Matty's Birthday Dinner

Matthew's 29th birthday came and went, (due to his busy schedule), but he managed to have a good time celebrating. Here is a photo from our Indian dinner with friends on Thursday. Thank you to everyone who attended. :)

Happy Birthday, Matty!

Matthew's birthday was yesterday, October 1st. Unlike myself, he's very low-key when it comes to celebrating...well, anything. So, we decided on doing a typical birthday dinner with some of our favorites this Thursday at Bombay Blues.

In the mean time, Sharon baked him a delicious pie and brought it to class yesterday. And I went ahead and created a Facebook event with this lovely photo for the main page:

I thought it was pretty hilarious. Matty kind of just smirked at me and shook his head. Whatevs. I think he was just jealous of that mustache.

This morning, our friend, Rhiannon, messaged me on Gmail chat saying that Matthew made an interesting appearance on Dr. Wallace's web site. Obviously not understanding what she meant, she went ahead and sent me here. In case the link doesn't work, here's a screen shot:

Yep, there he is! Dr. Wallace showed everyone in class today. Hahahahaha. Sorry, Matty. Your 'low-key' birthday idea has been officially squashed.

Happy 6!

Yesterday, Matty and I went to The Beach House for dinner to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary, (which is actually today, August 5th). Neither of us had been to this restaurant before, but it turned out to be a wonderful choice. The Beach House is located out on the peninsula and situated on Turtle Beach with a lovely view of Nevis. Having arrived fairly early, we paid a visit to the bar first, and then walked the grounds. The atmosphere was beach-ey and peaceful, with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background. It was the perfect setting for a romantic dinner date. We also took a stroll out onto the dock. Although it was a bit of a gray day, it didn't rain and the breeze was really refreshing. After a little sightseeing, we went back inside to be seated for dinner. And let me tell you: our food was quite lovely...yummmmm. I might be drooling a little at the memory. We ordered the following:

—Caribbean Seafood Chowder (I am not a chowder person, but this was yummy.)
—Goat Cheese, Pesto, and Pinenut Baguettes (This was uber delcious. Seriously could have eaten fifty of these babies.)
—Creole Spiced Swordfish (Ummm we were in love with this.)
—Pan Roasted Pork Porterhouse in a Coconut Crust (Also delicious.)
—Key Lime Pie (We actually had not planned on getting dessert, but our server brought us this slice of heaven as a complimentary 'Happy Anniversary' treat...I didn't complain.)

So...it's safe to say that we enjoyed our visit. I'd love to go again before we leave St. Kitts in December.

Pink Semester Banquet

As I mentioned in a previous post, the Pink Semester hosted their banquet at Spice Mill Restaurant on Saturday, July 28th. Matthew and I were looking forward to going and celebrating with everyone, but I started to feel quite ill on Thursday night. It was pretty terrible. For someone who, (knock on wood), never gets sick, I had one nasty head cold and fever. By the time Saturday morning rolled around, I was fairly certain that I would not be going. However, I didn't want Matty to miss out on his friends' soiree, so I dug deep, and did my best to not look like a train wreck. Although...I almost passed out getting ready. And I couldn't taste any of the food that was served. And I was about to pass out around 9:30 p.m. I had to walk outside and get some air. Thankfully, my friend, Daisy, followed me out of the building to make sure I was alright. After I sat and pouted for a while, Matthew found me and we headed to the bar and then to the dance floor. Eventually, my fever broke and I was feeling much better. Perhaps it was the sea of sweaty dancers, or maybe the cocktail that helped. Or a combination...maybe. Either way, I finally was able to start having a good time. Of course, I felt crummy the next day, probably due to over-exerting myself. But hey—I survived, and I had a nice time.

With that said, here are a few photos from the event:

Shane and Matthew

Sharon and Matthew

Posing with some lovely ladies: Sharon and Rhiannon.

Posing with a few of my favorite VIPs, Brett and Ryan. Can't believe they leave in a few short weeks.

This photo is sufficiently awkward.

Matty with a few ladies from his Vet Prep crew.  

{Conversations}

The 7th semester banquet is tomorrow. The soiree will be held at Spice Mill Restaurant, and we are looking forward to celebrating PINK fulfilling their requirements at RUSVM. In the mean time, everyone is trying to figure out what to wear...including myself and my friend, Sharon.

Sharon: I may need to go shopping in your closet for Saturday.

Me: Sounds good. I don't know if I have anything exciting in there, but feel free to browse.

Sharon: Thanks!

Me: Actually, I have a blue dress you could try. It's short, navy, has a belt. It's also stretchy! Which is great for over-eating and ninja dance moves.

Sharon: Excelleeennnttt. That sounds perfect. I can come by this evening.

Ladies' Luncheon @ Palm Court Gardens

A group of we Ladies of Leisure met at Palm Court Gardens this afternoon. I have been to this venue several times now, but there were a few ladies who had not, so I was looking forward to sharing this pretty location with them. Our plan was to bask in the sunshine, enjoy the beautiful view of Basseterre Bay, walk the grounds, check out the Shell Works gift shop, chit chat, and enjoy lunch. However...the weather had different plans for us as soon as we arrived. After deciding to go sit outside near the pool to provide us with a nice breeze, we saw that a rainstorm was headed our way. Go figure. (And of course, it is currently bright and sunny as I'm writing this.) It eventually rained downpoured, and we had no choice but to move inside. And by 'inside' I mean into the actual owners' living space. The restaurant is designed for semi-covered, indoor/outdoor seating, but the the rain was spilling into every available seating area. Despite the rain and gloomy weather, we still managed to have a nice time...thanks to the staff who were very accommodating. 

The entrance to Palm Court Gardens.

I ordered 'rum punch' for lunch. I loved the conch shell-shaped glass. 

Normally, you can see the rest of the island from this view. Not so much in this photo. Instead, you can see the rainstorm slowly making its way towards us. 

I have a thing for chandeliers. I couldn't resist snapping a photo of this one while we were inside for lunch.

Probably my favorite photo from this afternoon. From left to right: Tracey, Stephanie, and Tamsin, with their babies. As Stephanie mentioned, there must be something in the water. Good thing I ordered rum punch...

Stacey Visits Saint Kitts

I met my friend, Stacey, at Grand Valley State University in 2003. We lived next door to each other in the teeny tiny dorms on-campus, and became fast friends. Almost ten years later, we've maintained our college-initiated friendship, with quite a lovely history---if you ask me. We've been roommates, involved in each other's weddings as bridesmaids, and we've even worked together. However, these days we're forced to watch each other grow and experience life from afar...literally. 

After Stacey was married, she and her husband moved to Ohio, bought a house, and had a baby. A few years after Matthew and I were married, we up and moved to the Caribbean. While our lives have gone in completely different directions, it's always been easy for us to pick up wherever it was we last left off. So, when Stacey said she was planning on coming to visit me in St. Kitts, I was ecstatic! I hadn't seen her since New Year's Day 2011. I was really looking forward to reconnecting and catching up with her. And that we did!

She arrived on a Wednesday afternoon, and Matthew and I met her at the airport. Unfortunately, I had to go to work from 2:30-5:00 p.m., so I had to part ways shortly after our initial reunion. But don't worry—Matty kept her busy during the few hours I was away, showing her around, and giving her a brief tour. Once I arrived home, I made dinner, and we spent the evening catching up. We chatted about everything: work, school, family, friends, neighbors, sports, books, movies, current likes and dislikes—you name it. It was a great start to her vacation, at least for me. :) 

On Thursday, we spent some time at my friend's gorgeous infinity pool, and later that night we brought Stacey to Bombay Blues for her first Indian cuisine experience. Of course, we ordered her the butter chicken, bismati rice, and butter naan. NOM NOM NOM.

Friday was a busy day, but definitely fun. I brought her to Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor, Palm Court Gardens, Port Zante in Basseterre, and The Strip (for Friday night beach volleyball). We rounded out the night at Reggae Beach Bar for Lobsterfest, where we dined on lobsters the size of our arms!

Saturday was spent at Shipwreck Beach. We soaked up some vitamin D, went snorkeling, and enjoyed the beautiful island views. That night, even though semi-exhausted, we decided to head over to The Marriott. After the tour, we sat at the sports bar and enjoyed a few Caribbean beers, along with the live Calypso-esque music. We also took part in one of our all-time favorite activities: PEOPLE WATCHING. Free entertainment at its best, folks.

On Sunday, Stacey joined me and Matthew at our intramural flag football games. And she even participated! Afterwards, I drove her out to the peninsula to Spice Mill Restaurant. We had lunch, and then admired a lovely view of Nevis while out on our beach chairs. We had a late start to our 'beach day,' but it was still very enjoyable.

Monday was sad. It was sad because she flew off de island that day. But before I dropped her off at the airport and choked back my tears, we enjoyed one last lunch date at the The Marriott's Bohemia Beach Pool Bar & Grille. We even kicked off our shoes, and walked on the beach for a bit.

After lunch, we went back home, and I helped her pack. Then the inevitable arrived, and I had to bring her to the airport. It was a quick goodbye because I couldn't handle much more than a hug and a wave. I sobbed on my way home. Stacey coming all the way to St. Kitts to visit meant so much, and it was like having a small piece of 'home' with me for a few days. I loved being able to show her around, as well as introduce her to our island family and closest friends. We definitely squeezed in a ton of quality time, and I couldn't have been happier. What a blast!

@ Timothy Hill scenic turn-out.

We wear our sunglasses at night.

Stace posing by a Traveller's Palm.

Nice photo...except for Matthew's lovely addition.

Dressed and ready for dinner. 

@ Caribelle Batik

Jurassic Park.

@ Palm Court Gardens 

@ The Strip for Friday night beach volleyball. 

Go, Stace, go! 

Tiffany's 28th Birthday

My dearest island sister, Tiffany, just turned 28 yesterday, and we celebrated the night away. We began the evening at her house, waiting for everyone to arrive. Once everybody was accounted for, we boarded Kennedy's Space Shuttle (Kennedy is a popular taxi driver here in St. Kitts), and headed to Reggae Beach Bar for the Lobsterfest buffet.

The ride out to the peninsula was very eventful with loud music, lots of laughter, and slurred speech. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we were more-than-ready to eat dinner. And let me tell you---our meal was sooooooooooo yummy. It was the best lobster that I've ever eaten. Matty and I had never been to Lobsterfest before, so it was quite the special treat.

After dinner, we headed back to Matt & Tiffany's to hang out and play 'Catch Phrase,' which is such a fun party game.

Matthew and I---along with all of our friends---had such a great time celebrating our friend, Tiffster, and we hope that she had a blast too.

Birthday girl.

Tiff & Matt

Ryan, Tiff, me, and Brett.

Time for dinner, folks.

Josh & Hope

Zoe and Uncle Matty. :)

6th*Semester

As with all other semesters, we began the first week back to school with Semester Olympics, a Beginning-of-the-Semester Party (BOSP), and Mr. RUSVM.

BOSP's theme: 'Trashy is Classy.' There were a lot of white ribbed tank tops, women with pregnant bellies and keg beer, cigarette packs under bra straps, too much make up, fried hair, 'trucker' mustaches, etc. 

Me and Tiff. 

Me and Rhiannon.

Matty and Jovan at Mr. RUSVM. 

Me and Sara on her sweet scooter. We left Matty and Jovan behind. Heh heh. 

Rhiannon, me, and Ashley at Bamboo for the Mr. RUSVM after party.

Twins, Matty and Rhiannon. :)