We’re Back from Italy!

Sadly.

We’ve been home for a couple of days, and it looks like we beat jet lag this time (woo!).  This helped us to be super productive as we got back in to the swing of things.  Our first full day we did all the laundry, unpacked, went grocery shopping, gave the dogs a bath, ran a few errands, and even managed to catch up on all of our missed TV shows 🙂  It’s nice to be surrounded again by the comforts of home, but I still find myself thinking of the amazing trip we just took…

As we traveled, Scott took note of a few moments that happened–small things that we may not remember in years (or even months) but still felt really funny/special at the time. I wanted to record some of my own as well:

• Translating for a taxi cab driver in Siena, and successfully setting up a future pick-up for some English-only travelers 🙂
• The third pasta dish on our Italian Days food tour… And having three full portions of it.  THEN HAVING MORE COURSES.
  

  You guys. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

• That time that literally NO ONE CARED that we didn’t have actual tickets for ANY of our train rides.  (We had reservations, just no hard tickets).
• Making everyone around us laugh as we held up a stuffed pear to cover the David’s private parts.And having the best picture EVER to show for it.

#fernandothepear

• The Bologna Ride gelato.  Scott’s “one-that-got-away” orange gelato.  Amarena gelato.  Gelato every day. Sometimes twice.

• Being overwhelmed with happiness when we rounded the corner of Ugo Bassi and saw the two towers of Bologna.  Even if the street was under massive construction.  Even if it was raining.

• Having the coolest looking room key to our super Italian place in Florence.

• Getting a free pizza with our Prosecco (for real) when we were already so stuffed with pasta.

We still ate most of it because… free pizza.

• The time that Manarola refused to let us leave. LONGEST TRAIN WAIT EVERRRRR.

• Scott ordering all our breakfasts in Italian 🙂  Due Brioche-cioccolata e marmelata!  (Every.single.morning).

• Birra Cerqua being SO CONFUSED when Scott called Loverbeer “Beer Lover”.  🙂 🙂
• The time I accidentally grabbed & drank out of the carafe in Monterosso.  Which would’ve been fine if I had owned it, but instead I spit it out in shame, on the table…. whoops!

I quickly cleaned up much of the evidence.

• Listening to Rick Steves as we cruised down the Grand Canal at night. ❤
• The worst risotto EVER on the streets of Florence.  Then the world’s largest Florentine steak in Siena.

• “Sono Gufus.”  “Ciao Bella!”
• Scott spilling red wine all over his shorts at the Parmesan factory 🙂

Luckily it was easily wiped up!

• Scott breaking off the key to the front door in Bologna with his brute strength.
• That one time I got scolded by an Italian woman at the Vodaphone store.  And the other time that Scott got scolded by an Italian old man for not wearing a coat 🙂

Her instructions were pretttttty clear…

• Learning that apparently, I don’t share ketchup very well with others…
• Getting the WORLD’S LARGEST APPERTIVO BUFFET at Cafe Zamboni.  Seriously, it was amazing.

We got a glass of champagne and all you can eat deliciousness for 8 euro. LONG LIVE APPERTIVO!

And so, so, SO MANY MORE that I couldn’t possibly write all of it down.  This was one of the best adventures we’ve taken yet, and while I’m sad that it’s gone, I’m happy that we’ll have these memories to hold on to forever.  Ciao Ciao Italia–we’ll most certainly be back!

Italy Planning!

As I shared before, we’re taking a trip to Italy this spring and as the date gets closer, I get more and more excited to go back!  While technically I’ve been to many of these sights, I am so eager to return–this time with Scott!

It’s funny-this trip is so different from Thailand.  It felt like the weeks/months leading up to Thailand were SO LONG, but Italy has snuck up on us quickly!  We had so much stuff to buy/gather for Thailand (cameras & accessories, travel gear, etc.); this round it seems like we’ve already got everything we need.  Thailand felt a little stressful because of the language barrier; I can speak enough Italian to get us by, so the whole thing feels much more laid back.  Don’t get me wrong, Thailand was the trip of a lifetime, but our trip to Italy is definitely going to be one for the books 🙂

In order to lean-in to the anticipation, I thought I’d share some of the fun we’ve got planned:

Stop # 1: Cinque Terre

While not QUITE as nice, our balcony will have a similar view!!

We’ll kick off our trip with an evening in Cinque Terre.  We’re staying in Vernazza, and since we won’t get in until late afternoon, we’ll probably just kick-back and enjoy some wine in a cute trattoria or our BALCONY 🙂  The next day we plan to hike through all five towns, stopping along the way for food, drink, gelato, and some sight seeing.  After a good night’s sleep we’ll have breakfast, explore some more, and hop on a train!

Stop # 2: Firenze

View from Piazale Michelangelo at Sunset

We don’t plan to spend much time in Florence, but we’ll certainly make the most of the time we’ve got!  The goal: see the main sights: the Duomo & Baptistery, the David & the Uffizi, Ponte Vechio and Piazale Michelangelo at sunset.  We also want to visit Scuola del Cuoio–a local leather school and shop–to buy some expertly-crafted leather goods.  We’ll arrive early afternoon and will stay the night; after a quick breakfast we’ll be on our way to the next stop…

Stop # 3: Venezia

St. Mark’s at night, after most people have gone to bed

This is quite possibly my favorite city in the entire world, even if it IS full of tourists during the day.  We’ll spend 2.5 days here, and while we’ll obviously see the big stuff (St. Mark’s, The Bell Tower, Doge Palace, & the Murano/Burano thing), we also want to hold a lot of time to just wander around and get lost.  We plan to do the bulk of our souvenir shopping here (hand blown glass, some artisan lace, and a Venetian mask to replace the one I left behind 9 years ago!!).  After we’re thoroughly exhausted from all of the walking, we’ll head to a sleepier city to relax.

Stop # 4: Siena

Overhead shot of my favorite wine-ing spot 😉

We’re going to spend less than 24 hours in Siena, but since it’s my SECOND favorite city in the world, it was kind of a must.  we’ll arrive early afternoon, and with the exception of seeing the main church & piazza, the only goal here is to chill.  Siena has some adorable shops, fun little streets to wander, and an amazing piazza to just sit out and people watch.  I vividly remember getting a bottle of wine with friends and just drinking the night away outside.  I hope to recreate this with Scott!  We’ll stay the night, then catch a train to the main attraction the following morning.

Stop # 5: Bologna

The Due Torri-where we hope to recreate a painting Scott had made for me! 🙂

This is the city that inspired the entire trip, which is odd, since Bologna isn’t typically thought of as a “Must-see” part of Italy.  Still, it’s where I studied abroad in college, and I can’t believe I am going back!  We’ll have almost 4 full days here, and since the sights only take about one, we’re going to have so much time to just wander and explore at a snail’s pace.  we’ve booked a “food” tour (the only tour of our entire trip) which will involve a day trip to Parma & Modena, but beyond that, our time is going to be completely unstructured.  I’ll take Scott to some of my fave places, and we’ll just snack and drink our days away!  I can’t wait to revisit the beautiful churches & pieces of art, to walk under the porticos, and to sit in Piazza Maggiore drinking cafe.

Then, we head home–with bellies full of wine & pasta, a bag full of keepsakes, a camera full of pictures, and hearts filled with happiness.  I’m so, so excited!

Catching up!

It’s been over a month since my last post–mostly because the last month has been…. crazy.  I’m not 100% ready to share the source of all the ridiculousness, but it’ll be coming soon 🙂  For now, I figured I could just share what we’ve been up to!

We finally got a KING SIZE BED: And it’s glorious.  I truly love everything about it, including the fact that our entire family of four can snug at the SAME TIME without feeling squished 🙂

#boss

Getting it up the stairs was a…challenge…

LOVE!

Grace came to visit!  My colleague (and really, the one responsible for me making my way to the Design team) came out to visit Boulder for a grad school tour/weekend.  Afterwards, she stayed with us for an evening.  Sadly it was blizzard-ing, but we still had a wonderful 24 hours filled with brunch, voodoo donuts, champagne bar, the blue bear, and an evening of wine on the couch & catching up!

Leila bein’ a ham.

Because friends take friends to the champagne bar.

Game Night Shenanigans: We FINALLY got to host game night.  It’s probably better that I don’t go into more detail than that 🙂

This is truly all we can show. (and no, Lauren’s not sleeping– she’s cringing.)

Jillian and Travis came to visit!: A former colleague and TFA-er (and current friend) also came out to Boulder for a conference, so she brought her hubby and came out early for some Denver exploration!  We had a blast eating and drinking our way through the city, stopping by Red Rocks to take in the view, and catching up on all things married life 🙂

The Farlands!

San Fran trip to see friends!  I had a work trip in the Bay so Scott and I headed out a few days early to spend some time with our far-away friends.  We had an amazing time reconnecting (and drinking and eating and walking up really steep hills) with Dennis and Melissa, and we got to eat & spend an afternoon with DJ and Julie–and FINALLY got to meet baby Willow!  It was just the kind of trip that left you feeling so happy and so grateful for the people in your life, even if they are a thousand miles away.

Because when it’s hot, you cool down with beer.

Why yes, we do drink champagne out of mason jars.

Our selfies are kind of a big deal.

Late night Thai food with the Benfords!

This adorable little family 🙂

Work Trip in the Bay:  After the weekend fun, I BART-ed it over to Berkeley for a week-long “journey” learning about the support and services for diverse learners (or, people with disabilities).  It was very challenging but so rewarding, and I met a group of passionate, hard-working, and brilliant individuals that I now get to call friends 🙂 

Brian and Jess get married! We were so excited to celebrate the nuptials of these two crazy kids, and the wedding did NOT disappoint!  The ceremony was beautiful, the reception was a blast, and the bride and groom looked so happy 🙂  We felt so honored to be there–congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs.!!

Oh heeeyyyyy Mr. and Mrs.!

Seriously.  Who invites us to these things?!

Of course, this is just the fun stuff. There’s also been a lot of stress in my professional life over the past month–probably more than I’ve ever experienced in such a short window–but that story has a happy ending at least.  More to come later!

It’s been a good week.

I’ve been real productive at work.  Home cooked, low-carb meals have been super yummy and satisfying.  I’ve made it to the gym every day (and am feeling stronger by the workout).  The weather is gorgeous and I’m enjoying it in my new clothes/fall outfits.  I’ve met up with 4 wonderful friends throughout the week and have plans to see more tonight.  The jeans I wanted went on super sale.  Fall TV shows are off the CHAIN this week.  I’m killing it in the fitbit steps department. And we leave for vacation in <5 days.

I’m so genuinely content and happy with all that’s going on right now.  I can’t totally put my finger on what has changed but I’m just gonna roll with it.  HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

What We’ve Been Up To

It’s been about a month since I’ve done a “what we’re doing!” post, so it’s probably time!  Here’s what we’ve been up to lately:

Oktoberfest: I don’t know why we got so excited for Oktoberfest this year.  Sure it’s fun, but it’s not like GABF or anything…. Still, this year we decided to get pumped up, and the day didn’t disappoint!  Ryan and John joined us for an afternoon/early evening full of beer, stein holding competitions, and German food!  While this probably won’t be an annual tradition, we’ll definitely plan on going every other year or so.

Don’t ask questions, it was the end of the night…

GABF: The main event.  We’ve been waiting for this day since, well, GABF 2013!  This year was quite a bit more low key for me since I stuck with the boys the whole time (instead of going off on my own and drinking ever IPA in sight!).  We had a blast, got to meet the founder of Sam Adams, drank some tasty and rare beer, etc. etc.  Scott even got to go TWICE!  On a whim he decided to buy a ticket to the member’s only session on Saturday afternoon and he and John went for round 2.  I think in future years we may actually shoot for this session since it’s when they announce the medal winners and people are in an exceptionally good mood 🙂

Front of the line and pretzel-ready!

The GABF crew

Cabin Weekend: Back in March, Scott found a groupon for a cabin getaway in the mountains.  We invited the Game-Night crew (well, 3/4 of them), picked a date, then headed up to Silverthorne for a couple of days/nights of escape with the Gilbertsons & Edwards!  Our cabin had a beautiful view of Lake Dillon (with a hot tub on the balcony!) and Scott and I even got up one morning to watch the sun rise over the lake.  We all brought snacks and took turns making meals–and of course, played a few heated games (who knew banangrams could get so intense??).

Girls cook, boys clean. We were sitting around drinking mimosas while this happened 🙂

On Saturday we hiked, then split up as the girls went outlet shopping and the boys watched football/drank beer.  Sunday was almost a disaster as they closed the road to get back to Denver–but luckily Loveland pass was mostly dry, so we were instead treated to a gorgeous view of the Rockies.  A perfect weekend–sure to be an annual tradition!

Yeah Gopro!

Of course I brought the chicken suit. And of course Abby put it on.

Loveland Pass

Final preparations for Thailand: We received our last Amazon shipment (a mini-tripod and bag for gopro accessories) this weekend.  We got our vaccinations and Vietnam visas on Thursday (2 more typhoid pills to go!).  All tours, lodging, and flights are booked. The only left to do now is…go!  We are T-9 days but honestly time is flying by.  So excited!

Cooking More Meals:  Since mid-September, Scott and I have made a huge effort to cut back on our biggest area of wasteful spending: eating out.  Our new rule is that we can only pay for a meal if it’s spent with others (or if we’re travelling).  This hard stance has led to a lot more home-cooked meals, and neither one of us feel the least bit deprived.  Will it be like this forever? of course not.  But we need to break the habit of “I’m tired/we didn’t go grocery shopping/I’m stressed and want____” that results in us spending money on unhealthy food  The best part is we actually have no desire to change yet so we’ve challenged ourselves to go until Christmas.

That’s about it!  We don’t have any big or exciting plans between now and Thailand (perhaps a visit to the pumpkin patch and/or some carving action?) so until then I’ll just enjoy the quiet and eagerly await our trip to a land far far away.