Reuniting And It Feel So Good!

Traveling to La Juanta for Oma's funeral brought us through Denver. On our way to LJ we didn't get into Denver until 11pm, so we grabbed the rental car and drove straight there arriving around 4am. On the way back however, we had time to stop in Denver to have lunch with Heather and her hubby. It was SOOOOO good to see my woman! 

It is fun to have friends all over the world...always someone to see!

Frequent Flyer Miles

I have been racking up Southwest miles the past year - and it is awesome! (I am SWA's biggest fan!) I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to travel for work because I love it! Also - let's talk about the new Love Field - A-mazing! Cru Wine Bar, Chik-fi-la, shopping. It is an entirely different airport!

Crested Butte Winter 2013

The first week of February Matt and I had the privilege of flying out to Crested Butte, CO to see my grandmother (Oma). It is hard to believe it has been almost been a year since my grandfather's death (2-14-12).  It is important to Matt and I that (at least I) make the trip to see Oma as often as possible (Crested Butte is not the easiest or cheapest place to get to).  This past trip it worked out for us both to fly out and see her, as well as other family. Oma's health is great in some ways, and declining in others - which is always tough. She doesn't have the stamina for visitors that she once did. Oftentimes 15-20 minutes wears her out. But Oma and I have always had a special relationship - and so even as she continues to age, she and I can still be on the same page. I think she knows that I "get" her - and while I can't understand, I can empathize with the frustration and depression of getting older. I didn't know what to expect from my time with her this go-around - but I tell you what - it could not have been any better. Matt and I got a great 30 minutes with her Friday. On Saturday I went in the AM with my Aunt Teresa and then I drove out again by myself that afternoon. The two of us literally hung out for over 2 hours. Some of the time I just sat next to her reading, and when she felt like it she would engage in a question or two of conversation, and then close her eyes again. It was a really special time. On Sunday Oma told stories for 45 minutes straight! It was SO much fun. I was devastated to leave her because I knew she wanted us to stay longer. On the flight home I just felt greatful. Grateful of such quality time with Oma, and grateful that she and I can still relate and have good conversations. 

In addition to seeing Oma, Matt and I got to spend time with aunts, uncles and cousins - and Matt even got in a day of skiing! What a lucky guy!

"Working" on the Golf Course

I had the priviledge of attending the Waste Management Phoenix Open - as a work event. We had morning meetings, followed by lunch and the afternoon on 18! VIP tent passes, front row seats for hole 16, and the chance to see Phil (almost) break his record. We went on a Thursday, which is the same day I went to the Byron Nelson last year - and that is all I need. The size of the crowd is perfect and everyone is fresh and excited to be outside! The weather was perfect and we ended our day watching the sunset over the mountains with live music in the background. Not too shabby!



 



The 16th hole - LOVE IT!






2012 European Vaca (Venice)

I survived the week of work - trekking all over England and Milan (or rather just outside of Milan). Professionally it was a great experience, and I am thankful for the opportunity (hopefully one of many more to come). From a personal perspective it was obviously great traveling with Matt, getting to see new places, and ending the two weeks abroad with a day trip to Venice. One of the girls on the trip had never been so I suggested we stay an extra night and explore. Venice is in my top 3 favorite cities...and what was fascinating about this year's visit was getting to experience L'aqua Alta (albiet the tail end of it). 

After it was all said and done - here are the stats...
- 17 days on the road 
- 4 countries
- 18 cities
- 10 different hotels
- Two nine hour flights 
- 7 country to country/state to state flights
- 4 three plus hour car trips
- 10 one hour shuttles to the airport
- 5 train rides
- Dozens of tube and metro stops
- And about five extra pounds from FABULOUS Italian food 

#worthit!

2012 European Vaca (Manchester)

After a week of vacation, I was due to meet my client in Manchester Sunday night. Matt flew home Sunday morning and I flew to Manchester. I made my flight early so that I could spend some time with old friends from Palazzola! Even though it had been such a long time, no one had changed, and it felt like I had just seen them! Those friendships are the best!

With Fr. Peter 

LOVED seeing Ciara and Rory!

2012 European Vaca (London)

After two busy days in Paris - we jumped on the Eurostar, taking the underground tunnel to London. I am pretty confident I could live in London (pending I was earning a pound and not a dollar having to pay bills in pounds)! I just think the city has so much energy, feels clean, and I find the royal history fascinating. We had a great hotel, right across the street from Tower London, and walked the city from top to bottom! Here are some of the highlights...

Picadilly Circus

Dinners with friends 

Getting to see the crown jewels again. 

Visiting Fr. Phillip

Getting that PERFECT Christmas card picture!

HIGH TEA

We had such a nice vacation and I was sad to see Matt go after the first week. It is so much fun getting to travel with your best friend and take turns figuring out the map!

2012 European Vaca (Paris)

After catching up with family in Italy, Matt and I hopped on EasyJet and made our way to Paris. I was in Paris once prior on a backpacking trip (staying in a hostel called Woodstock) - but Matt was dying to go - so we went. There are aspects of Paris that I really like, for example the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Sacre Coure...but other than that - it just isn't one of my favorite cities. And I am not going to lie...it feels unsophisticated to say that...but it is true. I am not giving up on all of France though - I can't wait to check out the South of France, or some of the smaller, more local towns. But until then, all I have is Paris. 

View from the top of the Eiffel Tower. It was cloudy and rainy the ENTIRE time we were in Paris...except for the 20 minutes we were at the top of the tower. So thankful for that timing!

This was in the running for our Christmas card pic!

Now I could stay in the arts section of Paris all day, every day! Matt and I made a significant contribution to the artists :)

Thanksgiving Lunch

The Mona Lisa - which, interestingly enough, I was more impressed with this time than the first time I saw it. Her eyes really do follow you EVERYWHERE!