Updates

Good morning all:
Since my last post I have managed to take a vacation, graduate and get a job!

I took a vacation to Oregon. It was wonderful, especially the scenery. I do have to say that the people aren't as friendly and the weather drove me crazy! I really, really wanted to like OR and the Pacific Northwest so I could live closer to my sister but I just couldn't. Maybe if I was there longer I could learn to love it. I did enjoy Bend, OR. I thought it was really nice. It was also good to see my sister. She lives in Madras, OR. This was the longest vacation that I have ever taken in my entire life but very much needed!

I graduated on May 10, 2008! It was pretty anti-climatic! The guest speaker was a noble laureate and I wasn't sure what he was talking about. We didn't even get to throw our hats! It was a busy day. My entire family was here (which isn't that big but we are never all together). We ate a lot! We had Carrabba's for lunch, Viet Huong for dinner and then I had a late night Sonic snack:) The next morning, we had a breakfast buffet~which was SO filling!

I also took a job with Broken Arrow Public Schools. I am starting on June 2, 2008, which is good because that means I will have my full license that much faster. I decided to stay in Tulsa for my fellowship because I wanted to stay close to my Dad. My mom moved to Houston and I just felt like I would worry every day and end up flying back here all the time to check on him. Of course I am bummed about not being able to move close to the mountains, but this is the right decision for me. My decision was confirmed yesterday when I had to take Dad to the doctor. It was a good day and he is in pretty good health, considering all the factors. But, it was so nice to talk with him and hang out with him. Even though I don't see him everyday, I at least try to see him once a week. Sometimes life works out in a way that you would never believe.

Other than that, nothing else is going on. I am just going to hang out today and watch some shows that I have DVR'd. Also, I am going to start unpacking some of my things and decorating the apartment since I am going to be staying for awhile.

This is really random, but I wanted to share it with you. My lab Bella, who is the sweetest dog, is starting to be bad. I think it is due to boredom and not being able to have a big yard to play in. The other day, I had a roast chicken for dinner, caesar salad and a baked potato. When I woke up the next morning, Bella had gotten really sick right next to the door! That's because she went dumpster diving and ate the same dinner I did! I keep asking her if it was worth it and she says YES! I love that dog so much!

Talk to you all later!

Great memories...

This is going to be a long post, so get ready. Well, we are back from Cancun. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it was (and much needed as well). We began our vacation on Monday morning (Aug 6) and flew into Cancun with no problems. We were taken to our hotel, RIU Palace Las Americas and our mouths were wide open as we pulled up. We had stayed at a RIU hotel in Playa del Carmen for Xmas, but we had no idea how nice the "palace hotel" was going to be.

Everyone at the hotel was SO friendly. We were greeted with fresh pineapple juice and it was sooo delicious. We got to our room and were pleasantly surprised. We were upgraded to a ocean view suite--the view was breathtaking.

Obviously, we sunned a lot and ate a lot. Our resort was all-inclusive, which meant all our drinks and food were taken care of. We had some of the best seafood and guacamole. I'm sure my cholesterol is sky high now!

On Wednesday, we took a trip to Xel-ha, which is a natural aquarium. If you get a chance while you are in Mexico, GO! you will not be disappointed. It truly is something that you need to see while you are there. We opted for the all-inclusive package to Xel-ha, which included transportation, all food and beverages and entrance into the park. It was a little more expensive, but worth every dime.

While in Xel-ha, Robert and I biked in the jungle, napped in the hammocks, snorkled (I saw a stingray, sea turtle and clown fish) and just took in all the natural beauty. I have never seen water so clear and beautiful. You could literally see all the way down to the bottom!

On Thursday, Robert and I got shiatsu massages at the resort. I've never had one of those before and boy, was it an experience. I guess it would be incorrect to label it as a massage. It is actually a technique they use on your pressure points and a lot of stretching. My masseuse/strong arm man was so strong! I felt like he was hanging from the top of the ceiling and then dropping himself down on me! It was quite painful but refreshing! Robert had a female masseuse. At first, I questioned her abilities, but I looked over at one point and she was walking on Robert's back and digging her toes into his butt! He said that he was scared she was going to break something because she was so strong!

We were scheduled to leave on Friday afternoon. We got to the airport and found out that our flight was cancelled. Luckily, they put us up in another all-inclusive hotel for the night. There were so many people that were really upset about it, but, at least they put us up and didn't make us hang out in the airport all day!

So, now were are home and back to the daily grind! I miss it already! I truly love Mexico and all it has to offer. There is so much rich culture there! People always say they fall in love with places they travel to. I truly love Mexico! I love the food, the people, the culture. I can't wait to go back!

I've sent most of you pictures from the trip. Once I figure out the Picassa thing, I'll put a link on here.

Here are some links though to the hotel and Xel-ha. I highly recommend all the RIU resorts (we stayed at the RIU Yucatan for X-mas).

www.xel-ha.com
www.riu.com