Baby J!

Ryan and I are proud to announce we are expecting! Our little peanut is due May 6th, 2012 making me 15 weeks along. I feel like this announcement is a bit delayed, but I think my nervousness about something happening got the best of me. Working in medicine, I know all too well that things don't always have the outcome you plan. But so far, everything is going well. We've heard the baby's heartbeat twice now and it's going strong at 150-155 beats per minute.

I always felt I'd feel this significant change the minute I found out I was pregnant, but I still feel the same. Of course, the nausea and fatigue are sure signs, but it's hard to equate those changes to a child growing within you as opposed to a virus that doesn't go away. What can I say, I'm not a "seasoned" pregnant person as one of my attending doctors told me, and I have a feeling I never will be. However, the past few weeks I have begun to notice the "bump" and am pretty sure I felt a flutter the other day. I am starting to feel more and more that I'm going to be a mommy. It's a weird yet exciting feeling. I have also noticed an even stronger bond between my husband and I, he is such a wonderful man and I am so excited to see him as a father because I know he's going to be good one. I am one lucky girl.

We love you already baby and can't wait to see your beautiful face!

Baby's first picture:

♥ Raquel and Ryan

The Match

I will know tomorrow at noon where I have matched for residency and will spend the next four years of my life! I am not nervous anymore. Whatever the outcome, I know it is what God intends for Ryan and I. I am just so honored that any program believed in me enough to give me the opportunity to learn pathology at their institution. Every hour of studying, ounce of sweat shed, moment I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, sick person I had to fly next to, and time missed with my family has led me to this point. For once I am not ashamed to admit that I am damn proud of myself; I could shout it from the rooftops! The humors within me are placid tonight, nothing can shake me now, regardless of the outcome tomorrow. I will keep you updated!

I Choose Today!

One of my best friends from high school (and still is today) posted a picture on Facebook of my senior high school class. My first impression was how incredibly small our group was. I knew every one of them to some degree or another, we were great friends. At the time my class didn't seem too small but my experience in college and medical school was a stark contrast, not knowing many of my classmates. I now appreciate the intimacy we had with each other. My point? I was honestly shocked when I thought about the fact that it has been eight years since I graduated from high school. How much I know we have all changed since then. We are living our own lives, in our own separate worlds. The older we get, the more disconnected we become. Family takes precedent over everything else because they don't get adequate time the way it is. Its not wrong, just reality. I definitely do not consider myself old, but the feelings of nostalgia paralyze me more than they used to. Being part of a team. Hitting a 200 yard tee shot, right down the fairway at Sectionals. The excitement of crushes. Spending a Saturday with my mom, sister, and grandma shopping. The newness of everything. Constantly dreaming of what could be instead of what is. Wanting to spend every minute with my now husband. No obligations. I wonder why people epitomize this time in their life? Is it being young or the anticipation? Life had not disappointed us yet. I realized that the past eight years I have been living my life trying to make it to the next step. Once I pass calculus, life will start. Once I get into medical school, life will start. Once I get married, life will start. Once I pass my boards, life will start. Once I enter residency, life will start. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed every one of those eight years. I just worry that I will always justify life this way. Once I finish residency, life will start. Once I finish my fellowship, life will start. Once I pay off my education loans, life will start. Once I'm able to buy a home, life will start. I don't want to live that way anymore. I want life to start NOW!

Medical school has only added fuel to my Type A personality, so part of me wonders if I can just go with the flow? As Suze Orman says, the American Dream is changing. Maybe the ultimate goal is not to buy a home and have three kids. Maybe the dream is whatever you make of it. I don't know what my dream is but I do know that whatever I choose I want to do it passionately. Practice pathology with passion for quality patient care. Live every day as if it's the last. Create a happy environment wherever I go. Give back. Take pride in my health. Own my body. Love with all I have. It starts today. Who's with me?

Love,
Raquel

3rd Anniversary

What a wonderful world!

Happy 16th Birthday

Dear Riley,

I'm always sad today. Sad that you didn't get to have Mommy tuck you in every night. Sad you didn't get to be a big sister to Peyton and Joey. Sad you can't have the excitement of getting your driver's license. Sad we can't throw you a big sweet sixteenth birthday and tell you how much we love you. But, today is also a joyous one because you have enriched my life so much. We resurrected the video of you this summer and were overwhelmed with joy because we got to see you again. You were such a beautiful baby! I miss you every day. I pray you are dressed in a beautiful dress, blowing out the candles on your birthday cake, and dancing in Heaven tonight. If you see a blown kiss floating around, know it's from your big sister, wishing you a very happy birthday.

♥ Raquel

Blue Christmas

Today marks the 4th anniversary of Ryan and my engagement. I can't help but reflect on how much our lives have changed since that day Ryan got down on his knee and told me that I was the one he wanted to share his life with. I thank God every day for that. I often wonder what I did to deserve such a wonderful man, I almost feel guilty. The past two months, I have traveled the country visiting pathology residency programs in hopes to find our city of residence come July. There is potential I will uproot him once again, all for the benefit of my career... as if his doesn't matter. My husband is very passionate about what he does and who am I to take it away from him? I feel like a very selfish creature this Christmas. I understand that Ryan knew he was marrying someone entering the field of medicine, it's just a harsh reality knowing all the sacrifice we both are making for it. However, through all this, Ryan supports all my decisions, even if they are not his preference, and he does it with such love. We don't know where we'll be next July, the match process is so unpredictable, but I know no matter where we end up, things will work out because we are a team. We have decided to let God guide us on this journey. We have given up the control to Him as He knows what is best. It may be naive of us, but there is no other way we'll make it through this life. We all need to have faith. Faith that God is the light. Faith that He knows our best will, regardless of who you see as your God. Without faith, we are nothing.

Currently I am rotating at a medical examiners office studying forensic medicine. It is a great learning experience but is also very depressing, especially around the holiday season. My wish for you this Christmas is to be safe! ALWAYS wear your seat belt, don't drink or text and drive, and for Pete's sake, don't follow anyone too close on the freeway! I have learned all too well this year that life can be stripped from you at any instant, so live large, dream big, and love with all you have.

What have I been up to since I last blogged?

1. I saw a Gopher game with my dad. It wasn't a pretty game for Minnesota, but it was a memorable evening, thanks Dad!

2. I had a visiting rotating in Minnesota and I got to stay in Kenyon for the month. I have listened to Taylor Swift's new CD several times since I got back to Kansas City and every time, I think of you. Gosh, I love these kids!


3. Had a sleepover at Savannah's apartment. We went shopping, stayed up late, laughed a bunch, and realized though many years separate us, we have a lot in common.

4. Spent a week with my wonderful in-laws for Thanksgiving. Cindy and I made Beouf Bourguignon straight out of Julia Child's recipe book. It was delicious. However, even if it would have been terrible, it would have been worth it. Oh, and do you notice someone new? Welcome, Jenna! You and Matthew are a beautiful couple.

5. Traveled to 9 states, 12 cities, and slept in 10 different beds. I'm exhausted!

♥ Raquel

Currently Reading: A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Listening to: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

I just finished my Outlander book... all I can say is WOW! It's one of those epic stories that is so complex it is difficult to get into but once established, it is truly magical. Albeit, graphic and at times violent. I will definitely be reading the others in the series!

I'm Free FALLing

I can't keep track of myself anymore. My personal calendar is stuffed full of travel around the country in the next three months. Do not mistake this for busyness. My schedule is the most free it has been in three years. I have almost every evening to enjoy cooking, exercising with my husband, and reading books. I have almost every weekend free to expend my energy any way I choose. Life is so incredibly good! I feel like a normal person again, I had forgotten.

Looking back on this time in my life, I will truly miss it. Ryan and I would like children someday, but it is so nice to be free of commitment. Don't get me wrong, when children do come, I will cherish every moment with them. I do think we will be better parents for it, though! I absolutely do not look down on people who have children early in their marriages, there are definitely benefits to doing so. I'm probably internally justifying my sacrifice (having children early) to become a physician. I LOVE having young parents and grandparents. Life has a different energy and dynamic. Growing up, we didn't have much but that was always OK. I appreciated working hard and the relationships in my life more than if I had grown up with everything. As I said, it has its benefits.

We just returned from a trip to Colorado. We were there for peak fall colors and did some hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park and I had my first interview. I felt the interview went well and I really loved the program! Living in the mountains for four years as a free spirit learning pathology sounds pretty good. While hiking, I felt so close to heaven... I swear it was within reach. What a beautiful, spiritual experience! If I ever return there, I will be in better shape :/ The altitude and climbing uphill is exhausting!

I found out I passed the exam I took in Philadelphia, no more to pass in order to graduate! I'm on a two week family medicine rotation right now. Next is the Mayo Clinic for four weeks and I'm very excited! I do feel bad leaving Ryan behind... again. Though, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.

Love ♥, Raquel

Listening To: The Boys of Fall by Kenny Chesney
Currently Reading: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

I Passed (Part Deux)

Just got my written exam score back and I PASSED!! My scores were slightly lower than the step 1 exam I took last year but I'm still happy with my score. I do not know if I passed the oral exam yet but to be honest, the written exam is the one I DID NOT want to re-take. Thank goodness I don't have to... things are looking up. Not many hurdles left to graduating!

Love, ♥ Raquel

Decided

I have officially submitted my residency applications. What specialty have I chosen? Pathology. Why? A series of thoughts and revelations have led to this decision. Through my first two years of medical school, I enjoyed pathology but didn't consider it as a career. To be honest, the thought just didn't cross my mind. During rotations last year I liked every specialty for different reasons but did not feel an intimate connection with anything... until I followed the pathologist on my surgical rotations. So what does a pathologist do? Pathology literally translated means the "study of disease." Using laboratory and tissue samples, pathologists aid physicians in diagnosing illness so patients can get the treatment they need. I may do some autopsies in my career as well but overall they only constitute 2% of total practice.

The reasons I chose pathology as my future career:

1) Almost all pathologist are HAPPY people, unlike many other physicians I came in contact with

2) It energizes me

3) Potential for teaching

4) Intellectual challenge

5) I feel I can make a difference in pathology, whether that is through research or making a correct diagnosis

6) I can actually use my business degree!

7) Separation from the hierarchy and politics in medicine

8) Independence to tailor my practice

The down side is there is no patient care. However, I have realized that as a pathologist I can see patients if I want (though it will not be in bulk). Will I get paid for it?? Probably not, but that makes it all the more fulfilling. I feel as a pathologist I can channel my love for patients and people into a life of service. I will have more time to volunteer at a free clinic or travel abroad to disaster sites and give back that way. I am so excited about my decision! People don't have to understand but I have realized in life that is okay. Not answering to anyone or conforming is so incredibly liberating! With lots of prayer, God has led me to this decision. What an amazing gift! With His guidance I am letting life lead me instead of the other way around. I am empowered.

Now, waiting for my board scores is another story. I feel like I have passed my written exam but I just cannot know for sure. I am not quite as confident on my PE, I made some stupid mistakes. I really do not want to take either exam again but if so it will not be the end of the World. I just want to know either way soon!

Another thing that on my mind recently is Ryan. I don't think people realize how much he does for me and I definitely do not give him enough credit for it. He followed me to Kansas City to follow my dream because he loved me more than anything, something I have never doubted. With residency, there is potential I will uproot him again, something I don't have much control of. Yet through it all, he is still here supporting me financially, emotionally, and spiritually. I am so lucky to have him as my husband. But more than that he is my confidant, best friend... someone I can say anything to without judgement. Ryan, I love you more than my luggage. We are the real thing, the Big Kahuna.

Some highlights of the past 6 weeks:

1. Since I had to fly to Philadelphia for my PE exam, Ryan joined me to see the city. Ryan wore me out but we did see a lot. The Philly Cheesesteak IS as good as they say!

2. Going to Milwaukee to visit a dermatopathology office and Tim and Cindy. We also got to meet Matthew's new girlfriend, Jenna. She was so sweet. I told Tim and Cindy I couldn't say anything bad about them because I didn't want to do anything to scare her away :-)

3. Having my Dad and the clan come down for a weekend visit. We got to see NDSU beat KU on their home field... probably will never see that again! The 7 of us stuffed into our two bedroom apartment but I wouldn't have had it any different.

4. Started my pathology rotation at KU. So far it has been a great experience.

I can't remember the last time I had a free weekend in Kansas City, it may have been in June?? Ryan had to work this morning but we plan on enjoying the weather when he gets home. I miss my family so much, thanks for keeping me in your prayers throughout this process. It has been hard being away but know it will pay off in the end!!

Remembering the lives lost on 9/11 today as well as the men and women who have fought for our country in the days since. That day is forever imprinted in my memory. God bless the families of those who passed on that fateful day.

♥ Raquel

Currently Reading: The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

Listening to: Is There Life Out There by Reba McEntire

P.S. I finished reading Mockingjay, the final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy... not what I was expecting. I planned on re-reading the series after I finished the final book but needed time to digest it first, really makes you think.

My Love

I had an emotional breakdown yesterday. I had this strange feeling that my World was collapsing in around me, I couldn't breathe. I wanted to scream. That has never happened to me before. Why did it happen? I'm not positive, but I have a good idea. I've spent the past month at home in Minnesota delivering babies and spending quality time with family and that was wonderful; however, reality struck hard when I got back to KC. The shock of the heat may have played a role as well. I told Ryan I'm going to start calling KC "Stress City". From the moment I got back I started worrying about everything that needed to be done. The pressure of applying to residency (which by itself would stress me out), studying for boards, preparing for rotations, and keeping the house in order has reached an epic level. Will I buckle? Maybe I already did? I can assert that today is going to be better, despite the heat index reaching 111, ahhh! I needed to break for a short moment to realize that I cannot be Super Woman, it is not in my nature. If I try to, I will fail. At least I managed to get my residency application photo taken, what do you think?

Being home in Minnesota for the month made me realize how much I miss the little things, staying up late in bed talking to my sister, discussing life with my mom on our walks, watching my little siblings transform in front of me, the warmth and comfort I feel when I am with my grandparents. I have trained myself to live without these things, but my fleeting moment with them left me wanting more. I don't know if I will end up back in MN/WI next year, but someday that's where I would like to settle down. Trust me, it is not because I love the weather. I often wonder why my ancestors decided to settle in one of the coldest places in the US, sigh. If that's where my family is, that's where I want to be too regardless of the temperature.

I also had the privilege of watching my uncle Patrick marry Auntie Erin. I am so happy for them. It was a beautiful wedding and they were both glowing. Congratulations again, Pat and Erin!

I spent the last month delivering babies on the OB/GYN service in Alexandria. I absolutely loved it. Both the doctors I worked with were great teachers and allowed me to do a lot in the OR, I was sewing the fascia and skin all by myself! It is a thrill to deliver a baby but it did not convince me to go into the field. I like it but you have to love it. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of such a special part of people's lives, including some old friends.

I better get studying! I am spending the first half of the month studying for my second set of boards. My written exam is on the 17th in KC, then Ryan and I are flying to Philadelphia for my oral exam on the 23rd. After that I'm heading to Milwaukee to visit a dermatopathology lab for a few days. It's going to be busy. If you don't here from me for a while, you know where I am! I am praying for no more panic attacks!

Love ♥ Raquel

Currently Reading: Shiver by Maggie Shiefvater

Listening to: "Free" by Zac Brown Band

The Beginning of the End

First off, I would like to congratulate my "little" brother Mitchell on graduating from high school. He plans on attending NDSU next fall to study pharmacy. We had a great time celebrating with him and the rest of the family. Mitch, Ryan and I are so proud of how well you've done and we can't wait to see what the future has in store for you. We love you, Mitch.

I have officially completed my 3rd year of medical school and am about to embark on the intimidating 4th year. I ended up doing my month of June working in an ER. It was exciting and I saw a lot but I did not like the fact that if a patient is not critically ill, they are discharged and told to follow up with their primary care provider and you never see them again. Where is the finality in that? Being my thorough self I did not acclimate well to the emergency room. I enjoyed my time spent there but in the end my mind doesn't work that way. I do enjoy putting in stitches, however... any takers??

Where is the time going? I still remember my first day of medical school like it was yesterday and now I only have nine months left. I feel I could be in school for three more years and still not know everything there is to know, it is overwhelming. I have my second step of boards coming up in August ... didn't I just finish studying for the first one? Gosh, I can't keep up with time anymore. I have questioned how much more I can handle to tell you the truth. The pressure of landing a good residency, performing for interviews, and transitioning into life as a real physician seems daunting. While listening to the message at church this morning, I decided to approach the process differently. There is nothing in life I have achieved where I did not work hard for it. My efforts have not put me into the top 5% of my medical school class, but I am OK with that. I find comfort knowing I did the best I could. I do not intend on changing my ways now. I will put my best foot forth and pour my whole heart into the residency application process, in the end that is all I can do. All else is out of my control. If I stay true to who I am, God will guide me the rest of the way. Even if things don't work out perfectly as planned, everything will still be OK. I have the most wonderful man beside me, a family that loves me unconditionally, and faith in God's plan. Everything else is superfluous.

Next month I am rotating at the Alexandria Clinic in Minnesota, I get to be home for a whole month in the summer! I am nervous and excited at the same time. There is an added pressure that I may know some of the patient's/employee's. I'll just have to do that much better I guess. Ryan, I will miss you so much! Please don't trash the apartment while I'm gone ;) (I know, you'd never do that)


We had some visitors a couple of weeks ago. Savannah, Marit, and Olivia came to spend a few days in Kansas City. I think we were all happy to get pool time in. Thanks for coming you three, it was fun. My sisters are the best!


For the second year in a row, I used my birthday money to attend a concert of my choice. This year I chose to take advantage of my fan club membership and buy Lady Antebellum tickets. I absolutely LOVE Lady A. Their music has been a refuge for me the past three years as I have spent countless hours studying to it. When they came on stage, my eyes started to water. I got so emotional because Lady A's music is more than a culmination of notes to me. It represents comfort, a way to bring me home again. The concert was awesome, I can't wait to see them again someday! Tim McGraw was an added bonus. I like his music and movies but he seemed arrogant to me on stage which turned me off a bit but it didn't deter from the overall enjoyment of the night.

Currently Reading: The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum

Love ♥ Raquel

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Sitting here writing this, I can't help but think of a beautiful woman who had the charisma to transform lives. A woman whose passion for life emanated to all those around her. A woman who loved her family dearly and wasn't afraid to show it. I am remembering my cousin Breanna, who passed last week at the age of 28. I remember watching her give her high school graduation speech with so much conviction and her whole life ahead of her, hoping that I could someday be as good and hard working as she was. She had a gift of teaching and a love of literature that she spread to those she taught. Her spirit shone bright at her memorial service yesterday. The service was full of beautiful music, psalm, and tributes. As I saw her one-year old daughter's ponytail in the front row bobbing up and down to the music her mother so dearly loved, I knew that her love would live on through it all. A beautiful woman gone too soon, now in the arms of our Lord in a land of bountiful grace. We will love and miss you always, Breanna!

I read this recently and wanted to share it also.
Poem written by Mrs. J.C. Yule,

A voice missed by the dear home-hearth--
A voice of music and gentle mirth--
A voice whose lingering sweetness long
Will float through many a Sabbath song,
And many a hallowed, evening hymn,
Tenderly breathed in the twilight dim!
--But that missing voice, with a richer tone,
Is heard in the anthems before the throne;
And another voice and another lyre,
Are added now to the angel-choir

A form is missed in the hour of prayer,
At the altar, now, there's an empty chair,
Where one lonely pleader hath scarcely won
Strength, e'en yet, for "_Thy will be done!_"
--But that missing form in its saintly dress
Of Christ's unsullied righteousness,
Bows with worshipful accents sweet,
Where angels bow at the Saviour's feet

A step is missed by the cradle bed
Where an infant nestles its sleeping head--
Smiling, perchance, in his baby rest,
Deeming his pillow her gentle breast--
But the feet that moved with a soundless tread
In the calm still night by that cradle bed,
Beyond the waters of death now stand

Mid the fadeless flowers of the Heavenly land O heart, sore pierced by the fatal dart--
O, wounded, suffering, bleeding heart--
More than all others doomed to miss
The glance, the accent, the smile, the kiss,--
Nothing is lost that you miss to day--
Not even the beautiful, death cold clay
But Jesus guards it with watchful eye,
Soon to restore it no more to die,
Clothed in the bloom of immortal life,
The sinless mother, the sainted wife!

♥ Raquel

Listening To: "Love Lives On" by Mallary Hope

Breanna's Obituary

You Can’t take the Country Out of the Girl

At Matthew's college graduation two weeks ago, the speaker described to the new graduates that in times of great obstacles (a.k.a. crap job market following a deep recession) one has the opportunity to become a leader. As Matthew graduated from the University of Minnesota business school, this message had an even greater significance. This speaker told of the 90's boom and how greed took over. The more you have, the more you want. He encouraged the new graduates to seize the opportunity to become leaders of change; to strive for greater moral standards in the business world, ditch the hierarchy, and foster teamwork and communication. It was inspiring. The more I thought about it, I realized that this is not just an opportunity for business people to change how things are run, but for all of us. We can mold our future and change culture for the better, no matter how old or young we are. People over materialism. Optimism over cynicism. I find this a daunting task for me as I will soon enter the health care field as an independent agent, let's hope I can live up to the challenge. It was a great weekend in Minneapolis seeing Ryan's family and congratulations again Matthew!

I have recently learned to shoot a shotgun. At the adjournment of my days in Hoisington, our preceptor brought us out to shoot clays. I never knew how much fun shooting could be, despite the fact I have horrible aim. Though, I was told I did well for my first time shooting. You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl!

Speaking of country, the day I returned Ryan and I were going to relax when we realized that Darius Rucker and Brad Paisley were playing at the Sprint Center. So, one hour before the concert we went on Craigslist and found a good deal on tickets and an hour later we were there. Little did we know they were front row on the catwalk! The people didn't want the tickets because they wanted to go out for dinner instead... really?? People are crazy.

The rest of the weekend was spent with friends, oh and driving to Jefferson City to see the Capitol.

The past couple weekends have been a nice respite from the ordinary. Just found out today I am doing my emergency medicine rotation this month. I am pretty excited for it despite the fact that I really wanted a pathology elective. Everything doesn't always work out exactly how you plan, I guess. Happy late Memorial Day.

♥ Raquel

I'm Not in Kansas (City) Anymore

Raquel here, reporting from the humble abode I currently reside in. Location: Hoisington, Kansas. In our 3rd year we are required to do a rural rotation and I ended up four hours west of Kansas City in a town of 2,500. I was not looking forward to this family medicine rotation at all but I am happy to report it has been much better than expected. I LOVE small town medicine, much more fun than the big city in my opinion. Everyone has been so welcoming to us and are thankful for all we do here. Stark contrast from being treated as second rate citizens in the big KC. I kind of forgot how relaxing it is to live in a small town, it has been 7 years (I know, I can't believe it either). The pace is slower and no one is ever in a hurry. It seems that because of that, things are also more efficient. Who knew? I love that everyone knows everyone else and that true relationships are formed. I am also thrilled to report that since my arrival in rural Kansas, I have not had one inkling of a headache... For me not to have one headache in a time frame of two weeks is actually pretty remarkable. My body is trying to tell me something, I think.


I have one suitcase worth of clothing, a book bag of text and fiction books, my toiletries, iPod, and computer. Life is so much more simple, it makes me wonder why we clutter our lives with things we don't need when they inevitably just increase the maintenance and stress required to function. I am able to enjoy the weather, breathe the fresh air, enamor at the sky full of stars, and experience once again stress-free living. It's hard to explain but I feel like air, like a bunch of weight has been lifted. I am refreshed and ready to move onto 4th year, what a great gift it has been.


Ryan and I met halfway last weekend to go on a camping extravaganza. We had an awesome camping wedding shower thrown for us and are stocked up on the camping gear so we decided to make use of it! We had a great time. (Besides the 30 mph winds and 32 degree weather one night) One thing I demanded was to see the Wizard of Oz Museum. It was very cheesy, complete with the Wizard of Oz soundtrack playing over and over, and thousands of collector items from the movie but interesting none the less. I have to say the highlight of the weekend, though was visiting the President Eisenhower Library/Museum. It is remarkable what that one man accomplished in his lifetime. The history of our country is fascinating to me and that is what I enjoy most about the presidential libraries, they make our history palpable. If anyone gets a chance to visit it or any other presidential library, I highly recommend it.


I have droned on enough about inconsequential things but I am satisfied with my current feelings of contentment. Take some time for yourself this month, it will do you wonders.

Love ♥,
Raquel

Currently Reading: "Fire" by Kristin Cashore
Listening to: "Falling Slowly" by The Frames

Cruising in San Diego

I nearly missed my flight. My progressive laxity about arrival time before a flight out of MCI finally backfired. Typically the line for check in is two people long and security takes a mere five minutes to get through. However, the day I decide to arrive later, the lines are long and they almost didn't let me on my flight. I did what I do best and thankfully was able to whine my way onto the flight. Consequently, I was on track to meet Mom, Grandma, and Savannah at the Denver airport to join them on the rest of the trek to San Diego. Just seeing their bright and beautiful faces made my day. Ever since Savannah and I were in high school we have talked about doing a girls trip with the four of us and it has just never happened. There always seemed to be a good reason for not going but we decided that now was the time to stop talking about it and actually do it.

We arrived in San Diego late on Wednesday night and were a bit concerned about the lack of activity, strip clubs on every corner, and the creepy noises in our hotel room. When the power went out in our room all we could do was congregate on the one king bed and laugh, hoping the lights would come on soon. The power eventually did come back on and we decided to just get some rest. We woke the next morning to blue skies and realized we were not in the ghetto and that our small town worries were unwarranted.

We spent Thursday exploring the treasures of San Diego. In Old Town we had a full Mexican breakfast accompanied with margaritas, chips, and salsa. It's five o'clock somewhere, right?It felt like half the day was spent navigating the public transportation system. If you lived there it would be quite simple, but we are apparently challenged. Luckily, we were able to get everywhere we wanted to go regardless. The highlight of the day was taking the bus over the Coronado Bridge to the island of Coronado which houses the military base and the famous Hotel del Coronado. We spent some time on the beach and enjoyed the views from the hotel. After busing our way back to downtown San Diego we decided to walk around the Gaslamp District to get dinner where our waitress' name was Kate Walsh, born May 5, 1985 and also whom had a fraternal twin sister. Very strange. The only difference we could find was that she was not born in Fargo, ND but sunny CA.

Friday started with us heading to the port of call to board our cruise. We were having a good time enjoying the sunshine and discovering the ship. Little did we know that as soon as the ship left the port we would all feel every movement. Mom was so sick she missed dinner! So Grandma, Savannah, and I went without her. Leave it to Grandma to tell the waiters that it was our birthday... they made us both get up with all the waiters and dance to "Get Low" by Lil Jon in front of everyone. Most would know by now that we really didn't dance but more were laughing with bright, red faces. At least one of our table members got up towards the end of the song and showed us how to get low... I'm glad some people like being the center of attention. Thanks, Grandma! It was an awesome birthday.

Mom got some medicine to help with her sea sickness and she felt much better the next day. The day was spent exploring the cruise ship and enjoying each others company. On Sunday we had a port of call in Ensendada, Mexico. We decided to spend our time at the flea market and blow hole of Ensenada. The forty minute bus ride out there was humbling to say the least. I am baffled by how people live and the extent of poverty. The flea market was overwhelming. I think having white skin preempted sellers to maul us about buying their products. It was truly beautiful out there, though. Ensenada means "a bay surrounded by hills" in Spanish. I was amazed at the under utilization of the land surrounding the water. The culture difference astounds me. Once back on the cruise, we were heading to the sunning area on the forward of the ship and Savannah fell half-way down the stairs. It seemed strange at the time but later we realized that it was an Earthquake!

The trip was awesome. We would have had fun together no matter where we had gone. Whether it was about the sewage smell in our room, Mom's dress that was way too big, the squishy worms, scratching noises on our door, or the cruise comedian, we were laughing. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. The women in my life are my best friends and I am so glad we decided to go on this trip together. I love you guys.

♥ Raquel

Currently Reading: "Graceling" by Kristin Cashore
Listening to: "I Keep on Loving You" by Reba McEntire