Long Past Due

Wow!  No posts since September 29!  Life has been kinda insane.  Work, stuff after work, working out, starting to get things ready to move........Selling my stuff online is like a second fulltime job.  Exhausting.

So, let's see, what has happened since September?

Let's do bullet points!

• Vito passed away on October 1.  It was horribly sad, and I almost hyperventilated I was so upset.  He was the sweetest, most giving and happy dog I have ever known.  It was pretty devastating for us.  He died in Kurt's arms, and we had him cremated so we could bury his ashes.  I am not going to rehash the events of that day, because I still really miss him.  Certain songs remind me or him, specific things in the house.  I think Gretel really misses him too, however, I think she is slowly getting better with it.
• On October 2, we adopted Midas Ezekiel.  He is from Port Huron and a total doll.  He will be 13 weeks on Monday.  He was 3.8 lbs when we got him, and he is already up to 9.2 lbs!  he had been to the vet twice for vaccines.  He loves Gretel and harasses her quite a bit.  They are becoming friends though.  Oscar is pretty indifferent about Midas, and the cats don't really like him but tolerate him.  He is either sleeping and an angel, or crazy and running around like a maniac.  But, he is super smart (can already sit and shake and is working on stay and lay down).  He has been to work with us almost every single day since he got him.  Some of Midas' favorite things are: toys, food, chasing Gretel, space heaters, cuddling, and sweaters.  He likes to be warm, a lot.  He brought Kurt and I a lot of happiness during a really sad time, and we love him to pieces.  Pic below is of Midas and I the first day we got him.  We made a stop at Petsmart before heading home.

• Went to Manistee to visit my Mom another weekend.  I made it a long weekend and left Friday morning, came home Monday night.  It was a really nice, relaxing weekend.  Also got to see my sister and Nick (nephew) on Friday, and my cousin Carolyn and Aunt Luann on Saturday.  Sunday, I went and visited my friend Heidi and her girls in Bear Lake.  Did some shopping and got some runs in and overall had a fabulous weekend.  The day after I got home, it snowed in Manistee, so I was happy I got out of there in time!  Snow is not good.

• Kurt and I went to a day Tigers playoff game.  It was a blast.  They lost, but we had a really nice time skipping work.  The weather was awesome.  We were sad the Tigers eventually lost and did not get to the World Series, but were happy we got to go to a playoff game.  can you find us in the pic below?

• One of my fav parties of the year occurred during Halloween, the Ron Bruce Halloween party.  Kurt and I were board games this year, I was Twister and Kurt was a dart board.  We had a blast at the party and I may have drank a little bit too much.  We also went to another party the next weekend that friends of mine have every year at a hall.  Had a blast there too.  There was a DJ and food and prizes and it was a blast.

• Angie and I modeled at a charity event for breast cancer research in Southgate, MI.  We modeled CABI clothing, which is one of my fav clothing lines.  It was a fun night, we each wore like 6 outfits, and we each won contests in the raffle as well!  I won an amazing Stella and Dot necklace, and Angie won two spa treatments.  Super awesome.  Here is one of the outfits I modeled.

• Angie and I also went to another fundraiser in LaSalle for an awesome agency called CASA.  

CASA of Monroe County is to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the family court. Through the use of court-appointed, community volunteers, CASA seeks to assure safe, permanent families for these children as quickly as possible.

We had a table full of friends there, and had a great time.  Angie and I both won plants, I took mine into the office and it is beautiful.   Pic below is of the girls from our table, some of my fav people.  This is a great organization and I was happy to go to this event.  Got to see some great fashions (fashion show) and see some great people.

• I have been doing things on the weekend to avoid Kurt watching football.  I had my first facial in years at Daybreak Salon last weekend, and it was awesome.  I may start doing those every so often since I do not usually do masks and stuff like that at home.  It was very relaxing as well.
• Kurt has had this nonstop sinus infection, I wish he would get better!  :(.  The weather has been pretty cold, and I have had to start wearing coats, scarves and boots.  Which are the ONLY three things I like about cold weather.  Ugh.  I truly cannot wait for nice weather every single day in Costa Rica.  I think the older I get, the more I hate the cold.
• My friend Mel had a Premier Designs jewelry party last night at her house.  I had a really nice time and of course, bought some jewelry.  It should get here soon.  :).  Just what I need, more jewelry.  It was really nice to see some friends I had not seen in a while.  
• Well, that's about it.  Not much to blog about considering I have not blogged in so long, but wanted to update.  Countdown to the move is on! :)

Perfect Vision

• Had a recheck appointment at the eye doctor.  My vision is 20/20 in both eyes!  Yay.  So glad I took the plunge and got the eye surgery.  I was nervous for years about it, and am so glad I did it now.

• Had dinner on Thursday at Fish Bones in Greektown to celebrate my BFF from law school and her husband moving back to MI!  Welcome home Julia.  Also got to see Julie, Jessica and Nancy. Food was awesome, company was better.

• Vito got sick again this week.  He was really lethargic and would not even eat a treat (which for Vito is unheard of) so Kurt took him back in to the specialist.  His blood sugar count was 7 times what it should be.  So, they had to keep him overnight to do more tests and try to regulate his sugar count.  Anyway, long story short, he was there three nights.  Ends up he now has diabetes and pneumonia.  He finally got to come home Saturday afternoon.  He had meds for the pneumonia.  He also has insulin shots for the diabetes.  We have to give him nightly shots of insulin.  We also have to for the pneumonia 4 times per day steam up the bathroom and take him in there for 10 minutes.  Most high maintenance dog ever.  Poor little guy.  We were really glad to have him home again, the house was pretty quiet without him and I think little Gretel missed her bestest friend.  

• had dinner on Saturday night with Ron, Erika, Ashleigh and John at Dolce.  Awesome time, even though it took forEVER to get our sushi.  It was crazy, almost 2 hours to get our food.  it was homecoming in Monroe, so I am guessing that had something to do with it.

• Went today and had a mani/pedi and went to the mall since Kurt was watching football and I like to avoid him on Sundays.  Got some amazing deals at the mall, two tanks on clearance at Express and at Macy's a dress, pair of leggings and two sweaters for winter.  I have been avoiding winter clothes since I will not need them in Costa Rica, but I needed some cardigans to wear over things, got white and black.  Those wear out so quickly since I wear them so much and I did not have any for winter.

Weekend Fun

Watching the bridal party come down the aisle.

Thursday night, my friend Jill and I hosted a party at the Monroe Country Club (she is a member and got us the hook up to use the facilities, thanks Jill!).  We had a CABI clothing and Premier Designs jewelry party.  It was a huge success.  Not sure how many people we had in and out, but I would guess around 25 or so.  Anyway, Jill and I each got $130 in free jewelry, a free scarf, as well as 6 half off CABI items and $30 in free CABI stuff.  I got some amazing jewelry already (and gifted my free scarf to Angie since I don't do scarves).  The CABI stuff I ordered today and cant wait to receive.  I got all stuff that can be worn now and in Costa Rica.  Jill and I had desserts available for everyone as well as wine and beer.  Anyway, it was a great time.

Me and Carolyn, the bday girl.

Friday, I got to attend the wedding of my "cousin", Susan.  "cousin" meaning my Mom's best friend's daughter who my sister and I grew up with.  Susan got married to her fiance, Mark, in Howell.  Kurt and I left work early on Friday, so I had a chance to work out and head to Farmington Hills so I could ride to the event with my family.  Got there and got ready, then headed to the wedding.  The facility was beautiful and the wedding was really nice.  It was really nice to see a lot of people, and I got to catch up with some people I have not seen in a really long time, as well as do some dancing and eat some great food.  Got home super late.

Me and My Momma.

Saturday, I went to Farmington Hills again for a family party.  My cousin Carolyn turned 17 so my Aunt had a late party. I got her some bath stuff from ULTA, and it was a fun afternoon of outside games and hanging out watching baseball and football.



Today, I slept in, then went running outside.  Headed into town to Carson's as I had a great coupon to use.  ended up getting some amazing deals.  I got a Nautica bathing suit coverup marked down from $71 originally to $14.  Also got three workout tanks and a pair of work out shorts super cheap.  I had a coupon for 25% off anything in the store and used it on all items.  Headed to Kroger next to pick up groceries for the week then did a bunch of stuff around the house.  Headed out with my camera to the yard to take some fall pics.  it was really peaceful walking around by myself taking random pictures. See pics here

Not happy it's the end of the weekend.

Skydiving Experience

Watching the video, pre-jump

Our office was at lunch a few weeks back and someone brought up skydiving.  Several at the table expressed an interest in going, so I called and set up a date and time for two weeks later.  I figured, if we did not set it up, it would never happen, and if it was too far off, people would chicken out and not go.  So, it was scheduled at Skydive Tecumseh for a Sunday in September.

It ended up being myself, Lauren from the office and Jennifer (Kory's girlfriend).  We were scheduled to show up at 1145 to start our journey.  Got a call that morning from the business asking us to get there as early as possible because of weather issues.  We all ended up showing at around 1130.  Signed in and signed all required paperwork, then were sent to watch a short video that was required.  After that, we were sent outside to wait for our names to be called to be fitted for harnesses, goggles, and meet our tandem jumper and cameraman.  Were called right away, and fitted, and met the guys jumping with us.  Then, the weather started to be overcast and they told us we had to wait for it to clear.  After about 30 minutes, we started walking towards the plane!  Eek!

Me and Phil, walking to the plane to board

There were three others on the plane jumping with us, but that meant there were like 17 people on the plane as well as the pilot and co-pilot.  Pretty crammed.  No seatbelts required.  We all sat on benches and we were already connected to our tandem jumper at this point.  Took about 20 minutes to climb to 14000 feet.  Once there, everyone started jumping out pretty quickly.  I think everyone was out of the plane in less than one minute total.

Free Fall Fun

The free fall was insanely weird.  I was almost breathless during it, you fall so quickly.  But, I was not dizzy and my stomach did not drop at all.  It was the strangest, most cool feeling.  Once we tumbled out of the plane, we leveled out and the video guy took a bunch of pics.  I was a little nervous during the free fall, I think just because it was so different than anything I have ever experienced.  then, the parachute was pulled, and that was the one time during the jump that my stomach jumped a little bit.  Right after that though, we were slowly floating towards the Earth.  It was amazing looking around, seeing everyone else's parachutes, seeing all the sites on the ground.  The person I jumped with asked how I was and then asked if I wanted to guide the parachute.  I said OK.  So, he handed me the handles and then told me what to do with them.  We went right, left, up, down.  It was awesome.  Just before landing, I had to put my legs straight out in front of me and he landed for us.  Anyway, the landing was what I was most nervous about, and it was simple.

After we all landed safely and happily, we waited about an hour for our pictures and videos.  We all got signed sheets that showed we skydived, which I plan on hanging on my office wall.  I bought a t-shirt to remember the experience and we watched some other jumpers land.

Lauren, me and Jennifer, post jump with certs

It was an incredible experience.  I would totally do it again, and such an adrenaline rush.  I was not an adrenaline high for the rest of the day and part of the next day.  Who needs drugs when you can skydive?  :).  Totally high on life.

My video is in the post below, and pics can be seen on facebook here.

If this is something you have ever thought about doing, DO IT.  and if if you are in MI in the metro Detroit area, do it at Skydive Tecumseh.  The staff was awesome and the experience was the best.

Skydiving at Tecumseh Skydive 9/15

Skydiving and SCUBA

Not at the same time, of course.

My new ModCloth pug shirt.  Love

At a firm lunch outing, we decided we are going skydiving.  Well, not all of us, but some of us.  Lauren and I are going for sure and have already paid our deposit and signed up.  Kory's girlfriend Jennifer is going, and I think she will talk kory into going.  Kurt and Megan for sure are not going, LOL.  My friend Stacy is going as well, and I think some others may sign up.  I think it would be super kewl to have a group.  We are going at Tecumseh Skydive, which is the most respected place around here.

Then, last week, I went for a quick appointment at a local place that does SCUBA training and certifying.  I think I am going to sign up soon for that as well.  And Kory may join me as he has been wanting to take the training.

Sunday, I went to the Lions game with my Dad.  :).  we had amazing seats, 50 yard line, row 6.  We had an awesome time.  Lions won, and the crowd was so pumped.  Loved it.  Hope to go to some more games as well.  Looking for tickets to the bears game now.  while there, I made some ticket connections, so hopefully I can buy direct and avoid the Stubhub middle man for future games.  I was very excited to wear my Lions personalized jersey as well which says Haskell 17.

Dad and I, Lions Opening day.

We had a composite picture taken last summer with the Monroe County Bar association.  Our pic was just put up on the wall!  Here it is!  Super kewl.

 First Downriver Bar meeting was this month as well.  The location switched to Niko's, and it was very nice.  got my pic taken with one of my fav District Court Judges.

Not much else going on, busy with work, and trying to be outside as much as possible as the weather starts to cool.  Not looking forward to winter one bit.  Ugh.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Had a nice weekend NOT working.

I have worked out a ton this weekend and am feeling it now.  Friday night, I biked 15.5 miles at the park.  Saturday, Kurt and I biked 18 miles.  Sunday, I ran 5 miles in the morning, then this morning, I ran another 5!  The weather has been perfect for working out.  I love working out when temps are in the low/mid 70s, which it has been in the mornings here.  And, I just like being outside in general, so it makes it less of a workout and more fun.  I am def feeling those workouts tonight though.  Sore.

Other fun things from this weekend:

• Deck party at Jessica and Eric's!  Got to talk to and see lots of friends and the party was only 4 miles from my house!  I proved to myself that I can still do gymnastics, when Meghan and Marisa did not believe I could do cartwheels and front handsprings.  can still do them, but boy, they make me dizzy now.  Getting old sucks, LOL.  jessica is so sweet too, she made "haskell pasta" with no meat, just for us.  :).  It was amazing too.
• Shopping with Auntie!  We went to the Howell Outlet Mall as she realllllly needed new work clothes.  She has worked from home for the past 2 years and has not had any dress code to follow, but just started in an office atmosphere again.  She really stocked up at Dress Barn and Christopher and Baird's.  I mostly helped her, but I ended up finding a dress for my cousin Susan's upcoming wedding, as well as a summer dress at The Loft, a skirt at Dress Barn, and another skirt at White House Black Market.  Super yay.
• Dinner with Cassie and Ken at J Alexander's.  Have not seen them in forever, and it was awesome to catch up and have an amazing meal.  forgot how much I like that place.
• And, after that dinner, came home to LUCIE!  After being gone 63 days, she came home!  We pulled into the driveway and noticed a cat sitting on our porch (which is pretty common since I feed the strays).  Anyway, Kurt says "I think that is Lucie".  We stop the car and he jumps out, and the cat starts running towards the wood.  Kurt stops and starts calling her.  She stops, turns and starts walking towards Kurt, slowly.  Finally, she got close enough for him to pick her up.  I got out then and ran to get some food.  She devoured three cans.  She looked skinnier than when we last saw her, but not too skinny.  She also had a pretty nasty scratch above her eye, but she was purring and seemed happy to see us.  We brought her inside and she has been upstairs sleeping since (and eating).  So glad she is home, we are still kinda shocked by it.

My nephew, nick, starts Kindergarten tomorrow, which is crazy to me!  He is going to a private Catholic School near where my sister lives.  I wish I could be there to take pics!  He has to wear a little uniform, I am sure it will be insanely cute.

I have decided that I want to learn how to scuba dive and become open water certified before we move, so I have an appointment this week to talk to someone at a place near the office.  Need something to do now that football season is starting and my husband will disappear.  :).

Hope everyone had an amazing holiday weekend.  Happy Labor Day!

Celebration

Had an amazing time today at the Tigers game with the office.  Tigers were down pretty much the entire game, and then Torii Hunter hit a walk off home run to win the game!  It was incredible!  The weather was super hot, and I got a lot of sun, I actually think I look a little bit tan!  We came home and went on an outside bike ride too, so even more sun.  I love having a little bit of color (don't worry, I wear sunscreen).

Looking forward to a non-work filled holiday weekend.  Usually, Kurt and I go out of town for this holiday, but since we travelled quite a bit in August and July, we are staying home for this one.  We have some plans with friends and may do another Tigers game, but other than that, just going to chill at home.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Haskell Law Firm Girls at the Game

Deja Vu?

So, flying back from Costa Rica earlier this month, we had the strangest thing happen to us.  Total, terrifying, deja vu.

We had flown from San Jose to Ft Lauderdale, and were waiting for our next flight to Detroit.  We were there pretty early, eating dinner we had bought.  We were sitting right next to the gate and the flight before ours to Port of Spain was leaving through Caribbean Airlines, which I had never heard of before.

While sitting there, I suddenly found myself listening to an eerie conversation.  I heard a flight attendant talking to a man who did not have a valid passport.  His passport had expired in MARCH, and he had not renewed it yet.  Which means, you do not get on a plane.  Right?  I knew better.  Kurt started videoing the incident as the last time he witnessed this, nobody believed him and thought it was ludicrous to suggest that anyone would get on an international flight without a passport. How did this guy even get through security to begin with?

We heard the flight attendant tell him she would have to call a supervisor.  She did, and after some talk, the supervisor apparently thought it was fine to let him on and they proceeded to get on the plane.  Wow, it's easier to board a flight without a passport than to take an extra bag on your flight!  LOL.

While we were videoing, some passengers from the flight came over and asked what we were doing and told Kurt videoing was illegal (which it is not).  I have no idea who these guys were or why they cared. It was very odd.  We told them we would not stop and why.

Anyway, normally, I would report this.  But, I learned from my past experience that the government does not care about this and generally knows about it.  I think it's amusing though because I know I would be read the riot act if I tried to go through an airport without proper ID, but others seem to have no problem at all.

So now twice I have seen this myself.  I have no doubt this happens all the time, regardless of those who insist it never does.  Be careful flying everyone.  Be aware.  Your government does not have your best interests at heart, knows this goes on, and encourages it in some instances, like our Underwear Bomber flight.

This incident terrified me.  I was having flashbacks to our flight and my plane being on fire.  After Kurt stopped videoing, I heard the person running the desk say to someone else "I dont know why that guy was videoing me.  What was the point?'

Sigh.

Weekend

Had a great weekend, with NO working (as I posted about previously).

Me and a toucan at La Paz.

Kurt and I had great workouts this weekend.  Outside part was running a 5K on Friday, Biking 17.5 miles on Saturday and running 4.75 miles on Sunday.  I also worked out on Friday and Sunday in the basement doing biking, abs and pushups and some light weights, while watching Dawson Creek on Netflix.



Saturday, I went to the mall as macy's was having a 25% off the entire store sale.  I ended up finding some great deals.  Got myself an uber cute dress in the Junior's section on clearance, which ended up being $11 with all my markdowns, and got another really cute one for $20 in the misses section.  Got Kurt two pair of shorts super cheap and a Kenneth Cole t-shirt.  All for under $100!  I love sales.  Regular price the stuff would have been like $300.  Came home and got ready for dinner at Dolce Vita with Angie, Scott, Ron and Erika.  Wore one of the dresses.  :).  Dinner was uber fun, even if I cheated some on my diet.  I had the crab cake salad I love.  I guess the cheating was the bread from the baskets on the table.  Oh well.  Gotta have bread once in a while, right?

BeBop dress and Seychelles Sandals.

Today we were so lazy.  I accomplished almost nothing besides changing over the laundry once, working out and grocery shopping.  I think the guy in the seafood section at Kroger's is starting to think I am weird, as I stock up on ahi tuna every single time I am there.  Today I was like "I will take all the ahi tuna you have".  I eat it almost nightly (that or salmon) so I like to have a lot on hand since I make it for Kurt sometimes too.  It was also on sale, so I was running with the deal!  :).

Spider monkeys at La Paz.

Update

Bad at blogging these days, so I am going to try to do a quick update, with bullet points!  :)

• Learning Spanish.  I know that it will take living in Costa Rica to get really good, but I at least want to have a good base before I go, knowing a lot of phrases and words.  So, I bought Rosetta Stone for Kurt and I, and have been trying to do the program at least once a day, even if only for 10 minutes.  I am learning a lot and really like the program thus far. I also got a great deal on the set.
• Went to the Tigers game twice in the past week, which was super fun.  First time, we were invited by a friend who has season tickets.  We went with Gary and Tammy to the game last Saturday, and Miggy hit a walk off home run, which was awesome.  Great game.   Then, this past Thursday we went with the office to the game in the afternoon.  Had amazing seats, Kurt caught a foul ball, and we were on the big screen twice!  Cray!
• Work has been insanely busy.  I feel like I never have enough hours in the day.  For example, today, I had court all morning, got back to the office around noon, scarfed down a Lean Cuisine, filed like 12 bankruptcies, then returned some phone calls, and before I knew it, it was the end of the day.  Exhausted.
• Had dinner with my family to celebrate my bday (reallllly late) two Saturdays ago.  I got to pick the place, so we went to Sizzling Sticks in Northville, which is a fav of mine.  It was super yummy, and I got some great gifts!  My grama got me a gorgeous crystal necklace, and my aunt got my a towel that says my fav phrase, PURA VIDA, pug flip flops and some bath and body works stuff that smells amazing.
• I have been getting outside a TON to work out.  Running, biking, etc.  Am loving it and the weather in MI right now.  We are logging a lot of miles at Sterling State Park, which makes me happy.  Some days we bike and run, and what a great workout.  
• I have figured out that the real thing to keeping my weight at what I want it is NOT the working out, but the eating right.  I know working out is part of it and part of keeping my body toned in the way I want, but the weight part of it is def food.  I have been doing amazing this week keeping my calories in check and I can really tell with the way I feel.  I just need to avoid eating out.  That is my downfall for sure.
• I found a new massage place in Southgate, MI, I really like called Kneaded Relief.  They are low priced and awesome.  Yay.
• I am looking forward to dinner out with friends this weekend, working out with Kurt, getting some errands done around the house and relaxing.  We have worked the past two Saturdays, and I am looking forward to NOT working a weekend.  Super yay.

Costa Rica--Business Trip?

Who takes business trips to Costa Rica?  Us!  Not related to the law firm, but related to our moving there.



Kurt & I want to become permanent residents of the country for various reasons.  Mostly, because of the benefits we can get from that.  Becoming residents is not easy on your own, so we hired a lawyer to help us.  We had a lawyer who helped us with our house transaction, so we ended up using another lawyer at the same firm for the residency stuff as well.  We had a huge list of things we had to get ready before taking a trip to the country, and then we had to apply in person as there was a couple steps that had to be done in the country.  Thus, the business trip.



**Kurt in lawyers office

We were supposed to go from 08/2-08/8.  However, Spirit Airlines stopped that from happening and we ended up leaving early on the third instead.  We were upgraded to their front row big chair seating, which was amazing.  Bigger seats, first off the plane, gotta love it.  I really do not like Spirit, but for the dates we were going, the fare was like half.  So, Kurt made me do it.  They really are a sub-par airline though.  We flew through Ft Lauderdale, which is a Spirit hub.  The Ft Lauderdale airport is one of the worst airports, IMO.  NO food selection (all disgusting horrible for you food, no sit down places), and for whatever reason, screaming kids everywhere.  Ugh.



**Fingerprints at police school.

Anyway.  Got into Costa Rica and were picked up by Fox Rent A Car and taken to their location to get our SUV.  It was not ready when we got there, so we headed for lunch at a place called Don Mateo, which the rental car place recommended.  Had a yummy lunch, went back and waited some more, and finally got the car.  The wait was somewhat annoying and I am not sure we will use Fox again.  None of the other places we have used in CR has there been a wait.  We then were on our way to Jaco for the night. Got there, and I had rented a room at Morgan's Cove.  Drove there, and realized we were at the wrong Morgan's, and there were two.  I thought I had booked at the Resort and casino and I had actually booked at a place in the middle of town.  Whoopsie.  Anyway, got there, checked in, and the place was a little sketchy.  The room's AC was great, that is about the only positive thing I can say about the room, LOL.  We decided to go into town and drive around, and stopped in a couple stores to check out prices on different things like electronics and furniture.  Went to dinner at Graffiti, which is a nicer place that we really enjoy.  We found it last trip for Kurt's bday.  It was just as good as last time....I had lobster enchiladas which were awesome and Kurt had some kind of blackened mahi.  Went and checked out a casino, and then went back to the room for the night.  The next day, we drove around Jaco some more and checked out some stores.  Found this store I loved with amazing oil paintings by local Costa Rican artists.  Will be back once we move there for sure.  Ate at Los Amigos (our fav local sports bar) and were on to the next part of our trip.  Oh, we stopped by our house as well, but the person staying there was not home so we simply walked around the property and all looked good.  Was sad I could not just move in.  ;).

 Escazu, home of the office of our lawyers.  We got a room right across the way from the lawyers since we had to be at their office at 7 AM.  We stayed at the Intercontinental Real.  Room was very nice, and about 100 steps up from the jaco hotel.  Kurt was very happy.  They even had a great gym by Costa Rican standards, so I worked out every night there.  Anyway, got to Escazu and checked into the hotel, then worked out.  Headed to dinner after that at a sports bar called Nova.  Then off to bed.......

**Taco Bar Escazu

700 AM, went to the lawyers' office.  His paralegal met us to to take us to the police school to be fingerprinted (one of the things we had to do in person).  That was in San Jose.  Had to wait a bit to be called, then were called back, our info and app for prints was processed, and we then got the prints and went back to the office.  Turned over all our documents that we had to bring and paid the filing fee for the application and were told to come back the next day at 200 PM to pick up the temporary residency.  So, after that, we left and explored Escazu some more.  Had lunch at a really yummy asian fusion place and walked around the huge mall they have there, which was fun.  Worked out, then headed to Taco Bar Escazu for dinner.  Awesome meal.  Back to room for night.



Got up, explored Escazu some more and worked out.  Headed back to lawyers at 200 PM and got our temporary residecy!  So easy with a lawyer.  6-8 months and we should be permanent residents.  Hooray!  Headed to San Ramon next to meet with our banker.  Kurt has been talking to him online for months and we had to go there to sign an application for an account and turn over a ton of info to him.  Did that, then headed back into Escazu and had dinner at Taco bar again (can you tell I like the place, LOL).



**Residency documents.

Next day, got up.  Kurt went to meet with the lawyer one more time to do some work with opening a trust account with them, then we left for a place I found called La Paz Waterfall and Gardens.  Took a while to get there, but it was worth it.  Awesome place in the middle of nowhere.  We got to see a ton of animals, including holding toucans, which was amazing.  I really liked the butterfly house and the waterfalls as well.  We walked around most of the afternoon, then headed back to San Jose to our room at the Holiday Inn Express.  Relaxed some then headed to the mall to explore and have dinner.



We left the next day to come home.  BOOOOOOOOOOO.  Overall, productive trip.  A few parts were fun, but most were necessary steps in order to become residents.


**Jaco Beach (portion of).

Meghan's Bday!

This weekend was fun!

Meghan's 12th bday was celebrating on Saturday night at Ron's house.  It was a really fun night.  Kurt could not make it until 1130 PM though as after we worked on Saturday, he had to take Vito to London, Ontario,to a vet who does MRIs on dogs.  Their machines are better than what vets in the USA have, so our surgeon wanted Vito taken there.  They want to treat him without another surgery, but need a better MRI to determine what is going on.  So, Kurt took him there.  Long day for Kurt.



Today was great.  I had a massage scheduled, with a gift card the office got me.  This morning, Kurt and I went to the park and ran a 5 mile run, then biked tonight for 12.44 miles.  Great workouts.



I went to the new Whole Foods in Detroit last weekend.  I was not impressed.  While I am thrilled Detroit is getting some actual stores, the selection was horrible and not even close to the caliber of the Ann Arbor stores.  So, I will not be going back.  Plus, the neighborhood was sketchy and I was harassed by various men on the side of the road while driving home, which was annoying.  And people wonder why Detroit has the rep it does?  Ugh.

We had to book a quick business trip to Costa Rica to finalize some paperwork with our residency there, so we are off there for a few days soon.  I am hoping to make it to Jaco to visit the house and eat at Taco Bar.  :).  Our business stuff is in San Jose and San Ramon though, so not sure extra time we will have.

I met Kelly's baby this week!  She stopped into the office so we could meet Baby Nolan.  I got to hold and feed him, and he is such a little angel.  Was so happy she could stop by.  I am hoping she brings him to our next girls' dinner in august!  :).



Went to my friend Susan's wedding shower last weekend as well in Milford.  It was nice to see friends and family and the shower was super nice.  They served brunch food, which was incredible.  Best shower food I have ever had, I think.

I know I need to post about Spain, but am putting together a trip report and still uploading pics.  In one word, AMAZING.  One of my fav trips ever.  wonderful country.  Especially Ibiza.......

Shopping Site Reviews

So, as we all know, I love fashion and shopping.  However, because of this love, I find ways to get a lot of things at really discounted prices.  I rarely shop racks of regular priced clothing at the store and almost always have coupons or outlet shop if the store does not have good clearances/coupons.   I thought I would share with you some of the sites I use for discount online shopping and the pros and cons of each site.  I will include links so you can sign up as well, as most of them you need an invite from a member to join and if you join on most of them, they end up giving you and I free money to shop after purchase.  Here goes with the first three.  I will post more when I have time.

Ideeli

Click here to join.  I have been using this site since June 2011.  I have bought a lot from this site and it is probably my fav of all the discount sites.  The prices are very low for higher end designers.  Every day at noon, the site comes out with new items and lists them.  Obviously, being on around noon may score you an item that will not be there later on in the day.  If you have a "1st row" membership (which can be purchased for an additional amount), you get access to the sale before the general public at noon.  I have never paid for this membership, but the site has given it to me for free various times, I think because I am a good customer and to try and lure me into purchasing, which I will not do.  Shipping is $9.95, but once you pay that once, you get free shipping for the next 30 days.  You may return any items that are eligible for return up to 21 days from the day the item is shipped from ideeli unless otherwise noted on a product page or in your order information online. They offer 2 return options: You may choose to receive either a store credit for the purchase price of the item and free return shipping, or a refund in your original form of payment minus a $8.95 return shipping charge.  Be careful when shopping to note if items can be returned or not.  It will say in the product listing.  Certain items like bathing suits and lingerie are not ever returnable.  I almost never order anything that I cannot return.  Anyway, I have returned many items.  I do not like that they use UPS for returns, I prefer USPS, but that is just personal preference.  Prob one of my fav purchases ever from this site was a red wool trench coat I bought by DIVA.  It was originally over $500 and I paid $89.99 (plus I had a coupon for $30 off).  If something is sold out and you still want it, you can waitlist it, meaning once it is available the site will email you and allow you to buy.  I think this happens when at item is returned or someone's credit card does not go through and their purchase is cancelled.  Also, for every friend you invite who purchases, you get $25!

Rue La La

Click here to join.  I have been using this site since October 2010.  I started using it because I bought an amazing suit for Kurt for a ridiculous low price.  I have found that this site has slightly higher prices then Ideeli (see above).   Every day at 11 AM, the site comes out with new items and lists them.  Obviously, being on around 11 may score you an item that will not be there later on in the day.  Most Rue La La merchandise ships for a rate of $9.95 for standard shipping to the 48 contiguous United States. With The Rue 30, once you place an order and pay the shipping costs, standard shipping is free on every order you place for the next 30 days.  We offer two return options. You may choose to receive either a merchandise credit and free return shipping (AK & HI: air shipping rates apply), or a refund to your original form of payment (minus return shipping costs. Visit My Returns and follow the steps for Returns Your Way to tell us which option you prefer. Just be sure we get the item within 30 days from the date you originally received it (and all items must be in their original condition with all packaging intact). Be careful when shopping to note if items can be returned or not.  It will say in the product listing.  Certain items like bathing suits and lingerie are not ever returnable.  I almost never order anything that I cannot return.  I have returned many items with no problem.  I like that they use USPS for returns.  You can waitlist sold out items, but you have to basically say you are purchasing if it becomes available and they charge your card once it becomes open.  If you refer a friend who purchases, you get $10!

Gilt 

Click here to join.  I have been using this site since October 2010.  I was referred here by a friend who loved the site.  A lot of the stuff on this site is very high end, but they do have reasonable prices on things as well, you have to kinda look around.  Items are listed at noon each day.  My fav purchase from this site is a Kate Spade dress I bought for our law firm pictures that is the perfect summer dress.  I also bought an amazing Love by Moschino winter coat at an insanely low price.  At noon daily, the sales come out.  You can waitlist items and they notify you when they are available for purchase.  Be careful when shopping to note if items can be returned or not.  It will say in the product listing.  Certain items like bathing suits and lingerie are not ever returnable.   Must return within 21 days.  Returnable items that are priced at $199.99 and under are eligible for a refund in the form of Gilt Credits. For returnable items that are priced at $200 and above, we are offering two options for our members: Receive Gilt Credit with no additional return charges, or Receive a refund back to the original form of payment minus a $9.95 restocking fee.  If you refer a friend, you get $25.00.

Aloha!

I was contacted by Aloha Island Lei in Aiea, Hawaii.  The company had read our blog and liked it, and asked if they could send us their product to review on our website.  Of course, I said sure!



I forgot about the exchange of emails until today.

A box was delivered to my office, overnight from Hawaii.  We received two leis and a little package of macadamia chocolates.  One of the leis is made of tuberose, and I am wearing it right now.  It smells absolutely amazing.  My husband, who has almost no sense of smell, thought it smelled awesome.  The other lei is currently being worn by my secretary, and it stunning and made of orchids.  My paralegal ate the chocolates and said they were incredible as well.

The flowers were very fresh and are so gorgeous and perfect, they almost look fake!

If you need anything like this in the future, this is the company to contact.  I looked up their prices, which are very reasonable, even low.

This box totally brightened our office's day.  We thank you so much Aloha Island Lei!

Baltimore Tigers Weekend

I had an awesome weekend.



Kurt and I went to Baltimore with our friends, Ron and Erika (same couple we went to Vegas with back in March 2013).  This trip was short, but filled with lots of fun things.  We flew Delta into Baltimore on Thursday night (late).  Went straight to the hotel as we were tired and passed out.  We stayed at the Homewood Suites (Hilton hotel) and I loved it.  We had a Suite on the 12th Floor.  Side note, the gym at this hotel was incredible.  Prob the nicest gym I have ever worked out at.  The room was HUGE as well and super nice.  I loved everything about this hotel.



Friday night got up and worked out then headed to this area called Fells Point to find a place to eat lunch.  Ended up at this place called Riptide by the Bay.  Lunch was super good and we wandered around for a while after lunch in the Fells Point area.  Went back to the hotel, and Erika and I headed out to do some boutique clothing shopping.  I bought Kurt some shoes and myself a bathing suit cover up at this kewl little store called South Moon Under.  also bought a tank top at White House Black Market.  Erika bought a cute dress and two tank tops.  Headed back to the room, and we walked to the Tigers game at Camden yards.  had awesome seats, and met up with my friends Charlene and Carl.  Tigs lost, and we headed to dinner in a little area called Canton and ate at this place called Claddagh's Pub.  Dinner was good here as well.  got harassed a little because of our Tigers shirts, LOL, and headed back to the hotel for the night.



Day two, Saturday, got up and worked out then headed to lunch in Mexican Town at a place called Cinco de Mayo.  It was yummy, but reallllllllly slow service.  Headed to the game after that and this game was much better.  Tigs won, homeruns all over the place, and we headed to dinner after that at Rusty Scupper on the water.  This was one of the best dinners out of my life.  Loved it.  Service was perfect, food was phenomenal, view was beautiful, and we drank a LOT of champagne.  Had an absolute blast.  Back to the hotel after this.



Sunday, we got up and headed to a couple sports bars to eat and watch the game.  We ate at a place called Shuckers, and then ended up at a place called The Greene Turtle.  I also wandered around some stores a bit but did not purchase anything.  I love all the little boutique stores in huge cities.  It makes it depressing that Detroit has literally NOTHING compared to other major cities around the country.

 Headed to the airport after that and back home.  2 hour delay on our flight, and I was back to work this morning.  had a busy day and helped my friend Dayna get sworn into the bar, which was fun.



Hope everyone else had an awesome weekend.