August 4 - August 10, 2010
First off: It's hurricane season. Translation: Rain, wind, wind and wind. I keep thinking someone is trying to break into my house because the wind is knocking something fierce!
Second: O'Anna's Trip. Translation: Fabulously amazing weekend!
O'Anna arrives Thursday and we just hang out and cook at home. She makes a mean biscuits and gravy. Money's tight, so we need to save for the big weekend! It was so nice to just sit and relax with a girlfriend and just talk about life, love and the pursuit of happiness.
Friday comes and guess what? She is the ONLY person to listen to me when I say do NOT stay in the sun longer than an hour! So proud of her! She did bring SPF 70 though. Hahaha! I know, I died laughing when she told me that! 70 proof?!?! She might as well have worn a sweatshirt and baseball hat to the beach. Too funny.
Friday night we head to South Beach (presently referred to as "SoBe" by the locals) for Miami Spice. Miami Spice is an event going on until the end of September in which expensive restaurants offer a $35 prix fixe menu and drink specials. Places that essentially you can't afford to go to on a regular basis, so it's kind of like a sympathy month for people who can't regularly enjoy a night out in Miami! ;) Just kidding. But it's a great deal!
We go to Fogo de Chao--it's a Brazilian steakhouse. Have you ever been to one of these before?? Oh my Lord, it's amazing! I think I've been to one before, but this one is hands down way better! For $35 per person we got the following: endless salad bar that is stocked with everything from exotic cheeses to veggies, salads to sashimi; then 10 different meats and choice of dessert.
At a Brazilian steakhouse, there are servers who walk around with slabs of meat on a tray and come to your table to shave off pieces for your enjoyment. You can eat as much as you want! We also got a bottle of wine...and it was red. I normally don't like red wine, but it was good! I have tons of pictures, but O'Anna hasn't downloaded them yet. So, when she does...I will share!
Friday night, we went out in South Beach on Ocean Drive. Had to show her this part of Florida. We end up at the Clevelander. Such a fun place! Oh my goodness! However, it was so hot outside, every single person was dripping with sweat. So gross. My hair was stuck to my back, sweat dripping down my leg and my face all nice and shiny. Oy, it was muggy! I suppose the dancing didn't help. We were on the dance floor when some obnoxious boys came up to dance with us. Why not?! Let's dance! They ask where we're from.
Me: "Iowa."
Them...in unison: "IOWA?!?"
Me: "Where are you from?"
Them: "Kentucky."
Me...with my traditional excuse me? look: "Kentucky? Like that's much better!" =)
Them: "Hahahaha, you're funny!"
Me: "What can I say? It's too easy!"
Then they mosh O'Anna and I in a circle, Night at the Roxbury style. Then O'Anna meets another guy, in which we stay and hang with him and his friend the rest of the night. I'm tellin' ya' what. I am a terrific wingman! Thank God I can talk to a wall because I was dying with this kid!
First, I get hit on by a gay man...go figure! Who tells me he dated a German model. I'm assuming he's referring to a rather thin, male model who likes to wear briefs and not boxers. Maybe thongs, I don't know. I didn't ask because I was too busy laughing to myself that once again, I get hit on by a homosexual.
Second, I get insulted by a man who is from Long Island (I know, right?) and can't even walk. I'm pretty sure I gave him my look as well. He asked me four different times where I was from. I was from Hell's Kitchen, Iowa, the Upper East Side and Bosnia. It was great!
Third, I end up speaking with O'Anna's new guy's friend. Well, I suppose you could say he stared, while I talked. What's really funny is we went out again on Saturday and my guy turned out to be the one who was a barrel of fun!
Speaking of Saturday--perfect day! Made breakfast then hit the beach! It was the perfect weather. We laid on the soft, white sand then moved into the water. The water was so shallow that we were out about 10-15 feet, still sitting on the ocean floor wading in the water. It was so beautiful. I could have sat there all day. Then we hit Bob's Pizza. It's pretty dang tasty!
Saturday night we hit Ft. Lauderdale. We go to a couple of bars: 1.) Dicey's and 2.) America's Backyard. From what I've heard, America's Backyard is a place where you can dance on the bar. Need I say more?! =) Just kidding. So, we get there and meet the guys from Friday. What do you think happens? O'Anna leaves me with them to go dance with men from Norway! Hahahahaha! Oh good grief! What do you do when your friend is macking on other dudes and her guy is staring at me for answers.
I don't know. So, I just start dancing. I kind of go around the circle that was starting to form around us so I didn't have to focus on one thing and face what was happening. I had fun! The pictures from that night are awesome! Can't wait to show them to you!
After Dicey's, we hit up America's Backyard. It was so cool! We walk in and I immediately hit the dance floor. It's what I love to do! I pretty much drag my "date" to dance with me. Getting a man to dance is like teaching a dog to meow! Doesn't happen. So, after him and I have been hanging out, talking, finally dancing, etc. I proceed to tell him that I will be his wingman. Really?! Really? Come on, Ashley.
Yup. I said, "You know, if you want to talk to other girl's, go ahead! I'll be your wingman!"
Him: "Uhhh..." blank stare on his face.
Me: "What? I'm just saying. If you want to talk to someone else, don't feel like you have to entertain me."
Yeah. Apparently it didn't hurt anything. We're still talking! So, they leave and we continue dancing. At this point of the night, my shirt is stuck to me because it's so hot outside. The bar is actually situated in an outside setting, so the heat and humidity, combined with loads of people is really warm! We got home around 4:00 a.m. So fun!
Sunday...not going to lie. I'm kind of glad it rained all day long. We didn't do a dang thing! Thank you, Jesus! We did go see "The Other Guys" later that night. The movie is hysterical! You have to go see it! Will Ferrell is so dang funny and Mark Walberg's dry sense of humor is a perfect match. Loved it!
Monday, she went home. Tear. It was so good to see her and I had such a great time! Last night, I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. working on my computer. I'm doing something special for my one-year blog! You guys are going to LOVE it! It's taking some time, so what I'm saying is I expect you to take the time on this day to read it! =)
Tuesday was a great day! Had some pretty great things happen today. Then I celebrated with a Brownie Batter Blizzard from DQ. =) Mmmm....
I'm going to be in bed by 11:00 p.m. today. That's my goal and I'm pretty adamant about sticking to it today.
Note to self: There is a place that you are to fill, that no one else can fill. Something only you are to do, that no one else can do.
What you are set to do in life, you will do. You will achieve what you truly want to achieve. Your hopes and dreams you set for yourself, will actually happen if you make it happen. Where you're suppose to end up, you will. Whoever you are to end up with, will come into your life when you least expect it.
When you fill your place in life, be proud of what you've become. Hard work, determination and drive sets you apart from those who are content with just being. Having a unique quality is hard to embrace sometimes. But when you do, you will sore! Everyone has a uniqueness and quirk to them. That's what makes people so interesting. Figure out your quirk, express it full-force and fill that place in life that was left for you to just be you.
Thanks grandma! ;)
I love sweets! Sweet treats, sweet deals and sweet ideas for decorating is what I enjoy the most. Check out my ideas for great parties with friends, sugary recipes and great deals I have found to create a fresh and fun home!
Showing posts with label Florida Ocean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida Ocean. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 251 - Day 259
May 11 - May 19, 2010
Yeah, yeah I know! I apologize for the delay in blogging! Brett and I had such a great week! Crazy busy, but fantastic! It was so nice to have family down here! Let me start from the beginning.
Tuesday: Brett arrives. I tell him that the front office will let him in, and where the building is located. He got lost. Of course! So, he starts walking and the people from the front office pull up to him on the golf cart and say, "Are you Brett?" He replies with yes. Apparently, someone from my complex called the front office, telling them there was a man roaming around! Hahahaha! I love it! It's nice that we have a neighborhood watch dog! After I got off work, it was nice not coming home to...just myself!
I took him to the Whale's Rib. Go figure, right? I know, but it's so good and it's so much fun! Then, we went to the ocean! I saw my first jellyfish and held my first coconut! I wanted to take the coconut home, but was a little grossed out by the sea moss, or whatever that was hanging off of it. So, I threw it back down. Then, we went to Target to go grocery shopping. That was basically the extent of our day! We were at the ocean for quite a while. Wouldn't you want to hang out at the ocean all day? If I could, trust me, I would! But then again, maybe not. I'm already looking like I belong to Oprah or someone, I'm so dark! I don't want leather skin!
Wednesday: I told Brett before he dropped me off at work, "Now, don't stay in the sun longer than an hour." Him: "Okay, okay I won't." Guess what? He stayed in the sun for about three hours! He picks me up and all I can focus on is the white outline on his face from his sunglasses. "I fell asleep." My response, "Clearly."
Brett: "Is it bad?"
Me: "Ummm.....yea, it's bad."
Brett: "Damn it!"
Me: "I told you! And you're meeting everyone from my work tonight!" Hehe! Big dummy!
That's what he gets for not listening to me! I tried to tell him, but I'm never right, apparently. Anyways, he loved Burger Night! I'm telling you, if anyone comes to Boca, they need to go! The food is amazing, and the service is always fantastic! And like I said, I took him to Chow, where he had the grossest drink ever! He didn't even like it!
Thursday: It's Luau Anniversary party time! I felt so bad for Brett that night! I didn't know I had to work the event all night long, so he had to sit there by himself for four hours! I felt horrible!! Solution: $2 beer. Needless to say, he entertained himself! ;) It was his first night trying sushi. I think he was impressed. There's another sushi place in Boca that I find absolutely amazing and the best I've ever tasted. I wish I could have taken him there for a better understanding of my love for raw seafood! =) Mmm...it's so good! I want to learn how to make it! I've already decided that when I do, I'm going to have "Sushi Sundays" at my house! Sunday Funday with Sushi and Saki!
After the luau, we got lost. Oh man, I was pissed! My GPS, aka Esther, needs to be thrown out the window! She is on my shit list, hard core! Instead of taking 45 minutes to get home, it takes us an hour and a half! By now, it's midnight. I'm tired, cranky, and still have work to do when I get home!
Friday: TGIF! We're goin' out! We grilled out and made fajitas! I do want to tell you that Brett and I make really great food together! Thanksgiving dinner: priceless. Fajitas: priceless. My homemade guacamole: priceless. You can't beat a home-cooked meal from the Toncar children! I took a picture of the deliciousness we consumed!
It's time to head to Atlantic Ave.! Oh man, we had fun! I danced. Brett stood there. We decided no one was going to talk to us, considering everyone thought we were a couple. So, we split up. After reconvening, we decided that was pretty much pointless. People here don't really branch out from their mini social groups. It's so strange. I'm all about meeting new people! I think I may be the only one who feels this way down here! Even Brett noticed. Mr. Intuitive and can pinpoint someone's personality just by having them say 'hi' to him! He's so smart and saavy this way! I think everyone's nice--it takes me a long time to realize someone's true personality and intent. I am getting better though! So, kudos to Brett, life experiences, and maturity!
Saturday: Oh Saturday, how fabulous you were! The morning started off with surfing! Awesome, right? Let me explain. The waves were between two and four feet tall. That doesn't sound like a lot, but when they're plowing into you, it sucks. I got my ass kicked! Oh buddy, did I get the crap kicked out of me! My swimming suit top kept falling off. My boobies kept coming out to say hello to everyone. I couldn't get my feet stabilized. Every time I came up from getting pulled under by a wave, another came and knocked me back down! I'm yelling, "This is ridiculous!" "Why in the hell can I not stand up?" "Come on, now! I'm getting pissed!"
Brett's just hanging out on his surf board, laughing at me. I'm standing there, when all of a sudden a wave comes and punches me in the stomach. I go coasting...no...flying to the shore. The wave hit me so hard, the velcro leg-piece came unattached! When I finally get on the surfboard, waves come and knock me off! Or instead of standing and surfing, the wave takes me all the way to shore, while I'm on my belly. It was insane! Then, we had to carry the surfboards back. They don't look heavy, but it was the longest walk I've ever taken! We didn't have normal surfboards--we had those ridiculously long, styrofoam boards for beginners. They are so heavy! Our arms were shaking by the time we got them back!
Next on the list: Snorkeling!!!!! It was so much fun! We were literally, in the middle of the ocean, swimming free! Before we left, they warned us of the massive waves...some people tend to get seasick. Nah, Brett and I are fine. We don't medicine. The boat takes off for the 45-minute ride out to sea! We go through what's called, "Millionaire's Row." I can't even explain to you these houses! We saw the house from Miami Vice, Taking Back Sunday (I think that's the name), and other movies. The founder of Sunglasses Hut; the grandchild of the man who invented Alkaseltzer; the guy who invented electric windows for cars! His story's cool! Him and Ford Motors were in a 30-year legal battle over his invention. Ford claimed he didn't come up with it, but he had the original patent to prove it. He got $3 for every single car that drove off the lot since the early 1900s! His house is for sale! It was on the market for $54 million, but he lowered it to $36 million. That was nice of him! We saw Tiger Woods' house pre-wife and beating. I can't remember the others right now, but they'll come to me!
Can I just say, I should have got the seasick medicine! I about had 17 heart attacks! The boat was rocking something fierce, I thought we were going to tip over! I can't even explain it to you! Everyone was like "Whew hew!" "Whooooaaa!" I was like, "Oh my God! Oh my God! I'm gonna die!" as I'm gripping the ladder with my life! We finally make it to our anchor point. Then we get our instructions on what to do, what not to do, etc.
I can't swim. Yeah, laugh it up! Very funny! My body just doesn't like to do it. I can doggy paddle with the best of them, but when it comes to actual swimming, you can forget about it. It's not happenin'! So, I tell them this because hi...we're in the middle of the ocean! I don't get the flippers because I'm not "experienced" enough. Screw that! What's the point of snorkeling if I can't have fins! Whatever! Brett jumps in and goes to town! He's diving under water, swimming everywhere. I'm still hanging on to the side of the boat, working up the courage to jump in!
1..2..3...go! Into the deep blue I fall! So exhilarating! You're literally in the middle of nowhere, where you have no idea what's under you, around you, behind you! You're just swimming, trusting that everything's going to be okay! Being a bit of a control freak, it was a little strange knowing this. I swore to myself that one of the times I stuck my face in the water, a shark would suddenly appear! Never happened, but it's such a rush knowing it could! I did get the guts to hold my breath and swim eight feet down to get a good look at the coral, fish, etc.! The ocean is the most amazing place on the planet! It was one of the best things I've ever done in my life! I will most definitely go back and do it again! Brett had a ball!! Well worth the money!!!!
Saturday night, I had to work, but we were so worn out from the day, that not going out to party was okay with us! We still went to a club, but kept it low key. Brett was sick because of all the salt water he consumed, and I was still sea sick. I did learn that seasickness comes from you inner ear. Apparently, your inner ear knows your body is off kilter when it's on the water. Your brain is telling your body, everything is fine, but your inner ear knows it's not. That's why people get sick! Our whole boat was so sick! It was really funny! On the ride home, no one talked to each other because we were all trying not to vomit!
On our way home from the club, we were hungry for pizza. We went to a hole-in-the-wall place where I had the best (besides my own) bbq chicken pizza! This place was so fantastic!!! It's called Boca's Best Pizza--and rightfully so! It's now my go-to pizza parlor! ;)
Sunday: We went to Miami!! Brett got his shopping fix at Lincoln Road shops. They have a Penguin store. Need I say more? Then, we go to the Marlins baseball game! We got the cheap tickets and sat in the outfield, but we had so much fun! Our section was so funny! They played the Mets and it was a great game! The final score was something like, 10-7. High scoring! My friend Maddie, who just got married...I saw her husband's twin at the game! I had to do a double-take! It was weird! I was thinking, "Brent! What are you doing here?!" Hehe!
We cooked again Sunday night. Oh yeah, we cooked Saturday night too! Steak, potatoes and sweet corn. Guess what they call their peaches-n-cream sweet corn? "Bi-colored corn!" Hahahahaha! What?!?!?! Bi-colored? That's discrimination! Sunday, I came up with a rather delicious sandwich! Cookbook to come at a later date! ;)
Monday: Brett's last day in town. =( We ate at an amazing Italian restaurant! Brett's favorite kind of food. Which another interesting fact about Brett I never knew...he doesn't produce tears. Strange! And his eyes aren't curved...they're more flat. What a weirdo! ;) Anyways, the food was amazing, and again, I found my go-to Italian joint! The service was excellent!!! After dinner, we went mini-golfing! This place is amazing! It's like the mini-golf places you in Orlando, or on tv! I love mini-golfing! We had so much fun! The lady told us we only had 30 minutes because they closed. Okay...whatever...just give me a golf ball, lady!
So, we just plow through the holes! Taking pictures, maybe breaking a bream, jumping in the waterfall, I don't know. I'm just tossing out scenarios! But yes...Brett did break a beam. I told him to jump over the gated off area to stand on the ledge for a picture. We got the photo, but when Brett went to hop back over, the beam gave out and he fell. I laughed so hard, I was crying! So, we get to the end and we see a group of four starting to play. Okay, wait a minute. We were told they closed at nine. Well, since they were playing...we're still going to play! So, we played the other course they had! Our mission: a hole in one. Did we get one?? I did! Brett didn't! Hehe!
As we're leaving, the inside of the game complex looks really dark. I ask, "Do you think they locked us out?"
Brett: "Nah, they can't."
Me: "Okay."
We walk towards the door.
Brett: "Yup. They locked us out."
So, we have to figure out an alternate route to leave. We hit the parking and Brett says, "Did we really just walk out with these putters?"
Me: "Shh...we're not to the car yet."
We put them in the trunk, and drive away. Hey, if they're going to lock us out, we have no where to put the putters! So, we're taking them with us. We're laughing about it, until we come up to a stop light.
Brett: "Is that a cop pulling up behind us?"
Me: "Uhh...yup. What do we do if he pulls us over?!?!"
Brett: "We just tell him that we're planning on returning the putters tomorrow." And he was dead serious when he said this. Really, Brett? Like he's going to believe that!
Me: "Do you think he saw us steal them?"
Brett: "There's no way. Unless he was hiding."
Me: "Oh my God! We're going to get arrested for theft!"
Brett: Laughing hysterically! "That would happen! We get arrested for theft of mini-golf putters!"
Brett: "Don't you think he would have pulled us over by now?"
Me: "Not necessarily!" Then the light turns red. We take off and the cop goes around us!
Me: "My heart is palpitating right now!"
Brett: "That would have been awful!"
Tuesday: Brett leaves. Such a sad day! I love hanging out with my brother! He's awesome! But now that it's official, and most probably know...I want to wish him the best of luck this summer in St. Louis! And a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS is in order! He got an internship at Rawlings, designing baseball gloves! How fantastic is that?! I told him he's going to learn so much and get to see so many wonderful things! St. Louis? Yeah, I know. I thought the same thing. He needs to buy a gun. =) But in all honesty, I am so proud of him and this is just what he needs. It's his first time away from home, so he'll have to grow up in a second. It's good for him! Good luck, Brett. I know you will be fantastic and show them how great of a person, worker, and student you are!
Wednesday: Work is great! I'm learning so much! I'm learning how I still have a lot to learn! I got to go to a television segment shoot this morning! So cool! It's for a professional, who I found out used to make $90,000 a month! Are you kidding me?!? Hell, knock off one of those zeros and I'll take that much a month!
He said to me, "If you can't learn how to fail, you'll never make it. If you don't know how to be broke, you'll never make money. I mean broke. Because then you understand how much fun it is to make money! There are very few people who are born rich. Everyone has been poor once in their life. It's those that learn how to deal with it, that make it. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Make it happen."
Okay, so I had this talk with my family just last night. I was crying because I'm broke and it sucks! I hate money! Absolutely hate it! It's the root of all evil and the biggest stressor of everyone's life. No matter how much of it you have. I know everyone goes through this, blah blah, but it's not okay with me. I can't live paycheck to paycheck. So, I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about making more. But I'm done talking about it because it literally pisses me off so bad, it ruins my day! Moving on!
I have quite a bit of work ahead of me still tonight, and I'm sure you're ready to be done reading this rather extensive blog. I tried to catch you up as much as I could. But in summary: Brett's trip was so much fun and much needed! Good luck in St. Louis and show them what a great asset you would be to their team! Love you!
Note to self: "You can never really get away. You can only take yourself somewhere else."
As much as I don't want to live in Iowa, I miss it. Crazy, right? And no one can truly understand it, unless they've moved away for a while. You can't beat Midwestern people. They are the most genuine and honest people you'll ever meet. If they like you, they'll take a bullet for you. If they hate you, you know it, and you better not cross them. Yes, every place has their bad apples, but even the bad apples in Iowa look good compared to some of the people I've met. I've always prided myself in not changing who I am--the naive girl from Iowa who loves life, meeting new people, and trying new things.
The girl who loves listening to country and dancing in the middle of the dance floor--even if it is by myself. The girl who will tell you like it is, whether you like it or not. The girl who can't wait to come home for the Iowa State Fair because I haven't missed one in 25 years! I love Florida, don't get me wrong, but no one can replace friends and family. I have the best friends anyone could ask for. They don't act like they're in high school, we have so much fun together, and we get each other. My family is unbeatable--everyone knows that! ;) No one can replace family!
Yeah, yeah I know! I apologize for the delay in blogging! Brett and I had such a great week! Crazy busy, but fantastic! It was so nice to have family down here! Let me start from the beginning.
Tuesday: Brett arrives. I tell him that the front office will let him in, and where the building is located. He got lost. Of course! So, he starts walking and the people from the front office pull up to him on the golf cart and say, "Are you Brett?" He replies with yes. Apparently, someone from my complex called the front office, telling them there was a man roaming around! Hahahaha! I love it! It's nice that we have a neighborhood watch dog! After I got off work, it was nice not coming home to...just myself!
I took him to the Whale's Rib. Go figure, right? I know, but it's so good and it's so much fun! Then, we went to the ocean! I saw my first jellyfish and held my first coconut! I wanted to take the coconut home, but was a little grossed out by the sea moss, or whatever that was hanging off of it. So, I threw it back down. Then, we went to Target to go grocery shopping. That was basically the extent of our day! We were at the ocean for quite a while. Wouldn't you want to hang out at the ocean all day? If I could, trust me, I would! But then again, maybe not. I'm already looking like I belong to Oprah or someone, I'm so dark! I don't want leather skin!
Wednesday: I told Brett before he dropped me off at work, "Now, don't stay in the sun longer than an hour." Him: "Okay, okay I won't." Guess what? He stayed in the sun for about three hours! He picks me up and all I can focus on is the white outline on his face from his sunglasses. "I fell asleep." My response, "Clearly."
Brett: "Is it bad?"
Me: "Ummm.....yea, it's bad."
Brett: "Damn it!"
Me: "I told you! And you're meeting everyone from my work tonight!" Hehe! Big dummy!
That's what he gets for not listening to me! I tried to tell him, but I'm never right, apparently. Anyways, he loved Burger Night! I'm telling you, if anyone comes to Boca, they need to go! The food is amazing, and the service is always fantastic! And like I said, I took him to Chow, where he had the grossest drink ever! He didn't even like it!
Thursday: It's Luau Anniversary party time! I felt so bad for Brett that night! I didn't know I had to work the event all night long, so he had to sit there by himself for four hours! I felt horrible!! Solution: $2 beer. Needless to say, he entertained himself! ;) It was his first night trying sushi. I think he was impressed. There's another sushi place in Boca that I find absolutely amazing and the best I've ever tasted. I wish I could have taken him there for a better understanding of my love for raw seafood! =) Mmm...it's so good! I want to learn how to make it! I've already decided that when I do, I'm going to have "Sushi Sundays" at my house! Sunday Funday with Sushi and Saki!
After the luau, we got lost. Oh man, I was pissed! My GPS, aka Esther, needs to be thrown out the window! She is on my shit list, hard core! Instead of taking 45 minutes to get home, it takes us an hour and a half! By now, it's midnight. I'm tired, cranky, and still have work to do when I get home!
Friday: TGIF! We're goin' out! We grilled out and made fajitas! I do want to tell you that Brett and I make really great food together! Thanksgiving dinner: priceless. Fajitas: priceless. My homemade guacamole: priceless. You can't beat a home-cooked meal from the Toncar children! I took a picture of the deliciousness we consumed!
It's time to head to Atlantic Ave.! Oh man, we had fun! I danced. Brett stood there. We decided no one was going to talk to us, considering everyone thought we were a couple. So, we split up. After reconvening, we decided that was pretty much pointless. People here don't really branch out from their mini social groups. It's so strange. I'm all about meeting new people! I think I may be the only one who feels this way down here! Even Brett noticed. Mr. Intuitive and can pinpoint someone's personality just by having them say 'hi' to him! He's so smart and saavy this way! I think everyone's nice--it takes me a long time to realize someone's true personality and intent. I am getting better though! So, kudos to Brett, life experiences, and maturity!
Saturday: Oh Saturday, how fabulous you were! The morning started off with surfing! Awesome, right? Let me explain. The waves were between two and four feet tall. That doesn't sound like a lot, but when they're plowing into you, it sucks. I got my ass kicked! Oh buddy, did I get the crap kicked out of me! My swimming suit top kept falling off. My boobies kept coming out to say hello to everyone. I couldn't get my feet stabilized. Every time I came up from getting pulled under by a wave, another came and knocked me back down! I'm yelling, "This is ridiculous!" "Why in the hell can I not stand up?" "Come on, now! I'm getting pissed!"
Brett's just hanging out on his surf board, laughing at me. I'm standing there, when all of a sudden a wave comes and punches me in the stomach. I go coasting...no...flying to the shore. The wave hit me so hard, the velcro leg-piece came unattached! When I finally get on the surfboard, waves come and knock me off! Or instead of standing and surfing, the wave takes me all the way to shore, while I'm on my belly. It was insane! Then, we had to carry the surfboards back. They don't look heavy, but it was the longest walk I've ever taken! We didn't have normal surfboards--we had those ridiculously long, styrofoam boards for beginners. They are so heavy! Our arms were shaking by the time we got them back!
Next on the list: Snorkeling!!!!! It was so much fun! We were literally, in the middle of the ocean, swimming free! Before we left, they warned us of the massive waves...some people tend to get seasick. Nah, Brett and I are fine. We don't medicine. The boat takes off for the 45-minute ride out to sea! We go through what's called, "Millionaire's Row." I can't even explain to you these houses! We saw the house from Miami Vice, Taking Back Sunday (I think that's the name), and other movies. The founder of Sunglasses Hut; the grandchild of the man who invented Alkaseltzer; the guy who invented electric windows for cars! His story's cool! Him and Ford Motors were in a 30-year legal battle over his invention. Ford claimed he didn't come up with it, but he had the original patent to prove it. He got $3 for every single car that drove off the lot since the early 1900s! His house is for sale! It was on the market for $54 million, but he lowered it to $36 million. That was nice of him! We saw Tiger Woods' house pre-wife and beating. I can't remember the others right now, but they'll come to me!
Can I just say, I should have got the seasick medicine! I about had 17 heart attacks! The boat was rocking something fierce, I thought we were going to tip over! I can't even explain it to you! Everyone was like "Whew hew!" "Whooooaaa!" I was like, "Oh my God! Oh my God! I'm gonna die!" as I'm gripping the ladder with my life! We finally make it to our anchor point. Then we get our instructions on what to do, what not to do, etc.
I can't swim. Yeah, laugh it up! Very funny! My body just doesn't like to do it. I can doggy paddle with the best of them, but when it comes to actual swimming, you can forget about it. It's not happenin'! So, I tell them this because hi...we're in the middle of the ocean! I don't get the flippers because I'm not "experienced" enough. Screw that! What's the point of snorkeling if I can't have fins! Whatever! Brett jumps in and goes to town! He's diving under water, swimming everywhere. I'm still hanging on to the side of the boat, working up the courage to jump in!
1..2..3...go! Into the deep blue I fall! So exhilarating! You're literally in the middle of nowhere, where you have no idea what's under you, around you, behind you! You're just swimming, trusting that everything's going to be okay! Being a bit of a control freak, it was a little strange knowing this. I swore to myself that one of the times I stuck my face in the water, a shark would suddenly appear! Never happened, but it's such a rush knowing it could! I did get the guts to hold my breath and swim eight feet down to get a good look at the coral, fish, etc.! The ocean is the most amazing place on the planet! It was one of the best things I've ever done in my life! I will most definitely go back and do it again! Brett had a ball!! Well worth the money!!!!
Saturday night, I had to work, but we were so worn out from the day, that not going out to party was okay with us! We still went to a club, but kept it low key. Brett was sick because of all the salt water he consumed, and I was still sea sick. I did learn that seasickness comes from you inner ear. Apparently, your inner ear knows your body is off kilter when it's on the water. Your brain is telling your body, everything is fine, but your inner ear knows it's not. That's why people get sick! Our whole boat was so sick! It was really funny! On the ride home, no one talked to each other because we were all trying not to vomit!
On our way home from the club, we were hungry for pizza. We went to a hole-in-the-wall place where I had the best (besides my own) bbq chicken pizza! This place was so fantastic!!! It's called Boca's Best Pizza--and rightfully so! It's now my go-to pizza parlor! ;)
Sunday: We went to Miami!! Brett got his shopping fix at Lincoln Road shops. They have a Penguin store. Need I say more? Then, we go to the Marlins baseball game! We got the cheap tickets and sat in the outfield, but we had so much fun! Our section was so funny! They played the Mets and it was a great game! The final score was something like, 10-7. High scoring! My friend Maddie, who just got married...I saw her husband's twin at the game! I had to do a double-take! It was weird! I was thinking, "Brent! What are you doing here?!" Hehe!
We cooked again Sunday night. Oh yeah, we cooked Saturday night too! Steak, potatoes and sweet corn. Guess what they call their peaches-n-cream sweet corn? "Bi-colored corn!" Hahahahaha! What?!?!?! Bi-colored? That's discrimination! Sunday, I came up with a rather delicious sandwich! Cookbook to come at a later date! ;)
Monday: Brett's last day in town. =( We ate at an amazing Italian restaurant! Brett's favorite kind of food. Which another interesting fact about Brett I never knew...he doesn't produce tears. Strange! And his eyes aren't curved...they're more flat. What a weirdo! ;) Anyways, the food was amazing, and again, I found my go-to Italian joint! The service was excellent!!! After dinner, we went mini-golfing! This place is amazing! It's like the mini-golf places you in Orlando, or on tv! I love mini-golfing! We had so much fun! The lady told us we only had 30 minutes because they closed. Okay...whatever...just give me a golf ball, lady!
So, we just plow through the holes! Taking pictures, maybe breaking a bream, jumping in the waterfall, I don't know. I'm just tossing out scenarios! But yes...Brett did break a beam. I told him to jump over the gated off area to stand on the ledge for a picture. We got the photo, but when Brett went to hop back over, the beam gave out and he fell. I laughed so hard, I was crying! So, we get to the end and we see a group of four starting to play. Okay, wait a minute. We were told they closed at nine. Well, since they were playing...we're still going to play! So, we played the other course they had! Our mission: a hole in one. Did we get one?? I did! Brett didn't! Hehe!
As we're leaving, the inside of the game complex looks really dark. I ask, "Do you think they locked us out?"
Brett: "Nah, they can't."
Me: "Okay."
We walk towards the door.
Brett: "Yup. They locked us out."
So, we have to figure out an alternate route to leave. We hit the parking and Brett says, "Did we really just walk out with these putters?"
Me: "Shh...we're not to the car yet."
We put them in the trunk, and drive away. Hey, if they're going to lock us out, we have no where to put the putters! So, we're taking them with us. We're laughing about it, until we come up to a stop light.
Brett: "Is that a cop pulling up behind us?"
Me: "Uhh...yup. What do we do if he pulls us over?!?!"
Brett: "We just tell him that we're planning on returning the putters tomorrow." And he was dead serious when he said this. Really, Brett? Like he's going to believe that!
Me: "Do you think he saw us steal them?"
Brett: "There's no way. Unless he was hiding."
Me: "Oh my God! We're going to get arrested for theft!"
Brett: Laughing hysterically! "That would happen! We get arrested for theft of mini-golf putters!"
Brett: "Don't you think he would have pulled us over by now?"
Me: "Not necessarily!" Then the light turns red. We take off and the cop goes around us!
Me: "My heart is palpitating right now!"
Brett: "That would have been awful!"
Tuesday: Brett leaves. Such a sad day! I love hanging out with my brother! He's awesome! But now that it's official, and most probably know...I want to wish him the best of luck this summer in St. Louis! And a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS is in order! He got an internship at Rawlings, designing baseball gloves! How fantastic is that?! I told him he's going to learn so much and get to see so many wonderful things! St. Louis? Yeah, I know. I thought the same thing. He needs to buy a gun. =) But in all honesty, I am so proud of him and this is just what he needs. It's his first time away from home, so he'll have to grow up in a second. It's good for him! Good luck, Brett. I know you will be fantastic and show them how great of a person, worker, and student you are!
Wednesday: Work is great! I'm learning so much! I'm learning how I still have a lot to learn! I got to go to a television segment shoot this morning! So cool! It's for a professional, who I found out used to make $90,000 a month! Are you kidding me?!? Hell, knock off one of those zeros and I'll take that much a month!
He said to me, "If you can't learn how to fail, you'll never make it. If you don't know how to be broke, you'll never make money. I mean broke. Because then you understand how much fun it is to make money! There are very few people who are born rich. Everyone has been poor once in their life. It's those that learn how to deal with it, that make it. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Make it happen."
Okay, so I had this talk with my family just last night. I was crying because I'm broke and it sucks! I hate money! Absolutely hate it! It's the root of all evil and the biggest stressor of everyone's life. No matter how much of it you have. I know everyone goes through this, blah blah, but it's not okay with me. I can't live paycheck to paycheck. So, I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about making more. But I'm done talking about it because it literally pisses me off so bad, it ruins my day! Moving on!
I have quite a bit of work ahead of me still tonight, and I'm sure you're ready to be done reading this rather extensive blog. I tried to catch you up as much as I could. But in summary: Brett's trip was so much fun and much needed! Good luck in St. Louis and show them what a great asset you would be to their team! Love you!
Note to self: "You can never really get away. You can only take yourself somewhere else."
As much as I don't want to live in Iowa, I miss it. Crazy, right? And no one can truly understand it, unless they've moved away for a while. You can't beat Midwestern people. They are the most genuine and honest people you'll ever meet. If they like you, they'll take a bullet for you. If they hate you, you know it, and you better not cross them. Yes, every place has their bad apples, but even the bad apples in Iowa look good compared to some of the people I've met. I've always prided myself in not changing who I am--the naive girl from Iowa who loves life, meeting new people, and trying new things.
The girl who loves listening to country and dancing in the middle of the dance floor--even if it is by myself. The girl who will tell you like it is, whether you like it or not. The girl who can't wait to come home for the Iowa State Fair because I haven't missed one in 25 years! I love Florida, don't get me wrong, but no one can replace friends and family. I have the best friends anyone could ask for. They don't act like they're in high school, we have so much fun together, and we get each other. My family is unbeatable--everyone knows that! ;) No one can replace family!