Monsoon Season

The monsoon season started a week or two ago and that means high temps (greater than 100) with humidity. It is the worst time of year here! So hot and muggy! I am hoping it doesnt rain this weekend though because my mom and Barb are coming out for the weekend. They fly in Friday night and leave Monday morning. We dont have any major plans except to just relax and hang poolside.

Work is stressful and I have my first exam in my critical care class so here I go, studying again. It never ends! Rob just had a week off of work so he could attend a week full of all day classes. He is again, back in the grind of work and school. This is one busy summer as we knew it would be.

Can't wait for that cool weather, no more studying, and a time to really enjoy only having to work 3 days a week and more importantly, take a vacation!!!

Pictures from June

Smilin' Rob

Sonora hanging poolside

Celebratory Champagne for passing NCLEX

Sedona Getaway

June 2010 on the grounds of L'Auberge de Sedona Resort

Rob surprised me with a short weekend in Sedona in celebration of passing my RN State boards and knowing that our summer is going to be full of work and school for both of us. He is taking a full summer load of courses at Fuller and I am in a Critical Care Course all summer. Rob wrote a review on TripAdvisor and I thought he did a great job really sharing our experience at the resort so I am including it here. Kills two birds with one stone: updating the blog and saving me the time from writing it myself!

Absolutely amazing. My wife and I decided to do a quick getaway from our busy lives by coming up to L'Auberge de Sedona. Having found a great deal on one of their cabins through Travelzoo, we soon realized that the touting of this Inn as one of Conde Nast's favorites was not out of the question. From arrival at the complimentary valet, the service was friendly, very professional, and not at all snobby! We were ushered in with promises that our bags would be brought in, and were escorted to check-in. Here, we found out that our room was not yet ready, and after calling to the manager, they ensured that we would not have to wait. We were upgraded to one of the Creekside Cabins (1 or their 2 best suites) and we were blown away. The finishings were detailed, plush, and extravagant. The comfort and relaxation of the room, listening to the rush of the neighboring Oak Creek immediately put us in a relaxed state. The furnishings were top notch, and the outdoor, cedar-lined showers were absolutely amazing!

We also ate at their Restaurant, having been tipped that it was worth the price by a friend prior to going. And it was! While pricey, it was a romantic, tranquil creekside table served with only the best service and quality of food! My wife had a Lobster bisque and Filet Mignon which were both perfectly cooked while I enjoyed a Seared Foie Gras w/ peaches and the Chef's speciality Lamb. Truly amazing, and their wine list was extensive and composed of very good vintages and varietals.

We truly did not leave the grounds of the Inn, sitting on our patio in front of the cabin, taking walks through the gardens and in the shade of the oak trees next to the creek ,and watching the mallards, hummingbirds, robins, and other birds enjoying the foliage. We were able to enjoy the No Tippiing Policy on all services except those for room service of food and wine. In fact, this was the one slight complaint - that the $6+20% charge for having a bottle of wine sent to the room was a bit much, even though the service and convenience was great! The complimentary Wine & Cheese Manager's reception in the evening and Coffee & Pastries in the morning were very enjoyable. The ambiance was just amazing. We left after a short 20 hours, but felt refreshed and relaxed from a stay much much longer. Very Highly recommend and we will definitely return when we can!

Amanda McFarren, R.N., B.S.N

Well I did it, I'm just super late on updating the blog. I passed and now I'm an official Registered Nurse. So far, working in the Trauma ICU as a new grad is stressful but rewarding. I kinda feel overwhelmed with everything that is going on so it'll be nice once I start to feel in control of the situation...but that'll be awhile.

Now that school is over, I've just picked up taking the Critical Care Course, EKG course, and ACLS course/certification...so now I'm super busy studying much harder material but at least I am getting paid for the class time. It's going to be a super busy summer for us!

Well Rob is calling me to go...off to church on this HOT 4th of July in the Valley of the Sun!