Reflections and New Beginnings

One thing I am certain of is I am not perfect. We all know that none of us are. But the one New Year's resolution I want to make this year is to be more clear of my intentions and hope others can do the same. I will try my best to approach each new hurdle or situation with an open mind. Really a tough one for me.

I never really understand where somebody else is coming from at any given moment. I have unkind words or a horrible email from family, and immediately I get angry. But after a few days revisiting the issue over and over again, I realize that most of what makes me upset or hurt is not really about me, but more about them. This is the kind of stuff I know but seldom practice.

So I approach this new year with a new lesson. Take what I can get and leave the rest. Enjoy my friends and my accomplishments. Take it one day at a time and don't take life so seriously. All the crap will still be here tomorrow. Relax, enjoy and understand that we all have problems. Often when another person is unkind or judgmental, the best thing to do is to let go and let God.

That is my wisdom for 2015! Happy New Year. Feliz 2015!

New Christmas Memories 2014

Isabella with her new bike

It may be a trite statement but I totally believe Christmas is for kids, or for those of us lucky enough to be around children for Christmas. It is always a thrill to see the look in a child's eye when they receive their gifts. We had the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with my sister-in-law Daisy and her family, which included our Goddaughter Isabella. 

me and Isabella riding her bike

As her feet don't quite reach all the way to get the pedals moving, I pushed the bike around the living room. It was a good thing, as it gave here something to do until she opened the rest of her presents with her mom and dad.

Jasibe and Jason opening gifts with Isabella

Jasibe and Jason, Isabella's parents, opened gifts with her as Jason and her new beau John looked on. A great time was had by all. Too much food and too late, but that is a good Mexican Christmas!

MariJo helping to prepare the Christmas feast

Another great year in Mexico for me and my hubby, Moises!

Brother-in-law Miguel on the left, hubby Moises on the right

My 1973 MG Midget

1973 purple MG Midget

If there was ever a car that truly fit my personality, it was my first and most beloved car, a purple 1973 MG Midget. I worked at a bank for one year after high schoool before starting college to buy it. It was a lemon, no doubt. Hardly ever started and was in the shop more than out, but I loved that car.

A fellow employee at the bank had bought the car and probably realized within six months of making payments that the car was a real dud. So she talked me in to taking over the loan and buying it. 

I used to have to start it by driving down the hill from my parents house getting it going faster and faster, until I popped the clutch and it started. How many times I got stranded on two lane roads or even the highway, I cannot count.  I don't remember much about selling it or what I got after, but I sure remember that first car. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Christmas is a close second. The memories of crowding around my grandmother's warm and fragrant kitchen come back to me now. I remember the smells of the turkey, sage dressing, mashed potatoes and the pies cooling on the rack near the sink. Seeing my grandmother in apron buzzing around getting everything ready, and the place where we ate - the dining room with the too large ornate table and chairs from Uncle Joe, the people my grandmother always took in on this holiday. She was a giver, my grandmother. She was the best person I have ever known.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! 

Patito: Our Ironkid

Our nephew Patito (Patricio)

Last weekend was such a great time for our family, as we were so excited and proud to have our nephew, Patito, competing in the Ironkids competition here on Cozumel Island. Patito is nine. He competes in the intermediate age group, which required him to go on a 150 yard swin, a 4 mile bike ride and a 1 mile run. Times are not taken at this age, but he finished with ease and finesse. He has been traveling around the country competing for a few years now.

Patito swimming

Chankanaab Park was a real madhouse. It was a bit of a strategic nightmare as well. My husband wanted to attend and watch Patito, but the trick was his bike needed to go in the truck down south. They had brought it from Merida, but there was no parking for the event. So my husband ended up taking the bike back and forth and missing the event. But all was not lost.

Patito at the finish line

Instead we got these great photos and we spent a lot of time with his parents as well. It was a fun-filled weekend for all. We are so proud of our nephew. And I believe every great kid has at least one great parent. In this case, Patito has two great parents. Photos below.

Patito with his mom Cristina

We enoyed some wonderful times with his cousins as well after the race with a cookout at Patito's Aunt Daisy's house. 

Patito with his dad Patricio

More information on Ironkids events can be found here. What a wonderful, healthy way for kids to gain self-esteem. Hats off to Patito and his parents!

The Magic of Design Store

Harmony bed with great new bedding just arrived

The Magic of Design is now packed with some great merchandise. We need to make room for the new, so in November, we will be having a sale on all old inventory at 30% to 50% off. There are some great buys. 

our most comfortable recliner

Sale item

We have dining room sets, a sectional and lots of accessories and lamps on sale. Be sure to stop by and prearrange items for November. If you pay for them now, we can either hold them or go ahead and let you have the sale price now!

Accessories from Uttermost on sale

Kisses to Cabo

Cabo airport photo from Facebook

Living on the island of Cozumel, we all know what hurricanes are like. The devastation and fear, the worst part being after the storm passes normally. We were lucky with Wilma in one way, there was not a lot of loss of life. Property can be replace and it surely was. Now we need to send kisses to Cabo and the surrounding areas ... the Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and the surrounding towns. These photos are so reminiscent of what we went through here in 2005.

The flooding and downed power lines are always a major problem after a storm. Here the municipio turned off the power to the town before Hurricane Wilma arrived. It made for a lot of inconvenience after the storm as each street had to be turned back on manually. Took tons of CFE employees from all over the country and weeks to accomplish, but it really saves lives.

Our hearts go out to all the people in the Baja Sur area where this took place. We truly do understand and commiserate.

Stay safe, Cabo, and hope your recovery is speedy. I am sure there will be relief efforts set up soon, with websites for donations. When I see them, I will add the links here.