Pura Vida

Whew. OK...it's been ages since I last posted. Sorry about that! There's LOTS going on in Moosedom right now and I just haven't had a chance to write.

Part of the distraction was, in a word, PARADISE. I went on vacation last week to Costa Rica and it was the Best. Vacation. Ever. Seriously.

One of the challenges of being a 30-something single girl (who loves to travel) is finding others who have the same interests, availability and budget for a fun vacation. So I sent out a note to the many amazing single girls I know and started looking for the perfect place to go.

Hello luxurylink.com. If you aren't familiar with this website, now's the time to turn the light on and get to know one of my favorite places to hang out on this little thing we call the World Wide Web. LuxuryLink is a site that features high-end vacation rentals at discounted rates and auctions. The first time I went out to look for ideas I found the perfect place. A gift really. A little slice of paradise called Casa Oceano. And we got an amazing deal on an even more amazing house (and by house I mean villa-mansion-dwelling deluxe).

A few of us all started reaching out to our fabulous friends and ended up with the perfect group of six. Perfect not only because they were all accomplished, interesting, fun women, but also because the house had six bedrooms and, well, you can do the math. Perfection.

This trip was truly spectacular. But I have to say, that on top of all the fun and luxury and, hello, decadence, it was also a very spiritual trip. I have always felt closest to God in nature. Those moments when I look around me in awe of the natural beauty and know that God just breathed it and it came into being.

On this trip I was overwhelmed by the gift that God was giving me (and the whole group). It was impressed on me that when He was creating this beautiful coastline with its thundering surf and jagged volcanic rock, that he knew we would be there to enjoy His handiwork. That, if for nothing else, He created it for the moments that we were there to appreciate it. It all goes back to the post I wrote a few weeks ago: my life is so good and for too long I've taken for granted the beauty around me that was all a gift to enjoy.

In the last few days that I was there I was a little overwhelmed by some potentially big decisions and changes that I knew would be in front of me when I got back (sorry to be cryptic...more info as I am able to share). For a while now, the trip has been a barrier between present and future and I was acutely aware that as the trip ended that future would no longer be something "out there" but become the here and now.

In the midst of that I spent some time praying and God took me to Mark 5:18 where JC said, "Go home and tell your family what I've done for you and how good my mercies are." Yep. That fits.

This trip was such a gift and to say that God's mercies are good is simply inadequate. His love for us is perfect. He knows exactly what each one of us need in every moment and, if we're willing to open our eyes and notice, He'll show us how He's meeting those needs.

I'm really sorry that I didn't have the opportunity to blog each day of the trip to share all the fun stories with you. We had such an adventure and more fun than I can convey here. Here are a few pictures that I hope at least give you a taste of our experience.

Our fabulous group a the lookout point at the end of our beach:

The beach behind me was our playground. Our house was down by the rocks at the end of the beach.

Our amazing house:

From the dining room looking out over the sundeck (looking out over the ocean):

Our private beach:

A coconut I found on said beach:

We hiked to the waterfalls in Montezuma:Swimming in the falls:This is Sebastian (a.k.a. one of my favorite stories). This crab apparently sleeps in the house at the base of the stairs to my room. We tried to remove him and he just came back. We tried to scare him...no luck. And then we took this picture. And he never came back. Apparently Sebastian can read. And got the hint...

Ziplining in the canopy near Montezuma!The last day we were there about 20 howler monkeys stopped by to visit. AMAZING!! B.L.I.S.S Soaking up the sun. Sigh. (I want to go back!!)Las Gringas Locas!!

Costa Rica 2009 and Las Gringas Locas was an experience that I will always treasure for the fun and the friendship, but even more for the reminder of God's faithfulness.

The motto in the CR is Pura Vida--the good life.

Thanks, God for giving me one that is amazingly good.

Pizza-rific!

So if you know me at all you know that I don't really cook. It's not that I don't enjoy it or that I'm completely devoid of culinary abilities, I just rarely make the time to do more than heat up a Lean Cuisine or something similarly (not) time consuming.

When I was in SoCal for work my friend Guy the video guy and his sweet wife Margaret invited me over for dinner. And there was a moment of concern when I learned that menu primarily consisted of pizza. One of which I would be required to make.

But under the excellent tutelage of the experts I was shockingly pleased with the results. And--of course--needed to document my little moment of triumph.

Yes--that's me with, ahem, a rolling pin.

Clearly this was a task that required concentration.And some help from the expert.Ready for the fire.Getting it in the super groovy pizza stone grill contraption thingy.
The experts inspect the final product. Voila!
Guy with his finished pizza.

We made a crazy number of pizzas and mine was certainly not the best, but it was a delicious endeavor nonetheless. And pretty darn tastey in its own right.

(So much better than Lean Cuisine).

Thank you Ristorante Cirinelli for such a fun time--Buono!

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Not Exactly the "Spring Break" I Had in Mind...

OK, yes...I said I wanted to adopt the "Spring Break" mentality and went so far as to joke about my "rolling Spring Break" as I travelled a little and got to visit with other legitimate spring breakers over the past few weeks. I usually love a good dose of irony...but this is too much even for me.

Saturday morning I was hanging out with one of my best friends from college, Julie, where she lives in Redondo Beach. We took a couple of her beach cruisers (pretty much the kind of bike I had when I was 10...complete with the basket and cute little horn on it) down to Hermosa Beach for breakfast. The round trip was 4-ish miles and we were almost back to her house when I had a little mishap.

I'm still not completely sure what happened. I will admit that I haven't been on a bike in ages and was a little unsteady from the start. But I thought I had finally gotten into the groove by the time we were in the home stretch. I think I was shifting around in my seat a little to get comfortable--the bike was too tall for me and after 4 miles I was definitely feeling the effects of that. While I was shifting someone surprised me and I lost my balance and started to fall, so I kicked out my right foot to catch myself. I was next to a curb, and in a freak occurrence that would only happen to me, my foot somehow caught the curb on the way down.

I didn't even completely fall over, just stumbled a bit into the bushes. But when I looked down I knew there was a problem. I'll spare you the graphic details and will just say that I knew as soon as I saw my foot that one or two toes were broken. I guess I should mention that I--like every other Southern Californian out there on a cruiser--was wearing flip flops. Don't even bother to lecture me on this point...I get it.

All of this happened an hour before I needed to hop in the car and drive back to the OC to catch my two flights home. Let's just say it was a VERY long travel day topped off with a trip to the ER when I got back to Texas. They confirmed that I broke both the 4th and 5th toes on my right foot (the one that "had none" and the one that cried "wee, wee, wee all the way home").

This morning I followed up with an orthopaedic foot specialist and fully expected that he would just tell me to keep buddy taping them and was pretty shocked when he told me that while he hasn't operated on a toe in more than two years, he wants to do surgery tomorrow as the 4th will likely need a pin. Sigh.

So yes...I'm still "that" girl. You might think that knowing that I have a condition that creates a severe balance deficiency would make me feel better, but it doesn't. Well, you might really think that knowing that I have a condition that creates a severe balance deficiency would keep me off a bike to begin with. But while I might be the most accident prone person on the planet I just refuse to not do the things I enjoy for fear of getting hurt. But it would certainly help me out if I wasn't allergic to pain meds. That part actually makes me more than a little grumpy.

Before my very literal "rolling spring break" I did have a really great time. Here are a few pics of the fun.

Sunset at Huntington Beach:

Hanging out with Clay & Shawna in Anaheim:

Laguna Beach:

Sunset at Redondo Beach:

With Julie at Hermosa Beach (just before the accident):

I'll spare you the picture of my foot.

The Spring Part is True Enough

One of the sad, sad realities of being a working adult is that they don't just close the doors and send you all off to the beach or the ski slopes or even your own backyard in the name of "Spring Break." For all of the upsides of working in Corporate America, this is clearly an area where some reform is needed. Seriously.

Mr. Obama--could you help us out here? I feel certain it would provide a much needed economic boost. I can tell that from the deluge of Facebook updates that taunt me with stories about all the fun that's being had.

Growing up in a family where my mom was an elementary school teacher and my dad was a college professor we were lucky enough to have this time off together as a family every year. In fact, I was probably 11 before I realized that the whole wide world didn't all get 2 weeks at Christmas, Spring Break and summers all together as a family.This was not an easy realization, and figuring out that this window of free time would eventually shrivel up to a measly 2 to 3 weeks of "Paid Time Off" made me just a little bit bitter. OK...still makes me just a little bit bitter.

This year I decided to at least embrace the spirit of Spring Break and try to enjoy the attitude of the holiday if not the actual reverie of Spring Breaks past. (Ignoring the reality, of course, that work is beyond out of control right now and I've spent the better part of the week fighting off a little virus). I did, however, manage to sneak in a little after hours fun and even a reunion with my dear college friends Suzy and Robin.

And thing got wild and crazy.

A hotel party. Shrieking girls throwing themselves at boys. Bare navels. Even an incident involving coconut lime verbena.

And if I ignore the fact that all that mayhem was at the hands of their five small children running wild it almost sounds like South Padre, the sequel. Except not really anything remotely like it.

But despite the lack of Keystone Light in a can by the pool accompanied by suntan lotion in the form of baby oil, we did have fun and I managed to snap a few pictures.

I also had a little St. Patrick's Day fun:

And come to think of it...I guess I'm enjoying the "rolling" Spring Break. I went to LA 2 weekends ago and caught up with some other old friends there (and yes, I apparently really like this outfit):
I'm headed back to SoCal next week. I'll try to disregard that this is a business trip and just see if I can keep my "Spring Break" rolling.

Magical Chemistry. Or Maybe Not.

Yowser. Was the Internet on FIRE today with some Jason-Bachelor-ABC hating or WHAT?!

I showed tremendous restraint and actually didn't read any of my favorite blogs on the topic until I have a chance to get my own thoughts down (and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be flying through them as soon as I hit "publish"). The exception was Chris Harrison's "behind the scenes" blog. He gives the full skinny on when it happened (After the Final Rose was filmed 6 weeks ago), what Jason said led up to it, and--as if this wasn't painfully obvious--that it was the most uncomfortable interview he'd ever done. You think??

But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I? Because there was so much before we got to that point. This would be a novel if I tried to recap it all, so I'm just going to give you my favorite moments.

• The show starts with Melissa meeting Ty and then the rest of the family, and STARS...if I ever questioned whether or not the show was scripted it was at this point. Specifically...the sheep joke. Really?! Melissa just had a sheep joke up her sleeve for a moment such as this? REALLY? I can ASSURE you, that I have no such repertoire. And I kinda don't think I'm the only one. And, no offense to Melissa here, she just doesn't strike me as the kind of gal that's really that into barnyard humor.
• What was going on during Molly's date while they were at the house? First there was the very weird moment with Jason and the fam sitting around the pool while, I'm pretty sure, Ty was holding on for dear life. That was just weird. And then to take step further into the echelon of awkwardness, Jason and his mom had that "tender" moment out on the lawn under a blanket. Now, don't get me wrong--I am ALL about a boy who loves his mama--but I draw the line at sunset snuggling.
• DeAnna--how LAME was that?! It was so weird and awkward (hmmm...a theme for the night?!). She obviously did a great job of scoring a little vacay down under in exchange for espousing the wisdom to Jason to "don't follow your heart. Lead it." Followed by this little gem, "If I'd followed my head or my heart I would have chosen differently." DeAnna--please--we're dying to know--what DID you follow?! I think that whole scene qualifies as "The MOST overrated Bachelor moment ever."

So then it all came down to the final decision. First we see him say good-bye to Molly, "the tomboy gone pretty", which apparently made him want to throw himself off the balcony in a storm of tears. [Side note--special thanks to Emily for passing on the stat she heard on the radio--Jason cried TWENTY-FOUR times in this episode. Was that ALL?].

He got over it pretty quickly, though, because after his heart BROKE for Molly he promptly turned around and proposed to Melissa, who responded with the weirdest happy dance I've ever seen. [Is it just me, or would you expect a little more rhythm from a DCC? (That Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader for y'all who aren't in the know..and I was one of you until I was schooled in such things by LB. And she knows everything cool and hip and trendy.) And Mel's hair--great in theory, so bad in execution].

But he put the ring on her finger and they took the Nestea Plunge with Ty to cement that it was, in fact, true love. And apparently they were blissfully happy for about 5 whole minutes.

Until Jason broke up with her on national television. Ugh. I still don't know what I want to say about all of this. On the one hand...HELLO, it's a TV show and you knew what you were in for when you took the gig. But I'm a softy (and let's be honest, Jasons breaking up with Melissas hits a little too close to home). It was just so bad to have to watch it happen. I had no delusions of happily ever after for these two, but I also didn't think the poor girl would be humiliated like that and if I had any control at all I might have even stopped watching. But of course that didn't happen. ABC really did hit a new low when they sent her into the limo. Did they really need to add that injury to the insult she'd just endured?!

And then Miss Molly took him back. With lightening speed she went from giving him the icy stare to wrapping her hand around his thigh. A speed rivaled only by how quickly Jason jumped from one relationship to another after admitting that what he did to her was horrible. Yeah...that's what I want someone to say to me 30 seconds after breaking off his engagement. Just sweeps me right off my feet.

So tonight they came on and gushed about how happy they are and how they wouldn't do anything differently. I'm sure Melissa is REAL happy about that. I have to admit that, while I was disgusted by what happened, I wasn't outraged until Jason said--at least four times--that the great thing about Molly was that (wait for it) she is his best friend. OH NO HE DIDN'T!! Seriously?? After freaking out because that's what Jillian was looking for? Sigh. This is clearly a conflicted and messed up guy. Brad Womack must be so pleased.

[OH...I can't let it all go without commenting on Stephanie's outfit in Part 2. Tracy astutely observed that she appears to have MAD BeDazzeling skilz. MAD!]

Oh well. The most entertaining part of the whole experience was watching with my posse. These girls make me laugh so hard and there were a couple of time where I was in tears and stitches at their cutting observations and running commentary. And when Laura started screaming at the tv "I hate you Jason! Enough with the tears!!" I couldn't even see straight.I think there was a moment where Chris Harrison was even dead to her, but I hope we can manage to revive that.

Here are a few pictures of the party and our carefully chosen "Bachelor Inspired" attire...please note the scarves, poufs, Uggs, and obscenely inappropriate amounts of jewelry (you can't tell that I'm wearing 4 bracelets and 6 rings...remind you of anyone?).

Thanks, girls, for SO MUCH FUN over the past few weeks. Can't wait until next season! (Oh, come on, I'm not even going to pretend that I won't watch). Go Jillian!!

I Heart Austin!

It's no secret that Austin is a fabulous city to live in, and last night was the kind of event that makes me love it here so much. Austin Under 40 is an event created to honor young professionals under the age of 40 who make significant contributions through their jobs and within the community. It's so fun to see the amazing accomplishments of so many talented men and women. And they're not just talented, oh, no...they are also tons of fun!

What might just be a run of the mill (i.e. boring) banquet some place else is a rockin' party in ATX. From the fantastic setting--The Austin Music Hall--to the super delicious dessert (thanks Hey Cupcake!) it would be tough for it to be anything but a good time. Throw in an after-party at The Belmont and it should now be clear why I'm so sleepy today. Congrats to the fabulous event co-chair (and my favorite karaoke partner) Lindsay Gustafson for hosting such a stunning event. And congrats to Shannon Merony who was a finalist in the Government and Public Affairs category--the judges clearly didn't consider your mad dancing skilsz or you would have surely won the whole shebang!

Here are a few pics from the evening. Bachelor fans--pay special attention to the last one--it's just for you!!

With Kandice and Lindsay:

With Clare, Elisabeth and Julie:
With Kandice, Shannon and Elisabeth:

With Jeremy from The Bachelor:

Now I'm off for super-sized nap!

Thirty-six

Thirty-six. Somehow it feels a little better to spell it out rather than just throw out the numbers. And since that number is now my age, I'm just going to go with that. Or maybe I should just make this the first anniversary of my 35th birthday and adopt this as my new approach to birthdays.

I'll skip the commentary on how I can possibly already be this age, and certainly won't brooch what will happen in just 4 little years. For now I'll just post the pictures and be so grateful for a SUPER FUN birthday celebration! Oh...and please note The Bachelor inspired pouf...that was just for Laura and Tracy!

The girls looking oh so lovely.

With Debbie--a.k.a. my first (well, and only) official follower...that's why she gets her own pic with me on the site. Holla!

Lynsey, Julie, Tracy & Laura

With Hawley, Deb & Julie

Yes...I'm on the piano. I have no logical reason other than it seemed like a good idea at the time.

It's a MOOSE! I tried to stand on a bar stool to get a little closer for a better photo, but for some reason the management didn't feel like that was a good idea. I thought they were worried about my safety...turns out they were worried that I would somehow hurt the moose. Nice.

Just a glimpse of a very fun night. I have to say that when I climbed into the cab at 1:30 I was very aware that I'm just not as spry as I once was. It's a good thing that 50 is the new 30...that makes me, what, about 18? Oh, how I do enjoy the new math.

Thanks again to those of you who joined me and made my day so special!