She Loves - Series Day 9: Just Me :)

Happy kinda-almost-Halloween, blogbots! If you're anything like us, your trick-or-treat night was tonight, because Halloween itself is on a Monday [aka work & school]night, and half of us lack either the time or energy - or both - for that. And yes, we trick-or-treat on Halloween not because we are demonic, but because we enjoy fun costumes, hanging out with friends and bringing in hauls of candy. [I was recently warned by someone that Halloween is not something a Christian family should celebrate; this is perhaps a conversation for another day, but I'll say this - I appreciate the weigh in, and understand the argument, but I don't agree. Connect with me directly if you want to dialogue on it!]

soccer tourney!

ANYWAY, we obliged an invitation an hour north by our friends Shayne & Cassie, and after a morning of soccer here in Cincinnati, we rested up for the long night ahead of us. There is something to be said about the excitement kids find in trick-or-treating. It's a community effort, and in some cases a rather extravagant one. We as adults reminisce on all the times our parents trailed us through neighborhoods as we willingly walked miles of residential sidewalk and driveway for chocolate and other varieties that very well could've sucked our teeth out.  I did that tonight with my own daughter, whose ballerina costume earned her several compliments, and an equal collection of Reese Cups [everybody wins!].

awww, flashbacks to jamaica!
the kittles. the stokes. the gills.

1 Corinthians 15:10 - 

By the grace of God,
I am what I am. 

This I think is ultra-fitting today, because as we get into costume as someone [or something] else, it's not permanent and it doesn't change who we are.

trick or treating 2016

I was reminded today of the novelty in being that other thing - even just briefly. As our kids meandered around the neighborhood- this pocket-sized battalion of story & comic book characters, I was struck with appreciation for: 

- all the times our parents braved trick-or-treating with us as kids, which IF I REMEMBER, was WAY more of a bloodsport for kids than it is now. I'm serious. I can't be the only one that remembers savage battles with sibling or friend over who got to ring the doorbell first. Kids these days are so... polite. Weird.

- all those times our parents had to take us trick-or-treating, in weather that sucked. Also something we're all politely choosing to ignore: I don't remember one single childhood Halloween when we didn't have to modify our costumes to fit over everything but the snowsuit itself. Today it was a very nice 65ish degreese outside, without a cloud in the sky. I said a silent thank-you for it.

- the fact that trick-or-treating is still a very real past-time, and that I get to share this with my daughter.

Rob and I didn't dress up this year. Really, we could've planned for something, but whether by lack of time or inadequate incentive, it just didn't happen. We're fine with that, but honestly, I agonized over the idea of not dressing up for longer than was really necessary. I get the festive spirit from my mother, who loves taking participation to a new level every time, not because she's competitive, but because she legitimately loves to be wholly entrenched in the spirit of whatever it is she's there to celebrate [Renaissance Festivals, if you need an example].

I didn't have a huge epiphany tonight, if that's what you thought I was going to say.. no. I didn't. I do however, think there's no better time than today to have this verse as an underlying reminder that we can dress up as anything under the sun that we can imagine, but it doesn't change who we are. This mama is learning every day to take and keep ownership of the mess she is, day in and day out, and embracing the idea that I am what I am, and every bit of it - both good and bad, by the grace of God.

excuse my face.. i was chewing.. haha

I hope all of you out there collecting candy, peering through little eye-holes in your mask, or bargaining all night with an itchy wig - I hope ya'll are having a blast, staying safe and spending some quality time with your crew. 

Happy Kinda Halloween! ;) 

xo | cms

Dear Future Vacationing Self: 10 Things You Should Remember

Confession: I predicted yesterday that I would be a bump on a log today, and I'm here to say I definitely lived up to every bit of that declaration. I was a Jamaican tree snail today, parked in the same spot for most of the day doing absolutely nothing. Okay, so maybe I sprinkled in some laundry and final unpacking, but the rest of the day was spent editing photos and listening to the rain come down outside. Yes, it was soothing, but no, not quite like the rainy moments on the beach. Welcome to the landlocked states, yeah?

Yyyyah mon. 

rainy backdrop in cincinnati

Oh, and congratulations to Germany on the World Cup victory! It seems like such a whisper in the newsfeed since the US was knocked out a couple weeks back, but the World Cup is the only major sporting tournament I avidly follow, so watching the final match today perfectly accomodated my plan of doing well, nothing.

couchin' it...

congrats, germany!

And yeah, nothing it was. I'll make up for my lethargy tomorrow. And Tuesday.. and well, yeah. We're back to reality, kids.. heh.

I figured, as I sat around like a rug today, that my future vacationing self may want to revisit this trip in a year or so, as I'm [hopefully] then preparing for the next big overseas venture. So, knowing myself the way I do, here is a candid list of things I either learned or of which I was very quickly reminded during the span of last week:

1. SAY YES to all-inclusive packages: flight + hotel + food/beverage. However, SAY NO to pre-reserving excursions. Either tack them on when you get there, or, depending on the reputation of locals, consult them on how/when/where to do the things you want to do. If you go back to Jamaica, UTILIZE THE LOCALS, BECAUSE THEY. ARE. AWESOME. Mexico would probably be a whole different story, etc., but if it's Jamaica, go local.

2. Please, for the love of your suitcase and the collection of souvenirs/gifts you will inevitably purchase and bring home - Use your common sense in packing clothes. The stack of shorts, tank tops & random pair of shoes that you didn't. even. touch on this trip is great now that it's laundry time, but really just wasted a bunch of time picking out, packing, and re-packing to come back. Jamaica is an island. There is sand and water.. everywhere. You wore bathing suits and a rotation of the same 2-3 pairs of shorts and tank tops for the entire week. Also, those sundresses you took? One for every day you were there? Narrow that down to 2. Maybe 3. But no more than that. Unless you're heading somewhere where there's an actual dress code standard on a daily basis, skip that crap and go light. Plus, Chaco's go everywhere. Keep that in mind.

3. Hair ties and bobby pins are your friends. Don't leave your house without them. All of them.

4. Exchange a limited amount of US$ for the currency of wherever you're going. Check the exchange rates, and more importantly, do research on the local area to see if they commonly accept both the country's currency as well as US$. Just so you know, future self, there is no need to exchange in Jamaica, at least not in Negril. Plus, Jamaican locals like American money, because the exchange rate fluctuates; they save it until the exchange rate is better, and then they trade up.

5. Figure out as quickly as possible what phrases, hand guestures and other seemingly harmless behaviors are and are not acceptable. For example, the "ok" hand symbol is a pretty vulgar insult in some European countries. Pointing is universally rude just about everywhere but in the U.S. Etcetera, and etcetera. Fortunately for us, Jamaica isn't rigid about most of that, but this is traveling 101; I know you already know this stuff, but just a reminder.

6. Make friends! Try to remember back to this trip, to Jamaica 2014, and how much better, honestly, this trip was after you made some friends! Yes, of course the trip would've been awesome with just you and Rob, but meeting and enjoying the beach life with those two other couples [coincidentally from Ohio, as well] was awesome. Even the locals started calling you all by name - MAKE FRIENDS! :)

7. Bug spray is also an ally. So is cortizone cream. They're both allowed on the plane. Attach them to yourself at all times.

8. Don't overbook yourself! You are your mother's daughter, which both the current and future you know very well means that you are naturally prone to be high octane in circumstances like... vacations. Your mom can own that energy, and you should only hope to have that kind of vivacity when you hit her age, but for the time being, just remember: vacation is for relaxing just as much as it is for sightseeing, touring, excursions or whatever else. If you don't see everything you wanted to on this round out, that's the perfect reason to go back!

9. Take. Pictures. This one applies to life in general. If you happen to forget something, pray that it's your toothbrush or your underwear, and not your camera, camera batteries and/or memory cards.

10. BLOG IT ALL [or journal, whatev] as soon as possible! Just like I'm sitting here now, with all of these memories still very fresh in my head, but unavoidably, you're going to fill your head up with a bajillion other things between now and the next time you take a trip, even if it's right back to Jamaica, to remember exactly what you did on each day of your trip. You've been journaling your whole life. Don't stop now!

So yeah, future self... just some pointers and obvious reminders. You don't travel abroad half as much as you used to or wish that you still do, so I know some of those details will get overlooked for being so blatantly obvious.

That being said, JAMAICA [or other equally-fun trip] 2015 planning will commence.....

.... now. :D

xo | cmd

Farewell, Jamaica! [For NOW, That Is!]

Checking out of a hotel is either a relief or a disappointment for me, but rarely ever both. Today was the first time I have ever had a perfect blend of both of those emotions. I am of course disappointed because we've been spoiled rotten for the past week here. I'm excited though, to get home and see Sydni, and basically start over in planning for the next vacation, in 2015. Because hey - that's what you do immediately following a big vaca, isn't it? ;)

We dragged our bags down to the lobby just after 7am, followed shortly by Cassie and Shayne, then Tara and Jordan. The six of us sat down for a quick breakfast and some last minute absorption of what the last five days have been.

legends sunrise panoramic

We included some love for the management; that's Clayton in the front and Adrian to the back right, they are awesome, and we will be back to see them & Jamaica, ASAP!

so i probably should get out of the shadows... haha..

At the front, some of the cab drivers and guides with whom we've connected over the past few days left us with farewell [for now] hugs, warm wishes of safe travels and those big, happy, contagious smiles that pretty much make a repeat trip to this place a done deal.

The trip back to the airport felt normal compared to the initial ride out six days ago. Riding on the left side of the road felt less foreign and the erratic driving culture didn't phase us as we careened on through the hills and open roads back to Montego Bay.

At the airport, we passed through security and customs to be immediately greeted by an Americanized food court. This is our normal, but felt vaguely unfamiliar in contrast to what we've just done. It's funny how just a week of adjusted living can make us feel!

'murica.

Also, it wouldn't be a last hoorah at the airport without a stop off at Margaritaville for some refreshment.

margaritaville | montego bay, jamaica

... in margaritaville!

"come back, come back to jamaica"
..... yes, yes i think i will!

seeing doubles!
... could you imagine two of this guy? haha...

And... a group pic to commemorate our final moments in Jamaica:

rob. cori. cassie. shayne. nate. audrianna. jordan. tara.
new friends from jamaica 2014!

Finally, despite our last-minute protests, we boarded the flight and waved goodbye to this beautiful island.

boo. hiss.

Three hours later, we were back on the ground in Cincinnati, where we said goodbye to the newlyweds Tara and Jordan, and to our other couple friends Cassie and Shayne. Our cab carried us away from CVG and before we knew it, we were dragging our luggage back up our driveway and into the house.

Our dogs were more than ready to see us. A MILLION thank you's again to Becky for pup-sitting them while we were gone! WE. OWE. YOU!

hiiiii babies!!

Of our little group of couples, Shayne and Cassie happen to live within an hour's drive of us; we immediately agreed to make plans in the near future to hang out soon, but we didn't figure it would be this soon: 

well all right then!

With that being said, we unpacked, did some laundry, loved on our dogs and took power naps before we were up again, showered and out the door down to see our new friends back on US turf.

with our new friends.. in cinci!

rob. cori. jessica. cassie. shayne

ladies!

We are back on American soil now and have one day to buffer us from the reality of returning to work on Monday. We'll be sleeping in, for sure, and with any luck, doing absolutely nothing with it before our routines find us again.

Good night, Cincinnati! It was beautiful abroad but it's nice to see you... and my own bed.. again ;)

xo | cmd

Jamaica Day 5 : Island Hopping | Snorkeling & Lobster Lunches

First item on the agenda: Breakfast.
Second item on the agenda: Glass Bottom Boat Tour!

One of the unofficial excursions available to us was a tour out on one of the many glass bottom boats. It's a fisherman-style boat with glass paneled floors that allow everyone to see the water as it cruises around. We were joined by several people staying at a neighboring resort, who we later learned were visiting from Kingston and Montego Bay, which are a couple hours' drive from Negril. We've basically enjoyed meeting new people here just about every day this week, and today was no different. This island evokes friendliness and a full-on embodiment of the Rastafarian NO WORRIES, MON philosophy. I. LOVE. IT.


wading by the beach

aboard the glass bottom boat

Anyway, we set out on a course to a snorkeling spot, where we all went overboard to check out the fish, shells, plant life and wildly enough, a couple of harmless manta rays. 

jordan. rob. shayne.

Among the many different types of fish and plant life, there were plenty of clams and conch shells, one of which made it from the snorkel trip out to the mini island for cooking.


Lunch on the mini island was a complete overhaul of how I will define fresh food from here on out. The fishermen on the island were ready for us, and had lunch preparation under way as soon as our feet hit the sand. By lunch, I mean lobster. Ocean lobster. 

conch snail

spoils of a fishing trip

fascinated by the puffer!

ocean lobster

  

We watched with the tourist wonder as our guides prepared our lunches over an open pit; to say this was the best lobster I've ever had is a heinous understatement, and will forever scar my ability to accept the menu items from Red Lobster. Wow.

After lunch, there was plenty of time to roam the beach and check out the colonies of tiny hermit crabs, known here as soldier crabs. I'm fascinated with tiny critters, so naturally I followed them around like the paparazzi that I am.

hey, soldier!

love you!

 

The boat ride back was just as refreshing as the trip out, and when we hit the beach of the main island, we opted to walk back instead of take the cab. We took our sweet time trekking back to Legends, where we disbanded for a few hours to do our own things. Cassie and Shayne hit the beach, Tara and Jordan headed back to their room, and Rob and I thought we'd wrap up our last minute shopping at Time Square.

our new friends!

I've had the best naps in my life here in Negril, so it was a no-brainer to take a snooze between shopping and dinner. The flash thunderstorms here [quite Florida-esque] make it all the more enjoyable to kick back on the balcony and be hypnotized by it all.

Dinner was a bittersweet ordeal; we paired up with Tara and Jordan for our last dinner at Legends [for now, that is!] and then parted ways to wrap up packing and last minute details for our departures tomorrow morning.

last night in paradise [for now]

This. Place... is sublime. It's nearly midnight now; we just woke up from a post-dinner nap and the party is ON at Bourbon Bar next door- we're gonna run down and check it out since Rob missed the festivities last night.

Jamaica, we're gonna miss you. Here's to one last night in paradise!

xo | cmd

Jamaica Day 4 : Chukka Kayaking & Ziplining | Samsara Dinners

We've been waking up each day here at an alarmingly early time... somewhere between 6 and 7 am local time. I don't know if it's the change in atmosphere or what, but Jamaica's only one hour behind Ohio, and yet we're still wide awake before half the place is even open. No complaints, though; it's never misery to wake up to white sand and an ocean at your fingertips!

good morning, negril!

After breakfast, we joined Cassie and Shayne for the trip out to Chukka [which means Play] for a day of ziplining and kayaking. This is another one that is best explained in pictures..

here we go! [beginning of the day = clean & nice hair, hahh]

neighbors

pitstop on the way

We finally arrived at Chukka!

chukka - "play"

cassie & Shayne

my love!

Once we suited up, it was a short kayak out to the zipline course, and from there, it was all airtime!

tree-mounted platform

cassie

Shayne

rob

the gills

love him!

After the zipline course, we hopped back in the kayaks and headed on down the river for some more beautiful scenery and of course, chukka!  

♥ ♥ ♥

We stopped off for some rope swinging & plant observing, as well :)

cori. rob. shayne. cassie.

And finally, we circled back to the launch and grabbed some jerk chicken to go [Jamaican fast food ;), hahh]

onsite chef

Whew! Time to head back...

awesome day with this guy :)

Back at Legends, we rendezvoused with the newlyweds for a bit, then all dispersed to our rooms to shower and change for dinner at Samsara. The six of us enjoyed an outdoor dinner and bar service at the cliffside sister resort before coming back to Legends. Unfortunately, something on the menu did not sit well with Rob, and he was room-bound for the last part of the evening.

babe!

cincinnati girls!

ohio hangin' out in jamaica!

with these beauties - tara & cassie

 

This is of course a back-dated entry, because here in Jamaica, on the beach at least, the parties don't end until around... 5am.

Tonight was the night that most of the people we've seen since CVG here with us decided to really party and see what the Negril beach nightlife is all about. We started at Legends..

oh boy..

it's a party with the staff!

next door on the beach @ bourbon bar | negril, jamaica

 And then.. well, allow me to introduce: Bourban Bar.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day here. I have to say I'm pretty proud of us for making the most of this week; we haven't really rushed anything and we didn't over-plan ourselves. Tomorrow, we along with the other two couples will be heading out on a glass bottom boat tour to one of the mini islands for some snorkeling and lunch. It's another early riser!

G'Nite, Mon!

xo | cmd