Oh, crap...No Fab 5 This Week...

Yeah...I suck. I said that the Fab 5 would be back for a couple of weeks, but I may have been...well, not telling the truth. This week we're off to Madrid for a long weekend - so no Fab 5 this week. Then the following two Fridays I have things planned with friends (and, there is this little thing called "work" that I must attend to!) and then it's off to 'Murica! 

Anyways...I'm going to do my best to get a blog in about Madrid next week (in between a million projects at work) and then, well, let's be honest...it's a crap shoot as to whether I'll blog between now and my return to Poland in August.

Um...so yeah! This has been a good week so far! Kids are doing great. Grayson got his retainer this week. (Does anyone want to take bets on when he'll lose it?) They are in the homestretch at school and the homework has lightened up - so we're all happy. I had my last visit to the children's hospital this morning where we did a Mother's Day project (Polish Mother's Day is Thursday). We didn't have many children on my floor (which is a good thing in my mind) and we weren't allowed to go to the other floor, but the kids we did have did a great job with the project and their flowers were very pretty. Blaine is busy at work as it is time for reviews. The weather has been gorgeous and while my attitude was crappy yesterday, it is much improved today. 

And really, that's about it. Life is good. We are happy and hanging in there...

Fab 5 Friday...

I know...it's been a while since I've done a Fab 5 - Sorry! Sometimes things just get in the way and the blog drops to the bottom of the list. Anywho...going to try and blog for the next couple of weeks before my annual summer hiatus. (Summer comes and I usually only blog a couple of times...so I just say that the blog is on vacation, too and if I manage to write something...well, it's like a bonus.)

What's been happening around here? Not much. Work. School. Sports. Same old, same old. Blaine has been in Minneapolis all week, and, most of the time, I don't find myself jealous of his travels, but this week I most definitely was green with envy. I'm dying to get back to the States. And, it just can't come soon enough. (Those who sent me messages after my "Give-A-Shitter Is Broken" post - thanks! Good to know I'm not the only one!) We are less than 4 weeks out and I know we're in the home stretch, but, mentally...I just need the calendar to say, "June." Once it's June - no problem. In the meantime, we will get through May and I'm looking forward to a long weekend in Madrid next week. So far the long-range weather forecast looks amazing...let's hope it holds out.

Okay, okay...Fab 5 here we go!

1. Family Dinner & Movie Night. So last Saturday we had family dinner and movie night. Blaine had been traveling all week (to Paris) and the kids had been really good while he was gone so we planned a nice night out. Dinner at Jeff's (for some American'ish bar food) and then off to see "Captain America: Civil War." Definitely an enjoyable evening with the boys! (Which was made even more enjoyable by a trip to Bath & Body Works to buy each of them cologne! Man...they are growing up!)

2. Soccer. Both boys had soccer on Saturday and Sunday last weekend. I have to say that I have enjoyed watching them play this year. At the start of the year, they both seemed a bit tentative, not as aggressive as the other kids. BUT, slowly this year they have really stepped it up. Sunday we really saw this as they were playing (and they both scored on Sunday - so that may have helped.) We still have a few more weeks left and it should be a good end to the season.

Coffee is a necessity for soccer

3. Grayson's Choir Concert. Definitely a highlight of the week was littlest dude's choir concert. I love that he chose to participate in choir this year (it meets after school) and he loves talking about the different pieces they are singing. I really hope he continues next year...

Grayson and the Grade 4/5 Choir

4. Pokeno Night. With Blaine away it seemed like the perfect week for Pokeno night! Lots of laughs, fun prezzies, drinks and food! Three of the women are moving at the end of the school year - which makes me sad - but it was a nice night to make some memories!

5. 26 Days. No need to say anything else!

And there you have it! Fab 5 is back - temporarily!

Give A Shitter Is Broken...

People...this is so true. I'm running on fumes right now. Pure fumes. There's not one ounce of me that wants to be here. My kids, well...their give-a-shitter has about an eighth of a tank left...after it's gone...they got nothing. We're ready to head back to the U.S. We're ready to see our family and friends. We're ready to go to our favorite restaurants and shop at our favorite stores. We're ready to sleep late. We're ready to go fishing and golfing. We're ready for a break from Poland.

And, I know this happens every year at this time - no matter what country I'm living in. I know I'm cranky and my filter is low. (I should just wear a sign that says, "I'm sorry for what may come out of my mouth.") I know I'm short-tempered and could crack at any moment. (Grey Goose and cranberry is saving me from cracking at the current moment.) It doesn't make it right, but I'm writing this blog just to give you fair warning. 

Be warned. I can tell you there aren't many milifuckits left. This momma needs a break.

Spring Cruise 2016 Days 7, 8 and 9

Okay...let's finish up the last few days of the cruise. I hope to be back to some regular blogging in the next few weeks before we head back to the States and then it will be sporadic throughout the summer as, well, I'll admit...I'm lazy. I like to spend my time reading, golfing, sitting by the lake, visiting with friends and family...oh, and this summer I'll throw in some work, too!

But, let's finish up the cruise and I can daydream about summer later!

Day 7 - Day at Sea. So this was a day at sea...a very relaxing day at sea. We slept in - which was heavenly! We also booked a special tour of the galley and brunch that day - which was our ship version of a food tour. Very fun to go see the inner workings of the kitchen - which is quite small considering how many meals they put out in a day - and then the lunch/brunch was fantastic. You got to try dishes from all of the specialty dining restaurants (so Grayson chowed down on some sushi!) and then you had a lovely filet mignon with your choice of sauce! Bring on the hollandaise! And unlimited champagne! And crepes for dessert! The afternoon brought more bingo and drinks! And, the evening had us dining with our favorite waiters - Elmer and Gabriel. This night Elmer decided he would show us some of his magic tricks and Grayson decided he was going to have his growth spurt at dinner where he ate...well, multiple rolls, appetizers, and desserts - along with his entree.  Gotta love that kid!

Pix from Day 7: https://goo.gl/photos/DdLEWevTVsgCU3ck8

Day 8 - Kotor, Montenegro. While it was not raining upon our arrival, it soon started to rain in Kotor. But, Caleb, Blaine and I decided to get off the ship and go anyways. (Grayson opted to stay on board and play Wii...big surprise!) At this port we had to tender to Kotor. This was the only port where we had to do this - and while we had explained to Caleb that we would be taking the lifeboats over - I'm not sure he believed us until  he saw that they were in the water. Kotor is another beautiful walled city, but more commercialized than Mdina. We had fun walking around in the rain and doing some shopping, but decided we would rather be on board in dry clothes with some beverages in our hand, a good book, and play some Ticket to Ride - so that's what we did. Of course, another round of bingo was played! (My Grandma would've been so proud!) and we got involved involved in some of the ship's activities. (Many old folks kicked our butts in trivia at various points on this cruise!) A good day for us!

Pix from Day 8: https://goo.gl/photos/5dBV5SmLqfYjE3hF9

Day 9 - Ravenna, Italy. So...this was another day in port, but I'll be honest...this port sucked. The nearest town was about 16 km away and Bologna was about 90km away and really, Ravenna is an industrial port - not a cruise ship port. It was also cool and very windy this day...so we opted to stay on board. (As did many others!) So yes, it was a day of trivia, reading, Ticket to Ride, bingo, eating, drinking, and napping. The kids hung out with some friends they made on the boat and Blaine and I planted ourselves in our favorite seats in the Schooner lounge for most of the day and then moved ourselves to the Centrum lounge to see our favorite piano player before dinner. (He did some great Billy Joel and Elton John!) As it was the last night with our waitstaff we snapped some pictures with them - and of our tablemates! (We had great tablemates! Very fun and easy to talk to!) All of the wait staff did a little show for us - which was fun! And that was the end of our cruise! The next morning we were off the ship early in Venice and straight to the airport we went to catch a flight home!

Pix from Day 9: https://goo.gl/photos/21mGrPdezgtin7ti8

So there you have it! 9 days full of fun! The kids are already asking when we can do another one (and secretly I'm hoping that next spring break I can find a cruise to someplace new for us, too!)

Later this month we're off to Madrid for a long weekend and then it's homeward bound for the summer!!! In all honesty, I'm looking forward to going home more than anything else! And, so are the boys! I've booked them into one camp and I'm looking for more! They can't wait to see their family and friends...and of course, fishing and golfing and whatever else comes their way! When you are far from home...going home is the best vacation there is!

Spring Cruise 2016 - Days 4, 5, & 6

Okay...let's continue Spring Cruise 2016!

Day 4 - Naples, Italy. Day 4 had us arriving in Naples, Italy and I had planned a half day tour of Ancient Pompeii. I have learned that my kids can handle about a half day of touring (meaning listening and learning) and then they are done. This tour was particularly great because it was geared towards kids. Our guide, Dr. Lavinia (she has a doctorate in history) created this tour with some friends. It had specific activities for children that they had to complete as we toured the grounds. And, we had beautiful weather - so the day was fantastic! We spent the afternoon on the boat - drinking yummy beverages! (And yes, our kids became very good friends with the bartenders! I think it started on the first day when Grayson asked the head bartender if he knew how to make a Shirley Temple with the utmost sincerity.)

Here are pix from Day 4: https://goo.gl/photos/hZsdBrXMUQLAjv579

Day 5 - Messina, Italy. Day 5 brought us to Messina, Italy where we were scheduled for a full day tour to visit Mt. Etna and Taormina. (Yes, this was the only day that I broke the half-day tour rule.) Michele was our guide for the day and, once again, the weather was great. We arrived at a smoking Mt. Etna mid-morning and had fun climbing up several of the craters and taking pics and enjoying the weather. We then drove to Taormina where we had a few hours to shop and eat lunch. We found a great little restaurant with some very yummy pizzas and calzones, although Grayson declared that Caleb's pizza was "not as good as the all cheese pizza at Pizza Ranch." Gotta love him! Seriously!?! Pizza in Italy not as good as Pizza Ranch?!? Then we did a quick tour of Messina where we had a chance to see their beautiful church - which has the most amazing clock tower. Of course, by then my kids were well over touring (as it is they think that Europe only has "Old Towns" and "Churches") and we headed back to the ship.

Here are pix from Day 5: https://goo.gl/photos/peaDYCk9CCpEaLtd6

Day 6 - Valletta, Malta. Oh, I don't know what to say about Malta except that it may be one of the most gorgeous places I've been. Truly stunning. When the ship pulled into the port, you could not help but be wowed by how beautiful Malta is. Today we had a half day tour of the walled city of Mdina and Valletta booked. Flora was a our guide for the day and she did an excellent job. The walled city of Mdina is amazing - with 300 people still living within the walls. She showed us where many television shows/movies had filmed within the walls and we loved exploring the area. Late morning brought us back to Valletta where we witnessed the canons being shot and got a glimpse of the Maltese Prime Minister as he was leaving one of the government buildings. Just a nice day exploring. We spent the afternoon on the boat where we made some new friends - Carey and Tracey - who have spent the last year touring the world with their kids. Carey works for the Canadian government and had been putting aside 20% of his paycheck for the last 4 years so that they could take the 5th year off and travel. Very fun to hang out with them in the pool for the afternoon. The evening brought on karaoke - which Caleb participated in - along with our tablemates, Tammy and John. I give Caleb big props for getting up there and doing that - that's something his mom will never do! (No matter how much she's had to drink!)

Here are pix from Day 6: https://goo.gl/photos/c66GLddQwJUjwUSi9

Okay...so there's three more days covered! Just three more to go!

Spring Cruise 2016 - Days 1, 2 & 3

Okay...we're back and I've been busy at work with little time to blog, but I think I've finally got my sh*t together enough to string together a few coherent thoughts.

First off, the cruise was amazing! We had a blast! I was worried that it might be a bit long, but I have to admit that none of us wanted to come home! Secondly, we saw some amazing places! Just fantastic!

But, due to a hectic week, the best I could do was arrange my photos into albums which I will share here. Now, each album contains photos from one particular place/day - but they may be slightly out of order as Blaine and I share photo storage. Anyways...I hope you enjoy!

Barcelona and Day 1 On The Boat

We flew into Barcelona on Saturday (our cruise departed Sunday) and took some time to just walk around the city. I laughed as we were touching down and Grayson saw palm trees and said, "Palm Trees = Vacation Trees." Those are true words!! While we were walking around Barcelona, we learned that it was Sant Jordi Day - similar to Valentine's Day. Women are given roses and men are given books. Very nice to receive a few roses! We grabbed lunch (and our customary bottle opener) from The Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona and enjoyed our meal outside! Perfect! We then had time to go see Sagrada Familia (only from the exterior) and let Caleb do a little FC Barcelona shopping. Needless to say, he's now decked out head to toe in Messi gear. Sunday morning we got up early to go check out Camp Nou (FC Barcelona's stadium) - which was cool. (And, we've now promised that at some point we will go back for a match. Suckers we are!) And then it was off to the ship! Lucky for us the cruise ship had docked the day before so when we arrived we breezed through the line and boarded quickly - leaving time for drinks by the pool and the soaking up of some rays! Now, the first night on board was a little rough. The captain warned us that we were going to have rough seas at night and as we got closer to leaving port, we could see deck hands locking up the lounge chairs. While Grayson and I managed to make it to the show, soon both he and Caleb were seasick. The guest services desk was handing out dramamine like they were tic tacs and we all finally fell asleep around 11 p.m. Of course, at 4 a.m. the loud speakers came on and we knew that an emergency was taking place. Then, an emergency crew was summoned over the loud speaker. At 5 a.m. our ship captain announced that 5 windows (on the deck below  us) had been busted due to the immense waves and that water was in the passageway, but that everything was under control. Hmm...thoughts of the Poseidon Adventure and Titanic came to mind. The next morning we learned that while the windows could be repaired, the cabins had undergone extensive damage due to the waves (they estimate it was a 30-40 foot rogue wave) and about 50 people were sent home because there was just no space. (Phew! Lucky it wasn't us!)

Here are pix from Barcelona & Day 1: https://goo.gl/photos/yDiFJh5pX4Ngqvoi8

Ajaccio, Corsica & Day 2 On The Boat

The next day we arrived in Ajaccio, Corsica. I had not booked any tours in Corsica so we got off the boat and decided we would take "Le Petit Train" around and see the sites - which really consists of Napoleon, Napoleon, and Napoleon. But, it was a sunny day, and we enjoyed the train ride and we were able to catch the tail end of the farmers market that was taking place in the main square. Caleb insisted on a crepe and Grayson had to have some granita - so everyone was happy. We were back on the boat by early afternoon to enjoy some sunshine and refreshing beverages. The evening consisted of watching our tablemate, Tammy, perform karaoke - and she was excellent!  But, we hit the hay early due to the previous night's waves and announcements from the Captain. ("This is Captain Dimas speaking from the bridge...Ciao, Ciao!" - Every announcement he made started and ended like this! Just once we wanted to here him say, "This is Captain Dimas speaking from the bar!" But, it didn't happen!)

Here are pix from Ajaccio, Corsica & Day 2: https://goo.gl/photos/N3NyhU67QcGRfRd47

Day 3 On The Boat

Day 3 was a day at sea...which was filled with sunshine, the pool, alcoholic beverages, and Bingo (in honor of my Grama!). It was fun and relaxing and I don't know what else to say. This evening was one of the "formal" nights on the ship - which had Grayson busting out his tie and vest - hilarious! (He insisted that we pack it!)

Here are a few pix from Day 3 on the boat: https://goo.gl/photos/ZhvEVQejAW7yR7TT6

Okay...will try and do some more days tomorrow!! Ciao, Ciao!