on my mind today...

It's Wednesday already and we are getting very close to Thanksgiving, so I am thinking of the people getting ready to spend the holiday with their families and or friends.

Last night we did our own little version of Thanksgiving. We had over for dinner; my brother Mau, his wife Gaylene, Gayle (who is Gaylene's mom visiting from Canada) and Dave another friend of my brothers who is also Canadian, so in reality only my husband Mark was the American!.

Dinner was great, but instead of Turkey we had Tender Loin and instead of stuffing we had cheesy potatoes and corn. For dessert I made a delicious Chocolate Cheesecake.

So maybe it wasn't your traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but at least the intention, love and thankfulness of it all was present. Now, tomorrow we will go to an acquaintances dinner that we get invited to every year, he has over 80 people there and everybody brings something to the cause, so it's more like a potluck holiday kind of a thing, this year I am baking some mozzarella stick.

And that is what's on my mind today and right this minute while I write this... Happy Hump Day!!!

UW happenings

It's already Tuesday and I just realized that I haven't posted about my weekend.

We went boat diving with my friend Natalia and with the dive company that both my brother and sister in law work for. I ended up not doing the first deep dive because my ear was still giving me problems (I guess cause of the remains of the sinus/flu episode of the past weeks).

But before we went diving, on Saturday, I got myself a new wet suit. It is so nice, but besides being cute I think it's the most comfortable one I have ever owned, plus I look pretty good wearing it, don't you think???? (Picture was taking by my husband with his phone).

Any who... Yesterday's second dive was pretty nice, I took some pictures as well as a little video of us going through some swim-through's, in the video I am following my brother.

Here are also a couple of pictures of the same dive. In the afternoon I was feeling kind of dizzy and weird, I think it might just be something is still not quite right with my ear/sinus, so I need to take it easy.

Mark taking a picture of a little stingray

fish and coral

Yesterday (Monday evening) my back was pretty bad as well, I think that diving is still not quite right for it, so I need to think it twice next time before I decide to jump back into it with full force. I have more pictures and although I would like to share them, I now have to be very selective and save some of my new photo blog, so stay tuned...

Tonight we are having our version of Thanksgiving dinner with my brother, his wife and her mom that is visiting from Canada plus another friend of them that is visiting as well. I made some chocolate cheesecake and I hope it turns out good...

Have a great day!!!

New Blog

I am excited to launch an idea that have been on my mind for a while, and although it is not a new idea for blogger world, it is for me.


Well, today is the day, the beginning of a new challenge (because I think having a blog some times it's a big challenge). In this new space I will be sharing a photo a day, one that catches my attention; whether it was taking by me or not. If not, the I will try my best to always give credit to the appropriate person.

A while ago I decided that when "Such life in the tropics" reached 50 "official" followers it would be time to launch my new space, now the time has come... Of course life as it is for "Such life in the Tropics" doesn't change..

So here it is, please on come over, visit me at "A photo a day" because sometimes images speak louder than words.

Have a wonderful day!!!

scuba time

It's been about 2 months since the last time I went scuba diving and I am very exciting because tomorrow we have plans to get back in the water.

photo by Natalia

One of my best friends on the island, Natalia, is leaving the island for a while since she is in between jobs right now, so we are going to the East End of the islands and dive there since she's never been on that side before.

So, I will try to carry my camera and again post more pictures for your enjoyment. I am very excited, it's been so long feels like the first time all over!!!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Friday wish

I am so happy that Friday is here.

Last night we had our annual gallery event and although we didn't sell a lot of big pieces everything was very well organized and I believe my bosses were very happy with the whole deal.

Now, today I am super tired but it was worth the hard work. I am excited because I finally feel that the flu is long gone so maybe I will be able to get back in the water and do some diving, it's been too long!

Have a wonderful weekend!

show this post to your dog...

Ever feel like your dog doesn't do enough to help out around the house?

Well, maybe all they need is some useful dog tricks from Jesse? Ck out the following video and prepare to enjoy this wonderful Jack Russell Terrier, it is sure to melt your heart...

Now, if only I can make Ditto and Sheba stand still for the duration of the video I might be able to get some info and tips inside their brains.. soon they'll be doing the dishes every night and a massage at least once a week, yeah I wish! LOL.

Have a great Thursday : )

CTRL your day

Remember when we only used erasers to DELETE, tape to PASTE and scissors to CUT????

Well, yesterday while busy at work on the computer, I was looking for some photos to attach to an email, creating a word document that contained both images and text and then uploading all of it to the ftp site of the company, I realized how much of my day is faster because of just having good computer skills.

But of course, I am no "whiz kid" programmer kind of a person, but I do have some good skills and can pretty much get around any new program in a fairly fast amount of time.

It just sometimes it amazes me how much of my day is done with computers, even though I am on art sales. Keeping back up photos of all the pieces on the wall, customers emails, orders to the warehouse, etc, etc, etc... And I still remember when back in high school we were learning DOS and how to back up a floppy disk, used to hate computer classes, LOL!

Now, I do think it is a privilege to have been born before the World Wide Web even existed and got to see the before and after of the computer era, well, maybe not so much the after because I am sure there is much more to come...

But oh boy, am I glad a had a childhood where time outside the house was the way to go, we didn't depend of having a computer, a phone to play games or connect with friend, we just went out, hang out and play with friends. Most kids just don't do that nowadays, but they sure can work out them leapfrogs, ps3's and playstations, right????

So, how much of your day is CTRLed by a computer? Is it too much? I am trying to cut my computer time as much as possible, and this blog some times makes it pretty time consuming, so I am making double effort to not let technology take over my life... you should try it, so now, turn off the computer and go outside!!!!

Have a great day!

T is for Tuesday

Tuesday has come and the remains of last weeks nasty flu is still hanging out around me.

Yesterday was a terrible day for my sinus congestion, the pressure was so strong that I kept feeling like if my jaw was cramping all day, couldn't even swallow properly  and even the bones under my eyes hurt, ouch!

When I finally got home exhausted from work and short of breath from the sinus pressure, I decided to have a more natural approach to the whole deal, (instead of only the doctors medicines) so I drank some Apple Cider Vinegar in water and also did a little chest massage with some Eucalyptus oil. After a while I felt like my head wasn't going to explode anymore!

Besides that, I guess I am slowly getting back to my 100%. This past flu was awful, for days I couldn't taste anything and then I guess because of the infection and the drugs even the water tasted terrible. Now, it's getting back to tasting good and I am very happy about that cause I love and enjoy drinking water.

Anyway, it's going to be a busy week for me, lots of cruise ships in town cause the season is finally picking up, my boss in back in town and we have a big gallery event on Thursday night, so today I hope that T is for Tuesday and not for Tissue (keeping fingers crossed!).

Have a good one!!!

Pirates Weekend

My weekend was great and so was the start off the "2010 Pirates Week Festival".

Friday evening was the official kickoff with some amazing fireworks (unfortunately my photos don't even come close to show the beautiful display it was).

Then I took a little video that is probably a bit better...

Then on Sat. afternoon it was the "Landing" and the official parade of "floats". I dressed up for the occasion and went down with my friend Natalia... Here's a picture of us while waiting for the parade to start, don't we look like the "real deal"? LOL

Also I run into the Seattle Seafair Pirates, they were here last year and had given me a little necklace, I took them to the gallery to meet my boss and he ended up taking pictures with them and even took them for a shot of Rum, so now this year they all remembered me and we took this picture...

I have more to share but it will have to wait.... until then, have a great week!!!!

Arrgghh u ready???

source

Pirates week Festival is back, the official kick off is tonight with a wonderful display of fireworks by the Georgetown Harbor and with a street dance afterward.

Then on Saturday is the big landing parade which is when the actual pirates come in land and take over the Governor and the island (of course, it is all symbolic and not actual Governors or islands are harmed in the making of this parade celebration, LOL!)

source

Last year I made myself a sort of pirate outfit with my own clothes, but this year I decided it was time to acquire an actual costume so I ordered the following on via amazon.com, it arrived yesterday and it fits really well, I am excited! I don't have any boots but I am planning to get some fish net stockings to complement the shoes.

 
Also my husband this year is participating on part of the dramatization and he will be a red coat(/pirate/zombie). I know he came into town yesterday to try on his red coat, so I'm sure he'll be posting pictures on his blog about it, so stay tune right here.

source

So, this weekend should be fun, I am planning to take lots of pictures and share the fun via my blog!!!

Have a great weekend or... walk the plank!!!!

Lea the cat

Today I realized that I still haven't even posted some pictures I took on my "flash" visit to Costa Rica, so today's post is going to be dedicated to my lovely Costarican kitty Lea...

perhaps too early for paparazzi pictures???

she loves to hang out around my mom's herbs

She loves to lay down anywhere, any time....

but I also know that she really love the attention!!

I miss having a cat, but spending a couple of days around Lea makes up for it, miss u kitty girl!
                                     
Have a great Thursday    >"<
                                     

Working Wednesday

I am back to work today, unfortunately can't really say I am at full force, 100% percent performance but I am getting there, little by little.

Coming back to work was great though, last week we changed the carpet at the gallery and because of these we were able to rearrange all the fixtures as well as the set up for the sculptures in a very nice way.

Here are some pictures of the new set up.

new blue carpet

another view

The new set up with a different carpet has giving the place a much needed uplift and energy, we are having a major gallery event next week and I hope this new vibe will generate good profit to start the high season on a good note, will keep u posted!

Have a great day!!!

Atti-tuesday!

Well, I am not feeling 100% yet, even after going to the doctor yesterday where I was "pleasantly" surprised with 2 shots and a whole bunch of medication (including antibiotics) and am as of now counting the minutes for all that stuff to kick in so I can go back to feeling like myself lately (even if its going to be on meds for a few days!).

So, today instead of having a low key, sick- kind of attitude I decided to post some nice, pretty pictures I have taken randomly here on the island... enjoy!

the icing on the cake

(Renata going up for) air... the essence of life

lonely beach, perhaps it needs your company?

"here's looking at you kid!" (gray angel fish).

Have a great atti-tuesday!!!

Wasted Weekend

It's Monday already, I feel like if the weekend was just a blurry 2 days of feeling crappy.

My body hurts but it's not from physical activity, my legs hurt but not from hiking, my head hurts but not because I've been solving math problems or studying for 2 days. EVERYTHING hurts and only because I've been home, sick with the flu.

I feel as if I had wasted the entire weekend, the entire time I felt like I was dragging my husband into a very boring 2 days. Weather outside was also windy and cold, so no chance to go out and do anything with the way I felt.

Now, I know I am in for a busy week, so I need to get back on my feet asap. So, eating well, drinking plenty of fluids and rest, but how much more rest do I need? All I did was rest for 2 days. Can't wait to get back on my feet!!!

Have a great Monday... I will try my best!

turmeric & milk

Today I am not feeling very peachy, I started with an itchy throat yesterday and now today it feels worst.

I have to go into work today only from 1pm to 5pm as we are doing some minor renovations on the gallery so the manager or me need to be there for a few hours just to make sure nothing gets misplaced.

Planning to take my crochet and a book plus a good warm beverage to keep me feeling better. Last night and this morning took some Turmeric Milk and it works wonder, ever tried that when sick? It's really good for when you have a cold or even a very nasty cough. Here's the recipe:

8oz milk (1 cup)
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 tbsp honey
a pinch of grind pepper (black)

Warm the milk, when warm ad the turmeric and  mix, let it boil very little, pour it in your cup, add honey and pepper, drink hot and enjoy the warmth it'll bring to your body.

Have a wonderful weekend!

this is CR...

this is home!

A place where you can still encounter people riding horses instead of cars.

A place where things don't necessary work the way they should...

3 lights at once?!?

A place where just out the door of your house (specially when you live on the mountains) you can have amazing nature encounters (unfortunately can't say the say amazing things about my camera zoom, LOL).

juvenile laughing falcon

A place where exotic flora is in constant bloom.

bird of paradise flower

I really love my country, this last trip I once again renewed my love vows for this wonderful amazing place, I recommend you to visit if you want a once in a life time adventure.

Have a wonderful Thursday!!!

Wed. Wedding highlights

Like I mentioned on yesterday post, my cousin's wedding was very nice, I was unable to take any pictures at the Church because it was very dark and my flash wasn't strong enough, but I do have some highlights of the party and specially the dancing at the carnival.

The Bride (my cousin Mariela) and me!

with my other 2 cousins from the same side of the family

with my date (LOL!, just kidding, my little cousin passed out on the table!)

everybody had a blast dancing... specially my aunt Cynthia!

guess who was the "Queen" of the carnival?!?!?

my cousin Alfredo looks pretty professional!

even my parents were non stop dancers!!!

So there u have it, the wedding was a success and spending time with my family was the best part... All I was missing was my wonderful man back home taking care of our house and dogs... I am so happy to be back. Missed u baby but love u more!!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

airport traveling = $%*#

I AM BACK!

Arrived to the island last  night after a wonderful weekend with my family, my cousins wedding was very nice and enjoyable, I dance until my feet ache and had a wonderful time in general, but not including my experience flying there on Friday.

Does anybody else recalls when flying used to be a fun, exciting, pleasant experience, well those days are definitely over!

On Friday my flight with AA was scheduled to leave the island at 2:45 but for mechanical reasons with the plane leaving Miami and coming to pick us up in Grand Cayman, we ended up leaving at 5pm. We made it to Miami airport at 7:30 so I had 30 minutes to run about a mile (since they leave us at the very end of the airport) and make my connecting flight. Managed to get to immigration where I approached and AA agent that immediately told me I already missed my flight, but I refused to accept this.

Once I managed to get on the American citizens line (since it was the shortest), the immigration agent for once was very nice, fast and told me I was pushing it close to miss my flight. Then it was off to customs with only a carry on luggage where I approached yet another AA agent who also told that I already missed the flight...

That's when I decided to run for it like some crazy maniac was chasing me to rape me (LOL)... Well, looks like my gate was in a completely new area of the airport and I even needed to take a Skytrain. After running about 2 miles, I just barely made it to the plane and was the very last one to get in, just because some other passenger was delayed with the luggage already inside the plane. (insert relief sigh here)

But this is the part the bugs me the most; our plane was delayed almost 3 hours because of their own mechanical reasons, they company doesn't mind delaying everybody, but then when I approached some of the agents and they all assured me that I already missed my flight, I asked a couple of them if they were still able to contact the gate to make sure and notify them that I landed and I was on my way, but NO WAY, nobody is willing to help you delay the plane 2 or 5 minutes so people don't miss their flights, WHY???

I am definitely writing a formal complained because I now don't see the point to try to book connecting flights with the same airlines when there are absolutely no benefits at all, right?

But, besides my traveling nightmare to get there, everything else was very nice and enjoyable,  my family is good and they all loved their "amigurumis" that I made for them... I promise to share some pictures but for now this one would have to do.

Here's a picture we took the night we were going to the wedding. In order: me, mom, dad, my brother Gian and his wife Tracie.

Have a great Tuesday!!!

off I go... wedding time!

On my way to Costa Rica to my cousin Mariela and her fiancee Antonio's wedding. 

Oh weddings! What joyful occasions to celebrate and honor; love, commitment, trust, friendship, companionship and many other ingredients that make the perfect recipe for a happy family.

I will not be posting at all the entire time I will be home, and to be honest I am actually looking forward to that... Hopefully I will have some pics to share on my way back.

Have a great weekend!

party eyes

Well, I'm just about ready to head to my cousin's wedding this coming weekend. I can't wait to see my family and specially to party with them...

Got my dress, got my shoes, handbag and then yesterday I went to get some basic makeup to wear with my blue dress, it's really not every day you get the chance to get all dress up for a posh event, well, every now and then I think it's kind of fun.

Although in my case I am not very big into makeup, but since I am wearing a pretty stylish dress I decided to honor it with the full bling, bling for the occasion as well as some makeup.

So, yesterday I head to the local M.A.C. store and got some eye shadow and lipstick, the "specialist" explained to me how to apply it on my eyes so last night when I got home I kind of practiced it... here is the result of my party eyes.

And for the final result.... (Please not I am not wearing any other make up but eye stuff and a little shine in my lips). What do you guys think? Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated!

picture is kind of blurry, sorry!

 Have a great Thursday!!!!