Perhaps a trip to Brazil is in order! :)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Sunday, August 07, 2011
OK, Let's Talk about It...
Let's face it, we all have impressions or stereotypes of certain vocations. Sometimes I don't even realize I have them until I'm face with an apparent contradiction.
Now...the missionary stereotype, I have been a missionary and I've heard the spontaneous gasp followed by the hand covering mouth because I said something "unmissionary" like. (Unfortunately, I can't remember the specifics anymore.) Or, there was the surprised, raised eyebrow look when I accepted a glass of wine. Of course, if they thought I shouldn't have any wine then why offer it!? Even though I'm no longer in that field, if someone learns of my background it seems (at times) that there are still certain expectations. Nothing is said but... Honestly, I hope that I do not conform to the stereotype in any way, shape or form. In the past, when a missionary I secretly enjoyed it if I shot holes in someone's picture of a REAL missionary.
So what do I think is the picture of missionary? Well, a little crazy, if the truth be told! (Missionaries are all about telling the truth, you know!!) Or, at least weird like a geek but in a "spiritual" way, holier than thou, maybe even snooty in that regard. Lastly, they're not very real - no one you could easily relate to. Perhaps that's a little on the mean side, but at least someone who is a bit odd. After all, who does that kind of thing? And you can't talk to them about real life stuff!
If my impressions are wrong, I'm very open to hearing about it!
I think I'm quite real. My language isn't perfect, in fact, some words seem very appropriate at times! I'm not that into churches - not that I think they are bad either, but they aren't always the best answer. I want a sense of community or family in my life, people who will support and challenge me regarding my thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, many churches don't really have that kind of everyday community life. Thankfully, I don't have an "aura" of spirituality about me, but hopefully people think I'm nice! It's the little things in life. I love what Alejandro said in the Mask of Zorro, "I'm in search of the miraculous in everyday life." So I get out and live life! I love it, but wish my knees were more inclined to the adventure of it!!
Now...the missionary stereotype, I have been a missionary and I've heard the spontaneous gasp followed by the hand covering mouth because I said something "unmissionary" like. (Unfortunately, I can't remember the specifics anymore.) Or, there was the surprised, raised eyebrow look when I accepted a glass of wine. Of course, if they thought I shouldn't have any wine then why offer it!? Even though I'm no longer in that field, if someone learns of my background it seems (at times) that there are still certain expectations. Nothing is said but... Honestly, I hope that I do not conform to the stereotype in any way, shape or form. In the past, when a missionary I secretly enjoyed it if I shot holes in someone's picture of a REAL missionary.
So what do I think is the picture of missionary? Well, a little crazy, if the truth be told! (Missionaries are all about telling the truth, you know!!) Or, at least weird like a geek but in a "spiritual" way, holier than thou, maybe even snooty in that regard. Lastly, they're not very real - no one you could easily relate to. Perhaps that's a little on the mean side, but at least someone who is a bit odd. After all, who does that kind of thing? And you can't talk to them about real life stuff!
If my impressions are wrong, I'm very open to hearing about it!
I think I'm quite real. My language isn't perfect, in fact, some words seem very appropriate at times! I'm not that into churches - not that I think they are bad either, but they aren't always the best answer. I want a sense of community or family in my life, people who will support and challenge me regarding my thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, many churches don't really have that kind of everyday community life. Thankfully, I don't have an "aura" of spirituality about me, but hopefully people think I'm nice! It's the little things in life. I love what Alejandro said in the Mask of Zorro, "I'm in search of the miraculous in everyday life." So I get out and live life! I love it, but wish my knees were more inclined to the adventure of it!!
Friday, August 05, 2011
Traveling
Why does it seem so crazy upon returning from a trip? I have to say the first night was awesome!! A meal we enjoy though it's not fancy - just easy(!), healthy and good. :) Cuing up one of our favorite shows; relaxing with a glass of wine. And, in my opinion, our bed is the most comfortable bed in the world!! It has been a bit busy since with unfinished projects like bathrooms, preparing for guests (hence the need for bathrooms!), dentist appointments and catching up with people. All enjoyable, except the dentist, but not necessarily is it all working like clockwork!
Ah well, I love the adventure of traveling, new sights and sounds, seeing old friends, the FOOD and photo options. It's good to get out of the routine. On the other hand, coming home and embracing some of those routines was also a joy! Traveling can give me such an appreciation of so many different things - old and new.
Ah well, I love the adventure of traveling, new sights and sounds, seeing old friends, the FOOD and photo options. It's good to get out of the routine. On the other hand, coming home and embracing some of those routines was also a joy! Traveling can give me such an appreciation of so many different things - old and new.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Up North
Seattle is a delightful destination and a great place to be from! I love the energy of the city but hate the traffic. It has changed in a lot of positive ways in my absence - the traffic being the only downside. On a sunny day few places rival it's beauty with 3 lakes within the city limits, views of Mt. Rainier, the Olympics and Cascade mountains, and it's on Puget Sound. No, it does not rain all the time and it can have a quite pleasant summer, though usually not in June. The best months are August and September. The first half of July is iffy. Even though I love to visit and enjoy Seattle thoroughly, I prefer to live in California or a more consistently warmer place!
It's not a snooty big city. People are still relatively laid back, often bike to work, and there's a coffee place on every block!! Obviously my kind of place in that regard!! Plus, you can go to one of the parks around Lake Washington and see turtles sunning themselves, blue herons (although very shy they give you a glimpse often), beaver dams and other wildlife within the city. Today, crossing over Lake Washington on the floating bridge a bald eagle was atop a street lamp surveying the scene! Amazing and wonderful. Enjoying my trip!
It's not a snooty big city. People are still relatively laid back, often bike to work, and there's a coffee place on every block!! Obviously my kind of place in that regard!! Plus, you can go to one of the parks around Lake Washington and see turtles sunning themselves, blue herons (although very shy they give you a glimpse often), beaver dams and other wildlife within the city. Today, crossing over Lake Washington on the floating bridge a bald eagle was atop a street lamp surveying the scene! Amazing and wonderful. Enjoying my trip!
Monday, July 25, 2011
My HHI choice
I've been up in Washington visiting family. In reaction to that trip I've thought even more about Merida. No, not because of family and getting away!! :) It's all in response to the weather! I have to say we've had some decent weather, especially for WA, but also some rain and clouds.
I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath (what an expression!) about which Merida house I'd pick. They all have their positive points. I'd scratch off #3 even though it already has 2 bedrooms because of the odd configuration. I don't like the idea of walking down the narrow outdoor "hallway" to get to the backyard and future pool. Plus, it appears that the 2nd bedroom is truly separate with no bathroom but in the main house.
With the rest of the choices, it gets more tricky. #4 could possibly be on the top of the list but it's the most money and still needs work - finishing off the kitchen and a wall to make the first bedroom.
#1 is the lowest initial output, the most work to be done, but we'd have more house in the end. There certainly would be unknowns and adventures along the way!
#2 I guess comes out on top. More than livable now with room for potential pool and other bedroom. I'll miss the high wood beamed ceilings but it's still a great choice!
Of course if I were to actually walk through them I could feel totally different! Someday perhaps I'll have the full experience! :)
I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath (what an expression!) about which Merida house I'd pick. They all have their positive points. I'd scratch off #3 even though it already has 2 bedrooms because of the odd configuration. I don't like the idea of walking down the narrow outdoor "hallway" to get to the backyard and future pool. Plus, it appears that the 2nd bedroom is truly separate with no bathroom but in the main house.
With the rest of the choices, it gets more tricky. #4 could possibly be on the top of the list but it's the most money and still needs work - finishing off the kitchen and a wall to make the first bedroom.
#1 is the lowest initial output, the most work to be done, but we'd have more house in the end. There certainly would be unknowns and adventures along the way!
#2 I guess comes out on top. More than livable now with room for potential pool and other bedroom. I'll miss the high wood beamed ceilings but it's still a great choice!
Of course if I were to actually walk through them I could feel totally different! Someday perhaps I'll have the full experience! :)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
And the Runner Up Is...
Actually, there is a tie for second place! Both are renovated by the firm Worldstudio International and provide a nice nice mix of traditional and modern designs. They come in a whopping 70 to 75 thousand dollars under Casa Chablis but are smaller to be sure. I have to say there are a number of wonderful properties to be had in Merida if money is not an object. The first is La Cochera. Brian's "beef" with this one is that the kitchen is not adjacent to the main outdoor patio and eating area. But in my mind the kitchen is so great and I can handle just a small eating area (with fountain!) next to the kitchen for my morning coffee!
The second one is great as well. Architect Henry Ponce did the renovation and the interiors were done by Worldstudio International - killer combination! The front rooms have a wonderful feel and I love the arches. It comes furnished which is a plus but I could really do without the "bumble bee" chairs! There is no video for this one but you can see the listing of this home in the barrio (neighborhood) of La Ermita.
The second one is great as well. Architect Henry Ponce did the renovation and the interiors were done by Worldstudio International - killer combination! The front rooms have a wonderful feel and I love the arches. It comes furnished which is a plus but I could really do without the "bumble bee" chairs! There is no video for this one but you can see the listing of this home in the barrio (neighborhood) of La Ermita.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
#1 Choice If...
Before I give you my take on the 4 properties, I want to share with you our top favorite place in Merida - if only we could afford it!! :) It's called Casa Chablis by architect Henry Ponce. It seems the perfect solution with the beauty of form and function. I love the indoor/outdoor hallway with the long fountain. The rooftop area for entertaining or just enjoying the evening breezes is amazing, let alone the pool and patio area. There is a separate floor for the master suite which gives privacy. The only small negative is that it doesn't have double sinks for the master bath. i suppose I could live with that! :) I'd love to wander through it for myself!
Friday, July 15, 2011
My Own Version
I'm back with colonials! I thought I'd do a severely adapted version of House Hunters International. My adaptations include 4 choices not 3, I'm not buying now (may never), plus, I've never even been to Merida but have become very intrigued. Even though this vacation / half and half living may never happen I'm trying to pick ones that might half way be realistic. Probably in another post I'll put videos of my 2, over the top, favorites - way out of our league! In the end, we'd like a 2 bedroom and 2 bath place. After all, we want a place for guests!!
So, #1 is a clean slate, the cheapest but more work than any of them. We will be able to put our own personal stamp on it but it would take time. A big benefit of this one is the finished "guesthouse" - some place to sleep while renovating. http://www.mexintl.com/property/003343 It is close to a park and a market, although on the edge of the central area we'd like to be in.
#2 has plans for a second bedroom and a pool, so still work to be done but the rest is finished! http://www.mexintl.com/property/003304 It is closer to the center but it does have what appears to be an auto business across the street.
#3 is closer to the center than #1. The configuration is already a 2/2 so that's a plus. A pool is necessary for all of them. They are equal in that regard. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=268&offered=sale
Lastly #4, there are no plans completed but it still needs another bedroom and bath. What is in place is done nicely. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=332&offered=sale
I like them all and each has positive and negatives. If you want, you can weigh in on the options!
So, #1 is a clean slate, the cheapest but more work than any of them. We will be able to put our own personal stamp on it but it would take time. A big benefit of this one is the finished "guesthouse" - some place to sleep while renovating. http://www.mexintl.com/property/003343 It is close to a park and a market, although on the edge of the central area we'd like to be in.
#2 has plans for a second bedroom and a pool, so still work to be done but the rest is finished! http://www.mexintl.com/property/003304 It is closer to the center but it does have what appears to be an auto business across the street.
#3 is closer to the center than #1. The configuration is already a 2/2 so that's a plus. A pool is necessary for all of them. They are equal in that regard. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=268&offered=sale
Lastly #4, there are no plans completed but it still needs another bedroom and bath. What is in place is done nicely. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=332&offered=sale
I like them all and each has positive and negatives. If you want, you can weigh in on the options!
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