Christmas Miracle

So I have some serious updating to do... right now bullet points details will come later!

Since the Iron Bowl...

I got another job working with a scuba shop that is literally a block and a half from the house! I love it so much, it's very laid back, and I get paid in cash! (probably illegal but we'll cross that bridge if we get there!) They are giving me a lot of responsibility in designing the shop. This is also an awesome way to help me learn spanish because they only speak a little bit of english. The main owner is Mexican, the other two owners/investors are Italian. I'm getting a double dose of language thrown at me everyday and I love it! (I'm also helping them learn English!) It's a fun new adventure and Ty and I thought, why the hell not. It gets me out and about, I'm already in 3 weeks much more confident and speaking more spanish, and I get some extra walking around money (as papa would say!) I promise to put pics up soon!

Loved watching Auburn beat South Carolina in the SEC Championship! It was such a great game!! Ty unfortunately had to work but I recorded highlights via my camera (terrible quality but it's the thought that counts right!?!)

A few days after winning the ship I found out Mom, Steve, Dad, and Patti all worked their magic and got Ty and I tickets to fly to pheonix, a hotel to stay, and tickets to the REAL ship Janurary 8-11 to watch Auburn take on Oregon as our Christmas gifts!!! Super pumped!!!

Flew back stateside for cousin Lauren's wedding in Huntsville! It was such a wonderful trip that truly went by WAAAAAAAAAY too fast!!

Cam Newton won the Heisman!

I got back this past Monday and caught a bit of a cold/flu crap so I took Tuesday off from the scuba shop, luckily Ty was off as well, and relaxed all day AND put up our first Christmas tree as a married couple! I got so incredibly emotional because it was ours! One more memory for us to share. When you get all caught up in the miniscule things in life, you kind of forget what you are even doing it for. Happiness. I know for a while I couldn't find it because I was lost. I knew I was happy with Ty, our families, the dogs, work, but still something was missing. I just wasn't Happy with myself. I believe I have found it here in Cabo. Small, thoughtless acts of kindness can be found everywhere because so many people here have only that. Barely enough money for food, rent, utility bills, clothes, yet they still manage to walk around with a smile on their faces, say "buenas dias," and go about their day. What's amazing is that the people who have poor attitudes and outlooks on life, are those who have the multi million dollar homes, the yachts, the fancy cars. They are the ones who are miserable.

I guess it's when you put life into perspective, what's really important, you find your happiness, which brings me to why this post is called "Christmas Miracle."

This year for Christmas Ty and I are only doing small, funny gifts! Saturday we only work half a day at the shop so after a little siesta and a few chats with mom, the Thaxton crew, and Gainor crew, I went off to the mall to get some ideas! After going into shops where the clothes were just ungodly expensive and not really that cute, I found a store called 100% Mexico. I figured, why not and went in. It was amazing all the culture that was in such a little store. The owner was full of life and was talking to everyone that walked in. I found myself in the ornament section of the store and couldn't take my eyes off a few specific ones that were truly symbolic to the past few months we have lived here in Mexico. For example, one ornament I found was a broom that had a tiny basket attached to the handle and at the bristles were tiny cups. It reminded me of our day to day sweeping the house, and hand washing our dishes (that sometimes pile up to a rediculous mountain.) I found another ornament that was the simple traditional design but had 2010 bicentennial written on it. How perfect since we experience such a historic part of Mexican culture on September 16th as Mexicans everywhere celebrated 200 years of independence. The last ornament I saw was a beautiful angel, so simply made wearing the traditional Mexican dress, symbolizing the many fiestas we have attended and cultural gatherings in the square a block from our house. I realized that these little moments are some that we will get to share with our children and grand children one day and what better way, then every year at Christmas time. The time when family is so important.

Sometimes though you forget how fortunate you really are. While I was in the store I started talking to the owner. You know the normal "rush" talk, how are you, where are you from, how long have you lived here, what do you do. It's the what do you do question that sparked the beginning of a little Christmas Miracle. When the owner found out I worked for the radio station his eyes lit up like an Arbol de Navidad! He shared a passion with me about rescue. Rescuing children in a local community here in Cabo from pain, violence, and neglect. Sending them to shelter where they are properly taken care of but they eat, sleep, play, everything solely through donations. His store is taking donations for the children living in this shelter which is called Casa Hogar.

As a football fan, he also is involved with a flag football league, which is designed to get children off the streets, away from commiting crime, getting pregnant, and finally having an outlet to be a 7, 8, 9 year old kid.

After looking at him pour his soul out over this cause, I knew right then and there that I had to do something. I have said forever that my position on the radio has never and will never be just a job, about any kind of fame, it's a way to change lives and educate. Lives of those in the community I am serving and hopefully the education my co-workers and I provide will continue through out the state and who know maybe one day to the government.

I eagerly told him I would be more than willing to help by getting him on air, sharing his experiences to others, but more importantly, get him to spread his knowlege and drive to our spanish speaking community. We as Americans are truly lucky (though some think other wise) to have the freedoms of an uncorrupt government (also questionable to some), a terrible education system (in some areas), and so many more opportunities to succeed. Once you start to get into these areas where people are living on top of each other, sick, and most importantly uneducated, there no other feeling you get (selfishly) than greatful. Greatful to have a family that cares about you and your well being, greatful that you have been given the necessary tools through a good education to not only make a life of your own, but improve the lives of others.

I am more than excited to get started with this project. To get these children the care and love they need by Christmas time and beyond. I'm hoping I get approval from my boss at the radio station to have this man on the show with Dr. McAlister and I Monday, if not Thursday!

It just now hit me, all those summer afternoons learning routes with Elias may actually pay off. All the nights where we stayed in the front yard, pass after pass until he ran it right, I ran it right, he threw it right as did I, it had to be perfect before we went inside. Funny how little moments come back to you at different times in your life and sad to think so many children in and outside of Mexico don't expereince moments that at the time seem small, yet are truly impacting. It's a very interesting world we live in for sure!

If i'm lucky who knows maybe I'll get to one day coach these kids! Everyone knows that a girl from Texas can throw a football even in heels if necessary so I think it's time to spread the love to Mexico! Don't you think!?

As I went to pay for the ornaments, the man, who was almost in tears, said, "you know, I was supposed to be closed right now, I just happened to keep the store open for those other people interested in the art on the wall and then you walked in. I know these things happen for all the right reasons, so please let me do this for you, let me pay for these because the help and more importantly hope you are about to give to these children is priceless." After trying to give him money for about 5 mins, I graciously accepted his gift and left the store feeling Happy.

Feliz Navidad

Special Turkey Day Guest!!

I can't belive I forgot to mention this earlier! Cam't believe he made the flight for just a few hours to cut the turkey!! WAR CAM EAGLE!!!

Love AU quotes!

I wish I came up with this!

Glee - Marry You

I LOOOOOOOOOOVE GLEE!!!!! Poor mom just got a flood of emails with all my christmas wish list... It was pretty much allllllllllllll Glee!! :D If you haven't seen this episode WATCH IT!!!!!!

Courtney Lockhart Trial: 'Justice is done' | oanow.com

Finally justice is served to the man who took away one of Delta Sigma's own....Keeping the Burk family, all Delta Gamma sisters at Auburn University, and those whose lives were affected by Lauren Burk in my thoughts and prayers.

Courtney Lockhart Trial: 'Justice is done' oanow.com

Adnan and Wanda's 5 days in Cabo

So it's hard to believe that just a few hours ago our now very quiet home was full of life and excitement! It's crazy how time flies when you are not only having fun but with amazing company!

Our journey began rather unconventionally, about 30 mins after I got off the phone with mom saying they were on the plane and should be in Cabo in 2 & 1/2 hours.... I get a knocking at our gate with a guy holding a puppy. I hadn't seen the guy or the dog before but apparently word spread quickly that I was the one to turn to in the neighborhood if there were any dogs that come out of the wood works. This pup was hard to let go but I knew she needed to be taken to the Humane Society (mom would have killed me!!) So little one and I get in the car and head to her new home before I head in the opposite direction to get the rents!



The puppy story isn't quite over yet, but when Mom and Dad get in town it's almost 7 and we got back around 7:45/8ish! We got their stuff into the house and took a stroll around town! We of course had to treat them to their first Mexican tacos from a little stand we go to just down the street! Dad was brought back to the old days in baghdad and mom was a bit nervous but dinner was great and we walked around for about an hour. When we got home, we heard another knocking at the gate, but this time it was a nice couple. They lived across the street in this compound that I swear has about 50 people living there so I kind of felt bad I didn't recognize them, but either way... they were asking if I had their puppy. My heart immediately sunk and felt about a million different feelings. I felt bad that I was in a rush to get to the airport and didn't throughly check the neighborhood as I had done with the previous dog... but at the same time, this tiny puppy was roaming the streets and could have been killed or been the cause of an accident putting other lives in jeopordy. I gave them the number to the humane society and they didn't seem too upset. The next day while we were at the beach, I got a phone call from the humane society president and she said that the couple came in to get the dog and it was good that the puppy was brought in because they coupld became educated about spaying and neutering and are going to take her back to have the procedure done for free!

Now that the drama is over with, it's time for Day 1 of the Bahar visit.... TO THE BEACH! We went to Medano beach during the day on Thursday! The water was calm and not too chilly. There were lots of boats out on the water plus a cruise liner! While Mom was catching rays, Dad and I strolled along the beach checking out all the restaurants and bars about the way!

After our stroll to the water we went!


Famous underwater pic!!

I swear he should have joined the swim team or should have been born as a fish because the man loves to swim!

Day 1!!!!

We got mom up from sunning to join us in the water!

I think he likes Mexico!

Thursday after my airshift, we decided to check out this restaurant about a block from the house called Mi Casa! Though you would never guess it looking in from the street, this place is MASSIVE! Very similar ambiance to Joe T Garcia's in Ft Worth. The place was full of life and people! There were 2 different parties of probably 50 plus that were seated before us and others like ourselves we still piling in one by one! Their decorations were vibrant colored traditional Mexican decor like the skeletons symbolizing dia de los muertos. Food was also very good, a little pricey for my likes but definitely worth taking a look inside of this place!

The wind really picked up when we finished up with dinner, and luckily dad had put a bunch of tree limbs and dead palm leaves in our grill so we could enjoy a nice fire before bed!

We don't have TV but we do have internet so anything we watched is from a streaming website we found! Not your everyday winding down from a long day of fun in the sun, but still fun for us all to be together!

Day 2... Fix up day! As most of you know... it's pretty much impossible for Adnan to sit down and relax... and even though our house has plenty of reasons for him to get up and do things..... you can't stop the machine.... From changing the shower head, replacing the screens on all our windows, changing out light bulbs, to putting cocking all over around the windows, doors, and anyother place where it was cracked, he did it all!

But Mom and I finally convinced him to put the hammer down and enjoy the day at the beach! This day, which was Friday, we ventured out to Ty and I's favorite beach, Santa Maria, but this trip we discovered something AMAZING! The 3 of us brought out the snorkel gear and found a beautiful, tiny reef on the far right side of the public beach! We were really blown away!

This was my favorite picture of the day! There were hundreds of these guys swimming around.

More fish!

Family pic before leaving the beach! We were so bummed that Ty couldn't be with us for most of our adventures, but Capella had another huge buy out and that poor thing worked his ass off. In 72 hours, he probably got collectively 9 hours of sleep, then he and dad went fishing... more on that later!

Friday night, we took it easy and grilled out at the house! Sometimes in all the hustle and bustle you forget how amazing a meal from you mom can be!

After plenty of rest, (excluding Ty who got home at 5am to turn around and be back to work at 8am) we had a few erronds to take care of for the guys fishing trip, then took a glass bottom boat tour around Lands End and enjoyed an hour on Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach before heading out to watch the Auburn/Georgia game!

Mom on Lover's Beach!

We went back to the house to change after our time at the beach and walked a block in a half to Cabo Wabo to watch the game! We ran into a big group of guys that were from California who were so nice, offering us drinks and to join them at their table!

Mom cheering on our AU Boys!!

Since we are in Mexico... why not enjoy shots of tequilla with new friends?! Well it did lead to an early night for Mom and I... but Dad got swooped up by the group and went to San Jose to watch the "big fight" with the Mexican guy at their private 3500 square foot ocean front home that belonged to the owners of the company!

Here's the whole group! Dad stayed there with them until 11pm! He said the home was to die for and their personal chef cooked an entire lamb the traditional Mexican way in the ground! They work for a small construction company that builds starter homes in California and every year take their employees to Cabo to treat them to a week vacation for basically nothing! It's comforting to know that their are companies out there that respect their employees and understand how to boost morale when needed!

Last picture I'm allowed to post of the evening.... Mom didn't know who this girl was in this picture with her... should I be offended or blame to tequilla?!

Finally the buy out wedding is over and Ty has his off day! What better way to spend it than bright and early with his father in law! :D hahaha jk!! The guys had an awesome time and caught a few fish in the process! Ty, Dad, and our friend Ken set off at 6am Sunday morning up the coast, to catch some Marlin and Marlin is what they caught!

Dawn at Lands End

Roughly 300 meters or so off the coast, Ty, Dad, and Ken were catching Marlin, Dorado, they saw whales, and it really perked Ty's spirits after working so hard the past 4 days on this wedding!

Dad reeling in his Dorado (I think)

Ty's Marlin!! They had to kill her because she swallowed the leur... I hope she had a full and fun life swimming about the pacific and knows that she is providing for our family now! Ya ya ya too sentimental... hahaha

Happy boys!

While the boys were fishing all morning, Mom and I decided to check out the spa at Capella. Unfortunately due to the timing of the buy out, mom and dad couldn't stay at Capella, or even eat dinner there, soooooo a few hours at the spa was good enough for now! (They already have another trip planned for April so we can do Capella then!) This spa is pretty much one of the nicest spas I have ever seen! I've read article in the magazines and online about how great it is, but what would experience for a simple 1 hour massage is unreal! They suggest you get to your appointment about 45 mins early to enjoy the lounging pools, hot tubs, wet and dry sauna, and the cold room. Then your room is just outside the pool area where you can hear the water falls creating even more of a relaxing state of mind. Pictures again don't do it justice but has all those pictures as the boys took my camera with them! It was nice to have quality mother daughter time and I know anyone who comes to visit, we're going to Capella's Spa 100%

Now that Ty can check off his Cabo bucket list, Catch a marlin, why not check another... actually sit down and have dinner at the Marina like he's a tourist! That's what we did that evening!

Walking back we stopped by a familiar place to get a pic since we didn't get one the night before!

Everyone was more than exhausted so Sunday night, we watched some AU highlights, played with the dogs, talked for a bit and went straight to bed even though it was sad that it was Mom and Dad's last night!

Last few hours before mom and dad left was filled with last minute erronds, cleaning, tiny fixer uppers, and of course souvenir shopping! I still can't believe how fast the days went by....

Not ready to go!

After I got back from taking them to the airport.... these two were completely done after all the long walks with grandma and grandpa... early morning starts... and lots and lots of love, it was all they could do to lift their heads!

So now we are back to the grind again... Ty is only getting busier at work as am I at the radio station! Capella will be doing a Thanksgiving dinner then before you know it I'm in Huntsville for Lauren and Drew's wedding. This year went by way too fast!

E

Halloween up to November 9th :D

Ok so I found some more pictures before halloween but after this post I'll be all caught up!

Enjoying the hammock with Dad!

But she's done with Kodie!

Friday the 30th some people I met through the radio station were having a skimboarding tournament at Lover's Beach.... unfortunately I got there after the tournament was over but still got to experience my first water taxi and all that is Land's end!

Kodie's cousin sea lions

They are so damn cute flopping around in the water!

The beautiful and infamous Land's End

I'm talking about the very tip of the Baja Peninsula

Ok Firday night when Ty got off work, we met up with some of his coworkers at one of our favorite low key bars, Pirate Porkys. The couple dressed up were about 27 shots of tequila into the evening and sharing the wealth, buying a round for the guys. The guy swore up and down that he was Sammy Hagar's brother and had he not been so wasted we probably would have believe him... his wife was interesting....

After the craziness at Porkys, we head downtown to Baja Junkie, where models from a local modeling agency, Berber International, were hosting a costume party... and these people weren't playing around with their costumes... the less clothes the better...

Dog the Bounty Hunter, the Mad Hatter, girls with barely any clothes on their body... and me :D

I meant what I said when there were girls with barely anything on their bodies... I'm sure she won the costume contest! Yes she's a cheetah and that's just tiny panties and body paint...

Halloween night, I made these for our neighbor's kids and my sorority sister Tyler!

Happy Halloween

I was a bit bummed as the night got later around our house.... there weren't any other children... well we live about 4 blocks from down town and obviously from this picture, all the children in the area were here!

Tyler and I actually packed up all my candy and went downtown to pass it out to these kids! It was the most surreal experience EVER!!!! We got cornered by about 50 children and their parents with little tiny pumpkin buckets screaming out "HALLOWEEN, HALLOWEEN, HALLOWEEN" instead of trick or treat! It was heart breaking when we ran out of candy, which sadly didn't take but 15 mins... Tyler took pictures during the ambush and should be posting them on facebook soon!

Grown up Halloween began when Ty got off work. We headed to meet up with his coworkers at a bar called "Happy Ending" ya it sounds like a stip club and these pictures won't justify it not being that kind of establishment.. Meet Juicy, his acutal name is Jorge but the guys at Capella call him Juicy because he is the juicer that makes all the amazing fresh drinks! He is such a fun person to be around and Halloween night was the first time I had met him and Ty says it couldn't have been more perfect because he was totally in his element.... Dressed up as a black fairy

Juicy is the total life of the party as you can tell! He is more than comfortable in his own skin and is so proud to be strong, happy, gay man! I have been around may gay people in my life, but I can honestly say none compare to Juicy! When Ty and I were walking home from the bar, our cheeks were hurting from smiling and laughing so much!!

He's such a fun spirited guy and really gets along well with all the others! There's never a dull moment with him and he's wildness is infectious!

Somebody was mad that he had to stay outside while everyone else was out having fun!

After the craziness of Halloween weekend, Ty and I slowed down this past week in preparing for Mom and Dad's visit!

That still didn't stop us on the weekend! Ty was off Sunday, as was Tyler, and I was invited to that same modeling agency's 1 year anniversary party at Mandalas in down town! We had a great time and danced the night away! This was Tyler's first time with us downtown and she let all those models know who's boss!

The bar just opened up their terrace lounge and that's pretty much where we stayed all night! The view was great (you can actually see the stars while in down town,) seats available with out paying thousands for bottle service, and you could still dance all night! What more could you ask for!

Ty and I didn't call it a night until about 5:45am so we slept in and decided after a late lunch, to take a water taxi tour of Land's End. My experience the week before wasn't as informative as this time!

Welcome to Pelican Rock... yes the white is crap

Ty gazing off at the amazing rock structures!

The window from the Sea Of Cortes to the Pacific!

So much fun to do this together!

El Archo

Watching the sun set on the Pacific

We found this guy seeking a get away from all the comotion his friends were making on the other side.... can't a guy get a good nights rest every now and again?!?

Pulling into the Marina

Movie night after our outing on the boat! Comfys and dogs are all we need! It's awesome to get that little chill when it's about 65 degrees outside with a light breeze!

Kodie has found that if you climb up and rest your paws on the wall.... HEY you can see the people walking by at eye level and bark like he's possessed.... I'm sure the neighbors loooove this new finding of his!

Our beautiful Hibiscus....

So we are pumped because this time tomorrow Mom and Dad will be here!! We're giong to relax on the beach, work on the house a little, and just enjoy our time together!

Elena