05|13|2014

I didn't even know what a green screen was until a few years back, when my dad told me of the new purchase he had made. Now, you have to understand that my dad rarely purchases anything, let alone toys. I was intrigued. 

Apparently, it was this screen that you put behind you when you take a photo and then you can change the background to be whatever you want! The options were endless. And that's why he fell in love. You could be anywhere in the WORLD, without leaving the comfort of your living room. It was perfect. 

And a huge hit with the grandkids. 

And my personal favorite...pops tightroping Niagra Falls--in his clinic polo, of course. 

I know what I'm getting Max for Christmas. 

But. Nothing can replace real life adventure, so a few months ago we decided to invite my parents along on a little trip to Mexico. They were so excited of the possibility, but after much deliberation, decided it was not a wise decision. So, they lamented by taking green screen shots of themselves in "Mexico". 

(Nice try, mom. No one wears scarves to the beach in Mexico.)

We weren't about to let this opportunity pass us by though, so we commissioned our siblings (helps when you've got 11), to pitch in and make their "green screen dream" come true. 

And it worked! 

(Be sure to watch it in HD by clicking on "vimeo"--wouldn't want you to miss the Marlin!)

Perhaps next time they will snorkel from the living room. 

04|06|2014

Two o'clock in the morning. Middle of nowhere, Mexico. It was three years ago (almost to the day), and Max and I were on our very first real adventure together. Despite obvious disapproval from our friends (even the Mexican ones) because of the dangerous state of the country, and continual warnings from my concerned parents, we packed our bags late one night and headed down south in the affectionately named, "4-25 Ride". 

This was a car Max had bought at an auction a couple months prior for $425.00 (hence the name). And though it barely ran most days, it had proven itself on a previous trip to Mexico where I remember Max telling me that at one point he was stranded and had to repair a leaky piece underneath with something that can only be described as bubble gum. 

We drove all through the night and crossed the border into Mexico just after the sun came up. We felt like two rebel runaways, sweating our faces off in our air-conditioning-less ride, picking up 25 cent fruit at every stand we passed, and not even thinking about the fact that I had to be back to work in just a few short days. Sure there were drug wars going on all over the country (and especially at the borders), but Max wasn't concerned one bit, and though it crossed my mind a time or two, I was more worried about when I was going to try my first real Mexican street tacos. (Which were INCREDIBLE, despite the fact that our teenaged chef was profusely sweating directly into the pan of questionable meat). 

The salty Mexican air blew through the windows of the 4-25 Ride as we drove and drove and drove, following the coastline all the way down. 

Finally, at 2 o'clock in the morning, we reached the Tajin Ruins. Our plan was to "camp out" around the entrance and start exploring bright and early the next morning. So, bleary eyed and exhausted we drove down the winding dirt roads in search of a good hiding spot to spend the next few hours. It took much longer than I expected, but finally Max stopped the car after spotting a couple good hammock trees....literally in the middle of nowhere. 

As is often the case, I was much more concerned about the situation than Max was. He set up the hammock and as I lay there, trying to sleep, a few thoughts kept playing in my mind; "Where are we? What animals are making those strange noises? Do they have the same kind of animals that we do? What is the punishment for trespassing in Mexico? Prison?"

I woke up to the sound of a car speeding down the dirt road just as the sun was coming up. Max was still fast asleep, but I knew my fears had been realized as the car slowed right down and came to a stop just before the hammock. I was totally paralyzed. My heart was pounding out of my chest, and I held my breath. This was it. They had found us and would surely take us to prison for intruding on their land! I shut my eyes, bracing for the worst, pretending to be asleep--because that's all I knew how to do. 

And then the most interesting thing happened. 

I peeked one eye open just in time to see the man get out of his car, walk into the field, puke his guts out, then get back in his car, turn around, and drive away. 

Sometimes you just win the lottery of life. 

We spent the next few days exploring, eating way more fruit than I thought possible, and, of course, falling deeper and deeper for each other with each new experience. But despite all the fun we had, Max will never understand one thing; and that's how close we came to spending the rest of our courtship in a Mexican prison. Dramatic? Possibly. But you never know. 

Can't wait for Mexico round 2 coming up in 9 days and counting!!!

03|24|2014

I have always been drawn to children. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I became an aunt at the ripe old age of 6 and now have 33 nieces and nephews (I think, I lose count sometimes). In fact, when my youngest sister was born and I was in the first grade, I would race home every day from the bus stop so I could be the first to hold her. There's just something about kids that I find totally irresistible. (That and I loved being able to run faster than my siblings)

Not surprisingly, during my travels I am inevitably drawn to those little faces and huge smiles. I've noticed that no matter how foreign a country can feel (and believe me, it can feel FOREIGN), the one thing that is always constant is the children. They have a way of making me feel at-home and welcome, even if I'm millions of miles away. And though we often think that as adults, we have all the answers and it's our duty to teach the ignorance out of children, I've realized more and more that kids are much better than us at so many things. 

Top 10 things I learned from the children of Southeast Asia:

1. Take Risks.

So you may end up in the ER a couple times...so what? That's what nurses are for. You'll never get anywhere in this world worthwhile unless you step out on a limb every now and again and risk failure. Or embarrassment. Or both. You'll be surprised how many times things turn out just fine, or even GREAT!

2. You're never too small.

This world can be a big, scary place, and sometimes it can make you feel very, very small. But don't get it in your head that you aren't capable of something just because it's not the "norm". The minute you start to think that you're not smart enough, young enough, pretty enough, talented enough, or wealthy enough, you'll be right. But only because you think so. So choose the tall bike, even if you can't quite reach the peddles yet and have to walk it for a few years. You'll get there. 

3. Be silly.

We take ourselves way too seriously. And what's the point? To appear cool and level-headed? There's a reason the class clown is always so popular. They make people laugh! And not at another's expense. They're honest and real and vulnerable, and nothing is cooler than that.

4. Stay curious.

Don't be afraid of the unknown--even if he's white and speaks a funny language. Ask questions, keep exploring, and never lose your sense of wonder. Don't ever become content with your current knowledge. Continue to learn new things every day because the more you know, the more there is to know.

5. Be proud of your accomplishments.

Sure, there's a time and a place for humility, but if you did something awesome, show the world! Take pride in your hard work and don't be afraid to let others see you shine. After all, you never know who you might inspire along the way. 

6. Don't shirk responsibility.

Nobody likes a shirker. Especially not your mom (or your spouse). So do her a favor and don't make her ask twice. Better yet, don't make her ask at all! That'll really surprise her...and possibly secure you a place on the "nice list", which is much better incentive if you ask me.

7. Don't be afraid to ask.

There's only one thing worse than being told "no", and that's not having the courage to ask in the first place. You'd be surprised how many times people are willing to bend the rules just because you questioned if it was possible. Want a free upgrade at the hotel? Just ask. Want a little extra chocolate in your milkshake? Just ask. Want to get through the airport without being attacked by the TSA? Don't ask. (Sorry, there's no getting past that one).

8. Make time to play.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy--so what makes you think you're immune? It's amazing how creativity can soar when you give yourself a break from an otherwise monotonous day. Or maybe just the simple act of getting your heart going a bit faster will give you the extra oomph you need  to handle whatever life throws at you next.

9. Be yourself.

Diversity is beauty, now more than ever before. Never undermine who you are to fit in with everyone else. Go crazy. Try out that new hair-do, sing along even if you have to make up half the words and strut your stuff in those pleated granny pants. You may turn a few heads, but you'll be a more uniquely beautiful person because of it.


And last, but not least...

10. Clothes are overrated. 

They just are.

Who's with me?

03|21|2014

6 months ago I married my best friend. It was the first day of autumn and it snowed the very next day. Fast forward to now and we're still up to our eyeballs in this white fluffy stuff. It's been a long winter, yes, but I'll always treasure these months we've had together, all to ourselves, in this magical wonderland we call "home". 
 

Happy 6 monthiversay, my love. And happy first day of spring.

 

03|16|2014

03/07/2014

You know that feeling when you look back at the old scrapbooks you made and you're so embarrassed that you, indeed, were the one who made them? I mean, what's with the confetti? Bubble letters? And why oh why did no one tell me to stop cutting out EVERY SINGLE PHOTO with the alligator teeth scissors???

Well, this is kinda like that. 

Or it will be, in a year or two. I'm sure of it. 

I was really bored one day last week, and while I should have been packing, I decided instead to teach myself how to use iMovie and make a little compilation of our honeymoon. You see, I am totally and completely obsessed with videos--especially travel videos. They have a way of drawing me in and consuming my emotions until I just have to see these places for myself (though I'm often disappointed that I don't immediately hear sweet background music the minute I walk off the plane). It's a real problem. So, not surprisingly, at the top of my "Careers I Wish I had Chosen" list, is videographer. 

There's only a couple problems…

1. All I have is a GoPro.
2. I don't have any video editing software.
3. Oh, and I have no idea whatsoever how to make videos. 

I don't care though. Just like I still love those embarrassing scrapbooks with the Winnie the Pooh stickers and gel pen borders, I adore this video. 

And I can't wait to make more.

  
And if you want to read the stories behind parts of the video, here's a start.