Minus that damn throat infection I got when I returned home from my world travels. :) The important thing is that it’s gone now, it’s 8:36 AM and I’m hanging out at Volkswagen. I’m enjoying my free French Vanilla coffee and feeling industrious as I sit here at my table, all my to do items set up before me. I just found out the VW’s rear brakes will fail inspection…I knew I heard a weird sound!
OK, now it’s two weeks later, and I still haven’t finished this post I started at the beginning of April. Honestly, this is so ridiculous. I don’t blame you if you just write me off! But then, if you do, you’ll miss out on all the excitement I’ve been having these past months. Let’s begin with my trip to the Caribbean, to Canouan (pronounced “Can-oh-Juan”) Island specifically.
I must first thank Paulina for taking me with her on this trip. She won it because she was the number one rep for her company last year!!! Isn’t that wonderful? The kicker to this wonderful adventure is that it was free…well, I did end up paying $450 because I indulged in seven, that’s right, SEVEN spa treatments (a manicure, pedicure, 2 Swedish massages, a head massage, foot massage and a body wrap). I just told myself, “If anyone deserves this, it’s certainly me!!!!”…$450 isn’t bad for a week in paradise, complete with our own golf cart, yummy dinners, wine and of course, **the spa**. My massage therapist’s name was Bang, and as you’ll see below, I took a picture with her to remember the many relaxing moments she gave me. By the way, we got $2,000 between the two of us to spend on drinks and spa treatments, so the $450 I owed came in after that had been figured!
Prepare to be wowed by the piercingly blue waters, the jacked up turtles (they look like they’re on stilts compared to our native canouans–that’s right, “canouan” is the Carib word for “turtle”) and the movie-esque sunsets. Are you surprised that I took a plethora of photos? You shouldn’t be by now, that’s for sure.
There are so many stories to share, but being that I’m writing this over a month after leaving paradise, I can’t conjure up the details. Let me run through the highlights: our golf cart, yah, definitely the golf cart. It was electric, so we had to plug it in every night. Paulina and I both always wanted to drive it, but I tried to hold back my feelings because I knew she earned the trip and I was simply there for the ride, literally…I rode shotgun. hahaha no, Paulina did share, but there were those times where she left me to fend for myself and I had to call the front desk to pick me up. Oh well, it was her trip after all. Still, I decided I’d like my own golf cart for my neighborhood…I never realized just how much fun they could be!!
Another highlight was the sailing trip we took to Tobago Cays to swim with the sea turtles. They are incredibly graceful. I struggled to keep up with them as I kicked my way through the waters. I think the ones that did let me keep up were simply humoring me. I touched their feet and their shells…the feet felt pretty smooth, but the shells were sandy. They are absolutely beautiful creatures. I framed one of Mary Ellen’s turtle photos and took it to work with me so I can recall my adventures with the turtles anytime I want. You can imagine how calming it is.
Our week of pampering and adventure continued when we drove our golf cart up to the 13th hole of the golf course to watch the sunset…how romantic! hahahaha Paulina, Janice, Joelle and I had a spectacular vista of other Caribbean islands, and the clouds in the sky added a texture that somehow made it even more breathtaking.
But the beauty doesn’t end there. The company arranged for dinner on the beach, and it was an experience I think I shall never have again in this life. We were the only ones there, sitting at a long table, a few yards away from the water. We drank, we ate, we were most definitely merry. I enjoyed everyone in the group, and I dare say they want Paulina to bring me back next year! :) (Um, by the way, Paulina, how are you quotas? Nose to the grindstone, my friend.) 
Then there was the casino…thank you, Mary Ellen and Glenn, for your blackjack tips. There were times I did well, and times I did not, but I learned that I enjoy blackjack. I’m sorry I can’t say this helped me out when I arrived in Vegas a few days later. In fact, I did rather poopy in Vegas, but it was fun nonetheless.
We were there celebrating Tiso…his 30th birthday and his deployment this June. I think the photos speak for themselves. It was a busy few days, and it was a lot more fun than the last time I was in Vegas when I was 18 and sat in the food court writing postcards while Ronnie played blackjack. hahaha Unfortunately, my parents couldn’t join us because my dad went and ruined everything when he had to have back surgery. hahahahahahahaha Look who’s talking! I’ve ruined more events than I can even count!! My dad, by the way, is now officially……..retired!!!!!! Many of you already know this, but in case you didn’t, he decided a few weeks ago. Although it’s not the way he dreamed of doing it, he’s excited nonetheless. I would like to share with you the letter he sent to his patients. I think it says a lot about the kind of man and physician he is, and as always, I’m so proud of him:
Dear patients,
It is with great satisfaction and a sense of pride that I announce my retirement effective immediately. There is nothing that I could have done during my life that could have provided as much personal and professional reward as the practice of cardiology.
While everyone at my age may contemplate retirement, the decision was accelerated recently by unexpected major back surgery. A rare but large cyst had developed in my low back resulting in weakness in both legs. Five weeks after surgery I am walking unassisted and working hard at regaining some of the motor strength in my legs. Retirement is bittersweet. The sweetness is of course the coming of some personal time well-earned, while the bitter is the loss of patients with whom I have become close and changes in my own personal identity as a cardiologist in our community.
Saying goodbye is very difficult for me. Over the past thirty-seven years I have developed a sense of friendship with many of you as you asked for my help during difficult and stressful times in your lives. Medicine cannot be truly successful without the cooperation and participation of the patient, and I feel especially fortunate to have so many patients who embrace the idea of joint participation in their health care. Over the years I have aggressively focused on the prevention of heart disease, and many of you have followed a comprehensive course of lowering risks for future cardiac events. I encourage you to continue to do so.
As the world of health care changes, cardiovascular disease presents ongoing challenges for physicians and patients. I realize that my retirement presents you with a decision regarding finding a new cardiologist. I am pleased and confident in recommending Rogan and O’Brien Cardiovascular Associates for your continued care.
I am blessed to have enjoyed a career which allowed me to go home each night and know that I have made a difference in someone’s life. I wish you good health.
With sincere gratitude,
Bob Matthews
So a new era begins for my parents, and I look forward to watching them flourish. And now, please raise your imaginary (or real, if you happen to be drinking and reading ) glasses to Dr. Robert Matthews and Carol Porter, RN! You touched the lives of many, often without realizing, and your kind and healing ways will be forever remembered by all. In the words of someone else (anonymous), “May the dreams of your past be the reality of your future”.
Speaking of future, I signed up for two Team in Training events this fall!!! I will be walking the VA Beach Half Marathon as well as the Nike Women’s FULL marathon in September and October, respectively. Stay tuned for fund-raising inquiries. :) Fall kickoff is next weekend, and I will be happy to be among the many picking up their new TNT jerseys and practicing our signature cheer……..GO TEAM!!!!!!!!! Boy will it feel good to once again attend kickoff as a participant.
Life just generally feels like it’s coming together. I’m working, and I’m really enjoying it. Our new website is up, and it looks great…there are a few kinks here and there, but I think you’ll like it: http://www.side-out.org/. I’ve even posted some blogs!
I’ve also…drum roll, please…joined match.com!! And as a matter of fact, I have a date tomorrow…what do you think about THAT? It all feels so normal. :) I wondered if I would ever feel that way again. I am torn about how to introduce my cancer self to dates, but the fact that I am able to date is so…I don’t know…healthy. I wrote a post for Side-Out this week that’s not published yet, and I figured I’d share it with you because this post isn’t long enough yet (hahahaha), and I know how you like to read the details of my feelings. :) Hey, even if you don’t, it’s just too bad!! You ready? This might be a tough read (as I was told by my mom):
I recently joined an on-line dating service. I’m 32, I’m decent looking, I have a job I enjoy and family and friends I love. My motto is “go with the flowâ€â€¦well, more specifically, my e-mail tagline is “When you come to a fork in the road, take it†(Yogi Berra). But I’m wavering a little bit at this fork. I ended up telling a guy over a text last night that I’m a two-time cancer survivor.
In my defense, he had asked me why I was still single if I’ve lived in this area my entire life. He asked this in a teasing way, but when I read it, my heart sank. I told him I used to be shier than I am now, that I haven’t ever worked in an environment conducive to meeting single men, and then I put it all out there, the single most pertinent reason for my absence from the dating scene: I’m a two-time cancer survivor. I felt as though I would be lying if I didn’t mention this to him, because, after all, I’ve been dealing with leukemia in some form or another for the past five years.
My secret was out. I waited to hear back from him, and I did. Part of me hoped he would write back “Good for you! Congratulations on your newfound health. So anyway, about this date…â€, but the rational me knew that wouldn’t be a practical answer. I know that, however laid back I am about my cancer, others perceive it differently, especially when they are just meeting me. My sister (the marrow donor) once teased me, implying that I went around saying “Hi, I’m Julie. I had leukemia.â€Â We laughed as she pointed out how awkward this can make people feel, although obviously that is now how I intend it.
When he wrote back, he mentioned something about how if nothing else comes of this, it’s always nice to meet good people. I know I was feeling overly sensitive at this moment, but I couldn’t help but think he wrote this because I told him about my cancer. I sat there a few seconds and I was struck by a sudden sadness at my whole predicament. Those who know me know I’ve never considered cancer a predicament. I took each day as it came, and I always found reasons to smile and look toward the future. Even as I’m writing this, I’m tearing up because I am only now contemplating what cancer took from me.
It took a sense of normalcy, it took prime dating years, it took my ability to have children. I discovered just before Christmas that treatment put me into early menopause. This represents another hurdle I will come to in my dating life, but it is something I do not intend to share until I’m in an established relationship (let’s hope they don’t read this blog! ).
So I worry. I know I will find that great guy who will accept and love me “just as I am†(as Bridget Jones would say ), but how do I best represent myself when I’m meeting new dating prospects? Do I hit them with the info right off the bat or do I hold off until they see me as someone special with whom they want to spend more time?
I will always be grateful for what I gained from life with cancer, the most important being life in its simplest form. I am alive, I learned what it is like to face the possibility of death and I can always apply perspective to situations that may otherwise be overwhelming. I hope someday soon I get to practice applying that perspective when I’m complaining about something my boyfriend did.
And there you have it. Despite the sadness in that post, I am truly happy right now. I am living, and I mean that in the deeper sense, not the literal. Indeed, I do exist, but what matters more is that I appreciate, I am grateful, I am content.
I feel so secure in this contentment that I am in the process of stopping my Lexapro. For two years, it helped me to focus and to lessen my worries during a difficult period of my life, and I am ready to leave it behind. So much happiness awaits. But I will always remember, “the soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears” (John Vance Cheney).
Enjoy the photos and the link below…an extraordinary woman on a remarkable journey finds inspiration on the way.
http://www.examiner.com/x-42591-Knoxville-Pug-Examiner~y2010m4d2-Donations-pour-in-after-rare-whale-joins-onewoman-breast-cancer-awareness-marathon-Video-Photo
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The patient dons his hat for surgery...very fashionable, Dad!
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I got these fun headbands at Target so we could have a photo shoot in the hospital with Dad...aren't we cute?
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Dad looks good in those bunny ears, don't you think?
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Laura bought him these gorgeous flowers that helped brighten up his room.
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They looked especially nice against the gray sky outside his window.
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hahaha The bunny ears really make a fashion statement with the fatigues!
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March 19th...I was just driving along and noticed...daffodils!! Spring has arrived in Virginia!
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More proof...sure, there aren't many blooms yet, but soon enough!
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They're even dining al fresco...good sign, I'd say!
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And now, for the main event...Welcome to the Caribbean!!
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First, we have a little layover in Barbados--here we have the Barbados airport. I know, this picture's nothing special, but I was so excited to be enjoying the warm air of the Caribbean, I guess I thought you would be able to feel that in the photograph.
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I love this one! We're heading over to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (specifically Canouan Island)...I am NOT dressed for this weather! You can't tell I'm sweating, but I am!
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Raffles Resort on Canouan Island...the beginning of a wonderful week of pampering...they met us at the outdoor reception desk and served us drinks before whisking us off to our rooms in our very own golf carts!!
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Here we are!! We're ready for our girls' adventure!
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Our very own little work area...we didn't go in there all week. :)
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Our second bathroom...very handy!
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Our living space...not too shabby!
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Welcome to our bedroom...two twin beds and a mosquito net...not to mention huge windows with beautiful views (you have to wait to see those).
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How cool is that? The couples had four poster beds with mosquito netting, but our beds will do just fine, thank you.
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Our second bathroom...are you enjoying your tour?
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Some yummy red wine...Paulina and I would enjoy this while getting ready in the evenings.
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Night, Paulina!!
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The view from beneath the netting...
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...it's a little hard to watch TV with this thing.
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"Mornin'!! I'm ready for my first day in Canouan!"
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And now...our buddy, Chuck (yah, that's right...we named our golf cart after our favorite personal trainer).
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Man, I loved driving that thing!! I miss it...what a convenient way to get around.
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And here we are at breakfast...check out this view!
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Not bad...the best thing about Canouan is the fact that there are wonderful winds that come through so it's never too hot.
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Paulina waits for her eggs.
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These are very smart birds...they hang around in the open-air restaurant, begging for bits of food.
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Janice, Joelle and Paulina...if you look up in the roof, you'll notice they have umbrellas hanging, just in cases. :)
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Hmmm...now where did we park?
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That's us! 247!
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Canouan actually means "turtle" in the native Carib language...they're all over the island...meet Harry, a big guy we found in our backyard.
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Oopsey...I took a wrong turn in the cart and ended up on private property...look at that view!
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Yes, I'm driving and taking pictures at the same time...don't worry...I've got it all under control (even though we have the added challenge of driving on the left side of the road).
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Here's the gang (Paulina's coworkers) hanging out on the beach.
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I've been dreaming of a place like this.
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Time for some volleyball!!
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I had to get this shot just so there's proof that I played...I figure if I'm working for an organization affiliated with volleyball, I better get my butt out there on the court!
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Go Paulina!! Apparently she used to play when she was growing up...she was pretty good!
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Mary Ellen and Glenn are on a team as well...I guess I'm the skillless one of this bunch. :) Oh well...it was fun nonetheless.
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Here I am, always a good patient, covering up in the sun (AND I'm sitting under an umbrella).
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The image of relaxation.
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Yah, this isn't bad at all.
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I actually didn't go in the water too much because two people were stung by Man-O-Wars the second day we were there.
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Here we are at the spa, where I would spend much of my time.
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Those huts out in the water are actually spa rooms, and the floor is clear so you can watch the fishies.
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Sea with a bit of fringe.
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So here's the neat thing about the spa...huts were nestled in the hillside, and you rode in a little basket-like car up a track to your hut (what's that machine called?).
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Views, views, views...you can't get enough views! I don't believe a bad one exists here at Raffles.
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There's the track...what the heck is it called? I'm totally blanking on it.
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I'm on my way to get a mani and pedi...life is so tough.
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That's what I looked at as she made my nails beautiful. Well, technically, I didn't look too much, I closed my eyes and listened to the waves.
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Look at that water...that's all I have to say...just look at it.
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The view from my hut.
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Hmmm...maybe I could just nap afterwards (this is on the balcony of the hut).
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I don't think I need to write captions on all of these...I took lots of photos so you can feel like you were right there with me.
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A li'l bit of nail polish to make my nails pretty.
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I could not keep my eyes open once I sat there and listened to the swish of the waves below.
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The walkway to the spa.
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Back on the road, heading to our little villa.
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There it is...247.
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Our porch (notice the beautiful windows I wrote about earlier).
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Our bedroom.
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Isn't it so beautiful?
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I like the sunflower sinks.
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Although we didn't really spend much time here, it was comfy and stylish and I loved it!
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Probably the best part of the villa was the fact that it had huge windows...of course when you're in the Caribbean, you want to either be outside or feel like you're outside.
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Our villa's complete with a beautiful wood ceiling.
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Our kitchen table.
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Don't you love our porch?
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View from our porch.
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What do ya know? I found a flower? Imagine that. :)
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If you look closely, you'll see Paulina going down the road in the golf cart.
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Hmm...this looks like a good place to sleep!
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Now, you may think this is a strange rock in our garden, but upon closer inspection, you'll see it's a turtle!
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We clean up real nice, don't you agree?
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I played blackjack three different nights down there...I had to prepare for my upcoming Vegas trip.
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Paulina's loving the sun!
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A little seaweed, a li'l sand, some blue blue water, yes I'm a fan! (hahahaha you like that poem?)
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I just read Katie my poem and she said "Ugh, Julie...that's horrible...you could write a Lifetime movie."...I'm so offended!
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Umbrellas, chaise lounges...do you sense a theme?
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I love my Shady Brady...this is #3 for me--always stylin' and always protected from the rays.
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They brought around these delicious non-alcoholic drinks...it went quite well with my piña colada.
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Happy toes.
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This may be tiny, but it packs a big sting (just ask Glenn and Judy, the unfortunate ones to come in close contact with these creatures)! This is a Portuguese Man-O-War, little but powerful. After the stings, they actually typed up warnings for every guest in the hotel, recommending we steer clear of the waters for a while.
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Joelle and Janice were enjoying their girls' week! Mmmm...it makes me thirsty for a piña colada!
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Paulina and Glenn...they worked hard for this trip, and they certainly deserve some rest and relaxation (and cocktails, let's not forget the cocktails).
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Glenn and Mary Ellen...we had so much fun hanging out with them! They were my blackjack coaches.
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I think hammocks are an essential part of any paradise.
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In fact, I lay in it for a bit, but then I worried about the sun...still, those few minutes were heaven sent.
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Shadows can be just as beautiful as the real thing.
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Paulina and I getting ready to enjoy lunch at the poolside bar.
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Paulina, thank you so much for bringing me!
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I am always happy to stop and smell the flowers.
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I love this sign, but even more so, I love the fact that they have to have this sign.
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View from the road that heads to the spa...a road with which I became quite familiar. :)
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It was nice to have our little cart so we could easily stop and enjoy photo opportunities...Paulina ponders the beautiful waters of the Caribbean (er, actually, I think we might be on the Atlantic...whatever, it's turquoise water and it's gorgeous!).
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"...every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease." ~John Muir (There may be no storm, but that palm's definitely bowing.)
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We're not there yet! It sure is taking us a long time to get to the spa...I can't help it, there are so many photos to capture!
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I was looking for deep (no pun intended) and beautiful quotes about the ocean and I found this and can't stop cracking up...
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"“Sponges grow in the ocean. That just kills me. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be if that didn't happen.†~Stephen Wright
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Now here's a beautiful one: "We rest here while we can, but we hear the ocean calling in our dreams, And we know by the morning, the wind will fill our sails to test the seams. The calm is on the water and part of us would linger by the shore. For ships are safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." ~Tom Kimmel and Michael Lille
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FINALLY, Paulina put down her camera long enough so we could make it to the spa on time.
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Well, anyway, the important thing is that we're here in time for our massages and some delicious iced tea with ginger.
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hahaha You all know better...I think you know who couldn't seem to put the camera down.
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Enlarge it to get the full, beautiful shot.
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Can you taste the sweet, sugary liquid? Mmm...I can.
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No, NOT a flattering shot, but I'm happy to be back in my hut and to get a massage...I've been thinking about a massage for months!
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What on earth do you think this is? Paulina pointed him out on the walkway in front of our house...very cool, isn't he?
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I bet all the other bugs are jealous of his cool boots (they look like boots anyway). :)
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That looks like a serious stinger!! This thing is probably superdangerous, and Paulina and I just have no idea. Don't they always say the brighter the creature, the more poisonous it is?
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Time for another delicious dinner! This time, Italian, one of my all-time favorites. We're dining with Angela and Jack.
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We're down near the breakfast area again...this little brook goes around the entire building...I would like to have one of these in my backyard. :)
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hahaha Notice Paulina's footwear...she's so comfy here she goes out in slippers!
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NOW for the best food...breakfast! If you know me well, you know I am a breakfast fool!! I miss my buffet, but my waist is happier that we're home.
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Fruit, smoked salmon with capers, freshly squeezed juice, coffee AND either pancakes or eggs every day...no wonder the button popped off my jeans when I arrived home.
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These beautiful, bright flowers decorated each table...I would also like fresh flowers in every room of my house.
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Our friends are waiting for us to leave the table so they can have a little taste.
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Such delicate pedals.
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I went searching for gorgeous flora and fauna.
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That's a cheery little bugger, isn't it?
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This is the reception desk...look beyond to the view behind it.
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More flora!
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I love the twisty trunk.
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I like the blend of colors in this one.
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Some cool bark.
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Darn! I got here too late to make the catamaran ride!
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Oh well...have fun!
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My flip flops like it here.
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They fit in so well, they even match the water.
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I would also like an umbrella like this in my backyard.
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Self-portrait.
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Now THAT's what I'm talking about!
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Look at these wimps...a little rain and they're huddled under the umbrella!
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There is nothing quite like a storm at sea.
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But I'll get out of the drizzle and have me some lunch anyway.
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There are lots of conch shells around these parts.
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I love that they can close the sides of the open-air restaurant for bad weather...I think I'd like some similar feature in my dream house.
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They're back in their seats...no longer worried they'll melt in the rain. :)
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Look, I found some fauna!
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This turtle is actually pretty quick.
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I love this convertible couch...maybe I can fit one of those in my backyard too.
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I believe they call this an infiniti pool...it looks like it runs into the ocean, but it's all the way up by the reception area.
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The church at the resort was brought over stone by stone from England.
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They're beautiful enough, and then this little white flower pops up to add a little extra pizzazz.
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Look...I came upon another cute guy!
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Now THIS is the way to get ready!! A li'l vino, some music (obviously you can't hear that)...time to party!
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Paulina and Michael...poor guy burned his feet our first day there.
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Woohoo!!! Blackjack time at the Trump Casino!! (Look how pretty the cards look all spread out on the table.)
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I really liked this guy...I gave him some bacon because I felt sorry that he had to eat Sweet 'n Low...he probably did it on purpose knowing I'd feel guilty and give him some real food.
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They were supersmart...after dining on our leftovers, they pulled the flowers outside the water and got themselves a little drink.
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Look verrrry closely and you'll see a cute little lizard, some more popular fauna here in Canouan.
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This was in our hotel welcome package...beautiful quote.
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A striking grove of trees in the water...I'm not sure what they are, but it was beautiful.
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Pretty little seashell. It's lucky to live in such a spectacular setting.
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One of my favorite shots.
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Can't you just feel it running through your toes?
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The pool was awesome--long and meandering....I'd like one of these in my backyard too...with a swim-up bar and bartender. :)
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Thank goodness for the many umbrellas and huts here at Raffles!
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Is this not the cutest ketchup bottle you've ever seen?
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Joelle and I hanging out at the poolside bar. She introduced me to banana coladas...yuuuummy!
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Nothin' but some wooden planks, but it makes for a majestic view.
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Guess who this is (hint: notice the hat)?
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It's a Redskins flower!
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I'll have to add bridges in my backyard too.
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I LOVE this guy!
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This is my favorite shot of him...you have to click on it to see him...looks like a vicious turtle, doesn't he? He's simply grabbing himself some grass for dinner.
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You're gonna loooove these next photos. We headed up to the 13th hole to watch the sunset...it would have been so romantic if it weren't just us gals, but it was certainly beautiful nonetheless. :)
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We're lucky our golf cart made it to the top! Glenn and Mary Ellen's pooped out when they rode up to see it.
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Gorgeousness.
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Well, it didn't disappoint!
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You can see so many islands from up here.
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Paulina is an excellent travel buddy. We took lots of photos while up there waiting for the sun to go down.
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I would like the grass in my yard to be as beautiful as this.
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Our trusty cart, Chuck.
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Look...a stairway to heaven!
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That's right...Trump International Golf Club...we only go high class.
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You didn't think we'd come up here without wine, did you?
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We're ready for the show.
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Another self-portrait.
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Joelle made it! We thought she might have a hard time finding us after her spa treatment, but before we knew it, she came riding up over the hill!
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This is what I call a SUNSET!!
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These feet are definitely still happy.
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In fact, all of me is happy!
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This sailboat stopped to take in the last rays of the day.
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I went to take a picture of the cool flower or whatever it is, and I noticed this little guy...you notice so much when you take time to really look.
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Paulina pauses to enjoy the view one last time before we literally drive off into the sunset.
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"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.†~Rabindranath Tagore
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Just call me "Julie, the flasher". :)
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Driving back to our villa, we came upon these beautiful flowers.
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That looks fancy! I'd like to stay there next time.
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Now you're in for a treat....we went on a boat out to Tobago Cays to go snorkeling with sea turtles.
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Joelle, Kim and Stuart
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I went out on the netting...it feels pretty much like a trampoline!
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Paulina was tardy so she got her own private ride out to the boat.
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She's here...we're ready to go!
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"Wind and Sea", our transportation for the day!
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Just look at that...I can't wait to go snorkeling with the sea turtles!
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We're on our way to Tobago Cays, where they did a lot of taping for "Pirates of the Caribbean"...we even saw "The Black Pearl".
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Kim and Stuart are enjoying the trip!
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haha This was funny...apparently, one of their coworkers was getting a couples massage with his wife in one of the huts over the water, so as we passed by, they all whooped and hollered! Talk about disturbing a peaceful moment. :) We found out later that they weren't actually getting their massage at that moment...we must have been disturbing someone else. hahaha
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View of the spa from the water...hey, I see my hut!
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A vacation like this has been a long time coming!
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Mary Ellen and Glenn...Mary Ellen is the one who took the awesome sea turtle photo you'll see below.
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This is the life, huh? Mary Ellen, Glenn and Paulina
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Uh-oh...it's looking a little gray.
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I can't get enough of this "trampoline". :)
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So many photo ops...you know, I've never been a huge beachwear photo lover, but it's funny how your humility goes out the window when you become a patient! There are just too many other things to worry about...despite the fact that I had to switch to a one-piece, I think I look healthy and happy, and I'm having fun! That's all that matters.
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Despite having slathered myself with 50 sunblock, I started worrying about the sun (and Paulina kept bugging me! :) ), so here I am all covered up.
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Mary Ellen and Glenn hanging out on the trampoline.
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This area would be absolutely WONDERFUL for sailing...there's always some nice wind to catch in your sails.
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Paulina...always looking for more sun!!
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We're here! Time to go snorkeling with the sea turtles...looks like we won't be the only ones swimming with them.
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Look at him/her!!!!!!!! How cool is he? They were such graceful swimmers. I reached out and stroked their shells which felt cool...they felt sandy. Their feet were a lot smoother. He's as cute as "Crush" from "Finding Nemo".
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Back on the boat which took us to a nearby island to do some shopping...only thing is you had to swim to the "stores" (beachside vendors).
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That's Mary Ellen and me out in the water, swimming to shop.
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Stuart assumes the role of captain.
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He looks pretty comfy at the helm, doesn't he?
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Judy and Kim toast to the trip.
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Paulina and Joelle...this one cracks me up because it looks like Paulina's posing for a sexy swimsuit catalog. :)
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Kevin and Phil
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Water and a little bit of sky.
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Sky and a little bit of water.
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I like this shot.
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This guy boated on over to our catamaran to sell his wares...I bought this pretty necklace.
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These are some happy feet.
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Self-portrait.
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The catamaran gang!! You know what? Despite covering up and wearing 50, lots and lots of it, I got burned. I'm pretty sure being in the water with the turtles washed it all off because most of my burn was on my back and the back of my arms...makes sense that it happened while snorkeling.
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Not a bad view while eating a li'l lunch, huh?
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I really like the contrast of colors in this one (look how impressed I am with myself!)...this area is being set up for our group to have dinner.
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I've always wanted to have a big party on the beach.
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So peaceful...how many times have I used the word "peaceful" to describe this vacation?
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I think this is my favorite photo of all...I love the colors and shadows. And the composition...it's all simply perfect, if I do say so myself.
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I can't wait to come eat here tonight!
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When I walked out in my backyard, I found Harry!
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Now it's back to the spa! Man, this is tough...boat ride and snorkeling in the morning, lunch by the beach, spa in the afternoon and dinner on the beach...how was I able to deal with it all?
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Posing in my hut.
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This decorative carving was on my hut porch...isn't it beautiful?
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Boy, will I miss this view.
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View on the inside...there, don't you feel like you're right there with me? Only you didn't get seven spa treatments. :)
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So beautiful.
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I may not have another massage for a while, but at least I have these images to conjure up the peace and tranquility it brought to me.
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Look very closely and you'll see a camo crab!
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Pretty, huh?
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Godahl Beach, the beach near the spa.
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Cool roots, aren't they?
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I'm just trying to pass the time while waiting for someone to come pick me up.
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Aren't I just adorable? :)
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LOOK how gorgeous our reserved table on the beach is!
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Never in my life have I actually had dinner ON the beach...it was magnificent.
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Joelle and Janice
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Paulina, Mike and Glenn celebrate the successful year that brought them to Canouan.
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Here's to Sales Masters!!
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And here's to you, Paulina, for being NUMBER ONE in your company (and, of course, for bringing me with you on this unforgettable vacation)!!
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Paulina, Janice and I clean up real good, right?
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I think this is what they have in mind when they say "a table with a view".
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Glenn, Joelle, Judy, Carmen, Paulina and Chris
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Sorry...no photos of dinner...I was too busy eating, drinking, chatting and smelling the salty air...here we are racing to the front desk...we're off to the casino tonight!
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Um, you guys are dragging your cord!
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Golf cart racing and drinking...never a good idea!
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What was really funny was that one couple switched carts with another couple secretly when they learned how fast the other couple's cart was. hahahaha Poor Phil puttering along instead of leaving us in the dust.
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Woohoo! Good driving, Paulina...we passed Mike and Megan!
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On the bus on our way to the casino with my gamblin' buddies.
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There's another crab in this shot...can you see him?
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At the spa...again!! A pretty flower with my little washcloth.
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I miss this tea...sweet and refreshing, the perfect way to start a spa treatment.
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haha This is funny...Paulina and I signed up for a couples massage! Our rule was no talking though, so really, what's the point of a couples massage? We just thought it was a cute idea.
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Here I am with Bang, my masseuse for the week. I miss you, Bang!
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View from our front door.
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Our cart's plugged in and ready to run!
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Beautiful flowers everywhere.
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This tree smelled delicious in the evenings...no one was able to tell me what it was, but it was heavenly.
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A closer look...can anyone identify it for me?
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How cool is this?
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Surprise! I have tiny little white flowers inside my already charming pink petals.
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I like vines, and I like the ladder idea...I think I'd like this in my yard too.
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Look how nice I was to ferry food from the better restaurant to the beach by the lesser than restaurant for Paulina and Joelle...when I got there, all they said was "Where have you been?!! We're starving!!!!" I had to force them to thank me. Geez...can you believe it?
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This is a little baaaaby!! I photographed him for several minutes and he wasn't shy at all.
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I was like an inch away from him here...he's cute and scary looking at the same time.
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Aren't I clever? I wanted to make sure you understand just how teeny tiny this guy was.
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An even better vantage.
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Given my sunburn from the catamaran trip, I had to make sure I stayed clear of the sun as much as possible...why didn't I come hang out in this room before? I love it!!! I sat here, wrote some postcards, read and people watched. It was so....peaceful.
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hahaha Paulina and I did chocolate masks and Biore nose strips on our last night.
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Don't we look hot in these masks?
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Farewell Canouan! Thank you for an extraordinary week. It is one I will never forget.
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Somehow, Paulina wound up behind the counter at the airport...looks like she's taking up residence in Canouan.
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And THEN, she snagged a seat up in the cabin of the plane on our trip from Canouan to Barbados!!! The plane was booked, and the staff had gotten to know Paulina after a luggage issue. Pretty awesome, huh?
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My trusty "Shady Brady" (that's not my cutesie name for it, it's actually the brand).
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Hey, we have a Steelers plane!
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I knew my mom would like this.
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You can't see it, but there was all this vapor-like stuff coming out of the vents...kind of creepy. :)
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And NOW, ladies and gentleman, WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS!!!!
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Laura and Tiso went up in a helicopter ride to see the Grand Canyon...these are her photos.
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I'm so jealous!
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Vegas, baby, Vegas.
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There's not much to say about these next few pictures...they're breathtaking...the lighting, the subject matter, a photographer's dream.
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hahaha Don't do it, Tiso!
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Even better...champagne and appetizers!
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I like the basket...very classy.
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I'm feeling good gamblin' vibes! (Look at my thumb...it looks broken or something...it's a hitcher's thumb!)
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The canal at the Venetian.
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The lobby of the Palazzo...an unusual idea, but quite pretty!
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Some of us were at the Venetian, some the Palazzo...they were both classy and comfortable.
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Now, I didn't mean for my flash to go off here, but I think it turned out rather cool.
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Have any of you seen the Blue Man Group? These are just sculptures, but it all seems rather creepy to me.
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I took this for mom since our show is "Wheel of Fortune".
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I love this picture of you, Katie.
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Vegas street scenes.
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We kept teasing Mike because somehow he kept ending up shopping at "Walgreens".
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Katie and I are heading out on the town.
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We (mistakenly) thought that the "deuce" (ironic name given that fare was in fact $3, not $2) would be faster than walking...
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Look how excited I am!
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...we got off about two stops (and 20 minutes) later...ridiiiiculous!
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Cool truck.
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I like that tree.
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I feel like I'm walking on a street in Europe...I guess that's what the Bellagio wants you to think, huh?
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The Bellagio.
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Look at the sky!
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Time for some posed shots...Laura and I.
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Laura and Katie!
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And, of course, Katie and I.
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Notice the gigantic drinks the people in front of us are carrying.
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Where else are we but New York, New York?!
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Katie and I went to an aquarium with sharks, and they had piranhas too.
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Oh, man...look at those teeth.
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I wish there weren't so much glare because this fish was cracking me up...can you see how he looks as though he's watching me out of the corner of his eye? He was huge and adorable! I wish I knew what kind he is.
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Uh-oh...that's no dolphin!
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Enlarge this one so you can see how pretty it is.
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The animal kingdom--marine and land--is so diverse, so amazing. I mean, look at this guy.
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I thought this was a cute coke bottle.
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Laura and Ben waiting for the limo to take us to Craftsteak (one of Tom Calicchio's restaurant).
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Katie and Tiso
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Katie looks like she belongs in a limo, don't you agree?
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Laura, Ronnie and Ian
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Ronnie and Ian lookin' slick in all black.
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This is the way to live!!
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Katie and I :)
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Laura with her creepy eyes.
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Ronnie's "I'm too cool for this" movie star shot.
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Just playing a li'l musical chairs in the limo.
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Mike and Sarah
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Blow this one up and check out the price of these bottles of wine...can you IMAGINE?
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Cheers!!! Here's to Tiso! Happy 30th and Bon Voyage!
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Katie and T-bone
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So far the food is yummy!
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And yes, I did request A1, to the dismay of my fellow diners. At least it was subtle. :)
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The next few shots document some very inappropriate joke-telling.
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Tiso was being hysterical all night.
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Haaaaaapppppy Birthday!!!
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hahahahahahahahah this is Tiso's reaction after trying Katie's bacon ice cream.
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Folks, I do not recommend ever trying bacon ice cream...in fact...
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Tom, I think it's time you pack your knives and go.
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Now THIS was a very inappropriate story for the dinner table, but incredibly funny.
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Look at these guys...checking their phones, as if their company isn't scintillating enough.
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Laura and her self-posed camera shots.
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Ronnie is indeed amused by all these stories.
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I like this...who would have thought we could look at pictures on a little screen like this immediately after taking them?!!!
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We're a good lookin' family, don't ya think?! :)
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Laura and Ian...we had a little photo shoot outside Craftsteak.
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hahahaha It's nice that you can carry your drinks everywhere!
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Aww, that's a nice shot.
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The Matthews sistahs
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I believe we're dapping because I said I would do a shot with him. :) Tiso, we never got around to it! Before you head off to Iraq...I promise. I mean, hey, it's the least I can do.
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I love this one of Ronnie.
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Whatcha doin', Tiso?
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hahahaha
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This is funny...Tiso's getting ready to fall on purpose...
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Here we go...
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Ready...
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Almost...
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And there he goes!! It was cracking us up. He did it right in the lobby of the Mandalay Bay.
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Laura was obsessed with all the brides we saw.
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Vegas baby, Vegas.
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Look closely and you'll see Laura (who's a teensy bit tipsy) threw away her wine glass from Craftsteak...classy, Laura, classy.
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We posed for some goofy pics in the cab.
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I have no idea how this got started, by the way.
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hahaha look at my expression in this one.
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OK, we're heading into Cirque du Soleil!
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We're ready for "O"! We were not big fans, by the way. Cool effects, but weird show. I guess I'm not a Cirque du Soleil person...oh well!! It was entertaining nonetheless.
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What the?!!! That's just creepy.
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So there was a rock wall in the spa at our hotel...all the gals decided to give it a go!
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That's Katie and I (Katie on the right, yours truly on the left).
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We're like experts!
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This is my favorite part...repelling!
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Laura and Sarah
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He took good care of us!
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Sarah had never done it before, but she tackled every section of the wall with no problem at all!
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Laura (on the right) and Sarah
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How cool are we are in our little helmets?
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Laura's pretty high up there!
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I'm just taking a little break. :)
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Trying our luck at the slots.
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Katie had the magic touch! :)
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Good job, Katie!!!
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What a pretty evening here in Vegas.
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I really like this one.
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So, Vegas is a Pepsi town (unfortunately!), but they had a Coke store!! Of course, I had to go in.
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It's hard to see, but the fountain show at the Bellagio was starting as we drove by in the cab.
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It was beautiful...all set to some music.
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Aren't we cute? Heading up to the restaurant in the Paris Hotel.
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Sean's here!!!!
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It was really nice to see Sean after so long...and I love him with short hair!!!
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Ronnie and Sean have been friends since elementary school.
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Tiso, we're gonna miss you!
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I like this one, except it's missing the coolest sister of all.
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Laura started collecting the gross hooker cards they hand out on the streets to give to her fellow officers.
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And, we're back in Virginia!! Beautiful dogwood.
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The grape hyacinths smell deeeeelish.
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Cherry bloosoms.
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And a magnolia...I can't remember what kind though.
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Time for a spring storm!!
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Springtime means more playing outside with the pups!!
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He's so handsome.
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As is he!
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“For oft, when on my couch I lie in vacant or in pensive mood, they flash upon that inward eye which is the bliss of solitude; and then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils.â€~William Wordsworth
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They're so tiny, I almost didn't notice them.
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I've been taking Guinness swimming in a doggy pool...he's quite advanced.
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I love it!
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Apparently he uses his back legs which not all dogs do...I always knew he was extra special. :)
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Man...he is pooped!!
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haha this is funny...you know how I started out the blog at Volkswagen and they discovered there was a brake problem? Well, it turns out they couldn't fix it while I waited so they sent me to Hertz to get a rental car...when the guy gave me a choice of cars, I chose the Pontiac and he hesitated..."Um, it's yellow, does that bother you?".....so here it is!! It is certainly bright, isn't it?!
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I came back to the car after grabbing a Starbucks and found this Corvette next to me...I guess the yellow cars need to stick together. :)
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And I think my car really brightens up the parking lot at work!
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Ever since my dad got sick, Jameson started sitting on the stool right next to his chair...forever the guardian.
