Winning Strategies

Beach'in it

 

So, we return from a week at the beach, all rested and relaxed and ready to never have to work, cook, do chores, go to school, or run a taxi service for the kiddos.  The beach seems to provide a relation that other locations just can't seem to provide.  The sound of the waves crashing into the beach, the sound of the wind blowing through your hair, the muffled sound of children playing, and the distinct sound of laughter surrounds you as you bask in the midday sun.

Each morning we started out the day with a walk, earnestly discovering small shells and sand formations on our daily tour.  Peace surrounds you as you explore the coastline and marvel at the beauty found everywhere you look.  You breath in a deep breath and slowly blow it out.  When was the last time you felt this relaxed?  Why in the world don't we take small chances regularly to marvel at the moments of life?

Ahhhhh, I am not on vacation still, but my mind can easily drift there, finding solace and sanctuary in the deep abyth of the mind.

Another day at the beach

The pool at the Dominican was sooooo refreshing in the hot heat of the afternoon.  We settled in under a hut and enjoyed the view.   Ahhhh, if only every day was this unstressful.  The kids played water polo and pool games while splashing around for hours in the sun.  They are so tanned and blonde from their week at the beach.   

Update Dominican Republic

We have experienced only one rainy day here, and boy oh boy did it rain on Friday. It rained buckets and buckets of water. On the rainy day- the boys went ATVing. Actually, the place had ATVs and dune buggies. The boys chose the dune buggies. They turned into giant mud balls while driving in the rain. The tour included a stop at the ocean, a swim in a fresh water cave, and horsebackriding. Brandon wasn't allowed to drive, so he was bummed out. Yesterday we spent most of the day at the beach. The boys are still entranced by all the topless women everywhere. We have met people from Belgium, Switzerland, US, Germany, France, Africa and Thailand. It is quite the muti-cultural place. The sun is bright and warm here. It would be easy to burn. I have been slathering Caleb in 50 spf to protect him from the sun's rays. Even Brandon (little brown boy) has been using 30 spf. I won a t-shirt, a hat, and a CD of Dominican music at a game the other day. There are also slot machines in the lobby next door- much to do. Well- I am off to swim in the pool and cool off. Bye for now.

Vacation ramblings

I think what we miss in our hurried, over scheduled lives- is the chance to breathe. When is it that we just sit- contemplating life or enjoying the moment. We don't take enough time to daydream. We often don't allow unplanned days to sit around and just 'be'. Boredom is considered bad, and sitting around a thing that doesn't happen much anymore. We measure ourselves by how much we get done and how scheduled our lives are. I close my eyes and rest in the moment. I begin to daydream about the future and what lies ahead. I think about the children all grown. Life is busy. We lose ourselves in the hectic helter scelter of life. What would life be like if we paused more? What would it be like to lay around for day and daydream? (I'm going to test this out) (grin). I'll report back on this hypothesis. I love the line in Kung Fu Panda " yesterday is the past, tomorrow is unknown, and today is a gift- that is why they call it the present". I love thinking of each day as a gift. It allows us to concentrate on what can/ can't be changed one day at a time rather than getting caught up in our failures. Go create yourself a great day!

On the beach in Bavaro, Dominican Republic

I am seated in a beach chair facing the ocean. A speed boat rushes by and I listen to the sound of the waves lapping up against the shore. The sand is powder white and feels almost like flour as you sink your toes into it. Many of the women are topless, giving the beach a euro feel. The sun is strong and warm and the water feels to be about 78 degrees. The blue/green of the water is postcard beautiful, covered only by the bluest of skys with dotted cumulous clouds. Wow, what a beautiful view. The wind blows constantly here, making it cooler than Playa Del Carmen was last year.

The boys are playing volleyball in the pool just a few feet from me as I bury my head in a book beachside. The Iberostar Bavaro is next to two other Iberostar Resorts- all of which share several restaurants to choose from. The buffet last night was really delicious. I have made reservations for 3 nights to dine in their restaurants. The other nights we will eat at the buffet. I couldn't get Caleb to try the tongue last night (smile). Caleb loves these getaways. Last night he 'tucked me in'. A sort of reverse role play. Brandon is in the teens, so acts tortured that he 'must go on vacation with his mom and dad. He misses his girlfriend Missy. We won't let him call her much due to the high cost of calls.

The country's language appears to be Spanish. We hear a lot of French Tourists, so it seems to be a toutist destimation for them. The exchange rate would make it quite cheap for them. The aiport is open air and reminded me of the airport on the big island of Hawaii. All for now- more later.

Onwards to Punta Cana Dominican Republic

We are up before any live humans are really up and around (3AM). We pack the trunk full of bags and off to the new International terminal at DFW. Our first flight is from DFW to Miami. We board flight 1725 for a three hour tour. Currently we are relaxing in the Admirals Club in terminal D in Miami. It is a spacious, well laid out club with lots of windows and seating areas. Our second flight is slightly delayed. So- we wait.