im here, for now...

Confessions of a Dollar Tree Addict

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:22:00 +0000

Okay, so my family constantly badgers me about my frequent Dollar Tree shopping escapades; so lovingly(?) nicknaming me "the Dollar Tree addict." I'll admit--I probably do shop there more often than is neccesary, buy things I really don't need (my headband collection is getting a little out of control.) It is just so hard resist the allure of one dollar. ONE! I mean, I can find that in dimes any given day in the couch! And while someone might not need 6 cans of cat food for the cat they don't have--I'm well aware of the value of that dollar. So, I would like to declare today--Vindication Day! This is my latest shopping trip from Dollar Tree; I realize some things aren't "necessities"--like the candles, the glaze, sprinkles...Icees for Ricky (talk about addiction! Heaven forbid I buy one more lip gloss, but if I come home without the Icees...) Curious to see how much I was really saving, I went home and compared every single product through Safeway's E-Shopping system. The total bill was $103.86.

My bill: $35.

So, before you make fun of my White Lilac & Lavender candle collection in case of a stink emergency--just think, I have an extra $70 sitting around...and your birthday is coming up, isn't it?

(Whip cream, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, frozen broccoli, stir fry vegetables, french fries, organic strawberries, soy sauce, pinto beans, 2 packages of gnocchi, apple pie filling, red sugar crystals, blueberry muffin mix, slivered almonds, 2 bowls of Warm Delights, kettle corn, Icee cups, brownie mix, glaze, pasta salad, mashed potatoes, raisins, powdered sugar, 2 boxes brown sugar, 2 candles, yellow cake mix, carrot cake mix, cherry chip cake mix, twin pack Scalloped Potatoes, Kix, 2 packages cheesy biscuits mix, 2 double-packs of apple & pear fruit cups.)

You Want Fries with that $70 Burger?

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:02:00 +0000

Twenty years might have you reconsidering "you want fries and a shake with that?"

More than 97% of the world's water is too salty to drink, 2% is locked in ice caps and less than 1% of planet's water is available to meet daily drinking water, sanitation and food needs of Earth's 7 billion people. By 2050, a third of people on earth will lack a clean secure source of water.

Why should you care about water?

Water is the basis of life, and on this planet only a tiny share—less than one percent of all water—is available for nearly 7 billion people and a myriad of freshwater aquatic ecosystems. It's that tiny share of freshwater that we have to use to meet all of our needs—irrigation, industry, drinking water, and sanitation—and the needs of thousands, if not millions, of other species that we share the planet with. 4,800 people die every day from water-borne illnesses.

Though clouds hold just four one-hundredths of 1% of all fresh water, they still have 6x more than all the world's rivers. Barbara Kingsolver writes, “Even while we take Mother Water for granted, humans understand in our bones that she is the boss. We stake our civilizations on the coasts and mighty rivers. Our deepest dread is the threat of having too little moisture—or too much. We've lately raised the Earth's average temperature by .74°C (1.3°F), a number that sounds inconsequential. But these words do not: flood, drought, hurricane, rising sea levels, bursting levees. Water is the visible face of climate and, therefore, climate change."

For example: In just 15 years, 1.8 billion people will live where water is scarce. The Peruvian city of Cusco relies in part from the runoff of from the glaciers of the Qualccaya ice cap to provide water in summer. if the ice cap continues to melt at its current rate, it will be gone by 2100, leaving thousands without water or electricity.

Surprisingly though, its not the 15 minutes hot showers every morning that make the difference. The average American lifestyle demands 1,800 gallons a day to support, with 70% of that going to support our diets.

So; for all you apathetic, stubborn, "I could care less about global warming" types; you especially should hear this:

Earlier snow melt due to global warming will increase the rate of winter flow in freshwaters streams causing the fast moving water to scour riverbeds when delicate salmon eggs and young are present. Summertime flows in turn, will be reduced, leading to freshwater decline in adult salmon habitat. Which means--in a few years, no more salmon. If you're not the seafood type anyway, the consequences of ignorance are just as high on land:

Your Drinks:

---1 gallon of milk = 880 gallons of water

--1 gallon of beer = 689 gallons of water

--I gallon of wine = 1,008 gallons

--1 gallon of coffee = 880 gallons

Your Food:

--1 burger = 660 gallons

--To produce 1lb of pork; it requires 576 gallons of water

--1lb of chicken = 468 gallons

--And 1lb of beef = 1,799 gallons

--1lb of chocolate = 3,170 gallons of water

Your Life:

--It takes 2,900 gallons to produce 1 pair of blue jeans.

--1/2 lb of leather = 1,096 gallon

--1 t-shirt = 713 gallons of water

--500-sheet notebook = 1,321 gallons

So, while you may not care about global warming--care about your wallet. At this rate in 15-20 years; new shirt and jeans for your night-out will be $280, your 8oz steak = $125; a chocolate sundae @ $45; bacon, eggs and coffee the next morning @ $310 to cure your $360 hangover spent in drinks last night---might be just a little harder to fork over than before.

Test Your Water IQ:

How Much Water PerPound?: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/embedded-water/

Freshwater Quiz: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/freshwater-101-quiz/

Climate Change Quiz: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/freshwater-quiz-climate-change/

I'm Sorry Taco Bell, but...It's Over.

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:04:00 +0000

Ignorance is bliss indeed. I used to be perfectly content in my little Taco Bell bubble. Until Ricky and the Martinez’ viciously popped it and threw me into this strange, new world of rice-beans-everything fried-salsa, acid-reflux-induced coma. I’m sorry, but the $1 tacos just aren’t cutting it anymore. Goodbye Baja Fresh, goodbye Chevys, goodbye any combination of the words “taco, casserole, enchilada”…

Oh fine Chipotle, don’t look at me like that; you can stay. I love you too much to let you go anyway.

But HELLO Prilosec! Hello, Zantac. Nice to meet you Prevacid. However, let me not forget to give credit where credit is due. I would have never met these lovely gentlemen without the help of:

Ricky’s dad’s Sonora chips
Also his gorditas
And the chili verde. Oh heavens, the chili verde…
Refried beans, sorry Rosarita, but really refried. In lard. Lots of it.
La Esperanza
Carnitas…from pretty much anywhere. They’re carnitas…
Tacos from La Favorita, or that one stand in Galt.

The ironic thing is... in meeting the Love of My Life...I’m pretty sure he shortened it by 10 years.

Lucy...You Have Some 'Splainin' To Do!

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:36:00 +0000

Oh Halloween....this year we went as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo; it seemed fitting. As you can see, Ricky's costume took A LOT of work. :) My only regret is...the hair. Oye the hair! I really wanted the wig, but seeing as I already had the dress (Mom's) and shoes (Katherine's), I couldn't bring myself to spending $50 on the whole costume set just for the wig. So, I decided to try it myself. I googled "How to do "Lucy" Hair" and found a few helpful videos. After 7 hours of hair in sponge curlers--I got pretty darn close! (I was very proud of myself for NOT giving in and buying the wig.) Well, then came the spray paint. RED spray paint. As soon as it touched my hair, all the curls so carefully pinned into place melted. Literally lay flat. Bummer. So, I did the best I could re-shaping everything but it still turned out a little too Amy Winehouse for my taste. Aside from wrecking all the curls; it wrecked my hair. I was pulling (what seemed like) handfuls out in the shower. Cheap WalMart--I'm betting its regular spray paint with a new sticker slapped on the can....next year; I'm buying the wig.

(Click on any picture to see more online)

Fleet Week & Apple Hill

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:27:00 +0000

Don't worry, I had never heard of it either. "Fleet Week" is a week-long series of events held in the San Francisco Bay, primarily on/near/around Pier 39. "The mission of San Francisco Fleet Week Association (SFFWA) is to honor the dedication to duty and sacrifices of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and to conduct and offer disaster preparedness training." Ricky and I only showed up on Saturday (our first time going) and it was pretty cool! Although parking was an outrageous $50, we found a garage in Chinatown about a mile-long walk from the pier for much cheaper. There were booths representing all the armed forces, exhibits about the history of the San Francisco Port, Marine Academy etc. Ladies: the pier was PACKED with Navy and Marine soldiers...all in uniform. But the best part was a 4-hour air show featuring the Blue Angels. Yeah, it was pretty legit.

And...APPLE HILL! Aaaahhhh...apple donuts, apple pie, apple turnovers, apple cider---clogged apple arteries. I love all the little crafts, homemade aprons, wooden toys...I know Ricky just goes for me, but who doesn't like a good caramel apple?! I love everything about it; the pumpkin patches, the red barns, the Christmas tree farms, the hills, the woods, the leaves, the hills--even that one guy at Boa Vista Orchards who sells t-shirts with every dog imaginable printed on them, creepy as it is. And somehow after 4 hours, 3 apple donuts, 1 apple pie, a half-gallon of apple cider, 6 apples, 1 bag of kettle corn and 10 pounds later...we still made it back home before traffic.

(Click on the image above to view more pics online @ Picasa)

Last Days of Summer on the River

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:43:00 +0000

It was September 29th--two days from October and it was still hot enough to go swimming in the Sacramento River. Not your neighbor's solar-heated pool, mind you--the river; an average of 58 degrees. I don't mean jumping in on a dare; I mean voluntarily walking in--because the 103 degree rays of sunlight were melting me down...the water was wonderful! I think everyone else was expecting the river days to come to a close; lots of families and boats were out until late in the evening. And even as I write this, its 85 degrees out and two weeks from Halloween. As much as I like sweater weather, gee...I love California.

( My sister Alex and I. Photographs courtesy of Ricky. Click on the images to view more online@ Picasa)

Immigration: A Few Things to Keep in Mind

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:30:00 +0000

On a personal note: all are entitled to hold their own opinion, that is the blessing and privilege of living in this country; but perhaps sometimes we become so passionate in our cause that we forget to clear the dust from our eyes and look at things more objectively. Disregarding your personal beliefs, ALL people, illegal or otherwise, are still people; they deserve the most basic right of being a human--respect. So in your fervor of argument remember the people you are "trashing" are still people. Instead of debasing and undeservedly humiliating those who are trying to live the blessed life you do: point it towards the politicians.

(From an article in the Desert News, a largely conservative, Latter-day Saint (LDS or "Mormon") audience)

“It all begins with a central Christian concept: See them as human beings,” says conservative Sutherland Institute’s Mero, who is Mormon. “See them as children of God. Do not objectify them.”

"Mark Willes, CEO of Deseret Management Corp., reminded the News’ largely conservative, LDS audience of the state’s pioneer roots and wrote this:

“We, of all people, should be sensitive to the desire of others to provide more opportunities for themselves and their families. We, of all people, should take the time to learn to love our neighbors, rather than allowing the fact that they are different to cause us to want to drive them from our midst. We, of all people, should set a higher standard of concern, compassion and love. Except for Native Americans, we are all here because of immigration. Common decency, and gratitude for what we have, should cause us to embrace those who have a desire to share in and add to what is already here.” "

(The article continues with: )

When the Utah Legislature considered immigration reform in early 2008, Monson assigned a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy to urge lawmakers to use “compassion” in crafting their bills.

“Immigration questions are questions dealing with God’s children,” Elder Marlin K. Jensen said at the time, and legislators should “measure twice before they cut.”

Jensen suggested “a more thoughtful … not to mention humane, approach is warranted.”

Doctrinal Divide Confronts Mormons on Immigration

Matthew 18:33: “Shouldest not thou also have had compassion

on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?”

Global Warming is a FACT, not a theory!

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:38:00 +0000

Can I just clarify something for a minute? Global warming is a fact, not a theory. A theory is an untested idea, opinion or hypothesis. The Earth IS warming, and it is proven with data collection and direct evidence. (Disclaimer: To all proponents of apocalyptic "global warming," it is very important to point out that this is a very normal cycle in Earth's rhythms. Since its beginning, it has undergone several drastic cooling and warming periods.) Because of the strong recent warming, the updated trend over 1906 to 2005 is now 0.74 ± 0.18 degree C; and thats only 100 years.

( all graphs from NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies' "Global Surface Temperature Change" paper published 8-3-2010)

Aside from the most obvious evidence of actual temperature rise, sea levels are rising due to unprecedented glacial melt. Since 1993 satellite observations have permitted more precise calculations of global sea-level rise, now estimated to be 3.1 ± 0.7 millimeters per year over the period 1993 to 2003.

Prior major warmings in Earth’s history, the most recent occurring 55 million years ago . . . resulted in the extinction of half or more of the species then on the planet. The principal driver of recent climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. The report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) places the probability that global warming has been caused by human activities at greater than 90 percent. Although further changes in the world’s climate are now inevitable, the future, particularly in the longer term, remains largely in our hands—the magnitude of expected change depends on what humans choose to do about greenhouse gas emissions.Concentrations

of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today are roughly 35 percent above preindustrial levels. Oh mercy, there I go again...anyway, thats an entirely different lecture I'll save for another post someday. :)

Perhaps some reason for the non-acceptance of global warming is that personal perception tends to outweigh masses of date; and people confuse weather with climate and care more about local events than global trends. I'm certainly not forcing you to become overly-ambitious enthusiasts, just simply to stop calling global warming a "theory. Because, by its very definition, its not. Besides, you just look really silly when you argue with facts.

More importantly than your opinion, is the reliability of the source of which you build that opinion:

Reliable Sources:

Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change

NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies

Extreme Ice Survey

National Academies of Science

SVERY unreliable sources:

Shttp://www.globalwarming.org/primer/scienceFAQs

Shttp://www.junkscience.com/

Shttp://www.aapsonline.org/

and generally http://www.foxnews.com/

Live Tiger Cub Found in Luggage

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:46:00 +0000

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! REALLY?! This is just ridiculous...someone should put her in a bag...

(Article Courtesy of National Geographic)

Pictures: Live Tiger Cub Found in Luggage (National Geographic)

Live Tiger Cub Found in Luggage

"The cat's out of the bag—at least for a woman caught smuggling a live, two-month-old, drugged tiger cub in a suitcase full of toys (pictured) at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Sunday.

The 31-year-old Thai national, whose identity has not been revealed by Thai authorities, was scheduled to board a Mahan Air flight to Iran. But when she was seen struggling with a large bag at check-in, airport officials decided to x-ray her luggage.

The x-rays revealed the tranquilized tiger cub among stuffed-tiger toys, according to a statement released Thursday by TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network. (Related video: "Tiger Trade Slashes Big Cats' Numbers.")

Officials are investigating whether the cub was wild caught or captive-bred, as well as where the woman intended to bring the tiger.

All Asian tigers are listed as endangered or worse by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), mostly due to the illegal trade in tiger parts. (Read about how to save tigers with National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative.)"

With wildlife trade on the rise, officials at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport who rescued the live tiger cub (pictured) had just gone through a training course on how to spot smugglers, which was sponsored by the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network, partly funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

While no one knows exactly how large the illegal wildlife trade is, it may well be the world's most profitable form of illegal trade, according to National Geographic magazine.

Few wildlife smugglers are ever caught, and penalties are usually no more severe than a parking ticket, the magazine reported.

All tiger subspecies are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement that prohibits international commercial trade in the big cats (pictured, a live tiger cub found Sunday at a Bangkok airport).

The agreement encompasses both wild-caught and captive tigers, including animals raised on so-called tiger farms. (See tiger pictures.)

Even so, some tourist attractions—such as the Xiongsen Bear and Tiger Park in Guillin, China—secretly operate as fronts for illegal tiger farming, butchering captive tigers for their parts, National Geographic magazine reported earlier this year. (See pictures: "Tigers Butchered for Trade at 'Zoos' in China?")

Published August 26, 2010

Observations on a "Mosque"

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:18:00 +0000

(Disclaimer: I do realize the "insensitivity" issues people have. I wholeheartedly acknowledge and empathize with those (including myself) who were so deeply affected by that day. It is a day I never will, or want to, forget. It shaped our history and our people into what they are today; and I would never demean anyone's feelings on something so tragic. Upon reflection; it is still a day, a time, and an event that still affects me profoundly.)

After an endless barrage of articles, opinions and interviews on an Islamic cultural center being built near Ground Zero...I'm pretty darn sick of it all. And after listening to all the articles, opinions and interviews, I'm getting a little exasperated. There have been a lot of comments calling all this "un-American" and "insensitive." It is awfully unfair to judge the whole based on the radical actions of a few. To include all Muslims in Al-Qaida seems pretty "insensitive" to me. To tell someone where they can and cannot worship is one the of most "un-American" things I can think of. Without this freedom; almost all of us, certainly myself, would not be able to worship and embrace the religions we do today.

Our founding fathers came for the explicit purpose of freedom of worship. They ran from a place where their own people and government wouldn't accept them and established this country. Unless you are the member of the Church of England, whatever religion you chose to accept is a byproduct of the Religious Reformation that brought thousands here to establish our country. (Additionally: its not being built on Ground Zero--its several blocks away on a commercial lot of an old Burlington Coat Factory. The choices that are made are not vindictive or "insensitive.") Just because a few radical actions of few priests, we aren't going to stop building churches near playgrounds. As President Obama said, "Al-Quida’s cause is not Islam — it is a gross distortion of Islam,” the president said, adding, “In fact, Al Qaeda has killed more Muslims than people of any other religion, and that list includes innocent Muslims who were killed on 9/11.” And so to tell those whose choices make you sensitive, is very "un-American."

Perhaps the MOST annoying thing of all is everyone's "all-of-a-sudden" interest. The plans were proposed for this mosque at that location last year, and nobody seemed to have an opinion then. Why now does everyone care so much? (I realize that simply by blogging this I'm throwing myself into the hypocritical category.) BUT my point is this--if you have an opinion (which is great!)--have an original one. Not one because your mother, brother, sister, favorite politician (cough, cough) has one.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Municipal Land-Use Hearing Update
www.thedailyshow.com

I'm So Proud of my Cousins!

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:07:00 +0000

Yes, I'm proud of them all---but especially right now for Heidi and Ryan. Sitting in the Buschs' home VERY eagerly awaiting mission calls to be opened--twice in a month!--made me stop and think for a minute. (I'm so happy (anytime!) to see all my cousins, and they all have done wonderful things and are wonderful people, who

i'm so proud of too!)--but Ryan and Heidi have been on my mind the past couple of days. I just wanted to give them a special shout-out; to let them know how happy I am for them and their decisions to selflessly give up so much time and effort from their lives to fulfill what they believe. I know they will both do great things-- the people of Bogota, Columbia and Atlanta, Georgia will be blessed.

Wedding Portraits by Kate Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:37:00 +0000

(To see the rest of our wedding portraits by Kate Jackson...click on the image above.)

Aurora on August 4th

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:18:00 +0000

Quebec, Norway & Michigan--Auroras happen when energized particles from the sun wash over Earth and flow down the planet's magnetic field lines toward the Poles. Along the way, the charged partices bang into nitrogen, oxygen, and other atoms in our atmosphere.

The charged solar particles give Earth's atmospheric atoms an energy boost, which then gets released as light, producing the shimmering curtains of greens, reds, blues, and other colors. Beautiful seconds like these put me in awe of the unimaginable complexity of our Earth.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/08/photogalleries/100810-northern-lights-solar-cme-aurora-borealis-pictures/#/northern-lights-solar-flare-boat_24413_600x450.jpg

Mas Cancun Pics!

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:49:00 +0000

(To see all that stuff I rambled on and on about--
--click on the image above.)

Rachel & Ricky's Wedding Pictures!

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:11:00 +0000

(Come see our wedding pictures! Click on the image above to see them all @ Picasa...)

And all the days in between...

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 21:24:00 +0000

So we didn't plum tucker out, we tried to keep our travel itinerary rather open. On the days we didn't have some great adventure planned, we took the bus into downtown Cancun and walked around; played in the pool, or layed on the beach. While I know this sounds quite difficult, it was not too bad to endure. The bus was only 75 pesos (like 50 cents) so we ate lunch or dinner in downtown every so often and visited the local flea market; Mercado 28. Its rows and rows and rows and aisles and aisles and aisles of vendors selling EVERY souvenir imaginable. I'm pretty sure it took up an entire city block. AND apparently, if you speak Spanish--you get everything for cheaper...Ricky thinks he still got ripped off.

And the beach! What to say about those beach?! The views were amazing; from sitting in my little "palapa" (a permanent grass umbrella with a tiled table and two lounge chairs) I could see the ocean in front of me, one of the hotel's outdoor grilles to the side, the beautiful pool (and my beautiful boy) to the other side, and the hotel and more pools behind me. Never will anything have a view like this.

Xcaret (Pronounced: ees-cah-RHET)

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:05:00 +0000

For reals, everyone need to go to Cancun just for this. Xcaret is described as and "ecological theme park." But instead of roller coasters, the "park" is filled with all things wildlife and natural. For example; an underground river that winds around the whole park that you can snorkel in, a butterfly pavilion, a mayan village, lagoons that open to the beach for snorkeling, aquariums, tanks to swim with sharks, dolphins and turtles, SeaTreks (scuba tours), river tours, jaguar exhibits, gardens....I could go on and on. On top of all that there are 8 different (very, very nice) restaurants scattered throughout the park; we had a crazy good buffet lunch @ one of them. Although we didn't get to do everything, we DID snorkel in the underground river--my favorite! (And Ricky's first time snorkeling!), I felt like we did A LOT. It would easily take 2-3 days to see/do it all. Argueably the best part of the day was the "Xcaret Mexico Espectacular!" The show (held in a very life-like replica) of a Mayan ball court; basically a gigantic stone theater was divided into 2 parts. The first portion of the show was the history of the Mayan people, from their creation through the Spanish Invasion (I booed at that part) solely through song and dance. (I tried to explain to Ricky that thats what a musical is--but he wasn't buying it. I guess since it was in Spanish--it didn't apply.) The second portion of the show was traditional songs and dances from all the states of Mexico. All in all, Xcaret was espectacular.

http://www.xcaret.com/

Of Ferrys, Scooters & Other Scaly Things

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:46:00 +0000

Isla Mujeres day! What a great day. We took a ferry out to Isla Mujeres (only 20 or so min) & being typical tourists having NO idea what to do--we did the only rational thing there is to do...we rented a scooter. For $25 for the whole day, including gas, we drove up and down Isla Mujeres, driving along the coastline, through the brush, and through their little city; stopping wherever we wanted to stop. We stopped in the middle of the day right on the beach (@ the greenest piece of ocean we could find) with the intention to just jump in and cool down. Well, when the water is so warm its like a bathtub---its hard to just "jump in." Four hours later we decided it was probably time to keep moving. One of my favorite places was a government funded turtle preserve that opened onto one of the most incredible ocean view I've ever seen...and this little place where we ate lunch...on the beach. I seriously mean ON the beach. Our feet buried in sand, we ate lobster and shrimp with the water 3 yards away. Perfect end to a perfect day.

Chichen-Itza

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Woooowwwwww...today we went to Chichen Itza (and a hundred other places too!) So, we decided to save on headaches and book this trip through a group called Cancun Line--and it was SO worth it! We were up @ the crack of dawn, and still rubbing our eyes when we jumped on the bus. Given that Chichen Itza is two hours inland through jungle, I'm so very glad it was a nice bus. On our way there they served us breakfast (on the bus!) and the tour guides gave us a 2 hour (although not at all boring) history on the Mayan people. We stopped for a few minutes @ a Mayan village and kept trudging through the underbrush. Shortly we arrived and I can't even begin to adequately describe to you how amazingly humid it was there. Within 10 minutes my swimsuit was soaked through---I've never experienced anything like that! And although I was in a perpetual state of wetness for 5 hours, it was worth every single drop of sweat. Being there and seeing something so ancient was the chance of a lifetime.

After Chichen Itza we hopped back on the bus and stopped not too far away at another little Mayan village for a full, and very delicious, buffet lunch. Then, (drumroll please) we stopped @ the cenote. Its a underground lake (filled by underground rivers) but open all the way through the top. Its kind of like a sunken watering hole. After climbing down 99 stairs, you reach the water level and....jump in! Swimming with the little fishies; you look up and the roots of the trees have grown down so deep-you can almost reach up and touch them. What a breathtaking place.

First day here...

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Well, the flight was looooooong; and I was very tired--but we made it! A tropical storm just passed through the Gulf of Mexico and while there's no storms outside today---they are certainly still gale-force winds. So, we just stayed inside and checked out the hotel; the Presidente Intercontinental. Que fancy! Its VERY nice; with some jewelry shops, clothes stores and other things inside. But the best part is DEFINITELY the outside. The pool is huge, with 5 little jacuzzi's slightly submerged on one end & a cabana-esque grille on the other. There is also another pool, another (super classy) restaurant, another grill, and private beach access outside. The beach access is amazing! You can see the entire Cancun strip...i love it.

The Dress!

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:38:00 +0000

I FINALLY picked up my dress yesterday! It looks totally great! Being genetically deprived of the height gene; I had to have it hemmed up. (And had sleeves added)—and am VERY excited to wear it. I found an incredible seamstress (Mary) from Ricky’s mom and she did such a great job (for so SO cheap; being genetically deprived wont be so bad anymore! She’s even making Marcy (Ricky’s sister) a dress from scratch!) Personally tailored clothes are awesome! Its just a little sad that I’ll only be able to wear it one day! I think I’ll break it in and wear in around the house doing chores or something–give myself a little Cinderella moment. Its getting close and things are getting done—yeah! The agapanthas came up this weekend, my sisters just finished varnishing my grandmothers archway we’ll be standing under, (its airing out right now and from all the way upstairs and on the other side of the house I can STILL smell the marine shellac. Yuck.) chair cover ribbons ordered and we found someone to make the flautas for the reception….YEAHHH! I love flautas. We cant decide-beef or chicken?

Engagement Pics

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:54:00 +0000

(To see the rest of our engagement pictures, click on the image above...)

Wedding Planner

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:36:00 +0000

(Sigh) Long day….Ricky, my mom and I just met with our WONDERFUL friend and wedding planner, Marie Froyd; and she was amazing! No wonder she has been in business 20 years, she certainly knows what she is doing! Honestly, she is incredible with a million great ideas and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet-truly. Marie jumped to business and made decisions for us-us meaning me- about things I was feeling if-y (is that a word?) about without pushing her opinion or stepping on toes. If anyone is considering help…I would 100% recommend her! (www.eleganteventsbymarie.com) Even my mother, for those of you that know her, was feeling quite settled with her five pages of lists by the time she left. PLUS—she is true to her name, she really does have quite elegant taste. I cannot wait to see my flowers (which she also does, by the way)….a bouquet of white calla lilies, blue hydrangea, white freesia, white alstromeria and blue delphinium. I cant decide if I want some of the stems showing, or having the bouquet wrapped (maybe a french knot?) all the way down. What do you think? Pearls? Diamonds?

Wedding Invitations

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:36:00 +0000

We finally started sending out our wedding invitations out. As I’m sure you’ve noticed-our colors are brown, cream and blue. To be honest, its actually periwinkle. I know the blue on the invitations are not periwinkle, but they were just so darn cute. So for all you party crashers out there–don’t show up in sky blue hoping to match! Hopefully within the week everyone should have them. Hope you can all make it!

www.RicandRachel.com

noreply@blogger.com (--rachel montgomery martinez--) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:30:00 +0000

We created this website to help our friends and family get more information about our upcoming wedding. The site will provide information about our wedding and reception, venue’s and times; along with pictures and blog updates about what is going on. Tell us what you think on our wedding comments page!

http://www.ricandrachel.com/