Such life in the tropics...

short but sweet (weekend)

2012-01-30T05:18:00.000-05:00

Last week ended with a wonderful surprise, a little Christmas parcel sent by a dear friend finally arrived and it made the end of my Friday a memorable one, Thanks Joan for all the wonderful things you send us, love it all!!!

On Friday I went out with some friends to celebrate our friend Emma's birthday, we had a great time at a new place, Karoo. It was a nice night with good friends, good food and good spirits!

Me, Emma (the BD girl) and Jen.

Saturday was my morning out with Yanique.

We truly had a great time together, I had promised to take her to Spots public beach where you can access a cave that is right in front of the water.

I discover this cave through my husband, who took me there back when we were just dating.

The thing with this cave is that you can only access to it is via the water (unless you know somebody that lives one the two houses that share that little part of the beach), so if the sea is rough then it's not very easy to get there.

on our way to the cave

Fortunately for us, on Saturday the weather and the water conditions were great, so we had no problem reaching the cave.

entrance to the cave

After visiting the cave, we walked a little further down and found a "sort of " road that leads nowhere? It was a nice little wooded area, sort of a secret road.

secret road

Finally after swimming back to the beach where we left out things, I lay down to read a bit of my book and Yanique walked to the dock where a man was fishing.

After a while she came back to show me the fisherman's catch of the day... a peacock flounder!

nice catch!

Also on Saturday afternoon I purchased a new Kipling Duffel bag and I am very happy with it, so I have already started packing a bit of things I am taking as presents.

The rest of the weekend was very relaxing at home, started a new crochet project (my very first scarf) and of course enjoyed my "ool".

Hope you had a nice weekend and an even better week ahead!!!

monkeying around...

2012-01-27T09:35:00.000-05:00

For those that didn't know we have monkeys in the Cayman Islands...

Well, we don't!

Although our cat Shadows seems to think that he is one.

A few days ago I decided to collect all the little piece of yard left from my projects and put them in a little basket for birds to grab the piece and use them in their nests.

So far no bird have decided to go for it, but as soon as Shadow noticed the basket, he was completely decided to reach it and check it out...

But that little adventure didn't last very long, as the branch I put the basket on is pretty straight so he was unable to reach it.

I guess it's kind of common for cats to climb trees? I really dunno because I've never really had any outdoor cats before- well my Mom's cat Lea is an outdoor cat but their property is so big that no one can really tell what she is up to most of the time, perhaps climbing trees?

Maybe this next week that I will be in Costa Rica- YES, we are leaving on Wed. for 10 days- I will try to keep track of Lea and learn more about the behavior of outdoor cats... or maybe not!

Well, the weekend is almost here, tomorrow I plan to spend the morning with Yanique, I got the o.k. from her Mom to plant some Sunflowers, so we will do that first and then off to the beach, hopefully it would be nice weather to do some snorkeling with her!

Hope everybody has a nice weekend and that the weather wherever you are is nice enough to enjoy the weekend to the max!!!!

Have a good one : )

virtually there

2012-01-25T05:27:00.002-05:00

Recently a very good friend of mine that is an artist, Carlos Tapia, had his latest art show, knowing him and his beautiful pieces full of color, vibrant and with plenty of cats (his favorite subject), I am sure the show was a success.

Unfortunately the show was back home and being that I don't live there, I missed it :(

But what if I could still walk around the halls, look at every single piece like if I was there myself?!?

Well, yesterday I got an email invitation from him, to join him on a virtual tour of his show.

Don't believe me?

All you have to do is click here and join him as well, just click on it and then use your mouse to move left/right/up/down or click on the rooms (salas) below...

You will see some very cheerful, colorful and happy pieces, if you like cats I am sure you will find something that you will like...

Of the show, this piece is my favorite one

Cat Rollercoaster

And also this other one called "The tree of life", lovely isn't it?

And last but not least a picture of me and the artist....

One day I am hoping to own one of his pieces and splash my wall with all his colors!!!

If you would like to see more pieces by my friend Carlos, click here to visit the gallery that sells most of his pieces.

I hope you had some time to visit the virtual tour and that you enjoyed it, have a great Wednesday!

3 day weekend

2012-01-24T05:22:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a holiday here, Heroes Day.

In my case I didn't do anything particularly heroic, but lay down to catch some rays, swim in the "ool" until my fingers appeared to be about 50 years older than the rest of my body and of course finished up a couple of more crochet project.

One of the project was my version of an "Angry Bird" Bennie Hat, I made it using the Kids Owl Hat pattern (photo I shared a couple of days ago), and then did my very own version of the face... I think it came our pretty good, waddaya think?

On Saturday night I had some friends over for dinner and they both fell in love with my hat, now they both want me to make one for them, perhaps when I come back from CR in February I will get around to do it... And also my husband asked for an "Angry Bird" hat but he wants the black bird that explodes!

During this past 3 days I also had some good quality time with the kitties and here are some updated pictures of them...

BTK "wagging" her tail

mouth-full

Little One expecting more food

Dinner time

Last project of the long weekend was another potholder to take home to my Mom this coming February, here's the pictures (unfortunately I took the picture at night so the colors are not quite right).

I am planning to make yet one more for my aunt and then perhaps in late Feb. I will be giving one away right here... so stay tuned!

Have a great Tuesday!!!

come ride with me...

2012-01-23T05:47:00.000-05:00

Saturday's visit with Yanique to the Equestrian Club was fun, I think she had a good time although she did mention at the end that she much rather go swimming, so we already made plans to go to the beach next time.

Yanique riding one of the horses

Sometimes I am kind of concern that there are very few activities for kids on this island, perhaps it's because I am not used to "having kids" to take care of- that I cannot come up with ideas, and although going swimming sounds good, I don't think the program is about doing the same thing over and over. So, I explained to her that we needed to try different activities!

I know she is looking forward to come to our house and meet our dogs, by the end of Feb. she should be allowed to come over (3 months after the program starts), so that will make her happy.

Yanique also mentioned that her favorite flower is the Sunflower, so on Saturday I went to the nursery and picked up a pack of Sunflower seeds, I am planning to call her Mom this week and ask her for permission to plant them in her yard by Yanique's room window, I think it would be fun for her to look after the flowers and watch them grown and bloom... hopefully her Mom will say yes!

Again going back to the Equestrian Club, here are some more images of that morning activity...

Yanique and Lulu (the donkey)

getting ready to ride the pony

the goats and the kids had a great time together

In another note, today is the celebration of the Chinese New Year for the Year of the Dragon... So, in order to welcome the year right I just finished an amigurumi Dragon, that I've named "Puff" the magic dragon, here he is.

Now, with "Puff" on our side we should "Enter the Dragon" year with certainty that only good things will come our way... Happy Chinese New Year to all Asian's and those who celebrate it too!!!

hooked on projects

2012-01-20T09:34:00.000-05:00

Crochet has become such a big part of my life that at this point, it's kind of hard to remember the time when I didn't know how to do it!

Learning this skill was an amazing accomplishment and now every time I finish a project I feel very rewarded to be able to create such amazing pieces with my bare hands.

So, for this year so far I've finished one project and have two more in the process, plus another one on the "queue"!

The recently finished project is a kid's owl hat for my godson Julian, whom I will be seeing this coming February in Costa Rica.

I bought the pattern from Inner Hooker just a few days ago and it took just one day to complete the whole thing... here's the picture of my finished piece.

I brought the finished piece to work to be able to try it on a kids mannequin we have downstairs and here's what it looks like on...

I hope it's going to fit him and that ~~my cousin (his Mom)~~ he will like it, the size I made is for a 1 to 5 year old so it should last him for a while!

"In other news", tomorrow is Saturday and I am looking forward to take Yanique to the Equestrian Center in the morning, I found out a few days ago that they offer pony rides for kids as well as a petting zoo with goats, bunnies an a miniature donkey!

Here are some photos from their website but I am sure to take lots tomorrow to share with y'all soon!

source

Here's the owner with the miniature donkey...

source

how cute is that? only problem is going to be that I am going to wanna take both the pony and the miniature donkey home...

Have a great weekend!!!!

Tag, I'm it!

2012-01-19T09:56:00.001-05:00

Today, I was prepared to share my latest crochet project but before I even started typing, one of my dear readers, Heather from High Heels and Flip Flops tagged me in the latest round of getting-to-know-you blog questionnaires.

I don't usually participate in this kind of questionnaire "thingies" but since Heather is so nice I decided to give it a try...

If you would like to read Heather's answers, just click on her blog link above.

Now, the rules of the whole thing are:

1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about herself on her blog.

3. Answer the questions the "tagger" listed for you in her post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

4. You must choose 11 people to tag and link to them in the post.

5. Go to each blogger’s page and mention that you have tagged her.

These are Heather's questions to me:

1) Who inspires you, whether historically, in your day-to-day life, or both?

Animals inspire me, because they live in the NOW, like there's no yesterday or even tomorrow, plus they also live 100% true to their instinct.

2) Do you have a favorite season?

My favorite season is "Vacation" season, LOL... well, I guess that would be summer.

3) What’s your top goal to accomplish within the next five years?

I would like to be fit and in my healthiest weight.

4) What was the first job you ever had?

I worked part time for my Aunt's travel agency.

5) What’s your all-time favorite book?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

6) What’s the most unique place you’ve traveled to so far in your lifetime?

Petra in Jordan.

7) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Anywhere where my husband and dogs are with me.

8) Which qualities do you love most about yourself?

Magnanimous; I like to be generous in life, give of my time, money and wisdom. Share with others so they can see the true joy and adventures of life themselves.

9) If you could describe yourself in just one word, what would it be?

Sunshine

10) What’s your favorite type of workout routine?

Right now the kettlexpress classes I take on Monday and Wednesdays.

11) What’s your favorite guilty pleasure meal or snack?

guilty pleasure- Dulce de Leche!!!

Now, it's my turn to create my own questions...

1. If you could go to any place right now where would you go?

2. What do you keep handy at your night stand?

3. When you were a kid, what was your family game?

4. What's your favorite kinds of food to cook?

5. What are 3 things you can't live without?

6. If you could change somebody's life today, who would you help and how?

7. What do you think would be the hardest thing for you to give up on?

8. If you could change your name, what would you name yourself?

9. If you could do anything OR wish for anything that would come true, what would you wish?

10. Where would you like to go on your next vacation?

11. What is your favorite blog to read everyday?

And here comes the hard part... I am suppose to tag 11 people to answer my question, unfortunately I don't have 11 people, so I am going with the following.

Also, I don't really expect people to do to wanna go with it, but here are my choices and if you feel like you want to do it as well, just tag yourself and go for it!

Colleen @ Daily Ponderings

Debbie @ Happy Days

Miss McKay @ Miss McKay

Tom @ My World in Crisis

Jess @ This Life Is Mine

Mark @ First Time

Joey @ Joey's Cafe

Will share my latest crochet project tomorrow, have a great Thursday!!!

Wild Cat

2012-01-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

Meet Goldie, the ~~wildest, most ferocious~~ tamest cat of our entire pack... Well at least with me!

It's amazing what a sweetheart he is and how much he has warmed towards me since we started feeding him.

Every day when I come home, as soon as he hears my car, he comes running out of the woods or where he is and greats me with this huge "meeeaw" and when I call his name, he replies with anoter "meaw"...

I think he also misses me when I go inside the house and it looks like he wants to come in, but the dogs are definitely not to trust or 100% ready, so I don't want to put him in danger.

All the other 5 cats are doing very well too, but none of the others are like Goldie towards me, he is my little kitty!

Happy Wednesday!!!

what starts well...

2012-01-17T09:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a good day, despite the fact that my husband got hurt and needed 6 stitches on his knee (he is o.k.), work was busy and I got a really nice surprise...

Remember the drawing I made from my friend Aidan and that I shared with everybody here?

Well, yesterday I got an email from Aidan's Mom saying she had forgotten to send me the following picture he made from me in December.

This lovely sign of love makes the whole drawing process sooo much worth it, I can't wait to see more of him, he is definitely a great kid and I am happy to know him!

Now, when it comes to kids, there's another one that although I haven't been around him much, he already has a HUGE chunk of my heart, my Godson Julian.

Here's the most updated picture of him I have...

Isn't he adorable?!?!? Can't wait to see him this coming Feb. when we go to Costa Rica for a visit!!!

On a last note, the new banner is "in da' house"! Thanks to everybody for your comments and suggestions, I think I will be using all 3 randomly during the year just to give my blog a little extra, so stay tuned for all 3 coming around : )

Have a wonderful day!!!

out with the old... banner!

2012-01-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

Every now and then it's good to change, evolve, rearrange things in you life; perhaps around the house, your desk at work or even do a inventory of your dreams, maybe dust some old ones and bring in the new ones.

So, again for me it's that time... a bit of "out with the old" and "in with the new", in this case a new banner...

I've been working on some ideas, and this when where I need your help.

I made 3 options and I would really like your opinion on which one should I go with, so here they are:

Option #1- the black background:

Option #2- blue background:

Option #3- Yellow background:

What do you think? 1, 2 or 3?

Have a great week!!!

things that makes me go "aww...."

2012-01-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

For all those times I wish that my dogs could talk and say "I love you"... here's a video that would surely melt your heart (as it did mine the first time I saw it)

The first time I found Mishka I thought "WOW! that's got to be just a coincidence", but then I started following her youtube channel and realized that her personality really does go beyond barking, she is definitely awesome...

Here's also one of her latest videos which would surely make you smile, specially when she sings along...

My husband taught our dog Ditto to kind of "talk" and he does really well, some times you get get a little hello, but now I've been trying to teach him "I love you" and at times I feel as if we are making progress...

I will try to take a video of Ditto talking and share it, meanwhile I hope you enjoyed Mishka!

Have a wonderful weekend, I am really looking forward to some good quality time with my "ool"!!!

Secret Garden

2012-01-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

Although I don't really have a secret garden, it's not a secret that I love plants and trees.

Ditto in his favorite corner

Going to a nursery is perhaps one of my favorite shopping spree's.

I love having plants around the house and specially when I can grow things from a seed, it makes so accomplish to be able to create something with love and care.

Our plants are doing pretty good lately, but it's definitely not easy to keep them that way when we get a lot of wind that comes packet with sea salt.

not sure about this plants name, perhaps related to "tiger paws"?

Cactus

Peppermint plant doing really well

Frangipani tree growing more every day

Frangipani flowers cover in morning dew

On another note... I am very happy because yesterday after work when I got home I jumped in the pool and it was so nice, water is getting a bit warmer and inviting, plus the weather is very nice and beautiful.

Sheba guarding my pool

Have a great day!!!

Wed. funny dose

2012-01-11T11:10:00.001-05:00

Today I went to yet another "crazy, hard, exhausting" kettle express class and I loved it...

But, I just don't have it in my to post much, so instead, look at the following images and laugh a little... o.k?

1, 2, 3... go!

cyber doggie

King Julia is feed up with movin' it!

"it's not even an Apple computer, LOL!"

this is soo my dog Ditto!

going down... hand on, LOL!

fo'shu'

this is probably me...

I hope at least 1 image made you giggle... Have a great Wednesday!!!

animal talk

2012-01-10T10:12:00.000-05:00

If our animals could talk I am sure we would hear waaay more than "woof" and "meaw"... It would be something like this...

If your animals could talk, what sort of thing would they say?!?!?

Have a wonderful Tuesday :)

adventure with dolphins

2012-01-09T06:10:00.001-05:00

Saturday I took Yanique to the Dolphin Discovery interactive center, her birthday is tomorrow Tuesday so I managed to get us a pass for both of us... We had a wonderful time!

Dolphins are such amazing and intelligent animals, fun and very strong as well.

We did the Adventure swim program (with 1 dolphin, but since there was only 3 of us, they decided to gives us 2 dolphins instead, even better!), included the following behaviors: petting the dolphins several times, hand shake, dancing, also a boogie board push, a belly swim and a kiss!

They do not allow cameras with the dolphins because they have 3 on site photographer that will take the photos for you and then they want to sell them to you for $25us a photos... I ended up buying two for Yanique at a "bargain" price of $35, but didn't get any of myself...

I still have some photos of before the swim and during the swim as the husband of the lady participating with us was able to take some from far away... here are some of the highlights.

friendly dolphin

taking a dip

close up

Capi & Alma

boogie board push for Yanique

boogie board push for me

dolphin dance

hand shake with Yanique

Dolphin kiss for me

The whole experience was nice but a bit too "staged" for my taste, it is definitely something wonderful to do with kids and for those that will never get to see and pet dolphins in the wild, highly recommended!

Happy Monday!!!

2012 possibilities

2012-01-06T10:06:00.000-05:00

Once I read that us humans are 4 dimensional beings; body, mind, heart and spirit.

So when we go around in life we mainly are ruled by at least one of those dimensions, which help us take decisions or act a certain way.

Well, it's already January 2012 and for me this means I have been thinking about my New Year resolutions already, although this year I am going to call them possibilities instead.

So for this year's possibilities, my focus will be on those four dimensions that makes us human.

These are my top 12:

1. EATING HEALTHY-ER.
Although I don't think I have many bad eating habits, there's always room for improvement, there are always many choices that could be improved and new healthy food waiting for me to try and explore.

2. DRINK MORE WATER.
Water is such a vital part of my life and I do drink quite a bit, but sometimes not enough...

3. MAKE EXERCISE A PRIORITY AND A WEEKLY (DAILY IF POSSIBLE) COMMITMENT.
Exercise is so very important for both my body and mind and specially in times like these when we live in a world that is so fast and so shallow, where you can go from a traffic jam to a yoga class [or vice versa] in just a few minutes, we can exercise one day and then just slack because there's many other "social" activities going on. But exercise is vital, so I have to really make a BIG important deal out of it.

4. LISTEN TO MY BODY, NURTURE AND CARE FOR IT AS A TEMPLE.
When we don't listen to our body and give the importance it requires, sometimes alarms go off when it's too late. A simple pain or a major thing can develop and if we don't pay attention perhaps it came become a major issue, so I am going to be more aware of this.

5. READ, READ, READ.
This year I want to read all sorts of book, specially those that are not in my regular type of books, because learning to love the things you are not used to, develop our mind in ways that we didn't know existed.

6. EAT THAT FROG FIRST= I WILL NOT PROCRASTINATE.
There's a time for everything but there should never be a time for procrastination, unfortunately I am good at it sometimes, so this year I have to work on that aspect. To understand my point on the "eat that frog first" deal, check the following video here

7. WORK ON MY CONVERSATION SKILLS.
When I having conversations with people, I want to be more aware of what they are saying, pause when they are talking to not interrupt others and also be more empathetic towards those that lack some intelligence or just say stupid things [specially customers!].

8. GET MONEY BY THE DIRECT RESULT OF HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT.
I consider myself a hard working person, I am responsible and although at times I slack at work, I still think of myself a good employee, but there's always room for improvement and that improvement would only hopefully mean, better sales, better rewards!

9. ALWAYS REPLACE FEAR AND DOUBT WITH LOVE AND FAITH.
My life's always been very bless, for the very first time I saw the light of day and every day that I get to wake up, but fear and doubt are just around the corner sometimes, so I have to concentrate on replacing those at all times with love and faith in God who is my leader.

10. WORK ON MY BUCKET LIST.
This 2012 will mark my 35th day on this earth and I think it's about time I start making a list of all things that I still want to do but I haven't got around to... so I will be thinking at this during the whole year (and hopefully start it as well!).

11. KINDNESS IS HERE.
Just as I mentioned before, this year I turn 35, so I have decided that I want to do some special 35 random acts of kindness through the whole year, one for each year of my blessed life.

12. GIVE MYSELF CREDIT FOR WHAT I CAN ACCOMPLISH AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO CONTINUE PURSUING WHAT I HAVEN'T.
Possibilities are always whether we take them or don't, but goal setting is always better than not having a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, so if these 2012 possibilities are not reachable I will continue to work towards them and don't let my vision get fogged up.

Happy First Friday and New Possibilities Day of 2012!!!!

belated happenings

2012-01-05T09:11:00.000-05:00

January is here already, wow- that was fast! I am still trying to share some happenings that took place last year in December...

First happening was on December 30th when I took my little sister Yanique to the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm, we went to see the turtle and then spent a few hours on the big pool they have and a brand new slide they just installed.

Here are the highlights.

at the entrance with the big adult turtles

BIG turtles

Yanique with baby turtle

cool birds

Shark feeding time!

the new slide

And now here are 2 videos of us going down the slide... so much fun! [I know the slide is not huge as most water parks have in the US, but for Cayman this is pretty big and new!]

Now Yanique going down...

Fun times!!!

And the last thing I would like to share is a video I took on our New Year's Party when we light up 12 Wishing Lanterns.

We gathered in groups, everybody made a wish and then we released them to the sky, it was a wonderful sight, everybody loved it and it was such a special thing to do with our family and friends!

By the way, when my brother and SIL released theirs, it got stuck on the tree and we were worried it was going to light up and burn it, gladly it got released and made it to the sky, you can hear [on the video] everybody cheering when it gets free off the tree... check it out:

And that's all for belated happenings... have a great day!!!

crazy cold caribbean

2012-01-04T09:33:00.001-05:00

Although I am very happy and completely infatuated with my new "ool", from yesterday the weather is been windy, dark and cold.

Sheba supervising the set up of the new "ool"

Last nights the low temperature went down to 64!!!!!

And before those reading this in the great white north [a.k.a USA, Canada, North Europe, etc], start laughing... I have to say that for us 64 is COLD!

Of course, it is all relative, I am not trying to compare us to the freezing temperatures that others are experimenting right now, but I am not at those temperatures, I am at 70 and according to the weather widget on my blog, it is 72... which is still cold for us...Plus a low of 64 is just harsh for when you dress in flip flops and shorts for a living, right?!?!?

So back to my "ool" infatuation, I really would like to go in it every single day of the year, so yesterday I literally jumped in and "swam" like crazy around it so not to freeze myself, I don't think I even lasted 3 minutes inside, but I did it!

Now today might be a different story because today the weather is much colder than yesterday afternoon... perhaps I can just wear my diving wetsuit and get in, LOL!

We shall see from now until the afternoon what my future will bring and if I would be able to keep going in my "ool" every day!!!

Have a great day!

what's new?

2012-01-03T10:41:00.000-05:00

Well, 2012 is here and it's a brand new year.

Already I am thinking about my new year resolutions but still tweaking some of the details, I will share them soon. What about you? Are you doing some this year? if so, please share...

So what else is new? Let me see...

Oh yeah, got a new [much needed] haircut last year- jeje, sounds funny- I could also say last week or even last Friday!

This is me nowadays...

Wanna know what else is new? Well I got a brand new "ool" (because there's no "P" on it!) and we installed it the first day of the year...

All I have to say about it... well, actually I could say two things:

1. I LOVE IT!!!

2. It's very cold... but I still LOVE IT!!!

So, if you are reading this today in some far, far away place that is gray, cold and windy, please feel free to come over and enjoy some quality time on our "ool".

What's new in your world?!?!

Have a great day :)

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Today is a new year and a new day to start fresh, to stay away from "what might have been" and to focus on "what can be"...

Although every day is a brand new opportunity, every new year is an even better possibility to improve on everything.

Now 2011 is just another chapter in the past, but not for us to close the book, just turn the page to a wonderful 2012 and expect the unexpected with a positive attitude!

Have a wonderful blessed year and be happy!!!

saying goodbye

2011-12-31T11:06:00.002-05:00

Good bye 2011!

Saying goodbye is never an easy thing, specially if you are saying it to somebody you love and care for, but there's times when goodbyes are good and perhaps necessary for us to move forward.

All things in life have a beginning and an end, today is the end of 2011 and tomorrow we start a fresh brand new year, one that we can make the best out of with just the right attitude.

Here's the a wonderful year for all of us, our families, friends, our countries and the whole world. That 2012 be filled with the most wonderful blessings and that those blessings start in our heart and we pass them along the entire year!!!

Happy New Year!

Red dog, Yellow Dog

2011-12-29T09:36:00.000-05:00

Once in a while comes a movie that is fun, interesting, unique and even inspirational but the best part being that it is based on a true story.

A movie like that (and that we watched recently) is Red Dog.

What a great story it is, full is very peculiar characters, all fun and extraordinary, and of course my favorite is Red.

Never heard of this movie? Well, here's the trailer so you can have an idea of what's all about...

I definitely recommend it to all of us dogs/animal lovers, for anybody or everybody that has or had a connection to a special animal; that teaches us about loyalty and love among other great qualities.

So, look it up and watch it and if you can't find it, let me know I will mail you a dvd copy!

In other news, it took our dog Sheba exactly 3 days to destroy her Christmas present...

Oh well, I guess she enjoyed it while it lasted, LOL!

Have a great Thursday! :)

come sing with me...

2011-12-28T09:18:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned yesterday for Christmas my husband got me a beautiful and magical Tibetan Singing Bowl that I absolutely love to play.

It makes such an amazing sound that you can feel all the way inside your bones.

The other night I played it right on top of my solar plexus chakra and WOW, it was amazing how the vibrations and sound can be felt all around my body, very cool!

Even my dogs love it and they tend to lay down around me when I am playing it.

The video is not the best but you can get a pretty good idea of what they are all about, if you would like to see more amazing videos of these kind of bowl, check youtube.com.

And if you would like more information about them, their history and what they are all about, please check the Wikipedia page by clicking here.

I am going to try and make a video later in the afternoon so you can't really hear all the neighborhood rosters, LOL!

Have a wonderful day!

where are u christmas?

2011-12-27T10:42:00.001-05:00

Christmas has come and gone and now most people are looking forward to the next celebration, New Years.

Hope everybody's Christmas was a fabulous time, filled with the most wonderful moments shared with special people; whether it was family time, friends time or even inner peace time.

For me Christmas was very nice, got to spend another one with my most wonderful blessing a.k.a my husband, also celebrating my brother's birthday on Christmas day and getting together with friends.

To me Christmas is not so much about the presents but about the fact that you show people love [ some via the little things you get them] and I know my husband really loves me as he got me a pool! woo-hoo....

It is only one of those blow up ones but the best part is that we can put it on our back deck upstairs, so I am very excited about that!

Our dogs both get Christmas presents and this year it was not exception.

Sheba got a Christmas Ball and Ditto a matching collar and leash with sharks!

Also from my husband a received an amazing Tibetan Singing Bowl and I love it, will try to make a video of it later and post it for those who don't know what they are.

Now, it's back to work for me, so the magic time of the season is over, lol!

Happy Tuesday, I am looking forward to my Kettlexpress class tomorrow, although I am still a bit congested and my sinus acting up at times...

Christmas Wishes

2011-12-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

Dear God,

Being that you are the one and only that always takes care of me. You take me by the hand and sends me blessings everyday, so this Christmas time [and any time] you are the one to make my Christmas list to. [Sorry Santa, nothing personal!]

But first, I can't possibly ask for anything unless I first thank you for all the blessings you bring to my life and the life of those around me.

If possible, there are still a few things I would like to ask you for in 2012.

1. To love and be loved everyday.

2. A daily hug.

3. A house... for those that are homeless.

4. Food, for those that are starving.

5. Faith for those that need it or that are lacking it completely.

6. Freedom for those that are innocent of any crime.

7. Health, strength, care and support for all our brothers and sisters suffering.

8. Peace of earth.

9. More beautiful sunsets and less natural catastrophes.

And last but definitely not least...

10. Blessings to all those reading this, their loved ones and friends, as well as my family and loved ones.

May this Holiday Season be absolutely wonderful and that the spirit of God will surround all your celebrations.

God Bless and Happy Christmas!!!

Pimp my [holiday] ride

2011-12-22T10:13:00.000-05:00

If Santa had a car and suddenly he decided he wanted to "pimp" his ride, I am sure he will not even attempt to use those tacky Christmas decorations people are using in their cars nowadays.

What's up with that?

Reindeer antlers and a red nose!

C'mon people, if you are lacking that much of a Christmas spirit or have perhaps waaaay too much to decide on such a thing, perhaps you need a bit more eggnog, LOL!

Call me old fashion, but to me, Christmas decorations are for the house, or perhaps the place of business, but definitely NOT for your car.

And this year to top it up, I've seen some "Elves" cars around as well.

With examples like these ones it's when I confirm that the whooole purpose and real meaning of Christmas is long, long gone for most people... And I wish for them that they find it before it's too late.

Happy Thursday!

from my inner artist

2011-12-21T08:35:00.000-05:00

Remember back in November when I wrote this post about drawing a picture for my friend Aidan?

Well, here it is... but again is not quite finish but I plan to finish it today so I can put it on a plane tomorrow.

Aaaaand... I took the picture with my phone so the colors are completely wrong!

But I think you can get the idea, right?

Also, here's a closer look at the Eagle.

Pretty cool, uh? well, at least I think so and I am hoping he will love it.

I still need to finish the coloring of the sky (which doesn't show at all on the photo), as well as adding more pine trees and some other minor details...

And then tomorrow is the day to send it to him!

On the health front, I have to say that I feel a bit better today, now I just hope that this throat thing doesn't go down to my bronchi because that is usually what happens to me after a cold, so I am stopping today at the drugstore to get something for my night cough.

Happy Wednesday... Christmas is almost here!

unda' da weatha'

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Saying that today I feel "under the weather" is sort of a under statement.

It's been raining non stop from yesterday morning and although it's not raining right this minutes, still out there looks very cloudy and perhaps some chance of showers.

At times, out there looks like we are back in Sept. or October when it's actually rainy season here, it's cloudy and just yucky wet weather all around.

Definitely not a very good time to have this kind of weather and to have a cold, with sinus episodes included.

I must get better soon so I can fully enjoy this awful weather, yeah right!

The worst part about being sick [besides how bad I actually feel], is that I am going to miss my Kettlexpress class on Wednesday, with my sinus situation I think it would be short of a crime to do it, I could probably pass out from not breathing right, or perhaps it would help my cold?

Oh well, let's see how I feel tomorrow morning when the alarm goes off.

Happy Tuesday!

survived the weekend

2011-12-19T13:14:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact that I was sick for the past two days and that our internet was down at home, making me completely and absolutely disconnected from the world... I have a nice weekend.

On Saturday I woke up feeling like crap, sore throat and my sinus acting up, but I toughen up and with the help of some good old drugs, got the house clean and ready for a "Girls Night" Christmas Style...

We had a fantastic time!

Lots of food, lots of laughs, pressies and just fun girly time!!!

Food, food, food, yummy!!!

Smile to the camera girls!

Santa Steal Gift Exchange... Toni got my lovely fossil bag!

In the Christmas Spirit- girl Style!

So, besides trying to get over this nasty cold I have, I also had time to work on my Christmas gifts for the girls at work.

This year I decided to make some potholes for everybody, so far I am done with 2 and have half of other two to go...

Potholders finished

Got the front of the other two done... now I just need to work on backing.

Dunno why blogger is uploading both potholders photos upside down?!?!? Oh well, you get the idea, right?

Hope everybody had a nice weekend, and for the lucky girls that participated on the giveaway I will make sure to post everybody's packages on the mail this week!

Have a wonderful week : )

what a treat!

2011-12-16T08:26:00.001-05:00

First I have to say, thanks to Debbie, Heather and Colleen for participating in my "Christmas Treat Giveaway".

Second, I have to say congratulations to the winner, Colleen, who will be getting the book plus a special surprise treat with it!

She came in last but got to be first in the end... I chose her via random generator!

And last but not least, since this gift is a gift that "keep on giving" to whoever receives it (as long as they use to cook) and to the animals at the shelter, I have decided to send a book to everybody that sign up, so both

Debbie and Heather

are also getting a "Bone Appetit" book for Christmas!!!

Thank you all for signing up, but most importantly for reading my blog and for your friendship via your comments, Happy Christmas to all of you and your loved ones!!!

PS. Please send me your mailing addresses to my email and I will get those books in the mail asap!

Happy weekend!!!

7 minutes video

2011-12-15T09:10:00.000-05:00

If today you have about 7 minutes to spare, make sure you use those minutes by watching the following video that is not only beautiful but also shows the sad reality of the ocean's situation.

I don't think the issue of the health of our oceans is something we can to ignore, in fact, the more we learn about it, the more we can help built up awareness in other people and perhaps make a difference on our food choices and even our environmental practices.

So, watch the video until the end, buy the record if you like, but even if you don't buy the record, make sure to share the video with others so we can start changing our mentality and make a difference.

Have a great day!

'tis the season to bake

2011-12-14T09:53:00.000-05:00

Another Wednesday and another kettlexpress class done and all I have to say is, it was hard stuff all over again, but I loved it!

Thanks to Debbie and Heather for signing up for my giveaway, hopefully more people will sign up, there's time until Friday, so go ahead, click here and leave me a comment.

I am pretty happy about the Christmas shopping situation this year, but I am kind of dreading all the baking that is coming my way, since I have offered a Chocolate Cake for my brother's birthday (which is Christmas day) and we also attend a Christmas party every year and I get to make the dessert, so I am thinking that this time on Christmas Eve I will be making 2 chocolate cakes!

Yesterday I tried a new Chocolate cake recipe from the amazing Ina Garten a.k.a. "The Barefoot Contessa" and I have to say that I am still to be disappointed by one of her recipes, she is fabulous and every single dish she makes is easy and incredibly tasty.

I definitely don't like following recipes that are long, with tons of ingredients and specially when half of them you need to go out and buy. In Ina's case, she is specially very good about using ingredients that you usually have at home and her recipes are very simple to follow and everything comes out so delicious.

If you've never tried any of her recipes please make and effort and either check her website or the food network website, I promise you won't be dissapointed.

And if you feel like trying some Caribbean cooking remember to sign up for my giveaway and win the "Bon Appetit" cookbook!!!

So, just click here!

Happy Hump Day to everybody!

Christmas Treat

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday before I took Yanique to the movies, she wanted to stop by the Humane Society Shelter to show me a cat that her Mom wants to adopt for the house.

I am so glad we went, first because I love to visit those animals (although their situation makes me sad as well and I wish I could adopt them all), but also because I found something I've been looking for. Lately, I've been thinking about something to giveaway on my blog for Christmas, and although I am cutting it close this time, I still want to.

The deal is that this year I am making most of my Christmas presents [handmade] so I barely have any time to come up with something else and work on it, well, perhaps I could pull it off only if I was a octopus, LOL!

So then on Saturday at the shelter I found something special, being that I love to cook, I love animals and I am always up to help those lovely ones at the shelter.

This time my Christmas Giveaway is a:

"Bone Appetit" Human Society Cook Book

with Caribbean and International Reciepes

[plus photos of the Shelter animals].... nice, isn't it?

Now, all you have to do to participate is:

1. Leave me a comment with your email address [so I can contact you]
2. For an extra chance, all you need to do is mention the giveaway on your blog and leave me a separate comment about it or just grab the button below and post it on your blog.

Easy enough, right?

Of course, I know I am a bit late to send this on the mail [specially from the Caribbean], so whoever wins it won't be receiving it until probably until after Christmas, sorry about that!

Time to join the giveaway is until Thursday December 15th at 12 midnight EST, and I will announce the winner on Friday the 16th. If you are the winner and I receive your postal address that same day, then it'll be on its way immediately.

So, go on, leave me a comments and tell your friends all about it for an extra chance to win it!!!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

On the 12th day...

2011-12-12T04:38:00.001-05:00

My weekend was fabulous, a busy one but very enjoyable.

Had time to do some crafts, work on some of my holiday gifts and still have time to catch a movie and a party with friends.

First I want to share a little Christmas Tree that I made over the weekend. It was a fun and easy craft that anybody can do, all you need is

1 empty bottle of wine
ribbon
fabric glue or a hot glue gun (whichever one you prefer)
scissors

Now all you have to do is cut the ribbons about 10 inches long and glue them together and the ends.

Once you have the ribbons ready, start to glue them on a straight line around and make as many lines until you reach the top of the bottle.

And for the final result... [insert drum roll here]... it should be something like this...

Taaa-daaah! Behold the "little Christmas Ribbon-Tree"

Pretty, uh?

So I made the little tree on Saturday morning, then in the afternoon I picked up Yanique and we went to watch Happy Feet Two, which was actually a pretty nice movie.

After the movie we walked around Camana Bay, which the area where the movie theater is, went up to their look out tower, walked around the marina and even check out some of their fountains with shells (but no water in them this time).

taking a stroll

walking palm

view from the tower

around the marina

Yanique with the shells

Saturday evening we had our first Christmas party, I made the kebabs and they were a success!

Hope everybody has a nice week!!!

I got a feeling

2011-12-09T05:20:00.001-05:00

I can't even begin to describe the marvelous feeling I woke with today...

but I am going to try...

It's a feeling of joy and excitement, of knowing that today is FRIDAY, yippeee!

Oh what a wonderful feeling!!!

Christmas celebrations officially start tomorrow. We are attending our very first Holiday Party at our friends Jo & Chris's house. Last time I talked to Jo she said that this year they are having an "Italian" theme so that if I wanted to bring something, just think around those lines...

So, I am bringing some Antipasto Kebabs, hopefully those would be good.

Here's the recipe I'm trying.[ Please keep in mind that if you decide to make these, there are endless possibilities of what to put on them, like cherry tomatoes, small pickels, grapes, etc....]

I will use for my version:

1 9 oz package of Three Cheese Tortellini,(like Buitoni )cooked to package directions
1 can Medium or Large pitted Black Olives
1 5.75 oz jar Green Olives
2 12 oz containers of marinated mozzarella balls(usually found near the speciality cheeses)
30 slices of Salami, cut in half
60 pieces of pepperoni
1 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing ( my favorite is the Paul Newmans)
Skewers (as many as you'll like to make)

Place the cooked tortellini in a bowl or large gallon freeze bag. Pour the salad dressing over the top and marinade in the fridge for a few hours. Drain the pasta. Place one of each item onto the skewer using the pointy side.

Looks good in the pictures, we shall see if it tastes the same.

So, for me it's going to be a busy weekend. Tomorrow Sat. morning I will get those kebabs ready, then I'm off to pick up Yanique at 2pm to take her to the movies at 3 and we are going to watch "Happy Feet 2", I hope it's a nice movie.

Then at 7pm is off to the Christmas Party!

On Sunday I just plan to go to Church in the morning and then perhaps go visit my SIL in their new place.

And last but not least, I am hoping to get rid of my soreness from the Wed. class... so in between all I have plan, I need a much deserved rest.

'Till we meet again, have yourself a wonderful weekend!

Holiday spirit

2011-12-08T09:29:00.000-05:00

What are the best feelings to describe the Holiday Season?

Love? Joy? Happiness? Hope? Charity?

I guess any as longs as it's a good feeling, right?

Well then, what's with Christmas music that [once again this year] DOES NOT put me in a holiday spirit?

It's been years that I've tried to figure this out, but can't come up with a reason.

But here's the thing, it's not the lyrics I mind so much, but maybe that some of the songs seem very depressing at times and in some cases even "whinny", so after a while of the same stuff, it gets on my nerves BIG TIME!

Perhaps I should write Santa a letter and ask him for some taste in this kind of music?

Maybe I should just buy some ear plugs and wear them every day or perhaps I need to increase my dosage of the other kind of Christmas "spirits", LOL!

So, how is your Christmas spirit these days? Are you feeling the Christmas music or like me just starting to get on your nerves? Any advice for me???

Have a great Thursday!

describe exhausted? me

2011-12-07T09:29:00.000-05:00

Today at 6am I tried a new class at a new gym Rogue Gym (well, at least new for me!) and I have to say it was nothing by though and intense, but I loved it.

The name of the class is called KettleExpress and it's a very cool and unique concept, anything but a routine; from calisthenics to kettlebells, barbells and medicine balls, athletic training, agility and coordination drills, metabolic conditioning, yoga based dynamic flexibility drills, basic gymnastic skills and even Olympic lifting.

But that's not all.

It also uses boot camp exercise and interactive team bulding drills, with hi impact movements.

Are you tired yet? I know I still am, even 3 hours after the class!!!

Here's a picture of part of the Gym... Oh also they have a boxing ring as they teach Boxing, Muay Thai fighting and other stuff (but I ain't signing for any of that!).

So, even as I type this I am still exhausted but somewhere deep inside I am also proud that I did so good today on my first class!!!

According to the instructor, you can burn an average of 900 calories each class!!! I am all up for that, let's see how it goes next week.

Happy Hump Day!

Pirates Caves

2011-12-06T05:55:00.000-05:00

As mentioned on yesterday's post, on Saturday my new little sister and me visited the Pirates Caves, where they have a little petting zoo, we had a great time and I specially loved the goats!

Here are some of the highlights of that day.

love birds

little goat- I want it!

little goats- I want them!

adult mountain goat

And finally the beautiful peacock, who gave us an amazing display of beauty!

By the way, did I mentioned I loved the goats and that I want one? So if you have a spare goat you would like to send me for Christmas, please feel free to air freight it asap, thanks!

Happy Tuesday : )

Yanique

2011-12-05T04:39:00.000-05:00

For the past 34 years of my life I've always been the "little sister" but as of Saturday, the rolls have changed and now I am happy to say that I am a "Big Sister" of a wonderful 10 year old girl, Yanique.

On Saturday we had our first "outing" as sisters.

Of course she is not "my blood" sister, but for a year, thanks to the mentor program of "Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands", we get to spend a few hours together every week, and build up a relationship that we both, but specially her can benefit from.

So, on Sat. we visited The Pirates Caves, where they have [of course] caves as well as a small petting zoo.

It was a great place to start getting to know each other and to be around animals, which we both love.

Yanique is a very nice, intelligent and friendly girl, she is also very well mannered and fun. Her love for animals showed me that she is also a very caring and sensitive person.

I am very blessed and honored to be her "Big Sister" at least for a year, I know we both can learn a lot about each other and hopefully this relationship will bring lots of joy to our already blessed life.

Will share more pictures of the petting zoo tomorrow!

Hope everybody had a nice weekend, just as I did.

Now, enjoy the week!!!

Friday Laugh

2011-12-02T07:22:00.000-05:00

If you haven't had a laugh in a while. If perhaps the stress of the holiday season is already getting you...

Or if maybe you just don't feel very sexy lately, all you have to do is watch the following video and dance it off.

Because I am sure no matter how you look, how stressed you are, or if life is not very funny lately, I am sure that the "sexy" guys from LMFAO will make it better with their silly song!

Now, I promise this is not a Christmas song or anything holiday related [God know, it's only been two days that we have been playing Holiday music at work and I am already sick of it!], but it is sure going to make you at least giggle...

Funny stuff, right? I imagine everybody that participated in the making of this video must have had a blast... because how can you not laugh at those ~~sexy~~ dancing routines?!?!?!

Now, enjoy your weekend, whether is sunny, rainy, snowy or sexy and you know it!

Happy 1st weekend of December!!!!

Dec. 1st

2011-12-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

Today I crochet my very first snowflake and this will be closest I am going to get to snow during the holidays.

Yesterdays expo was busy, but just as I suspected, what women really want is just more money to spend, because nobody bought anything.

It was a fun time but tiring, been home all morning but now I have to leave and work for the afternoon.

Here is a pic of our booth.

Happy December 1st!!!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 Mobile

What Women Want

2011-11-30T04:43:00.000-05:00

Be aware: this is not a post that is going to finally reveal this mystery of the female human species or anything of the sort.

Instead, tomorrow our store is participating on yet another expo for the year, but this one is mainly target to perhaps the most important group of the retail market, Women.

Mother's, daughters, girlfriends, wife, friends, we as females are mostly in control of the gift buying during the holidays, so this expo should help many to get an idea of what is out there for the taking!

It is also a great event for after work kind of a thing, to go and hang out with girlfriends and perhaps even a "girls night" event!!!

I have a big group of friends that I always go out with (on girl's nights) that are coming to check out the event and support our booth as well, it should be fun.

On a different note, on Monday night I finally went to the match meeting for the Big Brothers & Big Sister's program and I am happy to say that I got a new little sister, her name is Yanique and she is 10 years old.

I have already schedule our first day out and we are going to a place call the Pirates Cave, to check out the caves as well as a little petting zoo they have, should be so much fun. Will take pictures and share later!!!

Other than that, weather is very crappy here, rained most of the day yesterday and we had 6 to 8ft waves right in front of work, yikes!

Hope everybody is having a nice week, I can't believe December is almost here... so Happy Wednesday!!!

random photo post

2011-11-29T04:01:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my new phone and specially the camera?

Oh but I do and to make my point, here are some random pictures that I've taken in the past few days.

Goldie in "cartoon mode"

cruise ship in port at sunset

little beach treasures

beach panorama

cheap candle holders (made out of empty glass jars)

rainbow and pot, but no gold :(

Happy Tuesday :)

i am a free diver

2011-11-28T10:25:00.000-05:00

Well hello there, how was your weekend?

Mine was wet and cold as I spent more hours out in the ocean or on the pool.

Both Saturday and 1/2 day yesterday I participated on the SSI free diving course level 1. Now, I am happy to announced the I passed course and from now I am ready to take on free diving, but now it's all about practice, practice, practice to get better at it, both holding my breath as well as equalizing for when diving down.

not me in the photo, but pretty close (source)

When I started the course on Sat. morning I was only able to hold my breath for 58 seconds, but then end of Sat. after some learned techniques as well as some relaxations breathing exercises I managed a record of 2 minutes 10 seconds, not bad!

So, yes, my weekend was not a very relaxing one and in fact I feel pretty tired to start the week, but happy to cross off another goal out of my bucket list (with by the way I don't really have a set one)... and proud of myself.

How was your weekend? Hoping it was a great one!

Happy Week :)

follow the leader

2011-11-25T05:36:00.000-05:00

Nowadays that my husband is working from 9am to 6pm I usually get home before him and the cats are all outside, by the door waiting to be fed.

But the thing is that the dogs are also upstairs waiting to be walked.

So, I usually go upstairs first, leave my handbag, change into my flip flops and proceed to walk the dogs first, and then on my way back go and feed the kitties.

Well, lately I've been walking the dogs on a [sort of] empty lot next to our house, part of it's empty but there's also a small house in mid construction phase.

But to my surprise, the past couple of days during our walk, we seem to have acquired an entourage!!!!

The very first day it happened, it was only Shadow (the black cat) and Al (the white one).

But yesterday all the other 4 joined in and walked with us, all of them keeping their distance

It was so fun to see them following us...

The dogs are not acting aggressive about them anymore and although I like to think that they are getting used to seeing them and perhaps the cat smell on us is making a difference. Still I don't fully trust them so I keep them on a short leash and they never leave my sight.

Isn't it cool how the cats are walking with us? I love it and it makes me so happy to see them around, so yesterday on thanksgiving I added yet another reason to love walking my pets!

Happy Weekend :)

practice makes [thanks] perfect!

2011-11-24T02:22:00.000-05:00

Although I do like the concept of Thanksgiving as a holiday, I think this only makes sense as a celebration, if we practice gratitude every day of our lives.

So how can we thankful for everything, everyday? Easy, just be!

You know the saying, "practice makes perfect", right?

If there's many people that are way less fortunate that we are and they still make the best out of life, and perhaps are even thankful for it, so can we!

In fact, "We have no right to ask when a sorrow comes, why did this happened to me?... Unless we ask the same question for every joy that comes our way", right?

But if we still having trouble been thankful for what we have and the life we are living, maybe we should think about this more often...

So now, let's all celebrate Thanksgiving every day in our hearts and in our daily life, counting our blessings and subtracting our sorrows.

Happy Thanksgiving to your and your family, may you always have many days and many reasons to be thankful for!

finding my inner artist

2011-11-23T10:04:00.000-05:00

“The world is but a canvas to our imaginations.”

Henry David Thoreau

On Monday night during my short visit to Cayman Brac I saw my dear friend Aidan, he is 7 years old and I know him from 5 months old, around this time...

He has grown so much since then, now 7, he is a very imaginative boy that loves animals, the ocean and it's a fantastic swimmer as well.

much recent photo of Aidan

But he is also in that phase when he is shy at the first encounter, even though he knows me, he always plays is it "hard to get" at the beginning, until a few minutes later he grows out of that and he is himself again.

Well, Monday was not an exception, as soon as he saw me, he covered his face with his sweatshirt, of course, I still grabbed him and hugged him.

So his Mom (and my friend) Liesel said to him: aren't you going to ask her what you want?

Minutes later, he found his "not really lost" courage and we had this conversation :

Aidan- "My Mom says you are a pretty good artist, would you paint me something for Christmas?"

Me- Well, if I can, sure! What would you like?

Aidan- I want you to paint me a American Bald Eagle, flying on top of some pine trees, with flowers, grass and a house, mountains.... [and he kept on going with a whole bunch of things, that I can't even remember].

Me- Oh my, not sure if I am that good of an artist, but I could try!!!!

Now, I'm in trouble, because I really don't want to disappoint him by not doing it for him, but also I am afraid to disappoint him by not doing a good job with the painting...

Anyway, I am going to try my best and do it anyway, hopefully he will love it and with this I will be able to find my inner artist once again!

Will share my progress and the final work of art when I have it!

Happy Wednesday :)

Brac & back!

2011-11-22T10:27:00.001-05:00

Just got back from Cayman Brac this morning it was a [way too] short of a trip.

Got there yesterday at 3pm, got ready for the documentary presentation at 6:30pm.

After we were all set up for the show, we managed to squeeze in a little island tour as my boss and his wife never been to this island before.

Here are some picture of my favorite part of the island "the lighthouse at the bluff".

path to the 180ft bluff drop

the edge

I am so glad I found that my camera phone has a panorama mode on it, cause I got this awesome shot, click to enlarge and the full panoramic view experience...

the bluff view

And for today's sunrise [well, "sort of "sunrise at 6:30am!], view from my room.

Like I said ~~short~~ too short but sweeeet! Wish I was still there.

Happy Tuesday!!!

Pretty Pots Project

2011-11-21T05:53:00.000-05:00

With Christmas just around the corner, sometimes we think that finding that personalized and unique gift for somebody, is either too difficult or simply just out of the question.

But what if you could take the "blah" out of something and turn it into a cute little present for you or anybody special? Here's a fun little project that might just be what you were looking for.

All you need is:

Terracotta Pot (medium, small or large)
Fabric (about 1/4 yrd for a size showing below)
Fabric Mod Podge or Cold Silicon Glue
Brush & Scissors

So, with those materials you could go from this

To this....

With the fabric Mod Podge and the brush, glue the fabric to the pot, making sure you leave enough on the top and bottom edges. Also make sure that you spread the glue well enough with the brush just so there's not big amounts of it that might go through the fabric.

If you decide to use a fabric like the one shown above (with white background) you might need to do two layers so no terracotta color can be seeing through the fabric.

Now, all you need is to find the right fabric.

If using cotton and you want to put a plant in it, make sure to buy an indoor plant so the fabric doesn't get wet in the rain. But, you find a nice outdoor fabric then you can use for an outdoor plant.

But, if you are given them away as a gift, the possibilities are endless.

Instead of a plant, buy some seed packets (or pods) and put those in there, or perhaps if the person is really into gardening, buy them a pair of garden gloves and a garden tool [this is the part to get creative].

Aren't they pretty? I love them and I'm giving one to my brother and sister in law for their new apartment, I hope they are going to love it too!!!

On another note, today in the afternoon I am going away for the night to Cayman Brac, as we are showing the Grouper Moon documentary. I am very excited to go a see some of my friends and although I will only be there for a few hours I will take it over nothing!!!!

Happy Weekend!

Feline Friday

2011-11-18T05:02:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had some stomach problems so I stayed home.

The afternoon was beautiful and since it's been a while that I've used my Nikon camera, I decided to go down to the back yard to see if I could find some kitties to take pictures of...

Well, not only they were all there, but also they were very cooperative with me and my camera, let me show you...


they were all there, and I managed to capture 4 out of 6 in this shot (from left: Goldie, Shadow, Al, Lee)

Al, playing hide and seek

Goldie, being Goldie!

"Little One" likes to pose for the camera

"BTK" trying to pass as "incognito"

I love taking pictures and with such great models, it's even better!

Have a happy weekend!!! >''<

Photo of the Day

2011-11-17T12:45:00.000-05:00

Who can remember each day of their life for 18 years? Perhaps none of us can, but somebody could, well that's if he was still alive.

I am talking about Jamie Livingston (October 25, 1956 - October 25, 1997), who was a New York-based photographer, film-maker and circus performer. Between March 31, 1979 and October 25, 1997, the day of his death, he took a single picture nearly every day with a Polaroid SX-70camera.

Jamie Livingston self portrait (source)

After Livingston’s death, his friends Hugh Crawford and Betsy Reid put together a public exhibit and website using the photos and called it PHOTO OF THE DAY: 1979-1997, 6,697 Polaroids, dated in sequence.

March 30th, 1991- his collection of photos inside suitcases

The physical exhibit opened in 2007 at the Bertelsmann Campus Center at Bard College (where Livingston started the series, as a student, way back when). The exhibit included rephotographs of every Polaroid and took up a 7 x 120 foot space, apparently the pictures that are just dates aren’t Polaroids — they’re placeholders for days when there was no photo, or the photo was lost.

I find this story amazing, how a single human being can record a life of 18th years to perhaps share it with the world, but life and God had other plans for him, so now, more than 10 years after his death we are here, still able to watch her every day for 18th via his own view of it.

If you would like to visit his website please click here. I must advice you that this is not a sophisticated, modern looking site; full of links and gadget, there, you will only find a list by year and each one with a photo he took- but even this simplicity of website, to me each photo symbolizes a little piece of his soul that once walked on this earth and the way he saw his own life.

Jamie Livingston, RIP (Oct 25, 1959- Oct 25, 1997)

Wisdom Wednesday

2011-11-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

Perhaps we sometimes wonder and have doubts about the reality of our dreams.

Now, here's the thing about happiness and dreams; yes, they both have to start withing ourselves and by doing so every day we have an opportunity to work towards keeping happiness around and orchestrate our dreams.

But then that's with reality kicks in. There are many situations and external factors in life that make us change, happiness sometimes is questionable and at times we might feel as we've been "kicked" out of the circle of successful dream living.

Well, even if we are not living our dreams to the fullest, that doesn't mean that they are death.

Perhaps we are focusing too much on the unattainable ones and not giving a chance to others to be born, grow and evolve?

So my point is, even if we are not living our dreams [and some might never come true at all], every day is an opportunity to keep pursuing them or create new ones, but we should never give up, and remember.

Dream as if you'll live forever

Live as if you'll die today!

Happy Wisdom Wednesday!!!!

Parade Pics Part 2

2011-11-15T09:50:00.000-05:00

Here are more pictures of the Pirates Parade, these one taken by my bosses camera.

before the parade started (from left: Mrs. Harvey, Kennedy, Me & My Boss Guy)

With the girls from the store (from left: Jessie, Wally, Sabrina- on top: Guy & Me- back: Emmanuel & Sylvia)

Another with the crew from the store & Kennedy (Guy's Neighbor)

One more!

most of the crew and our star driver (David)

the float behind us

And the last picture I will share, was taken by my friend Gerardo.

I have to say that I did see this guy from far away, unfortunately not close enough to take my picture with him... Although, the celebrations continue so hopefully he is still around...

Can you guess who he looks like?

Happy Tuesday!!!! Arrrgg.....

Pirate Parade

2011-11-14T10:49:00.000-05:00

As of Saturday I have one more item to check off the bucket list "Participating in a Parade".

Pirates week started in full force and I am so happy we put on a float cause it was packed and so much fun.

Here are some of the highlights of the event.

almost ready to start

my boss on the left (with the long necklaces) and his friend

and we are off... crowd is pretty big

confetti all the way

the busiest part of the parade

little pirates

arrrgh u having fun yet???

My boss took many more pictures that I will share as soon as I get copies.

Today is a holiday so I am home but getting ready to go to the gym. Happy Monday!!!

Parade ready

2011-11-12T09:03:00.002-05:00

It's Saturday and the whole island is getting ready for the 2011 Pirates Week Landing and Parade.

Yesterday we pretty much got our entire float ready (see photos above).

I think it looks fabulous and it's going to look even better in the parade.

Will try to get some pictures of the event but being that I'm goin to be in the actual float I'm not sure if I would be able to...

Happy Saturday!!!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 Mobile

One Love Day

2011-11-11T09:14:00.000-05:00

Today is 11.11.11. and although some people think that 1 is the loneliest number I think that it only takes 1 to make a difference in somebody's life, to love and then make the world go round!!!

So today, let's celebrate the love for others but specially the love for ONEselve...

And let's also celebrate that it's Friday and the weekend is already knocking at our door, yey!

On another note, tomorrow is the 2011 Pirates Week Parade and as I am in charge of the logistics of our float, I will be working on that pretty much all day... Tomorrow will post some pictures of our float.

Anyway, Happy 11.11.11 to all!!!

staying a float

2011-11-10T10:02:00.003-05:00

photo by Patrick Weir

If you are reading this is because I'm still alive and able to type.

And in case you are wondering; no, that is not me on the photo [insert silent crying here]

I am typing but mostly feeling like a confused zombie writing a medical paper on the anatomy of a working heart... LOL!

Kidding, it's not that bad.

But yes, I am pretty exhausted, still. I am working today but ~~deep~~ inside my entire body is really yearning for some lounging time!

Today I have one of last school visits to promote the protection of the Nassau Grouper.

At midday I am meeting a friend at the airport as she is going to Costa Rica so she has agreed to take a little Christmas package for my parents.

Tonight we are having some friends over for dinner, finally an event that I am really going to enjoy because it's not a work/public affair, yey!

Well, other than that, just barely trying to stay a float.

Have a great Thursday!

Story of my life

2011-11-09T10:58:00.000-05:00

No, this isn't a huge long post where I recount every single year of life where, where I've been or what I've done.

Instead this is just an expression people use to describe something that typically happens in their lives.

So, story of my life: either I don't have ANYTHING going on; no events, dates, invitations, work projects or everything happens around the same time and then I feel as if am not going to have enough time or energy to pull it all off.

But this week, story of my life [again], I have events every night but last night that I managed to get my self to the gym and squeezed in about 45 minutes or extenuating exercise, so I feel less like this

And more like this

Tonight's event is a corporate thing at the Ritz Carlton, should be a nice set up because it's in front of the ocean, unfortunately I will be there to work and not as a guest of the event... still will try to get some pictures to share.

Tomorrow we have some friends over for dinner, they live in Bermuda and come visit every year, this will be the first time to come by the house.

On Friday is the official opening of Pirates Week Festival 2011 and we have been invited to go on a boat to watch the fireworks from the water, that is going to be awesome...

Saturday is the world famous Pirates Week Landing Parade, this year the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is putting in a float on the parade and I am in charge of design, set up, decoration and to be there that day... It's going to be fun to be so much fun!!!

And finally on Sunday I would be in bed, barely breathing and asking for an IV!!!!

How about you, any event coming up?

Happy Wednesday :)

Tasty Tuesday

2011-11-08T09:04:00.000-05:00

Looking for an easy and tasty appetizer to impress not only your taste buds but your family and friends?

Well, you are reading the right post then, today I am sharing a delicious and super easy "Cranberry Salsa and Cream Cheese"recipe that I am so sure you and those around you would love (and perhaps love you after that!).

Ingredients:

1 12oz Fresh Cranberries
1/4 cup of green onions (chopped)
1/4 cup of cilantro (chopped)
1 small jalapeno (chopped without seeds- use gloves or plastic bags in our hands so you don't get them burned)
1 1/4 cups of sugar
2 Tbsp of lemon juice
2 8oz cream cheese packs

Put cranberries in food processor (or blender; if using this method make sure to move the cranberries constantly inside the blender with a wood spoon until they are all chopped- careful not to chop the wood spoon as well- just be patient!).

Once Cranberries are all chopped mix them with the rest of the ingredients (but cream cheese), mix well and refrigerate covered for at least 4 hours (or more), the more you leave it, the better cranberries will absorb the sugar.

When the salsa is ready take the cream cheese out of the fridge so it can get softer then use a plate to spread the cream cheese and then put the "salsa" on top of it, serve with crackers or wheat thins and enjoy!!!!

In another note, last night film festival was really good, very interesting little films were featured.

I participated on the Lobster lotto and won a $25 dollars gift certificate to one my favorite kitchen stores on the island, 2 dives with gear and scooter included and also a lunch at a local restaurant, yummy!

My favorite part (besides winning some prizes) was the presentation by Michelle and Howard Hall who is a couple of award winning Natural history photographers and filmmakers that are world renowned for their underwater IMAX films like Into the Deep, Island of Sharks and Deep Sea 3D, his films are amazing!

Here's one of the short films that they shared last night, it's less than 5min long and very worth watching

Isn't that footage amazing and mesmerizing? Well, if you would like to watch even more amazing shorts, please visit Howard's website at www.howardhall.com

Happy Tasty Tuesday!!!

it takes two days...

2011-11-07T09:12:00.000-05:00

Batteries are charged and I am ready to start another week.

our dogs "chilling" on the weekend

Two days off made quite a difference and I am feeling somewhat better, but my battle is still not over, I am still feeling very tired in the mornings, but improving.

Can't stop going to the gym because that does make a difference on my energy level, so I will have to keep it up, no matter what.

The weekend was great, had time to rest but also kept busy with other fun stuff.

Yesterday we attended a bbq party at my brother's party, had a great time! I made some "Cranberry Salsa" that was just to "die for", everybody liked it so it's definitely a way to go for the holiday's, I will share the recipe tomorrow.

photo taken on the way to the bbq party

Tonight we are going to an "Underwater Film Festival" although it's above water, LOL! Kind of a weird name but I guess it's because the movies feature have all to do with underwater related themes!

weekend = rest

2011-11-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

So I guess from yesterday's post to today, I don't really feel worst, perhaps going to the gym on Wed. did help with energy level a bit and I am yawning less and not feeling so exhausted.

But I still don't feel like my normal self, in fact I feel as if I'm living "jet lag", my body still aches and I sometimes catch myself staring into the unknown without a though in my mind...

Thanks to everybody that commented on my post yesterday (even if you are not doctors) all your comments and suggestions are very valuable.

I don't have much to say other than I am looking forward to the weekend, because weekend = rest, and the way I feel right now, that is really the only thing I am looking forward to.

Everybody have a blessed weekend, filled with fun or rest, depending of you what you are looking for.

Happy Weekend!

Tired, tire, tir, ti, t,,,,zzzz!

2011-11-03T10:16:00.000-04:00

Recognize any or all of the following symptoms?

Extreme fatigue
Unexplained pain in muscles
Sore throat
Loss of memory or difficulty with concentration
Pain that moves from joint to joint.
Pain in the lymph nodes
Headache pain that is severe
Sleep that does not improve your symptoms

Unfortunately I do.

I've been so tired lately that I feel as if I have no energy at all.

I sleep but don't seem to find any rest at all.

I am convinced that part of my constant tiredness lately is because I've been very busy (with lots of projects at work) so I haven't had any time to go to the gym in the past, mmmhhhh, two week? Until yesterday that I finally made it back.

I do feel a little bit better today, but not really my 100%.

But, can this really be the whole reason of my exhaustion?

I mean, I eat o.k. to well, take my vitamins and don't have very bad habits (smoking, getting drunk, drugs), so what is it?

Could it be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? What should I do or take? Anybody out there has suggestions for me? Please pretty please!

Have a nice Thursday :)

costumes delight!

2011-11-02T10:23:00.000-04:00

Like I mentioned yesterday, the Halloween Party we attended was awesome, now today I am sharing some pictures of the costumes, starting with my very own "Mexican Sugar Skull".

How about our hosts? I think their costumes were AWESOME!

Dave as "Mexican Wrestler" and Tarah as "Bettlejuice"

Tennis player, Dorothy and a weird pirate


Chinese Take out and another pirate

And the winner for the best costume of the night...

he was dressed as a "one nightstand" LOL!

Fun stuff... Have a great Wednesday :)

now, that was a party!

2011-11-01T12:07:00.000-04:00

We made to yesterday's Halloween Party at Dave & Tarah's... It was SPOOCK-TACULAR!!!!

Here are some pictures to prove it...

our pre-party shot, with my brother (Osama) and his wrench!

Decorations were THE BEST!

The welcoming pumpkin

the graveyard

part of the hunted house area... blogger refuses to upload it correctly, FREAKY!

the bathroom area in the hunted house

the cooler was a coffin... another pic that blogger refuses to post right!

I tell you, it was a great party, the hostess thought of everything... more to share but will wait until tomorrow... Have a great Tuesday!

I-LOVE-(He)en!

2011-10-31T10:28:00.000-04:00

If anybody is able to find a way to make Halloween romantic, that for sure is my amazing husband.

Perhaps is because he is a cutie (but just don't tell him I say so), o perhaps it's just his zombie personality that comes out with the best of him during today's holiday, which is specially made for all things creepy, freaky and scary, LOL!

Anyway, he did a fine job on today's celebration with an amazing post that I for once cannot top.

This morning as soon as I read his blog, he made my Halloween, my day and my year worthwhile... (but the truth of this is, that he had me "at hello" from the very first day we met).

Now, I am sure there are lots of kids (and adults) getting ready for some trick or treat today. As far as celebrations on our island, nobody does trick or treat, I guess kids dress up for school and adults dress up for partying the night away.

We have been invited to a major Halloween Party tonight, but officially to right now we don't really have any costumes, so our attending the party depends on my ability to pull off something to wear for tonight... We shall see!

Anyway, if you feel like some romance on such a "scary" day like Halloween, please ck out my husband's post today, so just click HERE!

Happy Halloween!!!

happy weekend

2011-10-28T04:11:00.000-04:00

Whether you have some big Halloween party plans or if you are only planning to make it as far as the grocery store, may your weekend be a wonderful one!!!

I am starting my weekend on a good note, today at 3 I am treating myself to an hour massage and a 1/2 hour facial... Happy Weekend to me... and of course You!!!

let the celebrations begin

2011-10-27T11:18:00.000-04:00

It's only Oct. 27th and already the stores here in Grand Cayman are packed with Christmas decorations, lights, trees and all things red & green.

The other day I walked into a store and it looked like both Santa Claus and Rudolph went partying the night before and then came in a barfed all over it, so much Christmas stuff, that it actually gave me a headache!

I know economy is down and places have the do their best to attract business, but c'mon Christmas decor in October?!?!?

I guess next year, once you take down the 4th of July decor, it's about time to start looking for the Christmas tree, LOL!

So, my point is; if we are going to start decorating/celebrating Christmas from two months before, I think it's in order to start celebrating my birthday in December since the actual day is in late February, don't you agree?

Which is why, I will be available to receive gifts as of Dec. 1st... I am sure I am going to love your, LOL!

Have a wonderful day and oh well, Merry Christmas as well!!!

Wordless Wednesday Video

2011-10-26T11:06:00.000-04:00

Grand Pumpkin Island

2011-10-25T05:50:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I visited my very first pumpkin patch, right here in the Caribbean Island of Grand Cayman [believe it or not].

Of course, this pumpkin patch isn't an actual pumpkin plantation, but one patch at a nursery, still very much worth visiting!

I managed to pick 3 awesome pumpkins that I brought home to carve for the very first time!

By the time I got home it was getting kind of late, so we only managed to carved one each.

So being my first time carving a pumpkin, I was very excited so I got right to it...

Meanwhile my husband carved his own with our dog Sheba paying close attention to the process...

And now for the final result... [Insert drum roll here]

Pretty nice result, eh? I loved carving my very first pumpkin, I am going to try and carve the last one of the three tomorrow... Hoping for better weather although Hurricane Rina is roaming the neighborhood, hopefully it will stay away from our little island.

Well, I guess we are ready for Halloween.... Happy Tuesday : )

Expo done but weekend gone...

2011-10-24T04:11:00.000-04:00

Even though I live in the Caribbean, I don't quite remember when was the last time I saw the sun shinning.

Weather is been so rainy that I feel as I'm starting to get green musk behind my ears!

Saturday was our last day for the Chamber of Commerce Expo, we had a great time and we managed to collect over 710 signatures for the Grouper Moon Petition, so with just that the whole effort of participating on the expo, made it worth it!

Here are some random pictures of the Expo.

Our booth

Just random people visiting the Expo

the girls from Morritz Tortuga Resort (booth across from us!)

Paradise Coffee booth... yuuumy stuff!

Mr. Electric, winner of Best Small Exhibit

perhaps they won cause they had this secret weapon?!?!?

On Saturday evening after the Expo (and despite my tiredness), we went to a Mystery Murder Dinner Party- 'Till Death Do us Part, at our friend Julia's house, we had a great time.

This game was giving to our friend Patrick as a Christmas gift from his parents that live in Texas, the funniest part is that is all based in the Cayman Islands!

I played Chatty Bodden-Ebanks, a columnist from a local newspaper and paparazzi at all events, I was a non suspect, so I didn't get many clues during the whole deal, but it was still very much fun.

My husband played a singer/entertainment from Las Vegas called Newton Polyester, I think he really enjoyed getting this role.

So, it was a great weekend, rain, tiredness and all... Now, I am not sure if I am ready to start another week just yet, but here I go again...

Happy Monday!!!

Wake up and live!

2011-10-22T11:23:00.000-04:00

What would you get when you mix my favorite singer with one of my favorite drinks???

Yeah mon' Bob Marley coffee drink!

Now drink, wake up and live!!!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 Mobile

Expo day 2

2011-10-21T11:44:00.002-04:00

Isn't our booth awesome?

Our booth

Well, the judges didn't think so, which means we did not win the best booth category, bummer :(

But you know what they say: "It's not about winning, but about participating..."

We did have a pretty good night though with a big crowd.

We managed to collect about 75 more signatures for our petition to continue the protection law on the Nassau Grouper Spawning sites, and that is just in on the first night.

designated signing area for our petition

Now, today is day 2 and in previous years for this event, the busiest day.

Weather is still crappy and I hope that won't prevent people from coming out and visit the Expo.

Happy Friday and weekend to all!!!

ready, set...

2011-10-20T13:00:00.001-04:00

and about ready to go!

Everything is just about set up on our booth for the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.

This will be the first time we participate so we are hoping for a good crowd, with lots of interest in our products and perhaps a few good sales.

Tonight is the official opening with a VIP party and the price for best booth (which we are hoping to win!).

Business Expo 2010 (source)

Don't have any pictures to share yet, but hopefully I will catch up on the weekend.

The weather today is dreadful out there, lots of heavy rain, the ocean is very strong with some major surge.

Hopefully these are the last rains we will see during hurricane season, although we still have about a month to go, so can't call it a victory just yet.

Happy Thursday to you, wherever you are reading this today!

stuck but moving forward

2011-10-19T04:30:00.000-04:00

When at times we feel as if we are not moving forward or weare just stuck in the same old routine that barely makes us feel alive, we need to keep on going.

Or perhaps we just need to stop for a bit, take a full breath and think about all the small and big blessings thatsurround us.

It is for us to acknowledge that they’re out there, somewhere.

Even inside of ourselves.

So, when times are hard, let’s just ask around and see ifanybody out there has any spare hugs for us? Or maybe just a friendly hand that we can hold and walkaround in good company.

Because no matter if we are in fact moving forward or standingstill, a hug or a friendly hand, is full of that “half full” energy thatwe can all use and share with others to better our daily dealing with life dissapointments.

The scheduled meeting I had yesterday to meet my new “littlesister” was unfortunately cancelled, so again, I am not sure when it’s going tohappen or if it would ever happen at all.

Like I mentioned a couple of days ago, I started this process more than a year ago, I've been patience and at times I've even had my doubts that it would become possible, now I must wait again because I will be very busy at work starting tomorrow with the CI Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.

So I guess for now, there's nothing else but ask God for patience and perseverance, I know that He is holding my hand while I walk and although I cannot feel Him hugging me, I do feel his love through all the special people in my life and the blessings that surround me.

Have a Wonderful Blessed Wednesday!!!

funny or what?

2011-10-18T04:30:00.000-04:00

"If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands... If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands".

But, if you are not happy or perhaps you are but could use a little laugh, make sure to watch the following video, it's sure to at least make you smile.

Wasn't that funny? I hope it made you smile...

Happy Tuesday!

Projects, projects, projects...

2011-10-17T04:30:00.000-04:00

Looks like October is a project month for me, got lots going on.

When it comes to my crochet/amigurumi project... Ahhhh, I still remember when I set my mind to learn how to crochet. Got myself some books and with the help of the many, many YouTube videos that show you every possible crochet stitch, I finally managed to learn.

Now, about a year later, I've come to the point where I have more than one project going on at once.

Lately I'm into starting one long one that I can go to for a few minutes/hours and then leave it to perhaps work on a much smaller and faster one.

I've been working pretty hard on another hand bag, but still long ways to go.

Yesterday I finished an amigurumi Panda Bear that I will be giving as a gift to my newly appointed "little sister" from the Big Brothers & Big Sisters mentor program, and whom I am schedule to meet tomorrow evening.

I have to say that I'm super excited to start this new mentor project/program and specially to meet my new "little sister".

She is a 10 year old Caymanian girl, her name is Yannique. Looks like she is a very active girl, who loves sports, the ocean, reading and specially loves animals (she wants to be a Vet- just like I wanted!).

So, I am really looking forward to start this mentor program as it's been more than a year since I started to the whole process and they have finally match me with somebody.

As I said, I am very excited and bit nervous, but praying to God that He gives the strength, inspiration and dedication necessary to make a positive difference in this little girl's life, but also welcoming what my relationship with her will bring to my own life.

So, tomorrow is the BIG meeting day, hoping for everything to go well, will share the news on Wednesday.

Other projects I have going on are for work, today and tomorrow we have 2 more school visits for the Grouper Moon and starting on Wed. our gallery/store is participating on the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Business Expo for the very first time...

Wednesday is set up day and then we officially start on Thursday [when we are hoping to win the "Best Booth" category] and ends of Saturday afternoon. So, I might not have much time to post but I will try to share a bit of this project in the next few days...

Besides all those projects, I have already started working on my next blog giveaway that hopefully will be ready in the next few weeks. As always it's going to be hand made [by: moi] and very special... so stay tuned!

Have a great Monday and rest of the week! :)

a fruit a day

2011-10-14T04:30:00.000-04:00

It is a fact that I don't eat as much fruit as I should.

During certain times in my life -like when I did the Atkins diet- I barely ate any at all...

Yes. I know that is not good.

But now, I think I do [somehow] better, but still, I don't eat as much as I should.

And the thing about fruit is that it's packed with vitamins and minerals, plus also they are delicious gifts from nature, so there should not be any real reason (other than economic) why I should deprive myself of these jewels of nature, right?

So while analyzing that fruit is such a vital part of our nutritional needs, I've been thinking that I need to come up with an idea of how to eat more fruit and different kinds as well.

Now, when it comes to fruit variety I know there's lot of different types available, unfortunately in my case, I always tend to buy the same ones.

My top choices are usually; Strawberries, Raspberries (my favorite among all berries), Blueberries, Bananas, Apples and the occasional Mangoes.

So, what can I do to improve my amount of fruit consumption and variety????

Well, I have come up with an idea that I am going to implement starting tomorrow.

As of tomorrow Sat. October 14th, 2011 I will be eating a different type of fruit every week. And how am I going to decide which fruit to eat???

Well, I am going to do it in alphabetical order.

I will buy enough fruit for a whole week and will eat at least 1 fruit a day (perhaps 1/2 a day, depending on how expensive certain ones are- as I live on an island that pretty much imports everything, meaning EXPEN$IVE!)

My overall goal is that in aprox. 26 weeks I would have eaten all sorts of fruits, perhaps some that I haven't even tried before... Plus remember 26 weeks is exactly 1/2 a year, so if this works out I can do the entire process twice in a year.

I am excited to start and I am looking forward to try new fruit but specially get all the great healthy benefits that each one will bring me.

How are you in your fruit consumption? What's your favorite fruit? Have any tips for me???

Have a wonderful weekend... Tomorrow I will be buying some APPLES!

where do we draw the line?

2011-10-13T04:30:00.000-04:00

Last night we watched a documentary called "The End of the Line", a shocking, very explicit film that reveals the impact of overfishing in our oceans, something that (as a species), we've been doing for at least 50 years.

Now, this is not a film for the faint of heart, or for those people that only eat fish (as meat) because of animal cruelty... well, actually, this is a film for EVERYBODY that walks on this earth and swims in our oceans.

It's a reality that is affecting every single one of us, whether we buy fish, we sell it, we catch it or even if we just like to go underwater and enjoy their beauty. And this is a problem that should concern each one of us because we are depleting our ocean of many species and the most important ecosystems on our home planet.

So, then we tell ourselves- " Well, I'm not the one going out there and doing the overfishing, so it's not my responsibility". Well it is, because when we buy or eat fish from a restaurant we need to be conscious on our choices, find out which fishes are endangered, so if there's no demand, there's no market!

There are responsible seafood guides that are very helpful for when we need to find out what fishes are "green" to each, which ones are over fishes and the most critical endangered ones.

If you would like a seafood guide for your reference, the Guy Harvey Ocean foundation has one that you can download and print for you to keep that information handy, just click here.

Also, if you would like to get more involved, the end of the line website has many more options to offer, like reclaiming 2 hectares of ocean for ourselves to encourage governments to declare more protected areas (if you watch the documentary, you will learn that currently there's only a 0.4% of the entire ocean declared as protected areas, that means that more than a 99% is open for fishing- or should I say overfishing?).

Believe me, the power of one and the choices we make today, will have a direct impact on our future and the well being of our entire planet... This is our Ocean, we need to protect it.

Here's the trailer for the documentary, a must watch!!!

messages to be listen

2011-10-12T04:30:00.000-04:00

There are certain messages that don't need to be long or very elaborated for us to capture what they are trying to make us aware of.

The message expressed in the following video, it's short, very clear but also a very sad one.

Unfortunately there are still people out there, that need to hear it, in order to change their ways for good.

It is very sad to even think human beings are capable of such crimes against animals.

The few times my dogs have gotten into an argument, it shakes up my soul in the most indescribable way, it makes me scared and sad...

Now, I cannot imagine anybody making dogs fight until one kills the other, for, fun? entertainment?

Can somebody explain that to me? 'Cause I just don't get it and I never will

Is it that some humans have their hearts filled with violence and rage? Mine isn't

We need to wake up, treat animals with respect and starting giving back to animals and the environment what we have been abusing and taking from them, for so long...

Just saying... food for thought!

is it Friday yet?

2011-10-11T04:30:00.000-04:00

It's only Tuesday and already I feel very tired.

Sunday to wake up Monday wasn't a very good night for me. Although I did get some sleep, I constantly felt as if I had "too much" on my mind and didn't get a good rest, so starting such a busy week at work on a "half gas tank" is not the best way to go.

So last night I went to bed early after having a few pieces of pizza we ordered when we came back from a short snorkeling at sunset...

photo not taken by me... but this much like our sunset snorkeling was!

It was so wonderful to spend a few minutes snorkeling right at the moment when there's a sunset on the west and the big Moon already rising on the east and with my favorite snorkeling buddy.... Loved it!

We saw an octopus coming out of his hole and a few flying gurnards - which I think is one of the weirdest looking fish - and perhaps yesterday was the only time I've seen them while snorkeling/diving here in Grand Cayman, although I have seen them before on the island of Cayman Brac...

photo source here

So, yesterday we not only saw one, but three of those, I think they are so exotic looking, like a Chinese Fan.

Anyway, today is another school visit and we have schedule 160 kids, it should be fun. Yesterday presentation went well, now we just have today's and tomorrow another school of 80 kids.

Happy Tuesday!

through my 3rd eye

2011-10-10T04:30:00.000-04:00

Photos are such a huge part of my life that sometimes I feel like the camera is my 3rd eye and through it I can capture bits and piece of this amazing journey called LIFE.

My weekend was great, not very eventful, but that is not necessary a bad thing.

Now, today is the beginning of a very busy week at work, filled with school visits to keep promoting the passing of the Grouper Ban law.

Today, tomorrow and Wednesday we have a full schedule of school visits during the morning.Will make sure to capture some of the "action" with my "3rd eye" and then share the fun, right here!

But now, how about some random weekend pictures for your enjoyment? Here there are...

These past two days I finished two crochet project and a first time project in both cases, one is my very first (ever) crochet bag.

And the other is a brand new pattern of a Calla Lilly. I am very excited and I think it came out very nice, I am thinking of making a few and put together an arrangement that I can donate to my church.

This is the first of a few I am going to start working on.

And now for the random ones...


Ditto posing for the camera

Sheba cannot avoid the paparazzi

Jet plane going by my house

Sheba ALWAYS wanting the toy she can't have

Lilly in our front yard

Little One and Goldie on the car

Well, that's it for sharing my view through my 3rd eye, have a great Monday and a wonderful week!

I love music and more...

2011-10-07T09:11:00.001-04:00

Finally the last day of the week is here and so it's the last day of my 30 days song challenge.

It's been fun and at times definitely challenging to come up with certain songs, but I did it! and over all I think it was pretty good.

One thing is for sure

it is such a huge part of my life and although there are some genres I don't care so much for, even if all I could listen to were those, I would still choose to have music in my life.

Perhaps the best thing about music is that it's very subjecting and different styles appeal to different people, but it also makes your soul sing with happiness!

For today, the last day of the challenge I am posting- My favorite song at this time last year.

Well, I don't think I have such a song, because again, like I've mentioned before, I do not have a lot of favorites in my life, but last year around this time the following song was all over the radio, so this is it...

The song is "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train.

And last but not least, before I finish this challenge, I want to thank YouTube and it's users for all the great videos you upload, thanks to those I was able to make my challenge...YouTube rocks!

But on another note... before I finish today's post I have to inform everybody that I am officially in love (again)...

Well, this is a love it's been inside of me for a while but just now I have a way to make it all mine, so I am going to just go with it an make it public [yeah, I know my husband reads my blog, but oh well- he's meant to find out somehow].

I am in love with "Dulce de Leche", aka delicious, scrumptious, devilish caramel cream... Oh wow!!!!

And the best part is that now I've found the easiest way to make it.

Perhaps this is old news for you (the recipe- not my infatuation), but I am going to spread "the love" and share this wonderful recipe.

All you need to make it is:

1 Can of Sweetened Milk
1 Slow Cooker
Water
Electricity

Now, to make it:

1. Take the label off the can and wash it well, making sure it doesn't have any holes or dents, put it inside the slow cooker and cover it with water.
2.Set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4) and wait for it (perhaps this is the hardest part!).
3. Dump all the water and use something to take the can out as it could be very hot!
4. Taaa-daaah! You have delicious "Dulce de leche"

Now, guess what I had for breakfast this morning?

LOL! Just kidding...

Have a Sweet Weekend!!!

29 takes me back

2011-10-06T04:30:00.000-04:00

Today is finally day 29 of the 30 days song challenge and this number takes me back about 29 years as well, because today's song to post is- A song from your childhood.

Growing up in Latin America as a child I was always accompanied by the music of a famous Mexican singer Francisco Gabilondo Soler a.k.a. "Cri Cri - el grillito cantor" meaning in English "Cri Cri- the singing cricket".

Cri- Cri was a wonderful singer, almost all his songs are stories that teach values to children. He had the tendency to give animals and things human-like characteristics, and wrote songs about dolls, animals and toys who had something special about them, that separated them from the rest.

When I listen to most of his songs (even to the day), they touch my heart in a very special way and they take me back to a time when I was very little, pure and innocent, when all I had was fantasy and magic surrounding me!

Other songs remind me so much of my Grandmother (who always loved his songs and used to sing them to me) that those I cannot listen to, they make me miss her so much that I can't help but cry. [ so, I won't be posting one of those here today!].

I believe Cri Cri wrote over 200 songs, but today I decided to post "El Raton Vaquero"- "The Cowboy Mouse" because I happened to found a very nice video on YouTube that has the translation of the song.

Isn't it a nice children song? None of that Hanna Montana/Justin Bieber stuff kids listen to nowadays...

If I had a baby/young kid right now, I much rather want him/her to listen to this kind of music... Kid's music, not "wanna be adult stuff".

It's kind of sad that most kids nowadays don't have the same innocence we had, full of fantasy and magic surrounding them. I believe this is something parents need to work on.

I am glad I have these songs to remind me of the wonderful childhood I had and enjoyed!!!

Have a great Thursday!!!

we gotta start somewhere...

2011-10-05T05:30:00.000-04:00

Nowadays just by watching or reading the news, one could feel sad and in some cases ashamed of the way us humans behave.

In some cases it is ourselves that behave or have the wrong attitude about others and situations, in those cases we should not feel ashamed but we should be feeling the need to change our ways.

Child abuse, domestic violence, non environmentally friendly practices, animal abuse and neglect, unnecessary political conflicts, world hunger... are just some of those behaviors I am talking about, and unfortunately the acts of a few [and sometimes ourselves], puts the rest of us the shame...

On today's song challenge, day 28 [ I'm also there!!!] I am posting- I song that makes you feel guilty.

Well, I wouldn't say guilty but like I mentioned before, ashamed.

In my case the song I can relate to from this point of view is "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson.

Not only this has a very powerful song but it's got a very simple message, so simple that perhaps it's very hard to follow...

But no matter if this song makes you sad or ashamed, what it should do is makes us wanna be better, reminds us that every day we wake up we have the chance to make a difference in somebody's life and that is as simple as to start with the wo/man in the mirror.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

piano [who]man

2011-10-04T04:30:00.000-04:00

If have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument, without a doubt I would choose the piano. I think it's an amazing instrument that can create some unbelievably beautiful music.

If only I could choose my teacher, I would have chosen the very talented Cuban artist/pianist, Ruben Gonzalez, he was amazing!

On today's song challenge I am posting- A song that I wish could play.

Well, in this case, pretty much any piano song is in my list, specially if it's played by Ruben... He has some unbelievable songs.

Ever heard of the "Buena Vista Social Club"?

The Buena Vista Social Club was a members club in Havana, Cuba that held dances and musical activities, becoming a popular location for musicians to meet and play during the 1940s.

In the 1990s, nearly 50 years after the club was closed, American guitarist Ry Cooder along with traditional Cuban musicians, some of whom were veterans who had performed at the club during the height of its popularity, decided to record an album named Buena Vista Social Club after the Havana institution. The album became an international success.

German director Wim Wenders then captured the performance on film, followed by a second concert in Carnegie Hall, New York City for a documentary that included interviews with the musicians conducted in Havana. Wenders' film, also called Buena Vista Social Club, was released to critical acclaim, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary feature and winning numerous accolades including Best Documentary at the European Film Awards. (A MUST SEE!!!)

The success of both the album and film sparked a revival of international interest in traditional Cuban music and Latin American music in general. Some of the Cuban performers later released well-received solo albums and recorded collaborations with international stars from different musical genres.

The "Buena Vista Social Club" name became an umbrella term to describe these performances and releases, and has been likened to a brand label that encapsulates Cuba's "musical golden age" between the 1930s and 1950s. The new success was fleeting for the most recognizable artists in the ensemble: Compay Segundo, Rubén González, and Ibrahim Ferrer, who died at the ages of ninety-five, eighty-four, and seventy-eight respectively; Segundo and González in 2003, then Ferrer in 2005.

Several surviving members of the Buena Vista Social Club, currently tour worldwide, to popular acclaim, with new members such as the singer Carlos Calunga, virtuoso pianist Rolando Luna^[1]^[2] and occasionally the solo singer Omara Portuondo, as part of a 13 member band called Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club. [source: wikipedia.com]

And this is how I discovered Ruben's music, and since then I've been captivated by most of these talented musicians, but specially Mr. Gonzalez fabulous piano pieces...

Today I am going to share with you the song "Tres Lindas Cubanas", which means "Three beautiful Cuban Girls"...

Liked it? Well, if you have some time and you feel like listening to more of his beautiful music, please make sure to visit the Ruben Gonzalez YouTube channel and enjoy!

So, yes I wish I could play the piano like him... Oh well, at least I can play it on my cd player at home, LOL!

Happy Tuesday!!!

Merengues & More

2011-10-03T05:30:00.000-04:00

Today's song challenge is quite disappointing, because if only I was able to play music the same way I can crochet or bake, I would be able to share a song today, but I don't...

So, instead of posting a song you can play on an instrument (as the challenge today calls for). I am going to share my latest crochet creations as well as some sugar merengues I baked yesteday.

A few weeks ago I joined a Fall Frenzy Gift Swap via Life of Meg blog, I got Jamie as a swap partner so I made her this lovely little owl... I named him Dr. Who!

Also in the spirit of Fall and Halloween I made a very nice Crochet Pumpkin...

Even our dog Sheba liked it!!!

So, yes, I might not be able to play a song on an instrument, but I surely can play an oven for some delicious baking...

When we were kids, my Mom used to bake these treats for us all the time, Sugar Merengues... I love them. This is officially the very first time I make them by myself.

The ingredients are:

3 egg whites
1 cuppa suga'
1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar

Using a hand or regular mixer, whip egg whites and when they start to look all white, add the vinegar and cream of tartar, keep mixing and then add little by little the cup of sugar. Once you've added all the sugar mix for 4 minutes. Using a spoon put the mixture inside a decorating bag and create your little merengues.

Bake in a dark cookie sheet (not greased) for 1 hour and 5 minutes. Once out of the oven wait about 2 minutes to get them off the sheet, if they don't come out easy, then put back on the oven 5 more minutes.

And now for the final result.... [insert drum roll here]

Have a sweet Monday!!!

Day-O

2011-10-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

Some people say, "laughter is the best medicine", plus if you laugh on Sunday, you'll laugh all week (well, not really!).

Today's song challenge is to post- A song that makes you laugh.

The following song by itself doesn't necessary makes me laugh, but the scene from the movie Beetlejuice with the song does... I just try to imagine how many times those actors had to shoot that scene without laughing...

The name of the song is Banana Boat Song a.k.a Day-O by Harry Belafonte.

Hope you enjoyed the video as much as you are enjoying your Sunday!!! Happy week ahead :)

When the day comes....

2011-10-01T09:35:00.001-04:00

Today's topic for a song challenge is quite different and something I've never really thought of before.

But, in a world where there's so much violence, wars, destruction of the environment and simply lack of values, one can only be ready for when God calls us to his side and hope that when the day comes, we will be rewards with a much better place than what Earth is becoming every day.

Day 24 of the 30 days song challenge is- A song that you want to play at your funeral.

Well, like I mentioned before, I never really thought about this until now that I am doing this challenge and after some though, I guess I would like to go with the following song.

"In My Life" by The Beatles.

The Beatles were and still are an amazing band, so it's really difficult to go wrong with their songs.

On a happier note, yesterday I was off and I really enjoyed my day. Went to the gym, grocery shopping and just relaxed the rest of the day...

Hope everybody's enjoying their Saturday and rest of the weekend!!!

Over the rainbow

2011-09-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

It's been 882 days, or 2 years, 4 months and 29 days since the day I walked down the aisle.

There, was my man, waiting for me, so we can both say our vows and officially become husband and wife.

Our wedding was very nice and simple, with just the right amount of family and friends invited to witness our love and our union.

So, why is it today I am thinking about such a special and unforgettable day?

Well, cause today's song challenge is to post- A song that you want to play at your wedding.

In our case, after we walked out together holding hands, we played the following song.

Isn't this a beautiful song... well, that's exactly how I felt that day... Somewhere over the rainbow!!!!

And I still, to the day, I feel very much in love, lucky and blessed, it's been 882 days of me being the wife of a wonderful man... Whom I get to spend the weekend with by the way! :D

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. I am off today so it's a long weekend for me, yey!!!

Have a wonderful day and weekend ahead!!!

Day 22

2011-09-29T05:30:00.000-04:00

Once I read an article that talked about the memory of our senses; eyesight, taste, smell and hearing. According to the article, the sense of smell is the one that has the best memory of all.

Well, not sure if I agree entirely with the article, since I think that the sense of hearing can trigger on our brain lots of memories; when we listen to a song, a voice, bird chirping, etc...

Now, today's song challenge calls for- A song to listen when you are sad.

The song I decided to share today, is not necessary a song that I myself listen to when I'm sad, but it sure can apply if you need a song to listen to when you are feeling blue.

In my case this song brings me some very nice memories of my teenage years!

"Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

Hope you enjoyed the video... Have a wonderful Thursday!!!

Happy song

2011-09-28T08:18:00.000-04:00

Sunday was a pretty exhausting day for me when we did our annual inventory at work.

Problem is, for some reason I still feel as if instead of working at an art gallery, I work as a dummy on a baseball bat factory, very single muscle in my body hurts.

Perhaps it's because I haven't been to the gym in a while and this is because I am having some major skin issues, so in order to avoid my rash getting worse I have to try an not sweat too much.

On Monday I went to the doctor and he sent me a new treatment, unfortunately at the pharmacy and I couldn't find one of the ointments, so I got to wait until Thursday to get it... hoping to jump back in the exercise horse by Friday.

I need more energy asap!

On today's song challenge, I am posting- A song to listen to when you are happy.

Now, this song I'm posting is a classic, and you can't definitely go wrong with it!

"I'm walking on sunshine, wooaah!!!" by Katrina & The Waves.

So, how about we all walk on sunshine today? Have a great day!!!

nothing else matters...

2011-09-27T10:51:00.003-04:00

With 10 days left on my song challenge, today's post is- A song to listen when you are angry.

I haven't really listen to music while angry, in a long time, but if I was to choose a song to listen to, I could probably go with "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica.

I think this is a very deep, wreaking heart song that could very well help you get over any angry moments... check it out and give me your opinion, o.k???

It's also a good song to calm you down, or even drown your anger...

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

Sunday Morning

2011-09-26T05:30:00.000-04:00

No, I am not mistaken with the day and I wish it was Sunday morning all over again because I had a pretty long day yesterday.

Inventory for my part of the store (the gallery) was fast and smooth, everything "art related" was accounted for by 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

Unfortunately I cannot say the same for the retail store downstairs that took forever to get done.

So after I was finished, I basically help out the rest of the time by pre-counting some of the product to speed up the process. Unfortunately one of the "teams" with a gun was very slow and slacking, so it took F-O-R-E-V-E-R to finish.

For today's song challenge I am supposed to post- A song from my favorite album.

Well, I don't think I have a favorite album, but for a while I was really into Maroon 5's "Song about Jane" one. Also during that time is when I met my husband, so this will be an album that will always have a special place in my heart.

This album reminds me of that time at the beginning of a relationship when you feel "butterflies" on your tummy when to you talk to the person, when you see them and pretty much everything makes you happy!

I think I like every single song on this album, but today I am going to post "Sunday Morning".

"You twist to fit the mold that I am in.."- that phrase describe also how I felt during that time when I met my husband, like we were both twisting to fit each others life and way of living... it was an awesome time and I am very happy we now fit, together, in our own little mold!

Have a wonderful Monday morning, afternoon and evening!!!

working Sunday

2011-09-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

While you are in the comfort of your own home reading this, I am at working doing our annual inventory...

Did I mention I am very happy it's only an annual thing? Well, I am, because I don't really like working on Sunday.

Today's song challenge is to post- A song that you wish you hear on the radio.

For today's song I am going to post one of the many Jack Johnson songs that I like and that I wish that were played on the radio, my choice today is "Better Together"... (By the way; I found a very nice animation video on YouTube for this song), hope you'll like it!

Isn't it a nice song?

Have a wonderful Sunday!!!

Saturday Off!

2011-09-24T10:54:00.003-04:00

Today is my only off day during the week, as tomorrow we are going into work to do the annual inventory.

The good news is that, as of yesterday at 3pm when I left work, I feel very confident that I am pretty much ready to take on that "scan gun" and shoot the entire inventory in a couple of hours.... Hoping that would be case.

Today I've decided to bake some cupcakes out my great grand aunt's cake recipe that is "to die for", so delicious. This would be the first time I attempt that recipe for cupcakes, let's see how it comes out... Also I am trying a Marshmallow Frosting my Mom used to make when I was kid... yummy!

Tonight we are going to Chloe and Adam's wedding, will share some pictures later.

And now, to my song challenge of the day- A song that you hear often on the radio.

I guess this guy Pitbull is pretty popular now a day, this song features Marc Anthony (JLo's ex) and I guess this song it's a big hit right now (at least around here), it's all over the place and they play it in the radio at least once a day...

Gotta say, now really my "cuppa cocoa" but I guess it's alright... And there you have it, today's song!

Have a great Saturday!!!

Finally it's Friday :)

2011-09-23T10:18:00.001-04:00

Let's start today by celebrating the fact that it's Friday already.

Although I am not quite ready for Sunday (when we are having our annual inventory), I am ready to take on everything that left to do for today and be ready... My reward? one day off I get tomorrow and hopefully that the inventory goes smoothly and fast on Sunday!

Plus tomorrow Saturday our friends Chloe & Adam are getting married, so that should be fun too!

Now, today's song challenge comes loaded with some something extra special...

[insert drum roll here]........

Friday's Random pictures!!!

But this aren't just any pictures, but some I've taken around lately with my brand new Samsung Galaxy S2, which by the way is awesome and takes some pretty cool shots!

Now, to the pics...

7 mile beach with rain in the horizon

part of our cactus collection

Our dog Ditto (and Sheba in the very back)

Our 6 resident kitties, from left: BTK, Little One, Goldie, Leroy, Shadow and Al.

view from my desk at work

another one of our doggies

big water spout by the cruise ship leaving the island

round cactus

And last but not least, for today's song challenge I am supposed to post- A song that you used to love but now hate.

Well, I don't really think there is such a song in my life. But there is one that I used to listen to a lot when it came out and I even got the record, but then it got suuuper popular and the radio used to play it sort of 24/7 so I kind of got tired of it and don't like it as much anymore...

The song is "Waterfalls" by T.L.C.

I think the lyrics and the message are quite good, but I do have to say I do not hate it, it's just I don't like it as much anymore!

Have a great Weekend!

Unwritten Day

2011-09-22T09:02:00.000-04:00

You know you really love somebody when you have conversations like this... and you find it adorable.

(Very early in the morning)...

Me: what time is it?
Him: it's almost time to get up.
Me: really? but what time is it?
Him: almost 5
Me: looks pretty dark out...
Him: well, it's 4:15!!!

Now, since when 4:15 is almost 5?!? LOL... And since my usual wake up time is 7, the whole thing didn't quite make any sense.

Perhaps he was actually talking in his sleep, or not. Most times it is just his very unique logic, which makes him a very peculiar man... But, he is my husband and I love him just the way he is!

And now, back to my song challenge, today I am 1/2 done with it and that makes me happy, some days have been fun and easy, others not so much.

The song I am posting today is- A song that describes you.

Well, without over analyzing today's challenge, I am going to with a song that is very positive and that has a message that every time I hear it, inspires me.

The song message is basically; be yourself, live life to the fullest and remember that nothing is written in stone and we are the only ones that can make ourselves happy.... let's live our lives with arms wide open!!!

"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedinfield

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined

I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

Oh, oh, oh

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines

We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

What do you think of this song? have you heard it before? Hope you liked it...

Have a wonderful day... remember "the rest is still unwritten" so make the best of it!!!

Without Me

2011-09-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

Wednesday is here, half a week gone and I have to say I feel pretty good about the week so far.

At work we will have inventory this next weekend coming up. I have been working hard to make sure everything is ticketed and the scanning of all the art goes fast and smooth.

Also half way done with the week, it's day 14 (already!) for my 30 day song challenge, which today is to post- A song that "no one" expect me to like.

I am not sure about this whole "no one" deal, because most of you, my lovely readers of my blog, don't know me in person, so who is to expect what from my taste in music, right? I sure don't expect anything from your taste in music.

Because that is what life is all about, respect to free will and taste in music, food, looks, activities, religion, culture, etc, etc, etc... right? To me expectations without respect is like a hollow desire.

So, I guess today I am posting a song that is kind of out of character for me, but truth of the matter is, I like it!

Today's song today is "Without me" by the famous rapper Eminem.

I think some of his songs are pretty good, he is a rapped with rhythm and even rhyme... Unfortunately we cannot say the same for many "artist" playing songs in the radio nowadays... Still I respect those "artists", but don't expect me to buy their records!!!

Have a great day!!!