Sun(day) is shinning!

It's Sunday and the end of another wonderful week.

Weather is been on and off sun and rain, but it is rainy season, so it's o.k. to have some showers, as I always say: I don't mind the rain, as long as it's no hurricane!

Yesterday I went for a dive and it was great, if you would like to see some pictures, please visit my husband's blog here!

In today's song challenge, day 11 it's about posting- A song from your favorite band.

Well, my favorite band is no other than Bob Marley & The Wailers, so today's song it's

Sun is Shinning!

This is a great song, happy Sunday!!!

Watermark

Today is Saturday and it feels like the perfect day to sleep in, but instead I am up and running, ready to get back on the water and do a dive for the first time in about 9 months.

It should be fun but I am a bit nervous, but I guess it's just like "riding a bike", well, at least hope so!

Plus I will be diving with 2 of the best possible dive buddies to have; my lovely husband and my boss...

Unfortunately won't be carrying a camera but I know my boss will, perhaps I can get some of the photos from him later on and share...

Anywho... Today's song challenge it about- A song that makes fall sleep.

In reality music doesn't really make me fall sleep and neither does the T.V.

For some reason I have never been one of those people that can fall sleep to the sound of the T.V. well, I should say, I can do it, but after a few minutes it starts to sound too loud and then it gets annoying and I end up turning it off.

Same with music.

So instead today, I am going to post a song that makes really relax and perhaps would help be fall sleep.

The song is Watermark by Enya. 

I think Enya's music is perfect for relaxing, don't you agree?

Have a great Satuday!!!

let's dance!

It's Friday and I feel like doing a little celebration dance, plus today I have the day off so it ended up having a long weekend after all.

Now, today's song challenge comes at the right time to help me out with the "celebration dance" for the weekend.

Day 09- A song that you can dance to!!!

For that song I can dance to, I decided to post a song by the one and only legendary Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz... This awesome lady had style, had rhythm and really knew what salsa was all about...

The name of the song is "La Negra Tiene Tumbao" and it means, "The black girl's got rhythm".

I hope everybody has a nice day today and a fantastic weekend. 

I am planning to finally get back on the water and do a dive tomorrow morning- after about 9 months of not diving, wish me luck!

Happy Weekend to all!!!

National Celebration

On a day like today 190 years ago (in 1821), my country as well as other Central American countries & Mexico, signed their Independence from Spain and since that day they have enjoy many years as independent countries.

Today's song challenge is to post- A song that you know all the words to.

So, in honor of my country I am very proud and happy to post the Costa Rica National Anthem, because there's no better song to celebrate such an important date and milestone for my wonderful little country.

Plus, I know all the words to it!




And in case you don't speak any Spanish, here's the translation for it.

Noble homeland, your beautiful flag
Express for us your life:
Under the limpid blue of your skies,
Peace reigns, white and pure.
In the tenacious battle of fruitful toil,
That brings a glow to men's faces,
Your sons, simple farm hands,
Gained eternal renown, esteem and honour,
Gained eternal renown, esteem and honour.
Hail, gentle country!
Hail, loving mother!
If anyone should attempt to besmirch your glory,
You will see your people, valiant and virile,
Exchange their rustic tools for weapons.
Hail, O homeland! Your prodigal soil
Gives us sweet sustenance and shelter.
Under the limpid blue of your sky,
May peaceful labour ever continue.

Lyrics By: José María Zeledón Brenes

Music by: Manuel María Gutiérrez

Happy Independence Day to Costa Rica and all those other countries celebrating today...!!!

Day 07

It's been a week since I started my song challenge. 

For day 07 the challenge calls for- A song that reminds you of a certain event.

The event this song reminds me of is my very first high school dance... just yesterday! 

How fun is to think about those times... This song is called "Ride on Time" by Black Box.


In another note, last night's event was a BIG success, we got about 240 signatures for our petition and this is only the first step towards getting the law pass again. My boss was happy and people were very pleased with how everything turned out.


Have a great day!!!

It's now time to make a change...

It's only Tuesday and I am already exhausted. Work is super busy because tonight we have a major public event for the premier of a documentary my boss just finished filming a few months ago, "The Mystery of the Grouper Moon".

The documentary is about renewing the law that protects a species of fish called Nassau Groupers, during their spawning season.

Hopefully many people will attend tonight and support this worthy cause, and their support will help convince the government to renew the law to protect them. Wish us luck!

In today's song challenge, I am posting- A song that reminds me of somewhere.

Back in 1997, when I was backpacking around Israel and Egypt, I spent some time in the city of Dahab in the Sinai Peninsula. There was this one bar/restaurant that we used to hang out at and they will play the same cd every night (as they only had one) over and over... Of all the songs that they used to play, this was always my very favorite, and is still is a song that has a very special place in my heart.

So, the following song reminds me Dahad and my time there... 

"Father and Son" by Cat Stevens.

It is a classic, but it's a beautiful song, isn't it?

Have a great Tuesday... 

Wonderful Song

As we start yet another week of 2011, my song challenge continues and today calls for- A song that reminds you of someone.

I have to say that in my case I am posting a song that doesn't really reminds me of this particular person, but more makes me think of him... As he is a very important person in my life, so I think of him often (meaning I don't need a song to remind me of him!)

The song is a wonderful one and it goes well with how special and wonderful my world is because I have him in my life. I am talking about my stepdad/uncle/godfather Manrique.

And although he is not my "real father", I very well know that, "It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us father and daughter."

 

The song that makes me think of him is no other than 

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.

First time I ever heard that song, we were on a family vacation in the US and Manrique bought Louie Armstrong's cassette tape. 

During this month vacation we drove from Atlanta to New Orleans and in the car we were allowed to rotate music, so each one of us was allowed a cassette to play, he would only play this one...

Isn't this a wonderful song with an amazing message?!?!? A great one to start the week.

Now, have a wonderful day!!!

they'll be sad songs...

Today, Sept. 11th, 2011 marks the 10th year anniversary of big tragedy and a sad day for the history of the USA as well as the entire world. For the families of all those that lost their lives and future to the terrorist attacks as well as any of us that are against violence, hate and all things evil.

My heart still goes out to all the victims as well as those that are still affected by this terrible crimes. A whole culture that even to date have to deal with reject because of their background and believes, mainly for the mistake and of some.

I believe that we humans, are all capable of mistakes and sins no matter who we are; their heritage, religion or the color of our skin. But, we are also capable of wonderful things such as; love, care, understanding, forgiveness and kindness, among others.

I am not saying that we need to forget what happened, on the contrary, it's important that we never forget so that those mistakes are not to happen again.

It's important that we love and respect each other so that things like this don't ever happen again and hopefully with our change of mind we can hope for a better and safer future of this planet and our species.

Today's song challenge calls for "A song that makes you sad".

The song I've chosen today is a beautiful song with a message that gets into your heart and soul.

The artist wrote this song after the lost of his 4 year old son Connor. [For those that would like to know more about Connor Clapton's terrible lost and accident, please visit here] 

The song is "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton.

I dedicate this song to all those that lost their lives in 9/11 as well as any others that have already left us and are now in Heaven close to God. 

May they all be resting in peace and looking after us from heaven. 

Have a happy and blessed Sunday!

Happy Saturday!

Day 3 of the 30 days photo challenge is "A song that makes you happy".

Well, there's a few songs that could fall into that category, but today I am going to go with the following song...

"I like to move it, move it"

This song makes me happy, makes me wanna jump, dance and I can't help but smile at the sight of all those silly animals in the video...

The video quality is not the best... but good enough audio to really enjoy the song!

I hope this song makes you happy too... or at least got you to move it, move it!!!

Have a great Saturday :D

Day 2

I know it's Friday and I should actually be posting another wonderful song for my challenge. Unfortunately today's song challenge calls for- Your least favorite song!

Well, first I have to say that the term "least favorite" is definitely an oxymoron and the way I can interpret it, is that I should actually post a song that I like but not very much, right?

Or should I just post a song that I don't like at all, so that would make it my least favorite?

How confusing ?!?!?!????!????!!!!????? So, I guess I am going to go with a song that I don't like, period! Here's it is... More than Words by Extreme.

Oh Lord, this is such a whinny, awful song. I guess it's supposed to be a love song, but the only feelings it brings to me, is wanting to have a very sharp razor to cut my veins open (LOL, kidding!)...

  

Now, I cannot say much about the Band Extreme, because I don't think they put out any other "hits" other than this one, plus I don't even want to imagine their other songs if this is their best "hit"!!!!

For those that do like this song, I don't really apologize but I would highly suggest to go pay a visit to an Otolaryngologist to help you out with that ear problem, ha!

And for those that watched the video and actually listen to the song... Oh well, at least you have the weekend coming up to get over the shock... Have a great weekend!!!

Here i go again...

Today is back to day 1 on a blog challenge, but this time it's all about music... And like my dear Bob Marley once said (and sang)

"One good thing about music, when it hits you... you feel no pain"

Now, the very first day of this challenge calls for- Your favorite song.

Well, that's a difficult one for me, as I have explained many things before, I am not a person of absolutes... meaning I don't really have one favorite of anything (well, perhaps I have a favorite person,  my wonderful husband!).

So, I don't think I have a absolute favorite color, food, clothes and other things... I like variety and things in my life are in constant change.

In my life I go through different phases and some times I can find something very appealing and others I am in the mood for something different.

And that's why today's song challenge is kind of difficult, but if I was to choose a favorite song, I guess here are my top 3.

1. Change by Mind Melon. 

The very first time I ever heard this song I was going to high school in Attica, NY. During English class everybody was supposed to bring a song, play it and then analyze the metaphors and similes. Somebody brought this song... well, from the first time I loved the lyrics and music and it's been one my favorite songs since then. 

Unfortunately Blind Melon's main vocals and leader (Shannon Hoon- the "golden" guy in the video) died of a overdose back in 1995. RIP Shannon, you still live among us with your music.

2. My next is no other that Mr. Robert Nesta Marley who is BY FAR my favorite singer/songwriter (well, I guess I do have a favorite singer).

Redemption Songs by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

This song is very special and with a very deep message, a must hear!

3. And the spot for #3 is another song I love, because of the awesome guitar, the rhythm and even the video is very cool.

"Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits.

So, yeah I guess those 3 would be my choices... It's kind of unfortunate that 2 of the 3 singers are already gone, but at least they left a good legacy with their music.

RIP Bob & Shannon, may you both be jamming together in Heaven!

Have a great day!!!

challenged much?

Well, looks like our duty with Mir is over, we have paid the bill and he is now in the Vet's hands.

I am very confident that there's somebody out there that can give him a good home and I pray and thank God for that.

In another note, for those reading my blog for a while, remember my famous 100 Day photo Challenge?

Well, I certainly do remember it, mainly because it was hard work but it was also so much fun.

And because of the second reason (the fun part), I've decided to take on yet another challenge.

This time my new challenge is going to be the 30 Day Song Challenge.

Once again I will try to make it without missing a day (even posting on weekends) to fulfill the whole challenge (God willing!).

So, now to the details, here's the list of what the challenge calls for:

Day 01 – Your favorite song

Day 02 – Your least favorite song

Day 03 – A song that makes you happy
Day 04 – A song that makes you sad
Day 05 – A song that reminds you of someone
Day 06 – A song that reminds of you of somewhere

Day 07 – A song that reminds you of a certain event

Day 08 – A song that you know all the words to

Day 09 – A song that you can dance to

Day 10 – A song that makes you fall asleep
Day 11 – A song from your favorite band
Day 12 – A song from a band you hate
Day 13 – A song that is a guilty pleasure

Day 14 – A song that no one would expect you to love
Day 15 – A song that describes you
Day 16 – A song that you used to love but now hate
Day 17 – A song that you hear often on the radio
Day 18 – A song that you wish you heard on the radio
Day 19 – A song from your favorite album
Day 20 – A song that you listen to when you’re angry
Day 21 – A song that you listen to when you’re happy
Day 22 – A song that you listen to when you’re sad
Day 23 – A song that you want to play at your wedding
Day 24 – A song that you want to play at your funeral
Day 25 – A song that makes you laugh
Day 26 – A song that you can play on an instrument
Day 27 – A song that you wish you could play
Day 28 – A song that makes you feel guilty
Day 29 – A song from your childhood
Day 30 – Your favorite song at this time last year

I am very excited and can't wait to start this new challenge tomorrow... 

Have a great day!!!

in need of a forever home

After a few days at the Vet, it looks like Mir is finally out of the woods, although yesterday afternoon he was still having trouble eating, so we decided to give him another night at the clinic just to make sure he is really back in full force.

"Mir" the day after the accident... doing much better now!

Perhaps he is somebody's cat and he misses his family and home? Or maybe just like the Vet said, he bleed a lot through his nose and cannot smell food quite yet.

So, in a good note he is doing much better. In another not such good news, he cannot be an outdoor cat anymore, mostly because one of his eyes is not quite working properly so the doctor considers he needs to be an indoor cat from now on.

Now, the problem about becoming an indoor cat is that you really need a place to live.

In our case, even if we would like to keep him with all of our heart, we already have 2 dogs that DO NOT like cats at all and one of them is sort of a "killing machine" when it comes to chickens, cats, iguanas and pretty much anything smaller than him. Now, imagine the odds of this kitty with a "bad" eye trying to survive around this killing machine, NO WAY!

So, remember a few days ago when I was desperately asking people for prayers in order to ask God to place His healing hand over him? Well that worked, so thanks!

Now we have decided for the Vet to keep him and they've said that they promise to find him a home and NOT put him down (and after all their time and effort to save him I am sure they will keep their promise).

But it's so hard, because we really would like to keep him but cannot put him at risk with our dogs, it's just not fair.

Anyway, this reminds of the lovely affirmation that goes: "The Will of God will never take you, where the Grace of God will not protect you".

And this is why I think there's got to be a reason why I literally crashed into this cat and a reason why not only he didn't die but survived and it's got another chance. I know that God works in mysterious ways and he will help the Vet office, find this lovely kitty a forever home.

So, please keep him in your prayers and if you'll like to adopt him let me know as well!!!

Have a great Tuesday!

brief busy social life

"Good Friends are like stars... You don't always see them, 

but you know they are always there".

Confucius

While I was in Costa Rica a few weeks ago, I was so blessed to catch up with friends that I haven't seen in a long time.

Had time to socialize and made me feel like I had a "busy" social life again... Something I kind of lack in my life in Cayman.

So, spending time with them, was great. Here are some pictures of my time with them!

breakfast with my cousin and a mutual best friend Roger

Some of my "besties" from High School

Good friends from life, Adriana & Pable

My dear very good friend Oswaldo (green & white shirt) and his partner Javier... Love u guys!!!

with another cousin an a good friend from high school

Isn't nice to see people after a long time and to feel as if time doesn't go by or changes your friendship? I love it...

>''<

 

In other news, looks like out "crashed" kitty is doing much better, he (confirmed it's a male) is still at the Vet's but not eating much.

According to the doctor, he might not be eating, because he was bleeding a lot through his nose, so perhaps he cannot quite smell right, just yet.

We are hoping he will be ready to come home soon, as I don't know how much a 4 night "clinic" stay is going to end up costing us... But oh well, as long as he gets better, that's all I really care for.

Have a great weekend and more news about Mirr (that is his new name) the cat, soon come!!!

1 life down, hoping for 6 more to go...

This is post #2 for me today...

My day started like any other.

Got up, showered, had breakfast and got on my car to go to work... As I was going just down the road from my house, in one of the narrowest roads around, out of the bushes and really fast came out a cat running to cross the road.

I didn't even have time to react, nevertheless brake...

Once I realized it, panic started to filled my heart and soul.

I immediately stopped and look back on my rear-view mirror, to see him laying on the road, bleeding.

My heart stopped and I started to feel tears coming out of my eyes.

Did I kill him? Was he o.k?

I swore it was Leroy (one of the kitties that we feel every day).

The worst part of it was, I couldn't stop and check if he was alright (as the manager at the store is away right now, so I had to go and open the store myself).

Still, I could see him still laying there and I was ever more worried that he was going to hit by another car and kill him (for sure).


So I called my husband and he immediately got on his bike to go rescue him.

Took him to the Vet.

Looks like he only got hit in the head, not a single broken bone or main organ damaged.

They sedate him, gave mi some sort of medicine to prevent the swelling of the brain and lots of rest.

Well, the cat is not Leroy, in fact is a completely new cat that we have never feed, and perhaps he even belongs to somebody.


He is now at the Vet's clinic. Still very much in pain, very swollen in the head and I just now came by from visiting him.

 
The doctor is not sure if he is going to make it, only time and God can tell what's going to happen.

I am still very sad and very much in shock of what happen although at any point I meant to hurt him/her, it was a very terrible accident that I wish would never happen again.
 
Please keep him/her in your prayer and hope God puts his healing hand over him/her and may he be recovering very soon.

More news tomorrow and hoping those would be good news.

Have a nice weekend!

Finally a Video!

Finally it's Friday and finally I am here to share a little bit of my visit to Costa Rica with a video I took at my parents house.

In the video you can see the front of their house, the big trees that surround and the birds singing.

Towards the end of the video, you can see the 3 Labrador girls they have. The dogs are Gaia (which is mine), Emma her sister and the mother Negra... aren't they awesome?

I know I promised to also shared pictures, but I haven't really had the time to sort them out, but now that my Mom is gone I am sure I will find the time to get around it.

Hope everybody has a great weekend!!!!

Did I mention?

It's been raining quite a bit here the past few days.

To me, this is fine, I don't mind rain as long as it's no Hurricane. Plus I just got a brand new raincoat so this showers give me a chance to wear it!

Did I mention? I happen to love rain coats, I think they are fabulous and a much better option that the good ol' umbrella, well unless it's a head one, like the one I used to have a as kid...

Mine used to look just like this, but I'm not sue if I would be up to wear such a thing in public nowadays, LOL!

Did I mention? I am loving my new phone, it's such a cool gadget and contrary to what I thought about the very first time I got my Treo years ago and that I thought I wasn't going to take full advantage of everything it does, with this phone, I am sure to enjoy every single application it has.

Did I mention? My Mom left this morning. Oh boy, oh boy am I am going to miss that lovely lady. Spending time with her was amazing and the minute I gave her the last hug, I started looking forward to the next time we will be together.

Did I mention? It's already September (wow time is flying by!!!), plus it's Thursday so we are getting very close to the weekend, yay for that!

Have a great day and wonderful month of September!!!

M is for Mom

It's been simply amazing and such a great joy to have my Mom around for this past couple of weeks.

I am definitely a very blessed daughter for having such an amazing Mom and best friend.

This past couple of weeks we've talked, laughed, learned and teach each other interesting stuff.

We cooked together, went shopping a few times, drank a few cocktails, bonded like the very best of friends.

And of course during this special time, we went to church together and thank God for these and many more blessings we have in our daily lives.

Now, tomorrow we say "So long" (because I am not good at Goodbyes) as she goes back home, to my Dad and her life.

It's going to be hard not having her around. But the time we've spent together, leaves me full of joy and wonderful memories that filled my soul with the best possible kind of love.

Her energy and teaching will remain with me, always inspiring me to be a better person, a better daughter and a better wife (like she is!).

So, how about you?

Is your Mom close to you? Have you talked to her lately?

Perhaps today is a good day (as any) to call her up and remind her of how special she is and how much you love her... I know I will make sure my Mom know that today!!!


Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Feels Good!

Feels good to be back to work after 3 weeks off and just on my second day back, guess what date is today?

Yeah... it's Aug. 30th, which means?!?!?

Feels good to have a job, to be productive and get paid for something I enjoy doing (most days).

Feels good to have so many blessings in life, specially my family, friends, my job and my blog!!!

And also I have to say that it feels good to be back on blogging, but mainly because I have some many nice people reading my blog and I thank them for that!!!

And last but not least, I have to say, feels good that I got a new cell phone, a brand new Samsung Galaxy S II and so far I LOVE IT...

Well, there's many more things that feel good right now, but I don't feel so good about not posting my Costa Rica pictures yet.

I promise that soon I will get my head around which ones to post, so please bear with me and soon I will be sharing them all!!!

Have a wonderful day and do something that feels good!!!

The sweet life of a baby

My name is Julian, I am 3 months old now and like most babies at my age, all I do is sleep, cry when I am hungry, then eat and sleep some more... aaaah, that is the life!

I just recently got Baptized and got a very special Godmother... isn't she pretty?

And what about me? I am pretty cute too, uh? Plus, I can stay awake, to write this post...

See?

although...

now that I think of it,

I am getting kind of tired...

and I could use a little nap...

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!

What a sweet life, don't you think?