Stuck in a rut?

Ever get stuck in a rut? .... The answer is probably yes, even if you don't know it.
I've recently had the epiphany that I was in just that place. I didn't realize cause I was too busy being, well being kind of lazy actually.

What brought about this epiphany you might ask? My wonderful boyfriend paid a visit to my little island and I had such an awesome time, it really got me thinking about my life here on La Isla.

When Guillermo was here we rented a golf cart and explored the island. He gave me lessons on how to drive a moto, we tried different kinds of food, went to beaches I've never gone to before and took a trip to Isla Contouy, an island about an hour away from Isla Mujeres. Through being adventurous and getting out more, I learned so much about the place I live. When he was surprised I hadn't been to so many of these places, I would shrug and say, "I'm busy" .... which of course, is a pretty lame excuse.

You think this is scary, I went out on the road after... but don't worry,  I decided I'm going to stick to walking.

I live a mile and a half from this place and had never been!

I am not proposing dangling off a ledge to get out of a rut, just G's idea of a good picture.

 I'm definitely an adventurous person, but I got so caught up in work and just being lazy really, that I became complacent with doing the same old same old. I always go to the same beach, (and only on the weekend) the same restaurant (across the street) and run the same route every morning (if I manage to even make it out of bed). I'm embarrassed to admit this to all of you who think I have some crazy exotic life or something, but hey, it's true!

But now, thanks to my best friend, I'm getting out of this rut. This morning I woke up early and went for a run along the south side of the island. I took in the refreshing ocean breeze (as I was doubled over, gasping for air, but regardless...) and stopped to chat with my neighbors a bit. I have all my lessons planned out and tomorrow I'm going to go snorkeling in between my classes. I'm looking at each day as being full of opportunity to explore this beautiful place and I'm making a conscious effort to do so as much as possible.

The fact is, it doesn't matter where you live.... life can become boring. So don't let it. Here's your slap in the face [smack!]. Get out, do something fun that you've never done before.  ENJOY. Cause life's short.

Carnaval

 My mom was able to come and visit during the week of Carnaval. I was so happy that she was able to experience the craziness of the week and also that we were able to spend some time together. In Cambodia, I remember missing family so much and feeling incredibly far away. Here in Mexico,  I'm just a short plane ride away and it's a lot easier to keep in touch with family.  It was really nice to have my mom here to see where I live and also to experience a different culture. Here are a few pictures from the week:

Getting my face painted at the fund raiser for school

I loved the bright colors and never wanted to wash it off really...

Downtown trucks carrying spandex clad Mexican women in high heels pull up, music blasting

The girls and guys line up and get ready to perform their routines while the passerbys and people eating at restaurants stop what they are doing to watch

And the shimming and hip shaking begins... I thought many times, "Wow, American's really just can't move like that"

Andrea and me taking pictures with the dancers. I loved how sassy this lady was.

Carnaval is just one example that in this culture, having a good time is always important. It doesn't matter if it's the middle of the week and everybody has work the next day, people are ready to drop everything and show up in town to socialize with neighbors and family.