Monday, August 17, 2009

Philly

Today we spent the day in Philadelphia which is only 1 hour and 45 minutes away. Eric had a lunch meeting there and Audrey and I joined him. I had been there 15 years ago, but thought it would be fun to do the touristy thing there. Unfortunately, I learned that most of Philly is closed on Monday. I even did my internet research ahead of time but found it was useless since things that were supposed to be closed were open and things that were supposed to be open were closed. Nevertheless, Eric joined us for some site seeing and Philly Cheese Steak eating after his meeting and we made it a good (but very hot) day.
Independence Hall looks so small with all the tall buildings around it.

Homes in Elfreth's Alley. The cool thing is that people really live there.Historic Boot Scraper
Cheerio time!
Besty Ross House (she sewed the first American Flag)
Benjamin Franklin's grave. I cannot believe they charge to go into a cemetery.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Beach Time!

We having been feeling the heat and more the humidity and were excited to have a getaway at the beach. Audrey and I had the opportunity to go to Bethany Beach in Delaware with Stefanie and Sofia for a few days at stay at their pastor's beach house (the boys had to work). The night before leaving, I passed out twice and Eric witnessed some seizure-like movement during the episodes. It really scared him, so he dragged me to the ER. Luckily, our neighbor was still awake and watched Audrey for us. The doctors admitted me for lots of tests (CAT scan, MRI, echo, EKG, EEG...). My 24 hour stay felt longer than it was. It is amazing what a bad patient I am considering I am a nurse. I hate to be tied down by an IV, leads (cardiac), pulse ox and BP cuff. I hate having to get disconnected every time I had to pee (in a hat). The doctor wanted me to stay a second night for monitoring, but I advocated for sleepless self (I only got 1 1/2 hours of sleep that night and don't do well sleep deprived). Everything checked out; I guess because I have low blood pressure and get dehydrated easily, I can be prone to passing out. They D/C'd me at 6:30pm and I left for the beach the next morning since I was already packed and could miss out on some beach time- which is what this post is supposed to be about.

East coast beaches have a different feel than California beaches. You walk over a dune scattered with grassy reeds and the water is warm like bath water (with an occasional jelly fish). It's hard to describe, but it's more crabby preppy- maybe you Californians just have to experience it for yourselves. Audrey and Sofia had a blast playing in the waves and the sand. Stef and I both agree that beach vacations with two toddlers are fun, but not that relaxing.