¡Cambio Su Estilo con Mirta!

¡Cambio Su Estilo!

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, my grandma is a bit of a beauty diva.  Her hairdresser use to have a shop in her neighborhood, walking distance from her house.   So Mama Maria would head to the shop faithfully, every Saturday and get her hair done.  Now that I am here and have access to a car, I told her that I would be willing to take her more often than she currently goes.  So, yesterday we went to ¡Cambio Su Estilo con Mirta!  (Change Your Style with Mirta!).  She wanted to get her hair washed and hmm how do I describe the doo  she got…uh I guess she wanted to get it washed and fluffed lol.  You know, the older woman do, where there’s lots of spray involved and it looks kinda bit bird nesty.  So anyway, I also needed my hair dyed and my eyebrows done since I wasn’t able to make it to the shop before I left New York.  Now, anyone who knows me knows I am very particular about my hair and my eyebrows…especially my eyebrows.  I decided to take the plunge and allow a stranger to touch both because I reasoned to myself the following:

- This woman has been Mama’s hairdresser for over 20 years, she must know what she’s doing.

- Ok, I’ll let them blow my hair out because it seems they won’t know what to do with themselves if I ask them to keep it curly.  That seems to be unheard of in Puerto Rico (ironic, I know, but we’ll get into that later).

- They’re just eyebrows.  Who knows, maybe she’ll surprise me and really do them nice!  If she doesn’t they’ll grow back and I’ll never go to her again.

The results:

- It took two women, a can of hairspray, a blower and a flat iron to get my hair semi-straight and semi-smooth.  Yes, I said SEMI.  The woman was literally spraying a section of my hair with hairspray (which I didn’t find out until today or else I would have stopped her right away) and then putting a flat iron to it!  My poor hair went through so much torture yesterday…a moment of silence for it please.

-My eyebrows?  Yeah, well uh one of my eyebrows is half the size of the other.  Neither is arched or arco as I specifically requested.  What’s worse is after she did them she made sure to say “Your eyebrows look better this way, you don’t need an arch.” She had to recognize the look of absolute horror on my face as I looked in the mirror.   I cannot speak on this subject any further as I am fighting the feeling of complete and utter failure for even thinking it was ok to let someone who uses a waxing wand the size of  a nile file near my cejas (eyebrows).  My precious cejas!!!  Ok, I’m done….and no, there will be no pictures.

-If all of that wasn’t enough, it was hot as all I don’t know what yesterday…by the end of the day it looked like I had put rollers on my ends.

- The only saving grace: Mama was walking around looking and feeling like a million bucks.  She also felt the need to mention more than a few times how beautiful and long my hair is and how “nice it looks like that”.

I can’t help but read between the lines.  Curly hair = thumbs down.  Straight hair = thumbs up.  I know where it comes from.  I see it every time I sit down to watch a novela…its amazing how many milky toned, blond haired, blue eyed, hazel eyed, straight haired latinos there are on ALL these programs!  I have yet to see one woman whom I identify with.  I know this isn’t the basis for why my grandmother thinks my straight hair es muy lindo but, I do know that it’s a microcosm of what is relayed to us on a daily basis.  If it looks white and smells white then its white and white is good.  If it looks anything less than that, well then, its less than.  I refuse to subscribe to that…and if wearing my hair curly day in and day out is my mini revolution well then so be it.

Dia de Los Reyes

My new desk (yes, and my pillow pet Mono)

Yesterday was Dia de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day).  I thought I would come to you today with stories of me dancing in the streets complete with videos and pictures of the festivities.  But, as I continue to attempt to settle back into what is now my home, I find myself very busy.  Before I left I purchased a computer desk for my room, it was now time to assemble that bad boy!  I knew I had quite a task ahead of me, but considering I put together Mama’s new TV stand alone, I figured I could handle a computer desk!  I’m happy to announce that I was right…while it may have taken over 3 hours to do, (as Mama so eloquently pointed out LMAO) it is complete and very sturdy!  So, after 3 hours of manual labor and no air conditioner I was ready to eat and relax.  I spoke to my aunt later in the evening and she assured me that staying home was probably best because the traffic in Boquerón (where the festivities were being held) was absolutely ridiculous.  That, coupled with the fact that I am currently driving a vehicle who’s speedometer is out of order and I am unable to drink or eat anything other than water after 5pm, all made a great case for me to stay put in Mama’s house.  It was nice as we caught up on our favorite novela Aurora and I introduced her to the wonders of microwavable blue wax (no she didn’t use any, but she certainly watched in wonder as I walked it into my bedroom)!

Now let’s address a few points mentioned above just so I can get any questions out of the way...

It always reads 10mph!

Pick up truck getting me from A to B

No armrest = ouch!

First, the vehicle with the broken speedometer…what’s up with that right?  Yeah.  So, here’s the deal.  I have yet to purchase a vehicle so my aunt offered to lend me a vehicle to use while I continued my search.  It is a green Mazda pick up truck that her boyfriend uses for manual work he does here and there.  They are fortunate enough to have this as an extra vehicle and so they offered it to me.  Don’t get me wrong, I am VERY grateful to even have a car to use out here but the facts are still the facts and the facts serve as funny commentary for this blog.  So, here are the facts:  it smells like cat, it has no working speedometer, Mama looks like she’s hiking a mountain every time she gets in and out of it, when I reverse it sounds like the car is going to cough up a lung, there are no arm rests (so my elbows have quite a few bruises since I keep forgetting this fact), and every time I have to park it, I feel like I’m parking a mini school bus (apparently so does Mama as she thanked God when she saw a parking spot the size of a mini mall in front of her hairdresser today…”you can fit, thank God”).  But again, I’m thankful.  The pickup truck has also strengthened Mama’s campaign for me to just go on and purchase a NEW car.  Everyday she has another clipping of the low, low payment I would need to make a month in order to have this car or that one.  Adding additional debt to my life is not really what I’m trying to do.  This is supposed to be a process of freedom grandma!  Everyday I am buying time, praying that a great vehicle for $5k or less will come our way and this line on my to do list can be crossed off.

Second, the whole no eating or drinking after 5pm deal.  Here we go…for the month of January, my New York church is fasting.  From 5pm until 5am the next morning we are not to eat or drink anything other than water.  Also, we are not supposed to be on the phone (unless its an emergency), nor watching TV nor using the computer….from 5am to 5pm we can do all of the above, but at 5pm it all shuts down.  This fast is in an effort to shut the world out and allow yourself time alone. ..truly alone with God.  It is NOT easy….let me count the ways…one  - I am a hungry hungry hippo…shutting me down at 5pm is tough…two – I am separated from most of my friends and family whom all live in New York and are currently an hour behind me!  So, the fast really shuts down communication between me and NY at 4pm their time!  Three- the computer thing.  I was on a roll with the blogs before I returned to NY because I was writing and uploading my daily events at night either while I watched Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune with Mama or once she went to bed (9pm).  Now, I need to work out a different schedule for my writing/uploading times and I hope you will stick with me through the learning curve here.  Four – no TV!  I must admit I am creating an exception to the no TV rule.  I must watch Aurora with Mama…the benefits are too great to just shut down and if that is the one exception, I’m thinking it will be fine.  Aurora serves as a communication tool for Mama and I, it’s our common ground.  Not only that, its helping me with the language…so I consider it a form of studying.

BLUE WAX!

Finally, the wonders of microwavable blue wax.  I heart the Bliss spas in New York City.  I heart them because they use this amazing blue wax that hurts way less than any regular wax I’ve ever used.  Now, Sephora sells this wax in a microwavable cup to use in the comfort of your home.  I use it for pretty much every waxing need I have (except my eyebrows as those are too difficult and important to navigate)!  I’m one hairy girl, so this wax is near and dear to my heart.  I wasn’t sure how my Mama would receive the wax, but luckily she’s a little beauty diva herself (she use to get her hair done every Saturday until her hairdresser moved her shop out of walking distance) so she is familiar with wax and its uses.  I know it’s just a matter of time before she lets me try the blue stuff on her LOL.  I cannot wait for that day!!!  Get ready for pictures, pictures, pictures!! 

Ok I’m off to begin working on documenting today’s events for my next posting…see you then ;)

From New York back to Puerto Rico

Mini TU reunion! 

Me, Big bro n Mini Me

From Big bro to Lil bro!

I know it’s been awhile folks but New York has been a whirlwind!  Let’s see last posting I was knee deep in snow, so I guess it will be best to just summarize my time in New York and move forward from there.  Ok, so I was freezing pretty much every day that I was there.  Apparently my body got very use to low 80’s and didn’t respond well to low 30’s!  Only in these past few days am I not fighting back curses to the cold as soon as I wake up!  Next, these last 10 days I have been taking a long hard look at my family and friends.  I have allowed myself to worry, to be angered, to be annoyed, and to worry some more before I snapped out of it and put everything into perspective.  Any and all of these pains that I am experiencing, that any of us experience, lead to growth.  As a child I remember sitting in the living room cradling my knees as tight as I could, popping aspirin with tears rolling down my face.  My knees were in terrible pain and I didn’t understand why.  My mom sat next to me, stroked my hair as she often did, and said “Honey, you’re experiencing growing pains.  You’re body is growing and sometimes its painful, but its normal so don’t worry.”  She was right then and she’s right now.   I needed that reminder and God knew that.

Isa + Misha = FIERCE!

Ma, Pa n Jaden bring in 2011

Gen, Matt n Jenna

Sonia, Nicole and the infamous Joelle

Dancing Machines

So, just as things were getting down to the wire with Robert (my little brother who has enlisted in the Air Force), I was feeling ridiculously overprotective and borderline crazy.  I popped in a sermon that I had ordered from my church.  And what do you know, the message was eerily similar to the message my mother gave me over 15 years ago.  Pain (be it physical or emotional) leads to growth.  Robert has to live.  He has to learn.  He has to venture out on his own.  My parents have to go into this next chapter of their lives.  They have to experience a life of just the two of them again….this time older and wiser but (hopefully) just as happy.  My sister-in-law and brother have to develop their family and navigate through parenthood just as my parents did.  I have to move forward too.  I can’t be with my nephew and neices daily, but I can still play a significant role in their lives.  I can’t control the choices my family or friends make, but I can be there for them when they are in need.  And whether they are in need or not I will pray for all of them. 

My goodbye "penpal packet" to the kids

So, as I drive in the passenger seat of my father’s car and look out onto the New York skyline, I review just how much I’m leaving behind.  I realize how beautiful that skyline is and how its been the backdrop for a majority of my life. As I travel over the Whitestone Bridge, I feel more like a New Yorker than ever before.  It’s hard to put into words.  But while staring onto those buildings I think of the Cottes. While driving past Queens I remember the countless mornings Pa and I traveled to the pool here for our daily workout.  As we merge off towards my terminal I think of my mom, imagining her at work with her mind off of us and a smile on her face as she brews a fresh cup of coffee for herself.  As I hand over my bags I feel the lump in my throat grow bigger.  Finally, while hugging Pa goodbye I let the tears stream that I had been fighting to hide the whole ride here.  I hold him tight and when he tries to pull away assuring me in a cracking voice that he’ll see me soon, I hold onto him tighter.  “I love you” is all I can say, but there is so much to say and so little time.  His car is alone and I have to get on line.  As I wait to remove my shoes and sweater I think of Bibi and her “pocket full of love” (a notebook she secretly had the family sign filled with encouraging messages for Robert and I).  My eyes are puffy and people are staring, trying to figure out my story.  This is my story…I am loved beyond measure.  I am thankful to God for all that he has blessed me with and although this is more painful than I ever imagined, I am on my way to growth.  We all are.  To my family and friends, you are in my heart and in my prayers and I will see you soon.

The plane is packed.  The tears are still coming down, falling like raindrops on my cheeks.  I want to make them stop but I can’t.  I guess I need to let it out before I get to Puerto Rico anyway.  No sense in starting a new chapter with a heavy heart.  Until tomorrow…

PS – I am once again surrounded by screaming, crying, and kicking-the-back-of-my-seat children.  iPod here I come.

"Are you gonna follow me to Texas?!"

New York - Day 2

Family Ties

The Christmas party was a hit!  The last guests left at 1am and considering I had been up since 3:30am, I was exhausted!  At 10am I dragged myself out of bed and headed to church.  I was looking forward to seeing my old church folks, hearing that amazing choir and listening to an awesome sermon from Pastor Bobby.  So, even through the snow, I headed out.

By the time I got to church it was apparent that the snow was preparing to come down in full force.  And while I did miss the music, I did not miss the word.  As I walked out of service, feeling renewed, I prepared myself for the weather waiting for me.  A fellow worshipper was doing the same as I said “Man, its really coming down out there.”  She just looked at me and said “Yes but I’m not complaining.  Snow lets you know God is real!” 

Snow is coming doooown!

I rolled back home and knew that since my dad was working it was going to be up to lil bro and myself to get some shoveling done.  Unfortunately, I donated and/or packed away most of my heavy duty winter apparel so I ended up wearing size 12 Timbs thanks to lil bro and some fancy leather gloves thanks to my momma.  While it was fun being out there for a little while, I was definitely happy once I was back inside, warm and ready to eat.  Today, I was finally going to see my nephew and nieces for Christmas!  The most heart-warming moments were when little Sophia opened her gift to reveal an old stuffed doggie of mine that she’s adored since she first laid eyes on it.  Phia was so excited!   She paraded around the whole house with it and refused to let it out of her sight.  Then, Jaden opened his gift and exclaimed “Diary of a Wimpy Kid Journal?!  Ohhh I really wanted this!”  Renee was the only stalemate as my Christmas bag and tissue paper did not meet her gift opening requirements that day.  Wrapping papered gifts ruled.  One day though, she’ll see that I passed down a beautiful jewelry box for her to store all her silly bands (or whatever the next million dollar fad is) as well as a stuffed teddy made of our favorite colors (orange = mine and yellow = hers).

Day 2 in New York City felt better than Day 1 as I was able to cuddle with my nephew while watching 60 Minutes and reading bilingual children’s books that I didn’t remember/know we had!  Jaden wanted to spend the night but he was a bit under the weather and it was looking like SNOW-- tons and tons of SNOW was coming our way.  So I promised him I’d stay over the next evening.  His eyes lit up and he left looking forward to tomorrow.  I must admit I was too.  This would be the first time in the 5 years I’ve lived there that I would have a slumber party with the kids upstairs!  And so, the changes continue…

Puerto Rico/New York - Day 12/Day 1

¡Feliz Navidad!  My Christmas started with “Get up girl, you’re late!” as Titi Annie threw open my bedroom door.  I jumped up with one eye open and immediately reached for my phone.  My Blackberry read 3:40am.  I thought I set my alarm for 3am when I laid down at 2:30am.  I guess that was my first problem…probably should have just stayed up but it was becoming impossible.  My flight was at 5:30am, which meant they start boarding at 5:15am.  The airport is about 45 minutes from my aunt’s house and I needed to return my rental car as well as check my bag.  So, we estimated that I should be at around 4:15am, which meant I should technically be on my way to the airport by 3:15am so that I can give myself time to stop for gas, traffic, etc.  Again, my phone read 3:40am!  But luckily I was fully packed, my clothes were ready and I had showered just before I laid down.  All I needed to do was brush my teeth, slick my hair back and slip into my clothes.  I was on a very dark Puerto Rican back road headed for Interstate 100 by 3:50am.  Then, I played the line between booking it and playing it easy.  There was no way I wanted to gamble getting pulled over on my way to the airport but there was also no way I was going to do the speed limit.  I knew I had a few key factors that still made it possible for me to make that 5:15 possible:

1.     You treat red lights like stop signs in Puerto Rico after a certain time…I think its 1am.

2.     There’s usually not much traffic at 4am

3.      No weather issues

4.      I had enough gas to get me to the airport and if worse came to worse I would take the hit for not having the car refueled if it meant getting to NY

5.      That 5am flight isn’t always on time

6.      I had checked in online so all I needed to do was drop my bag

7.      Returning the car simply meant dropping a key off

So initially it looked a little sketchy but by 4:30am I knew I’d be there at the very worst by 5am.  So, I took a gamble and stopped at a very well lit gas station close to the airport.  I put $20 in the tank and prayed that was enough as that was all I had left in cash.  It was and before I knew it I was on my way.  Then, raindrops started hitting my windshield and a cop car jumped in front of mine…going 5 mph (ok I’m exaggerating maybe 10mph)!  I just calmed down, took the stroll in the rain and reminded myself I’d be just fine. 

Sure enough, by 5:15 I was waiting to board the plane and observing a 3 year old with a huge black and purple knot on his head, a teenager for a mom who obviously had no control over him, and a (from what I can detect) a grandfather who has about a splinter more control over this unruly child.  It’s now raining steadily so we have to walk briskly into the plane as to avoid getting wet.  I walk to my seat and see the teen mom and clearly hear the screams of the three year old and what do ya know…I’m sitting right behind them!  Before we could take off I snuck off into the back row.  There must have been about 5 children on that flight…all different ages, very whiney and full of screams/cries/complaints.  So, I laid myself across the 3 seats, threw my iPod on tried to get as much rest as I could.  Before I knew it our less than festive flight attendant was mumbling that we should prepare for landing and informing us as to where we can retrieve our luggage.  I got my first “Merry Christmas” as I exited the plane and prepared myself for cold temperatures but fun times with my family.  

It had only been about 10 days but it honestly felt like a month since I’d been in New York City.  Christmas at home was different.  There was a family party that night at my parent’s home so even though I walked into the house at around 10am, the house was already buzzing with activity.  It seemed to be busy, serious activity though.  Not light or festive activity.  It just didn’t feel like Christmas.   I felt like it was partly my fault.  See, I had come up with the idea to have people over that night and now it seemed to be blowing up in my face.  It felt like I put a burden on my parents and I kinda ruined Christmas. 

Originally, I envisioned getting off the plane and my mom and little brother picking me up and heading to my big brothers house to open gifts with the kids.  Then, I figured we’d spend a few hours there and head back to the house and get ready for the party that evening.  But, my dad ended up getting the day off so he picked me up and at the point my mom was in clean/party hosting mode so she had no intentions of going anywhere.   So, I opted for vision number two which was us having Christmas breakfast, opening gifts together and jamming to our favorite Motown Christmas CD like we have for the last 10+ Christmas mornings.  Instead of mom cooking though, I did.  I scrambled some egg whites up and threw together some toast.  My mom then jumped in and made some coffee and then lil bro set the table.  My dad reluctantly sat down with us while I made sure our favorite CD was in full swing.  We were gonna have Christmas damnit!  Breakfast went well, but as soon as it was done it was like back to the hustle and bustle.  I’m sure I was just being extra sensitive but I just didn’t know what to do with myself.  I just wanted to relax with my family and it seemed that was the last thing that was going to happen.  I’m sure I was tired and jet lagged, but I just felt like everything was changing so much and I no longer felt at home.  What is going on? I wondered.  I decided to sit outside before unnecessarily picking an argument with any one of them in the house.  Our dog Chico followed me out and almost as if he knew I needed company, he dutifully stayed hovered around me as I sat on the steps and let the tears stream from my face.   What’s going on Michelle? I don’t know, but I don’t like the feeling I’m getting.  It’s Christmas!!  We’re supposed to be warm and fuzzy and Hallmarkish at all times and that is not what I’m feeling!!!!  Then my phone rang.  It was my dad. 

Pa: “Hey where are you little girl?”

Me: “Outside with Chico, what’s up.”

Pa: “Oh well come on in, we’re opening presents.”

Me:  “Ok.”

I slipped into the basement bathroom and did my best to cover up any signs of the breakdown I had just had.  I doubt I did a good job but at least everyone acted like they didn’t see a thing…at least not until I opened one of two sentimental gifts (an eyes bracelet and charm chain) from my mom.  I cracked as soon as I read that what the eyes bracelet meant.  The eyes are supposed to signify a watchful and protective eye.  To me, it was yet another vote of encouragement from her to continue on my endeavors but a reminder that she was still there should I need her.   Then there was the ‘daughter, mother, friend’ chain.  She wanted me to know that I was more than her daughter now, I was also her friend.  The tears continued to fall as my mom took a seat next to me and my dad asked “what’s going on little girl?”  See, we’re not like an extra mushy, talk-about-our-feelings-all-the-time-kinda-folk so I think they were a little thrown off.  All I could get out was “Everything is changing…” My mom said “Is that good or bad?”  I said “Good.”

Come on folks, squeeze into the kitchen!

Cousins and my momma!

I heart these Berrocal women!

But to be honest, I’m not too sure.  I’m praying all of this change in our family is a good thing, but we’re venturing into unchartered territories, just trying to navigate this as best we could.  Robert is headed to the Air Force, I'm headed to Puerto Rico and my parents are beginning a new chapter in their marriage (I like to call it Post Kids rather than Empty Nest).  I believe if we stick together though, we’ll be just fine.  We just need to stick together and together doesn’t always mean physically being with each other, its about keeping the communication lines open…its about leaning on each other for support…its about Paciencia y Fe…

Sticking together...

Puerto Rico - Day 11

Open it Mama!

Look at this girl...

Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) started with me taking a nice jog around the local baseball field while catching up on New York family matters with my mom.  It was a warm 80 something degrees as I walked a few blocks up to the panaderia (bakery) for “dos libres de pan” which I thought meant “two loaves of bread”, but then he came out with four loaves of bread…two breads per bag.  That’s when I realized “un libre” equals one bag of bread but I was too embarrassed to give the extra bag back.  Then, I remembered that like most “divorced” kids, I’m splitting my holiday.  So, I’ll have a bag of bread for my early evening celebration with Mama and use the other bag for my late evening celebration with Titi Annie, Tio Edwin and Carmen.  I decided since I wasn’t sure how long it was going to take for me to get to Titi’s house that night, I’d just drop it off right away.  That way, they can enjoy the bread even if I wasn’t there yet.  When I pulled up Tio Monchin and his wife Rosa were there.  Tio Monchin is my mother’s uncle (on her mother’s side).  He is the oldest of the four siblings and is so cute and little.  He seemed to be pleasantly surprised to hear that I was going to be in Puerto Rico for an extended amount of time and that I was investing in the language.  I couldn’t understand a lot of what he was saying but I do know he was explaining to me how he had to learn English and had a great teacher.  He also said that he realized he had to start thinking in English in order for him to truly pick up the language.  I know exactly what he means because slowly but surely I’m starting to think in Spanish…its just not very easy.  I’m essentially trying to reverse 29 years of thinking in English!

About 2 hours later...

Mama was trying to play it cool...

Anywho, after dropping off the bread I decided to wrap the gifts I bought for Mama and Max in my car trunk in front of Titi’s house.  Mama had been looking for a TV stand and finally found one she liked.  We didn’t purchase it when we found it because she was waiting for it to go on sale.  What she didn’t know was that I went back to Kmart the very next day and purchased it for her (on sale) and had been hiding it/avoiding taking her back to Kmart ever since.  I felt bad because I know she thought I forgot all about the promise I made to take her back to the store, but I figured the look on her face when it came wrapped to her front door would be well worth it.  Oh and it was! “Sin berguenza” (shameless/nuisance/pain in the ass) is all she could say as she tore the paper off.  All I could do was laugh and say “De nada” (you're welcome).  Max loved his Santa dog.  He began slobbering all over it as soon as he saw it.

Dinner #1

Max and his Santa dog

I gave Mama her gift early because I knew I was heading out early the next morning.  Also, Mama decided to host Christmas Eve dinner at her house for two of her neighbors who are also alone for the holidays.  So, I knew she’d love to show off her new TV stand to her guests.  It was a beautiful event.  Mama made pavo guisado (stewed turkey) and arroz con gandules (yellow rice and pigeon peas).  I made a fresh salad, cut the bread, and sliced up some avocado.   The only unfortunate thing is that the crazy neighbor with the gambling problem, of course, went to the casino earlier that day and had lunch while there.  She refused to admit it but simply picked at the food presented to her.  The other neighbor ate a bit more, but still like a bird.  Of course I over ate in an effort to make a dent in the massive amount of food she cooked…and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Las tres amigas

Since we made dinner, her next-door neighbor made dessert.  It was a little cornstarch/coconut/cold dessert called Tembleque.  Then, it was time to pack up yet again and head for Titi Annie’s house.  I was so stuffed though that I laid on the bed for a minute...until I felt my bed moving!  I thought I was imagining things at first but then I felt it again...my bed was moving back and forth!  I had no idea what to do, so I sat perfectly still and just let it pass.  I opted to not say anything to Mama so I wouldn’t alarm her.  Once the very odd bed movements passed, I proceeded to pack for my flight and chat with Mama while watching a few Christmas programs.  To be honest, I really didn’t want to leave and I don’t think she wanted me to leave either.  But, I promised Titi I would be there for dinner as well so I eventually made my way over.

Dinner #2

By the time I got there everyone was ready to eat and Titi was a little ticked off.  Apparently they had been waiting for me to eat and she had been trying to call me, but was unsuccessful.  A few minutes after I arrived we all found out why.  That weird bed movement was really a tremor from an earthquake!  Titi couldn’t get through because all the phone lines had malfunctioned.  Apparently it was a 5.4 magnitude that mostly affected the middle eastern portion of the island but I felt it all the way on the west coast in my grandmother’s bedroom.  Crazy!

So Noche Buena ended with a second dinner, which consisted of mostly salad, chicken and coquito followed by a little black coffee and some super delicious cake provided by Titi’s boyfriend Louis.  I fell out at around 2:30am only to be woken up in a hurry an hour later…I needed to high tail it to the airport…I’m heading home for the holidays…

Puerto Rico - Day 10

Mr. Miyagi (Tio Edwin) & Titi

¡Cumpleaños Feliz Titi Annie!  Today was Titi Annie’s Birthday (Dec. 23^rd but I’m late with the postings LOL)!  I knew I wanted to do something nice for her because not only was it the first time I’d actually be in Puerto Rico for her special day, but also because she like many other late December babies, gets caught in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and is often forgotten about.  So, I decided to do something relaxing for her, something most women really enjoy (except for Mama Maria of course).  I decided to treat her to a one-hour massage…on the beach.  The on the beach part quickly changed to an awesome serene indoor location because the winds were causing high tide which meant a lot of wind, water and noise from the ocean.  It also meant a lot of random surfer dudes wandering…so luckily I switched it before we even got there.

Relaxed 

The morning started bright and early.  I left a card on my door for her so that as soon as she came to wake me she would find it.  I wasn’t sure how sentimental she might become after reading the card so I figured I’d give her the option to read it alone…just before waking me.  I think it was a great decision as she nudged me ever so gently in the morning and immediately said “Thank you for the card, it was really beautiful.“  That was the beginning of an awesome day! 

After a quick coffee, we hit the road and headed out to Rincon, which is a beach town 45 minutes away from where Titi lives.  Unfortunately we ran into some traffic so we were about 15 minutes late.  Then, we got a bit lost and my TIti was quickly losing her patience with the masseuse.  I quickly reminded her that today was her birthday so she wasn’t allowed to get up in arms about anything.  “Chill out Titi and smile!” is what I said before we exited the car.  She dutifully practiced her smile in the rearview mirror and we were off to meet the woman.  I dropped my Titi off into her capable arms as a mother does her child to kindergarten and I headed off to the beach for some much-needed alone time. 

Peace 

The beach was gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.  It was high tide so the waves were crashing continuously and with fervor.   The temperature was just right…low 80’s (if that) and the few families around me were pretty tranquil.  Its times like these that I truly enjoy sitting alone.  Taking in that scenery took me back to Table Mountain (in South Africa), and once again I praised and thanked God for all that he has created.  I looked around and realized that even with man’s destruction and disrespect of the land, His beauty and His power shines through.  I looked up and saw a bird flying and found myself in awe of the fact that this animal, this living thing has been given the capacity to literally suspend itself in mid air.  I was captivated, yes by a bird.   I’ve taken this animal for granted so many times, but in this moment I saw so much.  I saw grace, freedom and strength.  That hour alone on the beach served as a cleansing of my spirit.  So while Titi was massaged, in a way, so was I. 

Cheers!

By the time I returned, Titi was finishing up.  She walked out with a grin from ear to ear looking like the weight of the world had just been lifted from her shoulders.  Of course we couldn’t leave Rincon without stopping to have something to eat!  So, we headed to Tamboo Tavern, our favorite little ocean side bar/restaurant to cheers to her birthday over a delicious piña colada.

La Familia en El Bohio restaurante

The rest of the day consisted of more food, this time with Tio Edwin and his wife Carmen.  All in all Titi seemed to have a really great birthday and I was happy to be a part of it.  ¡Feliz Cumpleaños Titi Annie!