Sao Paolo Sunday Pizza!

I just got back from Brazil...wow, what a beautiful country! We didn't get to do any site seeing (sad, huh?!), but we did get to see a big chunk of the country and met some amazing people (including lots of Aggies)! 4 cities in 5 days....I'm pooped!

One Brazilian tradition I decided I'm bringing back to B/CS is Sunday Pizza! I like the way the Brazilians think! Each Sunday in Sao Paolo families gather at local pizzarias (and I'm not talking Pizza Hut--these places have 40+ types of gourmet pizza!)to each pizza and drink wine and beer!

I didn't take any pictures, but I'm hoping to get some from the others on the trip. We had a very successful visit and I can't wait to go back on vacation (Christmas time this year, maybe?!)

As crazy as it sounds....

There is just something heartwarming about the smell of Indonesia when you land at the airport. No, it's not necessarily a pleasant smell, but one that always reminds me of why I'm passionate about international development. And, no, I haven't been drinking too many bintang beers!

Had a great trip to Indonesia! I got to see Ruth and Jeff (my boss in Indonesia from my intern days), as well as several friends from SEAFAST. Lots of great opportunities for future activities in Indonesia, which makes me happy!

And....to top it off, I think Aaron and I are going to spend Christmas in Bali this year. Woooooooo hooooooooo!

Luck of the Irish....

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

India

I recently took a 2 week trip to India for work (man, I love my job!). Since it was my first time there, I took lots of photos. We had a great time, met some fantastic people and saw some of the most beautiful sites on earth. This trip included stops in Delhi, Agra, Bangalore, Mysore and Dharwad/Hubli. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!! I need to download more pics, and once I do, I’ll post them!

Also….for those who think you can't gain weight eating Indian food, you're wrong! Even though we ate Indian cuisine every single meal, I still managed to gain weight! Oh well!

I'll post some of the India stories in a later blog....

Wish bracelets tied to a tree...

One of the gazillion Buddha statues

Wishes!

Authentic henna...yes, mom, it washed off.

Cheesy Taj photo...gotta love it!

Pictures don't do it justice....it was breathtaking.....

At the Taj

India Gate in Delhi

Anyone see the problem w/ this?! It was like this everywhere! Fortunately, there were no lightning storms while we were there.

spice market

Trying on traditional wedding saris....Ambassador Bost offered to sell me! Ha!

I'm looking forward to a return visit!!!

Fun with Friends in Austin!

Aaron and I are extremely lucky to have such an amazing group of friends! Over Valentines weekend we all met again in Austin to 1) meet baby Brogan (well, see him again); 2) to celebrate Jen's 30th bday; and 3) to hang out with some amazing peeps! We had a blast seeing everyone! One stark contrast from last year--Aaron and I were one of two couples with no kids! Babies everywhere! Oh yeah, and another difference....no drunken debauchery! Ha! It was fun watching all of our friends from college days turn into parents. Aaron and I will join you all some day!

Here are some pics from the event....

The group photo

Brook and Brogan

Childless couple :)

Carter...isn't he adorable?! And, he's getting so big!

Aaron & Lila Bridegam

Brogan & Patrick

Jen & Brogan

Shannon & Ro (so glad they surprised us and made the trip from Mexico!!!!)

Jen's delicious cake!

I'll post more pics later!

Carpet Shopping in Bahrain!

I recently traveled to Bahrain for work (beautiful country, by the way!). While there, I had the opportunity to do a little carpet shopping! I NEVER imagined there was so much to learn about these carpets—it was fascinating! One of Ambassador Bost’s friends lives in Bahrain and is a carpet expert. He gave me an 8 hour carpet lesson! So much fun!

Here are some pics...

One of the carpets I bought!

My "dream" carpet....it was beautiful but $1500, so I passed!

A carpeted door hanging!

Me and Ambassador Bost...in the carpet shop

Mohammed, the carpet man, with me, Ambassador Bost and another one of the carpets I bought (I purchased 5!)

I’m off to India next! Will post lots of pictures.

Christmas Time is Here

As most of you who know me know that I LOVE Christmas time! And for some reason, I am EXTRA excited about this year! Aaron and I have really gotten into the Christmas spirit this year--a real tree (it's been years since we've had a tree), decorations at the house, a holiday party, Christmas angels, volunteering....the whole nine yards! Oh yeah, and we got an electric fireplace. Cheesy one may say, but that thing is awesome. No replacement for a real fire, but pretty close!

We're spending Christmas in Lubbock, which will be fun. I get to love those adorable babies and spend time with my fam!

It's been a crazy year to say the least, and I am so luck to have such a wonderful and supportive husband and family, the most amazing friends on earth, and a new job that I absolutely love. I'm looking forward to 2010.

Stay tuned for pics from our holiday travels....