Current Events: First Week Back

Last week was my first week back to work after 10 weeks off from Beach Bum learning how to be someone's mom..I thought planning weddings was hard...ha!! It was interesting to dive back in with both feet and change my day to day...and of course, it flew by!

All the Bums were in Antigua for the annual BBV trip doing site tours, visiting elementary schools for Beach Bum CARES, and drinking at the swim up bar, while I hung back, manned Hurricane Ida and answered the 877 line (aka the customer service line). It wasn't the best possible week to be back, but it wasn't the worst. I love what I do, I love my clients and I love to plan weddings and honeymoons. Take away flight delays and bad weather, and my job would be (almost) perfect (except I had a baby and had to miss the annual trip this year - BOO baby!).

I spent my week adjusting to a new routine that didn't include sitting on my ass feeding, rocking and talking to Max. For 10 weeks, that is what I did (Max loves CSI, I swear) but I'll get to that in my Blast from the Past posts. In either case, I hired a nanny and along with my 1st week back, it was her first week on the job with Maximus.

I cannot describe the nervousness that ensued knowing that someone was coming here to watch my son while I worked in the basement (yah, that cool office Erich did for me...it's the nursery now). I hired Rian after interviewing four or five girls from www.care.com. She was perfect on paper so I was anxious to meet her. And, of course, once I met her, I was sold.

Now...to sell Mr. Max. He is not a hard sell. As long as you know how to make a bottle and lay him in the swing when he is tired, he is good to go. OK, my baby isn't THAT easy but almost (helllllo...I'm his mother!).

Our first week, she came 9-2 four days and on the fifth, I drove him down to see Audra so I could work and she helped me out. It went REALLY well. Thank goodness!! I was sooo nervous about everything working out so I could figure out a balance between being a good mom, a good Beach Bum, a client advocate, a party planner and a good wife. I'm not perfect and probably never will be, but hey...I can keep trying!

On Saturday, I hosted my new fabulous friends the Hip Mamas for a Pure Romance party. Also my first real party since giving birth. Lots of firsts all in one week! And, it was AWESOME!!

And, On Sunday, Hip Mama Mia (wife of #68, Eric Foster) hosted me at the biggest regular season Colts game (oh yah, that has not changed at all!) in recent history against the Pats where I witnessed a 35-34 come back victory by the UNDEFEATED Boys in Blue!!! It was an amazing end to an fanfuckingtastic weekend!

Blast from the Past Part I: Deciding to be a Mom

I think revisiting how I got to where I am now is only fair to those of you I inadvertently abandoned. As you can tell, I went off and had a baby! And, I am so excited about it, but it wasn't always that much fun...

I stopped blogging right around the same time I decided I wanted to become a mother. I was also getting VERY busy with my work, which I also love. The blog just began to take a backseat to my "real" life, I suppose.

I will start with what was an accident...no lie, Erich and I went to Mexico with friends in early May 2008 right before we went to St. Lucia and at the end of the month (yes, I traveled like 17 days of the month that year), I got a + test after a week of feeling odd and a missed period. Well, obviously, that didn't "stick" so to speak, but I will tell you that I had a mini-nervous breakdown when I saw those pink lines on a test! I hadn't really considered what it would be like to have a baby. I was still throwing up out of moving cabs on weekends (thank GOD those days are over) when that + sign came into view.

But it got my attention. Instead of curling up in a little ball in the corner of the bathroom like I thought I would do, I embraced the idea of pregnancy (after all, two of my besties, Sarah and Emily were knocked up) and having a baby isn't the end of the world (especially when you love your husband and have lots of love to offer someone else), so after a party-filled summer, I packed up my sister and we went to NYC to visit Sarah to end it with a bang.














It was actually the first time I had ever MET Sarah, but we had known each other online (oh yah, I made friends online) through the Knot for a couple of years. I invited myself to visit and she graciously agreed to host us in her adorable tiny little NYC apartment - it was just like the movies!

She was 19-20 weeks pregnant at the time. She wasn't having the best time with her pregnancy - there was lots of morning sickness, but she was still adorable and glowing! Not only was she there bouncing along in her non-maternity clothes, but my bestie, Emily came in from Maryland to see us. She was ALSO 20 weeks pregnant, so I was surrounded in fertility.
And, after this visit, a surprise baby shower for them, and some long chats about moving into the next realm of adulthood, it was decided on the plane ride home, I would be TTC (trying to conceive) if I could convince my fabulous hubby (and don't I always get what I want???).

I would like to say....there is more to this decision than a random crying moment on a bathroom floor with a pink plus sign and some miserable stories about the first half of pregnancy from my friends that persuaded me to jump off the "I never want to have kids" train but....there's not. I just needed a little push.

....to be continued

Meet Max Kenneth - My New Favorite Man

It's been far too long. I have no excuse except I got knocked up last year and never got too inspired to talk about it. Hard to believe, I know!

Well, the least I can do is pick up where I left off...so here I am!

Introducing, Max Muensterbee, weighing in at 8.1 lbs, 20.75 inches long on September 1, 2009 at 5:16 a.m.


I hatttte blogger, b/c I cannot upload in mass quantities. This is probably why I quit. I suck!

Bears vs. COLTS

Aren't you all glad I am back??? I would never leave you hanging during FOOOOOTBALL SEASON!!

I am pumped (as usual) for Week 1 of the NFL!!

Chili, wings, a new Bob Sanders jersey, hanging with my boys (Rasta and Erich) and enjoying a rainy Sunday from my recliner.

This.is.the.life.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLTS!!

Well, we opened the season with a loss. This is NOT how I anticipated it going but 'tis the life of the NFL.

Colts
0-1

....In Jamaica

If you all could understand how much I need a break!!

I miss you though!!

Hopefully ...be back soon!!

::HUGS::

Travel Tip #2: Book Early

I don't know about most of you all but I am a procrastinator. However, when it comes to booking your next vacation, that belated honeymoon or family vacation, I suggest NOT waiting.

Airfare is crazy unpredictable and the days of "last minute deals" are over, so the closer to your travel date that you wait, the more likely you'll pay more. I realize that every once in a while you might land a really great rate on a airfare package, but most likely, to lock in the exit row seat on a plane to a hot, fabulous place, you want to book it as soon as possible to avoid overpaying and getting exactly what you want.

This holds true for resorts/hotels/popular destinations as well. Don't wait!! You won't get that gorgeous ocean view room with 24 hour room service and have to settle for a sidewalk view with the dumpster in the back. You'll have to accept less!! Don't do that!!

Get what you want, how you want. Create a budget that works, plan ahead and book your vacation early (with me of course!).

Rasta ...Mr. Boom Basta

Another massive distraction in my life is the addition of our new baby...puppy!

Erich and I have been "discussing" (aka arguing) about a dog for about a year. Finally he compromised by giving me my way two weeks ago.

We ventured out on a rainy Tuesday night to the Humane Shelter. I'd been checking out www.petfinder.com for weeks and I knew I wanted a dog from the shelter.

Also, after much research about dogs and cats together, I decided a puppy was the ONLY way to make things work, because I knew the cats wouldn't be as offended by a dog who had never known a cat.

There weren't very many pups to choose from but that is OK because there was only one for us, anyway. He was sitting quietly cowering in the corner of his pen when we got there. We discovered that he was the last of a litter of 8 and they had all been adopted the weekend before, so he was all by himself!!

His little face was smooshed into the ground and he was looking at us, but not interested in getting close at all. But, it didn't matter. I knew he was the one. We did another round and considered one other pup for a second but my heart reached out and melted and we weren't going anywhere without this puppy.

Even Erich was hovering near him, and I just knew it was a done deal.

Adopting from the Humane Shelter in Indy is pretty easy. You fill out an application and as long as you seem half way normal, they let you take your animal home that night. We disclosed we had cats and only lived in a condo, but they don't mind. I think they knew we were a good choice for this munchkin!

How traumatizing to have all your brothers and sisters adopted away and to be left alone on a cold cement floor and then to suddenly be in a fast moving jeep on your way to Petsmart?!?!? Scary times!! But, all well worth it!

Erich named him Rasta, which is short for Rastafarian in honor of our favorite Caribbean island and destination wedding location, and it is a perfect fit, as he is a mellow, relaxed, lovin' water dog.

He was really nervous the first night. We couldn't get him to eat or drink or pee for about 24 hours.

He also had to meet cats for the first time in his short life (he is only 3 months old). Hello, Aggie!!

And, our alpha baby, Riesling....she is definitely curious!

A close up of the new little guy...look at that baby face!!

Oh, he already loves his daddy. Erich is such MUSH for this dog, ya'll!! It is SO adorable!!

He just cannot believe that this blanket is ALL his. He is so cute, it breaks my heart!!

Since having Rasta, my days are totally different. We spend the day together in my office, him fussing to play, me taking him out every hour or so. He is nearly 100% potty trained already and he fetches!!

His lab webbed feet we've discovered are his ticket to loving water. It has been storming a lot since we brought him home and he is so in love with being outside, he'll find every puddle you can imagine and land his big ass feet in the water just to see it splash. It is almost time to throw him in the deep end!!

We don't do a whole lot during the day and I try to tell him how lucky he is since so many doggy moms have to work and crate their pups during the day...he thinks I am lame and wishes I would play with him MORE.

But, Erich comes home at 5:30 and takes him out for hours of romping through the neighborhood, playing fetch and meeting the other neighbor pups. It is great.

I am VERY excited we got him, despite the fact that he has eaten two pairs of flip flops and my hard drive cord. TURD!!

Speaking of, it's time for a poo...he's gotta go!!

Rasta ...Mr. Boom Basta - SING IT!

SUUUUNNNY St. Lucia

So, no excuses other than I am REALLY busy and cannot stand the upload feature on Blogger!! I hate that I am not more connected to my online blogging buddies like I once was. Maybe this will be a kick start to getting back into blogging. I once really enjoyed it but that was when I hated my job and did everything to avoid working while I was at work!

Those days are no longer, and although I am at home, I spend immense amounts of hours dedicated to my clients (don't I sound like a fabulous agent? I know, it's because I am!)

I have a LOT of catching up to do. If you think I haven't been doing anything in my month away, you are wrong!!

First, let's talk St. Lucia! Last October, my VERY first trip working for Beach Bum Vacation, too me to this fabulous destination on a FAM (familiarization trip) with Sandals. It was a WHIRLWIND of craziness and in less than three days, I saw four resorts with 150 other agents, met some managers and was back in the states selling the properties.

It definitely gave me a TASTE of the beauty that I had no idea existed, in a place where pirates used to hide their wares...and of course, I had to go back!

As a special treat, Beach Bum gave all the bums a trip to paradise of their choice!

Erich and I immedately started planning our second honeymoon and we both decided St. Lucia was a place where we could have it all and it was possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity (for him at least!).

In February I bought our flights (which I will forwarn is the most expensive part of the trip) and in April, we decided on which resort.

We chose Sandals St. Lucia Regency Golf Resort and Spa (check it out on the right). It is an upbeat, social, outgoing resort! I absolutely love this resort, with it's bluff overlooking much of the Caribbean Sea, and it's fabulous pools (I'm such a pool girl).

We decided we had to experience the helicopter shuttle. It is a 15 minute flight between Hewanorra Airport and your resort. It is 3 times as fast, and you get to see the whole island. While I suffer from motion sickness, I still love to try new things, so even though I was NERVOUS, I was still REALLY excited!!

Here is a shot through the window over the island...isn't that beautiful!! The helicopter driver was quite a stoner. He is originally from Boston and has been living in the islands for 15 years, flying tourists to their resorts. I find this interesting and I'm slightly jealous...who does that?!?! Apparently, he does!! He gave us the run down on ganja in the mountains and explained that is where it is grown safely, because the cops are too lazy to go up there and get it. Love that!

Here's our ride...After 9 hours of travel, this is what I look like. HOT.

We arrived at our resort and I didn't have any memory left in my camera. On the flight, just as we were landing, I had a minor meltdown, because I realized I had forgotten my memory card in my computer at home! How the fuck did I do that?!?! I was really upset, thinking, HERE I AM IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY AND THEY AREN'T GOING TO HAVE A MEMORY CARD and I'M A TRAVEL AGENT WITH NO PICS!! WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THAT PICTURE. Somehow, I knew it would be OK, but I was really upset at the time.

However, when we arrived at our resort and were privately shuttled right up to the bluff check in, I knew my trip was going to be amazing. You see, the rooms on the bluff are ALL upgrades. Since I'm an agent, I automatically get the lowest level room (usually!) but Beach Bum has an INCREDIBLE relationship with Sandals and especially, Regency.

We got seated and greeted, given some cookies and champagne, a cold towel for our feet and neck (are you seeing now why San Pancho may not have been "me" - I like the spoilers). And, then...our butler came!

That's right, not only did we get upgraded, we got greeted with a BUTLER!! I have never had this full experience before and I was just thrilled!! I knew it was a week I would not soon forget!

She took us to the Honeymoon One Bedroom Romeo and Juliet Ocean View Suite. While it has not been renovated, the room was impeccable and gorgeous.

Princess and Shanna were our Butlers and they got us settled in and ready for relaxation.

Princess had already organized our nightly reservations for the restaurants we would NEED to check out and when we told her about my lost memory card, she offered to go into the market on her DAY OFF and get it!! I was shocked and THRILLED!! Crisis averted.

The view from our balcony was amazing, especially at night...with gorgeous palms and little lizards running around, sitting out on the patio was absolutely relaxing and incredible.

We spent the first evening completely exhausted from travel, lying on the comfy couches watching television. It was about time....

We spent the first day drinking and enjoying the pool on the other side of the resort. We met two great couples, ventured over to the Grande and had some lunch with our new friends. We drank and played water volleyball and I blacked out my afternoon. I don't know how this stuff happens...probably from drinking several strong beverages before noon!!

The next day, Erich and I spent some quiet time at the Piton Pool on the bluff...they have these fun waterfalls ...My hubby really enjoyed them!

On Tuesday night, we wanted to have dinner with our friends, so we asked Princess to hook up a reservation for 6, which is next to impossilbe if you don't have a butler! One of the couples couldn't even get a reservation! But, they were with us...let's roll out to Kimono's, a fabulous Japanese live cooking restuarant. We had sushi, shrimp, steak and chicken, fabulous dessert and entertainment.

We kept up the party late night, and had some fun at the outdoor bar...we were havinga n awesome time!

We got back to our room and Princess had decorated the bed (this was a nightly ritual and always came with dessert!! YUM!!)

The evenings spent in were just as relaxing and wonderful as those spent out. The sunset from our room was always so amazing and in St. Lucia, if you watch closely, there is a FLASH of red, at the line where the sun meets the space before the earth makes the final turn on the horizon. It is absolutely awesome!!

On Thursday, we got up and caught the shuttle to check out other properties around the island and have some other fun experiences.

The mountains in St. Lucia make it even that much more romantic! It is so amazing between the ocean, the banana fields, the tropical jungle, the mountains, the beach....you get everything in one small place. It is truly paradise.

On our last night, Erich and I were treated to a very special dinner for Butler only guests at Gordon's on the Pier. It is out in the sea, and of course, we sat outside. Our servers were extremely attentive, the food was pristine, and they serenaded our evening. We shared the space with just a few other couples and had one of the most romantic dinners we have ever had together with the lazy waves lapping underneath us and the Piton Mountains as our backdrop.

Who could ask for more?!?!
I can't wait to go back and for those of you considering your next vacation, this is a MUST see. Put it on your list!

Travel Tip #1: Smart Packing

Now that it's summer, you might be off on your next vacation, camping trip or other long weekend. All this traveling in the last year or so has taught me one thing! Pack light! It makes your life SO much easier! And, with the ever changing baggage fees attached to airline rates, you may as well learn some basics to keep things moving along and avoid spending extra money!

Tip 1: Roll your clothes tight and you'll be able to get more in the bag.

Tip 2: Bring JUST what you need. This might sound easier said than done, but if you take the time to break down what you REALLY will wear the whole week (do it by day), I promise you will only bring what you NEED.

Tip 3: Bring more shirts than pants (you can always rewear and mix and match with your bottom half)

Tip 4: Bring less shoes - they take up space in your bag and if you pack appropriately, you'll know you don't need more than one pair of black pumps. Bring clothes and shoes that you can wear in combos vs. picking items that only go with ONE particular pair of shoes.

Tip 5: Put your bathing suits in your carry on. They take up NO space, so no need to put them in your bigger bag.

Tip 6: Bring an entire outfit in your carry on, just in case your luggage doesn't make the trip.

Tip 7: Learn the TSA rules and carry on your liquids. It will minimize your extras so much! Keep in mind that most hotels/resorts have the basic necessities from shampoo to lotion.

I am sure there are many more, but this is a great start for the vacation season.
And, remember, if you or anyone else is planning a trip in the near future, I'm here and would LOVE to help guide and support you all the way to the beach!

San Pancho, Mexico

Hola, Senors y senoritas!

Having just returned from what I can only describe as "rustic" Mexico, I have to say ...while it was unique and very different, I don't know that it was my speed.

I loved the house we stayed in. It was absolutely beautiful and set on a HUGE jungle mountainside. It was so incredible in the middle of nowhere; although, the ride through the jungle and down the hillside was REALLY rough on my sensitive belly.

Our house had a manager/chef awaiting us when we arrived. His name was Luigi and he showed us around our 12 person house. Erich and I chose a villa in the middle of the house outside...it had netting on the bed (indicating bugs...yay!) and its own shower/bathroom area.

I really loved the house. It was HUGE, spacious, romantic and fun for a group. I didn't love that I couldn't eat whenever I wanted. We really weren't provided with middle of the day snacks, only three meals a day. While that is fine, it wasn't enough when you are drinking HEAVILY for several hours.

The VIEW was to DIE for!! Absolutely AMAZING. It was heartstopping!! I have to say ....it was the best part of the whole trip. The sunsets took your breath away and the ocean crashed into the rocks at rapid force. It was so incredible.

On our last night an entire (school/family?) of dolphins swam through. I am not exaggerating when I say there were probably 100s of them...in one big long line, jumping and migrating north. I was in AWE of this pristine moment in nature. I have never seen something like that and it nearly brought tears to my eyes (I am so sad our photos of it didn't really come out!)
Check out my slideshow:

In the days, we sat in the infinity pool with pitchers of margaritas by our side...by night, we played poker, drank beer, played Caps and Catch Phrase. We visited town, shopped in authentic Mexican stores, ate REAL Mexican food and even spent a whopping $2 ($200 pesos) on 30 minutes at an internet cafe. We browsed real estate ads ($435,000 was the cheapest one bedroom villa) and enjoyed the beach.

All in all, it was a great trip, but I have to say...I'm totally spoiled and really like the all inclusive, swim up bar, eat whenever and however much you want, feel of resorts. Maybe it's my job that is tainting me, maybe it is the rough bumpy ride through the jungle. But whatever it is, as much as I really liked the house and the view, it is probably not enough to make me do it again.

Next stop....St. Lucia (May 10-17). See you on the flip side!!