Rest in Peace, Salt

Salt was guesstimated to be a little over the age of 2. We also believe he is a mix between poodle and Schnauzer (schnoodle). Because of him and his fury friend, whom we dubbed Pepper, a salt and pepper colored Schnauzer that somehow found her way tagging behind Salt when he wanted to get into trouble, we developed a love for Schnauzers.  He came to my mother and my siblings from the next door neighbors, who demonstrated they were not capable of caring for him, indicated by numerous events over a period of time. Eventually through prayer and persuasion, my mother was able to get him from them for good.

He was not with us a very long time but nonetheless he has left us with many memories. He changed our lives in ways that I think none of us could have imagined. He was a very playful pup, loved to get into things he need not get into and was very protective of us all. He was humble with a mix of Nepolean complex. I bet he is in a special place right now and I have a sneaking suspicion he is still with us, even if we cannot see him. This happened so unexpectedly and we are all grieving. The circumstances under which he passed were undoubtedly painful to him and although he will be missed, I would rather him be free from suffering that he may have been subject to had he survived. So, I hope that Salt's journeys are to a place with lots of Chik-Fil-A chicken strips and squeaky chew toys that he so adored. We love you Salt.

Americans are not traveling abroad?

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/02/04/americans.travel.domestically/

Wow. While I am not surprised at this in a way I am kind of disappointed, especially that only 30% of Americans have a passport. I know not everyone shares my values or even desire when it comes to international travel. Educating myself about the travel industry, there are even definitions for different types of travelers. America indeed is a beautiful country, with a variety of things to do and experience. However, part of me wishes that everyone HAS to leave the country at some point in their lives to go somewhere different, experience something beyond their comfort zone. I know there are a lot of obligations people face that may prevent them from doing some of the things they would like to do in terms of making trips, especially with the work culture. But geez, 30% of Americans have passports? Compared to 60% and 75% of Canada and UK, respectively????  I guess it is something that if you value you will make a regular part of your life just as anything else. I am not a billionaire (yet, ha!) but I make it a point to get away simply because I feel as though travel is so enriching. It is a natural high for me. Well, the stars were aligned in such a way when I was born that it is inevitable that I make it a part of my life, but I think a large part of that passion has been imprinted in me because of my upbringing.

So much to see, so much to learn, so much to do! Going the distance in search of whatever it is you may be searching for, the discovery that other people, while they may be of a different culture, religion, and ethnicity, you have more in common than you may think. Their stories are not that different. Their experiences are not that different either. I sometimes think about language barriers Americans may experience when we go other places or even come in contact with foreigners in our own country. I find it amazing that other cultures require English as a second language but that as *we*reside in a superpower of the world, it is common to see Americans frown on foreigners who cannot speak English. 

Without going any deeper, it is really my goal to bring at least one person that comes into my life at some point, OUT of their comfort zone. If I can find that one person who maybe has never even left their city limits and pull them away to another place for at least a day, I feel as though I would have made a huge accomplishment in life, even if they didn't see the point or don't enjoy it as much as I would. Seriously!

Ok, rant over.....

Spring Break 2011

Well, my friends, spring break is just around the corner! For some people it can be a blessing, others a nightmare! Students are on vacation during designated time frames throughout the nation between the (average) months of February and April. Well, I know that wherever I have been during these months in the past on vacation myself, I am prone to pass by families with small kids and/or teenagers, or simply run into teenagers and drunken college students who have never been away from home for such long periods of time without adult supervision. (Don't stone me, I was once this student ;)).

This season is a dream for the tourism industry as spring breakers flock to a variety of destinations, such as Mexico, New Orleans, Louisiana (for Mardi Gras), Florida coastal areas, and the Caribbean island of Aruba. With political and social unrest making news in several countries, it is also reported that this is not serving as a deterrent to many. According to the AP, spring break reservations are constant in Mexico despite the increasing drug violence throughout the country.

Although my young college days are over, and I am no longer the spring chicken, I still utilize spring break as a reason to travel. My husband and I toyed with going to Mexico ourselves, but I couldn't help but choke on the idea of being ran over by thousands of intoxicated kids howling for no reason and puking everywhere. Yeah, I know I think too much but for some reason the idea just turned me off.

Well, little do you know the hubs comes up with the idea of visiting Miami for a Heat game. I couldn't resist and gave in, forgetting everything about Miami being a very popular spring break spot. I love Florida and two of my favorite places are Destin and Miami, so I didn't think about the possible flux of spring breakers until later and by then the damage was done, everything was booked and well, the rest is history. So, in a few weeks, I will be documenting my trip,  I can't wait to grab a Cuban sandwich, shop and do whatever my heart desires. Who knows, maybe I will be in more of a party mode when I get there, I mean, it IS Miami after all. We should have went to Boca Raton for peace and quiet if that was the quest.