James & Shan do PR

We got married~~

2011-10-26T08:31:00.004-04:00

I haven't posted in forever and the excuse that "i've been so busy" is kind of lame but oh well...here are some photos of our wedding to make up for it.

We got hitched October 15th, 2011 in our hometown of Sarasota, Fl. We were on Siesta Key, the number one beach in the nation right now, which I would say sums it up perfectly. The sand is fine quartz and always stays cool. We even had friends from PR question how in the world we got married barefoot in the snow, it is so white we could easily understand the misconception.

Life in P.R.

2011-08-15T10:15:00.003-04:00

My friend Joanna made this video for us. A montage of her visit here. I had no idea she was even filming as much as she was (damn technology...she did it all with her iphone! How sneaky.)

It makes me smile.

We surf at Pools, visit the waterfalls, play outside, hang at the house, and dance with Coop.

Ohh PR

2011-08-01T07:45:00.002-04:00

We're in the way of this tropical storm thing

Summer in Rincon

2011-07-26T17:52:00.000-04:00

Wow as of next week, we've been here for two months. We just returned from a long vacation in Florida and its made me appreciate the little things about Puerto Rico that I had overlooked:
~ Huge green over grown trees lining the road
~ The smell. There's nothing like it. wind, salt, dirt, plants
~ No Air Conditioning (Sounds weird but although it is sticky and uncomfortable, I actually enjoy sweating it out
~ Colorful street signs and buildings
~ Walking out onto the beach whenever I want, showing up and being the only one there
~ Letting dogs run wild on the beach

International Surfing Day 2011

2011-06-16T02:24:00.002-04:00

Casa Islena. 9 am. Bring everything and everyone you've got for a day of fun in the sun and hopefully some baby waves. We're hanging out under the Aloha Yoga tent and almuerzo (lunch) is potluck style so bring something delicious.
See you there!!
For more info, check out:
http://www.intlsurfingday.com/events/#islands

Ocean Love

2011-02-23T10:15:00.001-04:00

Online Action

2011-02-22T00:16:00.002-04:00

I spend a good amount of time on the computer. What with blogs, and research about yoga, Facebook, Email checking, Research for the Surfrider Foundation, and just basic screwing around, I figured there has to be some good that comes out of it as well.

I found this website, Care2.com, which is a giant online community dedicated to green living. So, they have these petitions to sign that I try to do at least a couple times a week. At first I wasn't sure how much of an impact I was making, but I get e-mails regarding little victories made in government legislation based on the amount of social outcry there is. For example, Shell is no longer drilling in 2011 in Alaska. I don't exactly think this was because of little ol' me...but I definitely protested it online. So, I like to think I'm involved.

Now for those who are fueled by the independence of oil debate...sorry this isn't a good blog for you to read. I'm a firm believer that all the money in the world, power, and independence that the US could have because of oil is not worth anything if our environment is destroyed.

"Oh you want to go diving in the Caribbean?"
"No, we can't...there's nothing to see there because the water is toxic & the animals are dead."
"Oh, bummer. I'm glad we have the option to fly though!"

Visit the site if you're interested in making a difference.

Shan Surfing

2011-02-09T18:54:00.002-04:00

Well technically this is just me paddling around. The waves were super small that day so even though we caught a few, this was just fine for me. It felt nice to just get wet.
James shot this image with our new digital camera, the Pentax Optio w90.

It is water-proof, shock proof, and takes HD videos. I love it. I can't wait to post more photos using it. James brings it on the Katarina Sail with him to capture beautiful sunsets and adventures. If you're interested in a waterproof camera, I'd definitely recommend this one.

Langosta

2011-02-09T18:50:00.001-04:00

Lobsters James caught.

Fotos

2011-02-08T09:18:00.007-04:00

Haven't uploaded any personal photos in awhile. Here's a glimpse into our life:

Coop in our neighborhood.

James going to work on the Katarina Sail Charter

Curvy Puerto Rican Roads
Open House Party at La Paz Studio with the lovely ladies

Recycling Boards

2011-02-08T09:12:00.004-04:00

I had a thought the other day...what happens to old surfboards? Could you recycle them at all? Or can you buy boards out of recycled materials? Guess you can. Look what this guy is doing...

Kind of makes me wanna bust out the paints.

Recycled Boards

The Greener Blue

2011-02-08T09:07:00.004-04:00

I found this new website that has my favorite things: green living and surfing.

How perfect! A great way to find surf information, purchase stuff, and read new info. Plus I can take action and sign petitions for things I can't physically volunteer for.

The Greener Blue.

February is Plastic Free Month

2011-02-08T09:04:00.002-04:00

Could you go plastic free for an entire month??

Can I? There sure is a lot here in PR. Plus the other day I had take-out eaten with a plastic fork. So as of today, I'm not doing so good. Maybe I'll put a real fork in the car for times like that....

Green Frustration

2011-02-08T08:39:00.005-04:00

Lately I've been upset about the lack of concern and action people have when it comes to the environment. It needs us, and not much is being done. How do I get out of this funk when I see it everywhere?

Then today this popped up on Facebook, an inspiring list of green options from my favorite surfer, Claire Bevilacqua. She is one of the best surfers out there right now and I got to see her at the Rip Curl Pro here in PR. She is small and compact and is ripped. For me, she is the most vivid example I've seen of someone living a positive, green, and active life. Her tips for living better with the environment include, "move more" which is so simple yet true. Walk your lazy butt down the street for your purchase, chances are, there is a store right down the corner from you anyways.

Plus I love the title, "Youth Against Establishment."

Natural Antiseptics

2011-02-05T16:42:00.003-04:00

I was curious about what to eat today considering I have a wicked hangover.
Bleh.

So as I browsed the web, I came across a blog about natural antiseptics. Not that I'm septic, I was just curious. Turns out, a lot of the foods we buy that are cheap here are naturally antiseptic!

For instance, I just made ramen noodles (oh yea! Cheap & delish) and added sautee'd white cabbage, onions, and radishes. Perfect. I even feel better in the hangover department as well.

This island has the magic: amazing agua de coco that is a miracle cure, greens from my boss' farm, those tiny yellow bananas, papaya in my smoothies, and tostones instead of fries.
yum!

Tsunamis

2011-02-05T16:06:00.003-04:00

Highway to the danger zone

I had a recent scare her in P.R. I wouldn't even call it a "scare," that is being subtle. I was really freaked out.

They have been testing the tsunami alerts lately. I've heard them do it before. Often, they bust out the sirens right when I'm in the middle of teaching a yoga class. We freaked but listened and understood that it was a test and kind of giggled. Nervous laughter on my part. Because the announcement is bi-lingual, it is a little hard to understand, it all tends to blur together. I had to go outside to hear it clearly.

So, the last time this happened one of my students explained that she knew it was a test because the real tsunami alarm sounds strange, it kind of makes a song, or does a scale of tones at least.

This happened the other day! We were on the way to the beach, ready to meet up with friend's at Maria's for an afternoon longboard sesh. Coop was in the car so he could play on the beach and we were all set. Then we hear this crazy alarm going off...the weird scale tone alarm. But no one was reacting. Traffic was normal, and we passed tourists buying pinchos at the corner stand. I thought maybe they were testing it again.

We pulled into the marina to pick something up from Shipwreck restaurant, people started going nuts. Full chaos. Cars screeching out of the dirt lot, people running, I heard yelling, the bar tenders leaving the restaurant, commotion, then a lady we babysat for the other night looked me dead in the eyes and said, "There's a tsunami warning, they're yelling at us to run!"

I tried to stay calm and collected but holy crap that was intense. We got into the car and drove up the closest hill we could, and went all the way up. James told me to stay calm as I was the driver, but I was already thinking 10 billion things at once. I looked in the rear-view mirror when we reached the top and my neck and chest were covered in red splotches. I guess when I'm pretty scared I break into hives!

I called the pilates teacher at the studio to see if she had heard anything. She hadn't. This made me so confused. Maybe we were over-reacting but I was not about to drive downhill and risk getting trapped in traffic if something horrible were happening down below.

In conclusion, it was a test! Apparently the mayor has decided to start testing the tsunami alarm systems the first Wednesday of the month. However, this was happening on a Tuesday so that is just typical weird stuff that happens here. Not exactly a lot of preparation or community involvement at all. Other people said it was announced at the beginning that it was a test, but I definitely did not hear that, and neither did the people at the marina!

So this got me thinking....wtf!

I don't usually complain about the way of life here but this really got me scared and pissed off. If it were real, would people listen? The boy who cried wolf situation? And if I was home, would I have heard the sirens? We were in town so it was louder. I have friends who had no clue this was happening at all, including the girls I met down at Maria's to surf when all of the commotion was over.
It is great that our community is trying to be prepared for a disaster such as a tsunami but what about some sort of organization? Of if you are doing a test, why not say that over and over and over again? All I know is I'm driving down to Mayaguez to the Radioshack to buy us a NOAA weather radio. I don't think I trust the system here too much...

Food Cont.

2011-02-03T11:40:00.003-04:00

I just found this recipe too that I can't wait to try! We like Spaghetti squash a lot and it is relatively inexpensive here. We've got one in the fridge now that I'm ready to bake. It is one of the coolest vegetables I've ever eaten.

This recipe reminds me a lot of green papaya salad, which is amazing and everyone should try. You kind of scrape the insides of an un-ripened papaya and eat it with peanuts, vinegar, and other veggies if you're feeling creative. Our friends Jim and Cynthia of Rincon Sports Massage made it at their Christmas party and I've been craving it ever since.

So, here is is: sesame soy spaghetti squash

Food, Comida

2011-02-03T11:30:00.003-04:00

We are sick of all the food we eat. For some reason, rice and beans is just not cutting it for us anymore. Now at times, certain ingredients can be hard to find here in the little town of Rincon, but I'm determined to switch up our culinary options this month. We've gotta spice it up!

I came across this girl's blog, Oh She Glows, and I'm liking it a lot. She has plenty of variety and delicious, healthy options that I already know I'll eat (plus I think James will like too, even if it isn't pizza...which he's been on a huge kick for lately).

A lot of the food is vegan, actually I think it all is. We have a little experience with vegan cooking, last season James made a vegan pizza out of spaghetti squash that was amazing. Like I said, he really love pizza.

I'm going to make the avocado creamy pasta tonight! Just thinking about it gets me excited. I can't wait to buy the avocados, or aguacates, from the local vegetable stand girl who called me "baby" this morning when I stopped by for some bananas. Haha! So fun to shop with her, she's sassy.

A lot of people get on the vegan kick and sometimes have an attitude that they're better for you. Love it or hate it, I'm just looking for some new healthy recipes. I do know that we feel better when we reduce the meats, that's for sure. I don't know what it is but if we've been carnivores for a few days we'll both notice at the same time that we're not doing so hot.

Tablas Nuevas

2011-01-02T14:11:00.003-04:00

James and I got new boards! Just in time for Christmas too. We had them shaped by a local shaper named Monchito and we're stoked.

However, I recently got into some trouble at Bridges in Aguadilla the other day. Getting out of that water was treacherous as all of the sand from the beach has washed away and you're jumping into rocks! I dinged by board a lil and twisted my ankle. Word of advice: be very very very cautious if you're headed to surf there.

So, mine's currently not good, so sad. But that's just part of it I guess. I'm just happy I'm not really hurt!

January 2nd, 2o11

2011-01-02T14:04:00.002-04:00

Ok so I enjoy Christmas. I love the holidays. Spending time with loved ones, traditions, food, and drink. But holy moly it is going on foreverrrrrrr.

Just last week I was late to places because of what else... parades! James and I were actually involved in one on accident, the walking of the oxen which was crazy. Huge bulls and ox just strolling down the street, while the loud speaker trucks blared behind them.
Then there was a 3 kings one just the other day, but 3 kings day is the 6th of January. There's christmas lights and decorations still up, and fireworks blasting off at all hours.

My neighbors are currently singing. Lots of singing. With tambourines. I can't tell what they are saying, and I'm not sure what the 2nd day of January is...some sort of important holiday here in Puerto Rico.

It is hilarious and insane and I'm loving it. Makes each day interesting huh?

Christmas in Puerto Rico

2010-12-19T09:46:00.002-04:00

What an awesome time of year here on the island. Even if you aren't a big Christmas fan, you're kind of forced to celebrate in one shape or form here, it is infectious!

First of all, christmas starts RiGhT after Halloween. Decorations on houses have been up way way way before Thanksgiving, which is usually when you see some lights and hear the faint sound of christmas music up in the states.

We have our 2 strands of lights up on the house, not much, but I think it is cute.

We experienced our first "parranda" the other evening. It didn't happen to us, but our neighbors down the street. Imagine being awoken from slumber at 2 am by the sounds of laughter, music, and singing. These people were singing "feliz navidad" on the top of their lungs (horribly) and didn't stop until the people in the house let them in. Here's more info about it: Parranda in Puerto Rico

So that was fun, peeking out the window at these crazy people jamming out while no one else seemed to care. That was the weird part, everyone just knew what was happening so they didn't run out of the house confused.

There's also the Santa Claus that rides around in the bed of a truck throwing candy into the streets blasting music and ho-ho-hoing all over town. That is kind of fun. I could see how kids would get super excited here.

Oh and the fireworks! People lighting and setting off bombs all day long. Wait until night? No way, they are going off all day. These loud bombs going off in neighbors yards, dogs barking like crazy, and danger lurking around every corner. Watch yourself as you walk the dog, you may be in the line of fire!! I think we'll pick some up and join on the fun on Christmas eve.

We had a holiday party to attend last night and got to enjoy some "coquito," which I had forgotten about but was so excited to try again. A milk, coconut, spice, Rum, and cinnamon treat that is prepared days ahead of the occasion so all of the flavors can really mix. It is so delicious and a perfect dessert drink after you're done eating so much traditional Puerto Rican food you can hardly stand it. As with the typical tradition, James enjoyed Lechon, roasted pig on a spit the other weekend at our friend's farm, Finca Cielo Verde. They do that often here, but it was a big occasion out there in the jungle because all of the friends, animals, and food were there for some farm fun.

Then there's 3 kings, which is very big here. Santa is just a funny fat guy who was influenced by the states. But, the real important holiday is Three Kings Day. January 6th. We'll see what kind of adventures we get into that day. But, because we're not religious, it might just be another day for us. Not for the rest of the island though! Paradas (parades) will be happening and fun to be had. I know the kids cut grass and put them in shoe boxes for the king's camels to eat when they stop at their houses to deliver gifts. So cute!

waves in november

2010-11-27T09:47:00.002-04:00

Check out all of those stars! World class waves today. We'll see what I get myself into. Working a lot lately, but have always got to make time to surf.

Check Magic Seaweed for the local reports. I'll post photos to follow up through Rincon Surf Report

Doggies in Rincon

2010-11-27T09:46:00.000-04:00

Love dogs? You could help save a life!
http://www.amigosdelosanimalespr.org/

The Ocean Needs Us

2010-11-22T15:22:00.000-04:00

Support Funding for the Ocean!

I love yoga

2010-11-14T14:39:00.002-04:00

Cool article about yoga's stress reduction abilities. I know it helps me. I'm so happy I found it.

Yoga Article

La Paz Rincon Yoga and Pilates Studio here in Rincon!!!