San Diego sun

I actually got sunburn on my shoulders. And it's the middle of April.

I love it.

It's always difficult for me to visit sun and surf when it's still kinda crummy back in Ohio. I hate when the trip is over and I must return to sub-zero temps.

But a glutton for punishment, I asked my aunt and uncle to pick me up from the resort to sightsee. And they did not disappoint.

I saw beautiful La Jolla Shores, a beach Amara would just love.



And while there, I insisted on seeing where the La Jolla seals had set up camp. After all, it's pupping season.



And I saw all of this while soaking up some sun on my already naturally tanned skin.

Yes, I know. I shouldn't be greedy. Grabbing a tan when I'm nowhere near Dad2Amara's pale complexion.

But how can I not smile?

The sunlight seems to turn a girl's mood.

Well, it's either that or the fact that I'm relaxed. Rested. And well fed.

Jealous yet?

when paradise isn't quite so

I'm finally in San Diego!

And while I am thrilled to be away from home (Sorry, Amara. I miss you. But I'm kinda enjoying the child-free time.), I'm dying here!

Why, you ask?

Because of this


and this


and this


They call this place Paradise Point.

And trust me, it's beautiful.

The grounds are gorgeous. Hotel rooms are a bit older. Could use some updates and upgrades. And the food is delish.

But apparently my allergies have decided that the native plants are a bit too much. My eyes sting. My sinuses are in an uproar. Something's swishing in my right ear. And my arms broke out in hives.

Fabulous.

Guess paradise life just isn't for me.

imagine you're on a tropical island

We were nearly a year ago...

more memorable moments

As I was spending a lazy Saturday morning going through vacation photos, I was reminded of one last Amara quotable.

My daughter had watched Pluto entertain a few other diners with his dancing. So when Pluto approached our table, the first thing Amara says to him is "I can shake my booty like you!"

And off her chair and into the middle of the restaurant they go, hand in hand, to boogie!

In case you're not Disney'd out yet from my last few posts, here are a few of my favorite mouse moments from the last week. Enjoy!

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today's good: While my to-do list grows, I spent the morning doing "me" things -- working out, going through photos, catching up on email. It's a fantastic laissez-faire attitude for the weekend.

today's bad: Is the weekend half over already?!

three things

Three things Amara said that I will never forget:

1. I arranged for Mickey to call our hotel room for a wake up call. Amara picked up the phone and you could just see her excitement. She hung up and when asked what Mickey said, she replies, "I don't know, I don't speak mouse."


2. We sat in at the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Think Second City with the movie's theme. It happened to be the day Amara was all dolled up as Princess Aurora. So at the end of the act, we hear "Everyone, we are pleased to announce we have a Princess with us in the audience." Cue spotlight right on Amara! The camera is right on my Asian princess. And the host has the microphone in her face, asking her questions. When we walked out of the attraction, Amara proclaims, "Mom, I look beautiful on TV!"


3. Amara took part in the ritual of asking characters for their autographs. We were the paparazzi. As we searched for Cinderella and Belle this is the conversation I had with my daughter.
   Amara: "I'm going to give the princesses my autograph."
   Mom2Amara: "But you're not famous."
   Amara: "But I'm smart."

Three things I learned about Disney World:

1. Mickey is an elusive mouse. Outside of parades, we never saw the guy.


2. You're never too old for the Disney magic. This was our first time visiting the parks with Amara, but it was still an enchanting experience for me and Dad2Amara.


3. Resort transportation can not be considered equal. Dad2Amara and I were used to jetting on the monorail to get from park to park. And if the monorail couldn't get us there, it got us pretty damn close. This trip, we stayed at the BoardWalk Inn. The resort boasts you can walk to both Epcot and the MGM Studios. Yeah, you can walk there if you're not toting around a preschooler in 105 degree heat. Not to mention getting to the Polynesian for dinner took TWO HOURS by bus. From the Yellow House, I'd be in another state.

home sweet home

It's hard to believe our journey to the Magic Kingdom and beyond is now over.

What an amazing time Amara, Dad2Amara, and I had! But all good things must come to an end. So here I sit in the Yellow House, wondering if I should start with the piles of laundry or vacuum my hall stairs. Then I look out the window at the almost terrifying lightning storm we're in the midst of and wonder what's worse - torrential rains or over 100 degree heat.

Our Disney vacation was more than I could have imagined. I could have stayed there another week. There was so much more we wanted to experience with Amara and just did not have the time to try.

But as much as I long to be back at the Magic Kingdom (although I have vowed never to stay anywhere but our favorite hotel in the future), it's nice to sleep in my own bed, shower in my own bath, and not live out of my cosmetics bag.

today's good: I have never seen our fridge and cupboards so bare! So I spent the majority of the day running errands. I feel so accomplished for our first day back!

today's bad: The effin rain made me postpone my scheduled run for the day. So I guess I'll be doing double duty at the gym tomorrow...

five princesses

Just another day in the life of Princess Amara.

hmmmmm

Did I mention we're on vacation so I won't be here for awhile??

I thought I'd have more time to blog but as you can see from Amara's contemplative look on our shuttle bus, she has different plans in motion.

I'll come by when I can. But until then, have a happy week!

counting down to Disney

Amara's so excited for our trip to Disney. It's hard to believe it's less than three weeks away.

Amara drew a picture of her and the Mouse himself to give to him when they first meet.

Then she drew a map from her house to the Magic Kingdom.

Hey Aunt2Amara! Do you think they'll have a booth where they doll you up like a celeb and take your picture?

today's good: Dad2Amara was rear ended today during his rush hour commute home. And the rat bastard who hit him took off without stopping. Luckily, the car went unscratched. And he's OK too.

today's bad: Too much to go into right now. Maybe in another post...

tales from the mom-mobile

Driving back to Ohio, I encountered one of the nastiest things I think I have ever seen.

I was joking around with Veronique this weekend on how she saw a man at the airport walk into the men’s room while talking on his cell phone. When he walked out, he was still on his cell. Was it the same call? Who knows. But one can only assume. “Um, honey? Is it raining where you are at? I hear this trickling sound in the background…” Yuck.

But today, we were at a rest stop just west of Maumee. Amara was with me so we obviously were taking longer than if it were just me in the stall. The stall next to us freed up and another woman entered. I could hear her talking so I presumed she had a little one with her. Oh no. There was only one set of feet under that door and she was talking about watering her garden. Sure enough, while we were washing our hands, out comes our neighbor, talking on her cell – no Bluetooth involved!

Didn’t she wipe? How did she explain the flushing noise to the person on the other end? How does she properly wash her hands with the phone attached to her ear?

Yuck. That’s why germs spread like wildfire. And that’s why I feel comfortable enough calling this woman white trash. Nasty.

Amara's a city girl

Blame Dad2Amara for the lack of photos from the Michigan Avenue Disney and Legos stores. He forgot the camera in the hotel room.

So today, I snagged the camera for BlogHer Day Two. So stay tuned for pictures from my day!

But here's a glimpse into Amara's last 48 hours...

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taking the Windy City by storm

We have arrived!

First thing on today's agenda was to have a late lunch Carol, with a very good friend of mine. (I'd post a picture of her but I completely forgot to even take the photo. Damn.)

Anyways, since lunch was not until 2 p.m. Chicago time, I figured we could sleep in a bit. I set the alarm for 7:30 a.m., knowing that gave me time to tidy up the house before we left.

Too bad Amara had other plans. She stormed into our bedroom at 6:30 a.m. to tell us it was time to leave for the American Girl store! Let me say that again. 6:30 a.m.

Once we did hit the open road, Amara was really well behaved. A lot of DVD's, listening to her iPod, and a handful of Oreos.

We're off to Michigan Avenue now. Will post more later!

under the boardwalk

I think I've died and gone to heaven.

We have managed to book a family vacation that merges two of my three loves: Disney magic with the Jersey Shore. (The third love is Chicago and we'll be there when I go to BlogHer at the end of the month. Again, I digress.)

We are going to Walt Disney World and staying at the BoardWalk Inn!!

We are so early in the planning stages right now. But I have a confirmation number in hand, three tickets for a flight to Orlando, and a very excited Amara!

Now it's time to plan all the activities we'll attempt while dragging entertaining a four-year-old...

today's good: So a week ago my cigarette lighter outlet thingy stopped working. For many, this would not be a huge issue. But for Mom2Amara, I cried. Seriously. I listen to podcasts every day during each commute to and from work. And when I can't, I get lonely. I hate being alone and not having "someone" to talk to and listen to. (Yes, I sometimes respond aloud to the podcasters.) Well this afternoon, the fine folks at my local Ford dealership fit the mom-mobile in and ta-dah! It's fixed!

today's bad: I tried on two dresses and a skirt this morning...all snug...that better be muscle and bulge...

Mother's Day

Looking at that smile, I just can't resist bragging about being Mom2Amara!

Bean and I are back from our Mother's Day weekend trip to Canada. It's been a long and exhausting weekend, but it was fantastic.

We got to see our two littlest family members. It made me want to add to our family of three.

Motherhood is a blessing. The unconditional love you give (and receive) teaches you just how precious life is. There's a lot of sacrifice involved with being a mom. But I think most moms would tell you they wouldn't trade it for the world.

As I was tucking Amara into bed, as if on cue, she sat up, spread her arms wide and said, "Mom, you're the best!"

My heart about melted.

Being Mom2Amara rocks.

today's good: Dad2Amara surprised me for Mother's Day with a freshly baked pie - my favorite (yes, he's a bit more handy in the kitchen than me).

today's bad: Um, in an effort to stay carb-less during the week, I ate the entire pie Sunday night...

when a large really isn't a large

All of my Canadian relatives rave about Tim Horton's coffee. And honestly, after travelling to Canada so many times, I still can't remember if I really liked it or not.

So this morning, I realized the hotel did not have any true drinkable coffee (just the stupid mini coffee maker in the room that had some horrible brand of beans). So Lolo2Amara and I headed over to the local Tim Horton's. Here's where the problems began.

When I ordered a medium-sized coffee, I was greeted with a coffee cup the size of a toddler sippy cup. Who in their right mind would order enough coffee that you could finish it all in one gulp?! So I asked for a large. Yeah, still not enough caffeine. So an XL coffee it is. But for you coffee connoisseurs, the XL was equivalent to a "grande" at Starbucks. Grrrr. The problems I have!

today's good: Well we had a good road trip into Sarnia. Today we'll get to meet the latest addition to our family: Baby Wyatt!

today's bad: After I stepped out of the shower, I noticed this hideous rash all over my body. I have remnants of it on my face but unfortunately for me, it looks like a case of teenage acne. Wheee.

oh Canada!

So if I have a birthday month and Christmas starts on Black Friday, can I have an entire Mother's Day weekend?

In less than 12 hours, Amara, Lola and Lolo2Amara, and I will hit the road to head towards our neighbors up north. So excited! But I can already tell it will be a caffeine fueled day because I am tired! We'll be detouring at every Starbucks!

So Dad2Amara has mentioned that I do not yet have a Mother's Day gift. Hmmmm, Dad2Amara, you think you want to start moving on that?!?! I'm hoping for an iPod car adapter but if I get a purse, I'll be OK with that too :)

I've realized that I haven't written on a lot of news lately.

I could write about the car seat recall or about the comeback of glass baby bottles (because toxins from the plastic ones are leaking into the infant's formula). But why would I want to remind myself of all the bad things out there that we Moms do all the research for just to be told that our kids are still in harm's way?

Or I could write about the vegan parents going to prison because their son died of malnutrition. But who am I to question what parent thinks it's normal for a 6-week-old to weigh under four pounds?

today's good: I found out that the hotel we're staying at has high speed internet access! I'm going to Canada with my laptop! I'm such a geek!

today's bad: It's only going to be in the 50s this weekend up north -- I was so bummed because I wanted to take Amara walking along the shores of Lake Huron. Humph.

beautiful, but can they bring Sexyback?

As promised, here are pictures of Amara during her swim with the dolphins.

We had four dolphins present in the water during our swim, including a baby that was 9 months old.

They are truly beautiful creatures. But after these pics were snapped, Amara cried and cried. Why? Because the dolphin didn't let her bring Sexyback.

Yes, you read correctly. There was a time during our swim when the dolphin would jump up and wave his flippers in the air like he was "dancing" with Amara. Well, you tell Amara to dance, and she's sure to bust out her Justin Timberlake moves. She hadn't stopped singing "Sexyback" when the dolphin stopped his trick. She was crushed! And boy, did she get upset!

But at least we got two good pictures out of the whole ordeal!

quotable Amara

As Mom2Amara sits here and reflects on the last week, I am reminded about how grown up Amara acted, sounded, and looked.

My travel buddy was not a toddler, but a lovely young girl! It's amazing how much she's grown! And to prove it, here are some of the cutest things Amara said while we were on vacation:

"I'm easy like Sunday morn."

Mom2Amara: "Goodnight my little Hawaii girl." Amara: "Mom, thanks for taking me here."

Amara to Aunt2Amara: "You have a fat belly."

"What's up with that?"

Mom2Amara: "Amara, we're going on a plane tomorrow."Amara: "Well that's just silly! We're not leaving until the 15th!" (Where on earth she got that date, I have no idea.)

Pilot: "Why do you want to go back to Cleveland? It's so nice here." Amara: "I have to see my puppies. Duh."

"Move over here. (Godmother2Amara moves) Well, that's a start!"

I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff but these are some that stand out. You have to love what comes out of the mouth of babes!

today's good: I had a wonderful lunch with my side of the family. Growing up, we used to get together (all the aunts, uncles, cousins) every weekend. But nowadays, we all live further apart and life's just gotten so much busier. So it was nice to see everyone together!

today's bad: OMG I'm exhausted. I'm struggling to keep my eyes open! I'm not physically tired, I just am sleepy!

flying high

Amara is simply flying high.

We are currently sitting at LAX waiting to board our plane bound for home. We have over a two hour layover so I figured it would be worth the $10 to buy wireless access while Amara watches Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses.

While we're sad that we have left Hawaii (Amara's really really sad. She told Aunt2Amara so before we left), I think we're both living on adrenaline right now because God knows I got relatively little sleep on the plane ride from Honolulu to L.A.

Turning 30 was relatively anti-climatic. I think it has something to do with the fact that I was so pumped up for this vacation that I completely forgot it was my birthday. OK I didn't "forget," but it was really an afterthought.

Bean and I spent the entire afternoon at Ala Moana Beach. She made friends with four kids from Japan who spoke little English. Shows you that fun has no barriers and that kids can always be kids.

Then in the evening, Aunt and Uncle2Amara took us out for my birthday to a place in Chinatown called Little Village. OMG to die for! It was absolutely delicious!

So as we sit here at LAX, I'm saddened that I had to leave my sister again. But I know this is a vacation Amara and I will never forget!

today's good: 6 more hours and we'll be home!

today's bad: 6 more hours and we'll be home!

bittersweet birthday

Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday, dear Mom2Amara. Happy birthday to me!

So no birthday cake today (um, trust me, that's not the bittersweet part) -- I'm starting my day off like I did yesterday: at Leonard's for a malasada.


Who needs paczki (which btw, I really don't like) when you can have a malasada! I cannot resist fried dough with powdered sugar (or my personal fave, cinnamon) on top! I don't have a picture of them though because as soon as Amara and I got our order, I inhaled them without chewing. Yeah, I've probably gained 10 pounds on vacation...

We also did our swim with the dolphins yesterday and once I get back to the mainland, I'll scan the picture because honestly, it's one of the cutest of Bean! She's actually kissing a dolphin!


We spent the rest of the afternoon very lazy on the beach. No plans. No worries.
And that's what I have planned for my birthday. Oh that and a meeting at the Honolulu Advertiser that I set up for work. (Yes, I am working on my birthday while on vacation). That could be part of my bittersweet birthday.

But I think it has more to do with the fact that we're leaving paradise tonight after dinner. We rarely get to visit with Aunt2Amara because it's just too expensive for either of us to fly to see each other. And we miss her! Not to mention I really really really don't want to go back to work Monday. Isn't there some way for me to not work but continue supporting Amara?!?!

there won't be a today's good and bad today because it's my birthday and everything's going to be simply fabulous!