Back to Vista Guapa...Parte Dos

Memorial Day, Monday, May 25:
Breakfast was once again most delicious consisting of tostada Franceas, queso frito, y heuvos revuelots con queso y jamon. ( Eric is now practicing this for tomorrow’s breakfast.)

Back to the pool with my trusty “jukebox.”


Two “visitors” showed up at the pool.




Two cows have been added to the Vista Guapa family. :)

Eric decides this is a perfect opportunity for him to practice his pool handstands (aka party tricks). Our friends from yesterday left so we have the pool (and camp for that matter) to ourselves and so now we can be as stupid as we wanna. :) (did I mention that I have the most awesome underwater camera)

Day 2 of Surfing…better than the first for sure. Durby paddled out with me and Eric rocked the white water with Alberto. Today’s session included: 1 surfboard in the head, 1 gash on the ankle from a fin, 1 lost light brown contact and 2 bruise shins from the board…and yet we’re still smiling. :)

Back to Taco Bar for our post-surf snack…where I lost my most favorite hat :( …I hope whoever “found” it enjoys it as much as I did.

As we walked down the street something funny happen. This chick asked (what I thought was us, but now know was aimed toward Eric) “What time is it?” and the when he didn’t answer she said “Que hora es?” When Eric still didn’t answer I told her and then I got the LOOK OF DEATH from this chick. Apparently she wasn’t thrilled that I was with Eric. I think she was looking for her next client. I found this all to be hilarious as we continued to walk down the street. Eric was glad that I was there to “protect” him. lol

Another slightly weird incident followed right after this. We went into this (fairly nice) surf shop (the plan was to take in some A/C) and seemed to be followed by the sales clerk. We promptly left…we must have looked suspicious. lol

We headed to another surf shop where Eric picked up some goggles…no A/C in this one though…more like a sauna.

Back to camp for more poolage and pool tricks…Eric has new goggles…check ‘em out!

The rain started coming down as we headed back up and down the hill for dinner.


Alberto took us to Rioasis where we had pizza and strawberry margaritas, while watching Lakers vs Nuggets.




Another good day.


Tuesday, May 26:

Did you know the sun comes up at 5am here?

After breakfast we decided to go on a canopy zipline tour. This was tons of fun and super sweaty.






The view was amazing and we even saw poisonous frogs. lol

I went upside down a couple of times (sooo awesome) but the trick was not to lose my sunglasses, camera or wallet. Good times :)



Chilled on the porch with the dogs before it was time to surf.

We got to the beach where Eric finally found his boat!! lol



…he even did a little blowfish “fishing.”



The waves were good today but few and far between. Eric rode quite a few today. Whoo Hoo! :)





Back to camp where there was a wheelbarrel full of fresh mangos from the tree by the pool.



Then more chillin’ in the hammock with cerverza y agua



…of course with a doggie companion.



Meet Noe... Alvaro's son. One of two super cool kids that live at Vista Guapa.


Dinner with Alberto at Rey Marino. For starters we had fried plantains with black beans (soooo good). Then for the main course we had the “Especial Grande” that was huge and had absolutely everything on it!



So full, so tired.

Back to Vista Guapa ...Part I

So…I’ve been informed (by a little bird) that it has been over a month since I last posted. It’s not that I haven’t done anything since the last (in fact I’ve done quite a bit) it’s just hasn’t been a top priority (read Carolina’s been lazy). So here we go with Costa Rica 2009 !

This is my 4^th time to return to Vista Guapa Surf Camp in lovely Jaco, Costa Rica. This is the 1^st time that I have brought someone along. I hope Eric (my traveling buddy) enjoys (his first time) surfing as much as I do.

Friday, May 22:

Our adventure began the night before we were supposed to leave. I went see Fiddler on the Roof with Momma and I received a text from Eric asking what time I was coming to pick him up. I told him. He replied “That’s early! Ok.” Well that seemed weird so I called him and said you know I meant 3:15 PM right. He thought I meant AM! So glad I called, or I’m sure he would’ve been waking me up wondering where I was. Lol

Saturday, May 23:

I think Costa Rica knew I was coming. I say this because as the (super full) plane was landing I looked out the window and saw fireworks going off. :)

We got our luggage and got through customs and immediately I spot Edwin (mi amigo/driver) and we were off to Vista Guapa! It was pretty late by the time we arrived at camp, even though Edwin got us there super quick (think Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at DisneyWorld), so we crashed pretty early.

Sunday, May 24^th:

We headed down (the infamous) hill to breakfast where we were greeted by 3 new puppies and DURBY!! At the breakfast table we also met Deanna from Cleveland and Gig from NYC. Both seem very cool.

After an amazing breakfast of blackberry whole-wheat pancakes,

eggs, queso frito,

fresh fruit, etc. we headed to the pool. The water is sooo refreshing...yeah we were already sweating at 10 am.

Alberto arrives and begins to show Eric how to “pop up”.

We have about 2 hours until the first surf lesson/session. I am excited and slightly nervous for Eric…

Woah! So yeah, the first time for Eric was a bit rough (to say the least). At one point I was truly scared for my friend. The wonderful lady we know as Mother Nature can most definitely knock you down when she wants to…and fill your mouth with salt water. But in the end, we both got up on our boards. I call this slightly successful. Eric got a pep talk from Gig that seemed to relax and pump him up at the same time. I’m sure tomorrow will be better…

After the “workout,” I knew we needed food. So I got the guys to drop us off at Taco Bar (oh how I’ve longed for you since last Labor Day). The Freezing Lemonada

and shrimp tacos

(Eric had Tropical Iced Tea and Mahi Mahi tacos) hit the spot.

Mas x Menos (a grocery store) was our next stop, where we picked up some liquid essentials (redbull, Gatorade, water, Imperial and Smirnoff Ice (in a can)).

Taxied back to camp and back for some more poolage with afore mentioned liquid refreshment. :)

A couple hours passed so we headed back up the hill to relax

and get cleaned up and ready for dinner. Tonight we went to the Jungle Surf Café with Durby where the coconut crusted Mahi Mahi, accompanied by mashed potatoes, was absolute goodness!

The dinner conversation centered around the question: “What 3 People would you like to have dinner with?”…interesting to say the least. But the craziest story of the night took place in the van on the way back to camp. Deanna told us her story about her being in the Tsunami the day after Christmas back in 2004. I can’t imagine!

The NBA Playoffs are going on and we tried to go watch Cleveland vs Orlando tonight…but because it’s raining…the satellite at the bar we were going to is knocked out. We decided on Plan B where we sat on the porch of our room and watched the lightening storm.

Good Plan. Good Day. Goodnight.

Girls, Graduation, Goals and Good Music

So last weekend was short but full.

Friday night I headed to the PM Nightlight Lounge at Dallas' Joule Hotel with Stephanie and Eric. There we saw Allison and her Burlesque Group perform. They did an excellent job and was had a good time as always. :)

Saturday morning was dreadfully rainy but we made our way 90 miles east of Dallas to Texas A&M Commerce where my Aunt Stephanie graduated Suma Cum Laude. This was a super cool moment for her and the rest of the family.

...shortly after the ceremony, I had to skip the celebration and head back towards Dallas (actually, past Dallas and all the way to Frisco) so that I could work the FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders FC at Pizza Hut Park...which ended in a tie. But still fun to work.



Sunday, about 12 hours after being at Pizza Hut Park, I was back there with Momma as we attended the Kenny Chesney Make Up Concert for the one that ended up being washed away. It was GREATNESS!

This time around the tickets were all first come first serve. Because of this we ended up standing in line waiting for the gates to open for about an hour and a half. It was a beautifully awesome day that became more AWESOME when Kenny Chesney himself came out through the parking lot on a golf cart to say hey to everybody waiting and tailgating. Did I mention I touched his arm? Yep, after a little hustle through parking lot I got close enough and TOUCHED HIS ARM. lol Yeah, that kinda made my day.

Anyways, we finally got in and we got the most perfect seats. I could have stood against the stage but I really wasn't feeling standing in the sun for another couple of hours. The seats were just fine for me and Momma. :)

The curtain was raised and Kenny took the stage and said, "Now, where were we... ", the crowd went wild and he sang There's Something Sexy Bout the Rain...the song he stopped on 2 weeks ago. He then started the show over and played for the next THREE HOURS. Half the songs were his...half everyone else's. I always knew the man is an amazing entertainer. But now I know he's an amazing Person. Thanks Kenny for bringing the good times back to Dallas for a night. :)

much love


...headed back to Costa Rica for more adventure and stories...stay tuned :)

Viva...Las Mother's Day!

Friday May 8, 2009

After seeing only one swine flu mask in DFW airport, Momma & I boarded the plane, and we were on our way! I was planning on sleeping all the way, but ended up watching the in-flight movie, He's Just Not That Into You. (Yeah I'm a sucker for that movie and ended up watching the whole thing.) The credits began to roll and we landed in Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada!

We headed to the taxi line...with about a couple thousand other people...also ready to begin their weekend. The line was ridiculous! It felt like we were waiting in line at Six Flags...a much cooler Six Flags of course. :)

We arrived at the MGM Grand Hotel



...dropped our stuff in the room and headed to our 10:00 pm reservation at craftsteak...OH MY GOODNESS! This was some awesome food. Of course I have to share lol:


Lemonhead Martini:

Cutest/Yummiest Rolls:

The Ribeye:

Chocolate Souflee & Banana Ice Cream:



Sorry it was amazing!

After dinner we began to explore the hotel and did a little bit of window shopping...followed by some actual shopping. :)

It was roughly 11:45 pm when the Dave Matthews Band concert let out at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and we were all of a sudden caught in a flood of DMB fans. (Think the wildebeast stampede in The Lioin King.) After the heard was gone, we headed back to the room where the most comfy beds ever awaited us!


Saturday, May 9th

At about 9 am I woke up and headed to down to the spa. It was packed. My massage was good but I must remember next time to request a dude. Checks just seem to be slightly weaker. Nonetheless, it was still good.

During my massage my awesome Momma went and found us a couple of chairs at the HUGE River/Pool. This was not an easy task, and I am soooo thankful she did this. Eventually I found her. I got us a couple of tasty beverages and got in the River...with my yard o "pink lemonade" and proceeded to do some great people watching. :)

After a couple of hours at the pool we went inside in search of lunch...and a Mavs' score. When we walked through the Sportsbook we were up so we kept on walking.

We ended up doing lunch at Rainforest Cafe. There we shared steak, ribs and shrimp. Another good meal. :) Back through the Sportsbook and we were now tied 33-33 with Denver. So...since I figured we were safe, I dropped my mom at the slot machines (after I played $20...I quickly foundout the addictiveness of the one-arm bandit) and headed back out to the pool...yard in hand.



At the pool I found a couple of cool sisters from Alberta, Cananda and hung w/ them as we laughed at boys from Seattle and a bachelor party full of Pittsburgh guys with a Groom from Lewisville, TX of all places!! I had a ton of fun til the sun went away and they closed that part of the pool...which was fine since I was shivering at this point.

I went back to the room where I found Momma...and foundout that the Mavs lost...by one point! (kinda glad now that I missed that game.) So, I laid down for a super quick nap that was much needed.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena was the destiantion of the night. Opening Act...Jason Mraz...followed by Dave Matthews Band!! (Which is the second reason of why I chose Vegas on this particular weekend.)



After buying the obligatory T-Shirt...we headed to our great seats and Mr. Mraz was already singing his first song. I could listen (and have listened) to his voice all day long. He just makes me happy. :) I wasn't the only feeling like this. When he sand "I'm Yours," everyone was on their feet and singing and dancing along. Good times fo sho'.

Next up...Dave Matthews Band. (a first for my mom) There was non-stop dancing...Momma got a kick out of this. I do love the DMB fans. They know and love the music. The vibe of the show was super up-beat...just the way I like it. :)

Momma left a little early but it wasn't because she didn't like it...because she most definitely did. It was just a super long day...

New stuff off the album coming out in June was also played and I am really looking forward to owning it! :)

Dave Matthews Band put on a great show and I was super glad and lucky in life to be there. I know this.

All Good...

So the last couple of weeks have been full of extra curricular activities.

Not really all that motivated to talk about each one so here's a visual representation of each. :)

4ish times a week since January:





April 25, 2009 Henry's 25th Birthday:







April 26, 2009:



April 30, 2009

May 2, 2009 Kenny Chesney Part I:

May 3, 2009 New Shoes:

May 5, 2009:






May 6, 2009

Okay, okay, I have to talk about this last one. Last night Momma and I went to see Rent. We were on the front row. Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp from the original 1996 cast starred in it. It was amazing. I was having a so-so day...but as soon as Mark (Anthony) begins his intro:

We begin on Christmas Eve with me, Mark, and my roommate, Roger. We
live in an industrial loft on the corner of 11th street and Avenue B, the top
floor of what was once a music publishing factory. Old rock 'n' roll posters
hang on the walls. They have Roger's picture advertising gigs at CBGB's and
the Pyramid Club. We have an illegal wood burning stove; its exhaust pipe
crawls up to a skylight. All of our electrical appliances are plugged into one
thick extension cord which snakes its way out a window. Outside, a small tent
city has sprung up in the lot next to our building. Inside, we are freezing
because we have no heat.

Smile!

...My heart was once again filled with love and I knew the next 2 1/2 hours were going to be something special.

I wish everyone could/would see this and realize that it's all about love, tolerance, and living each and every day to it's fullest. So how can it possibly be a bad thing?

much love

Happiness...

Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

much love

Wonderful Weekend

It’s Sunday night and I was just thinking about what a great time I had last weekend…so I thought I’d share.

Thursday, April 9^th

So after a super late Mavs game (that we won), I missed 6am yoga but did make it to work early. After work, and a nap, I headed to Nokia where I saw the Rescue Me Comedy Tour with Denis Leary. This man is too darn funny. I would never say 1/3 of the terrible things that come out of his mouth, but some times you just need to laugh in these crazy times…and that’s exactly what I did.

When my laptop was gone for a week for repairs, I had the opportunity to start and finish his entire book…

It was really great, and at times, surprisingly/depressingly true. Cover to cover in under 4 days…I was super impressed with myself.

Anyways, my seat was on the 3^rd row and here are some pics.

If only I had had my book with me, I’m pretty sure he would have signed it.

Cool show, cool guy…yes I have a new celebrity crush. :)

Good Friday, April 10^th

And a Good Friday it was indeed. On Wednesday, my boss was so generous when he decided that he would let us have the day off in honor of Good Friday.

This was the first time in a LONG time that I did NOT have to set my alarm. It was greatness!

It was a super nice day, so I met Eric, Michael and Peter at Top Golf (kind of a driving range with targets). I am not in the least bit good, but I did manage to get better (than worse) and even tied Eric once! Whoo Hoo!

Next up on the list for today was the Mavs vs. New Orleans Hornets game…that we won! Again…I say WHOO HOO!

After the game my cousin Kellie, her new husband Christian, Eric and I went to the PM Nightlife Lounge at the Joule Hotel to see my friend Allison perform. She’s in a burlesque troop where she sings and dances…Oh My! :)

Swanky place, good drinks, excellent entertainment, great company…all in all, a fantastically foolish night had by all!

The night did not end there though. Kellie & Christian dropped me at Rembrandt’s just in time for last call (where I knew “my people” would be) and they were. Eric even showed up…that I had been with not 10 mins earlier (great minds…). So we got our last drinks and partied (and sang) a little while longer on the porch of Rembrandt’s. What a great night.

Saturday, April 11^th

Good Friday was followed by a great Saturday!

Scarborough Faire was the destination of the day. This is one of my most favorite days of the year. I am ALWAYS looking forward to Faire Day.

I got out there about 11am and thus the merriment began. I have a routine for how the day goes.

I always get my hair braided first thing. A great deal of people watching is done during this time (oh how I love the sport of people watching!).

…this was followed by pineapple on a stick (so good)...I then had to see my friend Shawn at the puzzle ring place. Of course I bought a new one…this time a special order that will arrive soon! This year I also added a massage in the mix…so glad I did!

Around 2 o’clock, I was joined by some of my most favorite people (X, Eric, Mark, Peter, Jason, Blair, Willie) and a few others that came along for the merriment. Bellinis were next, along with other things on sticks and stakes.

Please enjoy photos of said merriment (thanks Peter for letting me “barrow” some of these.)

And yes I dressed up, and yes I am a dork! ;)

Easter Sunday, April 12^th

After a rainy and stormy night and morning, my mom and I wet to III Forks and had an amazing Easter Lunch.

First Course

Asparagus Soup

Second Course

III Forks Salad

Entrée Choice

Chateaubriand

Served with duchess potatoes, sugar snap peas,

off-the-cob cream corn, ripe tomatoes and spring onions.

That concluded with strawberry shortcake and a mimosa. YUM!!

It was kind of a weird and mellow Easter but that’s ok…I had a lot of TV to catch up on.

Such a fantastic weekend!

Also...THIS weekend wasn't in the least bit shabby. Saturday night I went to the House of Blues and saw

...who know divorce could be so funny? :) There was not a moment that I wasn't laughing.

Then after wards, it was off to Rembrandt's for another beautiful night on the porch that included a cheeseboard...there was even a wedding reception complete with sparklers! Such a good night with good company (perhaps more on that later). :)

much love