Vacation 2016 - Channelling Our Inner Child

I'm a big believer in taking a vacation. Whether it's simply staying home or going some where you've alway dreamt of. Taking time to for ourselves and our relationships are so important.


Last October, hubby and I discussed doing just that. We were torn between two different destinations; Costa Rica and Atlantis at Paradise Island Bahamas. We eventually settled on Atlantis. Our reasoning was that we aren't getting any younger. So, we clicked the "book" button for a Bahamian getaway in March 2016.

Fast forward.

We are back from our Atlantis vacation We had a great time. We were able to be kids again We were thrilled by the ability to channel our adolescence side. We spend our time exploring the marine animals, all 22,000+ species of them and the AquaAdventure park.

I love just going, seeing, doing and adventuring. I guess you'd say I'm pretty easy to please. Channelling my inner child was more fun than I thought it would. Being a serious adult has become so ingrained in me that sometimes I forget how to have fun.

Leap-of-Faith

I'm so blessed to have husband who works his tush off so we can have amazing experiences in life together. He's so amazing. Seriously!

We have a fabulous time. I don't know how many times he/we did the slides or river but I can tell you it was fun - even for 30+ somethings as ourselves.

Many of the rides allowed double inner-tubes. We took full advantage of the rides let us go together.  When we wanted a little R&R we simply found a lounge chair and basked in the sunshine. But that was second to the rides...

All-in-all we had a great time and wished we were still there or at the very least brought the sunshine back to Oregon with us.

~Doodlin'

Wordless Wednesday

Recognizing 7 years of marriage. September 3, 2013

 He's just so darn handsome when he's doing what he loves. 

A little weekend trip to Newport, Oregon. Taken a few hours after completing my 10 miles! 

~Doodlin'

Mo'orea, Sharks, Dolphins, Stingray and more....

Last time I left you with a some what gloomy post so to make up for it I wanted to tell you that my life is amazing despite a few rough patches. In November, B and I went on the vacation of our dreams. Many people helped make this trip happen, from the doctors who rescued me with medication right before I boarded the plane to those who helped financially.

We've all seen the picquese scene of turquoise blue ocean water with fancy little huts extended out into the ocean. Well, thats just right where we found ourselves at on the morning of November 2nd. I had an entire suit case full of meds but I vowed that I would find peace on this trip. Peace with the craziness of a life with a terminal illness. I think I found it.... the trick is to use my muscle memory when the seas get rough again!

Mo'orea, French Polynesia

The beauty is beyond real. The 82 degree average temperature warmed my weary bones. The sounds of the ocean lapping against the shore placed me in a state of absolute calmness.

Wishing I could transport myself back to this heavenly hammock! 

We took the plunge as soon as they took us to our over-water bungalow. The water was SCREAMING my name.

We lived in and on the water for 7 days! The ocean is sort of magical. Its calming, yet invigorating. My lungs thrived on the salty air. I began to feel good again even with having been placed on antibiotics just before leaving Oregon.

Just look at this sunset. I don't know how your spirits can't be uplifted with a view like this. I sort of had a huge revelation watching this sunset. God allows all life to begin and he beautifully takes it. When my time comes I hope those who love me will have this sunset in their vision. A sign of a life wonderfully lived in full color.

Yes, ladies and gents! I ROCKED the g-tube. I made that decision along time ago, I am beautifully imperfect. The fact that I have a few scares and the toobie are not gonna slow me down. Everyone on this planet is insecure about something, so let's get over it. Let's see each other for who we are, what our hearts are about and not what our physical being appears like. Plus beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My hubby loves me and my imperfect body!

Sharks and Stingray, Oh My!! I have to admit I was a bit terrified during the boat ride out to visit with these awesome sea creatures. B was beyond excited. Swimming with sharks is a bucket list item for him. The bad part, he now wants to have a close encounter with a Great White. Lord help me!!

 For anyone wondering, B is a huge U of O Ducks fan!! In case this photo left you lost.

My dream since I can remember is getting close and personal with a bottle nose dolphin. I even had my room painted ocean blue with boarder wall paper of dolphins. Its a known fact that I love dolphins. A huge thank you to those who made this possible, you know who you are!

(Goodness, I love this man!)

In the end, you were able to let go. Let go of the pile of bills awaiting money that may never come, the laundry that's in piles, the emails and phone calls that probably won't be returned, the looming threat of early death, the possibility that having a family might not be our path, all the stress that this life places upon us. We got back to a place of thankfulness, silliness, appreciation, love, adventure, and each other.

Until next time! But until then life is a blessing. This space that I call life is truly amazing. God is forever good.

A big THANK YOU to my in-laws, my mom, and my hubby for working his fingers to the bone so that we could have this experience. I love you all!!

As a side note, the pink top and straw hat that I'm wearing is because the antibiotics that I was on made me sensitive to the sun. I didn't want to burn so I found this top and it helped prevent what could have been a nasty sun burn. Plus that hat is a very cute accessory for other outfits!!

~Doodlin'

Our Anniversary Week: Few Words Lots of Photos!

We are back from 9 days of glorious togetherness. After nearly 5 months of only having one day a week together we capitalized on the fact that our anniversary fell on Labor Day this year. B was able to take 4-days off from work, plus Labor Day, plus the weekend pre and post Labor Day!! We planned a great adventure, something I have never done, yet B grew up doing; backpacking.

We hiked with packs (backpacks load with the necessities of life for a few days) to 3 gorgeous lakes near Sisters, Oregon. 

Me with a 30lb pack on my back; after crossing a creek!!

B, with the heaviest load!

The first day was beautiful. Not too hot or too cold which made hiking relatively easy. Or easier than I had anticipated it being. I just love how every year we have celebrated our anniversary in different ways which has allowed us to see each other in different situations, under different circumstances thus lending to a deeper understanding of each other. B is a natural leader when outdoors and I am a happy follower, the dogs however don't know which direction suits them.

The first day we hiked fairly early in the morning so that we could set up camp and have time to relax before evening set in. 

#1 rule for survival is make camp and get a fire started. My leader taught me this.

After setting up camp, we took advantage of the amazing views. It was so great to not have our cell. phones, laptops, or even a radio. We simply sat on the banks and listened to the sounds of nature. I know this sounds hooky but its really calming and aided to a detox of life's frustrations.

I mean look at this view-

We set up camp just across the lake amongst the patch of trees.

Night fall sets in much earlier it seems out in the wild, probably because there are not lights to ward it off. So, I took to the tent to get cozy and do my nebulizer treatments. Yep, CF care doesn't stop even in the wild thanks to my portable battery operated compressor. I forwent the feeding tube feedings because I only do it 3-4 times a week and used the days camping as my off days. It should be noted that while in the tent I had ridiculously crazy hair due the static.

The first night was cold. We even each had a dog in the sleeping bag with us and we all were still chilly. Probably the location and altitude we were at.

#2 rule for survival is that snuggling close is essential for warmth. My leader taught me that.

Needless to say, we all were thrilled for the morning sunshine!

After letting the sun warm our bones, we packed up camp and headed to the second lake. For which we completely forgot to take pictures of. But I can assure you it was just as beautiful but also the smallest in the chain of three. The second lake was not far from the first so we hung out for a bit and continued on the third and final lake.

Once we got to the final lake we set up camp once again, gathered wood for the evening fire. The fire was the only way we ate. We shopped at  TJ's for dried foods that could easy be rehydrated with boiling water. It worked out great because dehydrated food is light when carrying everything in one's pack. We had oatmeal each morning, with hot tea. Had some indian fare with naan for dinner one night, mac n cheese another and of course hot coco. These types of foods were tasty yet easy to prepare with some hot water. We also had things like energy bars, crackers, etc. We used a water pump (very light weight) to get our drinking water from the lake. That water is naturally so refreshing, I actually am missing it. 

This entire experience was refreshing for my soul. The quietness, the calmness, the majesty of it all was surreal. I think most who have chronic illnesses and rely heavily on modern conveniences like electricity or running water to maintain health are afraid to do such things. I was. What if I got sick out in the middle of no where. What if, what if. I prepared as best as possible, had just visited with my doctors and took the leap. I am so glad I did. I actually wish the battery life in the portable compressor lasted longer so we could have spend some more time out there. I packed insulin and the neb treatments, they were kept cold by having them in tupper ware containers and placed in the lake (weighted down so they didn't float away). Then while hiking filling a water bottle with the cold lake water to keep the temperature down. In the end, it worked out wonderfully and I can't wait to explore more of our beautiful state this way. 

We were to the far left of the Three Sisters at the bottom of the far left ridge that has just a dusting of snow!

Happy 6th year to us. Each year presents new challenges and new accomplishments; both collectively and individually. I am so glad God placed us together to enjoy this journey with. B, you make me a better person, you gently push me to reach new heights, you allow me room to grow and I look forward to many more years with you. Together we can do anything, this I am sure of!

After backpacking we drove into Bend to shower at Gregor's (my bestie). Visited with her a bit and then headed to spend a day with my Nana. Such a great week. Oh, yes B wore the same cloths for 3 days, the only downside of the whole week :-)

~Doodlin'