Every Day

Travel day two. We started our day at 9:30 pm on Saturday. We drove to the airport with Justin so he could get to his flight at 1 am, ours was at 3 am. The airport was packed for that late. It's weird how most of the flights out are in the middle of the night. We walked around and found Justin's flight but couldn't find ours. I guess they only open the check in counters two hours before the flight which is inconvenient. So we figured out where our counter was going to be and looked for a spot to chill for the next two hours. Sitting on some luggage by the counter was a young couple that looked like they were waiting for the same counter so we walked up to them and said, "china eastern?" They nodded and said they have been waiting at the airport all day. Then we started talking about how both of us had huge issues with our layovers in China (can't be in China for 24 hours). This couple showed up at the airport the previous night and were told they couldn'

Thursday was our last unplanned day to explore Phuket and we wanted to soak up the sun! Brookie sent us to Karron beach nearby. When we got to the beach it was a very very hot day so we decided to walk along the shops side of the beach to catch what little bit of shade there was. You guessed it, I bought more sarongs (addiction) and the more you buy the better deal you can get! I also decided that this day was the perfect day to get the local ice cream. The ice cream is prepared right in front of you on a cold plate and there are very simple ingredients, your flavoring and cream. There were dozens of flavors from fruit to candy to chocolate and of course I wanted the Nutella flavor (another addiction of mine). They put your flavor on the cold plate and then pour the cream on top and try to contain the liquid. After a few seconds, the cream begins to harden and thats when they start scooping up and mixing the ice cream. Some of the "ice cream makers" have a rhythm that mak

The evening after our snorkel trip in Phi Phi, Ty and I were pretty tired. We also decided that some alone time would be nice. So I went to get a pedicure while Tyler went to grab a massive meal (even though we had a late lunch on the boat lol). It was so nice to just sit on a comfy chair and scroll through Facebook while a woman did my nails. It was quiet and calming. Afterwards, I felt like a new woman walking down the main walkways of Phi Phi with my beautiful toenails! I did a great job of averting the glances from the people in the local bars trying to get people to go in. I just wanted to meet up with my Ty and see how his night was going. I found him at a restaurant slurping down clams and looking very happy. That boy loves his food. After he paid, we decided to walk a different way that we had not explored before, away from the craziness of the main part of the island. We wandered into many little art stalls with beautiful pieces (and relatively cheap too!). We both wishe

We started off our day waiting for our shuttle to the ferry just like Saturday except this day our shuttle didn't show up on time. We sat on the corner of our apartment complex and watched the minutes tick by and the vans drive past. We started to get nervous and thought we might need to get a GrabTaxi to the ferry. At a half hour until our ferry took off, and looking on the phone for a GrabTaxi, our driver was waving at us from the median. We ran across traffic like frogger and hopped into the van and hoped we would make our ferry. We made it in time, about 5 minutes early in fact and watched more Mr. Bean on our 2 hour boat ride to Phi Phi. Once we got to Phi Phi, it was nice already know what to do. We had our 20 Baht ready for our entrance into the island and we knew to look for our hotel on the many signs that people were holding on the dock as we walked in. We didn't find our hotel so we took a map and wandered in the correct  direction. Once we got to our place, we w

Monday we took our time getting up and moving and then went to breakfast at this local place. Ty had two breakfasts and I had a smoothie, fruit and toast. All this food was around 7 dollars for both of us! Around noon, I jumped on the back of Brooke's scooter as Ty drove behind. We wanted to check out some of the local sights. First, Brooke took us to the kathu waterfalls. It was a beautiful spot for locals. There were stairs up to the first falls which were constructed into pools for people to wade and swim in. In its prime it was probably very beautiful but now it was a bit run down. We walked up to the second and then third levels of small falls and waded in the water and climbed on the rocks. The water was the perfect temperature. Not too cold but cool enough that it was refreshing. After our pool time, we hopped on the bikes to head to our first temple of the day. It was a beautiful temple that didn't have many people. We walked around and then lit insense and pray

After we got back and had our not so hot shower, we relaxed for a bit before figuring out where to go for nice man at the front desk suggested a good Indian place and we all decided a change up in our diet would be great. We have been having a lot of Thai food. The mosquitoes in phi phi were insane and very itchy and I had not brought many long sleeve/pants options, so I wanted to find a shawl or some pants that I could wear to combat the mosquitoes. I found a beautiful dark blue shawl with elephants on it that I absolutely love! There are so many cute  things buy at the shops there. After shopping, we went to dinner and enjoyed our Indian food. At first our food didn't come with rice which was strange for Indian so we had to order some for like 75 American cents. Dinner was cheap(ish) and delicious and not Thai and after we went to the beach. The tide was very far out so the beach was very long. The bars on the beach were already pumping some music trying to get people to c

Saturday morning was an early one. We all were getting picked up for our weekend on phi phi island! It was a two hour boat ride to the island and so we arrived on the island around 11 and it was pouring rain. We met with our Guide who would take us to the hotel and it was about a 15 minute trek down the streets in the rain. Needless to say we all got wet. One could even say soaking... We got to our hotel and spent a little bit of time relaxing and drying off before meeting for lunch. The host suggested a snorkel tour for the afternoon which we all jumped on. So we ate a quick lunch before heading out on the boat. We practically had to run after our guide through the streets to get to our boat. We got to take a wooden long boat on our trip with a few other people. The motor on the boats comes off the back on a long stick which helps them to maneuver really well. It also is super weird looking and very loud. Our first stop on the boat was monkey beach where monkeys were roaming free

Pictures added soon! We decided to do some sight seeing since we have been laying low most of our time here. We got up a little early, got ready and then grabbed a taxi to Phuket town. We went to thalong road which is the main road. We walked along the road and saw quite a bit of cool street art/graffiti. It was so colorful and artistic. I love graffiti that is art instead of just tagging. We then stumbled across this adorable bookshop/coffee shop! Ty needed to grab some coffee and we sat down for a minute taking in the hipsterness of it all. We found a tourist book in English that we looked at to find a place for lunch. Before lunch, we explored around town a bit and did some window shopping. He place we ate at was a Thai/Italian fusion place so we got a pizza and some smoothies. It was pretty good! Our next stop was wat chalong, a temple. There were beautiful buildings and a bone fragment of Buddha himself. We also walked around here to a small lake where people were feedin

Jet lag. It's a fierce thing. I woke up this morning so cranky and discombobulated but slept amazing when I did sleep. Tonight we go to bed early! We had a slow day today as well trying to figure out how to get around and what to do in Thailand. There is an exercise room for our condo complex that we visited a little before noon. It was nice to get some movement in. Our host dropped of the scooter around that time. Ty needs some practice time before we take it anywhere far. So we got an app like uber called grab taxi. It's cheaper than getting a taxi off the street and then you know about how much it'll be before you even get in the car. So we went out to lunch at local place with my friends boyfriend. Lots of sautéed veggies here in Thailand for us vegetarians. After our late lunch, we were exhausted and needed a minute to relax before we got our grab taxi to Patong. It's a larger town near the ocean where we walked along the beach!  There was a popular road that

Our first day in Thailand has been a slow and relaxing one. We decided not to plan anything in today because we knew we would be very jet lagged. We are exhausted. So we laid around and relaxed in the morning before we got ready to explore the surrrounding town. We walked along the busy road, motorbikes whizzing past, to a local market which sold fruits and veggies. It was super hot but it felt lovely. We came across a fruit stall with a lovely woman where we bought a bunch of fruit. We already had some and it's all delicious. We bought some apples but also some fruits that I've never seen before. I like to try new things in other countries. Later in the evening we met up with my friend to have dinner. The three of us piled onto one motorbike and off we went! What a sight that was. Dinner with my friend, her boyfriend, Ty and I was fun catching up and eating good food. It is nice to know someone when you visit another place. They know all the good places to go! Tomorrow i

This is the longest day of my life. Literally. No, like actually literally. Or maybe a bunch of the shortest days of my life...anyway... We started off in Wisconsin, not early but it wasn't leisurely either. Then the bus to the airport in Chicago where we were to catch our first flight to shanghai. When we checked in we were informed that we were given an illegal flight through china on our way back home. Apparently you can't even have a layover in an airport for longer than 24 hours in China. The airline was nice about it and helped us in anyway they could but they told us we would have to call our booking agency because it was their fault, not the airline itself. Good thing we gave ourselves plenty of time in the airport because we needed all of that time to figure it out. I called the company that gave us our tickets and the first thing the gentleman said was that we would have to pay a change fee on top of the price for the new ticket. I was not happy with that so I inquir

Having a long travel day can be a little relaxing. Forcing one to not really do anything but sit. I started my day in Horsham, PA at 12:54 and boarded a train to Philadelphia. I was able to get a little snooze in before I had to change trains in center city to PHL. Once there I got off at the wrong stop so i had a little longer of a walk which is no problem for me considering I need the exercise, especially if Ill be sitting for most of the afternoon! I got on my first flight to ATL where I sit now. I was hoping to see some friends but some are busy, others are not around but thats ok, I was able to do some more walking in this gigantic airport and grab a delicious falafel wrap and smoothie for dinner. I also decided I need to do some more moving and have been neglecting my abs workout. So, I found a somewhat secluded spot in my gate and called up my workout buddy. We did some pushups and planks which got my heart pumping and felt great. It wasn't awkward until some woman sat r

Every year for Halloween, I stress over what Im going to be and what Im going to do. I think for months about what I can pull off, what I can put together and what unique costume I can come up with. I try to make plans to go to a party or gathering that will be the most fun. I think I stress out over Halloween more than any other holiday. Halloween must be perfect! Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love dressing up and being able to look like a goof without it being weird and most of the population joining me. Its fun to go out and see everyone trying to be someone else. Guessing costumes and making friends based on what they've dressed up as. Its so fun. The decorations and the festivities are so great! Its such an awesome holiday, the best holiday. This year I didn't think I would be doing much considering Im away from friends (minus my awesome co-workers!) and family but I still rummaged around for something I could put together in case something were to come up. I fou

I started off my day in a very new, very comfortable bed that was purchased at Ikea (My first time there! Ty and I handled ourselves very well.). Ty needed a bed for his new house and so we got the cheapest but we thought, most comfortable bed. Oh yes, and brand new pillows that were perfect for head/neck support. Ty and I ventured out to explore a little bit of DC. We got to see the Washington monument and some others from a distance. We didn't have a whole lot of time since my bus back to Philly was at 1:30. In fact this whole weekend wasn't so much for fun but to move the guy into his new place and buy a bed! (Although, side note, we did have dinner at this amazing vegan place, Fare Well. Delicious, delicious food!) Anyway, the weather was perfect, I didn't need a jacket and the sun was shining bright! We walked around a bit before realizing that we needed to get back to his place before I needed to catch my bus. Walking to the bus, we realized that it took a little

I left for Chicago on Friday morning and through train, plane and train again, I made it to downtown Chicago from Philly. I spent the afternoon walking around the city and remembering being there before. My parents and I walked through Millennium park and wishing we could do some rock climbing outside! Before the rehearsal, I had to make sure my mom was properly dressed, off to Ross to get her some jeans. And naturally, I got a dress for the rehearsal dinner... And some sunglasses... The rehearsal was very relaxed and nice. I was glad for the Bachelorette party because I was able to see some familiar faces. Dinner was at a delicious pizza place and on our way there in the taxi, we almost died. Multiple times. The taxi driver had some severe road rage and hated stopping for pedestrians. It was slightly terrifying. The pizza was good and the company was nice as well. A lot of wine was consumed and a lot of laughs exchanged. After dinner was a gathering for drinks in the hotel. I

Ive been horrible with posting to my blog and Id like to take a minute to apologize to myself for not keeping up with it and then the say a little sorry to people who actually follow my blog, and if you keep up with it then... go you! Just a little update on whats going on here and then Im hoping tomorrow Ill be able to write a blog about how awesome my cousins wedding was this past weekend! So, Im currently in Philly working where I was this Spring at College Settlements. I love my coworkers and I love where Im at. I feel comfortable and happy at work, now only if I was closer to the city for my social life... I have to brag about my dude who just started a new job in DC as the captain of an education vessel. He's adulting so hard and Im so proud. Makes me want to step up my game and start semi-adulting. I want to get a job there after this job is over for the fall. So, If you've got any leads... This summer/Fall have been a bit insane, in a good way.  I sp

Last night was a night to remember in the gym. My friend and I decided last week to commit to going to the Gorge over Labour Day weekend to do some climbing with some friends of mine down there. That in it self has motivated me to take my climbing to the next level which Ive been waiting for for years. Many of you know that Ive been climbing since before I can remember. Ive got an awesome pic of my dad holding me up to the rock as a tiny baby. In Devils Lake, I remember being a wee lass clambering up some of the shorter routes while my dad pulled me from the top. Many summer days were spent outside on the rock all the way up until college. Thats when my climbing had a pause. I didn't go as much and thought indoor climbing was laaaame. Then I started to find myself a climbing community and enjoyed my nights in the gym. Ive learned more in the past few years and have wanted to been wanting to advance my climbing for a few years but it hasn't been the "right" time.

I just got home from participating in Milwaukee's candlelight vigil for the victims of the Orlando shooting. It was such an emotional, beautiful, heartfelt event put on by the community. Many local sponsors were able to come together at such a short notice to put it together one being Children's Hospital of Wisconsin where my mother works. Milwaukee's Mayor, Tom Barrett gave a wonderful speech on gun control and spreading love, not hate. He received much applause. This event really affected me. As I was reading Facebook posts and watching YouTube news clips, I could not contain my sadness. Every time I remember and think about it, my heart fills with dread. I do not personally know anyone who was affected by this but it has made an impact on this nation. I first learned about what happened Sunday morning while I was participating in one of my family's favorite summertime activities, the Locust Street Beer run! I was dancing and singing, drinking beer in the street w

This past week of work was rough. We had four two day schools and a day school along with a weekend group. So I worked 6 long days this week. The work was always fun (who gets to play outside for their job?) but this kind of turnover and monotony of classes can get a bit tiring. While being one of the more exhausting weeks of work, I can honestly say that I never have a bad day, and even some of my "worst" days here have been my best days at those select few awful jobs Ive had in the past.  After a full day of hauling girl scouts in and out of boats yesterday (only one swimmer, who was ironically the only girl who tried so hard to not get wet, but laughed it off), I had two glasses of wine with my coworkers and then layer in my bed for a good hour, unable to move, before passing out shortly after 8pm. I didnt get out of bed until 7:15 this morning. It wasn't restful sleep because I kept dreaming about moving boats around and who would go in what boat... I woke up a bit

Wow, I haven't posted in awhile. Ive been busy and tired. Busy with my friend Jake visiting and binge watching Game of Thrones with my housemates/co-workers. So, I want to mention some highlights of my friend, Jakes Visit. We spent a lot of time in the city seeing all the touristy things like Independence Hall and the Liberty bell, Art museum and Reading Market. Jakes a great person to travel with cause we like to do a lot of the same things, he's so chill and we don't have to constantly be talking. Just walking down the street, exploring a neighborhood and looking at our surroundings is fun. It rained most of the time that he was here. There were a few days that we got lucky with just some overcast skies. One afternoon after work, we went for a bike ride. First we stopped for some "healthy" fast food/smoothies, then continued to bike to a local park. It turned out to be a perfect evening so we stopped at the playground for some swinging. Theres something so

Im trying really hard not to spend money on food as there is so much food here at camp. Its not horrible food but its definitely not the best. So, with me trying not to spend money on food, I haven't been eating the greatest. I don't know if its because of other reasons, but Ive been feeling like shit lately and Im attributing it to lack of nutrients. I dont know how people eat crap all the time and survive. It must be a skill. I was eating alright about two weeks ago but this last week it hasn't been very pretty. Ive been a scavenger and theres been a lot of bread and fake meat and here is how I feel: Im tired ALL the time. No matter how many naps I take or hours I sleep a night, Im always exhausted by mid-day and just want to lay around, sleep and do nothing. Ive also been starting to get weak headaches throughout the day. Or having sore muscles from doing minimal exercise. That also makes me just want to do nothing. My stomach is also crazy. It hurts if I eat som

This post is going to be word vomit that is dedicated to all the places Ive worked that know how its done. All those places that respect their workers and have a great working environment. If I want to start my own company, Im learning from the best! So, its amazing waking up in the morning and not dreading heading to work. I mean, nobody likes waking up in the morning, but Im always excited to see my coworkers and figure out what we are doing for the day. One factor of a good company, you like what you do and look forward to work. Today, I woke up to a phone call from a number I did not know so I let it go to voicemail. When I received the voicemail I listened right away and heard the dining hall supervisor asking for my help today as they were short-staffed. I rolled out of bed and got dressed right away. We all work together for a common cause and when they need my help, Ill be there to help! I got to the dining hall a little early hoping to grab some quick breakfast and tea, bu

I think there is something in all of us that makes us want to push our bodies to the limit, if only for a few seconds. To make our heart beat. To feel our muscles working and to sweat. To just GO. Today I woke up with the sun streaming through my windows so I joyfully got out of bed and jumped out the door. As I walked to the dining hall, I came close to a group a deer who were out for their morning snack. I ate my breakfast in the sun, reading a book and listening to the birds. Then I took care of feeding all the animals. Some computer time was necessary but soon I became agitated and the sunlight called me! I decided to do some exploring on my bike, alone so I could go where I wanted and as fast as I wanted. Same as before, I had such a rush as I peddled and felt the warm air on my skin. Once I got onto the trail, I peddled hard. I felt my heart start to beat, I was breathing hard and I smiled. I was going fast. I just felt like pushing, going as fast as I could go. Hearing the t