The Gringa's Adventures in Costa Rica - Part 4 - Food & the Time Difference...

I took a few days off from this series.

Messin' with the hubby....

Ok, so if you haven't read this previously - my husband does the grocery shopping.

Mostly because I hate Shop Rite's cold cut line & the gossipy older folk who pretend to not hear you say excuse me 12 times, because they're blocking the aisle bs'ing - but also because he thinks he's saving money.  I say go for it babe.

With this in mind, I sometimes like to goof on my husband by putting off hand items on the grocery list, and sometimes some sexy things to make him smile when he's shopping.

So this past weekend, he decided he was going to go grocery shopping after church.  Me - now I KNOW that's NEVER the time to shop, because the sales start Sunday & once church empties out - the grocery store fills up.  It just is...

Anyway, he went and took our daughter with him and, oops - he made her in charge of the list.  This was not embarrassing for ME - because I'm not daddy, I wasn't there & I'd have totally turned it around and distracted her in another way.  Hubby, not so much....

So what was on the list this time??  KY Yours & Mine, lol

Another thing you should know is that our daughter calls my son Ky-Ky.

They are shopping along & he has the list in "aisle order" to make it easier.  To be fair, I'm also anal in that way & would have done the same thing.  Almost at the end of grocery shopping, with our daughter still in charge of the list, between milk, eggs & bread sits KY Yours & Mine.

So my daughter is reading off the list - out loud of course in the bread aisle, and says,
"Hey Daddy - what's this Ky-Ky Yours & Mine?  What is mommy looking for exactly?"  Ha ha!

Have I mentioned (if you're not in our town) that the bread, egg, milk aisle is also shared with the very crowded, slow cold cut line?

The mental picture of my husband's face in my mind cracks me up as I type....  How does daddy explain it to his daughter??  Who knows, lol.  What I do know is that when they unpacked the groceries, on my kitchen counter sat KY Yours & Mine.  No questions - nothing said, there it was.

But the ear to ear grin & red face of my husband - again, priceless....

Not making fun of my hubby.  It's all in good fun.  Don't you worry, I'll have my turn in the barrel.  Next time, I'll (try) to be more careful what goes on the list, or he'll just have to monitor it himself.  'Cause ya just never know :)

You can't make this stuff up :)

Thank you for reading my blog!

~Jenn

Babysitting Toddlers... when you have none.

As a foster mom, I'm often called upon to do respite care, which is essentially babysitting for a few days to a week.

Mostly, I say no - because I've got so much on my plate with m kids & work.  As much as I hate to admit it, I'm just getting too old to run after the really short ones.

My "boy" is grown, my girl is almost 10 and Chickadee is almost 6.  No more babies here.  I've graduated from toddlerdom. I'm well beyond the bed time screams of protest, the wet or dirty diapers, bottles, temper fits (besides my own) - you know the gig.

So why am I watching toddlers you ask?  Sheer insanity?  Glutton for punishment?  Need to appease the biological clock?

No, it's none of that - especially NOT the biological clock thing.  I've smashed that things to pieces, put it into the grinder and cast it in many directions years ago, when my body kept letting me down.  Now I'm just too damn old!

As much as I love the wee ones, I no longer have any desire to have a small human grow inside my body.  No further desire, or energy to raise infants or toddlers.

I've embraced my newly recovered "big people time" that comes without the whole running after a short one, who is again trying to kill themselves and a new and different way.

Selfish?  Maybe.  I feel I've paid my dues & God has shut down my baby factory for a reason.  Who am I to question His judgement?

I have a small community of foster parents here.  We help each other.  When chickadee first came here & we went on vacation, I was helped out.  Now it's my turn to repay the favor.  (Truth is, I'd have done it anyway - because I like little kids & I like to help, but there's the actual reason.)

I know some of you reading may be in toddlerdom right now and are thinking...Wimp....
Go easy on me, will ya??  I don't have "stuff" anymore.  You know - those things that give you the opportunity to take a shower like the play yard or hi-chair that you can confine the short ones to while you shower.

I have A gate.  Yes - one gate - and that is keeping them away from the kitchen.  Call me crazy - but I think access to knives & fire is a really bad thing for a 2 & 3 year old.

Mostly, these kids are sweet.  They just play & smile & give hugs.  Presently the boy is sitting beside me watching me type this.  Last night, however - the wine bottle was calling to me.  (I did resist, of course.)  It started with tubby time.  I was warned they are no great fan of the tub.  I got the shortest one first.

She's this adorable little 2 year old with big brown eyes and a cute little smile.  She uses that smile well - though I'm not fooled, told her to save it for the hubby.  He's a sucker for that.

The boy just the sweetest little thing.  All smiles & hugs.  Yeah, he's got me wrapped.

Yeah, they cry - but I've dealt with much worse than this, bring it...To be on the safe side, I was sure that I rocked with the really cool ice cream after dinner.

Bedtime was tough on night #1.  The little one, not such a problem.  I cuddled with her an gave her a bottle until she fell asleep.  Of course as soon as I set her down, she cried - but I gave her a blanket and a dolly and she was out in no time.

Big brother a little tougher.  I put him in bed and he started SCREAMING.  Hence, the littler woke up & joined in harmony.  I went in to let them know they were OK.  Gave him a little motorcycle.  Her the dolly.  They sang in stereo for about 45 minutes until they finally fell asleep.  I felt bad, but they were dry, safe, fed & I reassured them as often as possible.  It was just a fight of wills.  Been there, done that.

Bright and early, the cutest little noises emerged from the behind the closed door.  Giggling.  These two are the cutest little siblings.  They take care of each other.  One cries, the other cries - they follow each other around & giggle & laugh together.  It made it really easy for me to go have my coffee and feed the cats before getting them.



My baby girl is away for the week, so there has been an opportunity for a change in the pecking order for chickadee.  For once, she gets to be the OLDEST and not the youngest! 

I started this as they were here - on as many moments of quiet time as I could grab on to (without someone trying to type as well).  I'm now down to one.  The house is quiet & I can finish this blog posting.  Boy am I tired!

So if I haven't hailed all you stay at home moms prior to today....All Hail the stay at home mom (or dad).

I'm gonna leave this pointy one out for you, Jenn!

I'm a member of the been there done that club.  I stayed home or worked from home until all my kids were in school full time and I'm back working again.  I'm reminded this weekend how very difficult it is to take a shower, cook dinner, keep the house clean - after you've picked up 17 times prior.  Oh, and those triangle blocks HURT when you step on them in bare feet!

I'm happy to have my quiet time back.

On that, I think I hear the red calling to me....  Can you hear it??  Jenn...Jennn....

I must be going.

Thank you, as always, for your support & for reading my blog!

Smoochies!

~Jenn

Sharing a little Sunshine - And the award goes to...............

I can’t even begin to tell you how incredibly honored I am to receive the Sunshine Blogger Award from the lovely Roe at My Upside Down Life.

I just love this woman and I am so grateful & thankful to her for thinking of me and extending me this honor.

I’ve been so well loved this week by awards.   I’m truly overwhelmed, as I am in a community of the most amazing bloggers.  Thank you so much, Roe.

The Rules:

    Yes, I know rules suck – I’m not a fan either, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right?

     1.  Include award logo in a post or on your blog page.
2. Answer (10) questions about yourself.  

    (You people already know too much.)  :)
3. Nominate 10-12 other fabulous bloggers.
4. Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blog, letting them know about the award.
5. Share the love and link the person who nominated you.

Ten Questions and Answers:
1. What would you most like to change about yourself?

Well, sometimes I can be a bit much.  It’s something I’m keenly aware of and annoys the crap out of me – but the most difficult thing to change.  It’s who I am.
2. What is your theme song?

Destination Unknown from Top Gun Sound Track.  I’ve had so many challenges in my life & I have always believed that I would get through.  I fly by the seat of my pants & just enjoy the ride.
3. One part of your life, a memory, action, etc. that you wish you could surgically remove from your brain?

I’ve got many, lol – BUT, I firmly believe that everything that happens in your life builds the person you become.  Yes, I’ve had quite a lot of sh*t – but I’ve even been able to use the sh*t to help another person, or learn from it.  It’s all good.
4. What generation do you wish you had been a part of?
I don’t know – I think the 50’s look kinda fun – but I’m an 80’s chick and I’m good with that.
5. What was your favorite childhood toy?

Being my childhood sort of sucked – I don’t really remember a favorite toy.  So I guess, since I remember having my brothers around all the time, that they get the honor of having been my toys.  :)  They WOULD be my favorite anyway.  :)
6. What is your favorite housecleaning chore?

Whatever the cleaning lady takes care of.  :)
7. Do you Twitter?

I have an account, but I don’t have the time to figure it out properly.
8. Any goals?

Many – My most important being sure that all of my children know they’re well loved, have a good sense of self & are responsible, respectable individuals.  Once I know that – the rest will fall into place.
9. Do you really drink margaritas all the time?

“All the time” No – Did I scream lush when you looked at me??  Lol – I prefer a nice glass of red.  I don’t drink regularly & I do like a Margarita every once in a while.

10. What is the ugliest car you've ever driven and were embarrassed to be seen in?

Well for the ugliest car I’ve ever had, it's a tie.  I had a Pinto with more body putty than metal & an AMC Gremlin.  You pick.  I was a teenager & I had a car – that was all I cared about at the time.

Here are the fabulous bloggers I am passing this along to.  I tried to mix it up a bit:

Sherrie, Sherrie, Quite Contrary

Too Smart for Her Own Good

Sad But True Life of a Middle Aged Woman

Conversate is not a word and otherabuses of the English Language

Mom Uncensored

Bad Word Mama

This is why I drink wine

Delightfully Ludicrous

Whyyyjenn

Life, Experience Needed

The next three ladies, I love & am so thankful to – they host a weekly Blog Hop, continually share the love & deserve to be awarded often!

You Know it Happens at Your House

Overworked Supermom

Funny Pregnant Postpartum Lady

Go check out these awesome blogs, please!  I would have just clicked “select all” if I could.

Smoochies all & thank you, thank you, thank you!!

An Award? For Me?? 3 Times!!! Oh My Gosh!! I'm beyond honored!!

Oh my gosh, you like me!  You REALLY, REALLY like me!

I'm so honored to receive and accept
The Versatile Blogger Award, not once, not twice but 3 times in one day!!
I'm completely speechless!  (Yes, it happens!)
 
I'd first like to thank the three beautiful ladies that bestowed this honor upon me, so - in order of receipt...   Thank you to the ever amazing & beautiful Kat at Mom Uncensored, The "very, very crazy", Tia @ Story of a Girl and the wonderful Liz at Funny Pregnant Postpartum Lady, who's 90 day weight loss challenge I've joined with her!!  More on that another time.  For now...

I really do want to stress how overwhelmed I am to receive this award so many times in one day.  I am in such amazing company in this little blogging community.  Everyone is so wonderful, so it really means so much to be acknowledge.  Thank you, Kat, Tia & Liz.  xxoo

The rules for accepting the award are as follows:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you
2. Include a link to their blog
3. Include the award image in your blog post
4. Give 7 random facts about yourself
5. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award
6. When nominating, include a link to their site
7. Let the bloggers know they have been nominated

7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT MYSELF

1.  I am NOT a planner.  I am typically a "fly by the seat of my pants" kinda gal.  It's just what works for me.

2.  I am a coffee & wine snob.  It's gotta look/taste a certain way or I turn my nose up like a spoiled brat.  :)

3. Hubby calls me "Spider woman" because I'm always on the "web" as they used to call it a million years ago, lol.

4. I am really good at landscaping.  I built a rock wall around my pool & a retaining wall behind hubby's bike trailer & they look amazing.   (and I dug most of the rocks up out of the ground in my back yard)

5. I love my friends to death and love to go out, but I'm such a home body now that I'd stay home every day if no one called me for a mommy play date.  True story.

6. I LOVE the "kiddie" dramas on TV ie:  Beverly Hills 90210, Pretty Little Liars, etc.

7. I'm a total flirt bag.  I sometimes tend to go over the top and then freak out because I've gone too far.  It's all in good fun.

15 BLOGGERS I NOMINATE FOR THE VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD 

Crap!  This is the hard part for me, because I want to award EVERYONE!! 

1. What I Really Meant to Say
2. Complete Jensanity
3. Dollops of Diane
4. Cup of Tea and a Blog
5. Forkful of Comfort
6. Graceful Disaster
7. Martha Stewart Doesn't Live Here
8. Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom
9. Blissfully Discontented
10. You Know It Happens at Your House Too
11. Carrie's Experimental Kitchen
12. A Father of Four (tell him his neighbor sent you, hee hee)
13. A Not So Small Town Housewife
14. Overworked Supermom
15. The Real Housewife of Santee

The Gringa's Adventures in Costa Rica - Part 3 - Idiots on a Plane

Ahhh yes...
With any long air flight, comes the inevitable idiot on the plane.  The one, or perhaps two people that irritate the ever living crap out of you for the duration of your flight.  The one who's loud and annoying.

To start off, our flight was over booked.  The flight attendants were already annoyed & it was a 5 hour flight.  This guy was not enhancing their mood!

My personal idiot for this flight was the little man with big mouth in front of me.  A short 20-something know-it-all, with midget muscles & a pink shirt - standing in the aisle - drunk - spewing absolute nonsense.

I've been to Costa Rica before, true - but it's not like the idiocy he was spewing required a degree to figure out he didn't know what the heck he was talking about.  Even my 9 year old was rolling her eyes.

Let's start with the first set of annoyance and ignorance, short man began spewing - whilst trying to appear incredibly intelligent.

Ignorant phrase #1:  "The exchange rate is almost 500 colones per dollar.  That means I can get a Pepsi for like 2 cents.  Boy are they dumb over there.  No wonder the country is in an economic depression."

Listen stupid ass....  just because the exchange rate is 500 colones to a dollar doesn't mean it's not going to cost you 1000 colones for that Pepsi.  It's all relative you ignorant idiot.  And half the world is in an economic depression/recession!
Now sit down and shut the heck up.

Ignorant phrase #2:  "There are 5 volcanoes in Costa Rica.  None of them are active, otherwise it would be like Dante's Peak, dude.  Imagine having to escape an erruption.... sick."

Fact - There are about 112 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, of which I believe six or seven  ARE currently active.

I've been to Arenal & have watched it erupt.  It's breathtakingly beautiful.  I don't recall fleeing in a state of panic, a la Dante's Peak.  I was in absolute awe!

Poas last erupted in 2011 and in 2009 on a larger scale during the massive earth quake in Costa Rica.

Irazu has not erupted since 1994.

The others (Turrialba, Miravalles  & Rincon de la Vieja) I've never been to & don't know much about. 
*You can click on all the highlighted areas to read more.

So again, sit down and shut up you IDIOT.

I'd also like to add that the short, drunk idiot was a farter.

How do I know this?  Simple, I sat at the back of the plane so the kids didn't have to travel far to the potty.  I had an aisle seat AND beer farts have a zip code of their very own.  Yuck!
Thanks, you idiot!

I did have Christian Grey to distract me - but I've got to say, unlike the rest of the population of the planet - I'm not loving these books.  I'm only reading through  book  #3 now to find out why he's so screwed up, and I'm having difficulty finishing.

ANYWAY...

I could go on and on - but I'll leave it here.  I'm sure you've all encountered the idiot on the plane.  There's always at least one!

Crucial information before I leave this blog....  Always remember, if you don't HAVE and idiot on the plane...it may be YOU.  :)

I'm teasing, of course!  I had to throw the sillies in there.
You know I love you all to bitsies!

Big smoochies to you all!!

As always, thank you for reading my blog!

~Jenn

The Gringa's Adventures in Costa Rica - Part 2 - No Habla o Intiendo Mas Espanol

It's all in the title GRINGA!

Saying I was "Gringa" was also my "pass" to the locals once I fell into the "holy crap, they're talking back to me REALLY FAST & have no flippin' clue what they're saying!"

It was (mostly) met with humor, a little giggle & then a full conversation in Spanglish - which I'm much better at.

Although I said we were having an adventure vacation for the kids - Momma wanted a night to dress pretty, take the in-laws out for dinner & have a nice drink.  Perhaps a Margarita.

Um, no...  Margaritas are Mexican, not Costa Rican.

Let's recap dinner night...

Here I am, all dressed in my long flowy dress... the warm breeze blowing - my dress and hair blowing gently as I stride into the restaurant.

We are immediately seated.  I've been speaking fairly well for the past few days and I'm feeling confident.

Over walks the waiter & immediately hands me the menu with "INGLES" across the top.

Oh, OK... I get it... Gringa, I know.  I figure I'd have a little fun & ask him if I screamed "GRINGA" walking in.  He simply said yes & walked away.

No sense of humor.  Drats!

Yeah, yeah - I know - the blonde hair, the fair skin & light eyes are a dead give away - but come on - gimme a shot, will ya??

Ok, so here comes waiter #2.  Let's not joke with him, they don't seem to like me much here.

Before anyone gets on me about this...I WAS a server once upon a time - I am very sensitive to servers.  I tip well, keep my kids in line & am considerate, kind and I don't leave a mess - so the following is not something I deserved or expected.

Waiter:  ¿Qué quieres beber?
Me:  Hola, senor.  Yo quiero un margarita para mi por favor, y jugo de pina por las ninas.  Gracias.

Looks good, right?  My husband, who is Costa Rican and of course fluent in the language nodded his head in approval.

I was feeling proud & accomplished.

That is until the waiter came back with drinks for everyone but me.  Confused, I asked my husband if I'd said it right.  He told me I was spot on.  Waiter walks away, I've got nothing.  Let's just add here that I sat in the back seat of the car with the girls screaming & acting like whack-a-doodles the entire day while hubby & his bro were chit chatting away en espanol in the front seat.  I love it and all, but Momma NEEDED a cold cocktail.

My husband called the waiter over & asks where my drink was.

Apparently they don't make Margaritas & he thought my name was Margarita.  Ugh, Really??

Simple, right?

I look at the drink menu - there's tequila, there's triple sec, there's lime juice - isn't that the makings of a Margarita??

Whatever.... I'm a spoiled American & clearly expect too much.  I looked again & decided to keep it simple & just ask for Pineapple Juice & Malibu.  In Spanish, of course.

I'm met with full on deer in the head lights look...Together?  You want the Malibu in the pineapple juice?  Yes, I want the Malibu IN the pineapple juice!  WTH??

Here Jenn, this is for you...  Bahahahaha

Now it's dinner ordering time.  I order for the girls, in Spanish - no one's gonna squash my Mojo.

For myself, I order Ensalada de Langosta (Lobster Salad) and Filet of Sea Bass for my entree.

What appetizer comes out for me??  Ceviche.

Really??  Now I'm wondering if this guy is just screwing with me.  I asked my husband again... did I say it right?  Again, he said yes.

We give the ceviche to my father in law, because I'm allergic to shrimp (that would be a whole other show)  My husband asked my brother in law to deal with the guy, because clearly he was messing with me.  Finally I get the actual lobster salad and my drink.

Here's looking at YOU - Gringa!

All seemed to be well in my little world, until the entree.....A full fish, breaded & fried with the eyes looking at me.

Clearly my sense of humor was not appreciated in that establishment.

Dear Outback, Thank you for being in Costa Rica.  Smoochies!

You'll be happy to know that later in the week my dear, sweet brother in law found us a good ol gringa/gringo Outback Steak House in San Jose that appreciated the Gringa sense of humor & serves Margaritas.  I had 3...  All was good in my little world.

It's not always easy being a gringa in a foreign land.

Thank you for reading my blog!

I wish you a fountain of Margaritas!


Smoochies :)

~Jenn

PS.  Thank you for the emails saying it should be HABLO not habla... I appreciate the correction, but I meant to be wrong :)  Smoochies xxoo

The Gringa's Adventures in Costa Rica - Part 1 - Don't Drive Here!

Wow!  What a beautiful country!

It was an amazing place to be, but I'm sure glad to be home.

Our family doesn't take the "usual" touristy Costa Rican beach vacation.


We had the kids with us, so it was all about adventure & monkeys.

We are incredibly lucky to have great family living in Costa Rica, in the major cities.  We stayed with my mother-in-law & father-in-law and my dear brother-in-law was our tour guide.

As with most vacations, travel day is lost.  Especially after a 5 hour flight with 2 children.

All I really want after any flight is a shower & a cold cocktail.  I was truly shot!  Oh...let me mention something about a shower in Costa Rica - at least inside homes.  No hot water........Tropical rain forest, remember??

Much like this.

In the homes where the people can afford it, they either have a (small) hot water heater or this thing that is attached to the shower head that makes the water hot.  This is what my in-laws have.  While it is very safe - the whole electricity & water thing freaks me out every single time.

I'll go through each day separately, as each day holds it's own hilarity through the "non-tourist" tourist's point of view.

As I said, we opted for the "adventure trip" of volcanoes, monkeys & rain forest.  I wanted to do the zip line, but the small children put a damper on that.

I'm going to talk about a whole different Costa Rican adventure.  One that left me amazed and frightened at the same time....

Driving in Costa Rica.

If you're planing a trip to Costa Rica - do yourself a favor -  DO NOT drive there!  Driving in Costa Rica is much like driving in New York City - Drunk AND on Crack... SERIOUSLY!

Stop signs??  A mere suggestion.  They mostly blow right on through and at an extremely high rate of speed!

The roads are not well marked.  I don't think I even saw a street sign anywhere, so you'd better know where the heck you're going.  The two way, main roads are the width of a one way street, there ditches on the sides for drainage & people are always walking on the streets.  It's craziness!

Actual street in Alajuela

There are plenty of taxis, tour buses & very reliable means of public transportation.  Do yourself a favor - utilize the tour buses, etc!  You'll thank me.

Oh, and probably don't walk either.  The locals are very used to walking and don't even flinch when a car breezes by them at a high rate of speed.
I, on the other hand, totally freaked out when a car, who's way I was clearly in, breezed by my butt at 70 mph on the tiny little side street.

Again I was in the city (San Jose, Heredia & Allejuela).  I did notice that people were a bit more subdued up in the mountains, but just a bit.  Going up any mountain, around a bend, going up a hill - if you are not going fast enough for the person behind you - they WILL pass you.  The drop off was steep, there were no guard rails.

Who you callin' COW?

I can't say for sure - but I think the cow on the roadside, who was getting ready to bust open with milk, gave me a look like she was about ready to kick my ass for staring, but the elevation was high - so I get a pass there.

 Yes, there are random cows tide up on the side of the road.  Not just cows, but goats too & there are wild dogs EVERYWHERE.

My brother-in-law had the whole driving thing down, so I was able to let go of the seat in front of me and enjoy the ride.


In all seriousness, if you haven't been & it's within your means, you must see Costa Rica before you die.  It's an amazing and wonderful country.  Between the coffee (mmm, coffee) and the volcanoes and the mountains and the rain forest & free roaming monkeys - it's an experience you'll never have again.

Crater lake at Volcan Poas.

I've been lucky enough in my life to travel quite a bit- at least on this side of the Atlantic and to Costa Rica twice.  I've never been more in awe of the beauty of this country.  Where else could you go to see 6 volcanoes - 4 of the 6 still active and maybe a toucan along the way.  Breathtaking, really, and pictures do not do justice to the beauty that's all around.

I have so much to say, but for now - what did we learn class??

Do NOT drive in Costa Rica!

That's right class.  You'll thank me later.

As always, thank you for reading my blog.

I wish you a day of wonder & surprise.

Smoochies,
Jenn

Momma needs a vacay!

Seriously, this is me at work lately...

Doesn't seem fair, does it??  The place I go every day to relax and have big people interaction has now turned into a place where I can't even get up from my desk to pee!  I actually have to work.

I love being home with my family, but mentally -

I NEED to work!

I stayed home with the kid-doodles up until 1st grade.
Then, as far as I was concerned, there was no need for me to sit home all day.  For what?  To fold laundry in front of the soaps?

I could have rebuilt my social life with the other stay at home moms, but I didn't have any at the time.  Of course, now that I'm back to working daily more of my friends are actually home, but that's a whole other ball game.

The fact is, I like making my own money.  Yeah, yeah, I know...
my husband works, his money is my money yadda yadda yadda.
I like to know that if I want to get my nails done or go shopping, I don't need to stick my hand out and ask for money.  It's what makes me feel like I'm contributing.

I do miss the summer time home with my kids though.  The waking up late & sitting in our jammies until it's pool time, but they're getting bigger now.  They don't really WANT mommy around as much.  They'd rather be with their friends, or on Facetime if they're not together.  I'm just sort of, in the way.  So they go to summer camp to be with their friends & I go to work to help pay for it.

Everyone's happy.

That is, until I have days like the past few weeks where work has EXPLODED!  In most every industry, there's the "summer slows".  People going on vacation.  No one has money to spend, so no one's spending money.  Not so much when your company caters to the music business.  Summer = Concert Season, Tiki Bars and just reasons to be outside listening to music.  We cater to that.  So I am busy, very busy!

There comes a time, though - that my brain turns to mush!  Times like the past few weeks that I'm really missing my creative gene.  Times like now when I feel like I can't put two coherent sentences together to form a proper thought.  Times I'm REALLY hoping you all don't hit the little x button & never come back, thinking I've totally lost it!

Don't worry, I'm still in here...

My brain may be a big ol pile of mushy mish mosh, but it's just because work is temporarily sucking my brain dry.  Stay tuned.

I'm headed for west & we-waxation, then - watch out world!

For now - Costa Rica - here I come...

Yippeeeeeeeeeee!!

Well deserved vacation being served up shortly!

Clearly, I will be on hiatus over the next week or so.  Please feel free to browse through the older blogs.

As always, Thank you for your continued support & for reading my blog!!

Smoochies!

~Jenn