February 28, 2012

Farewell!

Well, it’s that time of year again for the Vernon clan: VACATION TIME!!

January and February in Colorado make winter feel like it’ll never end.  While the rest of the state copes by skiing, we head off to somewhere warm.  This time we’re off to Oahu and Maui for 11 days.  Holy crap.  So excited.  We are looking forward to reconnecting with cousins, and just plain being away.

Nothing like a little escape to gain fresh perspective on life back home…

As for the heart stuff, at this point, I’ve been instructed to live life as per usual.  I’m still waiting on one test result, but four of them have come back perfectly normal.  One doctor even mentioned that some heart abnormalities are actually totally normal.  So, I’m going with that.  Pretty sure a vacation will fix any inconsistencies anyway!  Thanks again for all your love and concern.

So, we’ll be back mid-March.  No doubt we’ll have plenty of pictures and good thoughts to share.

Until then, be well!

kisses.

Posted by |Filed Under: happiness | travel | 4 Comments
January 26, 2012

New Yeezy

Well, I returned from New York and as expected, it was wonderful.  It was so stinkin’ amazing to get away for a weekend and have no one else to carry, no noses to wipe, butts to wipe, meals to make, baths to give, the works.  It was incredible to worry about only myself again.  The only appendage I brought was my breast pump.  I wish I hadn’t forgotten my camera so I could have taken pictures of all the places my pump and I visited.  My pump, my Travelocity Gnome:

We’ve been through so much together and seen so much of the world, my pump and I.  I mean, I took the damn thing to India for Christ-sake. (At least, I intended to).

She’s now seen New York City too.  One of my good friends suggested I name my pump .  I understand because you develop a pretty serious relationship with this piece of equipment.  One of commitment, endurance, patience…all the things that make for a long lasting friendship.  I donno but I’m pretty sure my pump’s a girl.  I’m taking name suggestions because I can’t seem to find the right one…Something Indian, perhaps?

But back to the trip.  It was spectacular for such a short jaunt.  Here are a few highlights:

  • Indian dinner with Bryn, one of my closest pals..
  • Staying in a hotel and watching TV..
  • Attending a writing conference and soaking up the inspiration..
  • Ordering breakfast to my room..
  • Staying with Bryn and her man in her killer pad in Brooklyn..
  • Going out to pizza with a bunch of us from my study abroad program that was 11 years ago, loving that we are still close..
  • Watching snow fall in the city..
  • Drinking a bit more than I should..

So much fun.  Reminds me that it is just as important to do things for myself as it is to do things for everyone else.  A happy Mama makes everyone happier.  My short excursion recharged me for days…

Thanks you, New York, until next year.

Posted by |Filed Under: at my finest | happiness | motherhood | poems | travel | 2 Comments
January 19, 2012

Headed to the city..

Headed to NYC tomorrow for a conference and for some fun.  Seems strange to “escape” to the city, but man, it’s the one place I crave when thinking about where I could get away for a quick trip.  Can’t wait to be back amidst it all.  And SO looking forward to my first real weekend away being just ME again.

 

Posted by |Filed Under: cool videos | travel | 1 Comment
April 19, 2011

Proud

Well, in just a few days Luker leaves for Bhutan and India.  He plans to detach a bit, do trek and possibly if things work out, meet up with our teacher.  A “Mini Sabbatical” is what he’s been calling it.  I have to say, of all the things I could be proud of him for (believe me, there are loads) taking this trip is among the greatest…

Tak Sang in Bhutan...where he is headed!

I know how hard it is for him to pull away from all he is doing right now to make this happen.  Sure, there are tons of reasons why he shouldn’t go and why now isn’t the best time.  But is there ever a perfect time?

He and I committed to each other in our wedding vows that we would follow our individual passions even in times when it felt tough.  I think so often as couples it is easy to fall into only doing things together and never breaking routine.  Yet how can it be possible that two different people could always want the same things out of life?  I just don’t buy it.

The best relationships I’ve seen are the ones where both people bring their very best, complete and fulfilled version of themselves to the mix.  From what I’ve experienced and observed, dependency and expectation aren’t pretty in the long run.

For me, the way to connect with my truest self only comes when I step outside my daily routine and attachments.  The fact that he’s outta here to follow his own passions only makes us stronger as a team and as a family in the long run.  It’s inspiring for Cora and me to see him do this.

And so, today I feel proud..PROUD to be in a relationship that supports each of us as individuals, PROUD that he is stepping away from the daily grind to focus on himself and what really matters in life, PROUD that traveling remains a part of our family value system even when it feels impossible, PROUD to be able to support him at home just as he did for me on my last trip…

So, when I come to your house in the next few weeks and ask you to watch my kid or make me dinner, remind me that I feel this way, mmm-k?

Posted by |Filed Under: Daddy | Luker | travel | 1 Comment
April 12, 2011

Auntie Abby & Uncle Todd’s

We spent last weekend in Madison, WI visiting Auntie Abby and Uncle Todd.  What a lovely trip it was.  Cora traveled like a champ.  It might be because of the backpack Gram Gram Vernon got her that she so proudly flaunted throughout the airport:

Here are some highlights from the trip:

  • Seeing Auntie Abby and Uncle Todd’s sweet pad in their nice, new neighborhood
  • Going out to a local taco joint
  • Visiting the zoo:

  • Homemade Todd and Abby pizza
  • Watching the Masters together
  • Hearing from Sister-in-law, Sarah, that she is ENGAGED!
  • Walking to Picnic Point
  • Grilled cheese and tomato soup
  • Late night sibling talks, watching Luke try to stay awake and fake being engaged in conversation
  • Todd and Abby take Cora on a breakfast/playground date
  • Seeing Abby’s Land’s End Canvas store on State Street
  • Eating our first Wisconsin cheese curd

So special to spend QT with Todd and Abby and see them so happy in their space…

Posted by |Filed Under: Top Ten | travel | Leave a Comment
March 6, 2011

A Darker Shade of Pale

Perhaps the hardest part about coming home from an amazing tropical vacation is bumping into someone around town after having been gone..

Random person: “Hey, how’s it going, Friend?”

Me: “Great.”

Random Person: “So when is your trip to Mexico?”

Me: “We just got back, actually.”  Random person then looks at you a bit perplexed as to why he/she can’t tell based on your lack-o-tan.

Random Person: “Cool.”  Then walks away with nothing more to add.

Yes, it was amazing:  beach, sun, ocean, pools, sandcastles, virgin drinks with umbrellas, fellow gringos, too pregnant in a bikini, local bus to Puerto Vallarta, hours spent reading and napping, cervesas, chips and guac, cheese, practicing Spanish and more.

But I didn’t walk away with quite the tan I was hoping for.  I suppose that’s always the case in my world.  I am Irish for god sakes.  And poor Luker, he just hopes that one day his freckles will all connect and make him look a shade darker.  We tried, people.  We tried.

And as educated as we both are about the risks of sun damage, I can’t pass up an opportunity to burn the shit out of myself in the name of a tan.  Even for the dream of one.  I am a product of the 80s after all.

Here are a few pics from our vay-cay:

pina colada at Fajita Republic

Um, I might eat you you're so cute.

The key to a successful vacation with a toddler=toys and sand(they seriously can't go anywhere)

Our amazing deck where we hung out while Baby napped

Feel free to serenade us again

One hell of a Babymoon, that’s for sure.

Posted by |Filed Under: 80s style | happiness | travel | 2 Comments
February 23, 2011

We Out

That’s right people.  We out.  We effin’ out.

As you read this we are on a flight to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  About three years ago, Luker and I decided to trade in our expensive ski passes for annual trips to somewhere warm.  And it may have been the best decision we’ve ever made.

Puerto Vallarta Beach

Yes, we live in Colorado, the place known for skiing.  Yes, we are actually from here too.  But truth be told, most of my friends that are actually from here (with the exception of a handful) would rather hit the beach than the slopes any winter.  We’ll leave being a die hard skier to the transplants. Ya’ll can keep our Colorado economy booming.

Sure, I enjoy a nice weekend on the slopes.  But when that involves a two hour drive each way, an hour in lift lines, freezing hands and toes, and dodging out-of-control Texans, it starts to feel less and less relaxing.

So, enjoy the slopes this weekend.  I hear they’re supposed to get some good snow.  And don’t bother thinking about us basking in the sun and sipping drinks with umbrellas.

Ta ta!

Posted by |Filed Under: happiness | travel | 1 Comment
November 30, 2010

Water Baby

While in Cali..

Posted by |Filed Under: Cora the Rose | dance | happiness | travel | 2 Comments
November 29, 2010

Thanksgiving Trip #8

One of Luke and my oldest traditions is taking our own trip, just the two of us (now 3), for Thanksgiving.  It started as just a road trip thing back when we lived in NYC, and has evolved over the years.

Starting from the beginning we’ve been to:

  1. Burlington, VT
  2. Durango, CO
  3. Sun Valley, ID & Missoula, MT
  4. Crestone, CO & Taos, NM
  5. Moab, Canyonlands, Vegas
  6. Cozumel, Mexico
  7. Lihue, Kauai in Hawaii
  8. Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Cruz & Palo Alto CA

We happily blow all of our money on travel and hopefully, we’ll continue to do so.  Here are a few highlights from this year:

Eating seafood on the ocean in Monterey

Big Sur

Brunch at Pebble Beach Golf Course

Other fun moments:

  • Stumbling upon a vegetarian diner in Santa Cruz (I love you, California)
  • Seafood for Thanksgiving Dinner
  • Touring the famous Aquarium in Monterey
  • Visiting Stanford Campus
  • Playing on the beach in Carmel
Posted by |Filed Under: travel | 2 Comments
October 25, 2010

Mama Moderne Post..

Who am I again? Sometimes a mama just has to get away. Brie spends a few days in the Big Apple and puts aside the feelings of guilt in order to recharge and refuel…

Click to read!!

Posted by |Filed Under: Mama Moderne | travel | , , Leave a Comment
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