Rice, bleh! Meat, veggies, fruit, and a little bit of quinoa for me.
Here I am, having fun with a carrot. Don’t be jealous parents, I just finished a few heads of broccoli as well.
Do you have yourself a paleo babe? What snacks do you take for when you’re on the go and don’t want food to spoil?
Shit happens, literally
I wish I could be this humorous about it but I’m not there yet, not today…
In nine short months I’ve had God inspired revelations, all the while Charlotte is covered head to toe in poop. I’ve certainly attained a new appreciation for my Lord and Savior who daily, patiently and lovingly wipes away my proverbial poop. On the flip side, there have been plenty of times I have even laughed, out loud, at this never ceasing task of keeping a little bum clean.
Lately though, we’ve experienced daily baths because two little hands enjoy helping mama change a diaper. Distractions rarely work. It happens lightning bolt fast - SPLATT - ten fingers covered in poop are grabbing hair, ears, and toes. Tears and a wiggly body typically accompany the sly fingers. Derailed from our plans (all my friends who have endured our tardiness understand) we make a beeline to the bathroom to get squeaky clean.
Today, being more tired than usual, I couldn’t laugh. In my sleep deprived stupor, I wanted things to go smoothly and efficient. I was frustated. How could my babe, who is tired herself (she refuses to sleep for more than 14 minutes), so violently deny my loving act of changing her diaper? All around I felt like a bad mom.
Can anyone relate?
With all that said, I’m going to laugh my way through this website. I hope it brings a smile to your face and a hearty chuckle to you as well.
If you find yourself in Maui…
Jordan knew I was itching to go snorkeling. After getting a list of trustworthy recommendations around Maui, Jordan decided to book our last outing with Maui Eco Tours. When he told me we would be kayaking and snorkeling for three hours, I was already tired. Don’t get me wrong, I love kayaking and snorkeling but I wondered why we needed a “tour” when I could attach a snorkel to my head, walk out of our hotel door and onto the beach to a coral reef. But I digress; our three-hour outing with Maui Eco Tours was INCREDIBLE and a must for any Maui itinierary.
Ashley and Jordan leisurely paddled in a double while I paddled solo for close to 2 miles near Makena Beach. All was quiet on the ocean front for quite some time, but then it happened. A tall whale spout emerged on the horizon. We quickly paddled in that direction and waited. Whales emerge for air every 15-20; we eagerly counted down the minutes as bottle-nosed dolphins entertained us. And then again, this time closer. Two pods were circling us, showing off their young (who had immature dorsal fins) and waving their tails. One pod majestically swam below our kayaks. I’ve never felt so small.
Blown away by all of the creation I just witnessed, I slowly kayaked back toward the coral reef to snorkel. I wasn’t ready for what awaited me. I slithered out of my kayak to see a large, beautiful turtle burrowing in the sand below as two others drifted by. I watched in awe and then went to explore the coral, where another turtle decided to befriend me. As the current swayed us together, we were within an arms length of one another. I had to resist reaching out and hugging this weathered, beautiful friend. Questions stirred in my mind…who would know if I touched him? It’s not like there are surveillance cameras in the ocean. Would I endanger him? Would he hurt me? But I restrained myself and within a few minutes he swam deeper than I cared to go. While colorful fish danced in schools around me, I had to take a breather. I had filled my ocean creation quota and was overjoyed.
p.s. I also recommend hitting up Kihei Cafe before or after your tour for a filling meal
Heeding the Call
Not sure why exactly but I’ve been procrastinating writing this post for months. I felt a tug on my heart to explore this idea when we were in Costa Rica – in APRIL! Tonight it has become my mission to finish this thought before 2011 is over….
It all started when we arrived and met George. And with each passing day, we were in contact with a variety of gracious, fun, life-loving folks who had transplanted to their plot of paradise in CR. It was hard not to be envious of the life they chose. They were passionate about what they did and what they built. Each one had a story of travel, of leaving a job, friends, family, and even a country behind. At the end of the day, this complex landscape of immigrants is held together by the thread of each one looking for a better life, of an occupation that would nourish their souls. Away from politics, war, socio-economics, and work-life imbalances, they found themselves following a vision they had for their lives – they found themselves in their own paradise, living their dream. Was this once what the American dream looked like?
With each of these stories there is a response to a vision or call they felt they had to see come to fruition. Perhaps there is a hint of selfishness as they pursue what they consider the “perfect” life on this earth, but it took courage - a leap of faith – to land where they are today. With this leap of faith, it’s not about working harder, but rather responding and pursuing this call.
Let’s meet a few of them:
George, owner of Alegria Bed and Breakfast
Despite our flight arriving late, George patiently waited for us and greeted us with a smile and helping hand. Originally from the South, George and his wife traveled to CR and decided to move out of the States, tired of the government and war. Leaving family behind, they wanted paradise for their retired life. Although his wife passed away a few years ago, George entertains - with southern hospitality - hundreds of folks, filling their bellies with warm and delicious blueberry muffins, fresh fruit and eggs every morning.
Good Peeps at Product C
From France to Vancouver, BC to Mal Pais, CR….quite the story. Read it here. Regardless of how they got there, this oyster loving, surfing family is here to stay. We only met Cito and Carmen, but we couldn’t have asked for a better lunch and conversation every day. They even helped my husbanido surprise me with a GF anniversary cake. So sweet!
Ingrid & Erwan, owners of Korrigan Lodge
This French engineering couple came from Madagascar, tired of living the 8-5+ lifestyle. They traveled the world and fell in love with Punta Uva and the property where they now run a B&B. While the trek back to France to visist family is a long journey, they wouldn’t trade this jungle lifestyle for anything.
Jenny, owner of Hidden Canopy Treehouses
Burned out by her tech job in Silicon Valley, Jenny knew she needed to get her hands dirty – quite literally – in a new vocation. Months, even years, of career counseling, traveling, scuba diving and soul searching, she purchased a plot of land and laid down new roots in Costa Rica.
Despite claiming her second home to be the depths of the ocean scuba diving, she had a unique vision of building treehouses high in the hills of beautiful Monteverde. Her vision didn’t stop at simply building a spectacular boutique hotel. Jenny sought to provide the best experiences for her guests. From afternoon tea (cocktail style with sweet and savory snacks) to conversations that were anything but superficial to personally getting to know folks in town and testing and approving their restaurants or tours, Jenny pours out her heart and soul into every detail of her home.
During our trip I was reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan and since then I’ve read Leaders who Last by Dave Kraft. Both books offer a wealth of knowledge and ask you to go deep within yourself. An act I believe all of these folks have demonstrated. So right now, as the new year is starting, ask yourself, “Do I have a vision?” or “Am I waiting to be called to do something?” - and regardless of the answer: GO, LOVE AND DO SOMETHING!!
Quite the New Year’s resolution if you ask me!
Dads & daughters
WARNING:
This is not travel related unless you consider being born, and life thereafter a journey not to miss.
This is not food related unless you consider the thousands of meals you will consume and create a relationship over.
BUT I had to post this link…it’s too precious not to share.
what if you knew you couldn’t fail
I had heard about Rudy’s for three days. I knew Pa was desperate to go and needed a good excuse, i.e. a visitor in town.
I had little to go on, but based on the restaurants I’ve experienced the last three years with the Holland clan, I knew Rudy’s couldn’t be all that bad. After all, they enjoyed delicious meals like me. Yet the expectation I had of Rudy’s was far from the reality of our Saturday morning excursion.
On a rather nondescript corner in Emeryville, Rudy’s butts up against the brick backside of Pixar on the northeast end and Emeryvilles’s City Offices on the southeast end. A small parking lot, which was full when we arrived at 9:30 a.m., barely allowed a mini cooper to escape – or at least that’s how well my short-term memory serves me. There was a small line but I was able to get coffee while we waited a mere 5 minutes for our sunny dining spot outside.
Enough with setting the scene and I’ll just come out with it. Rudy’s is awesome. Less “diner” than I was led to believe (unless you want to count the décor) and heavy on a full menu of pure and tasty food. I ordered a special: Hashbrown Heaven. A layer of hashbrowns under smoked turkey, scrambled eggs, guac and salsa - cheese optional. There may have been more to it but all I know was that it served my taste buds well. Everyone in fact was more than pleased with their breakfast choices. And why wouldn’t they be when Rudy’s will happily create a meal to your liking.
Bottom line: GO! Enjoy Rudy’s for me. We need more solid establishments like this in our world.
Rudy’s is “committed to serving the surrounding community with a fair, honest to goodness eatery that is reasonably priced, family friendly, and that cares about your well being and our planet’s health.”
How can you beat that?
“Love, having no geography, knows no boundaries.”
— Truman Capote
When you walk out of your front door or step out of your taxi in a foreign land or squish in next to someone on a plane, do you think about pouring out love and grace? Who have you loved today? Your daughter, your mother, friends, neighbors, strangers?
Ici. Maintenant!
This ice creamery is delicious in every way imaginable. Just don’t go on the weekend unless you want to wait in an obscene line.
E.T. phone home
We live in a bubble.
A construction bubble that is.
Our current living situation entails interior plastic wrapped windows and a crew who rudely wakes us from our slumber at 7am. While this may not sound too horrific, having a newborn who enjoys waking up every two hours during the night and prefers her home to nap in during the day, this construction makes living joyfully rather difficult. My circumstances should not determine my demeanor, but in this sad, opaque condo that is perpetually 75 degrees due to lack of ventilation, I think I might slowly be going insane.
I expected maternity leave to be challenging but I also assumed I would be able to purge my clutter, make creative meals, and discover the secret to living a life of exploration and travel. My leave thus far - 8 weeks in - challenging, yes; unbelievably inspiring by life and our Creator, yes; much of anything else, no.
My new ambition is to get out of my E.T. bubble I call a home. I’m bound to activities close to home since my child abhors car rides (Seriously, I thought babies loved riding in the car. Mine doesn’t’!) This list includes, free and/or cheap, easy outings to do with a newborn:
PARKS
- Stroll along the waterfront and through the Sculpture Park
- Meander around Greenlake
- BBQ at Magnusson Park
- Take a dip and enjoy some ice cream at Matthews Beach
- Grab some pulled pork and grilled onions at Paseo (don’t forget your cash!) and sit in the shade at Golden Gardens
- Snack through Pike Place
COFFEE SHOPS
- enjoy a spicy chai hemp milk latte at Seattle Coffee Works (a gem of a cafe I thought was only for tourists)
- La Bottega Italiana (grab some gelato while you’re at it)
- Pretend you’re in the UK at The Crumpet Shop
- Grab a cup of joe, beer or an earful o f jazz at Local Color
- Sip some tea at the Perennial Tea Room….and go next door to the Chocolate Market for, well, chocolate of course!
- Indulge in baked goods (even GF) at Blackbird Bakery in Winslow. Go to Bainbridge on a Saturday, grab breakfast at Blackbird and partake in the community’s well-loved Farmer’s Market.
What are you waiting for?
These are kinda old news, but I still love them.
http://vimeo.com/couchmode/rickmereki/videos/sort:date/27246366
(in case the video, which has been misbehaving above, doesn’t work!)
Summer Musings
Despite having to wake up and throw on a fleece for a few hours in the morning, summer has finally hit Seattle. The long awaited for summer daylight hours, when the sun rises at 4:30am and lazily sets at 10:30pm may be a foggy July memory, but I’m rejuvenated by the fruits of the season. Literally. Summer hasn’t “arrived” until I’ve stained my fingers with the rich juice of blackberries or plucked and devoured handfuls of velvety blueberries. Picking these delicious gems is the epitome of summer…and sadly a sign that summer is wrapping up. Although I guess you could say it saved the best for last.
If you’ve been out and about - anywhere - you’ll have noticed the blackberries plumping beautifully on the vine and the blueberries, although less obvious than the previously mentioned berry, are beginning to artfully display their deep blue hues.
Since I don’t have my dream yard/farm bountifully loaded with fruits and vegetables just yet, Bybee Farms is my favorite haven for picking blueberries. Nestled at the base of Mt. Si, this farm boasts 6 varieties of blueberries, all for $1.95/lb. Apparently they also have veggies, although I’ve always been starry eyed with the berries to notice the veggies.
No need for a recipe or a plan…go for a hike, pick some berries (and eat them “raw”), enjoy the sun and savor the deliciousness of the season!
DREAMING OF A BRIGHT AFTERNOON:
While the rest of the country endures sweltering heat, Seattle once again has produced a mediocre summer… so far. Mild to cool days overshadow the 80 degrees weekend we had awhile back. Is it too much to ask to have a summer where I can venture outdoors to read a book in the sunshine while wearing a sundress or worry about getting sunburned or enjoy ice cold beverages without having to put a sweatshirt?!
What are your favorite summer destinations and activities?
P.S. July, I want my money back.
In a perfect world, new moms wouldn’t be allowed to go back to work for at least a year after giving birth. These extraordinary, people-making creatures would lounge about contentedly, tickling tiny toes and supplying milk on demand while generous volunteers
assumed their unpaid chores and responsibilities. (Mothers in general would also be forced to endure daily foot massages and drink magical thigh-toning milkshakes, but I digress.)
on a new kind of wagon
Since giving birth on July 3, I’ve been cuddling with our little one, which involves little to no movement. I move from the bed to the glider to the couch to feed her, cover her with kisses and stare in awe of her perfection many faces, grunts and squeals.
Since our 4-star room service at Swedish, all I’ve wanted to eat or drink is ice water, coconut bliss mint galactica shakes and toast (for the most part, I’ve resisted these cravings).
In 16 days I’ve lost the baby weight and some, but I’m not doing anything to reach a new PR - other than perhaps a nap PR. Today I slept for a full hour without a baby on my chest! Hooray! But then I remember, my belly feels like jell-o and the calories I’ve consumed, aside from the delicious and healthy treats friends have made for us, are doing anything but helping the situation.
I’m by no means beating myself up, but in nearly 8 years, this is the longest I’ve gone without working out (or even going outside) and it’s kind of strange. Hitting the gym will need to wait, but food wise, what does this mama need? I think I already know the answer but I’m curious as to what resources others turn to during this postpartum transition. Are there certain foods us mamas need to be eating?
I’m sure there is a wealth of info out there, but The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen is a favorite of mine, and I stumbled upon Raw Mom tonight.
What are your favorite sites or pearls of wisdom?
Team Holla high five for officially starting maternity leave!
We’re just waiting on you baby!
I'm humbled to be in a position to explore, stumble, and experience the beautiful cultures on this planet. I'm a photo takin', food lovin', gym junkie, jetsetter wannabe.
Based in downtown Seattle, I offer my biased opinion on travel, food, fitness and now motherhood.
