I'm in love...

...with Washington DC.

This past weekend I flew down to DC for my cousin's 40th birthday. Her husband had surprised her with a long weekend in DC and my brother and I thought it would be nice for me to surprise her and come down.

Getting down there was a nightmare! I got stuck in LaGuardia overnight because of rain and an unfriendly gate agent who wouldn't check to confirm that they were supposed to hold the flight for me. I spent the night in a hotel room across the street from the airport...loud and smelly and I got no sleep. Friday morning my flight from LaGuardia to Baltimore was delayed, but they put me on a flight to National, which worked out even better because its super close to where my brother lives. My original flight to Baltimore was eventually cancelled.

I spent Friday morning down by the Capitol and at the Museum of the American Indian. Really made me miss my work in Mexico. Jay and I had Ethiopian food for lunch...yummmm! I met up with Jill and Larry after lunch and walked around the mall for a while. Dinner was at an amazing Asian resturant in the city.

Saturday Jay and I went to the gym. Yes, I go to the gym on vacation if at all possible...I brought my spinning shoes and everything. We met up with Jill and Larry in lunch in Georgetown and then walked around for a while. What a beautiful part of the city. We all had dinner together and then went to a movie. After the movie, Jay and I went back into Georgetown for a drink and to talk. I really enjoy being with my brother, he's one of the most amazing people I know.

Sunday morning we drove around a little bit to look at places where he may want to buy a townhome or condo and then he drove me to the airport. Flights back were fine. I was absolutely exhausted when I got home and really just crashed until bedtime. Which means I have to unpack tonight. :(

It was a fantastic weekend and I got to see some of the most important people in my life for a happy occasion in a beautiful city. What else could a girl want?!

Bad Facebook Status

"Wife broken. Need replacement" when that wife is your cousin and the status was added by her husband. It turns out that she fell on Friday and broke her foot. She's now in a cast for 6 weeks! The poor thing! I guess its good that she doesn't live up here where it is freezing and walking with crutches could be even more dangerous and that she didn't do this in the heat of the Florida summer. Hey, my family (both sides) is not the most graceful...I am proof of that one!

Good vibes to Jules today as she goes for a PET scan...hoping and pray for a N.E.D. result! Love ya girl!!!

Happy Monday!!!

A dog, a memory and a birthday

So I found out on Tuesday that Lupe's hearing loss is permanent and most likely a result of her age and not the recent ear infection...which has cleared up. It was really hard to get the confirmation. I remember when I found out about her eyes completely losing it and the vets telling me not to be too concerned because dogs use their hearing more than their sight. Okay, so now what? Its going to be a period of adjusting to using hand signals and trying to remember I can't call her name anymore to get her attention. There will probably be no more head cocks like she used to do when she would hear her name or a funny noise. But she is still my Lupe and I love her to pieces.

Yesterday was the 16th anniversary of my Nana's passing. Its a little bittersweet this year now that we have just lost Poppi. I can only hope that they are together again and catching up on the years that they have been apart. I think of how much has changed in 16 years and I'm saddened by all that she has missed...weddings, grandkids, great grandkids, graduations, World Series victories by the Red Sox. Nana was a HUGE Sox fan!

Today is my cousin Michael's 15th birthday...I can't believe that little newborn I held in my arms 15 years ago is now a wonderful, caring and sweet teenager. He's such a great person. I remember my uncle telling me that I was going to be his godmother and being so shocked and touched that they would want me. Just 1 more year until he can drive...yikes!!!

Prayers and Hugs Being Sent

I just found out that an old and dear friend has breast cancer. Well, she's not old in the sense of age, but in the fact that we have known each other since we were 11. I am truly saddened by this and have been crying since I found out a couple of hours ago. Looks like they may have caught it early which is very positive. I'm scared for her and what she may have to go through. Thankfully my wonderful cousin who has been through this is in touch with her to give her advice and support. My heart is breaking right now.

Please know that my thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you now and always!!! Distance doesn't matter, I'm here for you no matter what! I love you tons girl!!!

A day late...

Happy 39th Birthday Jill! I can't believe I talked about the weekend getaway in celebration of Jill's birthday but forgot to actually write happy birthday to her on her actual birthday.

True sign that I need more vacation!!! Lol...

Happy 4th Birthdays!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Brianna and Alex!!! I'm a day late on posting this, but I wanted to make sure it got up on my blog! Its so strange that my BF and cousin had their son and daughter on the exact same day!!! I was able to go to Alex's birthday party on Saturday which was fantastic!!! Good friends, low key and a very happy birthday boy! I hope to get up to NH to see Brianna (and the rest of the clan of course) sometime REAL soon!

Hope you guys had a very happy day!!!

Vacation for me!!!

I just booked my flights to go to visit my cousin (and her family) and aunt in Florida from December 11 - 15! I am SO excited! I haven't take a vacation by myself in a long time...well, if you count visiting cousin and her family in NH for a long weekend a vacation, then that would be July...

I found a wicked cheap airfare and I just had to do it...now I just have to focus until then...good luck with that!!! :)

Good news, finally!

I found out yesterday that my darling cousin has been told that she is done with her treatment for breast cancer! I am completely elated that she is done and gotten through the last year and few months! She can now focus on being a mom, wife and herself again and is no longer a "cancer patient"...WOW!

Could this be the beginning of a spell of good news?! *Crosses fingers*