A Weekend @ the Beach

So last Friday after work I hopped on a plane and headed to Orlando. After I landed safely I got in my rental car (Jeep Compass...kinda cool) and headed North to Daytona Beach.

At 1:30 am I arrived and as I could see and hear the waves crashing outside my window I knew this was going to be an excellent weekend! :)


Saturday morning I woke up to the sun shining and mother nature calling my name. This is Ormond Beach.





I took the camera in the water with me so here's some shots...the water was beautiful (a little cold at first) the water wasn't green...I'm still figuring out the settings in the sun. :)



After a little while in the water...I headed to my towel on the beach and just laid there soaking up the sun (with sunscreen of course) and just thinking what a wonderful Saturday this was and how lucky I was to be there.

While on the beach I was reading this.


Michael J. Fox has always been a favorite of mine and his story is pretty fascinating.

Back in the water to cool down. Then out again (you make notice a pattern). :)

There was this group of about 20+ adults and kids near me. They split up into 3 groups and decided to have a sandcastle building contest. They worked really hard for about an hour. It was interesting to watch. :)


Around 1 o'clock came the ice cream man driving down the beach...



...unfortunately I left my money in the room so no ice cream for me at this moment. But that was ok since I was about to go inside and clean off and then go in search lunch.

I ended up here for lunch. It's just a little place on the water in Ponce Inlet. I enjoyed the shrimp and strawberry margaritas and just watching the water and people on Jet Skis. :) I didn't take any pictures...I was too busy just relaxing. :)

Back to the hotel...but not before stopping at 7-Eleven (there's about 15 on this stretch of road) and purchased and massive Slurpee.

Sun, Sand, Sea and a Slurpee...honestly what more do you need? Life is good. :)



One of my favorite things about the ocean is watching the tide. In the morning it was way far away by the time the sun was setting it was so much closer...the cars parked on the beach were gone by this point. Well almost all of the cars were...I watched for about 30 mins as 3 lifeguard/beach patrol guys dug this one woman's car out of the sand. Man that was a mess!


After the sun went down I went back to my room and got ready for dinner. Saturday night was going to be hibachi night! I headed to my favorite place for Hibachi ...Sapporo Japanese Steakhouse. Here the master chef did his thing while I sat on the end of a table with people from Brazil, Uruguay and Florida...where Portuegse, Spanish and very little English was being spoke...except for this cool 14 (thought she was at least 18) year old Brazilian chick named Wanessa...who happens to be slightly obsessed with money...can't wait 'til she's living in the "real world." :)


Dinner was so delicious. Back to the hotel where I watched as the lightening flashed miles away over the water and the waves continued to crash. Such a great day!


Waking up Sunday was lovely as the sunshine once again came though my window.






*You don't understand how the brilliance of the Sun affects me...I spend at approximately 7 1/2 hours a day in my cave of an office (don't get me wrong I love my job...but my fake window doesn't cut it when it comes to sunshine.)

I decided not to take my camera with me this morning. 10 minutes into being on the beach, I kid you not, 20 guys (and 1 girl) in blue life guard shorts came running down the beach, past me, made a u-turn around a marker, back down the beach and end to ocean and around a bouy. They did this about 5 times while I was out there. It was sooo Baywatch



...only in blue. That'll teach me to always have my camera on me! lol

Anyways...I spent the next couple of hours in and out of the water. The current was crazy today. It felt like something was swimming between my legs...nope just the crazy strong current. :) I decided to let the water do most of the work. I would start off in front of my hotel but would eventually be carried about 5 hotels down. To get back I walked towards the beach and back down. Most definitely a workout!

For lunch I headed to Sunglow Fishing Pier, home to Crabby Joe's. I love this place. I think alot of it has to do with that the first time I came here was back in 2000 with Momma and Nana & Grandaddy. :)

Lunch consisted of a strawberry margarita...


coconut shrimp and hush puppies...



such greatness.

I spent the next 3 hours in the ocean...trying to get my fix until the next time I am near water.

I clean up and packed up and said good by to Ormond Beach.



Next stop was Orlando where I had dinner and spent the night with the coolest Floridians I know.

Meet Ray, Laurie, Evan, Josie, Ellie, Daley and Anselle Combs:


*I borrowed this picture.

The last time I saw them was 9 years ago...at that time there were only 3 of them. They are most definitely an awesome family! I was very thankful that they took me in for the night...since I had a 7:30 am flight the next morning. Each kiddo is truly an individual. I had a blast meeting all of them and witnessing wonderful chaos. :)

I hope it's not another 9 years before the next time I see them.:)

I got to the airport on time...just barely (I thought the flight was at 7:30 not 7). I had a safe flight and landed at DFW just in time to head into work...grr

much love

Back to Vista Guapa...the Final Part...Finally

Wednesday, May 27th:

No surfing today but we still had to be down the hill for breakfast at 7am and then a field trip.

Edwin was our driver and tour guide to Manuel Antonio National Park in Quepos. It had rained that morning and so the trees just kept in all the moisture. Huuuuumid!

Throughout the hike to the top (to see the view) we saw a sloth,

monkeys (white-faced & holler),

a paca,

iguanas,

lizards

and crazy crabs galore!

I was soaked by the time we made it to the top but it was totally worth it…so Eric & Edwin said. :)

After we finished our hike through the park, we had a lovely lunch at a nice hotel/restaurant.

We had fresh fruit smoothies,

pasta and a chocolate brownie with ice cream and strawberries. Good stuff. :)

We had an hour nap on the way back to camp.

Once we got back, Eric got schooled at ping pong.

More pool time.

Followed by an amazing massage by Monsarat…outside, under the yoga awning…with the rain coming down…absolute greatness!

Back up and down the hill, in the rain, to have dinner with Edwin at Jaco Taco…another good place with a ton of good food.

Edwin dropped us off at Los Amigos where we watched the 2^nd half of the Denver/LA game and had a couple drinks. Here we got this crazy confusing bill…we finally figured it out after roughly 15 mins.

Tonight we made it all the way to 10:15! Whoo Hoo! Lol You just down understand the power of the sun and how it drains you…plus the hike through Manuel Antonio…I am completely wiped out!

Thursday, May 28th:

Breakfast at 9 followed by poolage til noon,

in town for the obligatory Taco Bar stop…ready for surfing at 3:30…this is the life. :)

Today Alvaro joined us for the lesson. As we were walking out into the water with the boards, Alvaro bent down to adjust my leash on my ankle. When he did this, he smacked me in the head…with HIS board. Not a fun feeling in the least. I so wanted to cry but there was no time for that. It was time to surf. So I shook it off (as much as I could with a headache) and jumped on my board and started paddling. (Alvaro did apologize a ton of times.)

The waves were coming faster and slightly bigger today. Eric hung with Alberto in the whitewater, while Alvaro stayed with me further out. I caught a ton of waves…it was definitely a good day.

I like it when there’s more waves, that way if I don’t catch one…I don’t feel so bad. :)

Eric lost BOTH eyes this time, and now has a gash on his OTHER foot. AND he got a sunburn and was beginning to peel!! Who knew Eric could burn! lol

Back to camp for another dip in the pool as the sun was setting…con cerveza. :)

Tonight dinner was at Juanita’s with Alberto. It’s pretty much right on the beach. We could hear the waves crashing as we ate…beautiful.

We made it back up to our room just in time for the sky to fall…crashing thunder and lightening all night…it was pretty awesome but I did wonder a couple of times if we would be washed away down the hill. :)

Surfing at 5:45 am tomorrow morning so going to bed early tonight is intentional. :)

Friday, May 29th:

“California Love” was the song that woke me up at 5am. We made it down the hill by 5:45 and we were off with Alberto and Durby.

The water was completely beautiful and pretty clear like glass in Jaco this morning.

Eric ventured out further and he was glad he did.

We caught quite a few waves today and we even have proof!

I got a lovely bruise today on my knee from the fin…I’m surprised that it’s taken this long to be honest. ;)

Breakfast back at camp and being that it was only 8:45 in the morning we headed back up to the room and had a nice (and needed) nap until about 1. :)

Later we headed into town in search of a farmacia for ear drops for Eric (his ear has been hurting for about 24 hours now). The pharmacist said 3 drops, 3 times a day…and stay out of the ocean…we’ll see about that last part.

After checking email we got in a taxi and headed to Hermosa Beach to the Backyard Bar. There we had lunch and margaritas as we watched “real surfers” for a couple of hours. I say if you’re gonna just sit and drink somewhere…the Backyard Bar would be the place to do it. :)

The rain came down so we got back to camp and chilled a bit before our dinner at Jungle Surf with Edwin. Tonight, Mango BBQ Chicken…yum!

Saturday, May 30th:

5:45am solo surf lesson this morning with Alberto. (Eric’s ear is not doing well at all)

There were several good waves this morning but we had to wait a long time in between sets.

*Story time: So I was paddling out after a good ride all the way in when I thought this wave was gonna go over/under me but instead turns me and my board completely around. So I held on and decided to rie the wave all the way in on my stomach…good times :)

The fin got my other leg today and so I now have matching bruises…but still totally worth it!

Back to camp for Breakfast at 8 with Eric then back in to town to check my e-mail. One of the e-mails was from my friend Michael asking if I was available to work a soccer game next week…FC Dallas vs a COSTA RICAN team!! How random is that?? :)

Next we headed to Clarita’s sports bar where I had a Tequila Sunrise…yes I realize it’s 10:15 in the morning, but since the drink has the word sunrise in it….it’s completely acceptable. :)

I am now at the pool writing this…next up…most likely a nap.

Back into town to find another farmacia for Eric (the ear is not any better)…amoxil this time, hopefully it will be better be the time we fly on Monday.

Taco Bar once again (there’s gotta be franchise opportunities right?)

Finally, we made our way back into the room with A/C. Ahhhh :) goodnight.

Sunday, May 31st:

Today was an excellent day of surfing…which was good since it was our last :(.

view from my board...

I put my camera in my boardshorts today and decided to see what we could get anything good. Have mentioned I LOVE my camera? :)

After our last breakfast of wonderful yummy goodness,

I spent most of 9am-noon at the pool finishing off my Smirnoff Ice (in a can lol) and the book I brought with me. (Eric was medicating his ear, resting and packing up in the room during this.)

Off to the Backyard Bar where we spent 3-6 just watching the waves, talking and just enjoying life. (Tequila Sunrise is soo the drink of choice for the day.)

Just as we were about to pay our bill, Alberto (and his amigo) arrived with a CD for Eric. It was good to say goodbye to Alberto one last time before we left…especially since we spent a good amount of our time here with him. :)

Dinner with Durby at Rioasis once more and said our goodbyes to him. Then bye to Wendy and she gave us CDs of us surfing...It’s hard saying goodbye, but I’m sure I’ll see them again down the road. :)

To pack and to bed since 4:30am is when the alarm will be going off.

Monday, June 1st:

At 5 this morning “crazy driver” Edwin picked us up and into San Jose where we arrived at the airport with about 2 hours to spare!

As we sit here sharing a Cinnabon we realize that the Adventure has come to an end. It was a great one…even with a few bumps, bruises, lost eyes, gashes from fins, earaches, etc. Until next time…

¡pura vida!

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