Kenya or Bust

In 2 weeks I depart for my second trip to Kenya. My cousin is getting married and asked me to be her bridesmaid. This will be an exciting trip because not only do I get to see my grandmother again, I also get to share it with my boyfriend and my older brother will be flying out.

We are going to start our trip with a walking safari. Assuming we survive that part we have plans to travel to Mount Kenya, which is in my grandmothers neighborhood. We are hoping to see Lake Victoria for a few days before Yvonne and Job's wedding. Then will head to Mombasa and hang out at the Indian Ocean. We will end the trip at Masai Mara safari. This is all the plan I am sure some unexpected adventures will occur. Cant wait! Enjoy the pictures from last trip in January.

Is this what a walking Safari is? (Masai Mara)

Yvonne and I (Mombasa)

Stop and smell the ocean

I took my first road trip up the California coast this past weekend. Our only plan was to take the Pacific Coast Highway. We hit some light traffic in L.A. and then enjoyed lunch in Santa Barbara. The marine layer cleared off in time to enjoy walk along the pier before continuing north.

Our next thought was to check out the Hearst Castle but the next tour was 2 hours away. In place we were able to view some elephant seals. Another hour north was a spot called Ragged Point. We pulled off the highway only to see the marine layer was back and found a sign "hiking path not endorsed". The picture was taken about halfway down.

That was as far as we made it.

We made it to Big Sur after 11 hours. Here's our cabin.

The next 2 days we explored the Big Sur area.

There were many guests from Wisconsin so we watched the Badger game Saturday afternoon.

At night we celebrated a wedding with an ocean view.

Look another beach!

We packed up Sunday and headed to Monterey for wine tasting and lunch.

Made it to San Francisco!

Enjoyed some sites and restaurants for 2 days.

Babies!

Momma Rachel and Adelyn

Quincy, Adelyn, and Ellie

I recently visited my friend Rachel who has triplets. Yep three 8 week old infants. Sounds exhausting right? True, but I also had so much fun! We conquered 1 park, 2 malls, and 2 custard stores in my 5 day vacation. Megan also visited from Minneapolis and we each were able to feed all 3 babies at the same time. Notice the technique below:

The feeding and diaper changing was a piece of cake (half joke), it reminded me of my "intern" days in the NICU except no relief nurse after 12 hours. But then there were so many dishes to wash, all the time!

They made the cutest sounds and faces while stretching after each feed but I was later informed it was due to gas. 3 times the work but also 3 times the fun. As one woman said to Rachel "what a blessing".

I was happy to help in hopes they would let me borrow one of the babies for a few weeks. They said something about the babies being a set and I understood that as a no. I still want one but guess I will have to wait.

Girls just want to have fun!

"Even nurses need their shots"

Marley & Me

You know the story about the crazy dog with his wacky quirks that somehow has a family fall in love with him? I am living that story. Except in this version we will call the dog Colby.

If you knew him you may be surprised I have kept him a whole year already. He is quite the character, with an unlimited bag of tricks up his gimp paw. He mastered opening the fridge and helps himself to anything he likes, whether or not it agrees with his digestive system. He must have learned this when he was on the streets.

He has some great traits too. He gets me walking at least 3 times a day. He can nap like a champ after each walk. He also never complains if I want to watch a chick flick.

Last year I was able to discover why dog beach is so popular. It is one of the most happiest places on earth! Even if its cloudy. Colby has found his forever home. He'll never run away, seriously he has separation anxiety so he would panic before getting too far.

Single ladies put your hands up

Personally, I think if a women hasn't met the right man by the time she's 24, she may be lucky.
Deborah Kerr

New experiences

My first blog, how exciting!!! Something new as well as accountability to live an exciting life. 2010 is probably my most exciting year. In January I visited my grandma in Kenya, I was also able to go on a safari with my cousin in addition to setting foot in the Indian Ocean. In March I was able to go on a medical mission trip to Gaulaquiza, Ecuador with my good friend Kristen. We spent over a week sharing our love for nursing with the community. Not bad for 2010 and its only half way done!