[very] random post

Perhaps if today you decided to venture into blogger world and you happen to stumble upon my blog you will realize it is your lucky day, because today my blog is a endless source of 

random fact for your enjoyment!

As most of you know I live in a small island of the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands 

(which are 3 islands in total- hence the plural in the name).

I live in Grand Cayman, which is the biggest of the three. Now, on this little piece of heaven we have lots of animals; some endemic, like the famous Cayman Parrot or the Blue Iguana among a few others.

© Burrard-Lucas.com

endemic Blue Iguana a.k.a. Blue Dragon

But of course we also have dogs, cats, birds, cows, horses, lots of fishes in the sea and if you go to the pet store, perhaps exotic and not so exotic pets like hamsters and gerbils.

Did you know Hamsters are illegal in Hawaii? (see, what I said about random facts).

I never really liked hamsters or any kind of rodent other than squirrels, beavers and porcupines (yes, they are rodents as well!)... Oh, and I like Otters, although those are not actually rodents.

I think Otters are so sweet... specially because they hold hands when they sleep so they won't drift away from each other, or should I say "each otter"? LOL

photo source unknown

Awww, how sweet are those Otters?!?!?

Besides having those animals, our underwater world is pretty amazing too, we have tons of beautiful fishes which you can go and visit at any of the 159 dive sites we have around the island of Grand Cayman (not counting the other two!).

On an unrelated note, last night I went out with the girls at work for happy hour and then we catch a new movie called "Sparkle", which was alright I guess, not a movie I probably would choose to see by myself but it was a good "chick flick" kinda of night.

Sparkle played by Jordin Sparks and Emma played by Whitney Houston

If you haven't hear of this movie is basically the story of 3 sisters (back in the 1960's) trying to become a singers, but of course fame becomes a challenge and things don't end up working out for all of them.

Also this was Whitney Houston's last movie as she passed during post production, so in fact she was never able to see her last role- very sad- 

Whitney was also the producer of the movie as she owned the rights for it since 2000. 

On another kind of weird and random note, the role of Sparkle was originally thought for singer Aaliyah who passed away just before signing for the role- also very sad :(

Happy Hump Day everybody!

wake up and be awesome!

This morning when the alarm when off at 5:45am, it was like the clock whispered in my ear...

I got up with lots of energy and completely "pump up" to get my not so little butt out of bed and get to the gym for the first time in a looong time...

So, I went, I worked it and I am so happy now that I did... My alarm clock was right; 

I am awesome and I know it.... LOL!

Even my lower back and bulged disk cooperated, yey!

Yesterday though, was a completely different story. I had to work all weekend long doing inventory, plus Sunday night was full of lightning storms, so the quality of my sleep was very poor... So yesterday I was exhausted all day, which is why I did not post anything.

But today, is a brand new day, got my exercise already done and I am ready for anything 

Tuesday is going to bring.

On an unrelated note, here is the latest photo of my Amigurumi Monkey... which by the way doesn't have a name, but since it's not going to be mine, maybe I should have Julian (his future owner) name him, right? 

Or perhaps we could name him and I can just put the name on the tag and so be it, what do you think? Any suggestions on the name? 

Weather is been pretty nice lately, only at night we've been having some crazy thunder heads and lightning around... Although it looks like there's already something new on the Atlantic, hoping it's not coming our way.

Here's a photo I took yesterday of the only cruise ship "parked" right out the window at work.

Hoping everybody is having an awesome Tuesday!!!

Funny Friday

I am sure that if by now you haven't ready any "someecards" it's because:

1. You live under a rock

2. You don't know how to read

3. Don't have a computer

4. You live under a rock

JUST KIDDING!!!!!

But, if you really never seen those funny ecards, there's still hope, because in honor of today being Friday, I have decided to share with you some of the funniest "someecards" I have seen around lately...

Most are pretty funny but some are too out there with a lot of curse words... So am going to refrain from posting many of those... Although I couldn't resist the first one, because it totally applies to me in some cases, LOL!!!!

Sometimes I wonder myself...

I actually know somebody that use this expression and I find it HILARIOUS!!!

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental!!!!

So, hopefully you laughed at 1 of them (at least)... If not, just remember...

Have a funny weekend!!!!

cat photo album

The fact that I haven't posted much about my new camera lately, doesn't necessary mean I am not in love with it anymore, because I am.

Taking pictures is definitely one of my most favorite hobbies, whether is with my new camera or even with my phone one, capturing the world around me is a passion.

Here are the latest photos I've taken of one of my favorite subject matters nowadays, our cats.

Seven in total, all so very different and special... Our life [and garden] is definitely so much happier with
them around!

Goldie chillin' by the Conch Shells

Thirsty "Little One"

BTK and her Daughter Lee [behind]

my sweet little girl "Al" [short for Albina]

LT [short for Long Tail]

Shadow & Goldie... brothers for life!

And there you have it... the lastest on all my kitty cats.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Wordless Wednesday!

Happy Hump Day!!!

what's in a year?

Now on the island it's low season for tourism which means less customers and sales around.

I really don't mind the less traffic around the store because during high season we have plenty of that, but I do mind the fact that the days get very long and the clock drags until 5pm.

This coming weekend is our annual inventory work and I know we'll be working the whole weekend. I really don't mind the counting part, but I do mind the fact that every year it's very unorganized and we could do a much better job if only we apply some organization and time management, but unfortunately it's not up to me to do that... I am just a soldier!

Other than the inventory this coming weekend, on Thursday I am looking forward to a Yoga class with some of my friends, we are putting a group of girls together and a friend of mine that is a Yoga instructor would be giving us an hour class, can't wait!

In unrelated news, my cousin sent me the most updated photos of my Godson Julian, he is so big and such a cute little boy, here are some of my favorites.

he is quite the little poser!

Close Up

Cute or what?

It was exactly a year ago today that he got baptized and I was home holding him in my arms at the church, look at him now, he is walking and starting to talk too... can't wait to see him again!

Have a fab day!!!!

Weekend Showers

Many good things happen during the weekend, got some time to rest, catch up on more crochet project (my monkey finally's got ears and shorts), plus Tropical Depression 7 dissipated and we still got some nice, well deserved rain, yoo-hoo!!!

Saturday night I went to bed around 10pm but not without setting my alarm to wake me up 1 1/2 hours later... my reason for this? I didn't wanna miss the chance to see the main event of the night, a meteor shower.

not an actual photo taken that night... source here

So, me and my husband got up after midnight, went out to our "sun roof" and laid down on the lounge chairs to get ready to experience this amazing show.... And it was amazing, saw probably more than 20 in a matter of a hour!

Some of the meteors were pretty small, others were very bright and you could almost see the "dust" cloud they left behind... I believe Saturday was the first night and it's going to last until Aug. 23rd so perhaps if you missed it this weekend you still have a change to catch some.

Other than watching the meteor shower I didn't do anything exciting over the weekend, but I did advanced on the Monkey project as well as I started yet another owl for my Mom as she loved the previous one and asked me for another.

In case I haven't mentioned it before, I am still in love with my new camera and I am looking forward to buy a new lens very soon, as soon as I get my finance$ in order... Although I am torn in between a new lens and a new KitchenAid Mixers, specially after Friday went I waked into AL Thompson (which is a sort of a Home Depot place) and saw the following display.

Light Blue, Bright Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink and even a Green that doesn't show on the photos... I want them all!! But I guess I could just settle for one, in any color!

Also during the weekend I made a delicious and super refreshing "Watermelon & Feta" Salad... have you ever tried it? Well, let me tell you, it's Fabulous... A must for an outdoor lunch cookout, specially on a very hot day!

I have to say that I am sorta infatuated with Feta Cheese anyway, I believe added to any salad can make it up to 100% better than without it... This combination is a winner, I think!

Ingredients

• 1 (5-pound) watermelon
• 1 Sweet onion- I didn't have any so I omitted this. 
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 6 whole mint sprigs

Directions

Cut the flesh from the melon and cut into bite size pieces, removing and discarding the seeds, and set aside. Peel and slice the onion into rings.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, pepper, and whisk until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, a few drops at a time. Add in the chopped mint, taste, and adjust seasonings.

In a large bowl, combine the melon, onion, and feta. Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and toss gently until everything is coated and evenly mixed. Garnish with mint sprigs.

To serve, divide salad among individual plates and garnish with mint leaves.

If you tried, please let me know what you think... thanks!

On a last note, here's a photo of Friday's Sunset for your enjoyment. Have a great week!!!

Just a little inspiration to start the week... Isn't nature and God's gifts amazing? I think so...

End to the Week!

This morning we started with a nice hearty breakfast that included this "berry delicious" berry bowls...

I love it when it's summer and berries are on sale, so I am making the best out of it and eating lots of them.

Oh boy, am I glad it's Friday, dunno why but this past week felt very long and exhausting, like if every day was a Monday, perhaps it's because last weekend I only had a day off (Sunday) plus we had that whole Ernesto Storm deal around which just add up to the stress of the season.

Well, we were very lucky and blessed that Ernest stayed away, unfortunately it seems that Ernesto was a "natural born leader" and now everybody wants to "follow the leader, leader, leader" [as in the song], so we are definitely not out of the woods yet, but only really starting the Hurricane Season.

Tropical Depression 7 has formed in the Atlantic and it seems to have about the same path as Ernesto did but just a bit norther... meaning coming towards us :(

According to the computer models, if it becomes a storm, it would be around here by Tuesday or Wednesday, let's hope not.

So, what are your planes this coming weekend?

Do you have some fun and exciting plans, perhaps some "kat-a-oke" time?

Maybe enjoy the Moon and the Meteor Showers coming up tomorrow and Sunday night (up until the 23rd)?

I myself hope to enjoy the "shower" and also get some crochet projects done...

I am seriously hoping that we also get some rain, because believe or not we only got about 2 inches from Ernesto and then after that, we've been complete dry...

So, other than that I hope I get to really rest and enjoy the weekend, wishing the same for you...


Have a great weekend and don't forget to take it easy and "smell the roses"!!!

what's in a Jar?

My husband says I have this obsession with keeping empty glass jars, well I do.

The reason for my obsession comes from the fact that I actually love jars, specially the mason ones that appear to be kinda vintage looking. Also they are great as containers, the glass is much better than any plastic topper ware, specially if you want to reheat food in the microwave (which I only do at work, as I don't actually own a microwave).

But  really, the main reason comes from the fact that I feel it's a shame to throw them out, specially since we don't even have glass recycling on the island.

So, yes my obsession exists and now even more that I am an avid member of the Pinterest community and I just can't help but notice all the many DIY project with mason jars, like the following ones...

(photos source: Pinterest)

I have to say the I have tried to make outdoor laps out of them, but since I mainly have different size jars (instead of all the same) it didn't quite work well.

Well, yesterday while doing the dishes, I noticed my husband just finished one of those HUGE spaghetti sauce jar from CostUless shopping (one of those "super size" grocery store) and since the jar is so huge I cannot make myself throw it so I came up with a fab idea... Salad in a Jar!!!

Of course I made the salad yesterday evening and left it inside the fridge overnight, genius me decided to share this on my blog today and now when I take a photo it doesn't come out well... But here it is.

What I love the most about the jar is that it's big enough to even hold the dressing (in my case, Extra Virgin Olive Oil + Balsamic Vinegar)....

Genius idea, eh? Also if you ever open a can of anything (ex: olives) and have any left, it's probably better to keep them in the fridge in a glass jar than just the can itself... Your welcome!

Can't wait to have my Salad in a Jar for lunch... Have a great day!!!

C is for Courage, Commitment & Chacon

In case you are wondering why I haven't posted anything about the Olympics?

Well, in fact I haven't been watching them at all!!! We don't really have cable tv in our house and the only two local channels are not very good reception either, so I just don't bother with TV much at all...

The other day while at the bank waiting for my turn at the teller, I happened to catch a kayak race which was pretty cool.

But although I haven't really been watching the events, I do follow some of the news about it and specially those about my fellow Costarican's representing my country.

And that's why today I would like to dedicate my post to courage and commitment in the form of triathlon athlete Leonardo Chacon, a 28 year of Costarican that was prepares (as many others) to give it all on his sport at the 2012 London Olympics, but failed to do it.

But the thing is that commitment and effort doesn't necessary get you there, you always have to remember that there are other factors that could affect your performance and that is why a winner is not necessary the number one spot on the race.

As many of you know, in triathlon there are 3 sports in one; swimming, biking and running which for the 2012 olympics were 0.93 miles of swim, 24.8 miles of bike and 6.2 miles of running.

Now off the Leonardo's story... 

He started his swimming and came out #17 just about 28 seconds behind the #1. Then he got into his bike expecting to get some advantage (as the bike is his -according to him- strongest sport), and that's when Canadian Whitfield (who has won Gold in Sydney and Silver in Pekin's games) fell off his bike, taking Chacon along with him.

Leonardo fell of the bike, his helmet broke hitting and cutting him in the shoulder, the bike's chain came loose and the handle broke as well...

But Leonardo did not gave up, bleeding from his back and hip, he got back in his bike and gave it all he could. But by the time he finished the bike (he was in #33) but then he still needed to run. While running, the pain and soreness caught up with him, making him loose stamina and places in the final run.

Leonardo Chacon, bruises and all, finished the race!

Leonardo finish, despite it all in #48 of 55, striking for the best.

And that's exactly why I dedicate today's post to him, because to me, he is already is in the book of best, as so are all those athletes that work hard for their dream to compete among the greatest and represent their country.

So, yeah, while lots of countries and athletes have many medals, others (like Leo) just have to be happy to have what it takes to never give up and live life with courage and commitment.

Congrats Leonardo, you made me and many Costarican's very proud!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Gifts

And it finally rained, howling wind and all included in the package, the best part was that, it was overnight which made our sleeping time even more enjoyable.

Ernesto is still out there and perhaps turning into an actual hurricane today, so although I am thankful that we got the best out of it, there are still people being affected by it, so let's keep them in our prayers, because today is them but it could totally be us tomorrow, thanks!

The rain was so nice that this morning my hubby slept in a bit longer than me, so I got to feed the cats myself, well what a nice surprise of them to leave me a dead mouse by the driver's door of my car, yay for kitty cats and their gifts of love!

I feel very loved and special to say the least... specially when I had to find something to grab the mouse with and get rid of it...

In unrelated news, I think I am finally seeing some improvement on my back.

The chiropractor has officially discharged me until next month, last week I had two massages done and my gym [and soon to be yoga] instructor gave me some fabulous stretches for hip openers in order to release the pressure on my lower back.

I have to say after the first set of stretches I could already feel the difference!

This is the pose (which is also great with people with sciatica pain).

source

This pose is probably the best hip opener in yoga. It opens the deep muscles of the hip and the hip flexors. 

Start in Downward Dog. Lift your right leg up and sweep it through to your mat, folding it and placing it on the mat. Keep your right foot flexed to protect the knee. Your left leg is straight behind you with the toes pointed. Keep your hips square and level, with the left hipbone pressing toward your right foot. Inhale and press your hands into the mat, getting as much length in the spine as possible.

I am totally stoked and cannot wait to be able to start yoga class again.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

Monkeying Around

The weekend came and went, without much to report other than the fact that I wasn't the only one "monkeying around" as Tropical Storm Ernesto threaten to deliver and so far, it's been nothing but dry times.

According to the "Hazard Management of the Cayman Island", the storm should pass us around 300 and some miles away this afternoon... Hope to get some rain out of it (although I doubt it), our yard and trees really need it!

Me on the other hand got some progress done on the Amigurumi Monkey, finished both arms and attached them, now I am working on the rest of the body.

Amigurumi Monkey

Isn't he cool?

A few days ago I mentioned that my husband was working on the continuation of the driveway for our cars, well it's finish and it looks really good, so in case we do get some rain, my car should be a bit protected.

Some of you commented last week about the status of our cats in case of a storm... Well a few weeks ago I mentioned here that I had plans to buy a cat cage for those purpose, well I did.

So yes, we are now prepare to put the cats inside in a cage in case of a store, but the only detail is that they are still feral (although we've made some amazing progress with most and now they act more like pets) so I am not sure if they'll be willing to go in there peaceful... hopefully we won't have to act upon it.

Hope everybody had a nice weekend, thanks to all the keep us in their thoughts and prayers, now please pray for some rain, our island needs it!

Have a great Monday!