Playa del Carmen: Season 2, Episode 2

Abel and I walked up and down the length of 5ta Avenida several times before we finally sat down to the fancy dinner we’d been talking about for months.   

We decided to eat at Playasia: a multi-dimensional restaurant with a coy pond and a Buddha statue to greet us as we entered.  We climbed a tangle of stairs to reach our secluded table (which sat in a 8x8 open room on stilts and was covered by a thatched roof).  A free margarita, which tasted more like poorly concocted cough syrup than a pre-dinner treat, was the first thing  on the table, but tasty skewered chicken and orangeade was soon to follow.  Coconut shrimp with melon sauce (one of my new favorite things) and fried rice filled our pallets before we noshed on the fried cheesecake balls for dessert.  Delightful.

What a lovely night; thank you so much, Abel.  And thank you for making me feel so absolutely elegant in my new jewelry. :)

Playa del Carmen: Season 2, Episode 1

Mi Amorsito at the Hul-ku garden!

The day couldn’t have gone any more perfectly.  After arriving to Cancun and rushing to meet Abel at the doors to the airport (I was so excited I ran right past him), we hopped on the bus to Playa del Carmen and smiled the whole way there at the thought of being back home.  

We first grabbed a bite to eat (BOTH eating our fill for about $10) and then headed to one of the nicest little hotels I’d ever been to: Hotel Hul-ku on 20th Ave.  Because Playa del Carmen has a 3-story rule, many of the hotels are boutique style and make an impact on guests by providing character and unique experiences.  When we arrived, Abel guided me over a little path through the center garden and we opened the door to a room with swan towels and dark chocolate.  +10 points.

First view of the garden area...

Secluded pool and statue/fountain outside the room

Abel couldn’t wait to exchange gifts, so he first handed over a small white box containing a necklace of entwined pearls and silver pieces- along with it, a bracelet and earrings to complete the set.  I smiled at the thought of wearing truly nice jewelry to our planned dinner this week.  My next gift was another complete set of jewelry: bracelet, necklace, earrings and a ring- all hand-woven by mi amorsito!  (What a talented man)  I admired the detail and forewarned him that he would have to teach me to duplicate this style of jewelry.  

 I thought the gifts were through (I had admittedly already seen the aforementioned gifts via skype- Abel got too excited to keep them to himself), but he pulled out a third necklace of brightly colored coconut beads that he had crafted into a stunning statement piece.  “I’m most proud of this one.”  No surprise, Abel loves colors and this is about as colorful as you can get.  Abel had me swooning- perfect gifts I would actually use… and more than half made by him!

Abel grabbed one more thing out of his bag before turning to me and lowering onto one knee.  “I was going to wait for dinner to give you this one, but I couldn’t wait.”  He pulled out an enormous ring swirling of sapphire blue and ruby red.  He looked up at me with those huge, brown eyes and I couldn’t contain myself for a moment more.  I bust into laughter and gladly accepted his ringpop.  What a jokester.

Eating out

After supporting my Aunt Linda at her choir concert this evening (The Houston Choral Society put on their annual “Christmas Potpourri”), we all went out to eat at a local Mexican restaurant (as you so often do in Texas).   

Aunt Linda made a comment about how cultured this week was turning out to be: Mexican tonight, South African cuisine tomorrow morning to celebrate my birthday, and a sushi date on Tuesday.   I reflected a moment; I am so grateful there is such a diverse representation here in Houston.  Besides those I just listed, there are Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, Brazilian, Ethiopian, Jamaican… the list goes on and I just love it!  It gives me hope that people are becoming more open-minded to other cultures… a small step to accept someone else’s food, but a step, nonetheless.

As I was thinking these thoughts of an ultimately accepting and Utopian society, my uncle called out to our waiter, “Hey Pancho!” to get his attention.  Oye.  “Mortified” is a good word to describe my reaction... I'm pretty sure that showed.

Dallas

Although I only spent half a day in Dallas, it was a pleasant morning.  I woke up early and drove from Austin, so that I could meet with some college friends to take their engagement pictures. (We decided to meet somewhere between OKC and H-town... bless you guys!)

We met at the art museum and really took some lovely photos!  *Sidenote* If you are ever wanting to do a downtown shoot in a city you aren't quite familiar with- always shoot by the art museum... they tend to be in a cool part of town.  ;)

My second shoot of the day canceled (total bummer), so I decided to drive back early and avoid the having-to-drive-in-the-dark situation.  Good call. 

Austin

The drive to Austin didn’t seem nearly as mind-numbingly long as the drive to OKC did… the significant difference in distance might have had something to do with it.  In fact, I almost enjoyed this drive… so many great things to see.  I’ve really come to appreciate the country landscapes with my growing passion for photography- besides that, it reminds me of Abel and his desires to see them.   The “Taken” series by Spielberg really had an effect on him.

I needed a much wider lens to fit in all the cows!

I pulled off to the side of the road to document-

My shoots in Austin went swimmingly, and I met two amazing photographers who’s work I admire quite a bit: Celeste Chesser and Will Hollis.  So fantastic to meet and work with other people in the field.  Will was so professional and has beautiful work, but I can't stop talking about Celeste.  Celeste is an astounding 19yo who has a clothing line, works as a model and photographer, and will soon be published in an Austin magazine!  Wow!

The evening concluded with my wonderful MOLLY!  Molly is a girl whom I worked with on the Coral Princess; she was the computer instructor.    Molly has been living in Austin a year, but has just will be moving to NYC... I had to come see her!  Austin is only about 2.5hrs from Houston, so I had to make the trip before she scuttled off to the East coast.  We drank Shirley Temples and ate vegetarian tacos at Shiner's Saloon, a quaint little "hole in the wall" in downtown.  (By the way- check out my view as I drove down the main street to meet up with Molly)

Although I couldn't snap a pic while I was driving, this is the view I had!

Chicago: Day 4

Me and a lifesize Woody made of LEGOS!

My mother and I woke up early and headed to Sally’s house (a friend of hers from College of DuPage).  We hung out at her house for a bit before she drove us to Downtown Chicago with her sister and two, beautiful, adopted children.  I sat on the couch and talked with Krista (who was an instant best friend because of the similarities of our names) and laughed out loud as Sally ran from room to room while holding a conversation with my mother… whom was sitting right next to me, “No- it’s okay… go on… just YELL- I can still hear you!”

After the ride into town (in which I learned –vaguely- how to operate a Nintendo DS), Mom and I practically lept from the van to the sidewalk as Sally and her family sped away to their next appointment (Chicago traffic can be murder).  The two of us happily scuttled from shop to shop, soaking in the downtown holiday splendor, and I never quite mastered the smooth transitioning from bitter cold streets to cozy holiday stores.   At one point, I became so overwhelmed at the feeling of being trapped indoors wearing my mini-sauna, that I threw my belongings to the ground at the top of the escalator and peeled one layer after another.  It was truly an ordeal.  Besides the straps of my purse, camera and camera bag locking me into this shenanigans, the zipper of my jacket got stuck!  

I love a good hybrid bus.  :)

Get it, Mom!

Mom humored my photo-taking obsession by taking me to Millennium Park, and we ended our downtown adventure at the Walnut Room in Macy’s (the old Marshall Fields).  The Walnut room is a nice restaurant located on the 6^th floor of Macy’s in which the waiters wear gloves, a fairy-princess sprinkles glitter on your table, and you sit around a HUGE, dazzling Christmas tree.  (People slink around the restaurant just to get a glimpse of it.)  Mom and I each ordered a bowl of Butternut squash soup, and it was simply DIVINE!  It would be difficult to rival the splendor of these creamy masterpieces, but our chocolate cakes tried pretty hard.

The Bean!

Butternut squash soup... mmmmm

Chocolate cake... double Mmmmm!

Our nice waiter took a pic of us at the Walnut Room.

The two of us had no trouble boarding the train back to West Chicago (except for the confusing fact that none of the trains were actually labeled), and Grandma and Grandpa picked us up in that trusty old van of theirs.

What a great day.  :)

Chicago: Grandpa-isms

Granpa-ism #1:

This afternoon, my grandfather leaned over and asked how much I weighed.  I looked at him a moment in wonder… 

“What is it?  About 120?”   

I paused again, “About 115 or so… That’s kind of a random question, Grandpa.”   

“Well… that’s about what your grandmother weighed when we got married- about 100lbs.”  I was trying to understand his point.  He continued, “Ya know, you could probably wear your grandmother’s dress if you wanted… ya know- for whenever you get married -if you ever decide to do that.  We’d be honored if you wore it.  Ya know, it’s not like the wedding dresses these days where everyone is showing their dignity- I don’t like that.  This is covered.  This is nice.”   

I nodded, but I’m not sure what brought this on.  I’m sure Grandma had no idea he had just offered her wedding dress away… I don’t know how she’d feel about it.

Grandpa-ism #2:

“Why would someone pick you to take their pictures?  Couldn’t they just do it themselves?  People pay you to do that?  …Why don’t you paint instead- wouldn’t people pay you to do that instead?  Maybe that’s your calling.”  

..Grandpa obviously doesn't think being a photographer is a real job.

Chicago: Day 2

This morning started with a brunch bigger than I’ve seen in quite some time.  After a short drive through the small towns West of Chicago (in which I noted several amazing shooting locales), my grandmother, mother and I arrived at a casino.  (They reward my grandmother with monthly complimentary meals for her “loyalty” to the establishment.)  My grandmother is a very lucky woman, so don’t feel too bad for her.  I piled my plate high with fruits, vegetables, 4 types of salmon, 3 types of cheeses, crackers, a lamb chop and bits and bobbles of this and that.  It was absolutely amazing and every piece of me was grateful for the culinary mastery I devoured at 10am.

We took a short stroll through the casino after breakfast and noticed that there weren't so many people manning the machines.  It took a minute for us to figure it out.  I mean- it was a weekend- it should be full.  Ahh yes... we chuckled as we realized the implications of Sunday morning.  :)

I can’t say the gambling scene is something I enjoy too terribly much.  Yes, I like games, and yes, I like to win- but money is something I get nervous to gamble away.  It surprises me a bit that all those bells and whistles are something my mom enjoys.  A few weeks ago, the meal at Buffalo Wild Wings had us on edge with dozens of simultaneous games playing on the big screens around the restaurant, but this day my mom commented, “the more sound effects the better.”  ::shrug::  I guess it’s the association of particular noises.

Chicago: Day 1

Today I arrived in Chicago. It has been nearly 4 years since I’ve visited my family up here, and I have been thrilled about the trip ever since my mom suggested it a few weeks ago.

To be honest,the flight was a touch less enjoyable than most of my air travel these days.  I had a middle seat (not aisle- middle) and felt incredibly claustrophobic with my feet tucked in close to me and unknown people wedged into my sides.  They seemed nice enough,  but I didn’t feel that the 2-3 hour flight was ample time to reach adequate comfort levels to use their shoulders pillow-style.  I tried hopelessly to fold my feet under me and use my knees as a headrest… but as I said- it was a hopeless attempt at sleep.

We arrived a bit late and my Uncle John, Aunt Shelley and Grandmother picked us up from the O’Hare airport.  We ate some classic beef sandwiches at Portillo's (a well-known restaurant up here in Chicago) and dropped our things off at Grandma and Grandpa’s house before heading out to visit with my Great Aunta Jeanne.   

Oh. my. gosh.  This woman never ceases to surprise me with the things that come out of her mouth.  She is 82 years old, has adopted children, an ex-husband, and countless stories of a strong woman and scorned lover.  She is constantly warning me to never let a man control my life, and gives me an idea or two on how to handle one if he ever tries to.  She has a box of blonde hair dye on the table and a painted paper bag of goodies from the little girl across the hall.  Aunta Jeanne is an onion of emotions and stories.

Oklahoma: Day 4

A small child filled this morning’s activities just as one did yesterday evening.  One of my Kappa Phi sponsors adopted a boy named, Onesimus, and asked me to take his pictures at the OCU campus.  He is your typical, rambunctious two year old boy.  He had us running after him and pitching the football before we sat down to look at his memory books.  Angi brought them along so I could catch up on all the time I’ve missed; I love how pictures can so effectively tell such an emotional story!

After photos, I ate lunch with Mandy Lathan (another college roommate from freshman year) at the Iron Star.  I hadn’t seen her since graduation day: May 5, 2007, and we spent a couple hours telling the intricacies of the past few years… how our occupations and relationships had gone through numerous renovations- how we’d moved here and there to try to find ourselves.  Mandy has gone from tap master to yoga school owner and operator; check out her amazing school: Cadence Yoga!  She has decided that she can’t complain about her community if she doesn’t do something to improve it, so her yoga studio has become a meeting place and mecca for local artists.  She even offered for me to have a showing at the attached art gallery next door (which her boyfriend, Greg Diamond, sells abstract art from) and asked how she could help my business.  Heh- she even began devising a plan for me to begin a touring dance company which she would hold fundraisers for- bless that woman!

Lunch with Mandy was followed by the peace festival.  (I love how these things seem to find me.)  I met several people that had ties to Houston and now have connections to a meditation school and possibly a job opportunity educating people about the useful nature of essential oils.  A random life is a beautiful adventure.

The day finished at the Oklahoma City boardwalk that runs through Bricktown.  I met up with Alissa (yet another college roommate) at Falcone's.  We ate Italian fast food and enjoyed several hours of conversation as we watched the young break dancers scurry in and out of the pizza shop- avoiding cold for a few moments before hurrying back outside for a battle or two.  Alissa is originally from Indiana, but she has found her way in Oklahoma City by holding numerous dance jobs in and around town.  (I think that’s the common way with most dance teachers.)  We reminisced about the year we spent as college roommates and missed our other half: Allison and Paige whom are now living in NYC.

Oklahoma: Day 3

The day started on a bit of a somber note.  This morning I attended Dorothy Graham’s funeral at the Nichols Hills church with Ashleigh and Drew.  Dorothy was a ninety-two year old woman whom retired two years earlier from her job in the OCU chapel.  I knew her from Kappa Phi, the Christian women’s organization that I was a part of in college, and she lived a long and amazing life serving others.  As is common with most funerals, I was able to see many friends that I hadn’t in a while, “It’s so good to see you… It’s a shame it had to be for this reason…” we kept saying.  I caught up with some of my Kappa Phi sisters and ended up sitting behind my old US history professor, Dr. Mussleman, and his wife, Nancy.  I am lucky enough to visit Dr. Musselman at every pass through Oklahoma City.  We have been on-and-off pen-pals since my graduation, and he is just one of those people that I suppose will always have an unexpected place in my heart.

After departing the church, Ashleigh , Drew and I shared a vegetarian pizza at an upscale pizza place down the street and spent the afternoon at their home playing with Jack and preparing for family photos.  We took some casual shots in front of their home and then at the park where the changing leaves made a nice backdrop- what an adorable family!  

The evening was full of adorable families!  I drove to Norman, OK after our family photo session and met up with Afton –one of my best girlfriends and roommate from freshman year of college.  Her baby, Cecil James, is 6 months old and just amazing.  He is nearly walking and showing signs of attempted speech!  Leave it to Afton to have a genious baby.  I know every parent is proud of their child, but I adore how pure and obvious Jon and Afton’s love is for their baby.  As proof, Afton has a 365 project completely starring Cecil.

Oklahoma City

It has been a while since I've really had to drive.  Coming back to Houston from Playa meant that I did have to rely on a vehicle for transportation, but it wasn't until yesterday's trek to Oklahoma City that I had to spend numerous consecutive hours confined in the driver's seat.  I'd really prefer to live in a place that I could walk everywhere I might ever need to go, but then again- there is a certain freedom tied to a car.  I can be in Houston by morning and Oklahoma City by that afternoon.  Nice.  (I must say, I was quite impressed that my Chevy HHR made the 6.5hr trip on one tank of gas!)

The Rose's antique-inspired guest room

This particular weekend, I am staying with my roommate Ashleigh (from Junior year of college) and her husband, Drew.  They have a beautiful guest bedroom and have already deemed me "Aunt Roommate" to their puppy, Jack!  I stopped to meet my cousin, Robbie, at a Starbucks on the way in, and arrived around 5pm to learn that we would be making peanuty-stir-fry goodness for dinner.  Yum!  I caught up with Ashleigh in the kitchen -living vicariously through her as she told me every detail of purchasing their first home- and Petty and Bruce (two more college friends) hung out with Drew in the living room.  It was a perfect feast with friends as good as family!

Today, I stopped by the OCU campus to pay for an ad I placed in the school paper and wandered around to see all the new facilities that have been built and remodeled since my graduation in 2007.  Wow.  Completely amazing renovations!  The dance school is absolutely gorgeous, and I loved all the interior upgrades to the communal places around campus.

I was abruptly reminded of how brutal Oklahoma weather can be though.  As I drove down May Ave, I had my fingers shoved into the vents to regain feeling in my frozen paws, and as I walked around the school, I cursed myself for failing to bring gloves or a hat.  My polka-dotted galoshes kept the wet out, but my toes were quickly numbing from the outside in!  Not only that, but I couldn't tell if my eyes were watering because of the bitter wind whipping against them or the bitter feeling I felt at the day in general.  ...I'm definitely a warm-weather kind of gal.

The day ended well, however.  Ashleigh and Drew treated me to an Ethiopian dining experience at Queen of Sheba.  I'd never eaten Ethiopian food before, but I had a great vegetarian meal with my two hosts!  Everything was eaten communally with our hands.  They served us a plate of rolled bread which we tore off and pinched amounts of greens, potatoes, chickpeas and beans into.  I would definitely try that again.

Blue Angels

(I'm the tiny one in the middle)

This past weekend my mom, dad, Aunt Linda, Uncle Bob, Aunt Lara and Uncle George and I all went up to Fort Worth to see my cousin, Jonathan, in the Blue Angels.  I've never been to an air show before, but it was quite an interesting day!  Besides JEEP offering test drives on obstacle courses and various other activities, we were able to get up close and personal with some antique planes and see an amazing show!

After our 7am breakfast at the Waffle House, we headed to the air field to watch several hours of swirling, diving, and a whole hoard of impressive feats from some very talented pilots.

Here are a few pictures from the day, but be sure to check out my photography blog for more awesome photos of the planes in action!

That's my cousin, Jon (good-lookin' runs in the family)  

Thanks to Jon, Mom owns a priceless souvenir

Lots of people came out to the air show

This is how we spent most of the day (don't blame Dad for taking a snooze, the sun takes a lot out of you!)

A close-up of one of the older planes

A parachute team showed excellent precision when landing

Boys and planes...

...tell me this doesn't look like a spaceship...

3 plane formation...

I'm not sure of the significance, but Jon seemed worried I didn't get this shot...

The Blue Angels taking off...

...and in action!

They were phenomenal!