For our last full day in the Maldives (boo), we slept in (well, Justin slept in) and had a late breakfast.  I haven’t been sleeping too well for the last few weeks.  I think I just miss my bed at home.  Maybe, I miss the sound of Moose snoring and Chunk whining to wake me up– just to pat him on the head and tell him he’s a good boy.  God I miss my boys.  I may complain about the dog hair, slobber, and messy house, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I absolutely adore my dogs.  Now that I’ve experienced life without them, I know that I am happier with them- without a doubt.  They make me laugh and love us unconditionally (well, at least Moose does!).  Although Chunk acts tough, he doesn’t let us out of his sight.  It was quite a process to pack for this trip without him freaking out.  Even though he never actually saw us packing, he could tell that something was up, and he didn’t like it.  We even snuck the bags in the car while he wasn’t around.

Wow, I just realized that I started rambling.  Did I say that I miss my dogs? It’s probably pretty obvious which posts are alcohol induced (oops).  Right now, I’m sitting on the beach.  Well. Not really ON the beach but on cabana sofa on the beach.  It’s happy hour, and I’ve had a margarita, and I’m working on my daiquiri. This is the way I like to do the beach.  They served me my drink with a cloth napkin.  Yes, a cloth napkin.  I am in heaven.  I could stay forever if I didn’t have the best dogs and family to come home to.  And I am ready to come home. No doubt about it.

This is one of the top two places we have been, IMO (the other was NZ).  It’s beyond fabulous.  Is it better than the places we’ve been to in the Carribbean? Yes.  Of course, those places were great, and I would love to go back, but this is better. It is literally in the middle of nowhere and on the opposite side of the planet.

I’m happy.  I’m relaxed. I’m ready to get on with the rest of my life, and I can’t wait to see what our next adventure will be.  Actually, I know what Justin wants to do, but I’m not quite sure we are on the same page.  Oops. Rambling again.  Ok Alyce, lets stick to this trip right now.  Did I say that I’ve had a margarita and a daiquiri? (Actually, this is the first time that I’ve had anything other than wine on this trip).

Anyway…… We spent about 3 straight hours snorkeling today.  It is beautiful.  We saw so many beautiful topical fish that it is unbelievable.  We also saw about 5-10 reef sharks…black tips and white tips.  I was afraid of sharks before the start of this trip, but I guess I am getting used to them.  I used to just LIKE scuba diving and now I LOVE it.  I’m ready to plan our next scuba trip and would even be open to a live-aboard (this is where you live on a dive boat and have the opportunity to go to the best dive sites).  You know what else I realized? I’m good at diving.  I really think that more people should try it.  All you have to do is breathe, and it is really relaxing!  The worst part is putting on the wet suit! Did I mention that I hate my wetsuit? Haha! I’ve actually been shopping online for a new one while in the Maldives!

Ok, that’s all I have to say for now.  I’m starting to make plans for when we get back to BR.  I have a haircut appointment scheduled (have y’all noticed how long my hair is?), and the dogs have a vet appointment.  Life is going to get back to normal pretty quickly after this trip, so I’m enjoying it while it lasts.  Although, there really is no normal.  I’m always waiting for the next crisis or drama to arise.  Until then, pour me another drink (JK, two is plenty)!

Things I’m looking forward to when we get back:

Seeing the dogs and family

Cooking my own meals/ going to the grocery

Seeing Billy Joel at Jazz Fest with my mom and Em (get ready girls)

Getting back to the hospital as an employee rather than a student

Loving life on the other side of the big trip

Love you all,

XOXO Alyce

P.S.  In Abu Dhabi we are staying at the home of Tommy and Mallory Ryan.  Tommy graduated Jesuit with Justin and Mallory went to Dominican with me.  I can’t wait to see some familiar faces! They were so nice to let us stay with them!  Looking forward to it………… 🙂