Wednesday, July 28, 2010

This is what we've been up to lately

When we got back from our trip we had to pack our bags again and head out of town for Dave's work. We've been in a suburb of Toronto since July 14th, although last weekend Dave had Sunday off so we went home for a night and got to visit with some people. That was really nice.

Besides that, we had a fire alarm one night at our hotel. and the following morning at 6:05am.

Niagara Falls is a short drive away so one evening after I finished the last of my schoolwork for the summer (Yea!!) we drove down there to check out the falls. I'd been there but just on the American side so I figured it was going to be cool checking them out from the Canadian side. If you've ever gone, the American side is a state park, there's free parking, trails to walk, etc. It's really nice. On the Canadian side, it's one big tourist trap. Tons of people, concrete, buildings, you have to pay for everything. So so busy.
I prefer the American side.



We've tried going to some parks around here but haven't been too successful. One night we wanted to go and throw a frisbee around but it would have cost $13 to get into the park.
Canada's a lot different than the U.S. Everything is so expensive!

We've found a couple of restaurants we like. We went to Rogers Centre on Monday evening and watched a Blue Jays game. They beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-5 and it was 80s night!! Made for some laughs.

The most American thing we've found here is Starbucks :) The prices aren't too much more expensive and it feels like you're in the states. I think I went there six or seven days in a row, just to read my book and do something while Dave was at work.

And now the best part: tomorrow's his last day! We get to go back home tomorrow!

Friday, July 23, 2010

NYC Adventures

We left St. Thomas and headed north to New York City for a couple of days. We went there on a "date" back in October and wanted to return sometime when we could stay for longer than a few hours. We figured if we didn't do it right away, it might take ten years... so it became part of our honeymoon. We arrived late at night and had a delicious dinner at Junior's. YUM! If you ever go to NY, I highly recommend Junior's for dinner and cheesecake. Or just dinner. Or just cheesecake. I dream about their cheesecake, it's that good. (and I don't really even eat dessert.)

Now to the photos.
Here's the southeast corner of Central Park. The pond is kind of low...


There's a lake in the park (named "The Lake") where you can rent rowboats for an hour. Dave wasn't super pumped about this but still brought me for a ride.



The Mets got a new field last summer so we decided to head out to Queens to check it out. They played the Braves that day and won 3-0. It's a really nice field, a huge upgrade from Shea Stadium.


There's a new Forever 21 store in Times Square with this huge screen above it. Dave and I are in this picture - can you see us?

We checked out Bryant Park one evening and saw a couple get engaged. Kinda fun!


This is the inside of Federal Hall. I'd been outside before but never ventured in. I didn't realize there were exhibits inside. Lucky us, Alexander Hamilton was there and we got to listen to a speech by him.

If you've ever been to New York with me, you know a visit isn't quite complete without the Brooklyn Bridge. Sometimes it's from the pier or mall or sometimes it's a walk across (or halfway there and back...). Oh, how I love this bridge! It's definitely one of my favorite things about New York City.
We walked across to Brooklyn and found Grimaldi's, very well-known for their pizza. YUM!!!


Then we ventured to a park on the Brooklyn side with awesome views of the bridge. Wow!

It was so much fun to spend a few days in the city, walking around, no real agenda in mind.

What a great way to start our new life together :)

Next up, (hopefully!!!) some wedding pictures.

Monday, July 19, 2010

A Wonderful Week in St. Thomas

Here are some honeymoon pictures I promised.

We arrived in St. Thomas late at night and drove through the city to our hotel amidst the lights. Once we got to the resort, we were curious about our surroundings but everything looks different during the day so we had to wait.

We woke up in the morning to this sight from our balcony:

It was a beautiful day so we headed out to explore and make our way to the beach at the other end of the resort. On our way we found this waterfall.


We were pumped to see such a beautiful beach just a short walk from our room. The water in the Caribbean Sea was perfect and there were some good waves a few of the days.

On that first day we spent some more time figuring out our way around the resort and happened upon a few of these...

Here's some more of the resort.


We talked to some of the workers and found out there was a festival going on in St. John that day and there was going to be fireworks that evening. We spent most of July 4th in airports and in the air so we didn't see any fireworks so here was our chance.

On our way to St. John (a short ferry ride away) it started raining.
Once we got there it stopped for awhile and the sun came out. Here's Cruz Bay, St. John.
Unfortunately the rain didn't stay away for long and we decided not to spend hours in the rain waiting for the fireworks.

The next day we went on a day sail around St. Thomas, St. John, and other islands in the area.
It was oh so relaxing being on this little sailboat with 6 other people (including the crew), no motor running, and no itinerary in mind.

We stopped at Hawksnest Bay in St. John (part of the national park there) to snorkel, check out the beach, and eat lunch.

After the sail we checked out some of the town (Charlotte Amalie) and found this cool alley on our way to a really great restaurant.


The next day it was back to St. John! Except this time we took the ferry. It was so hot and humid that our camera was fogging up...


Trunk Bay, St. John. I had been here a few times before and it was every bit as beautiful as I remembered it.



The next day we relaxed more at our resort. We had spent the previous few days going to different places so it was nice to stay in one place.



Beachside dining at our resort. Yum!

On our last full day in St. Thomas we went on a dinner/sunset sail around the islands. This is at the marina, waiting to depart.
They sailed this one with up to 40 people but (lucky for us!) there were only 9 passengers the night we went!

Unfortunately we forgot to charge the battery for our camera so this was pretty much the only picture we got on the sailboat.

On our last day we went to the beach for a few more hours, then took the scenic trail back up to our room.
By the waterfall again.

One last picture on our fun, relaxing, wonderful Caribbean vacation.

Next up, Part 2 of our honeymoon :)

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Just one for now

Dave's sister Kristine emailed some photos from our wedding day... here's one.


Thanks Kristine!

Done! Finished! :)

I just turned in the last assignment for the two master's courses I've been working on since early May. YEA!!
I'm done with homework and can enjoy and appreciate the rest of the summer carefree!

Woo-whooooo!!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Not a good combination (or oh my, sore legs!)

I learned a new lesson today and yesterday. Starting a new workout + finishing up homework = not good.
Especially when the new workout is with my husband who likes to do these really intense workouts right from the start. No easing in.
and it's the end of the semester so all of the homework has to get done now.

So basically I'm talking about sitting in front of a computer writing, doing research, and reading for hours on end with extremely sore legs. Whenever I stand up it takes a little bit before I can actually walk because my legs aren't working with me right now. I'm trying to get up at least once an hour and stretch out but every time it hurts.
I just have to get past these first couple weeks where every workout hurts and takes some recovery time. Then it'll be easier. Right?

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

"Home" again

We're home from a wonderful vacation in St. Thomas and New York City. It was fun & relaxing and we enjoyed every single minute of it!

Our wedding day went by in such a flash. When I think back on it, I can remember lots of details from throughout the day but my overwhelming sense is that it went by so so quickly. Luckily we have lots and lots of pictures to look at. Liz gave a sneak peek but that's all I've seen so far. I can't wait to see more!!

I'll post some when I get them and some of our honeymoon when I get a chance.