Showing posts with label Vacations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacations. Show all posts

August 21, 2012

All Summer Long

[Kid Rock]

Michigan was playing the University of Utah in football the fall of KC's 1st semester of law school. As we were walking into our new apartment we passed a fellow 1L in the hallway. KC relayed to me that he had said something to this student, Steve (a Michigan grad), about the imminent standoff. The story concluded with, "I don't think he was interested in talking to me."

I had to laugh as I sat in Steve's apartment in Michigan this past week hearing Kase and him breakdown the upcoming season and then plan out a future trip to see the two school's battle out another game.

I can't recall how they got past the first conversation. I guess guys just do. But, whatever happened, I am glad it did. I love these boys. I feel we've got a 2 guys and girl and pizza shop thing going on, without the pizza shop. Though we did eat some delicious pizza (and bread nuggs). That can count.
Kase, Me, and Steve
Whale watching in Boston, Sept. 2009
Though the period during law school typically result in just the 3 of us travelling around, this trip was upgraded with the addition of Steve's girlfriend Adanna. We had briefly spent time with her on a few occasions during the last year of law school, but it was fun to get to know her better.

Steve, Adanna, Me, and Kase
WNEC Law School Graduation, May 2011
The 4 of us toured Northern Michigan over the past 5 days. And honestly, I am 99% sure I've broken my record for laughter in a week. I couldn't stop giggling. We had so much fun. Michigan was beautiful and a great place to vacation, but honestly it was the people I was with that REALLY made this vacation. I am confident that us 4 could have had this much fun in Antarctica. Are their penguins there? Cuz, we might lose Kase and Steve on that trip. Maybe we should avoid vacations with lovable animals.

Pictures are better than words. So I am just go that route. Plus, most of the stories that occurred were under the idiom "you had to be there."

Tuesday

View from the end of Old Mission Peninsula
Me and Adanna at Old Mission State Park
Chateau on Old Mission Peninsula
Levi Britton performing in Traverse City

Wednesday
Bay @ Lake Michigan
Sophie, Steve, and Kase (L to R)

River into Michigan Lake
Natural Slide
Commuter River into downtown Traverse City
Dinner and dessert at Red Ginger
(Where Adanna works. Amazing food.)
Trigger Boxing Gym
Home to Adanna's family's business.
Adanna was Ntl. Boxing Champ for her weight class at 16 yrs. old.
Mohammed Ali signed boxing glove. 
Nerdy picture of me boxing Steve.
(Yes, I am in a dress. Haha.) 
Thursday
It was rainy, so while KC and Steve hung out at the apartment
I went for a 9 mile run along a trail near Steve's apartment. 
Smaller lake along the running path
The path eventually took me out to the Bay @ Lake Michigan
I took advantage of this peaceful rain and sat in silence there for 15-20 min.

Friday
Glen Lake
Kase and I
Lake Michigan Overlook @ Sleeping Bear Dunes
This doesn't do it justice. Believe me.
Kase and I
Steve blocking the wind for me.
And the jumping photos start... 
The decent...with more jumping... 
...and some from Steve...
But, most from Kase.
At the bottom of the dunes.
Kase goofing around.
Kase and I
Throwing in a duck face...
Steve, Kase, and I
Steve and I swimming.
Then we had to climb back up...
It took us 17 minutes. (Kase took 34 min.)
1 step forward, 8 inches sliding back, repeat...
My calves were on FIRE by the time we reached the top.
Cute fishing town in Leland, MI
We browsed the docks. 
And saw this really cool old steamer...
Saturday
I ran a 5k Trail Run
Then went and laid at the beach with Adanna for a couple hours.
Meanwhile...the boys went golfing.
Between all these events we ate, ate, and ate more. Then sat around chatted, watched Newsroom and Breaking Bad, and got lots of sleep.

It was a super relaxing, fun time. I loved Michigan. Can't wait to go back. Thank you, again, Steve and Adanna for inviting us! Love you both!

May 31, 2012

I Never Planned On You

[Newsies - Broadway Cast]

Pop Quiz!

What are the two things you need to remember from these NYC posts?
[And unfortunately, meeting Ricky Martin isn't one.]

.....
....
...
..
.

Come on...you've got this...

Think.

Thhhhiink...

Okay, fine. The answer can be found here.

So why Top of the Rock?

Here's why:



Isn't that a magnificent view?

I've been to the Empire State Building twice. Once in the day. Once in the evening. It. Doesn't. Match. This. View. Do you understand? I am trying to say, the Empire State Building is not worth the time (2-3 hours in line vs. 15-20 min) or money ($40 vs $25) if you are looking for the view.

If you are trying to meet up with a stranger you heard on the radio...that's a different story. If you are wanting to just check off a tourist attraction on your list (aka - "Been there. Done that")...that's also a different story.

But the Top of the Rock is the real deal. IMO...skip the pire. <--that's my sweet slang for Empire. Nice, huh?

Me, Katie, and Krick

Me in front of Central Park 
View into Times Square

Street View

May 28, 2012

Oh What a Circus

[Evita - Broadway Cast]

On Friday morning [only hours from looking into Ricky's eyes], we hit the Today show.

My cousin Bec is awesome. She is the happiest person you will ever meet. And one thing that makes her happy is Celebrities. I admit, I get star struck. I mean, come on...Ricky?! If I didn't say I was star struck that night, I'd be one big fat liar.

But this is a new level. Becky carries a permanent marker with her at all times. This marker saved me when meeting Ricky. Duh...I didn't even think to bring one. So I admit, it's brilliant. I think I'll start doing this.

So in hopes of getting Becky some airtime and maybe meeting some of the Today show broadcasters Becky got us matching pink t-shirts so we'd stand out. Another thing about Bec. She LOVES pink. LOVES. IT. [Bec, I love you! You are so awesome!]

Well, the t-shirts were a success. We got on TV AND met Anne and Al. Score! [Unfortunately Matt wasn't there. I've seen him in person before. Beautiful man. I am telling you...simply beautiful. --Faint--]

Krick, Bec, Me, Hilz, and Katie @ the Today Show
Me and Bec goofing off while we waited.
Bec, Me, and Krick
The crew.
I love this picture simply because Anne was so smiley and nice.
And then, BAM, grumpy face.
This must be her "photogenic" go-to. It's not working though.
Since Hilz took our picture of Anne and the girls, Anne gave Hilz Anne's papers.
Frame those babies....haha.
Al came over to shake our hands.
I gave him the most awkward hand shake.
Totally caught his thumb on the inside.
So weird.
MizunoUSA.com! Never Settle! Shop Mizuno Team Sports! Baseball, Softball, Vollyball! Free Shipping on Orders of $100 - USE CODE: MIZUNO888!