Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Him

Happiness is...

Him. All of him. Being with him. Talking him for more than one hour, one day a week. Seeing him---really seeing him. Being held by him.

The life of a military girlfriend is no walk in the park. But oh, isn't leave glorious.

It feels like it should, a real relationship with real ups and downs, and more than just the telephone and computer. It feels like love. It feels like the perfect vacation. If only it didn't have to end.

Happiness is this. Tomorrow it's back to reality. But for today, I can revel in it.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

All-Inclusive

Happiness is...

All-inclusive. If there is ever a chance to travel all inclusive... do it. Any meal, any drink, any activity, and you don't have to worry about the price. You've already paid.

I love it. I love not thinking about anything when I'm down there. I love the carefree relaxation that comes with all-inclusive. And I'd recommend it to anyone. Even just once.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Travel Alarm

Happiness is...

That moment when your alarm goes off and tells you it's time. It's time to get your butt out of bed and head to the airport. It's not like you've been sleeping anyway. No, you have been anxiously awaiting this morning and your trip to JAMAICA.

You can do this. You have run through each and every possible scenario in your head. Twice. You have double-checked your luggage and run all of the last errands. And now, you're finally going to an exotic island, a vacation, a getaway with your man.

You deserve this. After the fall you've had, it's all you're looking forward to. It'll be the time of your life. And your alarm. Just. Went. Off. Get up, get dressed, and head out the door!

After all, "I'm leaving... on a jet plane... don't know when I'll be back again..." :) Seeya!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Winter break

Happiness is...

Winter break! It's here at last, the time to sit around, do some yoga, watch some movies, pretty much anything except graduate schoolwork.

This year features two happy holidays, time with family, dancing, and a week in Jamaica! More to come.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Packing Lists.

Happiness is...

Packing lists.

I am not a huge fan of packing. I love the idea of travel, and packing adds to the excitement, don't get me wrong. However, I also have too much anxiety---did I pack everything I need? What am I forgetting? What will happen when I get there and realize I didn't bring _____?! So, I love packing lists. They relieve a lot of my stress and give me ideas I wouldn't have thought about. I feel competent about taking off and not looking back.

Wednesday morning I head home until January. In that time I celebrate two holidays and take a trip to a tropical island. So, naturally, this time around packing is especially difficult. No worries, though, I have a list. That solves everything, right?

Yikes.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Argyle Patterns!

Happiness is...

Argyle. Fashionable, Fun, Retro and Rad. It reminds me, quite frankly, of Scotland or Ireland. Of beautiful green landscapes and distant places. I am not loving it because of golf, but more so the class.

Just neat.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Countdown

Happiness is...

Countdowns. 5 weeks.
Yes, it's likely that I've already told you this is happiness. Does it look like I care?

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Travel

Happiness is...

Travel. It's one of my biggest passions... but I suppose I can't write a post every few days about it (what a shame). I have the heart of a foreigner!

I love experiencing new sights and getting a glimpse into a different culture... the language, the customs, the food, the people. When I was studying abroad I feel like I grew more in three months than I had in my 21 years before! I want to live my entire life in the mindset of a traveler, constantly exploring and learning. There is so much more to the world than our materialistic ignorant American background. I intend on looking into it all. I love trying new dishes, and I have a strong urge to continue with my language.

Traveling will always be a priority for me. Since I left Spain (and toured France, Italy, and Greece) I came home and have not left U.S. soil. It has now been over two years. Sure, I've visited South Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Chicago, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee... but it's about time for another stamp on my passport. I need to see more than the same life, different accent. I am beyond stir crazy.

That's why I'm so excited for Jamaica. What's happier?

Monday, June 20, 2011

Hikes

Happiness is...

Long quiet hikes. They're unlike anything you can get in st. Paul, serene and magnificent.

Duluth lake walk.
Two harbors.
Gooseberry falls.
Split rock lighthouse.
What are your favorite destinations today?

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Hotel Service

Happiness is...

Hotel service. A fresh towel and turned down sheets? Yes please! You can even order food to be delivered, or ask for a razor if you forgot yours. Is it okay if I stay here forever, instead of going back home where I have to make my own bed and clean up after myself? Hmmm.... if only. Ta-ta for now.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Weddings

Happiness is...

Weddings. A man, and a woman, joining together officially as one. What's more beautiful than that? The symbol of eternity, the elegant expression of love, the happy ending at last. Love does a special thing within a person's soul, and they share it with hundreds of guests for one hell of a party. They take their vows, and seal it with a kiss. No wonder so many people cry at weddings.

Today my post is dedicated to the new happy couple in my family, wishing you a happy marriage and hoping that your life together will be rich in joy and love. Congratulations!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Adventures

Happiness is...

Finding a new place to explore. Traveling is like a new adventure every time, and it is seriously invigorating. These days, it always reminds me of the semester I spent in Spain... of course I miss it, but the wonder of this world is that everything is so accessible these days! Care to hop on a plane to Guatemala? Count me in.

For now, I'll settle for heading to Texas for my cousin's wedding. Which reminds me, weddings...

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Travelers.

Happiness is...

People from around the world. We are all travelers, you see. And you can find a place like home at my table.

At least that way I can quiz you about your food and culture, talk about your language (and your kicking accent), and everything else that's onmy mind... Like last night, when a german businessman stopped by for a drink, and we learned about all things Germany. He sounded like a young Schwarzenegger! If that doesn't make you happy I don't know what will.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Wine

Happiness is...

A nice glass of smooth white wine.

Once upon a time I got the chance to go to the Tuscan countryside and enjoy a wine tasting in a Chianti winery. I learned the complexities of a good wine.
You have to hold it at the stem; not only will your fingerprints not taint the look of the wine, but you don't risk warming it up...
Swirl it around to catch all of the scents embodied within. This is not necessary except for with an older red, but it is definitely worth it. The longer it takes for the beads of wine to come back down the glass, the richer it is.
Finally comes putting it to your lips. Let it find its way to every corner of your palette, so that each unique flavor can be discovered by the different parts of your tongue.
What are the sensations? Do you find berries or apples, pears or peaches, or even cinnamon, chamomile, oak?

Today, the wine is a simple German Riesling. Still, it's delightful. I will never forget the experiences I've had and I'll never turn down a sweet glass half full. Yes, I see it half full.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Hummus!

Happiness is...

Hummus. There are a million varieties. And now you can make it from sweet potatoes! Happiness is hummus because I'm always in the mood for it and I never feel guilty for eating it. Put it on a pita, on crackers, on celery or carrots, or just dip your finger in it and savor the chickpea and garlic.

Why was I born White? I am convinced I should have come from another country, because everything that I think is bland or annoying is American. Go figure. For now, I am happy eating our wonderful foreign food mock-ups or imports. When I'm rich and famous (not if!) I will spend extra time walking the Incan trail. I will head to Australia to go bungee jumping. I will hang out in Moscow for the afternoon. I will fly down to Jordan or Lebanon or something and sit on my camel and chow down on some real hummus, tabouli, lamb, what have you. As for now, I am content.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Travel

Happiness is...

Finalizing travel details :D

More to come.