tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80109845056637609822024-02-19T04:35:59.298-05:00An Island Girl in my Island WorldIsland Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-82061685286817176252012-08-30T16:35:00.000-04:002012-08-30T16:35:25.420-04:009 Costly ‘Extras’ to prepare for as Homeowners<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18.0pt;">9 Costly ‘Extras’ to
prepare for as Homeowners <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Buying a home is
very exciting time. There is so much to
think about with the buying process that people often overlook some of the
extra costs that will pounce on you as a new homeowner. I found this article on an amazing website
called <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/">www.wisebread.com</a> but have
edited it to fit our Real Estate market in The Bahamas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">When people have a
budget in mind for their house they typically factor in the cost of the home, the
taxes and fees required for the transaction and then focus on the monthly
mortgage payment amount. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 16.6pt;">As a potential new
homeowner, it is important to factor in the following extra costs so the
excitement and joy of becoming a homeowner and fulfilling a dream does not
quickly fade and become a nightmare! So, if you’re planning to buy a new home,
have just signed the paperwork, or are moving in next week, this list is for
you. And if you know someone who's moving in, share this with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: normal;">1. Window Coverings, Treatments, Hurricane
Shutters & Security Screens<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Oh, look at all the
windows! It’s so bright, so spacious, the views are lovely!” Well, yes they
are. But you don’t want people viewing you at night, or looking in whenever
they want, so all those windows need coverings. If it’s a new home, you’re
going to be spending hundreds (and probably thousands) of dollars on blinds,
curtains, curtain rods, tie backs, valances, and shades (even more if you're
not too handy and have to have someone come and fit them for you). If it’s an
old home, you may be fine for a year or two with what is there, but you’ll need
to decide if you want to live with the old owner’s treatments or have your
own. You also need to factor in
hurricane shutters and in some locations security screens for added protection
if the home you are buying is not already equipped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: normal;">2. Landscaping and Grounds keeping <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Walking around new
neighborhoods, you see all sorts of beautiful landscapes. And there, almost
always, you’re on your own. Depending on the size of the yard and the HOA rules
and restrictions, you could be looking at $10,000 - $30,000 worth of
landscaping materials and labor. Want a deck or a patio? That’s even more
money. And then you may need sprinklers, irrigation, and other services. If you
move into an old home, that’s no guarantee of a great yard. So, do your homework. See if you can hustle
the homebuilder for a finished back yard too, or ask the seller to drop the
price to cover landscaping. Or be
prepared to live with it as is until the additional funds come along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KQJ4c_yTkEuSVTVplBRrZTveE3eAJWeYg4fGZTfZ4rMsd-RhE1rw9WJlF8er_5cXO4ScGy41R_uwyBc2nNx5YOMe6itArAYsDwz1mFqDkehbPKidwpqL1XWsT_x1Q3jEQImO8FgM-n4/s1600/landscaping442108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KQJ4c_yTkEuSVTVplBRrZTveE3eAJWeYg4fGZTfZ4rMsd-RhE1rw9WJlF8er_5cXO4ScGy41R_uwyBc2nNx5YOMe6itArAYsDwz1mFqDkehbPKidwpqL1XWsT_x1Q3jEQImO8FgM-n4/s320/landscaping442108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: normal;">3. Major Appliances <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">New home builds will
sometimes include utilities, but not always. If you buy an existing home, you
may not have any appliances included, or they may be old. So figure on spending a nice chunk of change
when the time comes to move in or upgrade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: normal;">4. HOA Fees <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">In <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nassau</st1:place></st1:city>, gated communities are first on
everyone’s wish list. However, Condos
and Homes in gated communities come with a Home Owners Association. In theory,
they’re a sound idea. They are their to keep the community looking great, and
deal with trash collection, playgrounds, community pools, street lighting,
common areas, security, and so on. Of course, in practice many people hate the
HOA because they extend their reach far beyond what most people consider fair.
They can tell you what colors you can and can’t paint your house, what type of
blinds and window treatments are allowed, what you can and can’t put in your
yard, and the list goes on. Some are
just a few hundred a year, while in the higher-end neighborhoods, you may not
see much change out of $1,000 every month! Did you see that one coming? Before
you buy, make sure you know what the HOA dues are, but remember, they can go up
annually and you have little say in the matter.
Be sure to allow for this in your monthly budget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: normal;">5. Furniture <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Of course tastes can
range from Ikea to custom-built furniture, but what you need to know is that
most homeowners completely underestimate the amount of furniture they’ll need.
This is especially true when upgrading from your starter home into a bigger
home. You may now have two areas for relaxing, a living room and family room.
You could also have a den, a library, a nook or study, extra bedrooms, guest
rooms, outdoor dining/living areas or even a game room. Depending on what
you’re moving into, you could have a very empty-looking house that needs to be
filled. Get ready to go shopping. Or get
creative, talk to people who are updating their house, try consignment shops
and garage sales. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: normal;">6. Insurance <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">There are a few
different types of insurance you need to have when buying a home. First, you
must have homeowners insurance. If you have a mortgage in The Bahamas you are
required to have catastrophe which covers hurricanes. If you live in a duplex
or other type of connected building, the insurance may be covered in your HOA
dues, but you should also have contents insurance, based on the value of your
possessions. Banks also require life insurance policies, which is not
substantial but still an extra monthly expense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: normal;">7. Property Tax <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Property Taxes in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nassau</st1:city></st1:place> vary depending on
the price bracket of your home and occupancy status and it is still another
expense to add to the long list of ‘extras’. The good news for first time home
buyers is that you have your first 5 years exempt, but take it from me, those
first 5 years fly by! After that the
breakdown owner occupied property is: For the </span><span style="color: #313131; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">first
$250,000 of market value is tax exempt, more than $250,000 and not exceeding
$5,000,000 of market value is ¾%, more <span style="background: white;">than
$500,000 and not exceeding $5,000,000 of market value is 1%. </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLJ25qtSLrsOu0xUXbxCcmlxHGr1Leej098HsjpGrrqxEDPYKh8aPKMeV4tPim-TE4tpLIIKB5oi7lnE34uAJkmRizu0oz0wkC-cKR-p0JBSfLSaJcbh85zC3Wiz5g1_PK6f3DAjWXjo/s1600/bec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLJ25qtSLrsOu0xUXbxCcmlxHGr1Leej098HsjpGrrqxEDPYKh8aPKMeV4tPim-TE4tpLIIKB5oi7lnE34uAJkmRizu0oz0wkC-cKR-p0JBSfLSaJcbh85zC3Wiz5g1_PK6f3DAjWXjo/s200/bec.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: normal;">8. Utilities <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">This can be quite a
shock, especially the electricity bills in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nassau</st1:place></st1:city>. And what’s worse, depending on when
you move in, you could really get a wake-up call. You will want/need your
air-conditioning more in the summer months, so you may budget based on the
winter bills, only to be unprepared for summer. Ask neighbors have they have been paying or be
sure to ask the previous home owners during the negotiation process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: normal;">9. Repairs and Maintenance – Who Knows!<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">One of the biggest
unknown expenses of owning a home is the repairs and maintenance costs that can
hit you out of nowhere. If you were formerly renting, that was all taken care
of. Now it’s all on you. If the water heater breaks, you pay. If the roof
leaks, you pay. If you need a new well, you pay. If there are plumbing issues,
you pay. And these bills can be steep. You’ll soon find out that hourly labor
costs for plumbers, electricians, and builders are usually a lot more than the
hourly wage you get paid. It is
important to have a reserve fund for emergency household expenses, and factor
that in as a monthly ‘expense’ to put away money into a household repairs fund
so when the fridge breaks you have the money to repair/replace it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_mnJV1Fl5AiO6b1XzpEwZ44Hue2PUPqI8kxJSDOuTmoTJLK5KCElc3Qm-N_rYb2EabTgz0YHReuUa3kL6RsLzlL_VQOTb0wFj2Qo21qKRk_9S7EBs9qcINMH7gVASkc7ky0jgfMvPjo/s1600/piggybank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_mnJV1Fl5AiO6b1XzpEwZ44Hue2PUPqI8kxJSDOuTmoTJLK5KCElc3Qm-N_rYb2EabTgz0YHReuUa3kL6RsLzlL_VQOTb0wFj2Qo21qKRk_9S7EBs9qcINMH7gVASkc7ky0jgfMvPjo/s320/piggybank.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">As a licensed sales
agent and appraisal associate, I would be more than happy to help you through
your home purchasing experience and aim to make it as smooth as possible! <a href="mailto:laura@grahamrealestate.com">laura@grahamrealestate.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-46512688670506370352012-08-21T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-21T11:20:23.974-04:00Life Lesson #2 - Always ask yourself - Is this an inconvenience or a tragedy? <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On my path to self-improvement I have picked up something else I wanted to share with you all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://coachjackie.com/" target="_blank">Jackie Leavenworth</a> shared this question on Saturday August 11th during a lecture I was attending at the Florida Association of Realtors conference. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>When things are not going right always ask yourself this little question BEFORE reacting "Is this an inconvenience or a tragedy?" </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then just this morning I was reading something and there was the same piece of advice, worded slightly different but nonetheless the same concept! Is someone trying to tell me something? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are cool, calm and collected at all points in life then you are really lucky and I want to be like you! If things do rattle you everyday, sometimes, or occasionally perhaps this short and simple question may be able to bring you closer to being that cool calm and collected person you really aspire to be. Maybe post it up on your computer, or on your fridge...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Living in this busy busy world, there is lots to get done and lots going on. One thing goes wrong and it can really throw off your day can't it? Guess what folks, it really does not have to! And if you remember this question you may not be perfect all the time, but I bet it will save you a lot of wasted energy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It helped me out huge just the day after I heard it - I think it was a test! On Sunday I left the hotel at 9.30am to arrive at the airport for 10am with lots of time for my 12.15pm flight, arrive in Nassau before 2pm and hit the beach with some friends! YAY! Had my bathing suit all ready and was really looking forward to a nice Sunday afternoon. That was my plan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only I arrived at the airport and found out the flight was already delayed until 2.15pm which would realistically put me in just before 4pm by the time I got my bags, so the beach was out. Filled with disappointment and emotions starting to build, I asked myself this key question - Is this an inconvenience or a tragedy? Simply an inconvenience. I thought, well I have all this work to do that I did not get the chance to do while in Orlando, I will find my gate and settle down to do that. I had a very productive day in the airport, enjoyed a starbucks and the use of the free internet and power socket... not what I had planned but it ended up being not all that bad. I felt great having put in several hours of work and I was also really proud for not overreacting and wasting energy. All in all I walked out of Nassau airport at 6pm - not my first choice on how to spend a Sunday, I mean for heavens sake I could have almost made it to London in that amount of time... but life happens and you have no control over it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This scenario could have gone a whole lot differently - When things do not go our way we get upset, angry, say and do things we always end up regretting and lets face it - looking a little bit silly! We also exhaust ourselves with negative energy of stress, which is not good for us! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is stress that is killing us. When you are not at a sense of 'ease' you are in 'dis' ease... dis + ease = disease. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So when something goes 'wrong' and you start feeling those building emotions, before reacting ask yourself </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"Is this an inconvenience or a tragedy?"</b> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Keeping in perspective that tragedy includes things like severe illness, loss of life, a disaster, 9/11, and other life changing events)</span></div>
Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-44882903760479857212012-08-16T22:20:00.000-04:002012-08-17T10:18:48.204-04:00Chillin' on a Dirt Road... In Graham, Texas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2PwP1F19F3fnx2aGRoqcXI7rZyy5ZNimM4TPqIbYboKoxqxcDhZvAAt_gzzDFRwAFIG_7KcLLytart5DZL4DBiQ8WQ5ldSBzuHgCirbhfoPy_B1e0xpRtRmQ_X1TtGNd5Now1QhCE5I/s1600/P1010033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2PwP1F19F3fnx2aGRoqcXI7rZyy5ZNimM4TPqIbYboKoxqxcDhZvAAt_gzzDFRwAFIG_7KcLLytart5DZL4DBiQ8WQ5ldSBzuHgCirbhfoPy_B1e0xpRtRmQ_X1TtGNd5Now1QhCE5I/s200/P1010033.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you may know, one of my favourite things is to travel and see new places. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In April we went to Texas! We flew into Dallas/FW and stayed in FW for a couple of nights before heading out to the ranch.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.wildcatterranch.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wildcatter Ranch</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> was everything we had hoped for and more. Neither of us had been on a ranch holiday. We knew we wanted to relax, in a relatively 'authentic' country style place, have a few things to do, and just enjoy the rugged beauty of the Texas country. We certainly achieved this staying at Wildcatter. We stayed at OT's Cabin for 6 nights and we did not want to leave on the Wednesday morning when we had to check out.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wildcatter Steak House</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Wildcatter Steakhouse on the ridge is superb. The service there, and actually everywhere on the Ranch was top notch. The decor of the restaurant is really great as well, country style, but not tacky. Some of the dining rooms have the most beautiful view from the top of the ridge, and the bar is a great spot to hang. One of my favourite touches were the latches on the bathroom, like a barn gate. I appreciate the details.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beautiful view on the Trail</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is certainly enough for everyone to do. We went on 3 trails with Jeremy, which were all super enjoyable. The first one was an hour and a half, and we headed up the side of a hill and enjoyed the views from the ridge. Another time we rode past the cows in the fields and down along the river. There is canoeing down at the river as well, but unfortunately we did not get a chance to go, we were so busy relaxing :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Long Horns you can feed every morning! So cute!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The skeet shooting range is awesome! Being a girl, I did not have the experience shooting that my boyfriend did but Jay was very helpful and I did not feel useless at all. He showed me how to do everything properly and gave me tips to hit more! We each had massages one day at the Sage Room. That was early on in our stay and put us in a relaxed state of mind.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranger taking a dip! </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pool area at Wildcatter was designed so well. It fits right in with the nature look, and the infinity pool overlooks a valley below - there is no better place to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset!</span><br />
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<br />Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-8582654635184055682012-08-14T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-14T11:10:57.046-04:00Life Lessons #1 - Looking for the Humor in Life<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday" ~ </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unknown </span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After reading this above quote about a week ago, it has inspired me to try and learn as much as possible to be better than the person I was yesterday... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are aware and make a conscious effort, you can pick up lessons from life everyday... and I thought it would be fun to share the life lessons I start picking up along my journey and perhaps they will also help you also be better than the person you were yesterday. This first one is definitely for me... I get so caught up on my 'to do' list the day can fly by as a race to get things done and I miss the joy and humor I could have relished in. </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life Lesson #1 - Always find the humor in a situation - Life is too short to be taken so seriously! </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had the honor of listening to key speaker, Jeanne Robertson, on Thursday August 9th at the Florida Association of Realtors convention in Orlando. She is HILARIOUS! I think I will hear her voice every time I hear the word America in her North Carolina accent now! HA! But she had a message... To find the humor in mostly everything each day - being 6'2" at a very young age she learned very quickly that life would be challenging if she did not choose to laugh at herself and find the humor in the situation. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeanne Robertson</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's okay to laugh at yourself when you make a mistake, when your day isn't going well, when your spouse makes a mistake or argue about something super trivial, when that person who drives you nuts could easily put you in a bad mood... I could go on and on! Perception is reality, so if you choose to get frustrated by every little thing you'll lead a stressful life but if you choose to find the comedy in daily life you will enjoy your day so much more and see things from a different perspective! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So challenge yourself and when you feel yourself getting bothered/frustrated/upset/angry - ask yourself if you can find something funny about the situation? After all isn't it some of the most crazy stressful situations that become hilarious stories that you tell a couple of weeks later? Try and find the humor in them from the start! </span><br />
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<br />Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-58082072889973315882012-08-06T13:40:00.001-04:002012-08-06T19:54:36.363-04:008 Reason’s why you should buy Real Estate in The Bahamas<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>8 Reason’s why you should buy Real Estate in The Bahamas
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s a buyers market! Cash is king
right now and there are many great deals to be had if you are in the position
to buy. Property prices that were
once over-inflated have come back to a reasonable price.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s better in The Bahamas! Arrive
in the Bahamas and relax. The pace
is slow and the people are friendly.
Grab a Sands beer and hit the beach!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Strong Rental Market – With the
new resort of Baha Mar under construction and many contract workers coming in, the rental market is booming.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our proximity to major
cities! With direct flights to
London, Toronto, many cities in the US (Dallas, NYC, Miami, Atlanta etc) it is
easy as pie to come to your second home!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Island Hopping is heavenly! – If
you have a base in Nassau you can spend weekends on the family islands –
explore new places and soak up the tranquility and beauty of the Bahamas.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Currency! – The Bahamian Dollar is
pegged to the US Dollar and you can use US dollars one for one in the Bahamas.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Building has now become so much easier! ‘Pre-fab’ homes have come so far and there are now amazing options for hurricane safe beautiful island cottages. My dream is to buy a little piece of property in Eleuthera with an ocean view and have a 2 bedroom cottage to rent out to visitors, and a get away for us to go when we can! </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fantastic new developments – Take
advantage of developer prices in this buyers market and get great deals. Here are just a few examples: </span></li>
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<a href="http://www.palmcay.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">www.palmcay.com</span></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.balmoralbahamas.com/">www.balmoralbahamas.com</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.schoonerbaybahamas.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">www.schoonerbaybahamas.com</span></a></div>
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PS. I am a real estate agent so contact me at laura@grahamrealestate.com if you are looking :) </div>
</span>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-6414335772560517102012-08-06T12:35:00.000-04:002012-08-06T12:35:24.851-04:00Back to Blogging!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After quite the hiatus from my blog I am back.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2012 has been a whirlwind of wonderful travels and fun adventures but I have certainly missed writing my blog! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for updates... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-70448959065431959672012-05-07T14:00:00.000-04:002012-05-07T14:00:34.297-04:00Spring is here! Tips on Spring Cleaning!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spring is in the air!
It’s the time of year that we all feel, or are supposed to feel, compelled to
give our homes the once over ‘spring clean’. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This however can seem
incredibly daunting and most people do not know where to start. Even myself, a person close to being OCD with
organizing, sees the idea of spring cleaning looming in front of me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, as I am a ‘planner’
I was going to break my ‘plan’ down for me and thought why not share it with my
followers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">STARTING POINT –
Break it down… if you are a list writer, write a list of all the rooms in your
house and then start with one room in the house, even if it is just the powder
room, or start from the back of the house and work forward – whatever works
best for you! Identify what needs doing in that room specifically and get to
it! <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In each room you will
have to do a few things, some of course maybe more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">DECLUTTER! Take a
scan of the room and see what you can ‘repurpose’. So often we just pass things by and do not
even notice that ‘watch box’ that you got for Christmas and is still sitting on
the tv stand in May, with the 3 links that you will never need. Go through your closet and think about what
you have not worn for the entire year. Even
if I kind of like something, I think – but I have 4 other shirts I would wear
before this one and it will not get worn – give it to someone who actually
would wear it. Don’t be afraid to tackle
that junk drawer in the kitchen, once you empty it out it will not take long to
organize. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Clean windows – the worst of the spring cleaning jobs and
probably the best place to start. Get
the right equipment so it is easy – buy a squeegee and have a good supply of
old cloths or tshirts. Directions: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To start,
dip a sponge into a bucket of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Wet
window; rub dirt away. Dampen squeegee; starting at an upper corner, draw it
down pane from top to bottom. Repeat, overlapping strokes and wiping rubber
edge with sponge after each stroke. (For large windows, ''snake'' squeegee back
and forth; then touch up edges.) Dry windowsills with a cloth.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Wipe down – doors, above door frames, light bulbs,
fans, picture frames, light fixtures, blinds, and curtain roads all gather
dirt. Do you have slatted closet doors?
It is amazing how much dust gathers in the slats. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Curtains and Carpets - For synthetic carpeting, rent
or buy a shampooer/extractor -- a machine that cleans the fibers and removes
traces of soap using hot water. Open windows and let air flow to help carpets
dry. If you have wool carpets or rugs, or any that are valuable or delicate,
contact a professional for cleaning. Vacuum and steam-clean curtains or have
them dry-cleaned. If you'll be replacing heavy curtains with lighter ones as
the weather gets warmer, it is especially important to remove dust and dirt
before putting the curtains away for storage.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kitchen: <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Clean Out
the Refrigerator… This task is a daunting undertaking; make it more manageable
by breaking it down.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The first step is to wipe up spills immediately so
surfaces won't become stained.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Make it a habit to throw out old food once a week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Every few months, wash the interior with a solution
of two tablespoons of baking soda for every quart of warm water. <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wash</st1:place></st1:state> removable shelves
and drawers in the solution (let glass shelves come to room temperature first
so warm water won't crack them).<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Loosen hardened spills on fixed parts by wetting the
area with the solution, allowing the residue to soften. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Use a toothbrush to scrub crannies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Twice a year, vacuum or brush dust from the
condenser coils to keep the system from overheating.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Clean out
the pantry. Had a few old cans, or half
eaten bags of chips sitting in there for you do not remember how long? It’s
time to purge. We feel this need to hold
on to things sometimes, but if you know you are never going to use it, get it
out of there and free up the space. If
canned goods are not expired, donate them to a local soup kitchen or charity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Organize
the Tupperware, pots and pans. Taking
the time to match up lids with containers, and tidy up your pots and pans will
save you time in the long run. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Maintain
Household Appliances: <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Washer
and Dryer – does it need a service? <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Air-conditioning vents – do they need cleaning?
Summer is approaching and you want your air-conditioning to be working
efficiently and effectively. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-image: initial; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-image: initial; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><u>Restock Housekeeping Supplies</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You'll need all-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner,
specific products for problem spots such as mildew in tile grout, as well as
natural cleansers such as baking soda and vinegar. Stock up on sponges, rags,
scrub brushes, new mop, broom and toilet brush and rubber gloves, too. Looking to go green this year? try The Copper Pot's awesome green cleaning products <a href="http://www.thecopperpotbahamas.com/">www.thecopperpotbahamas.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2 style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></u></h2>
<h2 style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Donate<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Ask around in your community, the local
Salvation Army, Children’s homes etc are always in need of people’s
throw-a-ways. If you are in <st1:city w:st="on">Nassau</st1:city>, the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Bahamas</st1:country-region> humane society has a thrift
shop and they can actually make money on gently used items that then goes
towards the animals. </span></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-72127454134918172492012-03-03T18:34:00.000-05:002012-03-03T18:34:56.475-05:00A Life Lived that Matters by Steven Kroschel<div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just watched the documentary 'Dying to have known' by Steven Kroschel and it speaks about the Gerson treatment. It is a wonderful documentary and it ended with this soliloquy which I found very moving. Tying into the 7 habits of highly effect people, Habit 2 is begin with the end in mind... </span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will group this into my words to live by - alongside my personal mission statement and desiderata :) I hope this inspires a few other people as it has me. </span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“For each of us eventually, whether we are ready or not, someday it will come to an end.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your wealth, fame, and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span id="more-308"></span>It will not matter what you owned or owed.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to do lists will expire.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It won’t matter where you came from or on what side of the tracks you lived at the end.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It won’t matter if you’re beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What will matter is not what you bought but what you built. Not what you got but what you gave.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What will matter is not your success but your significance.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or encouraged others to emulate your example.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What will matter is not your competence but your character.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What will matter is not how many people you knew but how many will feel a lasting loss when you</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">are gone.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What will matter is not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you.</span></span></div><div style="color: #54452b;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A life lived that matters is not of circumstance but of choice.”</span></span></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-73369864163274447382012-02-12T09:38:00.000-05:002012-02-12T09:38:15.930-05:00Get Involved! Get Involved!<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Being involved in charity is a win win... why win win? Because one gets as much out of it as they put into it. It certainly doesn’t mean someone does it for a selfish reason, it is simply a tertiary effect, so I write this blog to share all the things I have found that I personally benefit from being involved, in hopes that others will see the personal benefits and be inspired to get involved. And the more people who get involved in giving back, the better society will be! </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You save money! I have so much going on on a regular basis I don’t have time to shop, whether it be browsing online or going shopping on a saturday. Also, because you are so occupied with other things (planning events, helping getting things organized) you don’t have as much time to watch tv, read magazines and ‘want’ for the latest fashions, trends etc. You also start to surround yourself with people who are more focused on charity and not superficial things that you do not have to validate yourself with material things. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You learn a lot about yourself - doing things on a volunteer basis has a certain liberation. I was never quite sure of myself, my strengths and my capabilities, until getting involved. When you are young and new to the work force, there is a pressure you feel, at least I did. Getting involved in charity has allowed me to break out of that shell and figure out that I am capable, and also, to constantly evaluate my weaknesses and improve. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You learn what is actually important to you! and with that you build self-confidence. Getting involved has helped me figure out who I really am. To embrace my passions and beliefs I have become a stronger person. I stand strong on certain issues and have flexibility on others. I no longer worry if everyone agrees with me or if everyone likes me. It has helped me to figure out my life purpose and put me on a direct path that no one can pull me off of. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You look out of your ‘bubble’ and gain a better perspective on life - perhaps this can also tie into saving money. All of a sudden having the most stylish clothes, gadgets and ‘things’ loses importance. It falls to the back burner as your primary thoughts are about helping whichever cause you are dedicated to helping. You have more constructive things to discuss. I will never forget this quote that was on my english teacher’s wall. “Great Minds Discuss Ideas, Average Minds Discuss Events, and Simple Minds Discuss People” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt. Petty gossip and idle chit chat no longer holds the importance that it once did, because you gain a wider perspective on life and can see past the little bubble you were once trapped in. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You meet a lot of people that you have a lot in common with and meet amazing people that you aspire to be. I have made so many new friends and met so many amazing people through charity work. The conversations I have had and the advice I have received from people who have been involved for decades longer are invaluable. I am honored to be friends or acquainted with the people I have met since October 2009. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Your social calendar is packed - I am never bored! If i do have a quiet evening that I have the luxury of relaxing, reading or a morning to sleep in, it is worth more than gold. Between meetings, fundraising events, volunteer events you always have something great to do, and it is nice to know it is for positive reasons. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Embracing different personalities - When we are in our ‘safe bubble’ we hang out with people that are just like us. People we have known for years, people who do the same things as us etc, so life is pretty easy. When you start volunteering you are inevitably going to meet a lot of people that are different from you. When you see that you are all fighting for the same cause and learn to accept people’s differences its a growing experience. It also transfers over to everyday parts of your lives and you appreciate different personalities. We are all struggling to survive, whatever our struggles may be - some may struggle trying to make ends meet, some may hate their job, some may be going through a difficult divorce, the list is endless. You never know how much a simple smile can do. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You can feel proud that you are part of the solution and not part of the problem. It is so easy to complain. I hear it all the time - ‘they’ should really be doing this better, ‘they’ need to do this. People do not like to break out of their comfort zone and routine and always make excuses for why they cannot help. Even if you start with one hour once a month you are making a difference. I’m not saying one has to be involved in every aspect of bettering society, but simply choose one aspect that is important to you. We’re all working towards the common goal - helping better the beautiful country we live in. So ask yourself, are you part of the solution? ‘cause if you are not - then yes, you are part of the problem... Superman is not going to show up and solve all of our problems, and I personally, I’m certainly not expecting our government to either... </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You realize how fortunate you really are - whatever area you choose to work in charity, whether it be helping the elderly, children, animals, sick - you will take inventory on your own life. Naturally, working in animal welfare we aren’t working in wealthy neighborhoods... We are working in areas where people do not know how to properly care for their animal or cannot afford to do so. It is so easy to get caught up in wanting for more - we live in a world of consumerism and we are taught to desire nicer and more. When you work with people who can barely feed their children, kids who are wearing shoes that are falling apart, let alone pay for the spay or neuter of their dog, you realize that having a house, food on the table, and clothes in your closet, and a job are all you really need - the rest is gravy. You can really see the true value in what you are so blessed to have. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You face and overcome personal challenges - one of the things I am most happy with is overcoming my fear of public speaking. I never thought I would be able to go on the radio and speak, but when no one else was available and it wasn’t going to happen if I did not step up to the plate, I had no choice. I was nervous as all get out. Then I was asked to speak at a Rotary meeting. Holy Crap! Never in my life did I think I could do that. But when you care about something bigger than yourself, you take a deep breath and just do it. And over time it has gotten easier and easier. I was even able to make a speech at my best friend’s wedding. Something I thought I would never have the guts to do! </span></span></li>
</ol><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In closing, I’ve heard all the excuses - “I don’t have time, my emotions cannot handle it, I wouldn’t be any good,” but thats all they are... excuses. If you really care about the world becoming a better place, get involved... and you’ll see how you really do get back what you put in. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If one person that reads this is inspired to give back to their community my time writing it was well-worth it! </span></span></span></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-74804580653945275742012-01-29T14:59:00.000-05:002012-01-29T14:59:00.703-05:00An Island Girl in my Island World: It aint’ easy being Green in The Bahamas... but yo...<a href="http://anislandgirlinmyislandworld.blogspot.com/2012/01/it-aint-easy-being-green-in-bahamas-but.html?spref=bl">An Island Girl in my Island World: It aint’ easy being Green in The Bahamas... but yo...</a>: Being environmentally conscious in Nassau is a bit of a challenge for me. In fact, it overwelmed me so much after living in Canada for 6 ye...Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-49623147191179674392012-01-29T14:51:00.000-05:002012-01-29T14:57:39.344-05:00It aint’ easy being Green in The Bahamas... but you can help by making one easy green decision everyday!<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being environmentally conscious in Nassau is a bit of a challenge for me. In fact, it overwelmed me so much after living in Canada for 6 years because I felt that without an island wide recycling program and most people in The Bahamas not making environmentally conscious decisions, that we were doomed and there was nothing I could do. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, as with other things living here in Nassau, I have learned it is better to do a little bit than nothing at all. So, if you are one of those people that find making the decision to ‘go green’ is all or nothing, try some of my tips - and share any others which you may have for the rest of us. <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I wake up each morning one of my goals are to make at least one ‘green’ decision for the day. I try to buy as much organic food as possible but it is very costly here. Another goal I have is to source out more local food products, because we have to start being conscious of the carbon foot print the food items on our table are making. I even want to start my own vegetable garden but unfortunately not enough time for that at present! One day soon! </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"><li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The easiest of them all - Grocery Shopping - take your reusable bags to the grocery store. Try to keep them in the car, or in a spot that you will have to get them before you go to the grocery store. I usually keep them in the trunk of my car so they are always there. I also find that taking reusable bags not only benefits the environment but it helps me too - you only have about 4 bags and the handles dont cut into you like the plastic ones do. And if you are a person like me who would rather come to near death and calamity in order to bring everything into the house in one trip than make more than one (don’t ask me the logic but its how i am!) you can put 2 bags on your shoulder and two in your hands!!! However, if you happen to forget one week, just save the plastic bags for other household uses. </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reuse your produce bags - I actually have special mesh produce bags, but I have in the past forgotten them and used the plastic ones. So what I do is just take the produce out and put it in the fridge and put the plastic produce bag back in with my reusable grocery bags to reuse it on my next trip. </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Start composting - It took me a while to do this but now I made the plunge I am very pleased about it. I used to cringe at all the organic waste that was going in the trash. And when I forgot an item in the fridge only to find it when it was rotten, I felt terrible guilt throwing it away. At least now I can compost it! It’s so easy, I purchased two tumbleweed compost bins and imported them. They are perfect because we have dogs and I cannot have an open compost pit... that would be a delicacy for them and disastrous for us! It is really neat, and I have a compost caddy on my counter with little ‘compost-able’ bags for it, and once it is full you trot it out to the compost bin and dump it in. No mess, no stress! The reason I ordered 2 bins was because once the bin is full you do have to let it break down for 4-6 weeks. So we will just add to the other one in the mean time and rotate them. Then you can just spread the compost material around plants, trees or on the lawn of your yard for happy trees, flowers and grass! If you are interested in purchasing a tumbleweed please contact me and I could look at putting together an order. </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carry your own water around and stop using plastic water bottles - and what better way than in a Tervis Tumbler! I never leave home without my tervis. It is great that a few restaurants like Chives have a big water jug and you can just fill up. I hope more places will start doing that - but a lot of places you stop into like banks, and doctor’s offices or offices, do have a water cooler with the little cone cups. You can just fill up your tervis and go on your way! If you would like to purchase a Baark! Tervis and lid please email me at laura@baarkbahamas.org </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Purchase the option with the least plastic/packaging materials or buy the bigger container. If you can get two rolls of paper towel wrapped together, why buy 2 individually wrapped rolls of paper towel? Also, I always buy the largest detergent option because those little ones do not last long at all! </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Save items - Schools are always looking for used materials for crafts. In fact, a friend of ours who has a student at St. Andrews gave us a list of items to save. Just get a cardboard box and put it in your laundry room/car port or somewhere out of the way, and add items until it is full and drop it to a parent or school you know will benefit. </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pack your lunch! and Rethink that starbucks or that take out food - It takes a little prep work in the morning or the night before but packing your lunch is good for the environment, your wallet AND your waistline! With all those benefits it's a no brainer. Lunch bags are readily available at many places, and you can use plastic containers that can be used many times over. In addition, can you can forgo a coffee once a week, or just take a traveling cup in to be served in that would help a lot! Does your office have styrofoam cups that you drink tea in every morning? Take your own mug in and use that! </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eat Fruit instead of a packaged snack - grab a banana, apple, or orange for your afternoon snack instead of a bag of cookies, chips or chocolate bar! Again better for your health AND the environment! </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t let water run down the drain! Water wastage is my biggest pet peeve. Don’t dilly dally in the shower, let the water run while you are brushing your teeth, and when you wash the dishes, fill up one side of the sink with soapy water, wash them, put them in the other side of the sink and then rinse a bunch of them. </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cans for Kids! Do you drink sodas? Soda cans are one of the few items that can be recycled here in the Bahamas. There are several drop off points, one being at the Bahamas Humane Society Shelter on Chippingham. </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cardboard recycling! Get a new big screen tv? or some shipments come in big boxes? Call Bahamas Waste - they now have a cardboard recycling division. </span></span></li>
</ol><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please share any additional tips that are specific to life in The Bahamas! </span></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-80808016134815080422012-01-05T16:15:00.000-05:002012-01-05T16:15:36.045-05:00Island Girl's Top 10 Restaurants in Nassau...a first in a series!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Off the beaten path (well not too far off) in my island World...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As 2012 rolls in I feel an incredible amount of patriotism towards The Bahamas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the country that I live in and I want everyone who comes here to be able to experience the best aspects of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today someone asked me what I really recommend doing and I was totally caught off guard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s amazing how easily you forget your favourite spots when put on the spot, so this was part of the reason for my inspiration to do this series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought I would write a series of blogs giving people tips to things that I consider awesome in The Bahamas – so when people visit they do not miss out! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I love going to restaurants my first ‘Top 10’ will be my favourite restaurants in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nassau</place></city>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really fun to do a list like this because sometimes even I forget about places and this made me put my thinking cap on to reflect, and also verbalize what makes these places special. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Kitchen – I don’t like eating at just any place since you have to wonder what people put in the food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know the folks that own the Kitchen and they are good people! It is open for breakfast and lunch and their menu changes daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They offer a wide variety of Bahamian meals or traditional home cooked meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The yummy sandwich menu stays the same and their sandwiches are delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a sandwich connoisseur order the tuna salad. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Le Petite Gourmet – Another lunch spot, Le Petite Gourmet has provides a French twist on their dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chef Julie has a changing menu that always has a soup, a hot dish, a sandwich and a few other specials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you do have dietary requirements Julie will customize two dishes into one to make your experience enjoyable. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chives Café – My favourite lunch spot!!! Chives is our healthiest option in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nassau</place></city>, and there are always a couple of vegan options on the menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan my drives out west so I can stop at Chives while I’m in the area to either have lunch or at least pick it up to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lise usually has premade meals to save you cooking that night. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seafront Sushi – This is my all time favourite restaurant in the world actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect for Lunch or Dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sushi is my favourite food, and I have yet to go to a sushi place where I enjoy sushi more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The service at Seafront is excellent as well! Try the headhunter roll, seafront crunch, birthday roll, sashimi appetizer, gyoza (steamed or fried) and the Seafront rice…just to name a few! But really you cannot go wrong with the rolls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to sit downstairs – not sure why, but it’s much better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being gluten sensitive and lactose intolerant this is a great place for me. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Olives – I’ve only been to Olives for lunch since I work in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The arcade where it is located reminds me of a little <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">European street</address></street>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can sit in a few different spots and they do have air-conditioned sections which is key for summer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best meal is an appetizer of fried calamari and a greek lamb gyro (or chicken) with fries, and a cool refreshing greek beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have dietary requirements like I do, they serve a nice array of salads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Green</placename> <placename w:st="on">Parrot</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Harbour</placetype></place> Front Lounge – Location and ambience are my favourite and beat out Seafront in that department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting in the little courtyard makes me feel far away (and because I love traveling this is a great thing! And if you are visiting <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nassau</place></city>, you will just love it!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A nice glass of wine with a thin crust ‘Yukon Gold’ pizza (mushrooms, potatoes and truffle oil) or ‘<place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Napa</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Valley</placetype></place>’ pizza (goat cheese, figs and prosciutto) are perfect for a week night dinner. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucianos of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Chicago</place></city> – okay okay, I know I love the setting of Green Parrot, but this is my all time favourite setting on the harbour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the home of first Prime Minister of The Bahamas, so the building offers charm and character whether you are dining inside or out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is on the pricier side in comparison to the other restaurants on this list but it is typically delicious and the service is usually exceptional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not to say they don’t have an off night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had a few, but I keep going back because it is a timeless classic and enjoyable place for a special dinner. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Café Matisse – Again, a little more on the pricier side, so for me it’s a special occasion spot but it is such a pleasurable experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The service is ALWAYS wonderful, and the food is delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Café Matisse closes for about a month in the summer while the owner goes to <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Italy</place></country-region>, and then reopens with a fresh new menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the chosen spot for many business lunch meetings, and a popular dinner spot, so do make reservations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is cool enough sit in the courtyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t you tell I love dining al fresco? </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nobu – Yes the chain… Nobu is located in the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Royal</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Towers</placetype></place> of Atlantis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s trendy, it’s busy and it’s expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why is it on my list? Because there is no where else I can find a Lychee Martini! Be careful though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One and I’m tipsy, two and I’m drunk, and three you’ll be carrying me straight home but they go down so smoothly. The famous rock shrimp and miso cod are also scrumptious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make a reservation if you can, if not, be prepared to eat in the bar area if it is a busy time of year. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blu – Is new! I’ve only eaten at Blu once so far but it made my list because I am a big fan of the rejuvenation of downtown <city w:st="on">Nassau</city>, and <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Elizabeth</place></city> on the Bay is the first new project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The container port is being relocated and soon tourists will be able to wander down the harbour front and actually enjoy the beauty of the harbour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lived in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Halifax</city>, <state w:st="on">Nova Scotia</state></place> for four years, and the waterfront is the best spot to go, especially in the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People could wander and stop at restaurants to eat and/or drink while buskers played along the walkway providing background music to be enjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The memories bring feelings of happiness and relaxation back to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so that is how I felt when I ate lunch at Blu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been varying reviews and it's not cheap, but my lunch was tasty and delicious and the service was first-rate. </span></li>
</ol>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-2509293519422003102011-12-12T21:00:00.000-05:002011-12-12T21:00:27.230-05:00Tis’ the Season<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I love living in the Bahamas. Even though we do not have the typical seasons where leaves change colour, snow falls, spring arrives and then the joy of summer, we do have seasons. You just have to look a little closer. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCldaftJuiZvw1Vrtvl-bs1TCzTIh0rSusxl8bwPb6eMglEAHn_p_vG0LpBrTABu-4pX7Q0wQxpMuSZH3PoiJp-GtVnMAqPkkI-sUt8R0BfnJZId_ueWYr1m8Fa1jEe_Fml5UGBKvWQM/s1600/DSCN0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCldaftJuiZvw1Vrtvl-bs1TCzTIh0rSusxl8bwPb6eMglEAHn_p_vG0LpBrTABu-4pX7Q0wQxpMuSZH3PoiJp-GtVnMAqPkkI-sUt8R0BfnJZId_ueWYr1m8Fa1jEe_Fml5UGBKvWQM/s320/DSCN0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Growing up here, I was not exposed to the typical change of seasons that northern countries such as Canada experience. I was so excited to ‘experience’ the change of seasons when I went away to school, and cherished every change. Often walking down the street in the summer enjoying the blue sky, flowers in the gardens and sandals on my feet I would say to myself, I cannot imagine snow being on this street even though I’ve seen it in the past... and then in the winter when the streets were stacked high with snow banks and the trees were bare and the sky was grey, I couldn’t fathom what a summer day would look like in this very spot, even though I had seen it with my own eyes just months before! I never grew tired of that day dreaming. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">But here in The Bahamas, the changes are there. And every year I cherish them. The heat of the summer tends to lull everyone into a sleepy state but as the tinges of cool start coming in on the evening air, and the air starts to smell a little fresher as September draws to a close, Nassau starts buzzing with activity and the island comes alive. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The signals of winter also come through people. The social calender is packed with events that start at the end of October, and pick up steadily until the end of December. The stores start filling up, and people have a lightness in their step. Perhaps its because the heat of the summer has been forgotten and the excitement of the holidays is upon them. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">October brings in the International Food Festival. With November comes coveted Balls where everyone has the chance to be Cinderella and weddings are plentiful. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7zTjTzMREhyqp1UOBUDetzZsKxGZgtV1qTJITSNjIYuE-ndPW_teXNtTZrzNOkACDpslct6y3WENuZuvW_g8E0kr3YRciKMyLObwsc9shU2ECicXdoPW6L5LriJQoGRVdlrBSMcZbBs/s1600/IMG_4097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7zTjTzMREhyqp1UOBUDetzZsKxGZgtV1qTJITSNjIYuE-ndPW_teXNtTZrzNOkACDpslct6y3WENuZuvW_g8E0kr3YRciKMyLObwsc9shU2ECicXdoPW6L5LriJQoGRVdlrBSMcZbBs/s320/IMG_4097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">One of my favorite events is the annual Bahamas Humane Society Luncheon Fashion Show put on by Cole’s of Nassau. I remember hearing about this event when i was younger, looking forward to the day when I had the luxury to attend. To be able to take 3 hours off during the work day to enjoy a lovely lunch and watch the season’s fashions come down the runway in front of you. The best part is getting dressed up and catching up with people you haven’t seen in a while. This year’s event was on November 8th at the British Colonial Hilton. And it was sold out! </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Bahamas National Trust’s annual Jollification is another great event. You get to see just about everyone you know, and probably have not seen since last year’s jollification! </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This year I attended the Lignum Vitae Winter Fest and had a wonderful relaxing afternoon. While the event is more geared towards kids and families, my Mom and I attended, bought a few wares from the vendors, chatted with some friends, and enjoyed a baked potato on the lawn and soaked up the positive energy in the air from people coming together for a great cause, with great spirits. And after all, isn’t that what the holiday’s are all about? </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfW_OVbKyyr9DCoBxApKcHU0ccDmc2pI2-ED2VdK3F9Eifby49VRM9TkdZBM1yLf87nsE7zCrtaI-RlQ8FbyKl0CBMZFsbSaAN_XYtppcJOEcmnMcKsvxAQvF7ueWyIPpqOk5ZOegi1w/s1600/P1000032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfW_OVbKyyr9DCoBxApKcHU0ccDmc2pI2-ED2VdK3F9Eifby49VRM9TkdZBM1yLf87nsE7zCrtaI-RlQ8FbyKl0CBMZFsbSaAN_XYtppcJOEcmnMcKsvxAQvF7ueWyIPpqOk5ZOegi1w/s400/P1000032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Seasons really do exist in The Bahamas - you just have to look a little closer! </span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
</span></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-4367045323210861552011-11-16T23:12:00.000-05:002011-11-22T16:32:33.959-05:00WE THE PEOPLE! Have YOU heard?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRY2rLiUsh-fiwYJ7wavQQ0ZdGkR9_avrD06pkYaXcj2iGw6vCcvfenK0mLpAbnDAO3TrnpHckQGShHXdYBvn5xfiK_HRFl6PtHQ9Qw-MgX9lFQ05VZoYgv5z6yLs0UeuImHHmOrD5vZg/s1600/IMG_4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRY2rLiUsh-fiwYJ7wavQQ0ZdGkR9_avrD06pkYaXcj2iGw6vCcvfenK0mLpAbnDAO3TrnpHckQGShHXdYBvn5xfiK_HRFl6PtHQ9Qw-MgX9lFQ05VZoYgv5z6yLs0UeuImHHmOrD5vZg/s320/IMG_4087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After a long and busy past couple of weeks, I debated going to the <a href="http://www.wethepeoplebahamas.org/" target="_blank">We the People</a> AGM. I went expecting something of what has become the norm here in Nassau. Another disorganized, poorly attended little meeting. As I pulled into the parking lot behind another car that was also turning into the Dundas I saw so many more cars than I expected. There were tents in the courtyard, professionally made poster boards and a big buffet awaiting the end. There were proper video cameras and people greeting you in We the People T-shirts with very professional brochures that they handed out. Immediately I was energized and so pleased with the decision that I had made the effort to attend. </span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I walked through the doors and there was the registration table to either become a new member or renew. As I signed up last November when the group was founded, I renewed for a very affordable $10. You can be a member for 5 years for the low cost of $25. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Into the main theatre section I went, where I saw a surprising turnout along with familiar faces of the community. The stage was set with a projector and banners! Completely unexpected. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Phil Simon opened up and then Dr. Nicolette Bethel gave an empowering talk on democracy. I won’t even try to quote what she said but it was so well put together and thought provoking. The gist of it was democracy is an experiment of which we are a part, and that we are all members of this democracy and we have a duty to actively be involved in our democratic country or else it will fail. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Phil then introduced the short video and glimpse of a show that will soon air on T.V. called WE TV. Again I was blown away by the quality of the production of the show. We did not watch the entire show as it is 30 minutes long so I cannot wait to see it all. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After our sneak peak at WE TV there was a video interview of a lady Mamphela Ramphele a very famous African lady who explained that the problems in Africa were that people are simply sitting and waiting, still as subjects of the past rulers, and not acting as the citizens that they are. Waiting for someone else to come to them, to provide opportunity, rather than taking ownership of their country. Of course it was much more eloquently put than this but here is the link - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBRGLdWMgoM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBRGLdWMgoM</a></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the problem that we have in The Bahamas. Most people want to pass on the responsibility and accountability of a problem. It’s always the mysterious ‘they’. ‘They’ should really do this, that wasn’t me, that was ‘them’, or the simple ‘I don’t know’. I guess ‘They’ according to most Bahamians refers to the Government. Well the Government is US! WE ARE THE PEOPLE of this little country and change is my responsibility and your responsibility. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8n5eDdIauEZzNwiUYS5Vt4uX6KhXlXk4RxZqItvx5p58CltrKmUnr90IF6YTDDkLYGVocCnf4NuD-pA7FU72VFOOoyXBuuq1jM7oTEWyMabTc-cnFmh5kMQsys7OiGO2fmk8UJuokS4/s1600/IMG_4085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8n5eDdIauEZzNwiUYS5Vt4uX6KhXlXk4RxZqItvx5p58CltrKmUnr90IF6YTDDkLYGVocCnf4NuD-pA7FU72VFOOoyXBuuq1jM7oTEWyMabTc-cnFmh5kMQsys7OiGO2fmk8UJuokS4/s320/IMG_4085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed Fields presenting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the video concluded Ed Fields came out and presented the impressive accomplishments that We the People has achieved in just one short year. And anyone involved in a group or organization understands just how quick one year goes! </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The six projects that have begun are: (please visit </span></span><a href="http://www.wethepeoplebahamas.org/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.wethepeoplebahamas.org</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) for more information) </span></span></span></div><ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"><li style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bahamas Police Athletic League (PAL) which is all about training and engaging youth in an afterschool program in conjunction with the police force. </span></span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Government House Renovation and Beautification - Tim Bethel is the landscape architect on this project and the idea is to start to restore our national treasures for Bahamians and Tourists to enjoy, beginning with Government House. The plan is impressive! It will be a centerpiece of downtown Nassau and attract cruise passengers. We will finally have places to be proud of! The forts and other historic sights will follow. </span></span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Six Seconds (Emotional Intelligence Program) - Again another after school program that will be rolled out in every school once the pilot program has been completed. </span></span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Derelict Vehicle Removal Campaign - sounds simple enough but definitely takes some changes to policies and a fair amount of effort. </span></span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tree Planting & Community Day - this took place on July 9th and it was great to see the photos </span></span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Traffic Flow and Thoroughfare Improvements - In the area of Potter’s Cay they had an evaluation done and worked with the residents of the area to come up with a solution. </span></span></span></li>
</ol><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was so interesting to hear all this progress, see photos and hear it from Ed. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkTi3WElroN5m1jdohm6qPRrpPLFNzpzEZxTvZ6_-54TvhaoQ27rNr2Imxd8wVwGQYsWl53HrQo4NILkJg1B705yNhm7mZFjxax9TKdrvY2ti44J5Kh75zenzLWn1vJ_4O2QmPR-084E/s1600/IMG_4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkTi3WElroN5m1jdohm6qPRrpPLFNzpzEZxTvZ6_-54TvhaoQ27rNr2Imxd8wVwGQYsWl53HrQo4NILkJg1B705yNhm7mZFjxax9TKdrvY2ti44J5Kh75zenzLWn1vJ_4O2QmPR-084E/s320/IMG_4086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather thrilled about her new Membership!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The meeting ended with all of us standing and listening to our beautiful National Anthem. Oh and a big buffet of free food, wine, beer and soft drinks! That alone was worth your $10 annual membership! </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FFlE4nUNXwQecIocWlCZPsOpuwiwYqXVHaBotaJ73Hg9lerS6C2LZ4m9ll5vpJujxHFjWAIk_Lj45RLtAOBGE0qTbtjxRyz1QDK1byDgIFXDkogVyizUpOveEyDFNEoT722mRl5RNms/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FFlE4nUNXwQecIocWlCZPsOpuwiwYqXVHaBotaJ73Hg9lerS6C2LZ4m9ll5vpJujxHFjWAIk_Lj45RLtAOBGE0qTbtjxRyz1QDK1byDgIFXDkogVyizUpOveEyDFNEoT722mRl5RNms/s320/IMG_4088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let’s face it, not being involved in politics makes projects much more achievable and efficient. This is what makes We the People so exciting - it is NON PARTISAN! Yes, imagine that, projects that are done for the good of the country. Party politics is destroying this country but thats a whole other topic... The amount of red tape that the MP’s and every ministry’s office face are just so absurd that our country will never make strides if we sit around and wait for the Government to handle it. I’ve discovered after just a short amount of time involved in charity you can get much more done working as a private citizen than trying to get something done through the Government. And you know what?Maybe, just maybe when whichever party is in power in the next election and they watch We the People make strides and accomplish projects, maybe the red-tape will start to shed some layers. One can only wish. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnl1c4HUjdFN2_SXvVzult13XE0VMr3HLRxqHUqKlE-TL4uGZy_aFCxcQJDuEy-6-NaK4OBcjXeHYvyJi4Xq1dS62rFV1Te_y-q7-HiO5i8copKWgrpzwF8u4LSLZS3rx3f5TcmLfrf8/s1600/IMG_4089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnl1c4HUjdFN2_SXvVzult13XE0VMr3HLRxqHUqKlE-TL4uGZy_aFCxcQJDuEy-6-NaK4OBcjXeHYvyJi4Xq1dS62rFV1Te_y-q7-HiO5i8copKWgrpzwF8u4LSLZS3rx3f5TcmLfrf8/s320/IMG_4089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew & Ryan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But the bottom line is you cannot sit around and wait for THEY - if you love your Bahamas then join We the People and get involved in one of their programs. If you don’t, don’t complain to me about the state of our country, I don’t have time to hear you whine anymore. </span></div><div style="color: #002fa0; font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March on to glory, your bright banners waving high.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See how the world marks the manner of your bearing!</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pledge to excel through love and unity.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pressing onward, march together to a common loftier goal;</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Steady sunward, though the weather hide the wide and treach'rous shoal.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Til the road you've trod</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lead unto your God,</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px/12px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March on, Bahamaland!</span></span></span></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-51281755383327163802011-11-07T14:40:00.000-05:002011-11-07T14:40:02.486-05:00Eleuthera! Paradise Found?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my humble opinion yes! Just a quick 20 minute flight on </span><a href="http://www.southernaircharter.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Southern Air</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on Friday morning at 7am took us into Governor’s Harbour at 7.30am. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a perfect day, the sky was crisp blue and due to our generous rainy season this year, the greens were vibrant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part of the landscape was the glass calm water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_BjG72H6vU4bXiAVu9zE2DO_2NgMOk_SAQrCQpY-TfWb9TXx5yg0lKPvLsw3aa8b0XIlRBtma5hRV1xwe43D6IM0m1T9d0pWi4Aq5fb7605PAc6qSFSaoBB2aHKo1PeTgpqq2Z4yoCQ/s1600/Eleuthera+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_BjG72H6vU4bXiAVu9zE2DO_2NgMOk_SAQrCQpY-TfWb9TXx5yg0lKPvLsw3aa8b0XIlRBtma5hRV1xwe43D6IM0m1T9d0pWi4Aq5fb7605PAc6qSFSaoBB2aHKo1PeTgpqq2Z4yoCQ/s320/Eleuthera+037.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Driving south to Tarpum Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eleuthera is the ideal balance of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, but where there is still enough going on that when you do want to socialize and have some fun, there is lots to be had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are quite a few restaurants, settlements and beaches to explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And nothing is that far away – we landed in Governor’s and drove down to Tarpum bay within 40 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me longer to get through town in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nassau</place></city> when I returned! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being there, I thought to myself, I could live here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Property is still very affordable in the central parts of Eleuthera such as <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Tarpum</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Bay</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out Cool Brease subdivision that is almost completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://www.grahamrealestate.com/view/Eleuthera/REF%23+3305+-+Tarpum+Bay+Subdivision/3305/">http://www.grahamrealestate.com/view/Eleuthera/REF%23+3305+-+Tarpum+Bay+Subdivision/3305/</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqPJ2jQlNomlLk89sGmOJs2yCEgZPUjs8GYiBVAkRPFCE0MVTQ2I30SKDn-CjGNnxGmXjBpRJWizDYLr4LKNegm0bAbB_GzEFI8ySCIzomGbmrVeleK6ruIUx6WWYQxAWFoWb7ty8O-A/s1600/Eleuthera+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqPJ2jQlNomlLk89sGmOJs2yCEgZPUjs8GYiBVAkRPFCE0MVTQ2I30SKDn-CjGNnxGmXjBpRJWizDYLr4LKNegm0bAbB_GzEFI8ySCIzomGbmrVeleK6ruIUx6WWYQxAWFoWb7ty8O-A/s320/Eleuthera+005.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cool Brease - Lots starting at $17,500</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6f-4XjZh6fIK7uKGd-poERygSzzldQ1MkYoJg0TD7JWTAh7hKPuvTd59WoD20srfWQSkZwvyiBTnYL1Zq1xJjVytFUwC74U715ut0Ueg4mSjix3GBYPMocdqOF3tx2CZhg3fmg2fuBE/s1600/Eleuthera+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6f-4XjZh6fIK7uKGd-poERygSzzldQ1MkYoJg0TD7JWTAh7hKPuvTd59WoD20srfWQSkZwvyiBTnYL1Zq1xJjVytFUwC74U715ut0Ueg4mSjix3GBYPMocdqOF3tx2CZhg3fmg2fuBE/s320/Eleuthera+039.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">View of the Barn</span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After meeting with our surveyor and our road contractor on site in <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Tarpum</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Bay</placetype></place>, we headed back up North.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My close friend is also going to be starting trail riding along the beach and the barn and house is under construction so we stopped in to say hello, see the progress and admire the breathtaking views from the cottage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just across the street from their property is Tippy’s restaurant which serves excellent food and has a great ambiance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Beach House Restaurant is also close by along with the Bank’s Road Deli who make fresh bread daily and scrumptious sandwiches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main town of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Governor</city></place>’s Harbour has everything you need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part is everyone has a smile and will know your name after a couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We headed to the airport with sandwiches to go, Southern Air’s plane was there and departed early and by 12.30pm we were back on the ground at <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Nassau</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Airport</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a bad morning at the office! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eleuthera = <place w:st="on">Paradise</place> Found! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iD-8VGKMLspx_Vla8LWo837aBlW6UhgD4cmI9oaHG6po_hlBPdKOukxGCHp70bDRhJD6Ba-owKp343k6JEyGI18BIBwVSzgKupnt270tKQQshle1K-Sg06zTlTdA3Q8vKvKbG4OYS5c/s1600/Eleuthera+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iD-8VGKMLspx_Vla8LWo837aBlW6UhgD4cmI9oaHG6po_hlBPdKOukxGCHp70bDRhJD6Ba-owKp343k6JEyGI18BIBwVSzgKupnt270tKQQshle1K-Sg06zTlTdA3Q8vKvKbG4OYS5c/s320/Eleuthera+050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach at Tippy's</td></tr>
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</div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-70655776271877509882011-10-30T17:14:00.000-04:002011-10-30T17:14:05.543-04:00Do you have a Life Plan?<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Inspired from Zan Monroe and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Following the </span><a href="http://www.floridarealtors.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Florida Association of Realtor’s</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> conference I attended in August, my motivation has been increased significantly. It is very exciting to wake up every morning looking forward to what the day has to bring, finding a balance that up until these past couple of months knew was possible, and quite honestly seeing the world in a whole new light. There were some incredible speakers but the one that stood out the most to me was </span><a href="http://www.zanmonroe.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Zan Monroe</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Zan’s book called </span><a href="https://www.zanmonroe.com/uncle_adrian.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stories of Uncle Adrian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - A Guide to Mastery in Your Life says it all - so read it! </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My co-worker also did a workshop in August on the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People that she is teaching to us in the office. It’s all very simple, but very powerful when you apply it to you life. And it is incredible how the two tie together. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am currently working on my Life Plan following the guide laid out in Zan Monroe’s book, Stories of Uncle Adrian. It is not something you can do in a day, it takes a while for the concept to marinate in your brain, for you to see situations throughout your day, evaluate relationships in your life and then you can really see the bigger picture of what it is you want in your life, to analyze each area of your life, and to strive for self-mastery. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is a very daunting topic for most people, and so we do not face the challenge of putting a plan together. And isn’t the famous saying “The best made plans of mice and men often go awry.” Sure, but you could get in a car accident on your way to work but it doesn’t stop you from going to work does it? And in my humble opinion, when you establish a plan, feel organized and calm you anticipate speed bumps, detours or road blocks, and your plan makes you more capable of coping with them. Or you could choose to float through life, without any sort of plan, just reacting to what happens around you. The concept of the Life Plan that Zan Monroe talks about is exactly what the first habit of highly effective people is - Be Proactive! I don’t think that its a coincidence that Zan Monroe is a highly effective person, do you? </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you have no clue what your life plan is and think I am nuts for blogging about this - think about one of these 2 things: </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"><li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What type of people would you like to have surrounding you on your 80th birthday and what would they say about you? </span></span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">or a more morbid but still effective thought, What would you like your eulogy to read? </span></span></span></li>
</ol><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Go ahead, write it down. This will start to give you an idea of what your life plan should be because you can’t just sit around and do nothing and expect people to say wonderful things about you when your 80 or dead, right? You cant expect to change the world in a year without laying the foundation work required to get there. Ah, yes, and here we are back at seven habits of highly effective people and guess what Habit Two is? Begin with the End in Mind. So begin with the end in mind and figure out how it is you are going to get there. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Take some time, think about what it is you want to accomplish in your life. Everyone has a unique gift and talent. I have no deadline on my life plan but I have a feeling it will come together somewhere just in time for the arrival of 2012 and the beginning of a new year. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We only have one go round, so why not fulfill all of your dreams? Who’s stopping you? </span></span></span></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-26861672593296351772011-10-08T12:54:00.000-04:002011-10-10T15:26:36.549-04:00My Passion Unites with My Career<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I returned home to Nassau in 2005, I had ideas in my head as to how the next few years would pan out. I needed to get a job, save up to get a house, and once I was settled I would focus on giving back to the community. </div><br />
I was ready to get involved in 2009 but I was not sure which charity I should help with as I feel that children in our community need a lot of help, and I am a huge animal lover, and we all know the strife that animals face on a daily basis in Nassau. I was also afraid that I would not be able to make very much of a difference and contemplated whether or not it was worth it to get involved. I found the problems facing our community so overwhelming that I hesitated for a while. Due to a public outcry about the Government Canine Control Unit and the forming of a group called Baark! I found my direction - it’s funny how life presents itself to you isn’t it? It finally hit me - If I can change the mind of one person, and save one animal from a life of suffering, then my time was worth it. And I dove head first into the ‘Charity World’.<br />
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Being involved in charity work for the past two years has been the most rewarding experience of my life so far. It is really great to know that your time is being well spent and you can help something bigger than just you. It has also been a growing experience for me as a person. And to top it off I have met the most amazing people and formed life long friendships.<br />
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My dilemma is now that there are not enough hours in the day to do what I would like to do to help out and I wondered how I could link my career to my passion of trying to make The Bahamas a better place. I have to work to contribute towards our bills so volunteering full time is not an option for me so I have figured out the next best alternative.<br />
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I am a real estate agent. I know, I know! There are a lot of stereo-types about the ‘typical realtor’. First of all, I am certainly not any of those things. I am not a cut-throat typical sales person and I am incredibly honest. I got involved in real estate by accident when I moved back in 2005. I was offered a job as an office assistant and in 2007 I took my salesman’s license, still unsure of whether or not this would be my career. Later on in 2007 I was offered a job with <a href="http://www.grahamrealestate.com/">Graham Real Estate</a> to work in the office as well as assist with a development in Eleuthera. As I mentioned earlier, life presents you with a direction, I realized that being involved in real estate is something I really enjoy. My dream was to save up and buy a house. It is most people’s dream. I appreciate different interior design styles, different architectural styles and different lifestyles. I care about seeing other people happy and I love being able to be part of that search for the biggest decision a person is going to make. Purchasing a home is so much more. It’s finding a community that the buyer is going to fit into, a layout that fits their tastes and lifestyle needs. I am so focused on their happiness and being able to guide someone through what can sometimes be a stressful process.<br />
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<b>So, my solution to combining my quest to make the world a better place with my career is that I will donate 10% of the commission I receive to the charity of my client’s choice selected from five options.</b><br />
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Each of the five charities that are selected mean a lot to me. I feel they encompass a variety of areas, from youth, to animals and people in desperate need for a helping hand.<br />
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As the Nassau market is a close knit market a lot of real estate sales or rentals are cobroked - so in the event that it is a co-broke sale or rental, my client (either seller/landlord or byer/tenant) will select the charity. If it is a direct transaction both the seller/landlord and buyer/tenant are my clients they can either decide on the same charity or split the money between two different charities.<br />
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Some commissions are small, but being the Chairman of Baark! even a $5 donation is appreciated, and I know that is the case of many charities. No donation is too small!<br />
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<a href="http://www.baarkbahamas.org/">Baark! </a><br />
<div>I am chairman of Baark! and absolutely amazed with the momentum that we have established over the past two years. Baark! has amazing, dedicated volunteers and we all have the same goal, to stop suffering for the animals of The Bahamas. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAlOuxzfehBbOMLWxkWVz3Mx2Av-NHpQGRaW0XLPGlzBCPIol2UTwdtEhXgCaaCywpHtFf91dOg5ECEfetf8FxZ3WuYao8WfPa927SKI2TmTakgUThTu0L77lgNJEsK1OjFwyUerMEk8/s1600/IMG_2301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAlOuxzfehBbOMLWxkWVz3Mx2Av-NHpQGRaW0XLPGlzBCPIol2UTwdtEhXgCaaCywpHtFf91dOg5ECEfetf8FxZ3WuYao8WfPa927SKI2TmTakgUThTu0L77lgNJEsK1OjFwyUerMEk8/s320/IMG_2301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spay Day 2011 - Bernard Road Community Walk<br />
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</div><div>In their own words: </div><div>Baark! is a non-profit volunteer group dedicated to improving the welfare of animals at the Government run Canine Control Unit (CCU), locally known as ‘The Government Pound’. Every Friday, as many as 50 dogs and several cats are put down at the Government Pound in a futile attempt to address the problem of stray and unwanted animals in The Bahamas. We are working to improve the conditions and treatment of the animals in their care and also rescuing as many animals as possible from the weekly euthanasia. With your help, we can shift the focus from killing suffering animals to prevention, through spay and neuter programs and public education on responsible pet ownership. Baark! works closely with Stray Busters and together we operate a TNR (trap-neuter-release) program targeting stray and roaming dogs and cats. Those picked up and needing extra medical attention or care are treated and fostered where necessary.<br />
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<a href="http://www.handsforhunger.org/">Hands For Hunger </a><br />
Hands for Hunger is an incredible venture that speaks for itself. So many Bahamians go hungry, young, middle aged, or older. Many children go to school with no breakfast and have no lunch to eat at school. Alanna Rogers founded Hands for Hunger, collecting food that would otherwise go to waste, and getting it to people that would have gone hungry.<br />
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In their own words:<br />
Mission: Hands For Hunger is a humanitarian organization committed to the elimination of hunger and the reduction of food waste through the creation of meaningful and engaging partnerships formed amongst all sectors of the Bahamian community. We strive to inspire a shared sense of social and environmental responsibility amongst citizens, who, individually and collectively, come to realize the power of their own contributions. We do this by food rescue and distribution, education and other innovative solutions. Vision: Our vision is a transformed Bahamas where everyone has access to three nutritious and fortifying meals each day. No one goes hungry. The quality of our environment is enhanced.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bahamashumanesociety.com/">The Bahamas Humane Society</a><br />
The Bahamas Humane Society is the mother ship of smaller animal welfare groups like Baark! The team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly despite the emotional draining work they have to do day in and day out. I truly believe that the work they have done has brought Nassau a long long way in improving empathy for animals in The Bahamas. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxl1bOdswTMz31kA40vNkpOPyvSpwbR8O0QIP1b0oecmYCMm8ned_aSkH3T_hFba0Hc2cAYmKp-kYccUXQkxpcT0YLvfcCgGnDB5PlahknnduavskmiiBjITHT9263FY2B-8dmsExE-E/s1600/22677_1354876192162_1239165846_1041405_2625706_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxl1bOdswTMz31kA40vNkpOPyvSpwbR8O0QIP1b0oecmYCMm8ned_aSkH3T_hFba0Hc2cAYmKp-kYccUXQkxpcT0YLvfcCgGnDB5PlahknnduavskmiiBjITHT9263FY2B-8dmsExE-E/s320/22677_1354876192162_1239165846_1041405_2625706_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BHS Spay and Neuter in Exuma, Bahamas</td></tr>
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</div><div>In their own words:</div><div>Established in 1924, the Bahamas Humane Society addresses head-on the problem of stray animals and many other concerns. It is affiliated with numerous international animal welfare agencies, including Humane Society International, and it is the only organization in the Caribbean to hold membership in the Standards of Excellence Program sponsored by the American Humane Association, which it has belonged to since 1981. Though it is based in Nassau, Paradise Island, it works with sister organizations on other islands. It is the oldest charity in the Bahamas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kpace-Afterschool-Program">KPACE Kids </a><br />
KPACE Kids, founded by Darcy Moss is very close to my heart. Driving to work one morning feeling sad about the future for the youth of The Bahamas I thought that the government needed to have an after school program that taught life skills and emotional development. Later that day at the office I received a call from a lady I did not know named Darcy telling our company about the after school program she is creating a model for in one school and plans to roll it out to all other government schools in the future.<br />
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In their own words:<br />
A non profit organization dedicated to providing educational reinforcement to students in the public school system from grades 1 thru 6.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lignumvitaebahamas.org/">Lignum Vitae </a><br />
The Lignum Vitae Centre for Hope works with specific residents that need a helping hand. Whatever their hardship resulted from, the Centre works to get them through a rough period and to enable them to be self-sufficient in the future.<br />
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In their own words:<br />
The Lignum Vitae Centre of Hope is a Non Profit Organization providing services to the needy residents of The Bahamas. The organization is committed to motivate individuals, through empowerment, to attain self- sufficiency. The organization is non- discriminatory and is not limited to any particular population, race, culture, political group or religion. Our vision is a society where all citizens have access to opportunities which promote self-sufficiency.<br />
Please support me in my quest to support these great charities! Any suggestions or input is also welcome. <br />
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Thank you, Laura<br />
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Estate Agent and Appraisal Associate at Graham Real Estate<br />
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<a href="http://www.grahamrealestate.com/">http://www.grahamrealestate.com/</a></div><div><a href="http://www.grahamrealestate.com/"></a><a href="mailto:laura@grahamrealestate.com">mailto:laura@grahamrealestate.com</a></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-91282021074801492832011-10-01T16:36:00.000-04:002011-10-01T16:36:22.520-04:00Baark! Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.: Potcakes take over cable beach!<a href="http://baarkstraybusters.blogspot.com/2011/10/potcakes-take-over-cable-beach.html?spref=bl">Baark! Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.: Potcakes take over cable beach!</a>: “Strutt your mutt walkathon” took place today at Goodmans Bay. It was an event put on by Baark! to raise funds and awareness for the ...Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-70458101351736077552011-09-25T13:46:00.000-04:002011-09-25T13:46:05.086-04:00The Power of Mantras - Smile at the World<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">man·tra </span></b></span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 13pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Noun</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">/ˈmantrə/</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. (originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) A word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. A statement that is frequently repeated; a characteristic formula or refrain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am finally learning the power of mantras. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel that in the western world we are ashamed to think of ourselves in a positive light as it may be thought of as conceited and therefore we often repeat negative phrases in our head without being aware of the damage that they are doing - the negative energy they bring into our days. Things like, ‘oh of course because I am in a rush everything is going to go wrong’, ‘I know that person doesn’t like me’, ‘what is wrong with that person’, ‘I’m never going to succeed’ etc. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After attending the Florida Association of Realtors Conference in Orlando, one of our seminars, by Zan Munroe, suggested we start our day by giving thanks/gratitude for five things in our lives. It enables us to start our day focusing on the positive, and there is strong belief (which I strongly also believe) that the more you focus on what is positive in your life, the more good will come. Of course, the more you focus on negative – the more negative you will receive. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, I have started to give thanks for five things in my life, everyday, or just about. I may not remember to do it right when I wake up, but usually driving in the car to work. It sets my intentions for a positive day ahead. I find that it also helps me to cope better when circumstances in my day do not go as I had hoped or planned. My mind goes back to all the things I have to be thankful for and puts that moment of stress or frustration into a better perspective. Do I still get irritated and frustrated? Sure! But I am learning not to let little things ruin my day or get the best of me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also have a new hand soap that I have in my bathroom that is called “Go Forth & Conquer.” I have no choice but to read it every morning while I am brushing my teeth. Sometimes when I am super tired and I wake up really not wanting to get ready and get moving that saying, as overheard and overused as it is, boosts my energy and I am ready to face the day. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And, when I am feeling a little unsure of a decision throughout the day, I am learning short pep phrases that I repeat to myself, ‘Well it was the best solution you thought of at the time so don’t beat yourself up about it’ or ‘You are going to succeed and you ARE smart’. Sometimes that other voice on my shoulder says ‘Oh stop thinking so highly of yourself’ but I am learning to tell that person to pipe down, and that if I cannot belief in myself who else will! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So surround yourself with positive phrases and speak positively to yourself. Do not be afraid to think that you look really pretty when you look in the mirror, or that task you just completed you totally kicked ass on! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And when you step out into the world, smile at everyone and hope that everyone can enjoy their day as much as you. Your positive energy will be contagious - the positive energy that you give off will make the world a better place. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We can never know how much a simple smile can do. ~ Mother Theresa </span></div><!--EndFragment-->Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-45923708610449719342011-09-18T12:06:00.000-04:002011-09-18T12:07:32.133-04:00THERE IS NO DARKNESS BUT IGNORANCE<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“There is no darkness but ignorance” - William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QfKdM6UejvtV7uy6oy5KrlsR0Fi85QPyI-sAGv7PdyMHUFws65c7k9RerA2XyyEwfCBM0ndH6l0pbVBhbbDq__zzY8A-VbpUwlLeCamctEr8Hiu2xyyNhUP6ywS5VWzYMbSQlv_Vwdo/s1600/IMG_3975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QfKdM6UejvtV7uy6oy5KrlsR0Fi85QPyI-sAGv7PdyMHUFws65c7k9RerA2XyyEwfCBM0ndH6l0pbVBhbbDq__zzY8A-VbpUwlLeCamctEr8Hiu2xyyNhUP6ywS5VWzYMbSQlv_Vwdo/s320/IMG_3975.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Learning is a wonderful thing. One can learn something new everyday without picking up a book. It just requires an open mind and taking in what the universe has to teach us. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As I mentioned in my past blog, I am relearning how to eat and it has been one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In order to change the way we eat, we need to learn about our food. If you just say, I am going to stop eating bread in order to loose weight - even though you enjoy bread - unless you understand WHY you should not eat bread it will be a struggle and challenge and it will not last. If you do not learn WHY you should eat more fruits and vegetables, or why you should choose as many organic items as possible you efforts will be short lived. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I have always wanted to be a ‘healthy eater’ but until now I have not taken the time to learn the reasoning behind it. Only now that I am learning more and more each day, is it possible for me to make and commit to these changes for life. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I am only at the start of a life long journey to learn more about what we are putting into our body but already I am seeing the light. </span>The large food corporations want us to live in the darkness of ignorance because it is all about the bottom line for them. Pharmaceutical companies profit on the unhealthy eating habits the majority of the world’s population practice. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">If you would like to enlighten yourself, watch this free airing of Food Matters. Information is below. This video as part of my nutrition program with Janine Carey has really opened up my eyes to the truth about food. <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>'FOOD MATTERS' IS GOING TO BE RELEASED ONLINE FOR FREE FOR ONE WEEK ONLY! </b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Find out more about this special event here:</span></div><div style="color: #000099; font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://foodmatters.tv/CampaignProcess.aspx?A=Link&VID=10985120&KID=122416&LID=452985&O=http%3a%2f%2fwww.foodmatters.tv%2fscreeningevent"><b>www.FoodMatters.tv/ScreeningEvent</b></a></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We've had such a high demand from people asking how they can best share the film with everyone they know, and what better way then to make it available for free, right! </span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This special event will be running for one week only from <b>October 2nd until midnight October 8th, 2011</b>.</span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">To get involved you will need to REGISTER on the following page so that we can send you the link when the film goes live.</span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You will also get immediate access to watch Part 1 of the film when you sign up today.</span></div><div style="color: #000099; font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://foodmatters.tv/CampaignProcess.aspx?A=Link&VID=10985120&KID=122416&LID=452985&O=http%3a%2f%2fwww.foodmatters.tv%2fscreeningevent"><b>www.FoodMatters.tv/ScreeningEvent</b></a></span></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-7275181955765845262011-08-28T21:04:00.000-04:002011-08-28T21:04:35.370-04:00Nutritional Therapy - ‘It’s not on the menu’<br />
<div style="color: #000099; font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.foodmatters.tv/">http://www.foodmatters.tv</a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #000000;">/ </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You have to watch this video (or clips from it on youtube)! it is just over an hour and so enlightening and eye-opening. It discusses the fact that good health is right at our fingertips and its all about our diet. The drug industry is such a big business that the corporate world does not actually want people to be healthy. </span></div>Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-14138897489792265382011-08-25T13:58:00.000-04:002011-08-25T13:58:03.348-04:00Hurricane a comin’ and I’m heading to Orlando for a Conference?<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">It is with mixed emotions I head off to Orlando for the Florida Association of Realtors Conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been looking forward to this conference for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need motivation and inspiration at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But leaving my family and home during a storm, I am certainly feeling guilty and sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would much rather be there with everyone to share in the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Also, it’s my very first conference for Real Estate and I am attending it alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will I meet people? Will I be eating dinner alone each night? Will it be interesting, motivating and all that I hoped for? Or will I be disappointed that I chose to leave my family during this time? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All in all this is going to be a growing experience for me, facing uncertainty head on! </div><!--EndFragment--> Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-11558657217338426082011-08-25T13:56:00.000-04:002011-08-25T13:56:03.392-04:00‘Relearning’ How and What to Eat<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am embarking on a new journey with regards to my diet. I am not changing my diet to loose weight (although that would be an added bonus J) but for health reasons. Diet is so attached to our outward appearance where really it should be seen as how we are treating our body inwardly. People who are blessed with a fast metabolism can eat the worst foods and still remain physically skinny, but this does not mean they are healthy on the inside. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have struggled since I was a teenager with stomach problems. I clearly react to dairy, but other types of food make me sick as well and it was totally unpredictable. I went to gastroentologists, and spent lots of money having tests done, with out any conclusive results or explanation on what I could do to prevent being sick. The test for gluten intolerance came back negative, so the vague diagnosis of IBS still stood. What does that mean for someone? What is the solution? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily the solution presented itself to me, and it’s not an easy fix, a pill to take or 1 specific food to cut out of my eating routine/diet. It is learning a new way of eating. And that is why I am writing this blog, I feel that I have discovered something so exciting, that many people do already know, BUT many people do not know – so I would like to share. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In passing I mentioned to my yoga instructor, who is also a nutrition coach, about my issues and she said she could help. I decided that as I had no solution from a doctor, exploring a new way of eating would be worth testing out, and at worst, at least I would be eating healthier, even if it does not fix my IBS problems. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In July of this year I began on my 6 month nutritional program. I am 4 sessions into the program and I am already noticing significant differences. The experience is truly remarkable. To begin, my coach evaluated my existing diet and established that I was consuming a mostly acidic diet, and because I suffer from anxiety, which is considered a possible cause of IBS, the acidic diet was not helping my digestive tract, leaving it inflamed and irritated. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep in mind I have never eaten ‘poorly’. Junk food is not a part of my diet but I had no idea how much fruits and vegetables I should be eating. I also thought, What on earth would I eat if I was not able to eat gluten? Turns out quite a lot. So far, I have been learning how to add fruits, vegetables, grains and beans into my diet. And it actually tastes good! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Habits are hard to break, and that is what one’s diet is: engrained habits established from childhood. It takes a considerable amount of time, energy and most of all WILL POWER to make a change. I guess my IBS is a plus, in that it makes it easier for someone like me to embrace the change as I have suffered for so many years. Saying that though, sometimes I still cannot resist pizza, cheese, icecream – things I know for sure will leave me ill for hours following. It is as hard as stopping smoking or breaking another typical addiction. For others who do not have digestive problems, it would be even more challenging. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a learning curve. The first time I made Quinoa it was a disaster. You cannot be afraid to fail. You are also not going to wake up the next day and everything you eat will be good for you – it would be far too overwhelming to make that drastic of a change. My coach does not tell me I cannot eat something. I have not stopped eating all the things I should not – but I am learning that when I do make the right choice I feel so much better. I am not beating myself up when I do crave chocolate, or a cupcake, or cookie, my biggest weaknesses. I try to stop myself, but if I do eat it, I know that as time passes and my body starts to adjust to this new way of eating I will crave it less and less. I am also aware now of how I feel when I consume something healthy. I feel light. I eat a cookie now, and although I enjoy it immensely while eating, after I am AWARE of the acidic after taste of the cookie. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I truly believe that the ‘western’ diet is where our ailments lie. Advertisements on packages trick us to make us believe that what we are eating is good for us, when really it is not. With the risk of sounding extreme – the big food manufacturers seem to have a bit of a conspiracy going on and do not really care about the well being of their consumers. What they care about is their bottom line. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to make a change and think – oh its too hard – I don’t have time – reconsider. I did not think I could do something like this – but I am – and it feels liberating! I am starting to really enjoy food for the first time in a very long time! And I am also starting to learn all about what I am actually eating – education is true enlightenment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned and join in my journey – I’ll post links and more information soon! </span></div><!--EndFragment--> Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-2167001966350411272011-08-11T23:31:00.000-04:002011-08-11T23:31:02.271-04:00Stella Maris, Long Island<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Traveling… one of my favourite things! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love to go to new places whether it is far away or close to home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make it my mission to go to 1 ‘cool new place’ every single year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would say it is my priority goal, before house projects or anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think about my vacation about a year in advanced!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting only 3 weeks vacation a year on this side of the world (compared to Europeans who get about 6 weeks) it goes fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually budget in a few days unpaid too since I have a very pro-traveling boss <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just over a week ago my boyfriend and I traveled to Long Island, another island in The Bahamas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had never gone there before and we both enjoy getting to see the different islands in The Bahamas. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been to Abaco, Freeport, Chub Cay in the Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and Andros.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now Long Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We LOVED Long Island! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We were between Cat Island, San Salvador and Long Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my boss owns a lot of property in North Long Island I had heard so much about it, so we chose to go there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ministry of Tourism was doing a special that if you go and stay at a participating hotel for 4 nights; you get your 2 airline tickets for free! We thought that was fabulous, and a great way to celebrate our 9 year anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On Friday July 29<sup>th</sup> we headed off on Pineapple Air down to Stella Maris, North Long Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not sure what to expect, but I was expecting something similar to Eleuthera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long Island makes Eleuthera feel like a bustling town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5H0haQn_6Tcn_fxqjAHWXjJa1WcMph_D-mD3oDjp5fYKxiVCCeZckmJPcwnG-wlgAIaQTTJpiYWy1oyC-6uH28ibAku0WA5Az6Z-cO5kmxMDVM0BhuRoYZ46768IbPBLH8DjhmVTwkQ/s1600/IMG_3720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5H0haQn_6Tcn_fxqjAHWXjJa1WcMph_D-mD3oDjp5fYKxiVCCeZckmJPcwnG-wlgAIaQTTJpiYWy1oyC-6uH28ibAku0WA5Az6Z-cO5kmxMDVM0BhuRoYZ46768IbPBLH8DjhmVTwkQ/s320/IMG_3720.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolphin House</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Stella, the local community potcake, greeted us warmly at the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were whisked away by Dwight, a local taxi driver and our new best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arriving at the front desk at Stella Maris Resort was such a pleasant experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the staff greeted us warmly and we found out that we had been upgraded to a beautiful house on the water with its own private pool! To my surprise, when I asked for the keys to the house, I received a funny look and was informed that they do not lock the doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I defensively explained that we do live in Nassau – it’s understandable! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dolphin house could not be more perfect - a 70’s style island home with a great layout for visiting guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two bedrooms on each side separated by a living and dining area, and great porch and the feature of the house is the ocean views and huge swimming pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeK_3JQXkaJPdQULLagTalZezVYTNAdA8s1WXY9vlR708WIcqWahUkKj8PaXmrVw7YuBZzLpe6Cnxg2ftDieeEAGnkA-rWw9sfzBY7LPxtrtnSNgQo94i1XAo03CIfAE-ejBe1lZvedg/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeK_3JQXkaJPdQULLagTalZezVYTNAdA8s1WXY9vlR708WIcqWahUkKj8PaXmrVw7YuBZzLpe6Cnxg2ftDieeEAGnkA-rWw9sfzBY7LPxtrtnSNgQo94i1XAo03CIfAE-ejBe1lZvedg/s200/IMG_3724.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy Cake!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Dinner at the resort is phenomenal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chef Bruno makes remarkable dishes and on our first night there we had a most delicious cake in honor of our anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pleasantly surprised to see Stella the dog outside of the clubhouse and she kindly escorted us back to the house, after she realized we had a ‘to go’ container.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stella enjoyed her reward of cracked conch, and barked a few times as if to say that we paid her to act as security and we were now protected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On Saturday morning after a lovely relaxing night sleep, we were up early and enjoyed a great breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stepping out of the house the small crabs scatter, and a meow came from some trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was our first encounter with Rambo, the community ‘potcat’. The pancakes at breakfast were superb!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the same pancake every day and may have to go back just to eat another pancake. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dean’s Blue hole was today’s destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About an hour’s drive south, down the one road that runs the length of the island we found it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words cannot explain, and photos barely do this place justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something one must see to appreciate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driving through the settlements of Long Island takes you back in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What really amazed me was how interesting it is to witness this primitive state of development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people only conceptualize it in history books, how a church was built and the town grew around that and side streets develop and before you know it you are in a city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Long Island, you get to experience the state in which every town or city would have started off in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone knows everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though we were outsiders, we still received a very warm welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsrRIA-VcLb9kAKdW6FdCGriqZHU5B36f-KGzcfeAdmCd8jpJj4Nnczcozf-8nzmhPWNMvC2-50dxAhkNftVxPB39857HNoljngxznHl7hGewsR7sLajpXg2pbeXlSJOURO2ywvVKZFQ/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsrRIA-VcLb9kAKdW6FdCGriqZHU5B36f-KGzcfeAdmCd8jpJj4Nnczcozf-8nzmhPWNMvC2-50dxAhkNftVxPB39857HNoljngxznHl7hGewsR7sLajpXg2pbeXlSJOURO2ywvVKZFQ/s320/IMG_3734.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean's Blue Hole</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">We meandered back North, excited at the thought of just relaxing around the pool at house, and even taking a nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh the decadence of island life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOPq5glrRExrJKJf29UnKoXWSoTHMCgUuspjBvtzC72wzzKH2JO7q7WdMAD2J-kaEfLwde3DUTjFCbfX9i9RVYNyKw0yaiT0Vjcvqt6Jx_36KrRSKopDIU5v423k98T0UjU_YJz3hJ6A/s1600/SAM_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOPq5glrRExrJKJf29UnKoXWSoTHMCgUuspjBvtzC72wzzKH2JO7q7WdMAD2J-kaEfLwde3DUTjFCbfX9i9RVYNyKw0yaiT0Vjcvqt6Jx_36KrRSKopDIU5v423k98T0UjU_YJz3hJ6A/s200/SAM_0209.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rambo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Sue heads up the bar and grill down by the water at the Stella Maris Resort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We opted for lunch over there and met our new friend Rambo the cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared my generous portion of mahi-mahi and Rambo fell in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Later on that evening he even found our house, came in and enjoyed a packet of cat food we had picked up from the store for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rambo curled up so happily on the couch we did not have the heart to put him outside, so there he slept! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On Sunday we lazed around, enjoying the house and time to do nothing, something that I especially do not get much of in Nassau.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stella passed by to check in and lay by the pool with me until she caught a whiff of something coming from the grill and happily trotted off to investigate. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhss9_QDz9ajs4FPEuE0IH4jjuXxN220yfjWAErYJ12xKMMmXldbVYTIn6bCDlYC3wZSrjjaJt7eabg8OBseVDJudLkFfwrmPPNDo-bNbTxqjU2PIwdRuYKt8j3hm7DRFpQBZRigFj9v10/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhss9_QDz9ajs4FPEuE0IH4jjuXxN220yfjWAErYJ12xKMMmXldbVYTIn6bCDlYC3wZSrjjaJt7eabg8OBseVDJudLkFfwrmPPNDo-bNbTxqjU2PIwdRuYKt8j3hm7DRFpQBZRigFj9v10/s320/IMG_3771.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stella, Everybody's Friend! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1mwr6yVI9_60CP9z4KS9jKJRaDqn2wxFqwnlls8yn-PMHRNWRsl3e4QutNx4ktGHBjokuCHOzmd15NJyDVO-JFQgCqZGuy5mVQuI0nw9j-5h4dG1pHfOdycfKsHYYcgyb6Zdcpv5snw/s1600/IMG_3774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1mwr6yVI9_60CP9z4KS9jKJRaDqn2wxFqwnlls8yn-PMHRNWRsl3e4QutNx4ktGHBjokuCHOzmd15NJyDVO-JFQgCqZGuy5mVQuI0nw9j-5h4dG1pHfOdycfKsHYYcgyb6Zdcpv5snw/s200/IMG_3774.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cape Santa Maria</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Today was the day we were going North.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cape Santa Maria has a legendary beach that we had to see for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch was fantastic and the beach was breathtaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I insisted that we go in search of the monument that I had heard of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were told it was down a road that was not too good – they did not tell a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very rough road and we were glad we rented a little jeep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The monument is worth seeing just for the beautiful views – the different blues from the waters below. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find all different types of landscapes beautiful, from snow-capped mountains to green pastures, but I must admit that the turquoise ocean landscapes are my absolute favourite. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeewYDJtIDzxuWaLxPni42yk5MVS8V4W7ApTBD8TJqWMic8d1XaA5Da0WYAGBVa7sl1WdElCAwoGHkN90yIkLV4ZDcXNe1RdxrDxXx1ZnTJRe5j1IMt1tDAViGK0-tDNlOPcgMHAPzpA/s1600/IMG_3783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeewYDJtIDzxuWaLxPni42yk5MVS8V4W7ApTBD8TJqWMic8d1XaA5Da0WYAGBVa7sl1WdElCAwoGHkN90yIkLV4ZDcXNe1RdxrDxXx1ZnTJRe5j1IMt1tDAViGK0-tDNlOPcgMHAPzpA/s320/IMG_3783.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xVC_oP62k25FBgU3NmfCD1mcDdIGh3O4Lqh7hQlqx6vkcZEIinYx7nmPOgRIhZEJhDF3ZK_yy-I4aOp3HNbG2YKYN9OTloJZcjrCl5TDt6Ggh2_5P9M08UGVhkIg5NZPJm1wTZa9SY8/s1600/IMG_3786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xVC_oP62k25FBgU3NmfCD1mcDdIGh3O4Lqh7hQlqx6vkcZEIinYx7nmPOgRIhZEJhDF3ZK_yy-I4aOp3HNbG2YKYN9OTloJZcjrCl5TDt6Ggh2_5P9M08UGVhkIg5NZPJm1wTZa9SY8/s320/IMG_3786.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from the Monument</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sad that our trip was drawing to a close, it was decided we would watch the sunset, enjoy the stars, and rise to see the sunrise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sue told us the best place nearby to watch the sunset was at the Beach Bungalow about 10-15 minutes south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driving down, with the music blasting, singing at the top of our lungs I felt true happiness and contentment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water was calm and the sunset was striking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very romantic setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we both wanted one last dinner at the resort we jumped in the Rav and headed North.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner was, as expected, very yummy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7xpJ782d_nvAxHck2RuoZaQ4zklSlj7scSb-0iIVNOWVwtFaMuh5ShbyIbzqJLJi7hZ_4uCIGbNrCjFqcJgt992Y4c9CQw9Pxsnz6e8Q5COUnp6-jJKT5jRNe-7TAMnUBAfMGHB-qZc/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7xpJ782d_nvAxHck2RuoZaQ4zklSlj7scSb-0iIVNOWVwtFaMuh5ShbyIbzqJLJi7hZ_4uCIGbNrCjFqcJgt992Y4c9CQw9Pxsnz6e8Q5COUnp6-jJKT5jRNe-7TAMnUBAfMGHB-qZc/s320/IMG_3826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next on our Island Agenda – watch the stars come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where else could be more perfect to watch the stars but from the middle of a sun heated pool with the sound of waves crashing on the seawall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us really miss the beauty of the night as a result of our city lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stars were mesmerizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only other place I have been to that would top this is the Galapagos Islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The alarm went off early and we looked at each other and said, are we really getting up? YES! So we did – however, the sky was cloudy, and the mosquitoes came out in droves, and drove us right back in the house and back to bed! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our trip had come to a close, it was time to pack up from dolphin house and depart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rambo brought his family, a female and 2 kittens, by and it was heartbreaking that we did not have anymore cat food! Lesson learned, always travel with more cat and dog food than you think because I will always come across hungry cats and dogs! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A quick flight back to Nassau brought us quickly back to reality… we will definitely be back to Stella Maris, Long Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2G_CQmS1wJIWs5g4tJTfzxQlndy_Kl6mays7E8SoOUnTaNEwaU4FLYaJDeh-pyGMz8njuk_wxmaKJ0N0WkKLeuA8PGs68TWFOOcAN-QmFIIqe21QSJiFBr_kvSJyrNjyPtkFllq69sI/s1600/IMG_3723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2G_CQmS1wJIWs5g4tJTfzxQlndy_Kl6mays7E8SoOUnTaNEwaU4FLYaJDeh-pyGMz8njuk_wxmaKJ0N0WkKLeuA8PGs68TWFOOcAN-QmFIIqe21QSJiFBr_kvSJyrNjyPtkFllq69sI/s400/IMG_3723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></div><!--EndFragment--> Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010984505663760982.post-15750864913059579762011-08-07T22:33:00.000-04:002011-08-07T22:33:33.181-04:00My very first blog...<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to my very first blog. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ll take this first entry to introduce myself. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was born and raised on the Island of Nassau, in The Bahamas. I went to high school here and graduated in 1999. I headed off to boarding school in Ontario for 2 years, and then university in Nova Scotia, Canada. I returned to Nassau in 2005 after graduating with my Bachelor of Commerce. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When returning back home I moved back in with my parents and started working in real estate. Not because I planned to, but because it sort of just happened. I was supposed to work at Atlantis, but after 2.5 days there I realized it was not the place for me. I worked for about 2 years at one real estate company before I moved to the company where I am now, at Graham Real Estate. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was my mission to save up and for my boyfriend and I to purchase a house, and that happened in 2007. After we settled into the house, I found my place back in island life, and things with work were going well, it was then my calling to give back to the community - something I had always said I would do once I got ‘organized’ with life. I got involved with Baark! and the Bahamas Humane Society at the end of 2009. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like many people, I have never been a person that knew exactly what they were destined to do in life. I would like to believe that I will ‘succeed’ in life and that I am destined for ‘greatness’ – defining those 2 very vague words is what I am trying to now figure out in 2011. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This blog will be exactly what the title says – An Island Girl in an Island World. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My journey of figuring what success and greatness mean to me… the search for completeness and balance. </span></div><!--EndFragment-->Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345473219911998287noreply@blogger.com0