travel, you need to have some cash.  I keep a $20 in my truck at all times (no one go robbing me!).  I always try to have a $20 in my wallet before I leave town.  And I keep some change in my purse in case I have to pay to use the bathroom....I've told you before how this is just the dumbest thing ever in life about traveling in Europe.  You don't want to be caught next to some old castle with a full bladder and no Euro.

4.  Get off the beaten path.  Some of my favorite experiences have happened when I got off the tourist map and just explored.  You meet the locals.  You see amazing piazzas.  You eat yummy food at awesome side street restaurants.  You accidentally end up at a Feast Day celebration.  I'm all for doing the touristy things and taking your picture in front of the Coliseum, but give randomly wandering around a try for an afternoon.  My bet is that you'll love it.

5.  Enjoy the experience.  Traveling can be stressful---worrying about delayed flights or slow cabs or hotel reservations can make you crazy.  Sometimes there are differences in the place you are that make you crazy.  There is no Dr. Pepper in Wisconsin.  They have no idea what you mean by "green" when you're ordering enchiladas in California.   Europe doesn't believe in ice.  Have I mentioned you have to pay to use the potty??  But you know.....let it all go.  It really doesn't matter.  Look around, appreciate where you are, find the beauty.  As they say, it's the journey and all.

Answers To Your Questions

Thanks to those of you who submitted questions for me to answer in lieu of having to be creative and think up my own blog topics this week!  Here we go....


I see that you have been in quite a few weddings, do you have a go to gift for the couple, the shower and/or the bachelorette?

I have been in quite a few weddings.....I'm actually quite close to having a double digit number of bridesmaid dresses hanging in my closet.  I am not, however, a very good gift-giver.  Do you go with the registry?  Do you venture out?  I never really know.  But here is advice that several brides and BFF have told me.  I tend to believe them:  Give us money.  It's true, people would rather have money or a gift card a lot of the times than the third set of mixing bowls.  I use this example because more than once after his wedding, BFF called me screaming about all the mixing bowls in his house.  Weddings are expensive.  Honeymoons are expensive.  Life is expensive.  Yes, I know it's not etiquette and it's not personal, but I've never seen anyone complain about a little green in an envelope.

I was catching up on blogs and read the one about the green river.  How much green dye does it take to turn a river green?  And for that matter, how much orange dye does it take for the fountain at OSU on homecoming?

Excellent questions.  I have no idea.  I had never put together the fact that I love the orange fountain and the green river---apparently I like water being dyed!  I never watched the dyeing of the fountain at OSU, was that open to the public?  I did, however, watch the green river dying.  There comes along a speed boat all the way down the river and a little guy in said speed boat dumps out a crap ton (technical term) of dye all down the river.  Then he'll circle back and dump some more.  It really was something to see!

OSU fountain dyed orange for homecoming - 2008

Boat dumping dye in Chicago - 2012

When do you plan to see College Roomie again?  It's been toooo long already.
Amen.  Too long indeed.  I miss the days when I saw you every day in our happy little home on Duck Street in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  Complete with boys doing homework in the Judge's chair, gas leaks, organized dishes, BFF sleeping on Snuggles, and burned popcorn.  Okay.....well for sure I'll see you at Blonde Oklahoma Girl's wedding in August.  I'll be in NM several times this summer to go to the lake, so perhaps you and McCain can tear yourselves away from your bookstore dates and come to the lake with The Boy from Texas and me??  I'll drive the boat safely and you can wear floaties.

College Roomie and I - Our little apartment - 2006

With all of the traveling you've done, which place would you visit again in a heartbeat? And which has been your favorite place to travel to?

Oh, sister, I could write for days on just one of these questions!  I absolutely love to travel and have fallen in love with several places that I've been.  I also really struggle with wanting to go back to the same places instead of finding new, equally awesome places.  That said, I'm giving you a Top 5 list (It's actually kinda 7...) in no particular order.

1.  San Francisco.  It's no secret that I love this city.  The energy, the breeze off the bay, the food, the Golden Gate....I'm in love.  Plus I spent a life-changing summer there back in 2008, so it holds a special place in my heart.  I've taken a ton of people there from my girlfriends to my cowboy hat wearing, rancher of a father and they have all LOVED it.  It's a must.  Oh, and last thing, if you're a runner....the SF Marathon lets you run across the Golden Gate Bridge and back and Bay to Breakers is the most fun race ever!  Top stop:  Alcatraz tour.

Girls Weekend - San Francisco - 2011

2.  Costa Rica.  If you're up for some crazy adventure, book your trip right this minute.  I almost drown white water rafting (other than that scary part that day was awesome!), saw smoke spewing from a volcano, parasailed, soaked in a hot springs, ziplined and Tarzan swung through the jungle, swam under a waterfall.....seriously, it's an adrenaline junkie paradise down there.  It's also beautiful, I felt totally safe (save the whole drowning incident), and it's quite reasonably priced!  Oh, plus, after a few days analyzing our love lives in the sun both Blonde Oklahoma Girl and I ended up with boyfriends and dream jobs, so that's something to think about....  Top stop:  White water rafting near La Fortuna.

That's us, white water rafting - Costa Rica - 2012

3.  Switzerland.  I'm not sure if it was because it was my very first stop in Europe in my life, or if it really is as amazing as I remember it, but I fell in love with Switzerland the moment I stepped off of that plane.  It looks like a fairy tale.  Breathtaking views of the Alps, beautiful crystal clear water, houses that look like coocoo clocks.....it was heaven.  We spent most of our time along the north shore of Lake Geneva in some of the small villages.  I'd go back in a heartbeat.  Top stop:  Montreux.

Cully, Switzerland - 2009

4.  Notre Dame.  This one is applicable probably only to football fans, but if you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that I've got to include this.  I've been to three games at the University of Notre Dame and I'm telling you, it is an experience like none other.  The history, the tradition, the faith....it's amazing.  Game day is seriously a spectacle all its own.  From the Grotto to the steak sandwiches to the gold helmets running out of the dome, it's something that you will never understand until you see it in person.  Top stop:  Game day.

First ND Game - 2010

5. Rome.  Here's the thing about Rome...it's a bit more "big city" than I usually like.  But, there is just something about walking around ancient ruins and seeing things like the Coliseum or the Sistine Chapel that you've seen in books and on tv your whole life with your own eyes.  Plus there are amazingly beautiful Piazzas that you just stumble upon when you turn a corner.  In my mind, Rome is a must see, but maybe not somewhere I'd venture back to repeatedly.  Oh, but the lasagna?  For real.

Piazza del Popolo - Rome - 2009

6.  Poland or Vienna (stick with me here).   I realize that "Poland or Vienna" really doesn't narrow things down too much.  But I think that depending on your personality, you'll like one over the other.  Poland is beautiful, rural, and more quiet.  If you are a Pope John Paul II fanatic (like me) and enjoy small towns (like me), I predict you'll love Poland.  If, on the other hand, you are more into big cities and shopping and culture, you'll love Vienna.  Top stops:  Poland--Pope John Paul II Tour.  Vienna--St. Stephens Cathedral (it will seriously take your breath away!)

St. Stephens Cathedral - Vienna - 2013

The Itch

I'm starting to feel it.  It usually start slowly and then before I know it, it takes over.  It's the itch.  The itch to just GO.  Pack up a suitcase and a passport and see something new.

Although no international travel is currently on my radar, I've got some fun domestic trips headed my way.

In June I will make my very first trip to Boston!  I am super excited about this and have my fingers crossed that I can squeeze in a game at Fenway (bucket list!) while I'm there!  This summer I'll also be checking Minnesota and Pennsylvania off my list thanks to presentations I'll be giving in Minneapolis and at Penn State.

I've also got a few "repeat" places on tap.  In less than a month I'm headed to Indy where I will give a presentation and see my Hometown Friend.  In July I'll be off to Chicago to see ND Friend marry Tiny Dancer in what is sure to be the coolest wedding ever.  In November, I'll head to DC for another conference and while there I plan to meet up with my blogger friend Katy, my old buddy King of Capitol Hill, and I swear if it kills me I am going to see the Holocaust Museum (I've been to DC like 5 times and never made it there!)

And I've got a few NM/TX/OK destinations as well.  Frequent trips to see a cute boy who lives 9 hours away will keep happening.  Blonde Oklahoma Girl will be having a bachelorette party at a lake and a beautiful wedding in a barn that will take me to Oklahoma City.  I'll head to NM to hang out with Aunt and Uncle Evil Kineval at their new lake house and to see my sweet friend Baby Hepburn graduate from high school.  I'm hoping to convince The Boy from Texas that we need to spend a weekend in Fredricksburg...that place looks fun!  And because I'll be teaching a class at the Texas A&M University Law School in Ft. Worth next semester, I'm foreseeing some fun in Cow Town in my future!  Oh, and then throw in an awesome family reunion with my dad's side of things...no date is set, but it has been said, "The kegerator will be in attendance."  That's how we roll.

What trips are on YOUR agenda for the remainder of 2014??  I'm always hunting new ideas!

Weekend in Ft. Worth

“Surround yourself with people who make you happy. People who make you laugh, who help you when you’re in need. People who genuinely care. They are the ones worth keeping in your life. Everyone else is just passing through.”  ~Karl Marx

Well, it's Monday again.  And it feels like Monday for this girl.  I'm still in serious recovery mode after a weekend of fun in Ft. Worth.

The weekend involved:

* Me using my skills of persuasion on American Airlines in a truck stop bathroom and getting a refund when The Boy from Texas couldn't make his flight;

*  A steak dinner in the Stockyards where Real Cowboy ordered calf fries and a salad (interesting combo);

Blonde OKG and The Real Cowboy

*A Seven and Seven or two;

*  Watching a little rodeo and playing high/low during the team roping;

*  Checking dancing at Billy Bob's off my bucket list;

*  Hanging out with the long snapper for the TCU football team;

* IHOP at 2 in the morning where a fight ensued over who would pay for Real Cowboy's biscuits and gravy that BOKG ate;

* The Boy from Texas driving all night to get there at 5:30 Saturday morning,

*  Lunch with Mr. and Mrs. Animal House and the most precious baby boy in the world;

*  A tour of TCU;

Football stadium.

Basketball arena where Ski Trip John will graduate in December!

The Quad

*  A couple of OSU pictures on the purple campus...;

Go Pokes!

*  Hanging out at Ski Trip John's house;

* A Ranger's game;

  *  Some ice cream;

*  A really trashy bar;

*  More IHOP (the waiter seriously knew my name and order the second night when I walked in);

*   and lots of fun.

I have to say that one of the things I absolutely love about the people in my life is that even when they do not know each other, they are all so darn awesome that you can throw them together and they will all get along great.  This weekend just reinforced that I am completely blessed to be surrounded with so many amazingly fun people.

It.  Was.  Awesome.

And just as a note for the single ladies out there, Blonde Oklahoma Girl and I had both been single for ever a while when she started dating Real Cowboy and I started dating The Boy from Texas.  A year ago we laid on a beach in Costa Rica pretty much convinced that there was no one out there for either of us and we would die alone with cats (except that she has dogs and I'm allergic to cats, which meant we'd just die alone).  Lots of things can happen in a year.  (And it could well have been the clarity we gained from the beach in Costa Rica that made this happen, so if you are looking for an excuse to book a vacation....)

Costa Rica - May 2012