Good-Bye 2011.

Top Things of 2011 - In no particular order.

1. New Job: Working for KK Bold has been a great experience-something new every day. I’m excited to see what is coming for me and my clients in the coming year.

2. Living with my parents: As much as I joke about the torture, I owe so much to my parents for helping me out and letting me crash with them for 100 days this summer. It was nice to get back there and be on the farm again. I can't thank them enough.

3. Friend memories with laughs and miles: Whether it was a trip to the Sioux game, a trip to the Buckskin, shoveling the driveway, or having martinis, I realize I have surrounded myself with an fabulous group of supporting friends and love that I get to make memories with them whenever I can.

4. Elton John: Amazing concert with an amazing person, so glad that Grace and I were able to take this in.

5. Matt: Aside from being tall, dark, and handsome, he brings a smile to my face and has been there so much for me the past year. He's one of the best things of 2011, no question about it. The other wonderful thing about him is the package deal of his family and friends, who has been so good to me and has welcomed me with open arms…literally; they are huggers (especially his uncle)!

6. Selling my house: After much huffing, puffing, crying, pouting, and extra work, the house finally was sold. I miss many things about it, it’s hard to explain but gives great definition to the term bittersweet.

7. Cabo: My first trip to Mexico was full of sun, fun, and food. Amazing views and company, makes me want to plan another trip soon.

8. Moving…not once but twice: Moving to Mom and Dad’s house was once and then moving to a duplex apartment to rent with all my stuff. It’s working for right now but I do have an accepted offer on another place that is being built. I hope to close in April.

9. Summer: Whether it was camping or sticking close to home, it was a great summer full of sun. This season extended well into a wonderful Fall and a Winter that hasn't been too rough on me.

10. Discovered Yoga: I didn’t plan on this being a top 10 but I have really fallen for this practice and I look forward to it each week.

11. (This is from TonyDanza and Lola) No dogs after suffering for a year and a half. (I liked living with Bell, but they are anti-dog, especially anti-weiner dog)

Honorable Mentions:
-Saw Alaina receive her diploma
-Riding in a parade
-Made it through the Denver Airport
-Was elected for another term on the NDYP board
-Got a smart phone, again
-Went tubing
-Saw the new barn go up in place of the old barn
-Matt will actually take me camping again, because I’m really good at it
-Saying Good-bye to Mel and happy to hear she’s succeeding in her move
-Having my friends have life-changing events (babies, engagements)
-Bought some cows
-Playing matchmaker for a good friend
-Survived a hunting trip/Remynse Retreat
-Went to hockey games
-Had amazing food…whether it was camping, seafood in Mexico, or from Matt’s personal kitchen, I ate well this year. (Future gym visits are planned)
-Celebrated a birthday in Hebron
-Was continually amazed by my family

All in all, 2011 was a year of transitions and tears. These were not all sad or tragic but a year where everything was a moving target that has lead me to a great place in my life. I look forward to what 2012 can bring.

“I can’t hear “Auld Lang Syne” without a tear coming to my eye, especially if it has a saxophone.”—Amanda Lynn Moser

I Made the Nice List

Christmas really is my favorite day of the year. I’m reminded each year from start to finish. This year I felt behind, and I know some of it is an age thing, but I always felt like I wasn’t ready. I didn’t cook at all this season, I didn’t do any online shopping, I wrapped up to the last minute, I forgot fruit for dessert fondue, and I still have some wrapping to do for a few people I haven’t seen and all the hustle is worth it every time when it comes to spending time with my family.

On Christmas Eve, we went down south to Grandma and Grandpa’s farm. It was the smallest Christmas I can ever remember with them. We all fit around the table. I think there were 11 people. I admit I have grown accustomed to the crowded rooms and the grab a seat where you can. It’s nice to see those that were able to make it and catch up a bit with what’s happening with the family and their families.

Christmas Day also puts me in a good mood. We have a tradition with our family that I’m glad that we started. I know it changed how the extended families do things but I love that we get up, eat Christmas Bread that Grandma made, open presents one at a time (starting with Santa gifts of course), and then fondue-ing for lunch, which takes way more time than the average meal. We have really raised the bar in our fondue-ing practice. The first year we had one pot and did normal things. To tell you how far we’ve come, this year we did homemade onion rings, steak sandwiches, corn dogs, fries, and bananas among the growing list and in two+ pots.

After the meal and cleaning up, I took off to Dickinson, where there was another amazing meal waiting for me. Ham, potatoes, green beans, and stuffing…I’ve already picked out my gym. We opened presents there too, visited, and caught up a bit. I don't know who was happier, me getting a PanAm bag or Randy getting ground beef.

I got so many great presents but the time with family and those that I really care about is what made me smile and realize that I must have done something right to be this lucky. We still have a gift exchange with Matt and my parents, we are planning food and fun. I’m glad; I’d hate to quit the Christmas spirit cold turkey!

“Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white'.”—Bing Crosby

Amanda's 2011 List

-Yoga Mat (Gaiam, either green or black)
-Hand Gun
-Amazon Gift Card for Kindle Books
-Yoga Classes at Yoga for You
-Yoga Mat Bag (Gaiam also makes the kind I'm looking for)
-Scarves (winter or fashion)
-Circle Diamond Necklace
-Rings/Jewelry
-Onion Keeper (similar to Tupperware's)
-Pan Am Bag
-Upright small vac made for pet hair
-Food steamer
-Puffy vest (black, red, gray)
-Spider brand sweater jacket that's fitted.

Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Okay enough of the fun stuff, while I’ve been working on capturing the trip, reality has still been happening and now I realize that it’s 5 days before Christmas and it seems too soon. I don’t know if it’s adulthood or the trip or what but I feel like Christmas should be a couple months away still.

This past weekend, I took Matt to the Dagman Christmas. There was 26.5 people there (.5 is new baby Tyler) and Matt didn’t run screaming. It was a great day with amazing food and great conversation. Matt made a cheese ball (under my direction) and it was deemed a success and made him an instant favorite. It was also fun to see Ambour’s kids open presents,

Other things that have been going on since we’ve got back is the smazing weather. It has been in the 50’s in December. It’s been great for multiple reasons including my own sanity and Matt’s snow removal involvement. It has gotten cold at nights so when Matt was in Bismarck, we put plastic on the windows. I did have a laugh when I came home after a day of the plastic being up and there was a Lola-shaped head hole in one. We’ll have to repair and figure out how to not have her “attempt” to get into the sill. Poor little thing probably had a headache after that.

This weekend is Christmas. I’ll be spending Christmas Eve with Dad’s family at the farm and Christmas day at the farm. I’ll then head out to Dickinson to spend the evening and Boxing Day with Matt and his parents. I’m looking forward to the family and plans.

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”—Burton Hillis

A special "Thank You"

So we are back and reality has set in but we want to give a special shout-out to Kim and Kevin. They were amazing to invite and include us on their annual trip. Not only was the trip and opportunity amazing but we loved having someone to experience Mexico with, give us guidance, and laugh with…and we definitely did all of these. Whether it was sharing beer or a burger at Billygan’s or sitting out on the patio or walking downtown or experiencing a piece of Mexico, they treated us right and we hope that we can repay our gratitude someday.


“I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.” –William Shakespeare

Roller Coaster in Denver

So despite our plans to spend Sunday relaxing, unpacking, and prepping for reality of the real-world, we woke up at the Quality Inn at Tower Road in Denver to go to the airport on the last day of our vacation.

I won’t relive this entire day but say that we started the day with 3 missions: 1. Find our bags, 2. Get home, and 3. Get our bags home.

It only took us 14 hours to do this.
This is the most time I’ve spent in the airport.

Some things that we did:
1. Visit Great Lakes Customer Service
2. Eat Lunch
3. Walk around
4. Get on a plane to be kicked off based on weight restrictions
5. Have afternoon snack
6. Watch people board
7. Ride the escalators and walking escalators
8. Look at airplanes
9. Eat Supper
10. Read
11. Watch the snow come down
12. Watch the planes come in
13. Watch the Denver/Minneapolis Game
14. Wonder if the Minneapolis Airport is more fun and wonder if they are watching the Minneapolis/Denver Game
15. Watch people unboard because their plane couldn’t take off
16. Watch kids misbehave
17. Watch the Arrival and Departure TVs
18. Watch the ticket counter
19. Watch snow removal
20. Visited United Customer Service
21. Visit Delta Customer Service,
22. Visit United Customer Service, again
23. Call United Customer Service
24. Hang up on Bob from United Customer Service’s call center in Pakistan
25. Drink a beer
26. Read
27. Examine the tiles on concourse A to determine they are mosaics of people

And the saddest thing that we did:
28. Watch my bag sit on the runway
Oh wait, excuse me as I know that Mr. Airport will read this…not runway, the ramp.

They had told that both of our bags had gone ahead of us to Dickinson. They lied. I told them that. Ahhh, airports make me crazy sometimes.

We finally got on a flight, got through de-icing twice, and were finally able to take off. What a trip! I’m just glad that Mr. Airport was there to work through things and I’m glad that we made it back without having to rent a car and drive back.

“I don't like waiting in airports for my bags. Even worse, I don't like waiting in airports when my bags are lost.”—Steve Waugh

Leaving is the Hardest Part

Saturday was so sad. We woke up and had to put real shoes on and jeans. What a buzz kill. We even had our suitcase packed. Ick. We had our final meal in Mexico with Kevin, Kim, Matt, Nate, Sara, and Amelia. We had our bags packed into a taxi and headed off to the Mexican airport.

We had a little trouble with our bags. We were both overweight. We had to shift things into our empty carry-ons so that we could bring it all. We put heavy-ish things to ensure that everything would make it. (Remember that foreshadowing that I mentioned on day 1, which should come to mind again.) The only thing that was sacrificed was a bottle of Malibu Rum. The people behind us had their sand from the beach dumped out, while I remained VERY quiet and Matt gave me a dirty look.

From there we waited for the flight after a very lax entry through to the sterile area. The last thing we had to eat in Mexico was a hotdog and Matt had a Bloody Mary and a Modelo. We did some final shopping and was surprised at the difference in service and approach from our past experience. Before getting on Frontier’s Sammy the Sea Lion, we were frisked, had our bags gone through, and removed our shoes for a final time. Then, we took the walk of shame in the Mexican sun to the plane.

We arrived in Denver, sad and gloomy. We got onto the Great Lakes plane ready to be home and rest before joining reality again. However when we heard that they were combining the two evening flights because a flight attended didn’t bother to show up for work, Matt had to break the news to me that we were bumped and would be spending a night in Denver.

We then waited at the carousal for our luggage. In the meantime, I emptied our carry-ons to see the use in them. Matt’s bag: khakis, collared shirt, diving goggles, flip flops, swim trunks, deodorant, and a tooth brush. Amanda’s bag: Matt’s dive book, jeans, toothbrush, makeup, extra pair of socks, and a notebook. What a waste…I still hate carry-ons. We never got our bags so we went to the hotel and ordered pizza after making a trip to the 7-Eleven.

“A vacation spot out of season always has a very special magic.”—Max Von Sydow

Final Day of Mexico for the Fisher and the Gatherer

Matt woke up at 5:30 and he went fishing with Kevin. I, on the other hand, actually slept in for the first day during the whole vacation. After breakfast I went out with Kim, Leo, Luann, Sara, Nate, and baby Millie, to Billygan’s. I had the opportunity to finish up my shopping with the peddler parade. Leo was impressed with my bartering abilities; I just think I’m a tough cookie who knows what she wants! I was able to get a couple gorgeous wooden bowls with hand-painted fruit on them, some jewelry, a pair of designer sunglasses, and a gift for Matt.

Matt came back around 3ish and shared his adventure with me and his bag of fish! They caught 4 Dorado all together. Dorado is mahi mahi. They also saw pelicans, dolphins, a whale, and had a sea lion ride on the boat! I was jealous again! I thought the picture that he took of the sea lion was pretty cute but I guess he was pretty old.

When they got back to the marina, a boy under 12 cleaned their fish and they feed the skins to the pelicans. I didn’t realize how many pelicans we’d see in Mexico. They sit around and wait for the fish to be cleaned or the bait to be thrown out. When I saw fish being cleaned, the cleaners would have to kick the pelicans back.

We took the fish to a restaurant called the Shrimp Factory, they prepare it for $7 a plate in 4 different styles: blackened, grilled, garlic, and breaded. The meal is served family style. This was our second favorite of the trip. It was so filling and tasted so great. It also had special meaning in the sense that Matt and Kevin provided the meal by catching it that morning. We had a huge group; we had all the family present as well as a local, Trinidad, who Kevin and Kim have become friends with during their multiple trips down.

After the meal, I wrote our names on the wall that held hundreds of signatures. Maybe someday we’ll go back and look it up!

“We hit the sunny beaches where we occupy ourselves keeping the sun off our skin, the saltwater off our bodies, and the sand out of our belongings.” –Erma Bombeck

Office Time, Air Time, and Family Time

By Thursday, we were realizing that we were coming to the end of our trip. However that didn’t deter our mid-morning plans. We headed to “The Office” which was right next door to Billygan’s. The restaurant is tables and chairs sunk down in the sand and the ceiling is comprised of umbrellas. We enjoyed another bucket of beverage and chips and salsa.

Although we were told we may not be able to parasail, after asking we found out that we could go! We jumped the next boat and was taken out past the three cruise ships and hooked to a parachute by a carabineer and elevated into the sky. I loved the view from above but what amazed me was how quiet it was. You couldn’t hear the waves, or the boats, or the motors. All you could hear was each other. Matt didn’t handle the heights so well, so it wasn’t the romantic experience I had anticipated but the memory makes me smile for sure.

The day ended with a family meal at Hacienda Coyote, an authentic Mexican restaurant. I had an amazing cream of corn soup that I wasn’t 100% sold on it until I tried it! I had an amazing lobster meal with this great sauce. I couldn’t even tell you what Matt had as I was engrossed in my meal. I think I remember something about him having enchiladas, maybe, or a mole sauce, maybe. They also rolled a tequila cart over for a sniff and sample after-dinner drink.

We hooked up with the rest of the family for a final-final drink and Leo, Kim’s Dad, shared what a Mexican coffee was. I like a drink that involved fire, sugar, tequila, and a show.

Surprisingly, this was the only night that we didn't feel well. Based off the possibility of what could have happened, we’ll take it!

“I was taken in by the bravado and the sounds of Mexico... not so much the music, but the spirit.” –Herb Alpert

Spas and Scubas

Wednesday morning started early again. We had been waking up at 7ish each morning. I loved seeing the sun come in the sheer curtains and he loved hearing the waves at night. We separated ways this morning and each did our own thing. He went scuba diving at the places that we had been the day before and I took a trip to the spa.

I liked when we came back together and shared our experiences. I admit I’m a little jealous. I would have loved to see the things that he saw: the shark, the colors of the fish, the seahorse, the turtle, and the possibility of the sea lions in the water. I wish our underwater cameras could have gone that far. I was excited with how happy he was with it.

I had a treatment called “the Sea of Cortez” it was a hot stone massage combined with a facial. It was pretty amazing and not at all like I thought it was going to be. The stones were heated up hotter than I anticipated and put in certain spots: my hands, feet, back, back of knees, forehead, hips, eye sockets, and even my collar bone. I left the spa feeling amazing.

We relaxed a bit with each other while we shared what happened and went downtown to shop a bit. Matt had a tougher time haggling than I did. The funny thing about Cabo is that you don’t need to exchange your money, most people deal in US dollars. So when we had a majority of peso and we were dealing in dollars, we had to convert back. That made more trouble for some of the street merchants. When working over a gift for his parents, he finally got to the right price and the arguing actually began over what it was from pesos to dollars. However when Matt says 4x5=20 and the merchant says 4x5=9, you can understand that language wasn’t the only barrier.

We finished off the night with the resort’s Beach Night. The evening was a little mortifying for me especially after we were part of the couple’s balloon relay event. We had some trouble popping balloons and we were the couple to take last. I’m not a great loser, especially when I embarrass myself while doing it! Oh my! At least the night ended up nice sitting on Kevin and Kim’s balcony.

Found this quote and made me laugh when I thought of baby Amelia, and how rough her week was! Ha!
“Babies don't need a vacation, but I still see them at the beach... it pisses me off! I'll go over to a little baby and say 'What are you doing here? You haven't worked a day in your life!' ”—Steven Wright

And we were married…

For 90 minutes.
We went through a timeshare presentation for the neighboring resort and doing this granted us food credits at our resort. Part of being considered for the presentation (and the food credit) required us to be 28, married, and gainfully employed. After the 90 minutes and we did our walk of shame back to Playa Grande, our resort, we became unmarried and laughed about the possibilities.

After our morning matrimony, we finally got to go snorkeling. We took a “glass bottom boat” out to Land’s End and the Arch for a tour and ended up on Lover’s Beach. There I need to acknowledge what an amazing boyfriend I had. As we started to go in the water I became scared. I couldn’t breathe with the snorkel tubes, I kept guzzling salt water, I kept floundering when I lost my footing and I wondered what I was going to do. Matt was so patient and talked me through it; he waited while I became comfortable and stuck close as I fought against the waves and the urge to breathe through my nose. It was well worth the fight though. The experience was like anything I had ever seen. We went around Pelican Rock which was so deep. We saw schools of fish of all colors and the plant life. It was pretty amazing. We did take some pics with an underwater camera. I have high hopes that they will turn out.

After swimming, we beached it for a while. Between the gallons of ocean water and the novelty that I had gotten sea sick on our ocean tour on the boat, I wasn’t feeling too hot. I was also very aware that I was carrying a portion of the beach in my swim suit. I didn’t protest when he turned on the tv and I recouped with 7up and Ritz crackers. I'm sorry to the maid who cleaned the sand out of the tub.

That night we ate well again. We ate at the resort for seafood night. I enjoyed a huge plate of paella and Matt had an amazing tune steak. I ate off that paella for almost 3 days. It was even better recooked. It didn’t taste like mine but I was happy with it still.

“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. “ –Susan Heller

Just another Mexico Monday...

This was a Monday, but it was hard to believe when Matt woke up to take care of the set-up of our timeshare benefits. In the meantime, I made myself a bagel and took a stroll down to the beach. While the waves came in, I watched a man fish. There is something exciting about the ocean, a definite mystery that’s very alluring to me.

After breakfast, Matt and I tried to go out snorkeling. Unfortunately, the port was closed because the wind was so strong so Baja’s Sport wouldn’t take us out. Instead, Kevin took us to Billygan’s. This bar/beach spot is on the beach that you can actually swim on. They set you out 25 feet from the ocean, under an umbrella, with a bucket of beer. What a torture! At first I wasn’t too sure about the place as you have a constant parade of peddlers who are trying to push things at you; jewelry, necklaces, toys, dishes, sunglasses, bracelets, bags, hats, wrestling gear, massages, henna, braids…anything remotely touristy, they are right there trying to get your attention. After a while, I realized the awesomeness that had been blended together….beach, drinks, and shopping with the haggling twist! The only damper was the shot girl, who loved to hear her name and abuse people.

We each ended up with an item or two and finished a bucket or two! We even made friends with a couple of people that were either serving us or sitting near us!

We ended the night at a restaurant called Quesadillas with the family. I had a pork quesadilla; Matt had the chicken and we split a shrimp cocktail with this salsa/pico/clamato-like dip. Pretty good, however Matt liked my pork one better than his! We made a stop in a Mexican grocery store before heading back to the resort. We were hoping for the wind to go down the next day.

“Everyone has seen photographs of Mexicans wearing those big sombreros. When you come to Mexico, the astonishing thing is, nobody wears these hats at all.” –Bruce Beresford

Starting to Fall in Love with Mexico.

We started the day off with a little trip to Costco! After having so many meals in restaurants, we were very excited to buy some groceries that we could make on our own. With having a kitchen complete with stove, microwave, and large fridge, dishes, Tupperware, and pots and pans, we had options. Actually after a week of cooking on our own, we decided that’s a great way to travel. We’d eat breakfast and lunch on our own and then have dinner out on the town.

Shopping in a semi-Mexican grocery store became interesting. I wish I would have paid more attention when we reviewed the food portion in Spanish Class. I remember what ham, milk, and orange was before time but while we were there I was trying to figure out other things. It was interesting to say the least. I’ll admit after working with Cloverdale and their meat products, I did look for them in the store. No such luck though, but I did laugh when I saw Tony Romo ribs!
We bought bacon, eggs (lleuvos), croissants, bagels, cheese, crackers, juice, beer (cervezas), yogurt, pineapple, sliced meat, and chips and salsa. We actually did a pretty through job of eating it all. We did have to leave some things behind but it was definitely worth it.

Being Sunday, it was actually pretty relaxing. The wonderful Kevin, being a great host, took a few of us into town to explore and start haggling. We had a tequila shot in the world’s smallest bar, Slim’s. The bar could have fit maybe 7 people, on a good day, with a few standing.
We also had to find Matt a pair of sunglasses (he left his behind a Pepe’s, obviously distracted by the fish and bbq tacos). He got a pair of Oakieys, which are easily mistaken as Oakleys.

Kevin, being one to share wonderful experiences, took Matt and I to the Giggling Marlin. Where we shared a bucket of beer and Matt and I were hung upside down, like a Marlin. Once hung, you consume 3 shots, and then I received the experience of being twirled. Sometimes I can't believe what I get talked into!
That night, we had the best meal of the trip. One of my co-workers suggested this hole-in-the-wall called Maro’s. When we showed up, we did get a little nervous. There were plastic chairs, a fake ceiling, and things were a bit sketchy. The first thing they asked was where we were from. After telling us, he immediately ran us over to the record holding wall where their house drink record holder was from Mandan, ND!

We sat down still skeptical and I ordered house drinks immediately. They are Bulldogs, which are small Coronas poured into a tequila lemonade mixture. They were amazing! We ordered a shrimp cocktail, and a dinner for 2(which had fried shrimp, fish, lobster, and more shrimp, tortilla soup, and ended with chocolate cake). The meal was amazing and the service was awesome. We left there impressed, full, and had plans to return someday. We did have some issues with menu's right away, but I got Matt all straightened out.

The takeaway that made me laugh was that every time Matt saw plastic chairs, he’d elbow me and say, “They’ve got to have amazing food—they have plastic chairs.” I never bought in; I didn’t want to smash his dream.

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” –Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, "Pavarotti, My Own Story"

Enter Kevin!

If I know Kevin, he’s been reading anticipating Day 3, “Get to the good part!”

We woke up to the waves crashing on the beach and the sun coming through the blinds. I could do that every morning.

After breakfast we prepared ourselves for a tough afternoon of sitting by the pool! We read, swam, sunned, and drank. We hit the morning happy hour and afternoon happy hour! Matt even got a drink called a CocoLoco. It’s straight out of a coconut!

We were anxiously waiting Kevin and Kim with family. They came in the afternoon. We switched rooms and found ourselves with a southern exposure only 2 floors underneath their amazing room. We couldn’t believe how beautiful our new room was. Two bathrooms, two patios, kitchen complete with countertop, dining area, and a king bed. Both of us agreed that it would be amazing if Matt’s apartment back home was as wonderful (complete with maid service).

Kevin and Kim didn’t waste anytime treating us amazing…they took us out to Pepe’s that night for tacos. We tried chicken, beef, fish, and pork. Surprisingly, beef was our least favorite. It became a trend that the pork continued to be amazing in Mexico. This was one of our favorite meals of the trip.

It was also nice to have a relaxing night with his family, which consisted of Kim and Kevin, Kim’s son, Matt, and daughter, Sara, who brought her husband, Nate, and sweetfaced baby, Amelia. Kim’s uncle and aunt (Chris and Elizabeth) also came with us. We felt a “tundra-like” bond with them as they are Canadians. We could talk cold and snow and Elsinore’s. Just kidding, we didn’t talk any Elsinore just Corona.

What a great day of doing nothing! The only thing that was semi-terrible was the tropical shirt that Matt wore!

“Life is short, wear tropical shirts.” –Marc Lampe

Crossing the Line

Day 2 started like Day 1, early and in an airport but ended in Mexico!

We had no problems getting there and getting there early after eating any amazing breakfast at the hotel. We flow on Frontier’s Earl the Walrus!

We landed in the rain and Matt was surprised by the humidity. We made it through customs with little issues and exchanged our money. We were immediately attacked by a room of people who wanted to take us somewhere, show us something, or talk to us. Matt told them “No” and we heard someone say, “Canadians out of town.” What….we weren’t even out of the airport!

Getting a cab was the next issue. Suddenly someone that said he was a “Real Cab” came up and offered us a ride. We said okay and halfway home realized that we’d been probably had. Oh well, some times you learn the hard way, but we won’t forget.

When we got there, the resort was beautiful! The ocean was next door and we had nothing but time to play and get used to Mexico. The room was complete with a whirlpool tub, kitchenette, king size bed (which was too short for Matt), and patio.

We went down to the ocean, played in the waves, and even saw a couple sea lions that came up to bark at us. We did take a swim in the pool. This was interrupted by rain, which we found out only happens 4 times a year. Who’d have figured.

We finished the night with Asian Night at the Resort. We filled up on fresh stir-fry and sushi before trying a few desserts. Some were amazing and some were interesting and unidentifiable!

We left the patio door open and fell asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

"Can ye fathom the ocean, dark and deep, where the mighty waves and the grandeur sweep?" - Fanny Crosby

A Trip to Remember.

All the planning, waiting, and counting down are over, and so is the trip. What an amazing 12 days with Matt and Mexico. The trip was what we needed and I will live off of these memories for quite some time, especially since we came back to cold and snow and while I was there I managed to get the best tan of my life!

In true 236adventures blog fashion, I will break down the days into it’s own post.

Let’s start with a Very-Denver Thanksgiving.

We managed to get to the airport around 5 in time to make it on the first flight out of Dickinson. After arriving in Denver, we took a shuttle out to Quality Inn on Tower Road. They were awesome and let us check in early, giving us a chance to have a morning nap before swimming in their pool.

We had our Thanksgiving feast at the Village Inn, which was only a fabulous walk away. The weather was beautiful in Denver. At Village Inn, I had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, bread, and a fabulous piece of pumpkin pie. Matt had a Cuban sandwich with Tri-berry pie. You can lead a horse to water!

With our options limited at the hotel and being sick of TV, we took the shuttle back out to the airport to wander around and look at airplanes for a bit. Obviously, we were not sick of airports, yet (note this foreshadowing for a future blog post).

We ended the day with vending machine food and Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving special. Although it wasn’t your standard holiday and we were missing family, we tried to make it as traditional as possible!

“If you think Independence Day is America's defining holiday, think again. Thanksgiving deserves that title, hands-down.” –Tony Snow