5.31.12

Another day in NJ done.  My co-worker from England left today for camp for the summer.  She was a lot of fun and will be missed and remembered throughout the summer.  She was our motivation for this summers fitness plan and we plan on shocking her with our progress when she comes back.  With her leaving this means that I will have the room to myself for a couple weeks until the new staff makes it in.  I liked our unspoken agreement that there was not any chit-chat at night or in the morning.  We had a nice little routine going that allowed each of us to wind down for bed and get woken up and ready for the day in the morning.  I will have to explain this little system to the new girl when the time comes.  I am excited that I now have the nice big bed in our room and my feet will no longer hang off the edge.  I have organized everything and now just need some little things to put on the walls or dressers to liven it up a little bit.  It looks a little empty at the moment. 

Our morning started off with a nice 2hr clean of one room in the house.  We did floors and baseboards and dressers and windows.  I'm thinking it was a good idea that we started with this room because there are about 15 windows and that makes for a lot of blinds to clean.  It took forever and we have decided that nobody can go in that room...ever!  lol.  Too bad this is how every room will be by the end of this cleaning spree.  After that one room we had lunch and then headed out for shopping for things needed around the house.  Found some new sleep/walking shorts for $3, super exciting.  This whole adventure took about 6hrs of the day.  We came home and had some dinner.  There was high intentions of cooking dinner tonight but we were all too worn out to attempt, so it was a nice easy dinner night.  Then it was off on our 3 mile walk, since we hadn't walked enough today.  We have made the rule that it doesn't count as our daily walk if our tennis shoes aren't on.  So as long as we don't wear our tennis shoes on our outings we will not have the excuse of walking all day to get out of our 3 mile walk.  I think we have also decided that our little path that we have been taking might be more than 3 miles.  I walk at a pretty fast pace and we were walking fast for me.  Poor Laura (co-worker from Scotland) she has short little legs and I pushed her pretty hard tonight.  Anyway, it took us right at an hr to get through.  We will have to try to measure it somehow in the next couple days.  It will work for now but once the travelers start coming back in mid-June we will have to cut it back to no more than 30 min. 

By the time the cleaning, shopping and walking were done we were exhausted.  I don't think I have ever walked this much.  But it will all pay off in the end I hope.  Still pushing strong for getting in shape by the end of the summer.  Tomorrow's plan is to get through a couple more rooms and then take a picnic down to the beach and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun.  I am really excited about tomorrow afternoon. I am getting some pretty interesting tan lines already though.  None of my shirts hit the same...lol.  Who knows what I will look like when I make it home.  Tonight is a quiet night and we are all headed to bed pretty early. 

5.30.12

I don't believe I posted last night so I will catch up tonight.  Yesterday was a pretty relaxed day, we spent most of the morning at Walmart and Sam's getting things that we will be using to get ready to get the house all ready.  We all went to dinner last night for Emma's going away party.  (Emma is the staff from England that will be at camp all summer).  We will miss her dearly but she has left us with a challenge.  Between Laura (the staff here from Scotland) and me we have made a goal of 80lbs lost by the time Emma gets back at the end of August.  This is a pretty high goal but with a little hard work, watching our diet and staying motivated I think we can achieve it.  We have planned out our walking path and we will do it everyday, rain or shine.  We will decrease the time it takes to get it done and add in sit ups and push ups.  When groups of travelers are here, we will take the faster paced groups and let the skinny girls take the slower group. Each store trip will consist of lots of fruits and veggies and we can do it! 
Yesterdays funny moment was watching all the different typed of people on the boardwalk.  Some where running, some walking, some riding bikes.  Many of them only wanted to look the part of being into the work out while others were way over the top with it.
Today was a little relaxed as well. We filled out forms on how well our travelers are doing and printed out pictures to be mailed to them.  After a trip to the post office and CVS, we dropped Emma off at the Outlets for shopping.  We then came back to the house and stuffed the pictures into the enveloped.  Made some cupcake brownie things that are great for our diet plan that has just recently started.  We have blamed Emma on us wanting to eat the junk food before she leaves.  We are determined to shock her when she gets back at the end of August.  We have even told her she needs to perfect her shocked and amazed face.  It would be awesome!!!
Funny moment of the day was the poor old out on the board walk while we were on our run.  This man was riding a bike with mo shirt on and his poor skin was very stretchy and leathery.  Each time he would pedal it make his old man saggy boobs dance.  It was a terrible sight to see and I do not think my eyes will ever recover from something that dramatic...

5.28.12

I can say that today was much calmer of a day.  After packing everyone up and breakfast this morning I went with a co-worker to take some travelers back to Philadelphia.  I am going to be good at this whole train system thing by the time I leave here.  It takes a while to get there and back because of waiting on the times for the return train so it took up a big chunk of the day but it was a nice change in pace to sit for a little while.  Of course by the time we got back to the house and chilled for a very short time we were all bored and ready to be up moving again.  So we decided it was time I go to the beach.  We played soccer and attempted to build a sand castle.  Until creepy looking bugs started to appear the further we dug for our castle.  Dang bugs had to ruin our fun.  But it was nice to sit out there and just enjoy the view and the weather.  One of the girls I work with is from Scotland and she is always laughing at me when I get cold in the van or when we are out in the shade.  Apparently I am a wimp when it comes to cold weather.  Give me hot and I will be good, although I am thinking this humidity is going to kick me in the butt.  This evening was pretty relaxed and tomorrow will be as well.  I am glad that I can hopefully get some sleep tonight.  I thought I was tired enough last night to not take my Ambien but of course I was wrong so I am going off very little sleep and a crazy busy weekend.  Tomorrow should be pretty relaxed as well.  I don't think we are getting into the deep clean and down to business until Wed. 

Funny of the day was at the train station in Philadelphia.  Last night we were having a conversation about how different Americans are from the British in the sense that we seem to talk to random people a lot more than they do.  The co-worker from England was stating that she hates getting on a train or plane and being stuck next to that person that wants to talk your ear off while she just wants to sleep.  So this guy at the train station starts talking to her about her accent and where she is from.  It seemed to him that he knew everything about England and wanted to tell her it all.  He really had no clue what he was talking about and I just happen to need to leave at that exact time to go find a restroom leaving her stranded in conversation with this guy.  He would not shut up.  You know those annoying people and she gets it a lot and of course me being the American that will talk to most people just left her stranded.  We then had to hide from him when we loaded the train since he was on the same one.  Note to all of you out there who think you are experts on other countries and try to talk to people from them, you probably won't win the "I know more that you do" contest, so don't try.  It is funny to me but annoying for them. 

I talked to Lisa and got an update on Matoska tonight.  She is getting along with out me.  That is great for her but I hope she doesn't forget me by the time I get back home.  I miss her so much and LOVE the daily photo updates I get.  Thank you again Lisa!  You rock!

Fingers crossed for Mom tomorrow.  It is big election day.  She is running for County Attorney for Carson County!  Good luck Ma!  Love you!

5.27.12

Another new and exciting day here in NJ.  I am exhausted that is for sure.  Our first group leaves tomorrow and it will be a couple weeks of a little bit of relaxing and exploring where I am and a lot of cleaning and getting the house really ready for the craziness this summer will bring.  There have been so many people that have crowded in for the opening of the season for all the little shops and beaches around here.  Compared to what I thought was crazy driving in Texas this is mass chaos.  These drivers are insane.  People jump out at you everywhere.  I don't understand how they do it, there are traffic laws for a reason.  They apparently just don't apply here. 

So the day was filled with a trip to Ocean City for a lot of shopping on the board walk and avoiding all the seagulls attempting to steal every one's food.  Then a drive to the cute little shops in Smithville.  Tonight we did a cookout here at the house.  Everyone had a great time and it only seems that the staff got really sunburned.  I guess we should remember when we are putting sunscreen on our travelers to get ourselves too...lol.  But if a sunburn is what I have to endure as a sacrifice all this shopping and beach, I think I can manage. 

5.26.12

Today has been great!  I am really getting to know this set of travelers and seeing their excitement over everything we do makes it that much more exciting for me.  We started out the morning in the casino.  Being there brought back memories of how much my grandma loved to gamble.  I even felt young when I got carded on the casino floor...lol.  And here I am stressing about how quickly I have gotten older.  After a bit there it was off to take some pictures and see the boardwalk before lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.  Fact I did not know that I learned today was that Monopoly was designed from Atlantic City and every summer they make a huge Monopoly board in the streets around the casinos.  That should be fun to see.  After lunch we made our way back to the boardwalk for some shopping.  Everyone was so excited to get some souvenirs to take back home with them.  Tonight was the Legends show.  That was a lot of fun.  I am not sure what kind of accent the Adele singer was trying to have but she did not pull it off.  And I don't really that Adele or Justin Timberlake have really made the Legend name yet.  Elvis was suppose to be there but did not and Whitney Houston was a little disappointing as well.  But besides me being over critical of every singer it was a good time. 

The funny of the day would be when my co-worker sampled a salad.  She is an even more picky eater than me, which is really hard to do.  But the face she made was hilarious and she said it tasted like when you fall face first into a field...lol.  That has been determined to be our explanation for everything this summer...it's like when you fall face first into...

Overall, thus far, the experience has been great.  I am really happy that this opportunity came up and I am learning so much and getting to experience so much.  It is kind of strange being so cut off from the rest of the world for most of my days but I am also kind of enjoying it.  Of course there are things and people that I miss while I am here but I am trying to take everything in and enjoy all that comes with this summer. 

5.25.12

Today we got into the full swing of things.  By  mid afternoon we had 12 travelers for this weekends fun.  Learning the system and how everything works will come easily enough I think.  Learning all the travelers will be the fun challenge.  I love the workings in their heads.  I want to figure out what makes each and everyone of them respond, or what they like and don't like.  That is my enjoyment.  Again today the staff is great.  We are going to get along really well.  Tomorrow will be an early start for a very busy day.  Casino, shopping, Hard Rock Cafe and the Legends show...woot woot.  Going to be exciting! 

Not too many funny moments of the day.  Although there was reminders of the funny stuff yesterday.  Can you believe that you do not get out and pump your own gas in New Jersey?  I don't remember if I said it the other day or not but I was amazed that someone does it for you.  They don't want you to get out of your car.  CRAZY!  I'm sure there is more humor from today, like staff walking behind a traveler going up the stairs to make sure she doesn't fall and me behind that staff, I had to catch her from falling...lol.  And we are worried about the travelers...

I have decided that I better have a great looking booty by the time I get back to Texas.  Stair up to the house.  Stairs up to the second floor (12,000 times a day) and another set of stairs to the 3rd floor.  I'm tired of stairs already and we have just begun.  And there is noway I will be able to maintain my hair.  There is no point in straightening it or even curling it because the incredible humidity around here kills it.  In fact, I'm not even going to attempt to dry it all summer.  I'm sure it will look lovely. It is a good thing I don't have to try to impress my travelers.  I think that is about it for tonight.  I need to be sleeping for that early morning wake-up.  Good night all :)

5.24.12

Today has been great!  I have not laughed so hard in a long time.  Most of it was spent cleaning and shopping to finish getting ready for our travelers to start arriving for our first fun filled weekend on the shore.  The staff that is here is meshing well and I think they will be great.  The accent barrier is only causing some confusion but it is neat too.  Who knows what I will be talking like when I get back once I understand my English and Scotland roommates. 

I think there is going to have to be at least one funny story from the day.  I am thinking some days will exceed just the one but I think I should share some of my laughs along to everyone.  The first story that had me laughing was the discussion about me burning my chest last week when I was shooting with Lisa.  It was a little hard to explain how you catch the spent casing in your shirt but once past that the fixation on was on that I know how to shoot and everyone should be afraid bc I was coming after them if they irritated me...lol.  So of course I explained to run in a zig-zag to be harder to hit.  So of course they had to practice their zig-zag running skills.  It was awesome.  THEN at dinner tonight we were eating pizza, pretty normal right?  And it was very good.  One of the staff had gotten some mussels and convinced another staff to sample it.  It was hilarious!  She chewed slowly, her face gradually turned red and she finally swallowed it and attempted to get rid of the taste with her water.  Apparently the taste of mussels stick with you for a bit.  Then the explanation of what these taste like comes a "you know when you fall into the sea and you get an unexpected mouth full of water that you can't get rid of?  That is what this tastes like."  LOL...we were laughing so hard.

This is the wonderful view I get to wake up to each morning!  It is awesome!  It has been beautiful weather and can't wait for all our travelers to get here tomorrow and the real chaos can begin!!!

5.23.12

I have officially survived day one of my adventure although starting the morning out I did have my doubts.  I was up early, but unfortunately with a migraine, which kind of persisted most of the day.  Made it to the airport on time and the people there to check my bags in were RUDE!  I was afraid that was going to set the tone for the day, but it did not.  My flight from Dallas to Philadelphia was very interesting.  Sat and chatted with a guy who actually packs spare clean socks in his carry-on to change into after he has to take his shoes off to get through security.  Lisa and I were just joking that people like that are probably out there.  Weirdness and all he was entertaining on my long flight. 

The anxiety really sat in once I landed in Philadelphia.  I then had to carry all my bags (which were ridiculously heavy) to find the right little jumper train to get to the big center city train station.  Keep in mind, this Texas girl is NOT familiar with trains, or subways, or any of the sort.  Once I made it to the main train station I relaxed for a minute to take in the beauty of the station.  It looked like the train stations in movies and although the people there were a little short with directions I was able to figure out what I needed to do and where. I did break my big suitcase at this point due to me carrying my small one on it and attempting the stairs.  So now the pull handle thing is stuck half up and half down.  Oh well...minor tragedy. 

I successfully made my way to Atlantic City and the train ride was awesome.  So many things to look at that are sooo not Texas.  Met some of the staff I will be working with and got the grand tour of the Shore house.  The people seem awesome so far.  There is one from Scotland and one from England and I love listening to them talk although I do not always catch what they are saying or meaning. But they are really interesting people and can't wait to meet more.  I can see the ocean from my bedroom window and it is amazing.  The weather is going to be great and after my nervousness from the trip calmed I am ready for what tomorrow may bring.  :)

5.22.12

Well...tomorrow starts my summer adventure.  I am leaving the comfort of Texas to a world unknown.  I was lucky enough to locate a job working with a very special group of individuals.  I will be assisting them on their own special summer vacation.  Time spent on at a beach house of New Jersey will be a tough job but I think I can handle it :) With this adventure I will have the opportunity to spend my summer away from Texas, meet some incredible people and see what the rest of this world has to offer.  Since the whereabouts of my summer are for the most part unknown and have the possibility of being new from week to week it has been suggested that I keep a record of this adventure (thanks Ma).  So, as of 7am tomorrow morning I will be on the way to Pennsylvania where I will attempt to navigate a train system to Atlantic City where I will then make my way to the beach house for the first weekend adventure.  So very excited and a little nervous! The hardest part of being gone for the summer is leaving my poor puppy.  She has been with me everyday for the past year and a half.  Luckily I have the most wonderful friend I could ask for that will take amazing care of her while I am gone (thanks Lisa).  Good luck to her with my needy baby!