Packing, the part of traveling nobody likes

Unlike planning your trip, packing is just NOT the funnest thing to do. However, packing can make your life easier during your trip, or not. What do I know about packing? I kind of do it for a living, so I may know a thing or two. I personally hate checking a bag at the ticket counter when using any airline. Bags tend to get damaged or even lost. Nobody has time for that!

What works for me? Inside my carry on suitcase (you do need to check what the allowed size for your airline is, as they vary) I have a few different size cosmetic bags. This works because it compartmentalizes everything for you, even if your bag is not already designed for that. I got my leisure carry on at TJMaxx and absolutely love it!

With carry on items, however, you want to ensure you use the least amount of liquids as you will be limited to 3 oz. containers. Also, everything should fit into the one litter bag they provide you with (certain airports give you a specific bag, others let you bring your own.)

On the biggest cosmetic bag, I keep all my toiletries and things I use daily.
-Toothbrush
-Razor
-Soap (Yes, you may skip this if you don't mind using the hotel's soap. I don't like them because they usually dry out my skin)
-Shampoo bar (I get mine at Lush or Basin. The bar is better because it doesn't count towards your liquid allowance. Basin also has the conditioner bar- BONUS!)
-You may choose to use cleansing cloths vs cleansers (again, your liquids will be restricted)
-Deodorant

The mid-size cosmetic bag actually holds cosmetics, obviously guys may skip this part (lucky you).
NOTE: Do NOT carry all of your cosmetics!!!! (essentials)
-Concealer
-Blush (Pick either your favorite color or a bronzer)
-Powder (I use powder foundation for better coverage)
-Eyeliner
-Mascara
Seriously, don't waste your time doing your face when you should be out and about!

Inside that clear plastic bag for "liquids"
-Moisturizer
-small sun block
-travel size toothpaste
-Lip gloss (just take your favorite, that's enough)
-Perfume testers

When you are packing, it is important that you know what the weather will be like, so that you may pack accordingly. If packing for a warmer destination, I absolutely love thin fabric; it allows you to bring extras!!! Another thing I learned is to pack dresses. One piece equals one outfit! Done! (You don't have to worry about repeating an outfit, or matching the top with the bottom).
I get it, not everyone cares for dresses. If you must pack pants, jeans will take the MOST space. Jeans are also going to take longer to dry if you spill something on you and have to wash it by hand; yes, things happen. If you must, pack only ONE pair. You can match this one pair to 3 different tops. I personally prefer the softer fabric pants because they take up less space and they are not as hot either (NY & Co and WHBM have amazing trousers and crops). The way you pack will also be determined on the type of activities you will be conducting when away. If you have planned a lot of outside activities, such as zip lining, horseback riding, etc... workout clothes works best. However, make sure you don't take your see through ones; it's not cute!
Don't forget to pack your bathing suit or a bag to put your dirty laundry in!

Colder destinations are my least favorite. LAYERS, anyone??? I get cold really easy, so I like to be prepared.
-I always bring tank tops-they take up less space and they are my base layer.
-A basic long sleeve (Old Navy usually has them for cheap)
-Pashimina scarf. I have a couple multi-colored ones because ONE will do. These are packed very small but they are nice and warm (these things are my favorite!!!)
-Jacket or sweater (North Face is my favorite and warmest, but you can bring your favorite leather jacket instead)
-Don't forget to bring gloves!!!
-I always use tights under my jeans. Yes, you want to bring your jeans to a cold destination.

Bottomline is, you can never be too prepared. However, don't let a little thing like forgetting something get on your way of having an amazing time. Take your trip as what it is, an adventure. At times, hotels will be able to provide you what you need; otherwise, did anyone say shopping!?

A little bit on Omar

I've been asked to write about my brother many times. There are many reasons why I don't want to. The main one being I cannot put into words what I feel when I see my brother go through his daily struggles.

Many people complaint when something hurts and they question God why they hurt. We tend to overlook at things and put a lot more value on things than they need. For instance, we may cry over the love of our life walking away inexplicably. I'm guilty of having done this myself. After days of sobbing and walking around as a zombie, my brother Omar said to me: "I walk around with a backpack that contains "jet fuel" so that my heart can keep beating and you are crying over an idiot? You can walk just fine, your organs work on their own, you are beautiful, smart.... what the hell is wrong with you? So he left! Get over it and get on with your life" OUCH! Talk about tough love. I felt embarrassed not because I'm not supposed to cry over a "man", but because my brother was right. 

I used to overlook being able to pee, being able to walk, shower, opening a bottle of soda, going upstairs, and being outside. I used to overlook these things because they seem silly, until you are no longer able to do them. 

How do you even explain how you feel when you go to bed shaking from the amounts of pain you are in? Or how you feel when you feel powerless as the one you love is shaking from the amounts of pain he's in and there is NOTHING you can do. Morphine? check! Pain reliever patch? check! Fix pillows? check! check! check! You've done everything you can, yet you've done nothing. 

People ask me: "how's your brother?" I usually always answer: "stable" For those of you that don't know what stable means... it simply means there is really NOTHING more we can do. He's not in the hospital and we're kinda managing. 

It's hard to see your loved ones suffer. It's sad to wake up every morning to the sound of him throwing up and gasping for air or watching him freak out because his mobility decreases day by day. 

I tell you one thing though... my brother has fought a hell of a fight and I could not be prouder of all he's accomplished in his life. He's got a great ear for music, a great hand for art. My brother Omar has come back from the dead a few times and has seen and gone through things I couldn't put on paper. I am so proud to call him my brother and he's the strongest person I know. 

European Threesome

"I would never put the three of you in one trip, much less to Europe", a coworker said to my friend. It all started while it was still dark outside at the Orlando International Airport. I met A at the other airline's counter to get listed on the next flight to Miami. We were then to attempt a Madrid connection. After we listed and went through security, our friend V joins us.
As I shared with V and A that I was only joining them to the first part of the trip, an angel (coworker whom I have yet to meet in person) decides to pick up the one trip cuting my vacation short.
I pay this certain angel $50.00 to work one easy turn for me. Funny, later on that trip we found out the other airline employees actually pay to pick up the trips from others; not the other way around. CRAZY! Nonetheless, I was VERY happy (and oh so thankful.... THANK YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE) that I was now able to partake on the full vacation.
A portion of our trip (three of the flights) were actually "confirmed", which simply means we were going to be just another customer. I was not done telling them the great news and they were each pulling up a different flight on their phones, so that we could all be on the same flight. Happiness and productivity worked beautifully together. OFF TO MIAMI WE GO!
Our flight got delayed and we encountered some very rude gate agents in Miami. However, not all was darkness and a few long hours and a very big Cuban lunch later, we were able to get on our next flight. OFF TO MADRID WE GO!

I no longer know how many hours we spent between planes, at airports, eating, and trying to sleep. All I know is... WE MADE IT TO IBIZA! My friends and I stayed at a beautiful apartment, close to everything. After splitting the cost, it really was a steal.

Personally, I think partying in Ibiza is a bit overpriced. They charge you anywhere from 40-60 EUROS as a cover charge, PLUS you have to pay for your drinks. Go ahead, read that again and tell me I'm not right; I double dare you! Yup, it says EUROS, just saying.
Instead of wasting all of our time and money going clubbing (okay, we did go clubbing one night) we spent some time exploring Ibiza. I do have to admit, picturesque is probably an under-statement. Crystal waters, impressive views, very quaint. As far as the stores, just imagine that little emoji with the two hearts instead of eyes, multiply it times three- that was us.
"Tortilla espanola, gracias" (My friend V can probably do without tortilla for the rest of her life... Me? I could just eat it for breakfast, lunch, and diner. I'm sure I did.)
We quickly found out that the best way to eat in Spain is by asking for "tapas" or appetizers. We asked for a few and some cava sangria (OMG, you HAVE to try cava sangria) and split the bill. This would make our expense lower as well as giving us more food choices. It was really a no brainer and delicious. VOILA!
I wore my first g-string in Ibiza. Yes, I had the whitest butt (just gotta throw that out there)
We also found people in Ibiza say the weirdest things; such as:
-Do you like women?
-You have to try things out, people get bored
-Youth now days, you don't understand anything

Happy to having been there, we take a ferry boat to BARCELONA!
The good thing about the ferry is:
-You get to have a warm meal
-Take a nice hot shower
-Sleep on a bed
-Rest for a few hours
You get the option of not purchasing a cabin, but quite frankly, it is TOTALLY worth the $$$.
After seeing a few things in Barcelona the first day, I couldn't understand what was all the fuzz about. Yes, it was pretty, but I was not impressed. That feeling of "what the heck am I doing here?" did not last long at all. Our second day there I KNEW what all the fuzz was about. It was Gaudi. It was making paella from scratch. It was the sangria. It was the fresh market. It was the fabulous gold fish by the beach. It was the festivities. It was Florimar (makeup store). Did I mention Gaudi? This man was able to put a huge smile on my face with his astonishing designs(see below). His work is full of details and its inspired by nature. Most people know about Sagrada Familia (or at least something about it), but they don't necessarily know much about Gaudi's other work. I sure didn't and I was definitely impressed enough to go back to Barcelona.

As if Barcelona hadn't stolen a piece of my heart, we took yet another flight. This time to MYKONOS! It was my second time in Mykonos; my friends' first. I HAD to take them to my favorite spot; THE BAKERY! In case you haven't figured it out yet, I LOVE FOOD! The bakery is right in the heart of Mykonos town, near the bus station. What's so special about it? It's a building from the Vikings' time and they use CRAZY OLD SCHOOL tools to bake all their pastries. I just LOVE the welcoming feeling of this place.
Mind you, if you think ANYWHERE in the states, or even Puerto Rico, has slow service, brace yourself! Grece has redefined the word "patience" in my book.
We stayed at a really nice bed and breakfast very close to Mykonos town, so it was easy to just walk around (except when drunk tourist go around grabbing butts and your friend screams a curse word at them and you all start to laugh hysterically). Partying in Paradise Beach was fun. We danced and partied like rock stars. The best part is: ITS FREE! You simply have to pay for your drinks (or get someone to buy them for you) and DONE! By 8pm we were done ourselves and headed back to town to have some diner.

All three of us ARE very different, but we share the love of the unknown and love of adventure (to different levels). So I lied about the whole threesome thing in the title. Sorry to disappoint! Stay safe and travel on.

xo,
Marie

A day in the captain's seat

It has been 5 times now that I've sat on the left seat in the cockpit of a Cherokee Piper Warrior II. Studying hasn't been a part of my life for the past four years and I don't know if turning 30 had anything to do with it, but getting back to good studying habits has been quite challenging. Focusing is not as easy as it used to be and remembering... well, not a lot of that is happening in this neighborhood.
It is quite different to sit on a jumpseat as a flight attendant than to seat with your feet against those rudders, controlling every movement of that plane.

The second time on the plane was really the first time when I got to have the controllers. I conducted my first pre-flight checklist. Everything was still chinese to me. What they said on the radio, why we were turning, why flaps were going down in stages vs all at once. I followed the shape of Lake Marion as I went up and down and up and down and... well, you get the picture. Lots of turns and trying to keep up with what seemed like a million instruments in front of me were my duty. I managed; somewhat.

I felt as if I was getting sick the third time flying a plane. It was way too hot and I did what seemed like one too many climbs and descents while trying to follow the "pattern". I wanted to be DONE with that lesson and I asked myself once again if this is something I really want to do. I was told it is normal to get sick when you first start to fly. Needless to say I was still hoping for a quick landing. After letting some air through the tiny window as we weren't supposed to while in flight, I felt way better.

Fourth time didn't really hit me like the third. I only felt sick for a brief moment. I had to pick a tree and go around it, keeping the same distance from each side. Some more climbing, some more descending, and a little bit of slow flight. It is called "minimum controllable airspeed". It's a bit more complicated when the instructor tells me "you need to be looking outside 90% of the time" yet I am to maintain the same altitude and airspeed. Quick glances is what I'm to do. Do I? Not so much. I do more of a 60/40 than 90/10. The one million instruments start to look more like a six pack and a couple other things, so it's not quite as overwhelming.

My fifth time I was told to go straight to where the plane is kept. Preflight was already done for me, which was kind of nice since it could be a little tedious. More MCA (minimum controllable airspeed) was done and we began doing stalls. Stalls- I've been told "you'll hate them at first, but then you'll like them. It's like roller coasters". I'm not a big fan of the drop part of the roller coaster, which is exactly what a stall feels like. I'm still on the I HATE THEM part; looking forward to warming up to them. Not all were bad; some were actually really easy to recover from, but there was that ONE where I felt butterflies in my stomach- not very pleasant.

I still have a lot to go to be able to do my first solo flight, but it is work in progress. I am starting to understand more and more of the plane and what it is doing. It really does what I tell it to do. I'm looking forward to having my private pilot certificate and it serving as a milestone and inspiration towards completing all the other certificates I need. Money has been a big issue, but hopefully I'll be able to manage and I will be able to do this. Let's see what the future holds. The sky is the limit, literally.

When in Rome...

My friend A and I don't consider ourselves tourist, but travelers. Tourists (no offense) tend to have an agenda. We are going here at this time and doing this, eating that, pooping at this time. Sometimes, they're so focused on what they want to do, they forget to enjoy themselves and appreciate the little things on their way. In our trip to Italia, we learned the beauty of being a true traveler. Here's some things I learned while in Rome, to be more specific.

First things first. When you go ANYWHERE, make sure to have comfortable shoes. This might seem like the most logical thing, but it isn't to all of us. As a girlie girl, I tend to want to look cute at all times. This has impaired my better judgment many times. Sure, guys tend to compliment my shoes, but the price I pay is just too high. Having your feet pounding and swollen cause of your "style" is NOT cool. My friend A went with chucks all the way; except for the nights we went out.....I think she wore boots. She did not have to go through the agony I went through. I, on the other hand, decided to go with the more stylish flats (God, why!?) and 5 inch heels for the night out. Mind you, I can rock heels any day and my tolerance for them is pretty high. My new friend Marco said: "Rome is not high heels friendly, you're brave!" He was totally digging the heels, but he was also totally right. I'm sure I would have gotten attention without the heels just fine. Needless to say, my coach "sneakers" aren't meant for walking either. So, just because they're sneakers, it doesn't mean they're going to be comfortable. MAKE SURE YOU WEAR VERY COMFORTABLE SHOES!

Now that you have your comfy shoes and hopefully checked the weather and dressed appropriately, you are ready to start the most magnificent journey. ROME: The Eternal City.

Like I said before, these are just some of the things I consider MUST DOS while in Rome. First, you MUST take a guided tour of the Colosseum. I'm starting with the Colosseum cause it was my dream to stand by this place for ages and I was NOT disappointed when I did. It costs €5. extra for the guide, but it is SO WORTH IT! Yes, the Colosseum will be magnificent even if you don't know what it used to look like or what it was used for. It will be magnificent whether you go there by yourself or the love of your life. But having the knowledge of what the doors were used for, where the different classes would sit, where the facade of the Colosseum stands today, why it's missing what is missing, and more is just FASCINATING. Our friend H didn't get the guided tour, but lucky for her, we did the summarized version as we were walking out. I could sense the emotion A and I had was WAY more than the one H had as we left this lovely place. Pay the freaking five euros. You'll be happy you did!

Moving right along... right across the street from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. I hope you were taking notes when I mentioned the comfy shoes. You can literally spend all day walking here. We brought it down to a few hours, but still. The ruins, the trees, the floor, and the magnitude of this place is simply breath taking. Take time, you will be reading this a lot, to take this place in. Just walk SLOWLY and appreciate where you are standing, darn it! Also, don't be scared of having a cappuccino when you get tired in the middle of the day... it's the boost you need to continue- it's like magic!

You're probably gonna be hungry in between those two. That's no problem. If there's one thing romans know to do is eat. There's busses right outside the Colosseum where you can grab a sandwich. You don't need to go to a sit down restaurant. Remember I told you you have a long day ahead of you at the Forum. Also, while you're walking between one and the other, you might see a few guys handing out fliers for a pub crawl. Make sure you grab one!!!!! You don't need it, but that way you don't forget to go change after the forum and go back to the front of the Colosseum to meet with these guys and have a GREAT time. If I'm not mistaken, it is €20, but it covers 2 hours of all you can drink and drink games, a t-shirt, and 2 other clubs where the locals hang. So worth it!

On another day, you MUST go visit the Spanish Steps. Yes, it is just steps. RGH! I can't believe I just wrote that. No, it's not just steps, unless you are a retard! Seriously, you have to just take your time, SIT, and freaking breathe. BREATHE, take it in. It's so great! So great! If you have someone to make fun of other people with, it's even better, but if not, no worries, it will still be great.

You could eat some gelato while you are taking the steps in. Gelato in Italy is AMAZING! So is the prossuito, the pizza, the tiramisu, and the pasta.... I did tell you they know how to eat, so forget about dieting while in Rome. You'll be losing weight from all the walking you'll be doing anyway, so eat on!

So you took the steps in for a little while and had a conversation with an italian. Hey, don't tell me you're going to Rome and not even attempting to have a conversation with a true roman. They're accent is to die for. Try it! They'll try to understand you too.

Dear Fontana di Trevi,

   

  How terrific are you! I love you!

Yours truly,

Marie.

Again, take your time, take it in. We had prossuito ham and wine by the fountain, made fun of the guys that won't take no for an answer trying to take your pic, and threw some € (euros, in case you hadn't figured it out yet) while we were at it. You have to see it during the day, but also at night. It's two completely different "to do" items.

Last, but not least by any means, The Vatican. Again, take your time to take it in. There's just something about these places that make them magical. You have to go into the Basilica and see the original Pieta, you have to see how there's skulls and dragons inside where the Pope gives mass. You MUST MUST MUST MUST MUST see the Sistine Chapel. Even if you're not Catholic; I swear the Vatican has so much more to do with art than it does religion. Guess what I'm going to say next.... :) Yes, take your time and take it in!!!!! YOU HAVE TO! All I have to say about this place where you are not to take any pictures by the way is WOW!!!! Yes, enjoy the gardens and the museums, but if all else fails, don't leave Rome without going inside this charming place.

There's tons and tons to see and take pictures of. I can suggest to bring an extra €2 so you can buy yourself a converter and bring your camera charger, so that you can charge your batteries every night. But again, you have to walk as much as you can, so you can take the sites in. Talk to as many people as you can and don't leave it for when you go to the club cause you won't be talking there. Eat as much as you can and have fun while asking for smelly cheese for your brother to someone that ONLY speaks italian (oh wait, that's just me). Most importantly, LEAVE YOUR CELLPHONES AT HOME!

Hope this is helpful. Til next time... thanks for reading. 

Visualyzing your goals...

It may seem silly to some of you when people tell you that you have to see yourself where you want to be in order to get there. I always thought it was kind of silly to tell you the truth, but went with the flow anyway. 

I had always, always wanted to see and play with snow. Make a snow angel (nothing to do with my ex, for crying out loud), a snowman, put a carrot on it's face... the works! You know, the kind of stuff you do when you grow up around snow and take for granted. Not judging, we take for granted being able to make sand castles in the caribbean. So back in 2009, I decided to start a "possibilities" book. Yes, like the one Queen Latifah has in the movie "Last Holiday" (very cute movie). My first page was:

Granted, it took me until my last visit to Phoenix (thanks, Lori) to be able to see snow, play with it and do all the crazies I had thought of. Flagstaff was beautiful and snow was everything I always imagined it would have been. I'm sure living in it wouldn't be as fun, since it gets all muddy. But to me, it was PERFECT. Let it snow, check. 

My second page on my possibilities book was nothing but Italy. Oh, Italy.... So it took me longer than projected, who cares!? The important thing here is that it was accomplished. 

I'm gonna share with you something that I consider personal... and yes, you might think it's a little crazy, but.... I'll elaborate a little afterwards...

Okay, so these were my goals about two years ago. I did tell you I went with the whole visualization thing though I thought it was silly. Here's what has happened since: 

1. I became a flight attendant. I had no idea the girl and the suitcase meant that exactly, but I knew I wanted to travel. CHECK. 

2. I've been to St. Maarten, Salt Lake City, Utah, Maine, and other places I never thought I'd visit. Many places to visit, CHECK and still counting.... 

3. Nice hotels, CHECK.

4. New friends that I could be like Sex and the City with.... LMAO! Check!

I'm still working on the cruise, the husband, and possibly kids. I also have to get my behind back to writing... BUT my whole point is, visualization works!

So, I'm not telling you to go crazy printing out what you want and spending time making a poster like I did. I admit that was a little too much, but in my defense, I'm a visual learner so I need visuals. To each it's own. You could simply pick up a napkin and a pen and jot them down. But make sure you keep it with you. Your subconscious will be working on getting you to achieve your goals. Try it. There's nothing to lose and theres lots to gain from it. 

Til my next post. 

:P 

Seize the day!!! and look after what makes you happy...-Dedicated to Nadia Sofia (RIP)

It is with tears in my eyes that I write this post. Funny enough I had just written of how tears cleanse and help you start over. But these are not those type of tears; these are happy tears. As you all know, my brother Omar is a twice heart transplanted patient, who's been through hell and back a few times. He makes note of all the monsters and battles he's put up with. He still battles to breathe the congested air, drink the poisonous water, and see our cloudy skies.
LIFE IS PRECIOUS.
I have to be thankful to the Villalba family that allowed their son, brother, cousin's organs to be used. Unfortunately, back in 1998, this heart was damaged. Whoever this happy heart belonged to was hit so hard by a car, that there were clots in his organs and we were not able to use his much needed heart.
Back in the same year, another healthy girl loses her life. This time, the UNKNOWN family to Matilda (that's the name Omar gave her donor) also allowed her organs to be used and allow others to live. Matilda's heart beat inside Omar's body for a long 13 years. Regardless of his massive rejection and heart attack; Matilda's heart beat strong.
One other family lost a young man. Mind you, my descriptions are brief because that's all we know. All we know is their time of death was some hours before Omar's big surgery. This one was also from Orlando, FL. Small world if you ask me. This heart was sick, but strong.
Three hearts, three losses, three gains, three families.
It breaks my heart to know that some families refuse to share their lost one's organs. Mind you, the patients are not asking for something that is being used by your loved one. Neither they're asking to hurt your loved one. They're simply asking for a chance. A chance to live longer. A chance for those organs that otherwise would go either to a burner, a grave, or the trash.... Instead, those organs could safe someone's life. I just came across a blog and after a family had agreed to donate the organs, the patient was told they changed their mind. Being the optimistic person she was, Nadia Sofia was grateful and understanding of the plan of God and was waiting for another heart. Sadly, Nadia didn't make it; she parted this world. Im not saying you have to donate your loved ones organs. This is a VERY personal decision and we all respect that.  We also appreciate the ones that DO. All I'm asking is for you to at least consider it? Give people like Omar and Nadia. People like David and Belmari and all the other transplant patients a chance. David is no longer with us either, but his family enjoyed him a little longer thanks to a family saying yes.