Thursday, September 25, 2008
Welcome Fall
Monday, September 22, 2008
Twilight
The story centers around Isabella "Bella" Swan, a 17 year old who moves up to the depressingly wet town of Forks, Washington to live with her father after her mother remarries. She meets Edward Cullen, a strikingly handsome and confounding classmate of hers. Drama ensues... they become friends... she discovers he's a little less than human... and they fall in love.
I am not one for the sappy love novel and if you're with me on that - no need to worry here. There's enough action and suspense to counteract the gushy love stuff. I love the way Meyer gives you insight into what's going on inside her characters heads. Bella's character is funny and endearing, so much that you could almost imagine her being a friend of yours. I always thought that these books would be more aimed towards the adolescent crowd, but the storyline and issues that are brought up are definitely relevant to a more mature audience.
Since last Saturday, I also read books 2 and 3 (New Moon and Eclipse) and they just kept getting better. New Moon started out a little slow for my taste, but it did introduce a new and interesting character, Jacob Black. He's an old family friend that Bella becomes close with during a difficult time in her life. He's a complex character and adds a little more drama to the already juicy plot. Eclipse tied together a lot of the loose ends from New Moon and leaves you anxiously jumping into Breaking Dawn, the final book.
So regardless if you're 15 or 35, you should definitely check out the Twilight Saga. I promise you won't be able to pull yourself away until you're finished them all (take it from me....).
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
That day in Cadiz
Today I was in the shower at 10pm after a particularly exhausting day and Don't Panic by Coldplay came on my iPod. What a suitable song for me, since today I almost had a panic attack about three times. Anyways, it took me back to the four days that I spent in Sevilla and Cadiz with my three Persian buddies from ISA - Diana, Natalie and Rebecca. I listened to Coldplay pretty much non-stop during my months traveling and therefore most of the songs are connected to that experience for me. But this particular song brings me back to a morning on the beach in Cadiz.
That day in Cadiz was my first time at a topless beach. I have zippo body confidence, so I kept my top on. Diana's friend from Paris was traveling with us that day, and she promptly shed her top and conversed with us while getting sunburnt in areas that were definitely not used to seeing the sun. I loved the beach that day because it was actually cold out. The sun felt so amazing on my skin. I grew up in Florida and going to the beach for me includes chest collapsing humidity, uncomfortably harsh sun, and blistering heat. I actually had a sweater on over my bathing suit and my really Cuban-looking straw hat.
I remember feeling completely free. That is what travel is to me. Feeling like I don't have to answer to anyone except for myself. When I travel, I'm allowed to be completely self-indulgent. I can change my plans and go where I please. My daily life is so far from this that it stiffles me. It is not that I don't enjoy my career and love my husband. I truly do. But sometimes I miss the carefree and spontaneous version of my self that I seem to have left somewhere over in Europe. I wish I could get that part of myself back and teach her how to live in my here and now.
That day in Cadiz, I put my headphones on and snuggled up in my sweater. I laid back on the warm sand and fell asleep to Don't Panic. Forever, that song and that memory are bonded together.
Otra vez!
Orlando, FL 7:55pm
San Juan, PR 11:40pm
28 Nov 08
San Juan, PR 7:45pm
Orlando, FL 9:52pm
Sunday, September 7, 2008
All the stars and boulevards ain't close enough for you...
I have the type of personality where I can't leave things unresolved. Everytime we have one of these "discussions" I feel more and more frustrated because nothing is going to get resolved in an angry discussion occuring at 8pm on a Tuesday night. If anything, we go to bed angry and the whole cycle starts again the next day.
Fortunately, we have a strong marriage and open lines of communication. We decided to come down to West Palm to visit my folks and for once we didn't have any definite plans. Just to come and relax. GREAT idea. We spent most of yesterday getting tanned and laying in my parent's pool. Then we watched about 5 hours of football and went to bed early. I feel refreshed and energetic and for once positive about what the next few months may bring.
Things are not perfect (nor will they ever be...), but I think that if I can be patient and keep my head on straight - Steve will figure out what his path is. I need to just stick to mine and his will come with time.