scenes from jamaica

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I’m back! And while I’m happy to be home and reunited with my kitties, I’m sad it’s over so soon.

This was our third time to Jamaica, all three times in the Ocho Rios area. I basically just look for the best deal, so all three have been different resorts as well. This time we spent the week at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios.

We met lots of great people to hang out with, drank lots of rum (and brought lots of rum home — who wants a drink?), and had a lot of fun!

Anyway, I’m combining my Weekly Winners post with my vacation summary. Enjoy!

The Beach
the beach

Our favorite place to relax. Plus, the wheeled chairs went a notch higher than the other chairs, much more comfortable to read that way!

We had great weather the first half of the week, and then three days of on-and-off rain! We sat on the beach anyway — and tried to get under one of the huts. They didn’t have enough; I also spent some time reading under a resort-provided umbrella!

The Pier
one of the piers

Boating
boats

Unfortunately, we never made it out on any of the boats, or any activity really. By the time we were ready to start doing something other than read/relax, the weather turned on us!

Behind our room
waterfall

Red flower
flower

Yellow flower
yellow flower

Blurry pink flower
blurry pink flower
That’s because I only brought my point-and-shoot and it doesn’t focus as well.

Oh well, I liked it, anyway!

This sign made us laugh
falling fruits

Although something falling out of this tree would hurt
palm tree with dangerous fruits

Finally, due to being away, I have no kitty photos like I usually include. However, I do have an “animal series” to finish out my photo-tour!

I pet a kitten anyway
i pet a kitten

Skippy
parrot

Parrot sculpture
parrot sculpture

Sunning turtles
turtles

Monkey face
monkey face
Part of a sculpture on our balcony

Goats
goats

Along the side of the road, taken from the bus window. The driver told us the goats aren’t wild, they belong to people that let them roam during the day. They go home at night!

Well, that’s all for now. Back to work tomorrow.

Be sure to check out more Weekly Winners over at SarcasticMom.com!

if you need me, i’ll be over here

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If you need me, I'll be over here ...

Or somewhere near here. This photo is from last year’s vacation.

I’m heading out in less than four hours. I should really be trying to get some sleep. Due to a strange schedule, we had tickets to a 10p.m. concert tonight (Dan Wilson and Kathleen Edwards), so I haven’t gotten all my stuff together yet!

Anyway, that’s all for now. Just wanted to check in. I’ll be back next week!

new shoes

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The shopping fast is over.

on sale now at Old Navy!

I’ve had my eye on these for months. I’d seen them in magazines before they even hit the stores. I don’t even know what I’m going to wear with them … but I’ll figure something out.

I saved money by waiting, too — originally $19.50, they’re on sale at Old Navy now for $11.70!

Of course, I spent that saved money by buying a second pair.

on sale now at Old Navy!

I couldn’t resist. I love this pattern, too!

Over the weekend I picked up a few items at Ann Taylor LOFT — I had $100 in savings cards that I had to use! And Banana Republic sent me an email today to take an extra 20% off their sale items.

I know, it seems like the fast just made me explode back into my old shopping habits. Well, I had some birthday money to spend! And, yes, it was a little pent-up.

I did learn some things I needed during my fast. I guess when you’re not buying things, you pay more attention to the flaws in what you do have.

Most of my pants are too short, even with flats. And I only have one pair of jeans I can wear with the majority of my heels (2-3 inch). I need to find some longer pants!

I can use a casual pair of brown flats and possibly black boots that are flat enough for my barely-long-enough pants. (They’re not all hopeless!)

I also need some neutral sandals to wear with my beach dresses in Jamaica. And a one-piece bathing suit for triathlon training, but that doesn’t count. It’s something I actually need!

Before I buy anything else, I should really go through my closet again. If the weather would make up its mind, I could rotate my clothes and shoes for spring/summer!