Cra-zy.

 Last week was cra-zy, with an emphasis on crazy. 

Fun times involved hours of complete hysteria and inconsolable tears, waking up in the middle of the night to more tears, not-under-any-circumstances taking a nap, and a serious meltdown in the backseat during a longest-hour-of-my-life car ride.

Teething makes everyone in our house cry.

More (seriously) fun times included…

…getting an entire new Rosemary wardrobe of gorgeous dresses, shoes, tights, and sweaters from a dear friend whose baby girl was incredibly well-dressed. (See above picture. Yes, I sort her clothes by color.)

… visiting my parents.

… giving Rosemary her first drink from a cup.

… getting the second season DVD of Downton Abbey in the mail.

Here's to a new week full of fun.

Circus World Museum.

Tim & Becki, Circus World, 2011

 Liz & Becki, Circus World, 1994

My parents joined Timmy and I on a trip to the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, helping us cross another item off our "Summer Fun List". I had fond memories of visiting with my family as a little girl and being completely amazed by the acrobats, tight rope walkers, and jugglers. I fell in love with the sparkling outfits, beautiful carousal, gorgeous circus wagons, and adorable trick ponies. I had never been to a circus before, and the excitement of that day has carried through to adulthood, making a lasting memory in my mind of the day our family visited Circus World Museum. 

Circus World Museum wasn't quite how I remembered it. Partly because I’m grown up and partly because Circus World Museum fell on some hard times. It’s not quite as grand - no Big Tent and no lion tamers – and the grounds aren’t quite as bustling as when I saw them last. But it’s hard to not have fun when I’m with my three favorite people and our day included a delicious picnic lunch, wandering around the museum exhibits, watching a magic act that truly left my mind reeling (how DO they cut people in half?!), laughing at the cheesiness of “Little Star” the trick pony, enjoying a smaller version of a “Big Top” performance, and unanimously agreeing that clowns are indeed incredibly creepy.

Reliving old memories and making brand new ones.

My family is big on memories,
and I think that is because we have so much happiness to remember.

Summer Fun.

 

A couple weeks ago Timmy and I began to compile a list of summer fun activities we wanted to make a point to enjoy this summer. Here are some of the things we’re making a point to schedule into our dwindling weeks before the baby comes.

Visit Devil's Lake.

Explore the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Have a peanut butter sandwich picnic.

Fly a kite.

Visit the Circus World Museum.

Spend an afternoon exploring the Madison Zoo.

Go for a long walk in the rain.

Spend a night in a hotel.

Get dessert at Cafe Manna.

Wander around the Arboretum.

Go strawberry picking.

Visit a pet store to see the baby kittens.

Buy fruits and veggies at the Farmer's Market downtown.

Try the hummus at Bunky's Cafe.

Plant tomato and basil plants on our deck.

It's exciting to be counting
down to something so sweet...

Let’s always remember the Sunday morning we woke up and decided to drive to go on an adventure to Chicago. I’ll remember how we barely managed to leave the house on time but somehow arrived early to church. You can remember how you saw me getting ready and suddenly exclaimed, “Babe! Your hair is getting long again! I love you with long hair!” We can both remember the sweet kiss I gave you after you said that.

 

Let’s always remember driving briskly toward IKEA, flying through misty Spring showers. I’ll remember how halfway there I suddenly was ravenously hungry and needed food as soon as possible. You can remember how we accidently drove half an hour out of our way to find a Chipotle* for lunch. We can both remember how we stuffed ourselves so full of delicious food that we immediately took a long nap in the front seats of our car. 

 

Let’s always remember the afternoon we spent wandering around IKEA, picking out a crib for our little baby. I’ll remember the way you held my hand and humored my indecision between two cribs that were nearly identical. You can remember how we hid in a corner on a big comfy couch, took a long snuggle break and talked and dreamed about our future. We can both remember how happy we were that both the crib and the shelf we ended up choosing fit perfectly in our trunk. 

 

Let’s always remember that adventures are what we make them to be, and happiness is with us when the two of us are together. I can remember how you wore your grey sweater, just because you know how hot I think you are in it. You can remember how I was especially sweet (wasn’t I?) and we didn’t fight a single time the entire day. And we both can remember the rainy day we bought our baby's crib and made a new IKEA adventure memory.

Last night, our furnace died. Timmy and I pushed our couch close the fireplace and spent the evening sitting in the firelight, writing on Christmas cards, eating warm chocolate chip cookies, and talking. Suddenly Timmy pondered, “I wonder what Patricia is doing right now.” And we both burst into laughter, remembering our crazy Bed and Breakfast experience in Ireland, on our honeymoon. It is such a funny story, I decided to take a page out of our Ireland diary and share our experience with Patricia.

  6/28/09 – written by Becki

 

Today we arrived in Ireland and drove straight to our bed and breakfast in Killkenny. This place was highly recommended by our Frommer’s Guide, and we had happy hopes for our first bed and breakfast experience.

 

I’m not sure exactly when I began to fear for my life, but it may have been when we arrived to find a deserted old farmstead, parked our car next to a rusty old truck covered in spider webs, and shone our headlights down a dark, creepy, alley of trees that ran behind the house. The beam of our lights illuminated a large pile of bones. Animal bones… I hoped. 

  

Tim, of course, sprang out of the car with enthusiasm (ummm… didn’t he see those bones?!) and began to call loudly for the owner, Patricia. I tentatively emerged, only to nearly trip over a mewing cat. I reached down to pet the furry creature, but when it turned it’s face toward me, I almost screamed. The brute was matted and dirty and it’s left ear was completely ripped off. A large scar ran down it’s left eye, giving it a glazed, glaring stare. With a shriek, I jumped back into the car and closed the door, feeling as if I had landed in a haunted forest. Mangy Cat hissed and retreated into the overgrown, tangled garden. We tensely waited for Patricia to show up. 

 

Things only got worse after Patricia arrived. She came careening around the corner of the house, and greeted us with frizzy, flying hair. We were introduced to her “son”, Oswald, who happens to be a black cat that follows her everywhere. (A black cat seems too fitting.) When Tim asked her if she had any children, she responded, "No! OSWALD is my son. I don't know why anyone HAS children..." I have the odd feeling that her "son" understood our entire conversation, and his yellow eyes watched us knowingly as we were led to our sleeping quarters. 

The room is located above the barn, and every surface is covered with thick dust. Little spiders populate the windows, and stringy webs hang from the ceiling. Cat hair is floating through the air, and I distinctly smell the pungent odor of wet mold. Oh, and the water isn't working. Our bed is a mattress thrown on the floor. There is a door, locked from the inside, leading to… where? I just rattled the handle and peeked through the keyhole, only to see what I think resembles a sharpened axe. Tim thinks I am imagining things. (I just pushed every available piece of furniture against the door, hopefully blocking anyone from entering through it.)

 I think things really went downhill when Patricia found out I am vegan. Should I be afraid that our insane hostess actually told me I’m “done for”? Because that’s what she said, and I am definitely sleeping with a knife tonight. (Whether Timmy likes it or not.)

Monday, 6/29/09 - Written by Becki

 
We survived the night. Oswald was sitting outside our door (which happens to be glass, so anyone – or anything - can just see right in at any moment!) when we got up this morning. That little creature gives me the creeps. Patricia flew into a rage at breakfast because I mentioned I might get my hair cut. She keeps repeating that I’m “done for”… Tim doesn’t seem to be as disturbed by this as I am. Perhaps that is because she loves him for his meat eating ways, and has been serving him “loads of meat” and eggs… Today we plan to explore Kilkenny. Patricia invited us to swim with her and Oswald in the river, but we declined. Our water was finally fixed and we were able to take showers. Patricia was very friendly tonight. (Perhaps too friendly?) She actually tried to carry on a conversation with us, through the door, while we were showering!!! She seems very insulted that we don’t want to drink wine with her.

 
Tuesday, 6/30/09 - Written by Becki

This morning we awoke early, ready to leave this madhouse. I’m not sure I can even begin to describe what transpired at breakfast. Tim casually mentioned that we had booked a hotel in Killarney (which is where we are now – in a beautiful HOTEL ROOM!). Patricia pierced him with a look and asked him how he had booked it. I saw it all happen in slow motion. Tim opened his mouth and spoke the words, “Oh, we used the computer in the guest room.” I threw out my hands to stop him, because I saw Patricia’s face turn an alarming shade of red. She began to rant and wave her hands and cackle (yes, that is a good word for it) in a hideous sort of manner. She proclaimed that we really were “done for” (I don’t like being told I’m done for) and that it is illegal to use someone elses computer in Ireland. (Not true.) We tried to explain that when we found a computer in the guest room, and it was on, we assumed it was meant for the guests to use. She immediately ran to the computer, and started screaming that we had broken it. Of course, this wasn’t the case, and she was unable to listen to reason. I actually thought she was going to call the police. I have never felt more sickened in my life. Suddenly, I knew it was very important for us to leave as quickly as possible, and I told Tim as much. We RAN out the door. Nothing could have persuaded me to stop. 

6/30/09 - Written by Timmy

This morning was a difficult experience. Patricia freaked out.
We finally escaped, and it felt like we were fleeing from some sort of evil.
There is a type of terror about that woman that I can't quite explain. 

I think we may never stay at a bed and breakfast
ever again.

Two Years.

On the night before the day you asked me to be your wife, I had no idea.
No idea what the following day would hold,
and no idea how my life would change in the months and years to follow. 

Looking back, we seem so young, perched on the edge between dating and engaged. 

We were in love, and there was no stopping the fairy tale dreams crowding our hearts. 

   

A surprise, you told me, was what you had in mind. 

According to your vague instructions,
I packed a sweater and my camera and went to bed early. 

The morning of December 13, 2008, you picked me up at 3 AM.  

You were giddy. I was suspicious. Together we drove off to meet my surprise.
Two hours later, we arrived at the Chicago airport. 

I knew we must be lost. 

You said we were there to do some shopping. 

I didn't quite believe you, but I didn't quite have any other explanation
for us being at the airport at 5AM on a Saturday morning.
All I knew was that you were smiling, and we weren't shopping.

Some things are tricky to put into words,
and the moment you told me
"I'm flying you to Disney World
for the day!"
is one of those.
I can only describe pure shock as I stared at the tickets in your hand.
And then we twirled in circles and laughed and danced
in the middle of the airport terminal.
It was unforgettable.
I remember sitting by a young family on the plane.
The father asked you how long we were staying in Florida.
You said, "Oh, just for the day." He said, "Umm..."

 

And it seemed surreal.
The entire day felt like a shimmering dream, just beyond reality.
We were transported from snowstorms to palm trees,
and real life faded into the background.
All we saw was each other. 

 

It was my first visit to the Magic Kingdom, and I was enchanted.
You smilingly showed me the way - my Disney World pro.
 

In the back of my mind, I knew the reason for this journey,
and I waited all day for it.
Each time you reached for your pocket, every magical moment
(of which there are many in the Magic Kingdom),
I would catch my breath and wonder...

 

And then, at the culmination of our happiest point,
as darkness fell and the Magic Castle was lit
with thousands of glittering Christmas lights,
you pulled me close and started singing
the song you had written just for me,
and it started with "I love you"
It was the first time you said those words,
because we were waiting until we were engaged.
And then I knew, with no more room for doubt, that this was it.
You ended on one knee,
in front of the Magic Castle,
in front of a little crowd of beaming spectators...
in front of the girl you loved.
And it was so emotionally overwhelming,
all I could say was the only word that mattered, "Yes".

 

That gorgeous and perfectly-perfect-for-me ring you had picked out
slipped on my finger and sealed the deal.
We were engaged.
And in all of my childhood fantasies,
I never dreamed my proposal would happen
in front of a castle
in the middle of the happiest place on earth. 

 

We ate a celebration meal of French Fries and pretzels,
watched the parade and fireworks, and left.
Drove back to the airport,
took a two hour nap in the rental car (each in our respective seats),
got back on a plane, and flew home. 

  

To Disney World and back in one day.
I left with a boyfriend, and came home with a fiance.
Two years later,
I find myself in such a delightful place,
married to you, my handsome prince.
I can't imagine being any happier.
But, I  have a sneaking suspicion that December 13, 2011
will find me happier still.

Our fairy tale engagement seems to have set the stage

for a fairy tale marriage.

Would you believe me if I told you

that I could not be happier? 

Happy Two Years Engaged.  

You know you're sick when…

…after three days of misery 

and fighting a very unfriendly flu bug, 

you are barely able to drag yourself out of your nest of pillows and blankets,

to make yourself look presentable

and go to your long awaited birthday present:
Broadway's Beauty and the Beast with your husband. 

With almost zero enthusiasm.

And a bit of crying. 

And before you're even off your street, 

you beg your husband to please just TAKE YOU HOME.

But then the medicine starts to kick in again…

You make it to the theater.

 only to leave

halfway through.

Right after Lumiere sings "Be Our Guest"

and you spent the entire time

wondering

how 

long

the 

song 

could

possibly

last.

Of course, you realize that, if you weren't busy wondering

if you might throw up (so gross)

you would be enchanted by the performance,

captivated by the fairy tale theater (so gorgeous),

and loving the handsome guy sitting beside you.

But, you know you're sick when…

the thought of bed

wins 

over the opportunity to see

Beauty and the Beast on Broadway

Act 2. 

 Poor me.

Hawaii Diaries: The Seven Sacred Pools

(originally written November 21, 2009) 

Today we drove down The Road to Hana, (a 10 hour round-trip drive)  

and to the Seven Sacred Pools.  

Quite disappointing. 

I think I was expecting something a little more pool-like 

and a lot more fabulous.

First of all, there are more than seven – 

more like The Twenty Three Sacred Pools. 

But I guess that doesn’t sound as magical.

Also, it’s kind of hard to tell where one pool ends and another begins, 

so it really resembles more of a stream with little circular pockets here and there. 

 (is this one of the seven pools?)

We drove an extra 3 hours to swim in those Seven (Twenty Three) Sacred Pools, 

because it SOUNDED oh so romantic, 

despite the fact that our trusty Frommer’s guide book warned us 

they weren’t worth the trip. 

When we got there, we were immediately greeted 

with “Danger!” and “Warning!” signs, 

followed by pinned up newspaper clippings, 

detailing horrific stories of tourists who met their death while swimming in the pools. 

These traumatic instances were due to flash floods that came suddenly 

– without warning - 

and whisked those poor souls out to sea. 

The entrance to the ocean is especially rocky and rough in this area. 

And, it is guarded by man eating sharks. (Or so the sign says.) 

Their bodies were never found. 

(The narrative hinted at the likelihood of the man eating sharks 

having something to do with that.) 

 (rough ocean)

You will understand then, why the romance 

surrounding the Seven Sacred Pools quickly died in my heart.

Timmy and I were in and out of the smallest, 

most easily accessible “pool” in less than five minutes. 

Then we took an hour long nap, safe in our car. 

That may have been the best part of the entire experience. 

The Seven Sacred Pools are bo-ring

and could be hazardous to your wellbeing.

Spread the word.

A Conversation: About Hawaii

Timmy: We’re just in a different season of life this year than we were last year, babe…
Me: Yes. Literally. Since last year at this time we were in Hawaii… 

and it’s summer there.

It's true. I'm not sure why "Visiting Hawaii in November" didn't become
a yearly tradition.
(Oh. Well, I suppose that might have something to do with a little thing called Apple Wellness.)
Buuut. I am daily daydreaming of sandy Hawaiian beaches
and sunshiny skies painted the most brilliant shade of blue.
Flowers, sand, fresh tropical fruit, perfect weather, breathtaking scenery... 
Oh, Hawaii...

But as I gaze at photos of our Hawaiian second honeymoon,
the most delightful memories are not the gorgeous flowers,
the fabulous beaches, or the mouth watering fruit.
My favorite part of Hawaii was something I brought with me,
and I get that part for keeps.

In truth, I should be saying that Hawaii is enchanting,
when your best friend is holding your hand
and you are drinking in the flowery air and smiling into ocean sunsets,
together. 

You can lose the Hawaii and still have Paradise,
but lose the husband … and you have nothing too special. 

In conclusion… it's the

handsome husband that makes Hawaii magical.

( So… who needs Hawaii anyway??)