...A Dominican Christmas...

A few years ago I decided to start trading in the stress of holidays and exchanging of gifts for relaxing vacations and making of memories with my children. This repeatedly proves to be one of my greatest decisions.

 

2018 was a year of deaths, disappointments, heart breaks and health challenges for our family. The kids and I ditched Christmas and headed to the Dominican Republic to relax, reflect, and reset. We definitely accomplished that goal. 

 

 

The resort was amazing, the beach was beautiful, and the food was incredible. The spa was perfect. We love spending time at the resort with people from around the world.

 

Those weren’t our favorite parts. We wandered away from the resort and into town. We visited a local school, church, market and farm. We spent time with the local people learning about their way of life. They showed us how they make their local coffee and chocolate. (And we got to taste it all!)

 

This was one of the most needed and most relaxing vacations I have ever taken. Nothing compares to the quality time I spent with my “young adult” babies. There is never a dull moment with them.

 

The Dominican Republic always makes me feel “at home”. I love the people, the energy of the island, and the culture. The food , the weather, and beach are just bonuses. It’s always hard to say “until next time”.

 

 ...Breathe...

...Michelle Lynn...

...Near Death in Ft. Worth...

The good news: You are reading this which means that I did not die via sacrifice, soul stealing, floor cleaner poisoning or  bad driving.

Let me explain.

I made a road trip to Ft. Worth with JC, my Emotional Support Human. After taking one wrong turn into the parking lot of the Adult Game Room(?) we arrived at Casa de Delores.
Because of facetime and video chat I was aware that there was going to be a wall of crosses, but in person it seems to multiply. (Note: crosses and coozies are common in Ft. Worth homes.)

My body was trying to fight off a sinus infection and Delores put together a magic potion that resembled and tasted like floor cleaner. (Note: JC & Delores are both true Gingers.) At this point between the potion and the wall of crosses (and some wine) I was pretty convinced that the Gingers were plotting together to sacrifice me and steal my soul. I caught on that they were taking turns resting. I knew it was going to be a long, sleepless weekend of me having to guard my soul.

JC headed to Dallas to train and we took off for some girl time. We played in the Water Gardens downtown before heading across town to meet Amy. After lots of hugs, lunch and drinks we went with Amy to get her tattoo. We have forever reminders to Breathe.

The evening ended playing a dice game (I'm pretty sure they cheated) and playing with the puppies. Brut is an asshole and he beat JC at a game that only he knew the rules.

 There is some point in here that involved Delores driving with her foot, my filming our last will and testament and a trip to Game Stop.

AND then....we met the coolest 10 year old in Texas. Jack Barksdale. He was playing at the charity event we attended on Sunday. This kid is a superstar. (He's mixed Louisiana and Texas blood - what would one expect!) He writes, sings, and performs his own music. He has an old soul. Meeting his mom made me aware of how he got to be so cool and badass!

Trying to get Delores and her bag, and her phone, and her camera out of the venue and to her car is always an adventure. But mission was accomplished (plus or minus a few bruises and a roll down the driveway).

The trip was too short. I hate when it's time to leave. I didn't have much of a voice on the way home. (I'm sure JC didn't mind the quiet!) We listened to Joe Rogan's standup and stopped at Buccee's so all was well in the world.

Until next time Ft. Worth -  Thanks for letting me live against all odds!! & Thanks for always making me feel like I'm at home!!

...Breathe...
...Michelle Lynn...

...New York...

New York

One word….FAST!

 

Notes: Everyone is moving so fast. Riding in a taxi is equal to participating in extreme sports. The city is in such a hurry. I had to catch myself a time or two from going at a NY pace.

The lights. The sounds. The accents. The culture. The food. The diversity.

 

I have to start with Central Park because it is now one of my favorite places. Our trip timing was absolutely perfect to experience the colors of the leaves as the seasons changed. It was breathtakingly beautiful. It was as if time slowed down while there and I wanted to experience it forever. The beauty. The bridge. The water. The trees. The flowers. The landscape. I hope to spend a lot of time there with a picnic blanket and a book. (Pay one of the bike taxi’s to give you the tour and negotiate a price with them. It’s worth it!!)

 

The 9/11 memorial. I had empath reservations about going here and with good reason. I felt every emotion. Anger. Fear. Heartbreak. Despair. Loss. I went there to pay my respect to those that lost their lives there that day. The experience was emotionally overwhelming. I read a quote from a man who lost his wife that day. It said something along the lines of “as horrible as that day was, I didn’t want it to end, because I knew it would be the last day I had spent with her….”. Let that sink in as you spend time with those that you love.

 

Madison Square Garden – WOW. Attending UFC 230 with my son was an amazing experience. Aside from the obvious reasons – my brain just kept remembering so many of the historical events that have taken place there. I can’t explain the nostalgic feelings I experienced sitting in the same place as those events had taken place. Being a fan of MMA it was great to watch the athletes compete in such a venue and experience the energy.

 

We decided to stay in an older hotel. Hotel Pennsylvania was a great experience. The location is perfect. Let me mention – we thought the AC was broken. They laughed. It was November in NY and the hotel is in an old building. They turn it off to prepare for winter. I got nervous thinking it was going to be hot, UNTIL we opened the windows and the temperature was heavenly!!

 

Times Square and Broadway have so many things happening at once. I felt like I could just spin in circles. The view from the Empire State Building was incredible. The shops on 5^th Ave were retail therapy heaven. Go check out the Adidas store. The weather changed on our last day and I will say that the wind felt like it was biting me!!

 

On most trips I wander off and talk to strangers, but on this trip my son beat me to it. That made my heart happier than I can put into words. I believe I have passed on to him the desire of exploring new places and talking to strangers along the way.

 

Thank you New York for being so full of culture and personality. I hope to spend more time with you in the future. The only thing that I would change is I would slow it down and get people to look up and make eye contact.

 

...Breathe...

...Michelle Lynn...