Happy Birthday to ME!

It is 4:00 AM and I am driving down Interstate 90 in route to Iowa. My ipod is keeping me awake to the tune of all my favorites. The hot, highly caffeinated coffee is my life line to alertness while my family is fast asleep. Just 4 short hours ago I turned 40 as the clock struck midnight. It seems that every speed limit sign with a minimum speed of 40 mph flashes 40-40-40 as I whiz by in the wee hours of the morning. Happy Birthday to me.

In order to do this entry justice, however I must back up to 4:00 AM 24 hours earlier. I am awaken to the sound of 'The Mo' (Milo's mom) as she happily comes into our room singing, 'rise and shine'. She is off to work and we are off on what we planned to be a 2 day venture from Idaho back to Iowa for the conclusion of our family's summer vacation.

I should have know from the start, the day was going to be plagued with disaster as a 1/2 hour pack up and load turned into a 90 minute ordeal of continually stepping in dog poop, washing flip flops, and deodorizing the van in the dark of the early morning hour.

By 5:30 AM and dog poop free, we waved our good byes and set off for our destination, Murdo, SD. The girls warned me not to go to sleep. They were certain their father would get lost in route to the interstate. Guaranteed, 90 minutes later and an extra 45 minutes on a windy mountain road, Milo (aka Macho Man) did indeed miss his turn short of 100 yards, leaving us laden with car sickness and an extra 45 minutes in the van

Water, upright positions, peppermint gum, and a straight road restored our nauseated stomachs and we settled in for the long haul ahead.

One stomach however did not get settled and 2 hours into our day, Riley (the dog) is inflicted with a BAD case of car sickness followed up with a pile of puke in the back corner of the van. Eewws and gross were the screams that came from the back and we quickly pull over to clean up what was to be the first of three 'puke stops'. The first was not too bad. The second takes out Madison's pillow and a few other blankets, but the THIRD? Was the worst!

Now 6 hours into the trip, Riley comes up for a 'front seat' visit. Within seconds, she projectile vomits all over Milo, the seat, down the seat belt, including the buckle and places where no hand can go! The LAST of it ends up in our soft sided cooler. If I didn't think the current odor mixture of puke and lavender scented Fe breeze wasn't bad enough, this final episode just pushed it over the top!

Now sitting on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, Montana I quickly discover new ways to use the remaining 50 count 4 gallon trash bags, 6 hand wipes, and 10 Windex pads left to clean up this 'puke stop'. The cooler is beyond redeemable only the pop cans and Gatorade we manage to pull from the depths of the puke, bagging them up to be disinfected at a later date.

The van floor becomes littered with bag upon bag of packaged puke covered items.

An emergency 411 call to our veterinarian is made with prescription of 75 mg of Benadryl every 3 hours. I question should that be for ME or for Riley. I seriously wonder how will I survive the remaining 15 hours.

The smell, a mixture of stomach juices and lavendar FeBreeze. You actually could get use to it after being in such confined quarters hour after hour. The problem came when you had to exit and reenter, prompting the entire readjustment period to begin again.

The girls were put on STRICT puke patrol and we were determined to teach Riley the importance of the 'trash can'. I did manage to 'trick' her into 25 mg of Benadryl via chicken nugget. Other attempts were simply refused with a turn of the head. If anything were to happen to Riley, I of course would be the one accused of over-dosing her as I clamped down on her mouth refusing to let go, until she swallowed the contents. I was the mad woman, with greasy hair, screaming, 'swallow dog, swallow!'

At 2:00 PM I did a mathematical count up and I realize that the 10:00 PM arrival time to the Super 8 in Murdo, SD was now going to be closer to 12:30 AM without any more puke or potty stops. I question the sanity of spending $85 for a mere 5 hours of sleep, packing and unpacking, but most importantly shutting up the odor filled van for any extended period of time and then having to reeenter.

I suggest to 'the driver', 'May be we should just drive it straight through and start taking turns with the driving.' My suggestion is taken under consideration but the thought of ME driving is adamantly denied.

A few hours later we take a poll and it is decide that in the best interest of all the parties involved it would be best to just 'beat it down the road'. The hotel reservation is canceled AND once again my request to drive is denied. So with every failed attempt my response is to break out in song, 'Macho, Macho..man...I've got to be a Macho Man.' It is either that or he simply wanted to wear the badge of honor that read, 'I drove for 26 hours straight'.

At 11:00 PM and near Wall, SD delirium sets in. Kennedy is singing a made up song about wanting to take drugs. Madison is crying because Riley tried eating her foot as a midnight snack. And the invasion of 'space' becomes a HOT topic. I have since resigned to Macho Man and simply pray that he will soon remove his ego in exchange for a few hours of rest. In the mean time I catch a few zzzs.

At 1:30 AM I am awaken with a tap on the shoulder and a man filled with defeat. 'I just can't do it any more I need to lay down, just for a few minutes. Are you sure you can drive?' Of course I think, 'HELLO...you have been driving for 18 hours?' I snap awake after only a few short and frequently interrupted hours of sleep, ask to pull over in order to find my 'tunes', and a large cup of coffee. Kennedy pipes up from the back, 'Nite, nite...Macho Man.'

For the next 7 hours I mouth the words to my all my favorite tunes, rock out like Bon Jovi, down 40 oz of coffee, chew my peppermint gum, and realize I just turned 40! Happy Birthday to me!

It was later discovered that the cause of Riley's sickness was her late night indulgence in the remaining 1/2 sheet of birthday cake, vanilla with butter cream icing and cream filling. I guess it was her way of saying 'Happy Birthday'.

I pull into the driveway look back and check to see that Madison still has all of her appendages. Macho Man and druggie girl are curled up and still fast asleep. I move my filmy, greasy body out of the puke van and upstairs to my hot shower.

I curl up in my silky PJs, down comforter, and sleep until 2:00. I wonder down stairs to find a desk full of mail, orders to be filled, bags to be unpacked. The girls are off to catch up with friends. Macho Man did get the van cleaned out, however is off on a motorcycle ride. Happy Birthday to me!

40 days ago my sister gave me one of the most meaningful birthday gifts to date, 40 sealed envelopes, one to be open each day leading up to August 15th. The envelopes contained reasons my she admired, loved, and respected me. I couldn't wait each morning to open my envelope and enjoy my first cup of coffee.

Growing up Julie, always had a very sensitive stomach. We shared a room and a bed until I graduated from high school and many nights I would awake to the sounds, feel, and smell of her upset stomach. This morning before I cozied under the covers, I opened the last of my 40 envelopes.

It read....'The #1 reason why I love, respect, and admire you...because I don't know anyone who I could puke on over and over and they would still love me.' I died laughing and thought how appropriate.

From Macho Man and the girls, there were no parties or presents (except for the 8 week old Shitz Tu puppy they are trying to convince me should be my be-lated birthday gift next week). Birthdays are just not a big thing for Macho Man, so after 20 some years I have simply come to anticipate such. After an early morning birthday wish, the day continued as normal with mom/wife reentering reality. Groceries needing to be restocked, the house cleaned, bills paid, laundry, and school schedules logged for the start of school on Wednesday. Other than a disruption of sleep, the day rolls on like all others. But some how I think THIS milestone birthday will go down as probably one of the most memorable to date!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Jill

I'm B....A....C....K!

Did you miss me?

I am getting ready to go from 80 degrees to 30 degrees in a matter of a few hours. We had an incredible vacation. Mr. Milo is packing up as I type. I have about an hour before I have to jump in the shower and pack the last few 'get ready items'. Over breakfast this morning, we both agreed that we were gone the exact amount of time. We are anxious to get home to the girls and pets, our bed, and back to the 'routine' of life. Yet, we feel relaxed and made the most of every minute spent together. Six days of uninterrupted Milo and Jill time or in Mexico they call us 'Melo and Gell'. Si Senorita!

I have over 150 pictures to download and do some editing with as that is on my to-do list for tomorrow and am anxious to share!

After an uneventful trip to San Jose Cabo, we checked into the Royal Solaris, an all-inclusive. We had never experienced an all-inclusive before and it was wonderful to NOT have to get our wallet out for every meal and drink we ordered. Although we certainly would not rave about the food, the resort was well maintained, service was a 'bit' slow, and we learned that a Mexican minute = 15 - 30 US minutes. We met some great people there. Joe and Brandy from Washington DC, married 4 years. They were traveling with Bill and Bilanca from Denver, CO who were married for 10 years and had 4 children under the age of 10. Both were in the air force and met while stationed in Hawaii. Then there was Brittany and Dustin. They had been married 7 months, of which most of it he was stationed as a Marine in Iraq. Milo and I laughed as we both agreed we were looking back in time to about 15 years ago to our relationship as we observed their dynamics.

Monday through Thursday was spent enjoying pool time, daily walks on the beach, and staying up WAY too late!

Thursday morning we moved over to Cabo San Lucas, about a 25 minute commute to 'The Bungalow'. The Bungalow is a B&B that when planning and researching the trip was noted to be the #1 place to stay in Cabo San Lucas. The reviews were DEAD ON! A local family owns and operates the 16 unit tucked in a residential part of the city. A bit off of the beaten path, but only a 20 minute walk from the downtown buzz, it was probably close to one of the BEST places we have ever stayed. Eric met us when we checked with a HUGE hug! He is by far the BEST hugger I have ever known. Over and over as he gave us the tour of the facility and our 'bungalow' he kept saying, 'Welcome Home, Welcome Home!' The breakfast each morning was INCREDIBLE, with multiple flavors bursting forth, you just never knew what was coming next. Hibiscus juice made from hibiscus flowers, this amazing french toast with ricotta cheese and pecans in the middle, topped with grilled bananas. YUM!

I will admit I ate like a PIG this week and am PROUD of it!

Thursday and Friday were deemed as our excursion days. Thursday we went whaling watching in the Pacific ocean. 10 life vested tourist piled into a inflated 'speed' boat and we zoomed through the Sea of Cortes, around Lovers Beach to the Pacific ocean. Within minutes we spotted two Humpback whales, a mom and her pup. We continued to follow them for the next 40 minutes. It was an amazing site as we witnessed them diving and jumping. At one point the mama was about 80% out of the water. Do you think a 42 ton creature approximately 50 yards from you can make a splash? It was an experience I will never forget! I remember as we left the marina looking into the bright blue sky and thanking, God for his incredible creation.

After whale watching we jumped on a sunset cruise where we feasted on a Mexican buffet and enjoyed meeting 4 couples from Cedar Falls and Fairfield, Iowa as well as a couple from the heart of Chicago. He was Catholic and she was Jewish. He worked at a grocery store and she owned an ad agency. They had been married for 26 years and had much wisdom to share. They had just finished supporting their son through law school. They lived a simple life and what I loved was he shot you straight when you talked to him! He had that downtown heart of Chicago accent and I believe he had seen and experienced MUCH in his life. After a full day in the sun we ventured up the HUGE hill back to our 'bungalow'.

Friday we decided to be EXTREME and go zip lining. Mr. Milo laughed at what an 'extremist' I have become over the years! I love trying new things, in part to his willingness to always go along! We zoomed 400 - 500 feet above the canyons at speeds up to 50 mph! We even got to rappel down a 200 foot cliff. While I was not at all scared about the experience, it was the large picture of a diamond back rattler at the check-in counter that sparked some trepidation. I immediately went over to our guide and said, 'Are snakes out there?' Like duh...look at the rocky, catus laden, sandy terrain, Jill? He just gave me a big hug and said, 'Don't be scared'. I did however keep careful watch as I climbed high into the cliffs to our destination!

Back to our bungalow for our last night on the town! Eric recommended this Argentina steakhouse within a few blocks of our pad. We ventured out for our first 'meal' out and by far were not disappointed. A 'local' establishment off the beaten path, and from the outside not a place one might choose, but the food was INCREDIBLE. The meat literally melted in your mouth and the Merlot, by far the best I had ever had! We decided to call it an 'early' night, in bed by 9:00 for our long trip home.

And so here I am with only a few more minutes until the shower and suitcases stake claim to my last few hours in Mexico. Melo just gave me a 15 minute warning.

If I had to summarize in only a few sentences what was the biggest highlight of the trip. First I loved meeting all sorts of people and simply sitting and listening to their stories. How easily we get caught in our 'box of life'. How easily we forget how much is out there past the confines of my 'town'. EVERYONE has a story to share and because of their story they made a mark on my life forever.

And of course, reconnecting with Mr. Melo. Wednesday was our last walk on the beach and our conversation turned to love. Love is something that is hard for me to express and often times to give. We stopped for a moment and as tears filled my eyes, I simply thanked him for teaching me over the last 19 years that it is OK to give and to receive unconditional love. Love that is not tied to something I do or say. Because of him I am learning to do that better and better everyday. It was an amazing trip and ended on Valentines Day!

AND finally for the rest of the details?
'What happens in CABO, stays in CABO'!

Sunday, February 15th. 6:20 PM. Wash almost done, groceries purchased for the week, supper in the oven, girls home and sitters paid. We are celebrating Valentines Day today as a family! Enjoy pictures from last week. The girls were a bit home-sick, both decided to come home yesterday and spend the day together at home, until we got home around 11:00. It was a great surprise to be able to kiss their sweet faces and tuck them in!

Monday brings my to-do list, the start of my NEW job, and back to the routine of our lives! I am very excited!

Happy Belated Valentines Day!

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Hi8Us!

Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.

I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.

You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess.

It's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'

See YA in a week!

Woman vs. Man

Woman's Pre-Trip Checklist.

Sunday

1. #1 of 8 daily subtle tanning lotion applications. The goal to be in a summer foundation shade by Saturday.

2. Prep this week and the week after we return, for meals and a grocery list. Who likes to come home to a house with NO food?

3. Watch Pittsburgh win their 6th Super Bowl!

4. Weekly Wash

5. Contain my excitement

Monday

1. Assess summer wardrobe and accessories.

2. Make sure things fit & check my rack of one size smaller. ;-)

Identify nightlife outfits and casual day outfits or just plan to be in my swimsuit all day!

3. Book color/skin care clinics for the last two weeks of February. Goal = 20

Who wants to come home to no appointments = no income?

4. #2 application of subtle tanning lotion.

5. Workout

6. Kennedy's BB game

7. Contain my excitment

Tuesday

1. Continue booking clinics

2. Workout

3. Kennedy's BB game

4. Kennedy's Band Concert

5. #3 subtle tanning lotion application

6. Write down our hotels and phone numbers for the girls

7. Contain my excitment

Wednesday

1. Continue booking clinics. Goal of 20 accomplished!

2. Workout

3. #4 subtle tanning lotion application

4. Shop for any needed clothing and accessory pieces for trip because that is part of the trip

budget. AND that is part of the fun of going on a TRIP!

5. Welcome Grandpa Gary and Mo-Mo from Idaho!

6. Try hard to contain my excitment

Thursday

1. Send out invitation for color/skin care clinics

2. Workout

3. Send treats to school for Madison

4. #5 subtle tanning lotion application

5. Networking meeting

6. Teach color clinic

7. Rejoice that Mo-Mo is here to lend a hand and cook for the day!

8. Go through my stash of un-read novels and pick 3.

9. Begin to ooze my excitment.

Friday

1. Hang all day with Grandpa Gary and Mo-Mo

2. #6 subtle tanning lotion application

3. Workout

4. Send more invitations out

5. Do the wash

6. Put together some new make-up looks for the trip!

Shop from my store!

7. Buy false eye lashes. LOVE them for the nightlife LOOK!

8. Make sure Madison has her Valentines done.

9. Get passports ready! Ooze more excitment

Saturday

1. Clean the House. Why do we have to clean the house before we leave?

2. Teach a color clinic

3. Get a pedicure

4. Send out more invitations

5. Wrap up office work, phone calls, mail product orders, then close up shop!

6. Workout

7. Mail Claire Bear's birthday present.

8. #7 subtle tanning lotion application

9. Stripe test darker shade of foundation!

10. Forget trying to contain excitement!

Sunday

1. Go to church

2. #8 subtle tanning lotion application

3. Get a spray tan. Last thing to secure a deep rich tan before leaving!

4. Pack well thought out outfits, accessories, & make-up.

5. Pack every charger in the house. camera, nintendo DS, cell phone, ipod!

6. Apply my stick on fake nails. LOVE THEM!

7. Lay out my travel to CABO outfit!

8. Make sure any last minute needs for the girls are taken care of! Lunch account has enough $$ in it. Any school needs for the week are taken care of. Dog and cat food are stocked. Cat litter changed.

9. Forget sleeping because I am getting up at 4:00 AM on Monday!

10. Bust OUT the excitment!

Man's Pre-Trip Checklist

1. Watch the Super Bowl

2. Go to work, come home from work

3. Attend children's activities

4. Hang with his parents

5. Pack. Asking wife what he should pack.

6. Warm car up early Monday morning. Put suitcases in the car

7. Ask wife if she has the passports and travel information

8. Be excited.

9. Kiss the girls and the dog good-bye

10. Leave. Assume wife has packed the sunscreen.

The Happy Dance!

Happy January 27th at 9:23 AM!

I can hardly contain my excitement for the next 13 days! AND I mean HARDLY! I am bursting at the seams and have been looking forward to this 2 week window in my life for MONTHS! In EXACTLY 287 hours and 3 minutes, I will be boarding a flight in Dallas, TX in route to Cabo San Lucas, arrival time. 11:30 AM!

Last night as I snuggled up to my GREAT smelling husband in bed, he has got to wear that cologne more often! I whispered in his ear, 'In exactly 14 days we will be snuggling up at the Royal Solaris all inclusive in Cabo San Lucas listening to the waves and feeling the sun on our faces. I can't WAIT!'. He snuggled me in close and whispered back, 'I can't either!'

Seriously, my insides are ready to BUST open, I am so darn excited!!!! If you could look inside my cells are jumping up and down, with little smiles on their faces plastered from ear to ear!

The OTHER thing I am BUSTING at the seams for and is in ONLY 3 DAYS is the Chris Tomlin concert! The MINUTE I heard Chris Tomlin was coming to Cedar Rapids last November, I tried EVERY MORNING at 7:00 AM to win tickets 5 days straight. NO LUCK.

So the minute I realized my lack of speed dial ability, I ordered them up on Ticketmaster, mission accomplished. 7th row, center stage! By the way, did you know that Chris Tomlin is my FAVORITE contemporary Christian music performer? MY FAVORITE! If you look at my ipod, he by far out lists anyone else!

A night filled with my FAVORITE praise and worship music, arms up high in the air. I CAN'T NOT WAIT!

It is now 9:30 AM and exactly 81 1/2 hours until 7:00 on Friday night! OK..the body cells are doing the happy dance! AGAIN!

After spell check, editing, and insertion of pictures, I now only have 81 hours and 12 minutes until Friday and 286 hours and 35 minutes until I hear, 'Calling all passengers for flight 5430 to Cabo San Lucas. You are now ready to board!'

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!