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Another Birthday

Yes it is another birthday…

happy birthday 3d GIF by Michael Shillingburg

but not merely another Birthday

This is an

EPIC Birthday

For starters I am

ON A WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE

No cooking, No laundry, No WORK…

behaving like a Birthday Girl should.

The [birth] day begins with breakfast.  And though on this day breakfast is not eggs Benedict or pan-seared steak with béarnaise sauce, it is a treat, it is low carb, and it provides the necessary fuel to launch me into the excursion that LB has planned for the day.

It is scrambled eggs and sausage

[while he enjoys pancakes]

🥞

The adventure began at the Puerta Maya Cruise Ship terminal in Cozumel Mexico this morning

After which we took a taxi to Chankanaab Beach

🚖where a visit to the Dolphin Discovery would introduce us to a new friend

Marina

She allowed us to pet herto give her kisses

and go for a swim with her.

Marina gave each of us a dolphin propelled boogie board ride across the cove.

LB tried to get her to come home with us

But she had other obligations.

After our visit, as we climbed back up to the boardwalk, I was amazed to see that there was a baby dolphin following close by her side.  Marina’s trainer explained, “Oh that’s just Chico” as if it was no big thing.

🐬

And if that wasn’t enough of an adventure, in a separate area at Chankanaab, LB and I were able to go snorkeling [that’s right people… no makeup] We saw different forms of ocean life and a statue of the Virgin Mary.

🐠

There was more swimming involved than I am used to and I was happy to have a break lounging on the beach.LB enjoyed it just as much, if not more.It was very relaxing

Soon Carmen was standing before me asking if I would like to visit her spa.  She insisted that I allow her to give me a two minute sample of the deep tissue massage that I would receive.  How could I say no?

But alas, there was not enough time for more; LB and I would need to be heading back to the Carnival Paradise.

🛳

Just in time to get dressed up for dinner show off my new jewelsand blow out the candle on a tiny cake after enjoying an international serenade

Thanks to Imade and Richmond.

🎂

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

Time for

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

A Long Weekend

Now if I had my way, every weekend would include Friday and Monday.  The work week would consist of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  We need to get our priorities straight!

However, since it is what it is, I am thankful, on this weekend, to have an extra day away from the office to relax.

And it is important to remember the reason for the day…

Amen!

~

Favorite # TWO

During a recent visit to Old Navy, (to return my too skinny jeans), LB came across this

Fun Tee Shirt

OH HEY VACAY!

I’ve been saying it all day and getting on the nerves of my coworkers.

 

Speaking of fun tees

 

Favorite # THREE

I received a 30%-off-everything-Memorial-Day-Sale email from ModCloth which featured

A Woman’s Place Ringer Tee

This tee shirt made me think of Amanda.  I always imagined she would take Washington D.C. by storm!

~

Favorite # FOUR

An early Birthday Surprise!

Although I didn’t realize it at the time, Wendy and Kathy were chomping at the bit to get me away from my desk this morning.  When I returned they were both sitting there attentively, anticipating my reaction to the cards and presents that decorated my desk.  I would love to have been able to capture the moment with a photo because they were so cute.

Since I won’t be there on my birthday, they surprised me with a birthday presents: a beautiful bracelet and cute coffee cup.

 

~

Favorite # FIVE

Preparing for a Pool Party

pool party swimming GIF by Timeflies

we’ve done it before, but this year it is going to be even bigger!

Last year it was just me, LB, and Mama.

I wrote about that adventure here.

This year we are planning to have approximately 17 adults and 7 babies join up.  We’ll be enjoying cheeseburger sliders and hotdogs/sausage dogs.  I’m looking forward to the chaos.

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

Because I told Wendy I would do so, this morning I stopped at Walmart to pick up donuts for breakfast.She likes the Bavarian cream filled kind.

(Wendy is a bad influence)

I parked the car, grabbed my purse, and stepped out onto the parking lot to be greeted by

 A mama duck following her three ducklings.

YES it’s true!

All four paraded right up to me like I was there just to see them.

(this is the stuff that happy dreams are made of)

Sadly I was in a hurry and did not have time to stop for long to visit with them.

But What a nice way to start a nice day!

Speaking of nice days…

Its Friday GIF

And as usual, I have favorites:

Favorite # ONE

Today is National Pizza Party Day.

Every Friday is National Pizza Party Day at my house!

~

Favorite # TWO

Mother’s Day Presents

From my girls a couple of

Giraffe Vases.

to add to my giraffe collection.

And a trendy little crossbody bag from my son and daughter-in-law.

We know who picked this out!

~

Favorite # THREE

Mother’s Day Fun

Amanda captured a Mother’s Day selfie and shared it on Instagram:

Amanda, Emily, and I went to get Mother’s Day pedicures.

While we were enjoying a nice warm foot soak, Lydia was getting a manicure.

~

Favorite # FOUR

New Summertime Shoes

It is an illness.

I have already collected 3 pair of summer shoes and it isn’t even summer yet!

Wedge Sandal // Heeled Mules // White Leather

~

Favorite # FIVE

I’ve always liked

Boys Bands

This week LB discovered a song that I had not heard before and shared it with me.  Today I was watching the official video during lunch when I realized someone had pulled her chair up behind me.  Apparently Wendy loves Donnie Wahlberg.

  New Kids on the Block recently released a video to pay tribute to

“The Boys in the Band”

You’ve got to watch this!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

What’s Up Wednesday

Happy Wednesday GIFAnd to tell you What’s Up!

What’s Up Wednesday is a monthly compilation of

What’s Up

 posted on a Wednesday.

Although the month is at the halfway mark, it has been a long time since I’ve published a WUW post.  It way overdue!  Here goes…

~

What we’re eating

For the past two weekends LB and I have enjoyed fajitas at Salsas Mexican Restaurant.  We love the new location and the fun décor.

~

What I’m loving

My new bird feeder!Elvis loves it too!

~

What we’ve been up to

Sprucing up the back patio.  On Saturday, armed with a bucket of soapy water and a Swiffer, I washed the pool enclosure screens.

Then I gave Fergus, Sunny, and the other floats a good scrubbing. LB did a good deal of pressure washing and chemical balancing to get the pool ready for swimmers.

It took most of the day, but was well worth the time spent.

~

What I’ve been working on

My philosophy course [PHIL380].

It has been NOTHING BUT PHIL380 for the last 8 weeks.

My final assignment was submitted last Friday!

~

What I’m excited about

Finishing PHIL380!  Also

I got an A!

~

What I’m dreading

It is time for Elvis to have a checkup. 

I’m not looking forward to this because there is always drama involved.  I shared some of our experiences here and here.

~

What I’m watching/reading

Netflix has produced a series called Dead to Me.  LB and I committed our first Netflix binge last Friday, watching six of the newly released episodes.

Regarding what I’m reading, I just finished Bioethics by Gilbert Meilaender.

This was a course requirement, nevertheless, it is the most recent book I’ve read.

~

What I’m listening to

LB will often say “Alexa, play some music” to which she replies “playing your most played and favorite songs”

Cue Michael Bublé

I’m not sure if Michael Bublé is Alexa’s favorite or LB’s favorite, but apparently we listen to his music quite often.

~

What I’m wearing

Remember that Old Navy outfit I mentioned last Friday?

Tah Dah

~

What I’m doing this weekend

What AM I doing this weekend?

Last weekend was dedicated to Mother’s Day and involved baking a cake and going to the nail salon for a pedicure.  The seven weekends prior to that were dedicated to PHIL380.

LB has been very patient.

I should probably let him decide what I’m doing this weekend.

~

What I’m looking forward to next month

costa crociere fun Sticker by CostaCruisesOfficialGoing on a 4 Day Western Caribbean Cruise with LB.

I’ll be enjoying a much needed vacation while crossing a few items off of my bucket list!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Happy Mother’s Day

Here’s another poem to tell you
(just in case you haven’t guessed)

Of all the Mamas in the world
You’re the sweetest and the best.

You’ve been there for your daughters
through the laughter and the tears

Throughout the years your patience
has continued every minuteYou sweeten up our family,
I’m so glad to have you in it!

A finer model for “that quote”
in all the world there never was
What you’ve always tried to teach me…

Pretty is as Pretty Does

On this day I wish you gladness,
just like what you pass around.
May your joyfulness continue,
And your happiness abound.

You are a lovely lady and forever you will bethe greatest Mama in the world

you mean everything to me!

 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO THE BEST MAMA EVER!

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

Recapping highlights of my week with

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Last Sunday was Cinco de Mayo!

cinco de mayo tequila GIF

Although I do not need a reason to go to dinner at a Mexican Restaurant, Cinco de Mayo is good one!

Because you just can’t have TOO MANY fajitas.They are magical!

LB and I went back to the new Salsas Mexican restaurant.

There was a short wait but we were early enough to secure a booth!

Favorite # TWO

Mexican Restaurant

Décor

¡Vivan los amigos!

Calavera and jardineros everywhere you look!

Favorite # THREE

LB’s new

Cactus Shorts

As we made our way through a nearby Wal-Mart, LB found something unexpected.

He reached around his back to find that he had forgotten to remove the tag from his Cinco de Mayo shorts.

LB’s new shorts are from ROSS, but OLD NAVY had some good deals this week too!

Favorite # FOUR

New

Old Navy Outfit

Blouse // Jeans // Shoes

Total = $43.98

I love a good deal and I’m looking forward to wearing this outfit.  After I exchange my jeans.  I’m telling myself that they run small.

Favorite # FIVE

Yes I’m DONE!

Today I turned in my final assignment for my philosophy course.  It was a VERY EDUCATIONAL experience and possibly the most difficult and controversial subject matter I’ve ever encountered.

LB is the only person who is happier than I as he won’t have to listen to me gripe about it anymore.

Last check I had a 93, but I have 2 assignments yet to be graded. Crossing my fingers and hoping for the best!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

It has been a long week.

Remember when I said change is good?

I’ve CHANGED my mind.

Nevertheless, I will remain positive because there is much to be grateful for… most especially because it is

And time for Friday Favorites!

Favorite # ONE

Donuts

Some in my circle will not darken the doors of Wal-Mart.  I understand, as it is typically filled with the People of Wal-Mart.

Nevertheless the Wal-Mart bakery makes fresh donuts daily and they are delicious.

And cheap.

And there are very few People of Wal-Mart shopping at 7:30 AM.

I brought a dozen to work for my peeps today and bought a box of six chocolate frosted Bavarian cream for LB.He was pretty excited.

~

Favorite # TWO

My New Jacket

I’ve been looking for a jacket similar to the yellow one that I mentioned in my Shop ’til You Drop post.

I found one at Loft and on Saturday it arrived at my front door.  The only thing I wasn’t completely satisfied with was the belt.  I don’t want to wear the jacket tied and I don’t like the dangling belt.

So I ripped out the belt loops.I’ve worn it four times this week.

~

Favorite # THREE

My Sister

is moving back to my side of town.

I’m thinking I might need to bother her more often.

I bet this is why she didn’t tell me she was moving back to my side of town!

~

Favorite # FOUR

A New Restaurant

Salsas

opened a new location on my side of town.

It is tidy, adorably decorated and just in time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

and the fajitas are served in a lava rock dingo.  At least that is what it looks like!

I don’t know how many times I’ve mentioned La Nopalera as being my favorite restaurant, but Salsas may be a contender.

~

Also just in time to celebrate the weekend…

Favorite # FIVE

I AM FINISHED WITH PROJECT MANAGEMENT

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

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