Parade ready

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

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 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

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

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

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...

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

 

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

Grand Pumpkin Island

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...

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!

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

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...

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

When at times we feel as if we are not moving forward or we are 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 that surround 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 if anybody out there has any spare hugs for us? Or maybe just a friendly hand that we can hold and walk around in good company.

 

Because no matter if we are in fact moving forward or standing still, a hug or a friendly hand, is full of that “half full” energy that we 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 “little sister” was unfortunately cancelled, so again, I am not sure when it’s going to happen 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?

"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...

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! :)