#5: 30 June — Tulip

This past April, we took a day trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival where I was blown away by the extensive fields of tulips. These continuous agglomerations of flowers project such a massive color that, seen from the distance, it gives the impression to be a fence or something unreal. But once you get closer, the spectacle is simply breathtaking.

Though one associates the tulips with the Dutch, this flower is actually native of the Middle East. The red color represents love, passion, respect, and courage —sentiments which the tulip takes further with its boldness and its solid color.

See more progress on: declare 26/06 - 02/07 Flower Avatar Week

This reminded me of my cat, Micho

This photo was taken last year outside our home in Mexico. He is having a great day lying around next to the Copas de Oro —the golden flowers.

He was such a beautiful cat and so dear...

This entry went into limbo —it was supposed to be before the week started—, so here it is again:

In the spirit of last year’s flower avatar week —and since I’ve been so passionate about the gorgeous spring flowers here in Seattle—, I decided to hop on and join this goal for a week :o)

To add a sense of purpose, I’ll also pick seven of those flowers and research to identify them.

Here’s the Daisy, which is one of my favorite flowers. It’s such a happy flower, and it brings you into such a good mood… :)

See more progress on: declare 26/06 - 02/07 Flower Avatar Week

#4: 29 June — Peace Lily

This lily radiates a special energy of peacefulness, hence its name. Its white color symbolizes innocence, purity, secrecy, and reverence.

This flower is very special to me, since I acquired one plant for my late dog, Gala. Today is five months since she died, and I deemed appropriate to write about her flower in loving memory.

Shortly after her passing, I was walking around a plant nursery when this plant caught my eye. There was a special energy, a special feeling, something… I glimpsed at the flower’s white color that contrasted the dark green leaves. I searched for the tag to learn what kind of plant it was, and it read Peace Lily... Somehow, I was profoundly moved… probably due to the recentness, or probably the plant’s energy matched mine, or a mix of feelings and thoughts…

So, I decided to bring the Peace Lily home for Gala. It’s her flower.

See more progress on: declare 26/06 - 02/07 Flower Avatar Week

Pink toenails!

My back is better, and I can now reach my toes comfortably :)

I gave my feet a bit of a massage and I clipped, groomed, and buffed my toenails. I then polished them pink —coincidentally to today’s flower avatar.

My feet are summer-ready now!

See more progress on: give myself a pedicure

#3: 28 June — Foxglove

Native of Europe, the foxglove is a flower that captivates the eye. The repetitive trumpets and the dots on just the bottom side of the petals are amusing, but nothing compared to its hairy surface!

Its pink color represents happiness, gratitude, appreciation, and admiration —which I manifest to my neighbors who plant these wonderful varieties and keep their gardens beautiful :)

See more progress on: declare 26/06 - 02/07 Flower Avatar Week

#2: 27 June — California Poppy

This has become one of my favorite flowers. Their orange color signify admiration, fascination, enthusiasm, and desire. Its petals open up and fold back again missing their original structure, making the most intricate folding patterns.

This happy flower is native to the western United States and is the State Flower of —you guessed it— California. Its leaves and seeds have been used from cooking to treating nervousness.

Though delicate, it grows well in harsh conditions and can even be considered invasive. It can tolerate drought; it self-seeds; and it grows in your garden without even trying… and makes a wonderful model for photos :)

See more progress on: declare 26/06 - 02/07 Flower Avatar Week

Log week 3

My third week was as follows:

• day 15 = 0.7 liters
• day 16 = 0.4 liters
• day 17 = 1.4 liters
• day 18 = 1.4 liters
• day 19 = 2.6 liters
• day 20 = 1.7 liters
• day 21 = 1.7 liters

• day 22 = 1.4 liters
• day 23 = 1.7 liters

I did not reach my 2-liter goal of just plain water, and I went over the 2.5-liter mark only one day. But, again, I’ve been drinking other liquids as well: juice, milk, coffee —I know, not too good…

The good news is that I’ve almost dropped my soda consumption to only one can a week and have replaced it with water. Also, most days I only drink one cup of coffee.

I continued logging accurately my water intake for a couple more days. This water intake I believe has more or less continued steadily over the past few days without logging it. So, I’m checking this goal as done and will incorporate it in my permanent every-day things to do :)

See more progress on: drink more water

#1: 26 June — Yellow rose

I’m starting off the Flower-Avatar Week with an easy one: a yellow rose.

We all know roses, and we are all familiar and fond of their fragrance. But we may all not know that a yellow rose signifies joy, friendship, and freedom —maybe that’s what the previous tenants wished to pass on when they planted it in our front garden before they moved out.

Here’s a bud of this plant just about to bloom…

See more progress on: declare 26/06 - 02/07 Flower Avatar Week

I *love* Seattle!!

I’m enamored of this city: its beautiful scenery, its impressive buildings, its fantastic people. What a delight to live here :)

See more progress on: Seattle

A tip I have about Kerry Park

Bring your good camera ;)

Today was a gorgeous day in Seattle. On our way back home, we noticed there were almost no clouds and Mount Rainier was as majestic as ever. I knew there was this park in Queen Anne where I could get my postcard photo. I always carry my tiny digital camera on me, but I had left my good camera home.

Anyway, after some good samaritans offered directions when they saw our where-can-we-get-a-good-shot faces, we headed here and were astounded by the view ::gasp:: Unluckily, by the time we got there, the sun was gone, and we just got the first rays of dusk… the twilight zone in Seattle ;) But a couple of photos came out nice, and now I know where to head the next time there’s picture-perfect weather…

See more progress on: Kerry Park

Lots of dogs!!

Today we were in the area and opted to take Uma for her daily walk to Magnuson Park —a place that had been recommended to me for its ampleness and its access to water. And how was I surprised to encounter unending parks and little subparks and nooks here and there for our pooches to enjoy —even the shy ones have a small fenced area to roar ;) The off-leash area is very vast within an even more extensive park. This whole park is HUGE.

There’s a long path to access Lake Washington, where dogs can plunge right into. Ironically, this stretch of beach is no longer than 30-40 meters, so it was rather crowded as evident in the photo. This seems to be quite a popular spot, as we met at least 200 dogs on our way there and back :o)

See more progress on: Magnuson Park

A review of Specialty's Cafe & Bakery: Excellent, very friendly service

After a hearty meal, we headed towards the Specialty’s Cafe & Bakery for the first time. We ordered our usual double short latte which was very good, which is double credit for being in a mall and competing with three neighboring Starbucks.

The bread and the pastries looked sooo good, but we were too full. Alas, as I’m writing this, I regret not having gotten some for tomorrow’s breakfast :S They really looked very appealing, especially since they bake them all right there on site.

The barista was very nice and friendly. We’ll definitely return and try their sandwiches next time we’re at the U.Village :)

See more progress on: Specialty's Cafe & Bakery

A review of Zao Noodle Bar: Tasty, large portions, friendly service

Hunger found us while at the University Village, and Zao Noodle Bar was our restaurant of choice, since their menu looked appealing and their patio is dog-friendly :)

I had a succulent Yellow Curry Salmon and Prawns over wide rice noodles cooked with the perfect amount of spice. “One Ocean. One Earth. One Bowl.” read the menu entry of my dish. I would’ve expected a bit more prawns and salmon for the price, but it was enjoyable nonetheless —very tasty. My brother had a Dan Dan Noodles with Chicken which lacked taste at first, but our waitress was very accommodating and brought an extra bowl of peanut sauce and a spicy sauce which made all the difference. The servings were quite large, but we finished them without hesitation.

Today was a beautiful day in Seattle, and our meal in the outdoor patio was very pleasing.

See more progress on: Zao Noodle Bar

Welcome :o)

For four months, I didn’t know what having subscribers meant. This week in just three consecutive days…1…2…3!!! One right after the other… Now, there’s a subscribers’ line just above the people I’m subscribed to ;)

I am so honored!! Thank you and welcome again :o)

^{PS Here’s a welcoming and friendly flower with incorporated fireworks for the occasion ;)}

See more progress on: Welcome my Nice New Subscribers

Worth doing!!

Taking an alphabet of photos provided me with true delight and wonderful moments of observing, contemplating, and even meditating upon the many shapes and the many details —not only letters of the alphabet— in a micro cosmos around my own neighborhood (and a bit beyond) on my daily walks with my dog :o)

I’ve been and will continue photographing this micro cosmos on a wider array of subjects…

See more progress on: take an alphabet of photos

My alphabet in nature

Voilà my little undertaking of photographing the alphabet in nature —”it includes the very Spanish letter “ñ” ;)

I’m adhering to Dakota’s great idea of rounding up and finalizing the alphabet in one collage :o)

See more progress on: take an alphabet of photos

A tip I have about Smith

OK, so my previous review can be overlooked since I just noticed the slogan on their check, and I can see I’m not quite their target market. On the bottom of it, it reads:
Get hammered-Get nailed -LOL!

See more progress on: Smith

ASAP

I need to take Uma to the vet asap, since we’re already in summer, and she is not protected against fleas, ticks, and heart worm.

Back in Tulum, due to the hot weather, I used to take her and Gala to the vet every 6 weeks for their shots. But here in Seattle, I must admit I’ve slacked off a bit since I don’t have to administer the shots that frequently, but they have to be administered sometime nonetheless.

And look at her… doesn’t she deserve my best? :o)

See more progress on: take my dog to the vet

Couldn't get it up in the air

We tested the kite this past Sunday, and we could never get it to fly without running. I think the model I worked on has the flaw that it doesn’t have a crossbar, so it does not resist the air very much but rather folds in half, leaving no surface onto which the wind can blow against :S

And not only did we lose our breath running to get that kite to fly, but I actually injured my back in the process. So I’m quitting on this model, and I’m onto making a better one from the book. Just got to get the materials.

See more progress on: Make a kite

Can't reach my toes :(

I injured my back three days ago, and not only can I not reach my feet, but I had to rest for a full day. I can now walk, but I still feel pain when I stand up, sit down, or change position, so my pedicure will have to wait a little.

See more progress on: give myself a pedicure

ñ

a tilde-shaped cloud over an n-shaped negative space produces the very Spanish letter “ñ”

See more progress on: take an alphabet of photos

C

the “C”-shaped waning crescent moon before becoming the NewMoon ;)

See more progress on: take an alphabet of photos

News about Smith

This restaurant/bar just opened two days ago. We went tonight, and it was packed. Good atmosphere and crowd, but a tad loud for my taste. The loudness was a combination of the music played by the jukebox and everyone talking under an “echoing” locale.

This place is in the same location that has seen other 5/6 businesses go by in the past two years. However, everyone I’ve talked to agrees that Smith has a much better chance of success since —unlike its predecessors— it actually looks like a restaurant/bar. Evidently, they know what they’re doing —they’re no rookies—, and they fitted it very well for the Capitol Hill area.

The only thing that I frankly give it a thumbs down is the grotesque decoration with taxidermic birds and game hanging from the walls. A much better choice were the paintings on one of the walls.

See more progress on: Smith

Started a few weeks ago

This is my second little garden that I’ve planted, and I’m happily watching it grow :o)

In the windowsill, I planted several seeds of:

1. artichoke
2. arugula
3. oregano
4. rosemary
5. basil
6. tomatillo
7. cilantro
8. carrot
9. watermelon
10. poblano pepper
11. serrano pepper
12. roma tomato

Some of them have grown quite a bit, and I transplanted them to pots:

And some have grown even more, so they’re hardening and withstanding the weather:

Watching my herbs and vegetables grow from seed generates a glorious and proud feeling in me!

See more progress on: have my own little herb & vegetable garden

A tip I have about Mexico City Metro

This is the BEST way to get around the city. During five years, I commuted using the Metro and other transportation systems, and by far the Metro wins :)

• It’s super cheap
• It’s fast
• It’s acceptably clean
• It’s reliable
• Some stations have art and displays that will keep you distracted while walking the long transfers between lines
• Its web reaches much of Mexico City, and most of its stations have ground transportation to connect practically everywhere.

Though there are horror stories —as in all other metros in the world and in other transportation systems as well—, just a little common sense got me around fine.

Another tip: at peak hours the two front wagons are exclusively for women and children, and the other seven are for everybody.

Another tip: bring good shoes with “gripping” soles. With so much traffic through the years, the marble floors have been buffed and they’re quite slippery —my own horror story: I slipped while going down the stairs, and I dislocated my thumb :(

See more progress on: Mexico City Metro

A tip I have about Mexico City International Airport

Expect turbulence at take off

It doesn’t have to do with the airport itself but rather with its high traffic or something: EVERY time I take off, the turbulence is unbearable, and you even think the airplane lost a motor or a wing. Awful!! Aaaarrrrggghhh!!! :(

See more progress on: Mexico City International Airport

Why I recommend Papantla to visitors

This quaint town is not only famous for its vanilla —you can smell it in the air— but for its Voladores de Papantla (Papantla’s Flyers) a tradition that started in this place upon a beautiful legend.

See more progress on: Papantla

A rumor about La Calle De Los Dulces

...must be that they now call it “La Calle de los Dulces” (the Candy Street).

In the 10+ years I lived in Puebla, we always knew it as “La Calle de los Camotes” (caramelized sweet potatoes —a real treat mmm). But they not only sold camotes here but, actually, a quite broad range of candy in ALL its presentations for the sweet-tooth tourist… and the sweet-tooth local as well ;)

See more progress on: La Calle De Los Dulces

A tip I have about Celaya

This is THE town to buy cajeta (caramelized condensed milk). Delicious… mmmm…

I cannot really say anything about the sights —since I just stopped briefly in this town, but lengthy enough to buy some great cajeta candy bars and obleas (sandwiched cajeta between two round phyllo-like sheets). OMG!! Heavenly!!

See more progress on: Celaya

Why I want to go to Rainier Veterinary Hospital

My doggie needs her biyearly checkup, plus tick and flee season is already started.

See more progress on: Rainier Veterinary Hospital

A tip I have about Columbia City Farmers Market

Mark the Wednesdays on your calendar, so you don’t miss three consecutive market days like I did :S

Anyway, today was very windy, but a lovely day nonetheless. Like me, quite a few people were walking their dogs, so Uma got to mingle a little with the locals ;)

I got some cheese but wasn’t lucky in finding any leeks. I’ll have to get them at the grocery store ::sigh::

The Canote Brothers were playing lively folk music with banjos —or an instrument very similar. Very nice day today at the market.

See more progress on: Columbia City Farmers Market

Once again

I had started keeping my hands groomed, but only two days before my target goal, I slipped and bit my whole fingers off!!

I’ve discovered that keeping my hands manicured helps me not to bite them, plus they look nicer ;) So I —again— will set this goal to 21 days of keeping them groomed and manicured.

See more progress on: keep my nails manicured

...and even an orchid for decoration :)

Indulging in a bath is one of humans’ greatest pleasures. Adding salts, aromatherapy, candles, and an orchid to create a nice ambiance is bliss.

See more progress on: take a bubble bath with lots of scented candles around

A review of Mamma Melina: Bravo!!

This was a true discovery today for lunch. It was a recommendation of a friend of a friend of a friend ;) As evident from the photograph, the place didn’t look promising at all, but once we walked inside, our appreciation was better since it is quaintly decorated and inviting.

We had a wonderful and delicious meal. For an average of $8.50, you get a plate of pasta with a salad on the side. The green and the Caesar salad, the linguini salmone, the linguini alle vongole, and the rigatoni bolognese were all quite tasty. And a glass of house wine perfectly accompanied our dishes. The tiramisu was on the creamy side, but delicious nonetheless. The espressos were excellently prepared to finish our midday banquet :o)

See more progress on: Mamma Melina

Started an easy one

So I started with the book Best Ever Paper Kites. The designs are gorgeous but, ironically, require a material called Tyvek instead of paper .

So meanwhile I get that material, I started doing an easier kite with an idea from a fellow 43er.

I haven’t yet finish it —I guess there’s not enough motivation since it has been really windy for the past two days…

See more progress on: Make a kite

To thong or not to thong...

...that is the question ;)

See more progress on: Find out what http://www.43thongs.com/ is all about...??

Log week 2

My second week was as follows:

• day 8 = 1.8 liters
• day 9 = 2.0 liters
• day 10 = 2.0 liters
• day 11 = 1.3 liters
• day 12 = 2.0 liters
• day 13 = 0.7 liters
• day 14 = 1.4 liters

I have not reached my 2-liter goal yet, but I’ve been drinking juices also, which “compete” with my overall liquid intake.

On week 3, I’ll aim to have at least 2 or 3 days with a 2.5-liter intake.

See more progress on: drink more water

Why I recommend Madison Park Playground to locals

The swings are big enough for adults :o)

See more progress on: Madison Park Playground

Sailing

Few things compare to the sensation of space and peace while sailing. Cruising swiftly through the sea waves without hearing a motor gives the added bonus that you’re not polluting the water like a motor boat does.

It also gives you a chance to listen to the seagulls above, and you could almost listen how the clouds play with the sun, displaying a magnificent sunset.

Today is June 8th, World Ocean Day, and we can only hope –and work towards– having cleaner and healthier seas.

See more progress on: declare June 3rd-9th Ocean Avatar Week to celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8th

A review of Cinerama: Needs further revamping

Though there was a big effort to recover this theater, there are quite a few details that need polishing —yet I didn’t get the impression they’re working on them.

What I liked:

1. Being able to watch the movie from the balcony. I love that splendor from older theaters; you really feel you’re going to the movie theater :)
2. The sound quality —although it was rather high in decibels
3. The popcorn

What I didn’t like:

1. The fact that they let children in to an R-rated movie… and that their parents come in and out to quiet down their crying babies
2. The filthiness: it seems there are still soda residues on the floor prior the renovation
3. The seats: I think they used the original ones. They’re narrow and dirty and squeaky and uncomfortable… especially when you have to endure the too-long, too-bloody, too-bad “300” movie :S

See more progress on: Cinerama

A tip I have about Olympic Sculpture Park

This park has few but fabulous sculptures.

Held on a short leash, it is a dog-friendly park :) Unfortunately, it is not for the heat-sensitive ones: there are very few, very young trees that give “shelter” from the sun. I wish I had brought a hat or an umbrella, as it was very sunny the day we went, and my doggie didn’t handle the heat well either.

While the trees grow in this park, you can seek refuge under the trees of the adjacent Myrtle Edwards Park. But it was very much worth going, and I definitely want to go back :)

See more progress on: Olympic Sculpture Park

News about Mount Baker Park

There IS a living-in rooster on the north end of the park (next to the Children’s Garden). It seems this rooster has chosen Mount Baker Park as his home —I’ve seen him three times over the last three or four months.

Although I find this quite ludicrous, I hope he’s a pet in a nearby house where they feed him. And I also hope there are some hen neighbors around… Spring is here!! ;)

See more progress on: Mount Baker Park

A view from above

The northwestern corner of the Yucatán Peninsula is one of my favorite sights from an airplane. Although this picture does no justice to it —you can actually see my reflection on the window :P—, it depicts a portion of the beautiful Celestún Biosphere Reserve, where the fresh waters from the underground rivers engage in an endless flowing dance with the salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Down below, these extensive wetlands create a unique ecosystem, which is chosen as a temporary or permanent home by various species of flamingos, crocodiles, turtles, birds, and other sea creatures. With its high concentration of carotene, these crimson marshes give flamingos its characteristic pink color.

And from high above, the contrast of ruby, emerald, and turquoise is breathtaking.

See more progress on: declare June 3rd-9th Ocean Avatar Week to celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8th

T

a “T”-shaped light reflection on a raindrop

See more progress on: take an alphabet of photos

L

a flower blooming from its stem and a perfectly-perpendicular leaf make an “L”

See more progress on: take an alphabet of photos

u

a “u”-shaped raindrop on a leaf

See more progress on: take an alphabet of photos

Basically done :o)

1. The garden looks beautiful
2. The doors and windows are clean
3. Winter clothes are stored away
4. Extra clothes and stuff are ready to go to Goodwill
5. Pictures are hung up on walls
6. The shed is all cleaned and organized
7. The kitchen cabinets and closets are cleaned and organized
8. The soil of most plant pots is changed
9. And most of the house is nice and clean

OK, I’ll have to admit that the following are still pending, but I’ll set them for summer clean:

1. bring the stuff to Goodwill
2. dining-room fan
3. exterior of windows
4. some spots on the carpet
5. change the soil of the two big plant pots
6. continue to weed the lawn and garden beds

So, I’m checking this goal as done!

See more progress on: spring clean

One with our universe

When I snorkel or scuba-dive, I can’t help but be awed by the vastness of the sea and the creatures that live within.

These two activities are deeply connected to our breathing —the primary condition which keeps us alive— and, hence, originate a sensation of feeling one with the universe, while contemplating all its immense beauty…

See more progress on: declare June 3rd-9th Ocean Avatar Week to celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8th

k

a flower bud and its linked leaf connect with their stem creating a lowercase “k”

See more progress on: take an alphabet of photos

Caribbean Sea

The beauty of the Caribbean Sea against the lush green jungle and white beaches of Cozumel Island in Mexico, seen from the top of the lighthouse on the southern tip of the island

See more progress on: declare June 3rd-9th Ocean Avatar Week to celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8th

To celebrate and respect our world oceans and seas

Living near the sea for the past six years, I discovered how important and vital our oceans and seas are to us. Being an asphalt flower most of my life, I was unaware of the extent of influence they have on us and on our planet.

Not only will I be changing my avatar for a week, but I will be aware that every action I take this week reflects the respect and care we should have for our oceans. Thus, by taking on this conscious endeavor, it will live on for the rest of the year and the rest of my life.

See more progress on: declare June 3rd-9th Ocean Avatar Week to celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8th

Postponed

Realistically, I won’t be able to do it this year. I’m just giving it up for now, not forever. I’ll leave it in my queue for now.

See more progress on: fly in a hot air balloon

Placed a hold in the library

Spring is almost over, and the weather has been gorgeous… and I have this lingering goal in my 43things that I really want to accomplish.

So I took a look at the library’s webpage, and it came up with at least a dozen books on kite making. So I’m starting with one: Best ever paper kites.

Well, that’s a start :)

See more progress on: Make a kite

E-footprint

I've lost email accounts in the past because I didn't check in often enough. But I somehow sense that they're "standing by" waiting for me to reopen them. I would like to close them all for good.

My biggest problem, though, is that I'm signed up for a ton of newsletters that I seldom read, and I'm in a couple of groups/forums that the amount of email just piles up by the day! And then I see that I still have emails from previous jobs, and they're duplicate and triplicate!! ::sigh::

Do you ever have the feeling that you sign up for a bunch of stuff (email and others) and then you don't use them? Or that you have to register for many websites that you never come back to? It's like leaving a huge e-footprint - LOL!!

I need to do some serious e-spring cleaning ;)

Log week 1

My first week of logging my water intake was as follows:

• day 1 = 1.9 liters
• day 2 = 1.6 liters
• day 3 = 1.6 liters
• day 4 = 2.5 liters
• day 5 = 1.3 liters
• day 6 = 1.3 liters
• day 7 = 2.0 liters

Though I haven’t been very consistent on the quantity, I have been in drinking more water than I used to, and also I’ve been logging every glass I drink.

I plan to continue logging everything for another 2 weeks to aim to drink at least 2 liters a day but with a target goal of 2.5 liters.

See more progress on: drink more water

Challenge

I’m tackling this goal first as part of my undertaking of organizing my mac.

As of today, I have a total of 32,381 emails!!! They’re taking up space, and worse, they’re taking precious brain resources and stress of “pending” things to do.

So I’ve challenged myself to sort them out. Throw out most and keep the ones that are important either personally or for reference. If I don’t finish by July 15th, I’ll just throw out every unchecked email, so they don’t overwhelm me.

See more progress on: sort out my inbox

How Palacio de Bellas Artes changed my life

The magnificence and beauty of its architecture, the details, and even the elaborate and gorgeous stage curtain blew me away.

Not only was I very sensitive to it, but this was just the preamble to what I was going to experience: my first time to the opera, and it was The Traviata. I am unable to express the overwhelming feeling I had, yet when so much beauty surrounds you and touches all your senses, you might as well let it all in and let it flow :)

See more progress on: Palacio de Bellas Artes