Holy Colee!

I've been thinking a lot about stomachs lately. Not their size, so much as their function. Michaela has been sick, and no one could really figure out why. To be honest, I don't think anyone still knows the original cause, but 3 trips to the ER, 1 CT scan, 1 scope, 3 doctors, 2 prescriptions and 3 diagnosis later, she seems to be feeling much better.

I guess it really is even more than just stomachs, or even the digestive system in general (which I am still pondering even after surgery 3 months ago) but the entire human body. What an amazing machine we are. All of the pieces fit together in such a specific manner that even the slightest imbalance, bump, bruise, tear, scratch or break can set of a series of events that most of us don't even recognize as related. Thank goodness for doctors who dedicate their lives to learning how to recognize and treat these machines. It is also good that most of the time the initial concern doesn't expand any further than that. But, wow, when it does....

Anyway, I figured it was time to update the blog and i don't have anything super profound. Now you know.

How can you pass up $25 tickets to Las Vegas? We couldn't.

Wednesday afternoon we arrived in Vegas, took a shuttle to the hotel and checked in. I think the best way to describe The Imperial Palace is to quote the guy from Hard Rock,"Ghetto Chique." We explored the hotel and casino for a bit, and then decided we needed to go to a show that night. We got hooked up at the half price ticket booth with Donny and Marie tickets... Yes, that's right :) We went to see the Osmonds. It was super cheesy - and perfectly fun.




Thursday we had a lovely sleep in day :) We went over the Bellagio to pick up our tickets for that evening's show, had a bit of breakfast and then headed up to Circus Circus to spend the afternoon at The Adventure dome. The shows under the big top were fun. The rides... were... intense. They were not the best constructed rides I've ever been on. I didn't really feel unsafe, but there were a few comfort measures most rides have that were lacking. Never the less, we rode them all. The Disk-O was the one that did me in. I haven't been made ill by a ride in a long time, bt after that one, we had to sit for quite some time.

After our Adventure Dome outing, we went back to the hotel and got duded up for "O". Now that, my friends, is a show. There was so much going on that there was no way to catch it all. I would definitely go back again, and probably have a competely different experience. Also, I am not sure how I missed it, but apparently there are multiple Cirque shows. How fun would that be? to trip to Vegas and just go to all the Cirque du Soleil shows? Who's up for it? We also took the opportunity to check out the Bellagio fountains, because, let's face it, they are a LV classic.



Friday was our wander around/shopping day. Again, after a fantastic sleep in morning, we made our way down to the Hard Rock Cafe, M&M store, Coke store, you know, the classic tourist locations. After lunch we dropped off the bags and went over to the Forum Shops. We also took a look at the new City Center as we were going back and forth. It's going to be amazing when they get it all finished.



Our final stop for Friday was the Stratosphere. After the rides the day before, there were definitely some second thoughts. We decided to go with only one instead of all 3. The ride is called Insanity. And hanging out over Las Vegas from 900 feet up...yeah... The view was awesome though :)



This morning we decided that we had to eat at at least one buffet. That is also classic Las Vegas, right? Breakfast was lovely. After spending a litte more time at the gift shop, we caught the shuttle back to the airport. Exhaustion set in on the plane ride home. It's a short flight anyway, but with a nap, it's almost like it didn't happen.

Yay for Vacations where things are noisy and busy, and yay for coming home to a little home where things are quiet and comfortable.

Here's a funny story that might be an excuse to update the blog... So I took my truck into Jiffy Lube last week because it was long overdue and I figured it would be a good thing to have done before I the holiday driving season. When I get there, the customer service guy totally hits on me... for some of you reading this, that might be an every day occurrence. For me, not so much. It kind of tripped me out. So much so that I actually gave him my number when he asked for it. The even more strange part of this story is that he actually asked me out.

Anyway, it was fun. We'll probably go out again. I don't see any real long term potential, but hey, it's nice to get out of the house :)

It's been a pretty good week. I spent it in Dingle, and like always, there was just a lot going on. Monday we took Trayson back to his mom and then my mom and I spent the evening shopping. It's got to be done when ever you get a chance to get out of town :)

Wednesday we went to Tylyn's first basketball game. Soda totally kicked their trash, but apparently when they played Grace later, they did MUCH better. Karlee is a cheer leader this year, so I got to see them both in their debuts :)

Friday night we had a baby shower for Shahna. That is going to be a very well dressed baby. Thanks to everyone who was able to come share some time with us. I'd post pictures, but I got sidetracked, so I don't so much have any.

Saturday was the Turkey Shoot and Scrapbook day, and Victoria's baptism.

Today was Tanner's farewell talk in church. He says he's only excited, not scared. I still think he's lying a little ;) I know we will all miss him for the next 2 years, but we are very much excited to see who he becomes in the mean while. We love you Tanner. Rock Paraguay's world :)

There is absolutely no order to these photos... But here goes


When in Digby, one must eat the scallops and the lobster, so... I did. The waitress even educated me on how to eat the whole lobster... yummy.



Low tide. Digby is also famous for the size of its tide. Looking at how high those docks are, you can get a pretty good idea.





I normally have a weakness for sunsets, however, this trip saw many more sunrises than sunsets (at least from outside of the centers). Both of these are from the hotel in Digby. Sun rise over the Bay of Fundy.




I didn't do the homework necessary to be able to attend a session, but I HAD to get over at least to see the temple. It is small, and of course, beautiful.




These are in the ladies' room at Moxie's. Just incase you need to touch up your make up... They remind me of the Beauty School Drop Out scene in "Grease."




Quietly eating breakfast when this sails past the window.



Theodore the Tugboat :)


The following photos are from the tour we took of Alexander Keith's Brewery. It was super fun, once I got past the cheese level. Apparently Mr Keith is the man who figured out how to make ale that would keep it's flavor even after being shipped to the troops in India. He is most famous for India Pale Ale, but has since branched out (as any man with a head for business would.)


Alexander Keith



Barrel making supplies


The Malt room


The pub. The entertainment was fun, and I hear the beer is good, too. "Those who like it, like it a lot!"





We also visited one of the cemetaries where the Titanic victims are buried. It was really powerful. Not easy to convey in pictures, but... here are a few just for kicks.

I have spent the last few days in the lovely town of Truro. Oddly enough it doesn't feel all that far from home, even though th GPS says it is about 2400 miles. Getting ready to be here has been the most eventful part I think. I managed to forget my passport, lost (and found) my jacket, have my flight delayed, have the shuttle service be running missing a driver, and almost miss the turn for the hotel. However, as you can see - they are all only near misses. The kind you just go... shwew.. and then take a deep breath about.

We got into the centre (I AM in Canada)on Wednesday morning and I remember why it is a blessing and a curse to actually be IN the middle of it. Blessing - Things get fixed faster when all the players can be in the same room. Curse - You have to be able to process your reaction with out letting people see the emotion behind it. People are emotional creatures, and we feed off of each other.

I really enjoyed getting to put some faces with the voices I talk to regularly. I wish I had been able to get out a little more and really just sit down and listen. Maybe I can do a better job of that next week in Digby. We'll cross our fingers.

This weekend was a new experience for me. I got to attend a body building competition that my friend Matt was participating in. I had my reservations, I'm not gonna lie. However, they were quickly overcome and I quite enjoyed myself. It was actually pretty amazing to see what people can do when they work at it. Especially knowing at least part of what Matt had been doing to prepare.

Matt's posing routine was the highlight of my evening. The rest of the routines were ok, but they were all the same. Leave it to Matt to be the entertainer.
The link is on my facebook profile, but I am not technologically smart enough to figure out how to post it here. So, instead you're getting a few pictures.

Catch up...
We came home from Alaska, and I turned around and checked into the hospital. I had my gall bladder out. Apparently it was full of stones, which would explain the misery I had this summer, and the day I really thought I was just going to die over Labour Day weekend. The good news is, it's out, and now I feel GRRRRRRREAT! (Said in my best Tony the Tiger voice) Mom came down and went with me - cuz she's the best mom ever, and then took me to Dingle so I could be watched over. Needless to say, I was well cared for and recovered quickly.

Friday we went with Tanner and Shahna and Jon to the temple. Tanner is preparing for his mission to Paraguay and Shahna and Jon had been preparing to be sealed. It was a fabulous day and place to spend with some of my very favorite people. There were about 40 adult family members who came, plus the kids. Good Times :)

Now I am back in SLC. At least for a few days. My next trip is for work. Yay, for getting to put some more faces with their voices.

Saturday morning we woke up in Seattle. It was a totally relaxed morning. We were in no hurry to get off the ship and had all the time in the world to get to the airport. We had breakfast and then watched the dockworkers unload no fewer than 5 semi loads of food for the next cruise. We spent a bit of time waiting in the Seattle rain waiting for our shuttle. Got to the airport and realized we’d left one of our bags back at the port. Oops. Of course, NCL was on top of it. Before we were even out of the airport, they called us to arrange to get it shipped back to home. The flight home was a little bumpy again, and I still giggled at Rex and Wayne, getting just a little more nervous. The landing even included a good sized bounce. Good fun, I tell you, good fun. They have never been more happy to see SLC than they were that night. Regardless of what they tell you, they had a really good time. They spent a whole week completely outside of their comfort zones, but they still enjoyed it.
I was home and doing laundry by 830, and the Dingle crew made it home at about midnight. Yay for having family you can spend a whole week with and still love at the end! It was such a good time.

Kim, your dad says next time, you can come with and he’ll keep your kids ;) I say we hold him to it!

Friday, in the words of our great Captain Gunnar, the weather was not with us. We were traveling through a front, but one that seemed to be following us. The waves were big enough and the wind rough enough that they actually closed most of the decks. The crew spent most of the day trying to find a place that they could feel the waves the least. I spent my day counting my blessings, including that apparently, I don’t get seasick. I didn’t take a Dramamine, put on a weird little patch, or use the sea bands. I just never got sick. As it turns out, a few of them are still feeling a little dizzy today. Did I mention, I am counting my blessings? Friday night was the farewell show from the dance troupe and the crew of the ship. My hat goes off to the team. They did an absolutely awesome job. 15,000 meals a day, and running an 1,100 room hotel while it moves through the ocean, keeping everyone entertained, fed, buzzed, and safe – what a job!

Thursday was another sleep in day. Since the weather was starting to turn pretty windy, it was a good day to sleep in. We played a little more Bingo – still didn’t win – and watched a movie. Prince Rupert was pretty much like wandering around Montpelier. You’d never guess it is the 2nd biggest commercial shipping port on the west coast. Mostly because that was on the other side of town and not really something they feel the cruisers are interested in. Our shore excursion here was Ancient Songs and Stories of the Tamishian People. I am a geek, and I like stories. It was fun to learn new ones. We kept thinking Wayne should have come with us, so he could have some new material. :)

Wednesday we were in Skagway. It was also our first day of rain. We met for breakfast for Donna’s birthday. Happy Birthday Donna! :) After breakfast we made our way out to the train. Yeah, I had totally forgotten to move the pictures from my camera to my computer. I got 1 picture in before I was told my memory was full. The good news is, there were at least 3 other camera’s on the trip and they are all better photographers than I am. I spent most of the trip trying not to fall off the edge of the thousand foot direct drop offs. Did I mention that I have a reoccurring nightmare of driving off the edge of a canyon? Ok, while all of that is true, I actually really enjoyed the views and the ride.
When we got back into town, I drug mom to a pizza joint for lunch. I needed a break from ship food. While it really was great, I just needed a break. It was a total dive, but the pizza was quite possibly the best pizza I’ve ever eaten. I don’t even know if it had a crust, there was sooo much cheese. It really is the simple things that make me happy.
After wandering around Skagway, we got back on ship and had enough time for Mom to call Cannon. I am not sure who missed the other one more. He was very sure to tell her who won Big Brother, which I understand mom has managed to get Cannon AND Daniel hooked on. Go Mom :)
At Rex’s second round of Bingo, he had won a spa certificate. Since he had not prepared with a swimsuit, they gave it to Mom and I and we took advantage of the semiprivate spa and relaxation room. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love a hot bath, well, what is a Jacuzzi if not an even better version of a hot bath??? The windows of the spa were at the rear of the ship, so we kicked back and watched the shore move further and further away. Thanks Rex and Nancy for giving us your prize. After the spa we went to dinner at the sushi restaurant – The Ginza. The dinner was good, the dessert was odd. I am still not sure what mochi ice cream is. Once you got inside the gummy shell, it was pretty darn tasty.
I think my favorite onboard activity happened Wednesday night. They announced it simply as a chocoholic’s buffet. Well, how do you miss chocolate? What I didn’t know was just how many ways chocolate can be enjoyed. The mousse, the cake, the chocolate covered fruit, chocolate fountain, chocolate shells on mocha chocolate mouse cupcakes, chocolate apples (imagine caramel apple only better) and the sculptures, and decorations, and flowers and…..I am pretty sure it was a preview of what heaven will be like. The only thing is, 11 pm is too late to actually eat that much chocolate, soooo breakfast was a continuation of the pure bliss from the night before. The pictures don’t do it justice. You’ll just have to imagine; unless, of course, you’ve been there.