10 Must-See Islands

1. Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand
2. Bali, Indonesia
3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
4. Easter Island, Chile
5. Ischia, Italy 
6. Sri Lanka
7. Santorini, Greece
8. Madagascar
9. Anguilla, Caribbean 
10. Maui, Hawaii, United States     

iLove

Things iLove and I'm thankful for.....

water fountains, neighbors, technology to keep in touch, espresso, dark chocolate, people who challenge my thoughts, the plaza lights, rooftop pools, Wednesday night church, festival, carnival, walks with my perrita, fair trade goods, spanglish, movies like Bella, sweet potatoes, massages, bachata, exotic flowers, my herb garden, my mamas green beans, two legs to run on, movies on airplanes, generous people, BBQs, nonprofits, volunteering, homemade corn tortillas y queso fresco, curbside recycling, bubbly baths and bubbly drinks, sunlight, moonlight, candlelight, songs with meaning, family gatherings, common ground in uncommon places, stella mccartney clothes, tacones, city markets, mercados centrales, shisha, iTunes, homemade cards, pedis, my front porch, mentors, continuing education, Italian accessories, besos, reading a good book, Mr. Big in the background, soft materials, soft skin, languages, heights, sporting events, rotisserie chickens, jerk chicken, that "going green" is cool, me time, nicknames, comedy shows, learning about different cultures, real pizzerias, corner cafes, cuban cigars, yerba maté, loyalty, giggling late night, "building", new friends meeting old friends and being friends, dancing, the quiet storm, original artwork, funny dichos, good flicks, international films, local goods, baking, yassa, Sundays, the fresh flowers in my house, hot sauce, cinnamon, thoughtfulness, and every day God blesses me with.

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Always a great column by Miss Jeneé!

Many reasons to love KC

By JENEÉ OSTERHELDT

The Kansas City Star

It has been more than eight years since I first came to Kansas City, and I often hear the same two questions.

From people who live here: Why did you move here?

From people on the coasts: When are you getting out of there?

It’s not my hometown, that’s for sure. Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metro area will always be that. But I’ve come to appreciate Kansas City and love it as my home away from home. A place filled with self-starters, creative minds and great food.

I think when you’re living in this Midwest metro, a place too big to be a small town yet too little to compete with New York City and Los Angeles, it’s easy to take it for granted.

In the time I’ve lived here, I know of at least 50 people who have moved away for the bright lights of big cities. But for reasons that span beyond friends, family and fountains, a lot of them miss our overlooked little big city.

“So many people leave or want to leave Kansas City, but I definitely still love my hometown,” says Amanda Taylor, 31, who moved away six months ago to pursue her MBA at Arizona State University.

“I miss my favorite little gems like Glacé, the Tivoli, Manifesto and Eggtc. I miss hitting the park on a nice day. There are fewer in Kansas City than Arizona; people appreciate them more. And I miss the Chiefs and Royals games and the spirit of a town that loves their teams.”

Ebony Copeland lived in Kansas City as a med student at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She’s a traveler. Originally from Virginia, she likes to take spring breaks in Jamaica and winter cruises and to see the world. But even after she graduated last year and relocated to Chicago for her residency, there’s something unexpected about our city that she says goes unrivaled.

Happy hours.

“There is no other place that has the happy hour ring that KC does,” Ebony, 31, says. “If you work the circuit, you can eat and drink every day of the week for chump change.”

Crystal Ogo agrees with Ebony about the affordable lifestyle. She’d lived here her whole life before she joined the Army four years ago. She says the low cost of the downtown Kansas City loft she lived in is unrealistic in any other city.

Another thing she says we should appreciate in addition to the best barbecue, jazz and arts? No rush hours. In Kansas City, we don’t sit for hours on the highway hoping to make it home by dinner.

These days Crystal, 25, is a wife, mother and domestic engineer in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“No one appreciates the great things Kansas City has to offer because they believe everywhere else is better,” she says. “There are so many things I miss that I took for granted. I always felt like I could go away from Kansas City and find a better life, but I think I will always feel the tugs of the simple life calling me back home to Kansas City.”

Jeneé Osterheldt’s column runs in FYI on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. To reach her, call 816-234-4380 or send e-mail to josterheldt@kcstar.com.

New Year New Outlook

You attract what you are or what you see yourself as. Or so they say.

Someone who is patient, kind, and unselfish without being blind. Without love I have no happiness. Now that we are older all childish things end...

I may not do New Years resolutions, but Ms. Hill's song is my theme for 2011 and a sweet reminder that THIS is what I want to BE ♥

Ambitious Girl

Sometimes i think, WOW i've been thru a lot. Even in my search for adventure, what's ahead could never compare to some of the things i've seen, done, or been thru. But then i realize that these extraordinary experiences were just pieces, preparations, for more to come.

In the last month in church before i left KC, pastor spoke on feeling alone based on your experiences. But then i think about how many transformations i've been thru and witnessed. There's a common bond in that even tho all of our experiences and pains are different. God cannot be explained. He has to be revealed. Pastor reminded us that our pain is a measure of the amount of power in our lives. In these times we find direction and clearer purpose. All the other BS falls back.

So, i was accepted to Thunderbird Global School of Management last summer. A dream of mine. It's so interesting to see the progression. I deferred a year because of the promotion at one of my jobs at the time. The plan was to attend in Fall '10 and hopefully finish my degree before Isaac got his visa to come home. Well, we all know that our plans never go quite as planned.

An earthquake and a series, nothing short of, miraculous events brought my babyboy to me. No more frequent trips to Haiti. Sad. But days filled with absolute happiness i didn't know existed before. His ways were revealed. People often imply my life is SO different or ask if it's been hard. Honestly, no. The sacrifices i've made for him don't even compare to the rewards. EVERYthing comes with an opportunity cost.

So as 2010 progressed, i became closer (and further) from many friends. Trying times bring out how much people really care. At some point i felt that if i could survive an earthquake and devastation of that magnitude, i could conquer a new city, school, job, etc. with a toddler. On my own. And i still know that i can.

But in the mix of it all i fell in love. Yeah. Ha. The kind that i've only felt twice before. And after the last one, i seriously doubted even HE would bless me with that deep of a feeling again. Maybe i don't need it. You know, i have it all. The house, the car, the travel, wonderful relationships, the freedom, and now a beautiful boy. I could be my own pop song about the independent woman. As a matter of fact, i've had numerous songs come out that people say actually make them think of me.

Where am i going with this? Well i understand there's great power in a strong woman. A strong human being for that matter. How many women are superwoman these days and doing it all, only to sacrifice real contentment and purpose? Or settle for a man not even going half as hard as she is? Life is about balance. So many of life's greatest romances were those who celebrated each others differences and realized that two can do better than one.

Love is funny. And so illogical at times. But we are often reminded to be "rational" or use our "common sense". Common sense only leads to common people. And "being realistic is the most commonly travelled road to mediocrity" - Will Smith

I've often wrote about my heart residing somewhere far away. It was in Italy, then Haiti. As i write this, Isaac is in KC and i won't see him for two more days. There are those i love in all different places. As i packed up my home in KC i thought about so many memories, but it isn't my home, it's my HOUSE. And i really love that house. The molding, the character, the porch. But I also love Arizona. Something about being somewhere new thrills me. Getting out of my own comfort zone is tough, yet gratifying.

I almost didn't come to Arizona. I planned, in my head, to move to be with my love. Don't get me wrong, i didn't plant that idea. It was brought to my attention over the last month or so. But as i drove cross country, with my music, God's scenery, and so many conversations with my dearest friends, i searched to find where my heart really lies. My priorities are GOD and family, whatever my family is meant to look like. I aspire to do great things, but not at the cost of missing out on too much time with those i love. Being an independent woman has taught me that sometimes the hardest thing is to sacrifice or compromise your plans and desires for someone else. And in the midst of all this thinking and praying i realized that my dreams and desires had changed.

So here i am in AZ. I've withdrawn from the Thunderbird program. It was an honor to be accepted in the first place. I'm thinking i will apply to ASU's online MBA program starting in the spring. It's nowhere near the prestige. But it's highly accredited and so much more flexible for me to support people in my life. And i plan to explore other job options as well.

Life is nothing without love. In whatever form that it comes in. My desire is to be genuine with what i give. And to take time for myself. I look forward to the possibility of seeing family for more holidays, still traveling some, spending time with my good friends here in Phoenix, taking Isaac to new places, spending more time with him and teaching him, and supporting other loves in my life. The possibilities are endless. "Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor" - Proverbs 21:21

When i went to Focus on the Family in the Springs years ago, i read a book called Margin. When we learn to let there be space between our goals and aspirations we realize we cannot do everything we want to do. We don't try. But it allows us to figure out what we really want most out of life. And when you sacrifice for something the reward is oh so much sweeter.

So that is my story of an ambitious girl. Aspirations to be the highest i can be. With hopes that someone else is preparing the same way as me. Inshallah.

Moving West

Continental divide! Route 66! I feel like a settler movin west. Cept in the Infiniti w iPhone n tunes;)

Colorado

Beautiful double rainbow in Denver, CO

And an unforgettable day at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs

Georgia

Nothing like a wedding to make a vacation seem like more work than your normal job. I love the south tho. Located in southern Georgia (Brunswick and Waynesville), my sis' wedding was beautiful. She was an even more beautiful bride. And she married into a great family. It was fun getting to meet most of them ♥ ♥ ♥

Driftwood beach was the best part in my opinion. And then staying an extra day to take Isaac to the beach and then head to Jacksonville to stay with some great friends we know from work in Haiti.

GObama

Such Good News after recently returning from UGANDA! On Monday, President Obama signed the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act into law, and released a personal statement recognizing the "hundreds of thousands of Americans who have mobilized in response to this unique crisis of conscience." In doing so he became the first U.S. President to publicly pledge that ending LRA violence and recovery for affected families across central Africa would be lasting priorities.

President Obama held a rare signing ceremony, with an unusually long speech praising the work of NGO's and activists... many of them students and inspirations to all of us.

By committing to helping the four African countries affected by the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army), we are officially pursuing justice for thousands of people and children who have been killed, raped, and kidnapped into the armies. The reality of child soldiers is something that should shock and touch anyone with a heart for others. The LRA has been terrorizing for over 23 year's. The leader Joseph Kony has been indicted for war crimes by an international court. I'm proud of the US for taking this step.

Our Battles and Our Calling

There are many things to be said for the character that comes from our battles. Some seem big and some small. Sometimes the big ones help us to get thru the smaller ones or visa versa. I am grateful for mine. They have made me an even more complex creature, while at the same time simplifying my life.

There’s a song on Vivian Green’s new album titled “Caught Up”. I love the message. It is simple and true for everyone. No judgment. We ALL get caught up. It’s a matter of how far, how many times, recognizing it, and bringing yourself back to what is important. We all know the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

So I am settling into the ‘new normal’, as one of the other adoptive mothers put it. I’m focusing on what I cared about before and balancing it with what I care about even more now.

One thing that becomes clearer ever year is how much I believe everything happens for a reason. So cliché right? Well the reason is according to HIS will. Every Christian has a life purpose. The struggle then lies in our discernment of what that is. It is so easy to get “caught up” in life. You have to be careful to pursue what He has for you as opposed to what you envision for yourself. I promise you, His plan far exceeds any expectations you may have and will fulfill your life beyond what you or society have in mind.

Pastor John Ortberg once said “..for many people a career becomes the altar on which they sacrifice their lives. A calling, which is something I do for God, is replaced by a career which threatens to become my god.” How true is this! We all have different goals and different visions of how we will ‘make it’. It is so hard to set those aside to listen to His voice.

I’ve found myself with stronger desires in a few areas of my life… in particular; my schooling, vision for making a difference for those in need, and for my present (and future) family. I go between feeling sure of the desires of my heart and praying God will show me and fulfill them, to doubting that those desires are what He has in store for me, and praying for discernment about what truly comes from Him. Then I find myself grieving a lost dream even though I have more now that that dream really ever entailed. Then I come full circle to this calm, yet exciting, wonder about what is happening now for me to be prepared for the future.

Okay Lord, my blindfold is on. Lead me and I’ll try to keep from cheating and peaking under and going where I think is safest.

Psalm 37:4,7 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.

Psalm 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Proverbs 2:6-9 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course.

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

UGANDA arrival

Here and enjoying the slow pace. After a day in Jinja and taking a boat down the River Nile, we had a very long ride back to Entebbe and I realized it was the first time I’ve had to begin to reflect on the last year since my previous time in Uganda. It’s almost unfathomable, even before January 12^th.

Blessed to be back and excited for new opportunities and memories.

That time again.... DONATIONS

From May 3 - 13th I will be in Uganda again with a group from Children's HopeChest. I've been in KC for two and a half months straight and kinda itchin to go again ;)

Wasn't sure I could leave my lil man for that long, but just as my very smart dad told me about him going to pre-school: not that long ago i was only seeing him a few times a year. Plussssssss... my really good friend, Anna, from Drake and in KC, is coming along and I can not WAIT to experience this with her :-) And..... another amazing friend of mine from Drake, with an equally amazing family... and who's mother has been thru a lot in recent years, is feeling great and traveling with us too. This is going to be one for the books!

So far we have a group of 17 so this will be interesting (usually it's 10 or less). This trip will be less travel than the 'Vision Trip' last year. We will be able to spend more time in one area and with the kids. We will do some sort of Sunday School/Bible Study at every site. We will also be having a Soccer/American Football clinic. Fun huh!!! We will be doing one or two painting projects at Kayango and possibly Nabukalu. Of course plans are always subject to change...

We have plenty of donations for balls and pumps. Need items such as soap, toothbrushes, crayons. Bubbles are always a big hit. Monetary donations are the easiest and for many reasons best, but I'm packing 2 bags full of stuff so I'm open to all types of donations. Other suggestions are Advil, Tylenol, anti-itch cream, anti-fungal, antibacterial creams. (Please no clothes or stuffed toys)...

Uganda Data: from CHC's site

• Number of Orphans: 2 million +
• % orphaned due to AIDS: 48%
• 57% of children in Uganda will complete primary school.
• 3% of secondary school graduates will go on to higher education
• Over 50% of Uganda's population is under the age of 15 making it the youngest country in the world
• A girl's likelihood of contracting HIV/AIDS is cut by 50% by simply completing primary school
• Over 1,000,000 children in Uganda, between the ages of 6-12, are not in school

HAITI and my Hiatus

It's been a while since I wrote about traveling. Mainly because I haven't been anywhere in 6 weeks now! Wow, that's forever to me. But also because my last trip took a very unexpected turn...

I was in Haiti from January 4-14th and when the earth shook my life was forever altered. I could and I have gone on and on about it. You can read about Haiti, my adoption, my baby boy, politics, feelings, news, organizations that help the people of Haiti, etc. on my blog Miss Taylor.

There are links to media from my return, fundraising, and about Isaac... as he was granted Humanitarian Parole.

Nothing (I hope) in my life will ever compare to this tragedy again. Even tho it was hard and still is hard... I am better, stronger, and happier for it. All credit goes to the Man above!!!

NYC

On my Midwest flight to NYC i found myself overcome with emotion... again. It's not as if i haven't been back to NY in years. I was here in August for a product launch event with my ex to see Kanye, who was performing.

After a series of events this year and in my persistent efforts to trust in God's will i have finally felt like i am letting go of Big. Maybe i'm thinking about this because i have experienced so many firsts in this city with the greatest love of my life (to date). Maybe it's the nostalgia. We had been so connected and our happiness together was so tied up in our dreams and our efforts to get him to the US or at least figure a way to get us in the same place.

New York was the first stop. I remember when he didn't know our friends' address in Manhattan and Big actually wrote "Fulton Street" on the customs form! Oh the influences of hiphop ;) I could imagine the way he thought it would be here and i remember fearing when he would realize the reality was much different.

But none the less, we loved it and loved being in love here. Each time he came to the states he flew thru NY and we'd spend time here together. Even in a diverse city like that we attracted stares and comments. Welcome to America! I will always remember walking the streets with him, the Illy Cafe, Brooklyn shopping, Senegalese restaurants, first time i saw the ring he was buying me... i'll go ahead n stop there.

Oh the Lord has brought me so far. When my last ex, the one i was in NY with, and i broke things off it was truly the first breakup in three years that i didn't grieve Big again. Of course i still think of him. It's sad knowing that Paco's passing away was what really spurred conversation between us again. And being with him in Miami in August was a blessing in so many ways. If i end up with a man half as wise and caring i will have surpassed any expectation my mind could have ever created before.

I think that in our shared "dream" i learned how people/places/things can represent something much greater. Just 3 weeks ago i was in Haiti with my baby, Isaac. I played Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind over and over for him. I told him how one day i'd take him to NY and how the possibilities for him will be endless. With these experiences i've seen just what a city can represent... it's really not about the place, it's about the DREAM.

Home is where the heart is. And i'm really good at leaving my heart in far away places. My heart right now lives in Port-au-Prince, but in all reality isn't even of this earth.

In the meantime, i'm going be strong and grateful for the love i have for this city that represents people like Big and Isaac and myself. I'm going to shop for my baby and think of him often. I enjoy the ironies that my other ex, who i talk to regularly, is possibly being traded to the Yankees as i write this. And i'm here with a girl that i met in Africa to celebrate her birthday - it's her 1st time in the city and i get to share that with her :-)

LOVE LIVE LAUGH LOUD!! (shout out to shorty for that;))

I am a Sensualist

“Fellini said he loved zaftig women because a woman who doesn't love food isn't good in bed. I think there's something to that.”


"The people who are the most beautiful are those who do what they love to do – who have love in their lives, and laugh a lot, go to good movies, read good books, and have great sex." — actress Carla Gugino

What a beautiful life philosophy. I love finding people in life who think or feel similarly to myself. And the way they articulate it just gives you that YESSSSSSSSSSS that is IT! Every person is at their most beautiful when they are happy.


happiness = ranges from contentment to intense joy, but i think it's most about choosing to being grateful in your current situation


Sensualism, defined as a devotion or obsession with the pleasures of the senses is more often cited as a negative characteristic than a positive one. I have always considered myself a sensual person. I may not have an obsession, but a definite affinity towards sensual pleasures greater than your average Jane. I take priority in life's pleasures relating to all five of my senses. Some of my friends and past loves will read and agree whole-heartedly, some saying i told you so before!


I'm that girl that closes her eyes as she first sips a rich espresso. The slow sounds of a deep voice in my ear can make my knees weak, literally. I enjoy rich foods like steak and dark chocolate, the smell of a man or of vanilla. Texture is the deciding factor in my clothing and comfort foods. I once had my palm read. The woman told me that i was very flexible and i would know when i found "the one" by touch, even if that touch was minimal or insignificant to most, it wouldn't go unnoticed by me. My favorite indulgence is an amazing massage and probably have more of them in one year than the average person does in a lifetime. Warmth and water is therapeutic to body and soul. Music and rhythm is so moving to me that what i listen to can not only take me back, but bring me thru pain, reduce me to tears, my knees, make me shake my head, grin from ear to ear, or just shake my booty for hours. I've always been one to know exactly what i like. I may be one of the worst at expressing it in words, but if you get to know me i can show you ;)


Many people, men and women alike, can relate to this concept. Who doesn't like sensual pleasures in life. And in part, i think having a strong desire to please your senses comes with being confident in your own skin and letting go of the guilt people feel when they are indulgent. But some of the smallest things in life can give the greatest amounts of satisfaction. Life is too short to deprive yourself to be 5 pounds thinner, have $5 more in the bank, or prove to someone your selfless. LOVE YOURSELF FIRST! - after the Lord of course... and everyone else in your life will reap the residual benefits of a happy, healthy you!

VEGAS

I recently celebrated a big birthday... Vegas style. I know it's not an exotic or new adventure, but such a great place to meet friends from other cities and there's plenty happening every night of the week. 

HOTEL: Encore - recommend the Tower Suites


NIGHTLIFE: Jet, XS - definite favorite of mine!, Blush - great service on my bday!

Ride or Die

I'm not sure how to even begin this post... I started this morning w an egg sandwich and coffee, listening to a song that made me really feel these words. "If I hadn't been thru the things I've been thru, I wouldn't know Him like I do." Then at church I heard the preacher speak about how there are things inside of you that you didn't know were there until you went thru what you did. Amen to that! My growth in the last year (even last month or two) has been amazing. I feel blessed with a gift of insight. I can see right thru to the heart of people and am recognizing why I do what I do with greater clarity than ever before. It feels like a burden sometimes. It was so much easier to write people off when I just reacted to their outward actions or to make excuses for myself. Oh how ignorance is bliss... But when we know better we can do better;)... and that is what is expected of us. Ultimately as Christ said in John 8:32 "the truth will set you free"


God has been pruning me and preparing me. Trust, I have a long way to go, but one thing I know is that I am fiercely loyal. I find myself tired of the competition, the games, the fickle attitude of others. But in all reality, it isn't my job to change that. All I can be is an example to those who paths cross with mine and learn from each experience as it comes. God places people in our path for a reason. You may not know it now or maybe ever, but His will is great and His desires for us exceeds our very own. 


So back to the title of this post... yes I consider myself a ride or die female. The people who have been close enough to me know this. They may no longer be a part of my daily life, but no matter what, I am here for them. It's something I almost can't help, but I'm proud to be that way. We are to ABIDE in Him and to stay with Him because His staying power is eternal. And I want to be more like Him. 


So I am trying to be patient and to wait on the Lord's timing. Becoming a woman of character. Plain and simple. There are rough times and there are good times and there are just getting by times. All of those put together make who we are together and as individuals, not just the good times. If you are down, I will lift you up. If I am down, you will lift me. Thick and thin kinda sh*t ♡ Pretty sure ya'll know what I'm talking about.

South Georgia and Orlando, FL

Just thought i'd share a few photos for my friends of my most recent visit to the south....

Much Ministries Market Place

love the trees in GA

St. Augustine, FL

Welcome to Florida! LOL

Guatemala Pics

Finally up. This was a great trip. I'm missing so much as i uploaded them. Hope to go back sooner than later!


See the pics on fb HERE

Simplicity

A friend of mine recently said that she finally understood my whole "simple outlook". She said it took her awhile, but it's amazing and she felt a great blessing for me to be ever so lucky to do the things that I do. And I think this can apply to all of us.

"It's the little things that count" is applicable to every one of us each day of our lives. I've been blessed with so many opportunity to go many different places and do so many things. There is never enough time in the day or in our lives to do it all. But the people we meet along the way make the lasting impression on us. 


So what to do with all these opportunities?! I choose to take them! You always have to sacrifice something else to do it. But do it. Make the best of it. And life can't get any better then that. I hope for each of you the same blessings and opportunities you are looking for, whether it is far away, across town, in your own home, or inside of your beautiful self!


A few verses courtesy of Ashley...

Psalm 128:2

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Proverbs 10:21-23

²¹ The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.²² The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.²³ A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom