This country is so big.
Literally the USA is from "sea to shining sea," and in between we have all kinds of places and people from GA to IA to WA. Crazy!
I have made many trips outside of the USA, but I am concious of the fact that I would really like to see more of the 50 states as well.
A close friend and I have joked about driving cross-country in a motor home. I would be 100% on board with that. I would drive a lot more, except it's wear and tear on my little car and it is not always easy to coordinate time off.
I really would like to make an effort to see one new state at least, every year. Last year in 2014 I went to LA for the first time since Katrina, and visiting NOLA as an adult is very different from NOLA as a 14 year-old. 2015 presents the chance to get to see more.
Next month I will be going to Costa Rica for a few days, and am highly anticipating this trip! I have not been to Tiquicia in over a year, and I ache for it. Though there is a shadow cast over my time there, I am determined to make the most of every moment spent there and enjoy to the utmost.
Now that I live in the USA, I can travel here more. But it hurts too because I will not be in my beloved CR as often anymore...
The only constant in life is change. SO! Just rock and roll with it.
Pura Vida!!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
20 Questions
1. What are you greatest indulgences?
NetFlix & white wine
2. What are three things on your last credit card statement?
Plane tickets, drinks in NOLA, a txi ride in NOLA
3. What is your biggest regret?
Not sticking up for myself in my relationships.
4. What can you not miss on TV?
I miss everything... because I watch NetFlix (see question #1!).
5. What brings you the greatest joy?
Being with my family, and spending time with my dog.
6. What is on your bucket list?
Switzerland.
7. What is the best gift you have recieved?
A photo album my grandma made with old family photos of my mother and grandparents and great-grandparents.
8. What is on your perennial to-do list?
Clean the house.
9. What apps can you not live without?
Instagram!
10. What is your go-to kareoke or shower song?
Fortunate Son by CCR
11. What superstition do you believe in?
None of them.
12. Of the seven deadly sins, which one are you guilty of?
Gluttony.
13. What charities do you support?
Goodwill gets donations from me monthly!
14. Who are your heroes?
Mom. And my Avia.
15. What should every woman try at least once in her life?
Mud bath .
16. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party?
Eva Mendez, Denzel Washington, my Uncle and my friend Becky.
17. Do you have a secret talent?
I can play piano by ear.
18. Who do you follow on Twitter?
I don't have Twitter.
19. How did you make your first dollar?
Baby-sitting.
20. What is one thing you wish you had known when you were younger?
That time with my family and especially Mom is precious.
PURA VIDA:
NetFlix & white wine
2. What are three things on your last credit card statement?
Plane tickets, drinks in NOLA, a txi ride in NOLA
3. What is your biggest regret?
Not sticking up for myself in my relationships.
4. What can you not miss on TV?
I miss everything... because I watch NetFlix (see question #1!).
5. What brings you the greatest joy?
Being with my family, and spending time with my dog.
6. What is on your bucket list?
Switzerland.
7. What is the best gift you have recieved?
A photo album my grandma made with old family photos of my mother and grandparents and great-grandparents.
8. What is on your perennial to-do list?
Clean the house.
9. What apps can you not live without?
Instagram!
10. What is your go-to kareoke or shower song?
Fortunate Son by CCR
11. What superstition do you believe in?
None of them.
12. Of the seven deadly sins, which one are you guilty of?
Gluttony.
13. What charities do you support?
Goodwill gets donations from me monthly!
14. Who are your heroes?
Mom. And my Avia.
15. What should every woman try at least once in her life?
Mud bath .
16. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party?
Eva Mendez, Denzel Washington, my Uncle and my friend Becky.
17. Do you have a secret talent?
I can play piano by ear.
18. Who do you follow on Twitter?
I don't have Twitter.
19. How did you make your first dollar?
Baby-sitting.
20. What is one thing you wish you had known when you were younger?
That time with my family and especially Mom is precious.
PURA VIDA:
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
It's Going to Be a BIG Year: 2015
Well hello! Seems I have been AWOL since 2014. Time manages to sneak past me in such a way that I always find myself wondering-- where did that minute, hour, day, week go?!
2015 is a year of changes.
Biggest change: My husband and I have agreed to a divorce. We have come to this decision together, amiably, with the realization that it really would be in our best interest, for both of us. So! While I am still coming to terms with this and accepting a certian amount of dissapointment, in my heart of hearts I know that this is a good decision in the long run. All the same, it will be a very difficult adjustment after three years of investing in a person and a relationship. And I wish him all the best.
Another change: I have a dog. E and I had become quite enamored of this dog, and had always joked about taking him home with us. Well, my friend who had him to keep her elderly mother comapny recently announced that her mother will be relocating and the dog will need a new home. I jumped at the chance! He is already trained and very well behaved. He is a golden doodle, and I have been enjoying his company so very much. In fact his presence in my life has been a great emotional support, espcially considering afore-mentioned changes happening at this time.
Goals for 2015:
Financial improvement. This year I hope to increase my savings and make more strides toward paying down my student debt.
Travel. My passport needs to be renewed this year, so I would like to fill it again with stamps from new plsces and have some new adventures. A close friend will be going to Itlay this year, and I hope to accompany her.
Edit. In our materialistic culture I find that I continue to amass a huge amount of STUFF... Another goal this year will be to edit not only what I own, but continue to clean and edit (or throw away!) the overwhelming number of things here at home as well.
Ok, well there you have some insight into 2015.
Time to get moving... it's going to be a busy year!
Pura Vida :)
2015 is a year of changes.
Biggest change: My husband and I have agreed to a divorce. We have come to this decision together, amiably, with the realization that it really would be in our best interest, for both of us. So! While I am still coming to terms with this and accepting a certian amount of dissapointment, in my heart of hearts I know that this is a good decision in the long run. All the same, it will be a very difficult adjustment after three years of investing in a person and a relationship. And I wish him all the best.
Another change: I have a dog. E and I had become quite enamored of this dog, and had always joked about taking him home with us. Well, my friend who had him to keep her elderly mother comapny recently announced that her mother will be relocating and the dog will need a new home. I jumped at the chance! He is already trained and very well behaved. He is a golden doodle, and I have been enjoying his company so very much. In fact his presence in my life has been a great emotional support, espcially considering afore-mentioned changes happening at this time.
Goals for 2015:
Financial improvement. This year I hope to increase my savings and make more strides toward paying down my student debt.
Travel. My passport needs to be renewed this year, so I would like to fill it again with stamps from new plsces and have some new adventures. A close friend will be going to Itlay this year, and I hope to accompany her.
Edit. In our materialistic culture I find that I continue to amass a huge amount of STUFF... Another goal this year will be to edit not only what I own, but continue to clean and edit (or throw away!) the overwhelming number of things here at home as well.
Ok, well there you have some insight into 2015.
Time to get moving... it's going to be a busy year!
Pura Vida :)
Sunday, August 17, 2014
and the beat goes on....
How are we already 8 months into 2014??
My breain keeps flashing back to this bitter winter, the slow spring and now I am trying desperately to hold onto what is left of summer.
Quick version of 2014 to date:
January: Cold. Very cold.
February: Got hired at a big-girl job.
March:Trained and started working at big-girl job.
April: Birthday and suprise visit from hubby.
May: Bought first car.
June: WAIT, it's June??!! The year is halfway over!
July: Family vacation.
August: Married 3 years, and glad to celebrate with hubby.
Present: Time is a gift, that is why this moment is called the "present."
Got to go keep on living!
Catch me later.
PURA VIDA
My breain keeps flashing back to this bitter winter, the slow spring and now I am trying desperately to hold onto what is left of summer.
Quick version of 2014 to date:
January: Cold. Very cold.
February: Got hired at a big-girl job.
March:Trained and started working at big-girl job.
April: Birthday and suprise visit from hubby.
May: Bought first car.
June: WAIT, it's June??!! The year is halfway over!
July: Family vacation.
August: Married 3 years, and glad to celebrate with hubby.
Present: Time is a gift, that is why this moment is called the "present."
Got to go keep on living!
Catch me later.
PURA VIDA
Wisconsin, Family Vacation 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
how to pack light.
These days I really have the travel bug, as I think this post reflects. Longing to escape the chill of Ohio winter fills my days, and I find myself staring longingly of pictures os Facebook and Pinterest depicting sun, sand and beautiful blue water...and then I start to think about packing my bag. Thus this post and it's contents.
My mother was one of the heaviest packers I know...generally 2-3 bags worth of personal items, then additional items like her bible case, her shoes under the backseat of the car somewhere, and of course her cushion for long car rides or uncomfortable chairs in restaurants. And waterbottles, where-ever they fit.
My husband is similar...he tends to pack EVERYTHING for ANY and ALL possible circumstances, resulting in difficulties completing airport check-ins and staying within the domestic and international weight limit for baggage. This year we traveled in Mexcio and baggage fees really bit him in the ass...
Me? I had one checked bag and one personal bag. BOO-YAH!
How do you pack light?
I think that women in particular have a difficult time with this, espcially considering the variety of clothing and the shoe selection we require to look our very damn best where-ever we are. After all, if you go somewhere warm you usually want to pack at least two or three swim suits, and at least two pairs of sandals and that extra pair of flip-flops, and of course the back-up beach towel... but let's not get carried away.
Here are some tips and some items that have really helped me master the art of packing light (photos included).
1. The carry-everything bag/pack.
2. Water bottle & snack.
3. Plain sandals or flip-flops.
4. Plastic bags.
5. Concealer & mascara.
6. Jean jacket & black cardigan.
7. Scarf.
8. Tinted lip balm.
9. Plain sneakers or slip-ons.
10. Plain white t-shirt.
11. Black jeans or pants.
12. Safety pins.
Happy Travels!
(Thank you PINTEREST for the visual aids!)
Monday, February 3, 2014
the shortest month of the year
February. With only 28 days, I have even less time to get things done this month. And I do have a few things I want to get done.
Lately ( and by that I mean since Christmas) I have been obcessed with truffles. Over Christmas my friend and I made some truffles that turned out to be incredibly delicious, and ever since I have been pouring over possible recipes on Pinterest and I am planning to make some and try a different recipe out for Valentine's Day, which happens to be on a Friday mid-month. Truffles are just delicious... the most difficult part will be trying to decide on just ONE recipe to try! Here are the top contenders:
Samoa truffles
Vanilla Cake truffles
Brownie batter truffles
Valentine's Day. As you may know, my hubby is a million miles away (ok, so not a million, but he is pretty far away!) floating between Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia and I do not anticipate receiving anything from him much less seeing him for this holiday of lovers and spouses. I have a few special people who I want to make / buy gifts for... one of my more original ideas is to create some art, which will involve canvas and spray paint. I will not say anymore right now, but I will post pictures after. And you can smile or cry at the results, be they good or bad.
Shopping. Whew, I have already filled my quota for spending money this month..! I made a trip to the thrift store and another to New York & Co. and bought several items that are now in my work wardrobe. I have a variety of blazers and pants and shoes aplenty, so I am all outfitted. The only thing still at large on my list is a nice new black bag... and if you know my taste in bags you know that I am looking for a big black tote. We will see what I find for a good price.
Job. Did I mention that I finally got hired??? After job searching and applying all over during December 2013 and January, I got a job offer last week and I start later this month. I have benefits and a 401K, and I will be using my Spanish which was a very high priority for me. I am excited to have a real job and be earning a living wage. Hopefully put a little more into my savings this year!
Ok, I think that is all for now.
Oh hey, here I am. Happy New Year and all that jazz...!
Lately ( and by that I mean since Christmas) I have been obcessed with truffles. Over Christmas my friend and I made some truffles that turned out to be incredibly delicious, and ever since I have been pouring over possible recipes on Pinterest and I am planning to make some and try a different recipe out for Valentine's Day, which happens to be on a Friday mid-month. Truffles are just delicious... the most difficult part will be trying to decide on just ONE recipe to try! Here are the top contenders:
Samoa truffles
Vanilla Cake truffles
Brownie batter truffles
Valentine's Day. As you may know, my hubby is a million miles away (ok, so not a million, but he is pretty far away!) floating between Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia and I do not anticipate receiving anything from him much less seeing him for this holiday of lovers and spouses. I have a few special people who I want to make / buy gifts for... one of my more original ideas is to create some art, which will involve canvas and spray paint. I will not say anymore right now, but I will post pictures after. And you can smile or cry at the results, be they good or bad.
Shopping. Whew, I have already filled my quota for spending money this month..! I made a trip to the thrift store and another to New York & Co. and bought several items that are now in my work wardrobe. I have a variety of blazers and pants and shoes aplenty, so I am all outfitted. The only thing still at large on my list is a nice new black bag... and if you know my taste in bags you know that I am looking for a big black tote. We will see what I find for a good price.
Job. Did I mention that I finally got hired??? After job searching and applying all over during December 2013 and January, I got a job offer last week and I start later this month. I have benefits and a 401K, and I will be using my Spanish which was a very high priority for me. I am excited to have a real job and be earning a living wage. Hopefully put a little more into my savings this year!
Ok, I think that is all for now.
Oh hey, here I am. Happy New Year and all that jazz...!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2014
While some people may scoff at those who decide to make resolutions going into the new year, I am one of those who sees a resolution not as something to be done, adhered to, taken up only to be dropped or forgotten or left in the cold with no follow through. Making a resolution is challenging yourself to do something, hopefully making an improvement or change in your life that leads to a better overall quality and satisfaction. So in short, YES, I made some resolutions and here they are.
-Be more kind.
-Get a full time job. (See this post if you missed the update about my life!)
-Travel to a new country. (This can be any country, whatever opportunity throws me way.)
Even if you are not the type to make resolutions, I encourage you to work towards being the best version of yourself this year...because that is something you will never regret doing.
-Be more kind.
-Get a full time job. (See this post if you missed the update about my life!)
-Travel to a new country. (This can be any country, whatever opportunity throws me way.)
Even if you are not the type to make resolutions, I encourage you to work towards being the best version of yourself this year...because that is something you will never regret doing.
Happy New Year 2014!
PURA VIDA :-)
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