A Slight Detour To....

Detour #1:

Mexico

In spite of all the chaos going on back in New York as we prepare to move to Alaska, we had a pre-planned trip to Mexico. At this point, I was excited to go, but didn't realize how much I needed to get away from all of that said chaos in New York!



While in Mexico, we did a few excursions, but for the most part, it was our #1 priority to sit by the pool and relax. By relax I mean do absolutely nothing but swim, sleep, and drink!


So, the first thing that we did while in Mexico was visit Garrafon located on Isla Mujeres.
We had an all inclusive day, which of course meant unlimited amounts of alcoholic beverages, sun, and food! By the end of the day here, all we wanted to do was sleep!
The second thing that we did, on the last day of our trip, was go to Boca Del Puma. Here, we did a zipline above the jungle trees, rode ATV's through the jungle, and swam in a Cenote. While ziplining, we also did it upside down over the trees! Yes, that might sound crazy, but you only live once! And lived is what we did! It was glorious!


The third event that we participated in was rooting for Portugal in the 2016 Euro Final, while eating and drinking 3 L of beer at Hooters. Portugal, of course, won, but I believe that we were the champs in the end. I mean, come on, look at this thing!

After enjoying our relaxation time in Mexico, it was back to 100% upon arrival back to New York. We had one day to finish packing, sell back our last car, load up a rental, start our journey.

What was I feeling when we left New York?
20 minutes into our drive I was overwhelmed with emotion that was difficult for me to comprehend. Of course, with a loving husband who cares for my well-being, talked me through it. I felt, in some ways, LOST. Lost because everything that I know, learned, and experienced was in New York. My family, my friends, my acquaintances, were all in New York.
I had a terrible feeling that I was going to be lonely, extremely lonely. I know this sounds crazy, because I can make friends, but it was more because I was leaving everything that I have ever known...behind. As we continued our drive, I became anxious and disbelieving even, that we were actually making this move official. Of course the move was official long before our departure from New York, but to me, it felt more official when we left. But, the journey to Alaska hasn't arrived yet!


Detour #2:

Kenosha, WI

The drive, initially intended for Kenosha, WI, ended up being straight to St. Louis, MO, where we dropped off the dogs, car, and other items. By the time we reached our arrival in St. Louis, this chick wanted nothing to do with a car! At this point, I was super thankful for the decision for us to fly to Anchorage, rather than drive. I was irritable and anxious just from 14 hours of driving, I don't think I could have lasted 62 hours.... I don't think the dogs would have either!


Anywho, from here, we headed (finally!) to Kenosha, WI were our good friends, Zack and Lexy got hitched! It was a beautiful day and so much emotion involved!

It turns out, this was our first wedding that we attended since we got married 6 years ago. This day was one of a kind, and I am truly blessed to have been able to witness these two becoming one. I cried, not only because it was amazing seeing two people who love each other so much, take the step into marriage, but also because I love my dearest husband, and I would have to say much much more than the day I married his crazy butt!

Additionally, it was hard for me at some points, especially watching Lexy and her Mom dancing. Her mom was emotional because it was a big day, where her daughter is now in the care of another person. Now, I know, I know, my Mom already allowed my husband to take care of me, but just watching Lexy and her Mom...made it hard for me. I was thinking about how, though I am already married and have moved away from home, I will be moving to Alaska, which is a much bigger jump than 2 hours away. It's been difficult for me, knowing that I will be leaving my family in New York.

Despite the emotional time I was having, I also had a blast watching the family and friends of Zack and Lexy celebrate on this special day!

Not only were we able to witness this amazing day, we also got to spend some much needed time with friends before heading back to St. Louis. The amusement that 5 men bring to one person, will never cease to amaze me!

We are back in St. Louis with our pups who missed up dearly! Aaron's parents have an apartment...which is our current home until we depart to Anchorage next week.

In between that, we still have much much more things to do than I like! We have to look into shipping food, ordering dog food, getting the pups updated on shots, and there is one other important thing to worry about.
I take my licensure exam the 27th before we leave....needless to say, there are too many things on our list that still need to be done before leaving!

Cheers for now!

* Winter IS Coming! *