Sealed with a Pura Vida Kiss….

I was so fortunate to recently get to go to Costa Rica for a wedding.  My dear friends Shelly & Blake decided to have a destination wedding on the beautiful beaches of Santa Teresa ( on the Pacific coast in Costa Rica). I was fortunate to pick the seat next to Shelly for the two years of hell that we we called CRNA school.  She instantly became a dear friend. I really don't think I would have made it through without her friendship and support. 

The time we spent there was such a testimony to what incredible people these two are.  It was a time full of love, laughs, hugs, drinks, sun, surfing, fishing and swimming (I myself did as much of "nothing" as I could squeeze in).

58 men, women and children traveled for almost two days to reach this magical place.  Not only was the scenery gorgeous, but each person there added something beautiful to this collage of friends and family.  It was one of those times that I felt so lucky to be a part of something this special. 

Big shout out to Casa Yin Yang (a Mariposa Vacation home): Ben, Anna, Thomas, Kurt, Mona, Laurence and I (and there may have been a mouse in the mix too).  We got a chance to spend non-school, non-anesthesia time together relaxing and it was SO MUCH FUN!  I feel so much closer to this group of incredible people than ever before!   Laurence was the resident chef for the week and spoiled us with an array of fresh, delicious food.  I really didn’t want to leave..EVER!

Two days before the wedding over multiple pina coladas (made from scratch FYI) I told Shelly that I would make her a bouquet for the wedding day.   I was so happy to be able to do something to contribute to her special day.  The flowers kept in the fridge and looked fresh and beautiful when the ceremony started (insert sigh of relief). Even though it was something small I was so happy to get to do something for my dear friend on her most special day! 

Shelly and Blake are two of the kindest, nicest, most giving people I have ever met.  I am so glad that I got to be a part of this time to honor them and their love for each other as they start their married life together.  Thanks you two!

I am sure I will be finding sand in things and “places” long after I am back in New Zealand.  But I am pretty sure there are a few grains of that magical Costa Rican sand that found their way in to my heart and will be there forever.

What an amazing couple.  What an amazing journey.  What an amazing wedding! 

Preparing to move.... (houses, not cities)

We are moving.  There is nothing about moving that I enjoy.  It is a chore of epic annoyance....never the less it is something that must be done.   So this week I will be sorting, editing, packing and clenaing.  Even though it will be hard, please, please do not be jelaous!

PS: it is amazing to me how much "stuff" two people can accumulate!!! 

We recently marked our one-year anniversary here in New Zealand and it has gone by so quickly.  After a year in Mission Bay we have decided 2 things: 1. We don't need this big of a house and 2. Our favorite neighborhood is Ponsonby.  The vibe and atmosphere is a better match for us.  From our new house we can walk to some of our favorite restaurants, cafes and shops.  Ponsonby has a great feel and makes you feel like you live in a city rather than a suburb.  I like the house we are moving into, I only hope that my hubbie does too!  Usually a couple goes thru the house-hunt process together, but since my husband is always traveling I found this house and made the decision by myself (no pressure what so ever)  It causes a bit of angst as I prepare to see it again for the second time on Wednesday-Will I like it as much?  Will there be enough storage?  Will my husband like it when he sees it???  Whatever the answers may be, we are committed since we signed the lease already so like Tim Gunn says, "I will make it work!"  I will not only make it work but make it stylish and homey and Christmas ready for my parent's holiday visit!!  (again, no pressure..)

I will post pictures of our new house once the boxes are unpacked and everything is organized!

A night at the Bund

The Bund is a famous area in Shanghai along the western bank of the Huangpu River. We had dinner at the equally famous Roosevelt Restaurant. The food and ambiance were sublime, but my favorite part was the roof-top terrace.  From there we had a panoramic view (the photos fail to capture the splendor of it).  After dinner, we went for an evening stroll along Lovers' wharf with the thousands of other people who had the same idea. I was impressed that even though it was jam packed with people and peddlers and noise it still had a special atmosphere, or vibe if you will.  This is an area of Shanghai that I look forward to exploring the next time I am there.