tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64698142147454866062024-03-14T01:25:48.980-07:00Mercury. Spartans. Utopia.Follow us as we travel from East Lansing, MI to paradise La Quinta, CA!Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-67636225821977072532010-11-16T07:58:00.000-08:002010-11-16T07:58:44.507-08:00"No sharing!"<!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal">On our way to Denver, we attempted to go to the Coors Brewery in Golden, CO but it was closed (thanks a lot, website...)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vowing to go back the next day, we continued our journey to Denver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We absolutely loved it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Denver is so nice with a lot to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After visiting here, we will definitely be adding it to our lists of possible places for a career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We parked and headed to the first Thai restaurant we saw, Wild Bangkok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stuffed with delicious food, we set off to walk around the 16<sup>th</sup> Street Mall downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped in Niketown, Forever 21, and Starbucks (surprise, surprise).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a stroll to the beautiful capitol building and then back to the car to look for the University of Colorado… instead, we found Trivoli Student Union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking it was the CU hotspot we explored, we discovered that this was not the main campus for CU, and the union was actually shared with two other schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not wanting to waste a trip, we set off to find the art building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the walk there, we found a renovated gallery that was currently displaying the work of an architect; one of his buildings turned out to be Christine’s favorite house in Palm Desert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After enjoying student work in the art building and a quick photography moment with a campus cathedral, we headed to Melanie’s apartment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRpV7FTAxO_5WZu0aKUHXNDlWbOosafevjTthiNEjDd4pho4TUvAtiBlqK6u79gY_aL8QlXPuvZ1Lx6S__p_kCTI_y7UKU1datMJT-_c29NGXJfW0zt3F0bSLLKjCkeMYLdcBhNcmn7A/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRpV7FTAxO_5WZu0aKUHXNDlWbOosafevjTthiNEjDd4pho4TUvAtiBlqK6u79gY_aL8QlXPuvZ1Lx6S__p_kCTI_y7UKU1datMJT-_c29NGXJfW0zt3F0bSLLKjCkeMYLdcBhNcmn7A/s200/IMG_3734.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The rest of the night was filled with reminiscing and swapping stories about studying abroad in Spain to Jess’ laughing delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mel treated us to a scrumptious dinner at the Cherry Cricket in downtown Cherry Creek, a bar & grill featured on the Food Network for their burgers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsaSkCSwlNUZl3zPsvhWY427KKlkJEGu3vD3DVBmnSN4N8K7HHFRkcXLOCBcbrC2k_h46C3voTa94i7HAD5BlqeSKLGl_tWC3811LlsnoANxyipwg3fdn4pbwhc4bSSR_yIt50S_xr1Y/s1600/DSC02039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsaSkCSwlNUZl3zPsvhWY427KKlkJEGu3vD3DVBmnSN4N8K7HHFRkcXLOCBcbrC2k_h46C3voTa94i7HAD5BlqeSKLGl_tWC3811LlsnoANxyipwg3fdn4pbwhc4bSSR_yIt50S_xr1Y/s200/DSC02039.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day Christine and Jess headed back to downtown Golden for a free tour of the Coors Brewery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bus took us on a mini-excursion around town to see the largest cobblestone building in the United States, the murals of the five historic town figures and the road to Buffalo Bill’s grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dropping us off at Coors, we saw one of the original copper kettles that was used for fermentation back in the day (which was a Wednesday).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual we were questioned about the legitimacy of our licenses since our birthdays are only two days apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After gaining approval we set off on our audio tour around the brewery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were surprised by all the different brands they produce along side their biggest seller Coors Light (like Molson, Killians and Blue Moon to name a few).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the tour we received one taste of beer and then after we had THREE FREE BEERS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Success!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christine tried Batch 19 (a pre-prohibition brew), Colorado Native (only available in Colorado), and Winter Fest (only available in certain test markets, of which Denver isn't one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jess tried Batch 19, Winter Fest, and Killians (yes I am already well aware of the taste of Irish Red, I couldn’t resist a free one, on tap, straight from the brewery).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After way too much money and time in the gift shop, we headed to Boulder!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQxj3uQ8Hq2MwDVoUf6TQYaWugpqzfjBHFYB-rjdw0HQ4WWFvqcErx_xf3frBvHuHTTyCtWjushpCHejFiJLpo2h6U7fo8qTXV-k1qYVdGNdTEvuHZBcxDdN9UYJytaHty61DXvyujWY/s1600/DSC02061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQxj3uQ8Hq2MwDVoUf6TQYaWugpqzfjBHFYB-rjdw0HQ4WWFvqcErx_xf3frBvHuHTTyCtWjushpCHejFiJLpo2h6U7fo8qTXV-k1qYVdGNdTEvuHZBcxDdN9UYJytaHty61DXvyujWY/s200/DSC02061.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xBXWZwLPf6bLgmRtB9eBpYXCNNhOrik20WXO1W-AJgKhLJp19-zRhklDBvirR8FvLDd6Q_r4LarFJTk7tvqZ6Kgm8_UuyFl3AqKPhwmhzgsnVJwuox-i7V6idGPM5j5492ybA057RxI/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xBXWZwLPf6bLgmRtB9eBpYXCNNhOrik20WXO1W-AJgKhLJp19-zRhklDBvirR8FvLDd6Q_r4LarFJTk7tvqZ6Kgm8_UuyFl3AqKPhwmhzgsnVJwuox-i7V6idGPM5j5492ybA057RxI/s200/IMG_3761.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pearl Street is where it is at in Boulder!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This street is precious in appearance and jam packed of unique shops and restaurants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, the rumors are true, many hippies reside here (the summer must be hopping with people).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first stop on the street was a little vintage store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christine bought a few shirts and Jess found a knit hat and a Beatles record (YAY!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then enjoyed some happy hour sushi with soup and tea to warm up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then walked to a cute poster store where Christine found six postcards she couldn’t live without.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, since we are poor, we had no cash and the woman only took credit cards for $4 and up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, these six postcards only cost $3, so C offered to grab a couple more cards, but the woman insisted she just have them for free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> :) </span>After a bit more walking around we were cold again, so the only reasonable solution Jess could think of was Starbucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We asked the barista if the University of Colorado was worth a stroll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He replied, “if you are bundled for the cold” looked us up and down and added, “so no you shouldn’t go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking his advice, we headed back to the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way we found a cool art gallery that had inspiring quotes from artists and authors all around the perimeter of the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To wrap up the trip we attempted to drive around campus and then headed back to Melanie’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For dinner we enjoyed a Mediterranean meal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPRYJP1lrHe2T_un3l617ATIai5oXSmCcF8H80RShAFpuZ3-zmm7LX3k6nNcuU4gEWRz3cLgCPWAdI0Zr3wkzUkRo-KMseCfVUpRyoanEPUsLrjRU6DXjhq1GxVComBKvO_5tJ4_9Z_o/s1600/kansas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPRYJP1lrHe2T_un3l617ATIai5oXSmCcF8H80RShAFpuZ3-zmm7LX3k6nNcuU4gEWRz3cLgCPWAdI0Zr3wkzUkRo-KMseCfVUpRyoanEPUsLrjRU6DXjhq1GxVComBKvO_5tJ4_9Z_o/s200/kansas.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning we woke up with Melanie at 6 in the morning (sweet Lord that was early).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gathered up our things, packed the car, said our goodbyes and hit the road by 6:45 a.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Starbucks stop for breakfast and we were off on the painfully dull trek across Kansas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rain and flat farms as far as the eye could see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was excitement on the horizon, the OZ Museum (and Winery <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>) so, of course, we took a detour to explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just in the nick of time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had about fifteen minutes before it closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place was full of Oz artifacts dating back to 1900 from all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were books, posters, movies, plays, board games, shoes, and even a haunted forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we got our fill, we ran through the rain to the OZ Winery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The labels were hilarious and the were samples free. Needless to say, we pulled up a chair at the bar and quickly made friends with the girl working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After many samples, we each bought a few bottles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christine got Click!, OEO, and Emerald City Lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jessica bought Yellow Brick Road, Witch Gone Good, Squished Witch, and Lion’s Courage (and received a free tote!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then kindly recommended another winery on our way, so we stopped there too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this winery they have a ton of wines we had never seen, including Elderberry, Elderflower, and Rhubarb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So good and so strange! Nothing like a couple wine tastings before a hockey game, right...?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPVqL5Hen8ljAK5BQcL5MeUUzI28fYVGy89GJd772VJ5AEGzTlsvrMU7FuXHv3lITQfraGbAvLJ2fi7EOr7zE649mxDhVESnEYx43DVXg3or9KHT4Q8CuawmVCjFNoVtcsoZzcrykam0/s1600/DSC02080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPVqL5Hen8ljAK5BQcL5MeUUzI28fYVGy89GJd772VJ5AEGzTlsvrMU7FuXHv3lITQfraGbAvLJ2fi7EOr7zE649mxDhVESnEYx43DVXg3or9KHT4Q8CuawmVCjFNoVtcsoZzcrykam0/s200/DSC02080.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5ub5HmK-ENXYOuVKzJGDVJ4eROkZZijOaKNrzYVzMzw7bl4wvlnOViAa-mYKo84PhBYCpuC_utcB8eJgHL__Oc4tTXIeUrTGn8SYS5Lu4kWz0HfL2Z-BaF3jRPPq5WtRQ51X8m-lbPQ/s1600/DSC02071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5ub5HmK-ENXYOuVKzJGDVJ4eROkZZijOaKNrzYVzMzw7bl4wvlnOViAa-mYKo84PhBYCpuC_utcB8eJgHL__Oc4tTXIeUrTGn8SYS5Lu4kWz0HfL2Z-BaF3jRPPq5WtRQ51X8m-lbPQ/s200/DSC02071.jpg" width="150" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3BRpcic9wRBkYIi7g9IHvba-UEwpxivuXaB3lVp6QzAQIlySuK4QItjQzrGmsMpRcCsLWQbmTKPYhaiE2nWbUa9Q9M8IkTaWCfWqW51fiWx-JnH5cJ3AFcQZvhKnTRIWbnmcDuYOZ4Q/s1600/DSC02064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3BRpcic9wRBkYIi7g9IHvba-UEwpxivuXaB3lVp6QzAQIlySuK4QItjQzrGmsMpRcCsLWQbmTKPYhaiE2nWbUa9Q9M8IkTaWCfWqW51fiWx-JnH5cJ3AFcQZvhKnTRIWbnmcDuYOZ4Q/s200/DSC02064.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally arriving in Topeka, Kansas we grabbed a smoothie at Juice Stop (HOORAY) and then headed to the rink to support RoadRunner hockey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a misunderstanding at will call, we found our seats and watched the boys win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The post game party was at Old Chicago. As<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eric helped himself to the player buffet, we order our usual (beer and pizza <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stuffed, we headed back to Judy and Merlin’s home to catch up and hit the hay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day we woke up to Judy offering to make us breakfast (best waffles ever, thanks, Judy!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eric got home from the morning skate and stretch and we all headed to Panera then the movies to see the new Denzel flick Unstoppable (we definitely recommend it!) Night #2 of RoadRunners hockey was much rowdier than the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most exciting part, Eric played the last seven minutes of the game after the other goalie was ejected from the game for fighting... and hitting another player with his blocker (yikes). 100% saved shots!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great job Eric <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The RoadRunners pulled off another win, with many fights to entertain the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we headed to the Blind Tiger to celebrate the victory and once again ordered way too much food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exhausted, we all headed to bed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On our last morning some of us had a bit more trouble getting out of bed than others...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At last we were ready to go to lunch at HuHot (like BD’s Mongolian Grill).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jess unfortunately, spent most of the meal comparing it to her old place of employment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HuHot wins the seating battle with more space and booth options and on scrumptious Asian-themed appetizers, but Mongo wins on sauce, market area choices in general, and entertainment (they used spatulas at the grill - lame).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few errands we headed back to the house to say our goodbyes and to bring flowers for Judy’s birthday <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sad to get back on the road we definitely dragged our feet, not leaving until 4:30 in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you in St. Louis!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Memorable Quotes:<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">M: "I didn't like beer until I became a teacher."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">M: "MISS LIM NEEDS A DRINK!"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: "Can I just have half a glass of Killians?"</div><div class="MsoNormal">Coors Bartender: "Sure! Want me to fill up the top half?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: (to Christine) "Gotchya!"</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: "I was in the picture?!"</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hippie: "Don't take a picture of me until I put my face on!"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Coors rule: "NO SHARING!" </div><!--EndFragment-->Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-53759741965995644682010-11-13T14:14:00.000-08:002010-11-15T12:28:57.221-08:00Pure dirt, pure fruit. That's what it's all about.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApptoAzn97zhOatm6090sgqlKY2hvnw1zeCOwskWZxqSAGOA_q9HgLF7eVVC88WJ-_3w_A6aK_d2lFv5Yu1yw5WZLfC0F0u5D6bRUp_H8XqoGTEWe1ZedeNEas3LPy_qb188u27EHLFQ/s1600/DSC02010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApptoAzn97zhOatm6090sgqlKY2hvnw1zeCOwskWZxqSAGOA_q9HgLF7eVVC88WJ-_3w_A6aK_d2lFv5Yu1yw5WZLfC0F0u5D6bRUp_H8XqoGTEWe1ZedeNEas3LPy_qb188u27EHLFQ/s200/DSC02010.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll see this arch later :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Moab, Utah turned out to be surprisingly nice. We scored a sweet deal on a great hotel room and were right down the street from Arches National Park. The woman working the entrance of the park was so excited to be working and very helpful (no, we aren’t being sarcastic for once) which made us even more excited to explore. We were able to check out a few exhibits before hitting the road again, including Balanced Rock - so crazy seeing a HUGE boulder that appears as though it will fall on you as you walk the trail around it! Turns out, it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> fall in a few hundred years, (like the rock that used to be it’s neighbor) since the rock that makes up the support system erodes at a faster pace than the rock that the boulder itself is composed of. After a windy walk and a few pictures, we set off for the main attraction, Delicate Arch. We opted for the vista point trail to save time, which ended up being about a mile hike. A friendly hiker advised us to continue past the trail to the edge of the “huge slab of rock”… well, the edge of that rock was the valley right next to the arch. It felt like we were on the edge of the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu9-UARjnU0X63De7mK4xMEYg-LochIs8I6QKSX0Ynlyz5Tp0KRfhLEyxtCAzDgE07JffZIXyzu5fx9EeS1JFwbFtI9t9vPHzRelG4c7fJiLLswJO0QbYJ6nYq7z-JngSM1OiH0Eq9gw/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu9-UARjnU0X63De7mK4xMEYg-LochIs8I6QKSX0Ynlyz5Tp0KRfhLEyxtCAzDgE07JffZIXyzu5fx9EeS1JFwbFtI9t9vPHzRelG4c7fJiLLswJO0QbYJ6nYq7z-JngSM1OiH0Eq9gw/s200/IMG_3699.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After driving through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains an hour longer than anticipated, we arrived at the new home of Meredith in Gypsum, Colorado! Greeted with screams and hugs, we spent the night catching up. We met up with Derrick and headed out to dinner at one of the fine establishments of Eagle, Colorado. After a beer, delicious bar food, and cowboys we headed home.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehKmNQ4SskRbvr4wLx4FXYjAXNegKqbTgUb3RK8Ez691R8EXI6G225UST0KILzDPkYGhvber4pSNltgsln1vfjDCip5Qq9CNJbOQVqIDz0kfORCa5pQyQ9O_jJ0NYUu4CKVpmzb5EEzs/s1600/IMG_3727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehKmNQ4SskRbvr4wLx4FXYjAXNegKqbTgUb3RK8Ez691R8EXI6G225UST0KILzDPkYGhvber4pSNltgsln1vfjDCip5Qq9CNJbOQVqIDz0kfORCa5pQyQ9O_jJ0NYUu4CKVpmzb5EEzs/s200/IMG_3727.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yin and Yang</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day, Meredith headed off to work and we planned on hiking around Hanging Lake, a lake nestled in the mountains. Unfortunately, by the time we got our behinds out of bed and loaded up on Starbucks, a snowstorm had taken up residence in our area. Seeing as our hiking skills aren’t exactly that of an experienced climber in such weather conditions, we decided to head to Aspen instead. What a cute ski village! We parked and wandered the streets that were home to thrift shops and Gucci. We popped into Peter Lik’s photography studio and were quickly informed that he is the latest top photographer in the world (Jess will definitely be watching his upcoming television appearance). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We also had the great pleasure of finding a wine shop (leave that to us, right?) The Colorado-native worker was such a blast. When he asked if we were looking for anything in particular, Jess simply answered, “Honestly, something from Colorado and that has a cool label”. Boy, did he deliver. We found a great bottle for Meredith from a local winery just up the road from her home, a bottle for Melanie from Spain and a couple of bottles for ourselves. Our last stop in Aspen was Peach’s, a cute café on the corner with a great view of the ski resort, where they served chicken soup like mom makes; perfect for a cold Colorado day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-yZbU_Jz1i2qqWSIR0XAS-7vbuzHnagqNG-Saw73hKY2hs4Wao29i3DWFpG7eym4ioA_tOMflk3umywqRGUzOvdYM89NJbzNWzqnoFb26D8M1YSONJxa11X2AWyycUWTZZOycQ1q9gc/s1600/aspen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-yZbU_Jz1i2qqWSIR0XAS-7vbuzHnagqNG-Saw73hKY2hs4Wao29i3DWFpG7eym4ioA_tOMflk3umywqRGUzOvdYM89NJbzNWzqnoFb26D8M1YSONJxa11X2AWyycUWTZZOycQ1q9gc/s200/aspen.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That night we headed out for a night on the town. We met up with Derrick after he had a day of skiing (so jealous!) and wandered around downtown Vail. Unfortunately, a lot of the shops were closed since the ski resort isn’t open yet. We did manage, however, to entertain ourselves in the touristy shops and investigated the ski gear. Expecting to see the Polar Express as we rounded each Christmas-like corner, we settled in a bar for a few beers and entertaining segments on ESPN. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhousSJGTVHmfqJPyy42ERuJchyphenhyphenvebztrrw06Ja87_zGAPoWdS_cqAsVJzM5jpMZUW55veVlILxwhmXdbch8iqSlXyRSzvpJKsv_PSWlfYGjmUuYZAjlTOvamublXSBwgYYYD0aYo6H2Rw/s1600/IMG_3729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhousSJGTVHmfqJPyy42ERuJchyphenhyphenvebztrrw06Ja87_zGAPoWdS_cqAsVJzM5jpMZUW55veVlILxwhmXdbch8iqSlXyRSzvpJKsv_PSWlfYGjmUuYZAjlTOvamublXSBwgYYYD0aYo6H2Rw/s200/IMG_3729.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Switching to another bar, we received cards for the pub-crawl and enjoyed delicious food. Backtracking to the first bar to get our well-earned stamps, we then attempted to go to the whiskey bar, which was closed to Christine’s disappointment. So we hit our last bar (never making it to all eight needed to win a ski mask), where we met locals, worked on crossword puzzles, and watched the UFC fights on TV (well, sort of) as the Av’s lost. We said, “bye, bye, bye” to Derrick and then the three of us went back to Meredith’s house to hang out with Ricky Bobby (the stuffed bobcat).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning, we woke up as Meredith left for work to say our unfortunate goodbyes until Christmas. Next stop, Denver!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Memorable Quotes:<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: "what's the state slogan for Utah?"</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: "I don't know, 'Mormonism!'?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: "I NEEDED A MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME!"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Wine Man: “Wicked juice!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">D: “…But to you I’m saying, ‘Hello, hello, hello’!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “Cheers to Marcus …who?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">M: “Dupree!” </div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “Like Jermaine!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bartender: “It’s casual mustache Tuesday.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bartender: “It’s all in the beard, warms the synapses.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “Must be a slow sports night…”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">D: “Look at those nostrils…he probably doesn’t have to blow his nose, his boogers just fall out.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">M: (In reference to The Great Bud v. Bud Light Debate) “I’ll bet my life on this beer being Bud Light…I’ll bet our relationship!... …because it is my life?”<br />
<br />
M: "Bob Barker reminding you: help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered. Goodbye, everyone!"</div>Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-71357946978769437672010-11-08T19:59:00.000-08:002010-11-08T20:03:03.606-08:00"... did you add the water?"<div class="MsoNormal">Sad to leave California, we set out sights on Scottsdale, Arizona. A very flat, dry and boring 4.5 hour drive later, we arrived at Christine’s aunt & uncle’s BEAUTIFUL home in Desert Mountain. Happy for the change in scenery and elevation, we enjoyed a delicious dinner before hitting the hay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning, the Glassbergs gave us a tour of the Desert Mountain community and we grabbed some coffee from the awesome C4 coffee shop. We also drove through the city of Carefree to see the famous intersection of Ho and Hum streets. Unfortunately, Barb and Andy had to head back to Michigan for an event, leaving us later that evening. As we watched the sunset over Phoenix from the hot tub and ate the rest of last night’s scrumptious leftovers, we wondered what we were going to do without warm weather…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYxVgw7IcNfhSN04Ca49MN4fKhsJzy_busaxnFuxi7FNpatpgtM5Jl3yyOmUBiU2jwyiWaAaiuqvlmlO-0Etx18kCVOFLHLQMgx4ZvZkLr3sO_nwInECLyO5SviFK0iqn8kx8cXyvHjQ/s1600/red+rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYxVgw7IcNfhSN04Ca49MN4fKhsJzy_busaxnFuxi7FNpatpgtM5Jl3yyOmUBiU2jwyiWaAaiuqvlmlO-0Etx18kCVOFLHLQMgx4ZvZkLr3sO_nwInECLyO5SviFK0iqn8kx8cXyvHjQ/s200/red+rock.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Upon leaving Scottsdale, we were Grand Canyon-bound! Along the way, we sidetracked to Sedona to see the famous Red Rocks Park, where, you guessed it, the scenery is a gorgeous shade of red from the mineral deposits in the soil. From there, we proceeded to the Grand Canyon, where we JUST barely entered the South Rim of the park before sunset. The lighting isn’t exactly what we were expecting, but, hey, we still made great time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsWWrPM6aWpqcuiIa4810IPFMedF_iy7Kt_SNQbOe5334vV1QuKYYTN_BaCWUuQ-VI717jiioxgRH3gXDW0U7a3WMUiGKL5IIWTzqYVVQiiGzOtNkGh40Z2gvdNET5r8kEOoX55wwqtw/s1600/grand+canyon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsWWrPM6aWpqcuiIa4810IPFMedF_iy7Kt_SNQbOe5334vV1QuKYYTN_BaCWUuQ-VI717jiioxgRH3gXDW0U7a3WMUiGKL5IIWTzqYVVQiiGzOtNkGh40Z2gvdNET5r8kEOoX55wwqtw/s200/grand+canyon2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhHcXfEi9-wQHncTagY575DYjVzrl5eQQ3sJPxFcdFFIPOZRh-dX0zm8bmjdy6K41zari9cHoB91PUScSrajtl8O0gOndnSV7c0RTyF3vvW5YI2fOGxC7v6GoAwruOA27MFXUcjiJLgY/s1600/grand+canyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhHcXfEi9-wQHncTagY575DYjVzrl5eQQ3sJPxFcdFFIPOZRh-dX0zm8bmjdy6K41zari9cHoB91PUScSrajtl8O0gOndnSV7c0RTyF3vvW5YI2fOGxC7v6GoAwruOA27MFXUcjiJLgY/s320/grand+canyon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning was full of exploring the SPECTACULAR South Rim of the Canyon. Upon first glance, we both absolutely fell in love with the scenery. We’re still awe-struck by the massive scale of the Canyon (it’s almost a 200-mile drive from the South Rim entrance to the North Rim) and are convinced it’s something every American should see. It’s so hard trying to put so many miles of postcard-esque scenery into words and our pictures will never do it justice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Like Glacier National Park, a single street directs traffic to a series of viewing points within the park, allowing us to see the Canyon from multiple angles. Of course, being the adventurous explorers that we are, we didn’t stick to the marked trails and ventured out on our own. A few highlights for us included seeing the Colorado River that has sculpted the Canyon over time, hiking down one of the trailheads and wandering into the Watch Tower. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Crossing Arizona, we entered the large Indian Reservation that occupies the entire northeastern portion of the state, known as Navajo Nation, although other tribes also have reservations in the area. Navajo Nation apparently didn’t love us as much as we loved it. For the first time, about 11,000 miles into the trip, we were pulled over… not by a city cop, not by a county officer, not by a state trooper, but by a Native American, Navajo Nation patrolman As he politely asked Jess to step out of the car, he chatted her up as he called in her license information (since Navajo National patrol cars aren’t equipped with computers) as his drug dogs scrambled around the back seat, scaring the life out of poor J. Despite cruising an estimated 15mph over the speed limit, we’re happy to announce that we’re still ticket-free, even though Jess was issued a formal warning for the first time in her driving career, bringing Jess’ tally to 5 times being pulled over, 0 tickets issued.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqNoHUP_wdm5WVIbXUSBjAQRfj0w74J2D3CklYGyPljAJFsvrsiVrkV9ZmcxdjGO2q1Oqz8_SfQRySIMVI35BxFljHCMEcA0_tZm2fk04ol_d4NG3wo8UKEIyKFWgbZqaShTsybHPnnI/s1600/ticket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqNoHUP_wdm5WVIbXUSBjAQRfj0w74J2D3CklYGyPljAJFsvrsiVrkV9ZmcxdjGO2q1Oqz8_SfQRySIMVI35BxFljHCMEcA0_tZm2fk04ol_d4NG3wo8UKEIyKFWgbZqaShTsybHPnnI/s200/ticket.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Escaping Navajo Nation, we headed eastward to the only spot in the United States where you can be in four places simultaneously – the Four Corners monument! We we stood in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado at the same time (even though the monument is in New Mexico and we’ve heard rumors that the monument location isn’t geographically correct). Despite being in the middle of nowhere, we’re happy we stopped.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3XMZHWWJwmsUaHr0irSoFFaL-YkL21AXjfLExVemBgr8rjg8mIBoLIPyFV26kleKoqzsFixrsV131ovV4Qn3y5__uU0oec_7-P-c0H709ssNkrp_tWDMVhowQ7stwgmqjCQIAHenTsg/s1600/four+corners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3XMZHWWJwmsUaHr0irSoFFaL-YkL21AXjfLExVemBgr8rjg8mIBoLIPyFV26kleKoqzsFixrsV131ovV4Qn3y5__uU0oec_7-P-c0H709ssNkrp_tWDMVhowQ7stwgmqjCQIAHenTsg/s200/four+corners.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">From there, we traveled to Moab, Utah in search of our next hotel. Until then!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Memorable Quotes</u></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">J: "technically, it's eating in..."</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">C: "what do you suppose one trades at a trading post?"</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">J: "NOT husbands!"</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">C: "good thing we weren't doing anything else illegal..."</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">J: "... like what?!"</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">C: "i don't know... talking on the phone or something...:</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">*stares*</span></span></div></div>Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-91129398126949882822010-11-05T20:27:00.000-07:002010-11-05T20:34:18.135-07:00PROP 19<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Well, the second half of our stay in La Quinta has gone by far too quickly for our liking. After our tram trip, Christine planned a trip back to, of all places, Detroit. Before we knew it, Jess was dropping Christine off at the airport for a trip to Michigan to interview with Team Detroit.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Christine had the worst flight of her entire life back from Phoenix to Detroit. Not only was it the redeye, which only worsened the jetlag, but she was seated next to a child. Knowing how C feels about children, being seated next to one was obviously bad enough. What made it worse was that it SCREAMED the entire 3.5 hours home (literally, the entire flight) and the parents didn’t know what deodorant was. So bad, in fact, was the stench that the people seated in the row behind us passed up a bottle of Axe… it didn’t go over so well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Bright and early the next morning, C crabbily got in the car and headed to Ann Arbor to visit her brother Jeff, cousin Sarah, and friends Eric and Danielle. After seeing more than enough blue and yellow, she decided the next day that East Lansing was the only remedy. Lunch and coffee with Kristy was great – and so are her plans to build a new home – congrats! C also wandered MSU’s BEAUTIFUL campus with Jon and picked up Miss Mary from class and headed to our fav hangout spot, Biggby (obviously).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Day #3 at home was interview day, as C was Dearborn-bound for a second-round interview with </span><a href="http://www.teamdetroit.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Team Detroit</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> – an ad agency made up of five separate WPP agencies specializing in different facets of advertising and public relations. She got the job!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">During these same four days back in the desert, Jessica exhausted her ability to entertain herself. Without Christine, things in La Quinta seemed pretty dull. Let’s just say these four days involved a lot of takeout, Target runs, cable, yoga, pool time and pumpkin carving. (When Christine got back the pumpkin had become slightly moldy on the inside. She didn't see the humor in this.)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGqsXIA4SoBJE6Tr6-IQLtWJpl2LyfxAHqTrfoNnx7NjSTun0pk9-Zx8UGhXHqSGvXFbOZUPWz6tLZZMEweR3Q0uFZcESE-nFNvlNRt7hhqjvPKUvDNU4ItY3O0uGoLt-AAkj4DuqWdw/s1600/mail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGqsXIA4SoBJE6Tr6-IQLtWJpl2LyfxAHqTrfoNnx7NjSTun0pk9-Zx8UGhXHqSGvXFbOZUPWz6tLZZMEweR3Q0uFZcESE-nFNvlNRt7hhqjvPKUvDNU4ItY3O0uGoLt-AAkj4DuqWdw/s1600/mail.jpeg" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimilBBGzUMe3A5UrjwOHfwRh2aAkh5AGzZ4m9VzUfX6dcvFYgg3m7n3DbPyruyzcJPVnGBKFk3m_E87gYo6kWfUqQ-On8-wBhqsTJhp4nmRJNcT_s6zX8EID0pOumv8DhUfipgFrLtESk/s1600/IMG_3398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimilBBGzUMe3A5UrjwOHfwRh2aAkh5AGzZ4m9VzUfX6dcvFYgg3m7n3DbPyruyzcJPVnGBKFk3m_E87gYo6kWfUqQ-On8-wBhqsTJhp4nmRJNcT_s6zX8EID0pOumv8DhUfipgFrLtESk/s200/IMG_3398.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">After that trip we had about a week and a half left in Palm Desert. We spent most of them at the pool attempting to soak up as much sun as possible in hopes that we will still be tan upon our return to Michigan. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">For our last Saturday in bliss, we went on a morning hike through a nature preserve. Jess and Christine showed up at the information station to meet their fellow hikers. Upon arrival we were a tad intimidated by the other hikers, all of who were much more experienced, prepared and… elderly. After signing a waiver, we all set off on a hike through the canyon that held part of a bighorn sheep preserve. Unfortunately, we never saw a sheep, but we did see a lot of desert salamanders and a hare. We also learned a lot about the area and the plants. John, our fearless guide, literally knew EVERYTHING. We ate flowers that tasted like cucumbers, learned about different species of cacti and the “wait-a-minute” bush (nicknamed this due to its thorns’ ability to keep people from passing if they got to close). We hiked to the top of the waterfall and then back just in time to make it to the sports bar to watch the MSU football game against Iowa (we don’t want to talk about it). We said goodbye to our Ohio State friends and then headed back to the house for more pool time (no we do not want to talk about the game). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Jess took her last sunrise adventure to Joshua Tree National Park.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">She left much earlier than last time, around 4:30 a.m. so that she would be able to get to the Joshua Trees by sunrise this time (since they are only located in the northern portion of the park).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Unfortunately, her no-sleep-plus-Starbucks-jitters made the creepy trip out there by herself a tad more difficult; the smoke bushes were blowing in the wind and hares were running across the street.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Needless to say, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Jess wasn’t feeling it.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">So change of plans, off to the Salton Sea!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">It was in the middle of nowhere, but it was unique.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Her feet were cut up thanks to what she thought were seashells, turns out that they were small salt formations that looked a bit like barnacles.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Along with the salt, the beach was also full of dead fish.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">White birds were all along the coast, pelicans, sea gulls, and egrets.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Definitely glad she went.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTGl8CaBnKvW0uTroFzid6OJddKSmD2oap_6lnnWcQN_Uehvo9OUsoJHNjQzVL91KINwp_YyLth_Z-J4AYeXzDFzAGtFDsg2ys7_dpjCuracK69raFNlq2V5q58-JyRRXqapU02hHbCU/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTGl8CaBnKvW0uTroFzid6OJddKSmD2oap_6lnnWcQN_Uehvo9OUsoJHNjQzVL91KINwp_YyLth_Z-J4AYeXzDFzAGtFDsg2ys7_dpjCuracK69raFNlq2V5q58-JyRRXqapU02hHbCU/s200/IMG_3427.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our last big adventure in southern California was a trip to Los Angeles to see the Jimmy Kimmel Live! Anberlin concert. We decided to drive out there a bit early to get dinner and then scoot on over in time to get a good spot in line. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Mexican restaurant, Yuca’s, we had picked out using reviews from TripAdvsior.com was supposed to be the fifth best restaurant in L.A. It was a hut in a parking lot… how does no one mention that in their review?! The food was great though, haha. No but seriously, the tacos were delicious and cheap. The bummer was that it didn’t waste nearly enough time, as we planned on a standard, sit-down Mexican restaurant, so we journeyed over towards the concert location and found parking and, most importantly, a bar. After a couple of margaritas and witty discussion over the integrity of the Hard Rock Cafe with a bartender who thought Christine was his little sister, we headed towards Jimmy Kimmel’s studio. After waiting in line for a bit and going through metal detectors we were ready for a great show!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The band was so grateful for the showing of dedicated fans as Stephen told the crowd, “this is a night I’ll remember for the rest of my life.” Anberlin played their single “Impossible” to close out the Jimmy Kimmel Show, then played four other songs (two new, two old) in a mini-concert for fans. (To watch the concert yourself please click: <a href="http://abc.go.com/watch/clip/jimmy-kimmel-live/SH005455790000/PL5520981/VD5595518/anberlin---we-owe-this-to-ourselves/moments">http://abc.go.com/watch/clip/jimmy-kimmel-live/SH005455790000/PL5520981/VD5595518/anberlin---we-owe-this-to-ourselves/moments</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL-RvhVR-FIFRScqNwKKAsLIUuHpmvmNkXKEv9iwahLR3FOVh9LyartrdH4YMl4Ttziz2XSk7YYu9zUS7Vpo5pGUbuXuWGXO9yRue1xF-NpjOOqBmVkWPQPEVWpiKI6s63RSS0WK3nUY/s1600/anberlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL-RvhVR-FIFRScqNwKKAsLIUuHpmvmNkXKEv9iwahLR3FOVh9LyartrdH4YMl4Ttziz2XSk7YYu9zUS7Vpo5pGUbuXuWGXO9yRue1xF-NpjOOqBmVkWPQPEVWpiKI6s63RSS0WK3nUY/s200/anberlin.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For our last day we woke up super early (haha) and headed to the nail salon for mani-pedis <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> Next we picked up some sushi at Sam’s Sushi (apparently this is the spot where the young people go…perfect timing discovering that on the last day). After delicious food, we enjoyed the pool with margaritas and beer to celebrate our journey and Christine’s success.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dear Michigan,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">See you soon. Jess is terribly sad she missed fall but now she is tan (well for her) so she doesn’t completely regret it. Hopefully we will make up this winter with a white Christmas and skiing. Christine is very excited for the beginning of her career, and didn’t miss you very much at all. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Until Arizona!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Love,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Christine and Jess </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Memorable Quotes:<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “I think it’s right around this corner…”</div><div class="MsoNormal">John (tour guide): “What? A bird’s nest?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “No… a people nest…”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anonymous: “that took awkward to a WHOLE new level.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hiker 1: “how did that get here?” (Referring to naturally occurring desert plant known for causing hallucinations)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hiker 2: “Prop 19.”</div>Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-17159555399199665332010-10-21T09:14:00.000-07:002010-10-21T09:14:33.676-07:00"DECAF!"<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5j7e6O4GAZLHuWIfSfqPII2uMVC_E5nkUB91vOphHHdlRyVktQ_cRhxXEnx-oigBG8LlJY6jbeNDCYcWWVYCA03XI8bPc_5r6cC4Jooc8ioG4rMelUu7C-cP5pzJQuyaAgtC9Pm3x44Y/s1600/Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5j7e6O4GAZLHuWIfSfqPII2uMVC_E5nkUB91vOphHHdlRyVktQ_cRhxXEnx-oigBG8LlJY6jbeNDCYcWWVYCA03XI8bPc_5r6cC4Jooc8ioG4rMelUu7C-cP5pzJQuyaAgtC9Pm3x44Y/s200/Pool.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Terribly sorry this post has taken so long! We’ve just been so busy trying to deal with such a stressful life here at PGA West; the schedule over the past two weeks has been quite hectic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyday we wake up (Christine earlier than Jess most days, unless Jess never goes to bed – unusual behavior…), make coffee and breakfast, check our email and Facebook, decide if we want beer or margaritas that day and carry that drink (along with towels, rafts and sunscreen – which constitutes the very important heavy lifting part of our daily exercise) to the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few hours of hanging out & lounging in the sun, we trudge all the way back to our house (one house away from the pool) to shower and make lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then fit in as much CSI or SVU as our busy schedule will allow until we decide if we should make dinner or dine out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Post dinner we like to relax as a reward of our hard day of work by watching CSI, SVU or quality reality shows (J is now a dedicated “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” viewer.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say we, have been swamped.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In spite of all that, quite a bit has happened since we last wrote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christine’s parents were here for the first week of our stay as Mr. Rohrkemper finished up business in San Francisco at Oracle’s Open World conference and Mrs. Rohrkemper, well, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just needed a vacation <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent hours “job searching” as the parentals played golf at one of the PGA courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reunited for drinks at the pool and lunch, followed by some downtime at the house as Peg prepared a FEAST, or we got dolled up and headed out for a night on the town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C & J, on back-to-back nights, SCHOOLED the Rohrkemper’s in Euchre, being down 2 games to 0 and coming back with three unanswered game victories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who’s next? <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZLkFPtSTcPB2p_WX2F5hSNNOb_YH-Kh-h74gmcVdSOoGeZXhVKwQCDdY_v0SMoQ8w3QJ9Kl0bQl1zxDjRxyhXa0AsSP-Jd1MQXdSkdlqDbABoNInsWOASdBdDEM1WWnechT4iChlplA/s1600/Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZLkFPtSTcPB2p_WX2F5hSNNOb_YH-Kh-h74gmcVdSOoGeZXhVKwQCDdY_v0SMoQ8w3QJ9Kl0bQl1zxDjRxyhXa0AsSP-Jd1MQXdSkdlqDbABoNInsWOASdBdDEM1WWnechT4iChlplA/s200/Dinner.JPG" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGST4sYy_uMFItIJv8RfYNeA6jNfX8F0XM5sjtZiK4p6o1gFh7QKNTNtMQrewMkyc9HySwfULZx-U7Qqkt9zc8A9kvFKbBsYxcrYvAvAMHRMWU-5AEbaJW_P8n3tTvyVg3BUkCNDX5Kc/s1600/M&D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGST4sYy_uMFItIJv8RfYNeA6jNfX8F0XM5sjtZiK4p6o1gFh7QKNTNtMQrewMkyc9HySwfULZx-U7Qqkt9zc8A9kvFKbBsYxcrYvAvAMHRMWU-5AEbaJW_P8n3tTvyVg3BUkCNDX5Kc/s200/M&D.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">We also discovered that “the people come back to the desert with the grass – in November,” which explains the severe lack of neighbors in our community (let alone ANYONE near our own age).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both the Palm Springs and College of the Desert street fairs were nearly vacant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched the Spartans conquer Wisconsin from the Elephant Bar, decked out in MSU gear, as Peg couldn’t understand why 3 minutes on the clock meant another 10 minutes of football.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once the parents left and we were officially alone in the desert, we actually did some job hunting (yes, really, believe it or not.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christine scored two phone interviews, one of which has her traveling back to Michigan next week for round two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who would have thought we’d have to drive all the way to California to score a job back home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jess has been working on her hardcover portfolio and sorting / editing / organizing all of her beautiful photos from the road trip (check out her Flickr page! http://www.flickr.com/photos/provokingvocation/ or look at the rotating photos on the top right of our blog page!) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Heading to the Beer Hunter in search of Spartan football and cute boys, we hit the town, again, decked out in green and white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately (well, for them, anyway), we were seated next to a retired UofM professor and his wife, who obviously didn’t share our enthusiasm as Robinson was picked off in the end zone, turning the ball (and the game) over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did meet guys… too bad one of them tried to use his four-year-old child, Isabella, to get to Christine’s heart (bahahahahahahaha), one gave his business card and the third told us his entire life story regarding his famous soap opera star ex-wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We struck out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next week was a blur of pool, sun, margaritas and errands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christine ran errands as Jess slept all day, and Jess went to Joshua Tree National Park at 5:00am as Christine slept all night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a testament to her love, J brought back C a “present.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When C asked to see it, J announced that it was “more of an outdoor present” and that it was waiting outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what it was:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxlkUu08Aw6j_ecZC-CdeVneJrULS3c0q5SLStEshzYDaB6hiqGrOPOGPLw_mIN2Xa2zVZAYFYvdf8BN_JeLPCSCzgcUH35KZdmf-jM3r6s8EjKV5UJZ3-lLwbonOF5Auk7g0tKrl2LE/s1600/Tumbleweed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxlkUu08Aw6j_ecZC-CdeVneJrULS3c0q5SLStEshzYDaB6hiqGrOPOGPLw_mIN2Xa2zVZAYFYvdf8BN_JeLPCSCzgcUH35KZdmf-jM3r6s8EjKV5UJZ3-lLwbonOF5Auk7g0tKrl2LE/s200/Tumbleweed.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, really, a tumbleweed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Casper was so thrilled to have this in the trunk... </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglGOi7GSF81uTHR_0pySTUqjOwdAFEE-y_g4KqwAOF5RfB-ewAvpYyfsUevblZjeCE2eSQ1K_wwOXgSHissOEj53fR0vipGDOwSWXdMCUE1uBUqxT762YyB1yoEoAhs9Au4NTO-_qi2M/s1600/Mimosas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglGOi7GSF81uTHR_0pySTUqjOwdAFEE-y_g4KqwAOF5RfB-ewAvpYyfsUevblZjeCE2eSQ1K_wwOXgSHissOEj53fR0vipGDOwSWXdMCUE1uBUqxT762YyB1yoEoAhs9Au4NTO-_qi2M/s200/Mimosas.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">To celebrate homecoming weekend, we bought enough breakfast ingredients to feed the masses. C awoke Jess from her coma-like state at 8:30 a.m., only to discover that we couldn't watch the game on TV. We also discovered that we're both so lazy, we slept in our MSU gear so that we didn't have to change once we woke up... Fortunately, one of C’s awesome Twitter friends shared a link so we could watch the game online; too bad Jess only saw the first half! Side note: sports bars here open at 9:00 a.m. so that everyone can watch the midwest & east coast games live! :)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Monday we traveled to the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway so that Jess could see what everyone had been telling her about. We jumped from about 20 feet above sea level in La Quinta to more then 8,500 feet while being carried through San Jacinto State Park. From the valley to the mountains, the temperature drops approximately 40 degrees, making it one of the few places in southern California that has snow during the winter, sporting winter activities like snowshoeing. We also observed the California grey squirrel (we think) and successfully managed to avoid mountain lions (to Jess's dismay). A delicious Thai meal in downtown Palm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Springs capped off the day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Memorable Quotes:<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C: "The nearest taco bell is THREE MILES away?!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">J: "I just found this thing that says 'If you go home with them, and they don’t have books, don't f*** them.'"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C: "...I don’t have books..."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">J: "…maybe that’s why you haven’t gotten any in a while..."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C: "All I need are gummy bears, water and a pee break..."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C: "Well, I hate kids, so that's that for me."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I hate people who have kids by other bitches. I don't want drama with another mama."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C: “The tree should smell like vanilla or butterscotch according to this sign”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">J: “I don’t smell it…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C: “You don’t smell it?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">J: “No… it is a ‘scratch & sniff’ tree?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C: "'SAY YOUR GODDAMN PRONOUNS!" (quoting Murder by Death)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">J: "No wonder this is your favorite movie..."</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-49398429518725140052010-10-06T18:02:00.000-07:002010-10-12T18:19:57.260-07:00"And then he burst into flames..."A record high temperature of 113 degrees welcomed (?) us to sunny southern California. Yes you read that right, one hundred and thirteen degrees. The place was literally bursting into flame as we drove towards UCLA as fire ran rampant along the highway.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4jTbMq1VegtIzldB2ImrHx_CsvxAdcAFdWq4MJktRz8Z6Fyg0d1fF9HY5b7KX5ivRy1zTDpZjwfyKfu3JrjAZYK5QTBUbdeqzZi-3UpMb9AqB0COaYEGCjHGbxFPP6BOYUXu9imA1R8/s1600/LA+-+fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4jTbMq1VegtIzldB2ImrHx_CsvxAdcAFdWq4MJktRz8Z6Fyg0d1fF9HY5b7KX5ivRy1zTDpZjwfyKfu3JrjAZYK5QTBUbdeqzZi-3UpMb9AqB0COaYEGCjHGbxFPP6BOYUXu9imA1R8/s200/LA+-+fire.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Christine absolutely fell in love with UCLA! If grad school is happening, it will be happening here. The campus was BEAUTIFUL; it was like MSU in that it was contained to one area, but better because LA is right next-door. Hello, options! After a quick field day in the student union exploring the many varieties of t-shirts, we ventured back to Casper to finish our trek to Rancho Palos Verdes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We took a quick pit stop at the Starbucks, of course, to write and post another blog update. This, however, was not just any Starbucks; it was a Starbucks with a VIEW! The patio out back had lots of seating and a glass railing with an amazing overlook of the homes in Rancho Palos Verdes and the ocean at sunset, sigh. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next stop was Nancy and Michael’s home, just around the corner from Starbucks. Kate and Ollie, their massive dogs, greeted us at the door, and so did Michael with glasses of delicious white wine from his store. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning, we hit the ground running as we sped towards Los Angeles. After checking out the Kodak and Chinese theaters, we hung out with some of our closest friends including George Clooney, the Victoria’s Secret angels, The Beatles and Chuck Norris on the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjM1vJkS8z1dfgquwHX4nzs2rkFFN_j8Ux60uUkV0pWdHtTQWSfR4XlX4PnPzHLgtPBUdAuv3QIejJc0Jb7x4B4Ji_kt8gzx3F51jdXwkme7D2fNb_F6Kd3C6kP-po8Go_ZlSojVjH83M/s1600/LA+-+Lou.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjM1vJkS8z1dfgquwHX4nzs2rkFFN_j8Ux60uUkV0pWdHtTQWSfR4XlX4PnPzHLgtPBUdAuv3QIejJc0Jb7x4B4Ji_kt8gzx3F51jdXwkme7D2fNb_F6Kd3C6kP-po8Go_ZlSojVjH83M/s320/LA+-+Lou.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footsteps of Michael's grandfather, Lou Costello!</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Next stop was the beautiful Griffith Observatory, where we looked to the right and saw the Hollywood sign (…yes, really) immediately before realizing that, due to recent city budget cuts, the observatory was no longer open to the public on Tuesdays. We were able to walk around the observatory, seeing its incredible architectural details, and got the best view of the city.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX82fiut7WCBnc9ppWKbiNYHkZ_TTy4yLkGNwTpAzCrO6ja60RUbNiX3A-iTZadXKmtkFz5RAx76niD5gcNs3kGDnXe6xpsvZ6YFO64XlP6mbPwUi1a6gWTnxWykHwUzDWOGiCY5YdKSU/s1600/LA+-+Griffith2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX82fiut7WCBnc9ppWKbiNYHkZ_TTy4yLkGNwTpAzCrO6ja60RUbNiX3A-iTZadXKmtkFz5RAx76niD5gcNs3kGDnXe6xpsvZ6YFO64XlP6mbPwUi1a6gWTnxWykHwUzDWOGiCY5YdKSU/s200/LA+-+Griffith2.JPG" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLqPti92ngEvGh6LFFEe2iwROdjZ5sx51qL6hRJ_-YrmLKxHdyhHtqhhn8aGmKbkpkv6-qjVsHI50Vla3bP5Rtkh9XOzn67LIwc-UCKUFDbGtHNN-8dAgEmKpMz_TZEDbm-PoSPHNAgU/s1600/LA+-+Griffith.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLqPti92ngEvGh6LFFEe2iwROdjZ5sx51qL6hRJ_-YrmLKxHdyhHtqhhn8aGmKbkpkv6-qjVsHI50Vla3bP5Rtkh9XOzn67LIwc-UCKUFDbGtHNN-8dAgEmKpMz_TZEDbm-PoSPHNAgU/s200/LA+-+Griffith.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bfagfZOmnY0pEW0q3n28K8yf-v9yV7mL5kWcHyuLreustHSf9yszU3b_7AqtAIbUm9SHs9FYyLkEqe4XpQ-7bIzIUXXMRnnhKTFGcnNQg95VSj5wv6LIdUsRNUg2zPuVyiXnRNb0Bnk/s1600/LA+-+Rose+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bfagfZOmnY0pEW0q3n28K8yf-v9yV7mL5kWcHyuLreustHSf9yszU3b_7AqtAIbUm9SHs9FYyLkEqe4XpQ-7bIzIUXXMRnnhKTFGcnNQg95VSj5wv6LIdUsRNUg2zPuVyiXnRNb0Bnk/s200/LA+-+Rose+Bowl.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">From there, we headed to Pasadena to see the Rose Bowl. To our disappointment, we were informed by security that since the terrorist attacks the stadium is no longer open to the public (sensing a pattern, here?) We snagged a quick photo, dodged being hit by a truck and set the GPS to the lunch destination of our dreams, Taco Bell.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Post-lunch, our happy tummies and us were feeling pretty ritzy and set our sights on Beverly Hills. After realizing our clerical error in finding “Rodeo Road” instead of “Rodeo Drive” in the GPS (cough, Jess….cough) we found the real thing as poor Lindsey was stuck on the phone with us. Let the parade of fancy cars, rich people and designer stores begin!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2thmmdBbrE-MbnZ3nZedSI0o_soUXmFNuG0WCLtQlw6EtHDTRA5QLNQOOiDrEvf6_GX88eb42C4sLPYJFituDcLTLTCa2L76BotQoqUmyzyl83H-VXy2tMS77zYb22em0CetF5bHtX4/s1600/LA+-+Rodeo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2thmmdBbrE-MbnZ3nZedSI0o_soUXmFNuG0WCLtQlw6EtHDTRA5QLNQOOiDrEvf6_GX88eb42C4sLPYJFituDcLTLTCa2L76BotQoqUmyzyl83H-VXy2tMS77zYb22em0CetF5bHtX4/s200/LA+-+Rodeo.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">After getting our fill and realizing that we clearly didn’t belong, we returned to Rancho Palos Verdes for an incredible dinner of chicken, aged cheese, ahi tuna, the best broccoli in the world and wine prepared specially by chef Michael. The warm air (well, cool for Nancy and Christine) and setting sun created the perfect atmosphere for our last night on the road.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning, we departed Rancho Palos Verdes for the place we’ll be calling home for the next month, but not before reading Nancy and Michael’s sweet note and being gifted some beautiful celebratory champagne glasses to toast with once we both land real jobs (thank you, thank you, thank you again for EVERYTHING!) Oh yeah, we got some Starbucks for the road, too, just in case you were doubting our brand loyalty <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next post from paradise, AKA the “Gem of the Desert,” La Quinta!</div>Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-71928731795481242492010-09-27T18:49:00.000-07:002010-09-27T18:49:41.018-07:00"Do you have an appointment? ... Do you have a friend up there?"<!--StartFragment--> <br />
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</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wake up San Francisco!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have finally arrived in the home of Danny Tanner and Rebecca Donaldson = success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First of all, a big shout out to Mr. Rohrkemper for hooking us up in the nicest hotel we have stayed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Westin St. Francis in Union Square was AMAZING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chandeliers, marble, and bell-hops; not exactly LEED Gold but we’ll gladly take it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a long drive after a long day our hotel room was heavenly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We jumped on our beds for a bit with excitement like eight-year-old girls then hit the hay so we could conquer the city bright and early.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRabFXA0QBb6ranxI2S2NEvWHhU_3qMyQ1ZUMndzqC_WAC_5EVdh8A8cRorWc80wRfDiGH2KxG7SM10yaoWcfWLFj6496erpfZ_LVAaKdg-c8VAuMh34NRuk1KWnQ17BzFO01hGeWO7Jo/s1600/Wharf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRabFXA0QBb6ranxI2S2NEvWHhU_3qMyQ1ZUMndzqC_WAC_5EVdh8A8cRorWc80wRfDiGH2KxG7SM10yaoWcfWLFj6496erpfZ_LVAaKdg-c8VAuMh34NRuk1KWnQ17BzFO01hGeWO7Jo/s200/Wharf.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">We didn’t exactly have the early start we were hoping for, but with two whole days to explore San Francisco and beds that were too far too comfortable to leave, we easily justified the extra rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally setting out around eleven, we headed straight for the food (shocking, we know) at Fishermans Wharf and snagged some fresh clam chowder in a home made sourdough bread bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After enjoying our soup with a view of the marina, we headed towards Ghiradelli Square for, you guessed it, more food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ghiradelli Square was delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chocolate aroma alone fills you up, but we didn’t let that stop us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now you have probably noticed we enjoy food, so this portion of SF was AWESOME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We each got a scoop of ice cream (the one scoop was so big we needed bowls to hold the part that wouldn’t stay on the cone, hoorah).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNltclTp8O8NgkojPDpZyy-I2qBHIr3u-1Oioj64DlymoomT_qtsMIqQn-EbAF1mafaZGnAY0tj6XCZrveCr-mSFFFlMyPeXQXrNm4WgFmwP4zDzpm_0gEvog2RA-w1GljbKgmw6mtvuA/s1600/Ghiradelli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNltclTp8O8NgkojPDpZyy-I2qBHIr3u-1Oioj64DlymoomT_qtsMIqQn-EbAF1mafaZGnAY0tj6XCZrveCr-mSFFFlMyPeXQXrNm4WgFmwP4zDzpm_0gEvog2RA-w1GljbKgmw6mtvuA/s200/Ghiradelli.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next, we put our professional caps on and hit up some local businesses that fit each of our perspective industries, snagging business cards and mingling with the receptionists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stumbled upon SB Architects and were very pleasantly surprised with the interior space, but not as much as Gensler – INCREDIBLE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the doorman tried to stop us from heading up, we managed our way into the elevator and chatted up the receptionist, who told us the history of the coffee warehouse that housed the modern-day offices.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C was stoked to learn that her dream firm, Edelman, had a San Francisco office, and that it was just a few blocks away from Gensler on Market Street. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After our hard work, we relaxed with some happy hour treats before heading back to the hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our legs screaming at us for the miles of (CRAZY) up and downhill walking, J headed inside as C went shopping at some Union Square boutiques.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunCaBhyphenhyphenw1vnU_sNGiGc5ih-uIH7FR-sT5RXU1B-YGbLkmHUTp0g12X1gRWc5Ma2gEwKK1-CBLPDnrJr5NZkvqEFgnwryY-cKR-E0LAAYtHa5IqTcfGepW54yCCPbhW1uxAOtb5SC8CP4/s1600/Chinatown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunCaBhyphenhyphenw1vnU_sNGiGc5ih-uIH7FR-sT5RXU1B-YGbLkmHUTp0g12X1gRWc5Ma2gEwKK1-CBLPDnrJr5NZkvqEFgnwryY-cKR-E0LAAYtHa5IqTcfGepW54yCCPbhW1uxAOtb5SC8CP4/s200/Chinatown.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning, ravenous, we visited Chinatown for some delicious authentic Chinese cuisine as C oogled the beautiful jade jewelry lining all of the store windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there, we set off for the famous Lombard Street, housing eight tight, winding turns in a single block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure how, but we somehow managed to get our out-of-shape asses up the seemingly 75 degree sloped hill and were greeted by an outstanding view of the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> After being passed by a young, blind woman and an elderly woman (with cane), we realized just out lazy / out of shape we really are... :( </span>Tired and sweaty, we headed back down the hill towards the Wharf, found the nearest Starbucks and plopped down for some iced drinks to cool us off.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M64O4TccNBdGN6RDx3CKoBWlX1Xln5JmCBqLnWFFqo7mS1nY_NXbxh_eU-mynG8aOmcicv9xRjc3bSXTz3XJSDpHDnSONYWWBTExnbuWleQDODvcfwKIGNOrDoa3RVJE3ki9eotzc9k/s1600/Lombard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M64O4TccNBdGN6RDx3CKoBWlX1Xln5JmCBqLnWFFqo7mS1nY_NXbxh_eU-mynG8aOmcicv9xRjc3bSXTz3XJSDpHDnSONYWWBTExnbuWleQDODvcfwKIGNOrDoa3RVJE3ki9eotzc9k/s200/Lombard2.jpg" width="150" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7EZYWa54JbrcGp74GyDX14ZtHMk5Tarx66ZKMUe-iRoQiEGEk8NWEsljVBkDzx3k2yRwEVAsKzQ9nSv9hRY3sz6XUidvw6BcxZBC50T9LgOVB-kPLBymghsmmI_9G0SalWwvSl0lUuE/s1600/Lombard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7EZYWa54JbrcGp74GyDX14ZtHMk5Tarx66ZKMUe-iRoQiEGEk8NWEsljVBkDzx3k2yRwEVAsKzQ9nSv9hRY3sz6XUidvw6BcxZBC50T9LgOVB-kPLBymghsmmI_9G0SalWwvSl0lUuE/s200/Lombard.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Apparently missing the Oktoberfest festivities that had been promised to us by streetlight advertisements, we arrived at Pier 48 to find… nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agreeing that we did NOT want to do the Lombard Street hike again, we waited for over an hour to catch a cable car, completing C’s first touristy visit around San Francisco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four full cable cars later with zero success, we grouchily braved the mountainous terrain back to the hotel.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxKcoIFQqa4vwdwbbt8UrIrrnqC-4UM_NDU4FdNL_n2t8I1tWTPXrDmmIgxkAtIw6l8kQhGwK1DqvL91BFrL-XMENuwlVOnxbpX0kWM07hBsabhe0CfnNBemrf-5DV7KrRgvsRsJ4RwE/s1600/Cable+Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxKcoIFQqa4vwdwbbt8UrIrrnqC-4UM_NDU4FdNL_n2t8I1tWTPXrDmmIgxkAtIw6l8kQhGwK1DqvL91BFrL-XMENuwlVOnxbpX0kWM07hBsabhe0CfnNBemrf-5DV7KrRgvsRsJ4RwE/s200/Cable+Car.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">In an attempt to kick our butts into gear, we wandered Union Square, stopping in almost every shop we saw, but not before we snagged some happy hour delicacies from an Italian bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many purchases later, we got a sushi recommendation and immediately stopped in for a late dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We’re SO sad to be leaving San Fran <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you in SoCal!</div><!--EndFragment-->Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-80509122504584681132010-09-26T20:42:00.000-07:002010-09-26T20:45:01.540-07:00"You're from Australia. What does a platypus look like...?!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulPk04BPWMorlNJvcV8IbuDpuC6wH6ZobHNT-TOaSEGUQdc3zthnUhpokXZzuK-SNgOlNXfNdk7MAqNoM3IqauaDkAqi9p23434SAEwW4VGnr6WLoPKeJLSru2N4IvfS1ruochvfpVm8/s1600/Napa+-+California.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulPk04BPWMorlNJvcV8IbuDpuC6wH6ZobHNT-TOaSEGUQdc3zthnUhpokXZzuK-SNgOlNXfNdk7MAqNoM3IqauaDkAqi9p23434SAEwW4VGnr6WLoPKeJLSru2N4IvfS1ruochvfpVm8/s200/Napa+-+California.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">One dozen states later, we arrived in sunny California (even though it was dark out by the time we actually entered the state...) Crossing the border to California apparently is a bigger deal than entering any other state. Border control (aka the agricultural checkpoint) prohibits bringing any fruits or vegetables with you. Jess apparently didn’t understand the question when asked if we had any produce and simply replied, “…we have cheese…” We actually had just bought $90 worth of fresh veggies and fruit in attempt to eat healthier and save some cash. Whoops... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next two days were full of driving. We stopped in Crescent City, CA first. Our hotel selection there was, well, not the best. Our judgment was so poor that C made J check the closet and under the bed for murderers before chugging a bottle of wine in hopes of educing a coma for rest. Unfortunately only one of us slept well. Thankfully there was a Starbucks right next door to wake us up for a long drive after a bad nights sleep. Highway 1 was full of fog. We were not pleased. In the morning we drove through Redwood National Forest full of, you guessed it, more fog (oh, and really big trees). The fog / tree combo was actually pretty cool to look at.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6iBTravyoJh3WNvVPAyeyNjVpHxn-QP9J6jrcCfgwYrMfllGv0ZN3zfFXWsgvm7vgW_S7RYX53b5NviuOwJ9Z4TZg__P-Brv1wd5xObcW0Md9S_hTfpBmNWd3XydJbAmvee9J3jSqHE/s1600/IMG_3094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6iBTravyoJh3WNvVPAyeyNjVpHxn-QP9J6jrcCfgwYrMfllGv0ZN3zfFXWsgvm7vgW_S7RYX53b5NviuOwJ9Z4TZg__P-Brv1wd5xObcW0Md9S_hTfpBmNWd3XydJbAmvee9J3jSqHE/s200/IMG_3094.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Our second stop on our driving spree was Ft. Bragg, CA. After a long day of curving around cliffs (amazing, although C seemed a tad uneasy no idea why) we decided to explore the cute historic downtown region. Getting our excise in we walked the mile to the shops. Apparently we missed the memo that all the shops close at 5 pm. So we of course grabbed a beer and onion rings at the local brewery. Walking home, we were so full and without any entertainment we decided to spend the night bonding over Keeping Up With The Kardashians and introducing Jess to the world of Jersey Shore (J is even more worried about humanity now). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day we arrived in Napa! Jess (and I’m sure all of you ID girls) had a design-gasm as we walked through the front doors of our AWESOME hotel after realizing that it was certified LEED gold, complete with meters in the building that showed the hotel’s water and electric use. Woo! After a spectacular dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, we hit the hay, post watching the brand new episode of Law & Order: SVU, resting up for a long day of wine tasting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bright and early, the Platypus Tours bus arrived at our hotel, picking us up as we began our journey to the first of four exclusive wineries in the Napa region. Biale Vineyards was our first stop where we sampled the famous Black Chicken zinfandel and learned a lot about different kinds of grapes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl3T1UAVGrGk4tUi-64jXfzNbvpwHJVdKZuCeABmDbccuBa60WWoNgX5Mt5gzaZf4ng5KO_T231zg45BiM3REOM4hXh_eS3YNa4BP0R7GJbaX5sPGNyibe8gjKtWswQJS4S-MMO0aRDY/s1600/Napa+-+Biale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl3T1UAVGrGk4tUi-64jXfzNbvpwHJVdKZuCeABmDbccuBa60WWoNgX5Mt5gzaZf4ng5KO_T231zg45BiM3REOM4hXh_eS3YNa4BP0R7GJbaX5sPGNyibe8gjKtWswQJS4S-MMO0aRDY/s320/Napa+-+Biale.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our second stop was the Tudal Family Winery, our favorite stop of the day. We enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch set up by our awesome tour guide, John, and heard the rich family history of the vineyard. Matt, the founders’ grandson, poured us varieties of their tasty red wines as Jess became quick friends with the adorable, 3-legged Cheyenne.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEk0ZTAppEpwnI75r2OAJklyrbSoDIsJ5PbsAXzipTTrWegyzKJB3-xqvVPwFHeqHF2mWxHYZ9VkpqzAcoWJEPPhuSzs1j6fG-jO8ztYeldrYy2eIGxcNIBmcc1IOIylj46MVff-P8-E/s1600/Napa+-+Cheyenne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEk0ZTAppEpwnI75r2OAJklyrbSoDIsJ5PbsAXzipTTrWegyzKJB3-xqvVPwFHeqHF2mWxHYZ9VkpqzAcoWJEPPhuSzs1j6fG-jO8ztYeldrYy2eIGxcNIBmcc1IOIylj46MVff-P8-E/s200/Napa+-+Cheyenne.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_li1kxw8373-bl1rPIrb1gQ6tfWvTstvaTYgE_NrYbDLy79ldFSc2jWQdV-48GekjJbsQXG6vAdBE68MsrEBhr6Cn1S3hPLE7bR84vNVhBw1spL8zr7Vg-fyuL5AnFq4WOGAAx-pOr5Q/s1600/Napa+-+Barrels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_li1kxw8373-bl1rPIrb1gQ6tfWvTstvaTYgE_NrYbDLy79ldFSc2jWQdV-48GekjJbsQXG6vAdBE68MsrEBhr6Cn1S3hPLE7bR84vNVhBw1spL8zr7Vg-fyuL5AnFq4WOGAAx-pOr5Q/s200/Napa+-+Barrels.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Third stop: Ballentine Vineyards – what a treat! In addition to a delicious wine tasting, we were also lucky enough to participate in a barrel tasting from our awesome vineyard guide, David. He also explained to us how expensive barrels can be, and why they acquire the wine-stained color in the center portions. Then, we got to sample RAW grape juice hot off the press, a first-time experience for both us and John. Feeling very… content… we hopped back on the tour bus, dug into a platter of cheese and crackers and took off. Napa’s only Kosher winery, Hagafen Cellars, was our last stop on the tour. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In true dramatic fashion, John raced the wine tasting bus back to Napa so that our New Hampshire friends could catch the last ferry back to San Francisco. BARELY making it on time, the eleven of us cheered them on as they raced onto the boat in the nick of time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Being lame, we ate again at our hotel’s restaurant for dinner before setting off into the sunset, but not without our Starbucks, of course.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">San Francisco-bound!</div>Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-14609134379467662942010-09-22T18:21:00.000-07:002010-09-22T18:21:52.601-07:00"Portland, you sexy beast!"<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Travel. Travel. Travel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7T9eByoSgeE53cbKM2eb4_wZoyEtX-EsmAIRJxgyH1SryqeOPyl8jf4oaJWe83ekqQSduw7Es8rSE7YexiY9pIR6o4XeE-DKiM0u1EWNpCKw7ZITuPBFzNRseLcd5SR7kPEFBlBusEE/s1600/Oregon+-+Falls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7T9eByoSgeE53cbKM2eb4_wZoyEtX-EsmAIRJxgyH1SryqeOPyl8jf4oaJWe83ekqQSduw7Es8rSE7YexiY9pIR6o4XeE-DKiM0u1EWNpCKw7ZITuPBFzNRseLcd5SR7kPEFBlBusEE/s200/Oregon+-+Falls2.jpg" width="150" /></a>After a long day of, you guessed it, traveling, we arrived in Portland ahead of schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily for us, Kelly had gotten out of work early so we didn’t have to improv nap in Casper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave us a tour of her apartment and we set up camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, we met up with some of the other Oregonian interns and participated in a bedazzling party (yes, really) and watched chick flics while munching on yummy guacamole, beer and cupcakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We scoped out downtown Portland and sampled delicious Oregon-made beer at Rogue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day, we headed west and checked out the gorge, Mount Hood and just a few of the beautiful waterfalls along the scenic byway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hiking trails made the waterfalls accessible at higher elevations, so, naturally, we climbed them, crossed architecturally astounding bridges and got soaked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way back into Portland, we stopped a family-run produce stand and sampled delicious pears and Naked Winery’s wine tasting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwKq34n9FVt0SAVYYOWoc4zs6jAiIkKhQ7jryz_3GAqd5DIS5uLHIqsLzljvf2azhZOT4oykEb_5ikQy8iXS0oYks8Clb3SntR887Ot-IV9JtCvOGhYoPsFONIrsi9YTPKC7_alJLIs4/s1600/Oregon+-+Falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwKq34n9FVt0SAVYYOWoc4zs6jAiIkKhQ7jryz_3GAqd5DIS5uLHIqsLzljvf2azhZOT4oykEb_5ikQy8iXS0oYks8Clb3SntR887Ot-IV9JtCvOGhYoPsFONIrsi9YTPKC7_alJLIs4/s320/Oregon+-+Falls.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Upon arriving in Portland, we found a sports bar, and, to our surprise, other Michigan State Fans, where we repped MSU in our green shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beer and nachos kept us sane during the game, until Dantonio and the Spartans pulled the most amazing, ballsiest play, winning the game in overtime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, celebration was in order, so we headed back to Rogue and sampled more Oregonian beer and appetizers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Waking up on cloud nine, we headed downtown to watch Kelly and the other Oregonian interns participate in a 5K run through the city as part of a Susan G. Komen event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Post-race, we frequented the famous Waffle Window, where we sampled some of Portland’s finest gourmet waffles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yum!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H8_yfPDsuo52l9eOjRUvQY3EdOaUGrfzztEFDt9to8JxRRERt4ze6Exbajt_JSi9fSul3aCp_5MR5ZP7Q-30MkUe8ZqxZ3aPgY7lOMNGIojvBKmJhls4r64ljfQSCqOMcaHCiWIFxZs/s1600/Oregon+-+Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H8_yfPDsuo52l9eOjRUvQY3EdOaUGrfzztEFDt9to8JxRRERt4ze6Exbajt_JSi9fSul3aCp_5MR5ZP7Q-30MkUe8ZqxZ3aPgY7lOMNGIojvBKmJhls4r64ljfQSCqOMcaHCiWIFxZs/s200/Oregon+-+Beach.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Next stop: Cannon Beach. Incredible. Incredibly windy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first view of the west coast coastline was AMAZING and we happily frolicked in the Pacific Ocean and sand. Jess was in heaven soaking up the sun and taking pictures despite getting completely drenched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But hey, at least she got the shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fascinated by a jellyfish that washed shore, Jess embarked on an excursion to find more sea creatures and managed to come across a few crabs (dead and alive) and a sand dollar (definitely dead).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Success.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcKWr4-BfTLSTeINnXJySxLd069age50GQf_uU5sA60l04MOltFA99wwSCuATd7t3HCb9tW1o77ph34lC29IFFwra39Q-comKFcAOjqfGtTkS2cwsDfHIkMizcstjmFOg95Fc7u0fI-g/s1600/Oregon+-+Beach2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcKWr4-BfTLSTeINnXJySxLd069age50GQf_uU5sA60l04MOltFA99wwSCuATd7t3HCb9tW1o77ph34lC29IFFwra39Q-comKFcAOjqfGtTkS2cwsDfHIkMizcstjmFOg95Fc7u0fI-g/s320/Oregon+-+Beach2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Totally exhausted and disheveled, we headed into town to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant for dinner, where we shoved our faces with delicious Thai food until we couldn’t move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back at Kelly’s, we opened a bottle of wine (what’s new?) and Jess carved a pumpkin with a guitar-themed design to add some fall décor to the apartment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning we set out to conquer our last state of the trip, California. Until then!</div><!--EndFragment-->Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-3902880152380744922010-09-20T13:38:00.000-07:002010-09-20T13:38:11.235-07:00"...Yep."<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">On the road, early, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">again</i>?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re really getting good at this whole driving-across-the-country thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, we set off to leave of love for nature behind in search of some city living.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We spent the night in Spokane (pronunciation: spo-CAN, for all of us non-native Washingtonians).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The city didn’t offer much in the way of entertainment, so we explored the beautiful Gonzaga campus, which had a very MSU-esque feel, but on a much smaller scale, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, we headed to the enormous Spokane Valley Mall, where we both made a few purchases <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(C is determined to turn J into a shopper before the trip is over!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Turning from irresponsible spenders into responsible adults, we did laundry in the hotel’s “laundry facility,” which consisted of one washer and one dryer for all 87 rooms…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, we recycled the “pizza and wine night” idea and were content being reconnected to the world with free WiFi and bad TV.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning, we traveled to Seattle and were greeted with an oh-so-expected constant rain and overcast skies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We attempted to explore the famous Pike Place Market, but not before grabbing some Starbucks, of course!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the market was closed, however, the Starbucks barista pointed us in the direction of some AMAZING sushi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dinner, we quickly realized that Seattle is BY FAR home to the most attractive men we’ve ever seen in our entire lives as Christine got her bearings around the city.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpMNHi2YmUVUs7wQXN2zJl2HzM3inDoRs15MDv4mNgVgZXtKv1CASars5W0CXsLLKPFs0HPIJ02DUbTYrNr93cQSo19D7BjM6iJIWIMshxRU9ZD-7IUPBzl7vib5m-CkroWYYbw5xENs/s1600/Washington+-+Market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpMNHi2YmUVUs7wQXN2zJl2HzM3inDoRs15MDv4mNgVgZXtKv1CASars5W0CXsLLKPFs0HPIJ02DUbTYrNr93cQSo19D7BjM6iJIWIMshxRU9ZD-7IUPBzl7vib5m-CkroWYYbw5xENs/s320/Washington+-+Market.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNHxayvuyCabs4wrs-Qzsk9gh0KARaSyKseXDRGjL2_IyITaUBC-5FCkE6iMtlbArASpu96nI0iA_gM_y5wYiDwDLgkRWbfAPmrPzQLseqRXtgFHmeUjrdyLFLKtKTia98v32qy1tXBw/s1600/Washington+-+Gum+Wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNHxayvuyCabs4wrs-Qzsk9gh0KARaSyKseXDRGjL2_IyITaUBC-5FCkE6iMtlbArASpu96nI0iA_gM_y5wYiDwDLgkRWbfAPmrPzQLseqRXtgFHmeUjrdyLFLKtKTia98v32qy1tXBw/s200/Washington+-+Gum+Wall.JPG" width="200" /></a>The next day, we returned to Pike Place and were overwhelmed with the amount of shops and stores the market had to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bouquets of flowers were amazingly beautiful and such a pleasant surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the clouds parted as a choir of angels descended from Heaven to guide us home into the first Starbucks store ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grabbing beverages, gift cards, mugs and whatever else we tourists could get our hands on, we explored Post Alley and more of downtown Seattle. We had another divine meal – this time some Seattle chowder from a local restaurant right near the market. The constant ca-caw of birds and groups of pigeons scared Christine away, and, post-lunch, we watched the famous fish throwing in Pike Place and explored the Gum Wall in Post Alley.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Leaving downtown, we walked to the Space Needle, while getting completely drenched and crabby, as the locals failed to notice that precipitation was at all present. Seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The view from the Space Needle was gloomy and gray, per usual, but the 360 degree view of Seattle was definitely memorable… as was the horrifying 43-second elevator ride each way…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeSpkamtUBpedjfxYXFyL-HyGwBphwFYRL1RCTMG-acyVpuNjgEYJIshglrLwP4CJ7ff7NBUb8viGHp58d-faedlccv4-GeJ0mTyIVvomSoBLTZeovZo-bOEC6WXgK1aJp7LBmRSnzoY/s1600/Washington+-+Space+Needle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeSpkamtUBpedjfxYXFyL-HyGwBphwFYRL1RCTMG-acyVpuNjgEYJIshglrLwP4CJ7ff7NBUb8viGHp58d-faedlccv4-GeJ0mTyIVvomSoBLTZeovZo-bOEC6WXgK1aJp7LBmRSnzoY/s200/Washington+-+Space+Needle.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">To ease Christine’s stomach and to get Jess a much-needed pick-me-up, we returned to Starbucks, where, ironically, we found an interior design segment being filmed inside the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the caffeine was introduced into our bloodstreams, we roamed the city, again, doing some shopping while Christine didn’t complain about the weather (thank you, Jon Ganci.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C tried to cheer Jess up with some mindless geography trivia… fail.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After roaming the city seemingly forever, we finally found Romy, a cute boutique where we both made purchase (win: Christine).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the same building just happened to be a P.F. Changs, where we got delicious take-out dinners and were stunned when Christine received a hilariously strange voicemail, providing much of our evening entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cliffhanger ending of Covert Affairs left us wanting more… guess we’ll just have to wait until next summer to see if Ben survives being shot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnRRudxXhKP5WFnocTXfSHMveaSr6wjrEJq308Q7PKjD5Hg6rv4X29MNOoPLMZ2b8wUVp6bV4hDp0VFXqpio1ADAp-irsnXfQuDk_L1JP6ssnny2W12ml_Xno_SAz4EcQ15V6ep7hFSo/s1600/Washington+-+Starbucks+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnRRudxXhKP5WFnocTXfSHMveaSr6wjrEJq308Q7PKjD5Hg6rv4X29MNOoPLMZ2b8wUVp6bV4hDp0VFXqpio1ADAp-irsnXfQuDk_L1JP6ssnny2W12ml_Xno_SAz4EcQ15V6ep7hFSo/s200/Washington+-+Starbucks+.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning, we cleaned our disaster of a hotel room and walked one block to the nearest Starbucks for one last Seattle coffee fix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the beverages were delicious, the lovely apples gave Christine an allergic reaction as we proceeded to hit the road. Not. Cool. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We decided to take a quick, uneventful pit stop at Mt. St. Helens on the way, not realizing that the park wasn’t open for tourists to roam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a good note, we were impressed by the state’s green efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The public transportation system was easily accessible and almost everywhere we went had separate containers for compost items, recyclables and trash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our hotel even eliminated travel-sized amenities and opted for bulk-sized dispensers that could be easily refilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trees and flowers were abundant, giving a suburban charm to the city.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehCh2OdNkEGZNVdAKFqd1_JvwN4slLMi9PMZBvPV6wsD9YeI1AlJfjh50xoYGRB3fv8PviDDpXO2J8E-q339b2RXBXmBATkMs_a6IYbpfr5l_oVQAHHO8nVqyuZefuovFMYYCYO39Keg/s1600/Washington+-+Mt.+St.+Helens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLg8u55INzPva6Jef59_efGAG9P80jjM5DrDJS90iGLa4VT0Wkys0y-tfdE7Is5Q1k1_xfmGX68QPHGJXmTkF4ZUST-hSRn7SMAmCzRENCq5kZubDtWP_wDoiAs2KttGT7kD0SCFsRmDk/s1600/Washington+-+Mt.+St.+Helens2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLg8u55INzPva6Jef59_efGAG9P80jjM5DrDJS90iGLa4VT0Wkys0y-tfdE7Is5Q1k1_xfmGX68QPHGJXmTkF4ZUST-hSRn7SMAmCzRENCq5kZubDtWP_wDoiAs2KttGT7kD0SCFsRmDk/s200/Washington+-+Mt.+St.+Helens2.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehCh2OdNkEGZNVdAKFqd1_JvwN4slLMi9PMZBvPV6wsD9YeI1AlJfjh50xoYGRB3fv8PviDDpXO2J8E-q339b2RXBXmBATkMs_a6IYbpfr5l_oVQAHHO8nVqyuZefuovFMYYCYO39Keg/s200/Washington+-+Mt.+St.+Helens.JPG" width="200" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Memorable Quotes:<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “What do you think that guy is doing?” (pointing to statue)</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “Hailing a cab.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “He’s Chief Seattle, who the city is named after…”</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “Oh, I guess no cab then”<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </div><div class="MsoNormal">C: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(gasps)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">J: “that guy was so cute”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">C: “I was looking at the dog…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">J: “that guy had a dog?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">C: “that dog had a guy?!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Little girls from car window: “You’re pretty.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">C&J not caring which of us they were talking to: “THANKS!”</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “I like this city…”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “three o’clock.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “I think he’s gay, Christine…”</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “no, the one on the laptop…”</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “there was a laptop? I was too busy staring at Robert Plant’s new CD.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Starbucks worker (Spokane): “Hey! You girls are in a much better mood than yesterday!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “um…”</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “...yep.” (moves to line with cute cashier) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “yum.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “tattoos?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">C&J: “yep.”</div><!--EndFragment-->Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-68089395528317978072010-09-15T10:39:00.000-07:002010-09-15T10:39:41.402-07:00"'Odors attract bears.' We should shower in the morning."<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtmEJCjyR3rL91-XGZr8UtYa3HSCA0nqOL6S8c__mcfdwP3SSDDQMezW9HgLSGquQT_OsR5ku2kN2Kl6sKK-cEILk0LbS8CdZek5vLzFG-tsmfNXdkCHsMd5PokV-Fpl7ysfh30eW2tw/s1600/Montana+-+Glacier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtmEJCjyR3rL91-XGZr8UtYa3HSCA0nqOL6S8c__mcfdwP3SSDDQMezW9HgLSGquQT_OsR5ku2kN2Kl6sKK-cEILk0LbS8CdZek5vLzFG-tsmfNXdkCHsMd5PokV-Fpl7ysfh30eW2tw/s320/Montana+-+Glacier.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Believe it or not, we were on the road <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">early</i>. Thank goodness for a speed limit of 75mph and no cops because we BOOKED IT to Montana's Glacier National Park, arriving around 5:30 pm (our all time record). We checked into our motel room and could not believe our luck; it was located right inside the park next to the gift shops, restaurant, and ice cream shop (yay <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>). Best of all we had a view of Lake MacDonald and mountains from our window. That night we celebrated our punctuality and explored our surroundings by checking out the sales, getting ice cream, and ate dinner at a homey restaurant in West Glacier. Our little motel room had two bedrooms, but no TV, so naturally we shared a bed and watched DVDs Jess brought on Christine’s laptop. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The next morning we woke up early again (score!) and set out to explore the beautiful Glacier National Park. In the car we took the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which stretches 50 miles from the west side of the park to the east side. The drive to the east side of the park through Logan’s Pass took us about two and a half hours, thanks to construction and a mysterious medical emergency that required helicopter assistance (scary). Upon reaching the east side, we of course checked out those gift shops and grabbed some food (I swear we did look at mother nature at one point during the day).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzjRVzeZUY2qRmIq9mv09JmOhmRKfXUAVyXYgFX2ihXofvWFncPDatBHLZ045H1xzKvUHB7TqCstviUVO6bNpS0_AXtiP5T5KHnVhaZUVDHeyH6_vTCab_RxZAN9pSx0YOTHfjb201Ws/s1600/Montana+-+Clouds2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzjRVzeZUY2qRmIq9mv09JmOhmRKfXUAVyXYgFX2ihXofvWFncPDatBHLZ045H1xzKvUHB7TqCstviUVO6bNpS0_AXtiP5T5KHnVhaZUVDHeyH6_vTCab_RxZAN9pSx0YOTHfjb201Ws/s200/Montana+-+Clouds2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going-to-the-Sun path</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhay7tOVAigBoyogFjdRckEQogLX3a35ph0f6yL0dQlOfbAzFlBSPwHF1ghnij8sCiJK0U0l9Ja2I7foqj7vxayFtqW5hgWoRAYqKj5p8ki-gXTme_huJS2s_n1bJGddJ8CQUR3dckdF70/s200/Montana+-+Clouds.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up in the clouds!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzjRVzeZUY2qRmIq9mv09JmOhmRKfXUAVyXYgFX2ihXofvWFncPDatBHLZ045H1xzKvUHB7TqCstviUVO6bNpS0_AXtiP5T5KHnVhaZUVDHeyH6_vTCab_RxZAN9pSx0YOTHfjb201Ws/s1600/Montana+-+Clouds2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Let me backtrack for a second to describe this drive. It is not your normal drive across a national park. It’s up and down mountains that were carved by glaciers. This road is a little two-lane road that drops straight off on one side. But don’t worry, that side has small rocks as a “guardrail” so your car will probably flip over as you fall to your death (this would fulfill Christine’s dream of dying in a dramatic fashion). Along the way there are areas you can pull over to let other cars pass, explore hikes, read about glaciers, enjoy the amazing view, or properly view a passing grizzly (according the proper bear protocol). Fortunately, we did not meet any grizzly bears during our stay since we didn’t drop fifty bucks on bear spray.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o4OkSnuQrszAYlxzuQd_itOkQOUroE4Mj87DYsHclkn2LpPYS2Xd03rwR9P1i-FqTjgLMQpubDYCRdEtjLPcT2o7N5e1KG0HOoKkzJdaAdAqbxKdP1z3xXg2coRu6AwN_r64nP_yLyg/s1600/Montana+-+McDonald+Falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o4OkSnuQrszAYlxzuQd_itOkQOUroE4Mj87DYsHclkn2LpPYS2Xd03rwR9P1i-FqTjgLMQpubDYCRdEtjLPcT2o7N5e1KG0HOoKkzJdaAdAqbxKdP1z3xXg2coRu6AwN_r64nP_yLyg/s320/Montana+-+McDonald+Falls.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MacDonald Falls [UNEDITED]</td></tr>
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Our first adventure of the park, besides the drive, was MacDonald Falls. There were stairs that led down to the falls, yet in our opinion, they could have been closer. So, ignoring the signs about endangering ourselves and others, we hopped the railing and walked around on the falls. The view was breathtaking, although not as nice as a certain cubicle in Columbus. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHzIUN1GrWXmYoDThuZYHin1DoiK0gjVEZ9AodFkrI3RovEkZLpLmRmYOXpZ7eqOMsTVdJwWJJeECsJlqRCZI9MMfOrsLhLws4jcQrvvhWXxl2o6Po4R-fmtXf_qxFZudkhMR7dvvijA/s1600/Montana+-+Fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHzIUN1GrWXmYoDThuZYHin1DoiK0gjVEZ9AodFkrI3RovEkZLpLmRmYOXpZ7eqOMsTVdJwWJJeECsJlqRCZI9MMfOrsLhLws4jcQrvvhWXxl2o6Po4R-fmtXf_qxFZudkhMR7dvvijA/s200/Montana+-+Fall.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...immediately after J told C she wasn't a good swimmmer...</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next stop was a two-mile hike to St. Mary’s Falls. While walking to the waterfall we attempted to be as loud as possible, since the bear pamphlet warned us that chatter would usually annoy the bears (and our fellow hikers) enough to keep them away. Once at the falls we again attempted to stray from the path. This time, however, NPS happened to beat us to it with a sign that warned us to stay away. Reluctantly we listened (it was large and bright red so we figured it was more than a suggestion this time). The hike back to Casper was not so easy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl-DD-4N3ch66dlwAeP8f1ekBIACSuoVdiOj4kBzsxPvlyXHp3SDCvnz8ul9ZWIViGrHdzVWNhfpn6z9g6k1ou5i2yXOCJHQGyQY6rozTlWAFRQx9NHI8LL3npmeeyigbvUokzuCIdYg/s1600/Montana+-+St.+Mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl-DD-4N3ch66dlwAeP8f1ekBIACSuoVdiOj4kBzsxPvlyXHp3SDCvnz8ul9ZWIViGrHdzVWNhfpn6z9g6k1ou5i2yXOCJHQGyQY6rozTlWAFRQx9NHI8LL3npmeeyigbvUokzuCIdYg/s320/Montana+-+St.+Mary.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Mary Falls<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our last big exploration was a waterfall located west of the Weeping Wall (this huge stretch of rock along the road that water runs down). This time we also bent the rules in our favor and climbed all over the rocks. The difference during this climb, however, was that Jess actually felt daring enough to attempt to climb to rocks in the middle of the falls. Her trusty camera draped around her neck minus a lens cap and moccasins to ensure a solid grip on slippery rocks, she ventured up the rocks and quickly realized this was a poor choice indeed as her feet slipped. So attempting to back track she shakily made it onto solid rock after a few scary steps and a much dirtier lens (whoops).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After our many waterfall-seeking-excursions (apparently if there are waterfalls in a state, we will find them), we headed to West Glacier for the fanciest mac and cheese we’ve ever had. Officially worn out from our many adventures, we hit the hay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At exactly 7:05 am the next morning, Jess woke up to greet the 7:11 am sunrise. Unfortunately, I’m not what you would call a morning person and logic tends to be just out of reach for me during this time of day (feel free to insert your rude joke about my scattered behavior here) so I walked to the lake wearing moccasins, sweatpants (of course the Grinch boxers underneath), a tie-dye Mongo shirt and a zip-up hoodie. Well the view was unbelievable from the end of the dock I sat on. But the dock was rather wet and it was 35 degrees outside. I sat there for about an hour with no sun in sight thanks to the picturesque mountains, so having enough I grabbed the largest coffee Glacier National Park sold and attempted to warm up before we packed up the car and hit the road to Spokane, Washington. Until next time <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Memorable Quotes:<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “I’M NOT GOING HIKING WITH YOU UNTIL YOU READ THE BEAR PAMPLET!”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8UMCDzDv82Xzvg47DTTrSiHU8F3qQKpIQ1UwQEQHb-9bz5DM3_39d0OhZq_jVdqMjMoKFx-9JIYmhDMTN32j_z-r3ntKEqtahhBN_1i1jnWN_Fg0GRkezJ1lpeMSIjaylaETx1wVVvM/s1600/Montana+-+Grizzley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8UMCDzDv82Xzvg47DTTrSiHU8F3qQKpIQ1UwQEQHb-9bz5DM3_39d0OhZq_jVdqMjMoKFx-9JIYmhDMTN32j_z-r3ntKEqtahhBN_1i1jnWN_Fg0GRkezJ1lpeMSIjaylaETx1wVVvM/s200/Montana+-+Grizzley.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">C & J simultaneously: “It’s fun. It’s exciting. IT’S FANTASTIC!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “it’s just insulting to my work!” (as a single bug splatters on windshield immediately after Jess cleans it)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “… I’m just going to have them killed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “if I’m going to die, I want it to at least be in an exciting way.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “ARE YOU GOING NOW?!” (about running across 4 lanes of traffic on the highway)</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “I’m not trying to die…I’m just saying”</div>Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-69242214023634070912010-09-14T15:28:00.000-07:002010-09-14T15:28:53.111-07:00"Why did we massacre the Indians for this shit land, anyway?!"<div><br />
</div>Why, oh why, Wyoming?!<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, this morning did not start off on a good note. After prepping for a 5 hour driving day, Google informed us that, instead, we had almost 10 glorious hours of travel time from Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park. Kill us.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A few CD’s and many cows later, we entered Wyoming and couldn’t resist a spur-of-the-moment photo shoot on the (wide) open highway.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-nBPxG0yZBE8VPS9lDjeyEanpTkL5N-ibLcRcAHy7dXdbDBtSFet56ST-heDdSVArUJk-eLNBHQvGcZOhPoCyo-_vre7LoBn951ixbob1mRnwbma4hwD0MDW6blvO31VpLrY3f0wFGI/s1600/Wyoming+-+Cartwheel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-nBPxG0yZBE8VPS9lDjeyEanpTkL5N-ibLcRcAHy7dXdbDBtSFet56ST-heDdSVArUJk-eLNBHQvGcZOhPoCyo-_vre7LoBn951ixbob1mRnwbma4hwD0MDW6blvO31VpLrY3f0wFGI/s200/Wyoming+-+Cartwheel.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">After mailing a few post cards and small gifts at a local post office, we really managed to piss off Clarice, the GPS, by hopping on the highway where she didn’t want us to. A solid 15 minutes later, we were right back to where we started and, this time followed her directions. For the first time EVER, C saw Jess in a bad mood, until we stopped for coffee, naturally.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLctUj8iCigWIqJPptW6RXgO3UIUPPa0ZRl9gU9q9MTGtSdDY1VNUbrGDRMCR6x4B5jEakj8i4QbyRdp1LbqNxm7I8BkCJ7ekROQ7agBzUqJgWuo3t-WAzfd-11o2IJV25L33-ILc7MM/s1600/Wyoming+-+Casper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLctUj8iCigWIqJPptW6RXgO3UIUPPa0ZRl9gU9q9MTGtSdDY1VNUbrGDRMCR6x4B5jEakj8i4QbyRdp1LbqNxm7I8BkCJ7ekROQ7agBzUqJgWuo3t-WAzfd-11o2IJV25L33-ILc7MM/s200/Wyoming+-+Casper.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>And then the day went from bad to absolutely horrible. We thought the road sign in Shoshone National Park was kidding when it warned motorcycles of the mud and snow (yes, snow) on the roads. Needless to say, the joke was on us, and Casper’s pearly white paint was mud stained as the temperature dropped an impressive 50 degrees from the bottom of the mountain to the peak. Making the best of the situation, we took some awesome shots of Grand Teton and the rest of the Teton Range as we approached Grand Teton National Park.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jackson Hole temporarily lifted our spirits, until darkness fell and we were forced to drive through the treacherous Teton Pass in the mountains, crossing from Wyoming to Idaho to get to our … um… hotel. White-knuckled Christine managed to keep Casper on the road as we maneuvered 90-degree turns on a 10% grade path. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally reaching flat ground, we crossed back from Idaho to Wyoming onto Ski Hill Road… freaking Ski Hill Road. Clarice informed us that we had reached our destination as we parked, in pitch black, next to a one-way dirt path that drove down into hell (cut to next scene where Jack the Ripper appears and kills us all.) After we both panicked, C was on the verge of tears and J nearly lost her dinner, we called Lisa, who, thankfully, was able to Google the phone number for our hotel. We chatted up Christina, the front desk attendant at the lodge, who informed us that the hotel has no signage, there are no road signs to help us identify the path and there are no other buildings near the hotel…. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The winding, 90-degree turns continued, until we finally reached what turned out to be a ski lodge at the top of the mountain, where we found a winter wonderland. Post check-in, we discovered that our frigid room didn’t have the heat on and that we were two hours outside of Yellowstone, our next “day trip” destination. Here, Christine saw Jess in a bad mood for the second time in her life <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span> After perfecting our tag-team wine bottle opening skills, we were too tired and depressed to grab cups from the cooler. Thankfully, we’re not documenting this entire trip.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MhUE2Gs8BOQQGcYDWgFnOKVkj_rIvcAXD9MkDY4bZSffQ6gmcjycHGWb72MXYN4TvciO6FSVN15Nw_jXigznB7o-T_UgXfqQMsYSgGc6FeoXFOYDuFwbwZWotJ6N05CJ-x3kXb5G3Rc/s1600/Wyoming+-+Yellowstone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MhUE2Gs8BOQQGcYDWgFnOKVkj_rIvcAXD9MkDY4bZSffQ6gmcjycHGWb72MXYN4TvciO6FSVN15Nw_jXigznB7o-T_UgXfqQMsYSgGc6FeoXFOYDuFwbwZWotJ6N05CJ-x3kXb5G3Rc/s200/Wyoming+-+Yellowstone.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The next morning, we ate breakfast as our friendly server, Terry, gave us some sightseeing tips for Yellowstone, after informing us that, at 8:30am, we were already “late” for the trip we had planned. Shortly after, we got on the road and headed toward the West Yellowstone entrance. First stop: Firehole Falls. <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFVzQjSjH45PIMRdEC-dD3JydrlXudm-T1OPTYm80ieowvv4_NPHDdKRGNxLxhdAiQZEjD1S-GWp3poXLKkcNc88BRHThDFo4gciYUDcD-2YOb0xVyp3nCI4zJw9wQ3JCEgKgpbihReA/s1600/Wyoming+-+Falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFVzQjSjH45PIMRdEC-dD3JydrlXudm-T1OPTYm80ieowvv4_NPHDdKRGNxLxhdAiQZEjD1S-GWp3poXLKkcNc88BRHThDFo4gciYUDcD-2YOb0xVyp3nCI4zJw9wQ3JCEgKgpbihReA/s200/Wyoming+-+Falls.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firehole Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcmbyddSPGU2Ag0wrGNmsDGrel9mE5xFBdLt7aW-gkGwU2obxV534wtfAMKpBp6_5CKsr107Go-6iMJCBztilhpBHMR8qeGB5LonLlsGe2_B9R_2bZIhx3W-BfUhXSLpJFpgJ_JwGYg0/s1600/Wyoming+-+Falls2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcmbyddSPGU2Ag0wrGNmsDGrel9mE5xFBdLt7aW-gkGwU2obxV534wtfAMKpBp6_5CKsr107Go-6iMJCBztilhpBHMR8qeGB5LonLlsGe2_B9R_2bZIhx3W-BfUhXSLpJFpgJ_JwGYg0/s200/Wyoming+-+Falls2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We climbed that!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Two words: absolutely. AMAZING. We hiked (well, more like rock climbed) all the way down until we were eye-level with the waterfall. After the sight took our breath away (well, I’m sure the hike probably helped with that too…) we snapped a zillion pictures as an audience gathered to see “those crazy girls” who had climbed down. Back on flat land, we continued to explore the park, seeing bison, a moose, elk and pelicans. Old Faithful, true to name, went off as expected.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQS_Lr5SxgBBvBoVWLqJfjFalRb1DTM525DDx1leWxqZ9BOx8spIpalDtU7g28KO9AwVVv4WtKpV3MVbD6ZRV1Ih4WfQfLdD0qF-XiP9nkDsSQ5SLcpnCrC9WSw2ospMPRhyunqKtWuA/s1600/Wyoming+-+Old+Faithful.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQS_Lr5SxgBBvBoVWLqJfjFalRb1DTM525DDx1leWxqZ9BOx8spIpalDtU7g28KO9AwVVv4WtKpV3MVbD6ZRV1Ih4WfQfLdD0qF-XiP9nkDsSQ5SLcpnCrC9WSw2ospMPRhyunqKtWuA/s320/Wyoming+-+Old+Faithful.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXVl5_zrO1vNobdpl7bdTVtLKr4hAaIuQdfM8eDrkBAqm91ZZ_9AU6V20s_vb2E6j10PfHysU-ZIVG7PhSK76Kn5r8dupe0wrYAMo7I0r-3SOgqgdpWQsyikz8WYqZTpGv13GJJjz9D0/s1600/Wyoming+-+Teton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXVl5_zrO1vNobdpl7bdTVtLKr4hAaIuQdfM8eDrkBAqm91ZZ_9AU6V20s_vb2E6j10PfHysU-ZIVG7PhSK76Kn5r8dupe0wrYAMo7I0r-3SOgqgdpWQsyikz8WYqZTpGv13GJJjz9D0/s200/Wyoming+-+Teton.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Leaving Yellowstone, we further explored Grand Teton National Park, as we got closer to the mountains on a scenic drive around Yellowstone and Jenny Lakes. Even more south, we explored the city of Jackson and grabbed dinner at a local tavern. Unfortunately, we forgot our cowboy boots and, thus, didn’t venture into the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Tear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bracing ourselves, we again conquered the Teton Pass, this time with J at the wheel, back to our temporary home in the mountains. After some wine to calm our nerves, we proceeded to pass out, but, of course, not before seeing the thrilling end to Wild Wild West.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow we’ll pass through state #9 of the trip as we arrive in Glacier National Park in Montana after a long day of driving. See you soon!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Memorable quotes:<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “Why did we massacre the Indians over this shit land, anyway?!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “What are things that are white?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “Paper. Snow. A GHOST!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: “How does that happen? What is this doing here? What is that car waiting for?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “I don’t know. It’s like ‘oh, hey, you forgot your Taurus here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “…you sound SO ignorant right now…”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “it looks a lot better. You even can’t tell there’s grease in there.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Store clerk: “Can I see your ID? Can I see your ID? … Did I just ask you that twice?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J: “it’s a literal roaring fire.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">C: (puts up hands as claws) “rawr.”</div>Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-53310094035581191022010-09-10T21:54:00.000-07:002010-09-10T21:54:10.443-07:00"The gayest planet is BY FAR Uranus."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">After a rousing one hour on the road, we were quickly distracted by the “World’s Only Corn Palace” and had to pull off the highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, we caught the end of the corn season as workers were stripping the building of its corncob exterior, but were able to get a sneak peek into next year’s design.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course, the corn made us hungry, so soon there after, we pulled off at a rest stop to concoct our picnic lunch. The gale force winds of flat, treeless, central South Dakota, however, didn’t cooperate, and neither did the fact that we forgot to pack plates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like true explorers, we made do, but ate in the car to avoid accidentally munching on one of the tumbleweeds passing by (yes, really).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyYQy6VfT3mBgIdXpxkFTzASmL86eWRlYs8DEX9CwVeHuAi1vqXlwQSprvZHJEGgd40LU7gM5a9TiMoEt2FSOAh40atZu2bRQh0basfCjjXZbCuQHlOGf2JtDGs4IWQDiSAhTqP9YGy4/s1600/South+Dakota+-+Badlands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyYQy6VfT3mBgIdXpxkFTzASmL86eWRlYs8DEX9CwVeHuAi1vqXlwQSprvZHJEGgd40LU7gM5a9TiMoEt2FSOAh40atZu2bRQh0basfCjjXZbCuQHlOGf2JtDGs4IWQDiSAhTqP9YGy4/s200/South+Dakota+-+Badlands.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQWRCOpYbeV8uJLnxrJcckoJE9QrTroLKvvzn9Ygb9Lk2MYlbVy4DijXOBVuTBkezsVkGu8vv7M3_duFD8JvXKPYGQPKDAZu7WhJdNjcJajWCJgp1TjOhB9TUAEtado7n-eV1N7d6vNU/s1600/South+Dakota+-+Painted+Rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQWRCOpYbeV8uJLnxrJcckoJE9QrTroLKvvzn9Ygb9Lk2MYlbVy4DijXOBVuTBkezsVkGu8vv7M3_duFD8JvXKPYGQPKDAZu7WhJdNjcJajWCJgp1TjOhB9TUAEtado7n-eV1N7d6vNU/s200/South+Dakota+-+Painted+Rocks.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, the Badlands gave our eyes a break from the plains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a scenic drive around the park and stopped frequently for hiking and photo breaks, without managing to a) fall to our deaths or b) get bitten by a rattlesnake (although apparently they’re prevalent).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our favorite part was seeing the pink, yellow and blue area of the park; the colors were so vibrant it looked like they had been painted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C was excited to spot a single prairie dog and bait him with Rainbow Goldfish, after zillions of signs along the way promised they would be there, only to turn left and see an entire field of them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">239487234823749238 signs later, we finally arrived at the jack-of-all-trades store, Wall Drug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After scoping out the Native American souvenirs, spotting a T-Rex, catching some jackalope and grabbing some ice cream at the café, we were on the road again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once arriving in civilization, AKA Rapid City, we made a mental note to be more prepared with our sleeping situation and actually make hotel reservations in advance after being turned away at the first two hotels we came to with no vacancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once settled into our suite, yes SUITE, we explored the quaint downtown historic area on Main Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to J’s keen eyesight, we found the Firehouse Brewery and had an awesome dinner complete with two varieties of delicious South Dakota beer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning we grabbed breakfast (yes, we know we eat a lot) and headed out to explore the Black Hills (and by explore, we mean driving around the park in sweats with our Starbucks coffee).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting our fat kid tendencies aside, we stopped to take pictures and climb the gorgeous rockscapes (and maybe a park sign or two…) lining the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enter: Casper, the friendly, misunderstood Mercury Mariner that has valiantly chauffeured us from place to place along our journey (we would write out how we came up with the name, but would rather keep our dignity).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW_4j1M9_uNm3v08UnrgV15vU-jB27P9kHiWJE7ctqTSWv6ZfVCiec-folIQJqmz0bQSLCsWjk-4xDawuoioINSTNdhq0N5vR0mXBXnp0DDLZQwcs5Ut-jWNJ6oTCDDC2qFLdhbaOMWE/s1600/South+Dakota+-+Casper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW_4j1M9_uNm3v08UnrgV15vU-jB27P9kHiWJE7ctqTSWv6ZfVCiec-folIQJqmz0bQSLCsWjk-4xDawuoioINSTNdhq0N5vR0mXBXnp0DDLZQwcs5Ut-jWNJ6oTCDDC2qFLdhbaOMWE/s200/South+Dakota+-+Casper.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Still on the road, we drove past the disappointing Crazy Horse work-in-progress memorial monument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “fifth face” of Mt. Rushmore really was just a face. Next, we headed to the small town of Keystone in search of a rumored “7’2”, eyes of blue, size 13 in the shoe” cowboy that Linda had told us about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unable to find such a stud, and exercising extreme self-control by not shoving our faces with fudge and candy, we lifted our spirits by purchasing our very own pairs of Minnetonka moccasins. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stoked for an afternoon of hiking around Mt. Rushmore, we ate a healthy lunch, dressed for the occasion, and packed a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“just in case” bag complete with water, snacks, sunscreen and a first aid kit (I hope you’re proud, mom). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon arriving, we quickly found out that our “hike” was .5 miles long on a paved path with railings… but, hey, at least we got to hang with the boys, George, TJ, Teddy and Abe, up-close and personal for a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running to the gift shop for cover, a quick thunderstorm passed overhead, revealing an incredible, full double rainbow over the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a way to cap off our adventures in South Dakota!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQirU2mN60HUeyZxH9kUp-cZYhrXj5jO3ZLda8GOw0jmFG-PiHttgaRAm7RqPaCBD-rfEF3kb4eQ0asdrO79IhfhVi5zgoDxcqu3Tm8nHvpp3u75eVl89LKr3fsSf1oRSBVmdSjA4HgB0/s1600/South+Dakota+-+Mt.+Rushmore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQirU2mN60HUeyZxH9kUp-cZYhrXj5jO3ZLda8GOw0jmFG-PiHttgaRAm7RqPaCBD-rfEF3kb4eQ0asdrO79IhfhVi5zgoDxcqu3Tm8nHvpp3u75eVl89LKr3fsSf1oRSBVmdSjA4HgB0/s200/South+Dakota+-+Mt.+Rushmore.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsBBtGI7sqRhIYJb_wNqe6tgv5J-8PTe9crI0DzuID6R7SePQbXj6Dp-8eM1O6Dhps42ccWzB_vi2U2gMUoScHzuOxLveBOBxIJjbY0z16su3i7N4_HuHhiLTMMU3IanB9tpbT2h2DSY/s1600/Souh+Dakota+-+Mt.+Rushmore2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsBBtGI7sqRhIYJb_wNqe6tgv5J-8PTe9crI0DzuID6R7SePQbXj6Dp-8eM1O6Dhps42ccWzB_vi2U2gMUoScHzuOxLveBOBxIJjbY0z16su3i7N4_HuHhiLTMMU3IanB9tpbT2h2DSY/s200/Souh+Dakota+-+Mt.+Rushmore2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We took advantage of Comfort Suites’ WiFi connection to situate our finances, upload pictures, make hotel reservations and, most importantly, order pizza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six pieces, a bottle (and a half…) of wine and torrential rains (complete with thunderstorm watch across half of the counties in South Dakota) later, we called it a night, still wondering what will happen to Laurence Fishburn’s character on the next episode of CSI and still wondering if, in fact, “Jackie Kennedy would never have had a camel toe.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Until Wyoming!</div><!--EndFragment-->Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-28536516096774400962010-09-08T22:22:00.000-07:002010-09-08T22:22:28.202-07:00"I thought The Badlands were scary...?"<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Next stop: Sioux Falls, South Dakota!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Jess wasn’t that thrilled at the sound of the town, but C convinced her it was worth it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First stop – the Sioux Falls (yes, there really are waterfalls in South Dakota) where we found MORE mill ruins!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knew?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Sioux Falls were carved out by the Big Sioux River and glaciers during the time of the last ice age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The early inhabitants harnessed the power of the Falls, building a turbine house to aid in the milling process.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24kJIsRv_-gKrRhHcUH6jA4ICW9ABUvRY7x1bRj6S4m2PI5UuW12pZ9PgPAwiwgXJUUsns8UGGtn4qaIucUcQ7ky_yBBZ6UNSOxlrHwTNVqSZem1rsoXOvW_W3vJlkaWJRXij6Bxef8g/s1600/Sioux+Falls+-+Falls.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24kJIsRv_-gKrRhHcUH6jA4ICW9ABUvRY7x1bRj6S4m2PI5UuW12pZ9PgPAwiwgXJUUsns8UGGtn4qaIucUcQ7ky_yBBZ6UNSOxlrHwTNVqSZem1rsoXOvW_W3vJlkaWJRXij6Bxef8g/s200/Sioux+Falls+-+Falls.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQnRxPqyVbH1gMuHhMPYArRbf5gwitbWwzhbwAD5LYT-LrDol0WYl05EXnLyPCVWGn2FZFwmBvz8ALni-yJr-5zKtZN9VOOM6-OsRELrIwpXVsVPRR55Lg2FV8ipDMfpJautyt_ZEdxM/s1600/Sioux++Falls+-+Falls+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQnRxPqyVbH1gMuHhMPYArRbf5gwitbWwzhbwAD5LYT-LrDol0WYl05EXnLyPCVWGn2FZFwmBvz8ALni-yJr-5zKtZN9VOOM6-OsRELrIwpXVsVPRR55Lg2FV8ipDMfpJautyt_ZEdxM/s200/Sioux++Falls+-+Falls+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Post the photo extravaganza, we headed to the Bennett house to meet up with Linda, who took us on a beautiful nature walk on a local bike trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After seeing so many people engaging in physical activity in Minneapolis and again in Sioux Falls, we now realize why Michigan ranks as one of the most obese states…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">…speaking of obesity, Linda and Vern spoiled us rotten, cooking us an INCREDIBLE dinner of tortilla soup, mozzarella sticks, stuffed mushrooms, taquitos, grilled chicken, steak, baked potatoes, corn, bread and salad, with cheesecake for dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we were physically incapable of moving, Brett dragged us out for a beer at a lovely restaurant / bar / casino establishment, where we attempted to come to terms with how old we’re getting, and discussing the size of our respective colleges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out, yes, size does matter.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Waking up very well rested, and refueling with another smorgasbord meal from the Bennetts, we hit the road again, but not without stopping at C’s beloved Juice Stop, where we each grabbed a smoothie made from the nectar of the Gods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Off we go to the opposite side of the state - more of SD to come! </div><!--EndFragment-->Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-46011932803218716012010-09-08T22:19:00.000-07:002010-09-08T22:19:43.173-07:00Minneapolis is DOPE!<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w0baDanom95j-XA4Z4gLklr2uBVS8OYKvJKSZ_zBfGT_bP5ZaZdsAS-VSlPUsEOnKr1kTl7bHwDcCOajaHJg4yKvS5tfYXjantqqtsT37RER5ypV3N5942cq6Kl5X7aax_AX0V5APWk/s1600/Minneapolis+-+Rob.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w0baDanom95j-XA4Z4gLklr2uBVS8OYKvJKSZ_zBfGT_bP5ZaZdsAS-VSlPUsEOnKr1kTl7bHwDcCOajaHJg4yKvS5tfYXjantqqtsT37RER5ypV3N5942cq6Kl5X7aax_AX0V5APWk/s200/Minneapolis+-+Rob.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Upon arrival, parking difficulties caused Rob to take flight in our back seat while we drove around the city in search of parking and food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At The Newsroom (yes, Kelly, the Newsroom, you would love it) Rob treated us (thank you again and again!) to a delicious dinner with great people watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heading back to Rob’s apartment in the mill district on the twelfth floor (awesome view of the stadium, not so awesome elevator ride), we unfortunately discovered it is in fact a small world, but hey at least MSU outnumbered U of M alum for once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Celebrating the blessed holiday, Labor Day, we hit the bars, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly, not many other Minnesotans were out on the streets, except at the bars where our dance skills need to be greatly improved before entering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a fun night out on the town, we settled down for a night of cuddling on the air mattress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzrzVCjMtR6LQYWlCOMTULC67M-DmFFC5Av-P1yu09Zhy5I8Pm1-lHgkjideLrfkSBQE3Reu1WojG6bk5wDR_sEjecxQRKjwZpivcME92mwfy6hMVqI5XPqV1U_ySST7esd3BLNkKyO8/s1600/Minneapolis+-+Mill+River.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzrzVCjMtR6LQYWlCOMTULC67M-DmFFC5Av-P1yu09Zhy5I8Pm1-lHgkjideLrfkSBQE3Reu1WojG6bk5wDR_sEjecxQRKjwZpivcME92mwfy6hMVqI5XPqV1U_ySST7esd3BLNkKyO8/s200/Minneapolis+-+Mill+River.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Early the next morning we got ready, coincidentally all repping the D wearing Tiger’s shirts, for a day of exploration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First stop was the ruins of Minneapolis (yes ruins, in America, we were surprised too) that were remnants of old flourmills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, back in the day (which was a Wednesday) these mills tended to explode – yikes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the mills was converted into the Mill River Museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The architecture for the building was so cool!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping the old walls and base of one of the mills they added a new glass structure to keep the structure safe and house most of the museum. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great example of using modern design to showcase the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right next door, is the Guthrie Theatre, a very contemporary building with a great view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the security guard offered some great advice on touring the building and referred to us as Rob’s dates <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> but then brought up our recent loss to the Twins, we went up to the ninth floor to see the “Amber Room”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stepped off the elevator into a new, trippy world that was, indeed, amber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The windows were yellow and made the space feel very surreal and the view of both sides of the river was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then down to the fourth floor we ventured out onto the Endless Bridge that ends in mid-air towards the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, a child informed that his eyes were blue, and then launched into an explanation of the rest of his family’s eye colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling very informed, we then set off in a new direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Laurel Village, across town, was home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were surprised to see that the cherry sprouted water from its stem, which managed to get us wet during one of the few parts of the day it wasn’t raining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cherry and spoon was in a large sculpture garden that housed plenty of beautiful pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQm4In86YuJ1ovcHc-rPoEOvUaUgHgvu7SRCBnDmkaVd6ldMmGVvCReBFzAT-Hw0sFtJozo5zk2GHNpjFDKcLbTNUmxWT2OMij6FUbb2o-N2EFiUdukVdUVPwfGhILjUHqyp5eYdJqAg/s1600/Minneapolis+-+Cherry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQm4In86YuJ1ovcHc-rPoEOvUaUgHgvu7SRCBnDmkaVd6ldMmGVvCReBFzAT-Hw0sFtJozo5zk2GHNpjFDKcLbTNUmxWT2OMij6FUbb2o-N2EFiUdukVdUVPwfGhILjUHqyp5eYdJqAg/s200/Minneapolis+-+Cherry.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next stop was back downtown as we found the world’s #1 Jameson pub, The Local, right next to a tequila bar (I think we belong in this city).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the gelato shop was closed and so was Jamba Juice, but we got our exercise in for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After four hours of walking, we needed a quick power nap in Rob’s comfy man furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we were right out to exploring again, this time in the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We crossed the bridge to walk around the dam in the river and fell in love with the historic district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then drove to the other side of town to see the beautiful homes that are integrated into downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, we were heading back to the apartment to be the three person welcoming committee for Rob’s new roommate, Pat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this time, the three of us were all wearing our MSU hoodies and, even though Pat went to U of M, he was wearing green and, therefore, allowed to come with us on “Eat Street” for a dope (bringing it back like parachute pants!) dinner of Vietnamese cuisine at Quang (pronunciation TBD).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night was wrapped up by watching a couple movies on their new Target TV (“watching” is used loosely since no one made it through either movie).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we woke up in the morning, we unfortunately missed saying goodbye to Rob, since he’s a grownup and has to go to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to hit the road again!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469814214745486606.post-80156514500527797692010-09-06T19:59:00.000-07:002010-09-08T22:23:20.998-07:00We're off!Shoes off, shades on, we’re off! (Well… other than the fact that driving without shoes is illegal and it was raining when we left, but you know what we mean).<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The first stop on our almost month-long Tour de USA was none other than our second home, East Lansing, a whopping 1-hour drive from the Mazur residence. To entertain ourselves, we paired our friends’ personalities with Friends cast personas (surprisingly similar, minus Monica). After arriving and reminiscing around campus (and not so much in the Human Ecology building…) we enjoyed a scrumptious free meal of pizza and festive Oktoberfest beer at our nostalgic trivia spot, Old Chicago. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Post food-coma, we gallivanted to Lou Ha’s, CATA style, to meet up with a few of our favorites, Ganci, Sinny, Mase and Paul H. Upon deciding that we needed to be in tip-top shape for tailgating the next morning, we promptly ordered a pitcher of strawberry daiquiris as the boys purchased the necessities for a night of drinking games. After realizing that Christine is the best liar and Ganci is the worst dealer, we met up with the lovely Andrea R. and moseyed (how weird does that word look?) over to the always-interesting Richard’s. After a hazy amount of shots, wicked dance parties and seeing pals Nick, Josh, Shelly and Jenni, we (finally) called it a night without learning how to the Dougie.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After being awoken by Lindsey’s rough 6:00am wake-up call, and a few extra hours of sleep, we headed to the tennis courts for some school-spirited tailgating and caught up with our favorite Columbus transplant, Paul N. while munching on some expertly crafted veggie burgers (thanks, Lindsey & Dave!) and failing to shot gun. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In our home opener the Spartans pulled out a 38 – 14 victory over the WMU Broncos (go green!). Jess met up with Lisa and, thankfully, the ladies convinced Sinny that his clepto tendencies would not suffice, and that bringing a Route 26 CATA sign onto the bus might not be the best plan. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Post-nap, the group reunited for a disappointingly un-tearful and unemotional goodbye (we miss you all already!). Jess presented Paul N. with his very own mini palm tree (cue Tawas memories) that lights up and plays music for his apartment in Columbus (note to self: batteries for reunion in November since he will OBVIOUSLY be playing it all the time). Five steps out the door, Christine proceeded to leave all stomach contents in East Lansing … and two McDonald’s stops along the way. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After some rough construction through Chicago, we reached the Stevens’ Bed & Breakfast and hit the hay. Rise and shine at 9 a.m. Thankfully, Chef Kate is a wonderful cook and whipped us up some breakfast. We got ready for the day and headed to McGoniguls (which should be McGonagall’s, hello Platform 9 ¾ ) for lunch, which was full of chatter about Harry Potter (all encouraged by Christine of course…). Then we set off for Minneapolis!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">This portion of the journey has been filled with the …um… unique aroma of Wisconsin. We also witnessed first-hand the justice system at work as the poster grandma for the law against texting and driving was pulled over right before our eyes (thank you, officer, for taking our obnoxious waving and pointing cues). Thankfully, she did not manage to hit our vehicle (although it got MUCH too close for our taste near the end). Falling for a sign promising a scenic outlook, we took a pit stop; after a short hike up a hill we came to the conclusion that the wooded path was more eventful than the outlook itself. For the first time, queasy Christine was able to take the wheel. Wanting to avoid another disappointment, we gathered enough will power to avoid stopping at the “adult store and bakery” (does anyone know what that even means?). Before we knew it we hit the first of the twin cities, St. Paul, and unknowingly crossed the Mississippi River to see Rob in Minneapolis.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKQFNJkm0wX-d2i3Wv1t5JUcZk5milt9SPDZ8aAvpw0XbHbWrFlGx1O4WpdYzyseg-a29sEL-5OY4azaVY5dVy_WD7R6eweioe7t-utMekBlPOqy0MTPlXCPjohm0ZDKe6Vpxd0o2J9M/s1600/East+Lansing+-+Group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKQFNJkm0wX-d2i3Wv1t5JUcZk5milt9SPDZ8aAvpw0XbHbWrFlGx1O4WpdYzyseg-a29sEL-5OY4azaVY5dVy_WD7R6eweioe7t-utMekBlPOqy0MTPlXCPjohm0ZDKe6Vpxd0o2J9M/s200/East+Lansing+-+Group.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBHk4s6JI_Kk-q2zt9916kwlRUAHUWjQQJMmJqWvfipYn0l0kskwLQQeSPEKlX4P97lFd-ULb_KvMeVnOUZDgJ8j46n3785PH60VznD0fWueeC66MLy1quCH3c-1eAuYUhoRuRrsV4ic/s1600/East+Lansing+-+Jess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBHk4s6JI_Kk-q2zt9916kwlRUAHUWjQQJMmJqWvfipYn0l0kskwLQQeSPEKlX4P97lFd-ULb_KvMeVnOUZDgJ8j46n3785PH60VznD0fWueeC66MLy1quCH3c-1eAuYUhoRuRrsV4ic/s200/East+Lansing+-+Jess.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKQFNJkm0wX-d2i3Wv1t5JUcZk5milt9SPDZ8aAvpw0XbHbWrFlGx1O4WpdYzyseg-a29sEL-5OY4azaVY5dVy_WD7R6eweioe7t-utMekBlPOqy0MTPlXCPjohm0ZDKe6Vpxd0o2J9M/s1600/East+Lansing+-+Group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJgMywTTu2i6xHY3GA19kSyMdhRpOHcXh9V0TRC5GRlWqrNK2jWJsljEXMfBlqPnMbIMFODI04AH5IqEHvcwh1V41RnetN7CtMlTpnlhrbWkJ7ALecI-Fey1QAE7QvAWvhBVS69eTV3k/s1600/East+Lansing+-+Sinny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJgMywTTu2i6xHY3GA19kSyMdhRpOHcXh9V0TRC5GRlWqrNK2jWJsljEXMfBlqPnMbIMFODI04AH5IqEHvcwh1V41RnetN7CtMlTpnlhrbWkJ7ALecI-Fey1QAE7QvAWvhBVS69eTV3k/s200/East+Lansing+-+Sinny.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Jessica and Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10806418863490076297noreply@blogger.com1