Doors

"when one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us".
Alexander Graham Bell

Two years ago when I left Boston for Puerto Rico I felt many doors close. In fact I felt some were slammed shut right in my face. I was leaving behind friends, family, my rich and not so famous lifestyle, living in high end neighborhoods, eating at expensive restaurants, constant travel and staying in 5 star hotels. I arrived in Puerto Rico to the sounds of construction (new additions to the house), coqui's, and roosters crowing (contrary to popular belief roosters don't just crow at sunrise). I had new responsibilities, a much larger family to take care of, and my life style went from stylish urban dweller to mountain top country hick. Most of my travels were to hospitals, most of my culinary delights included some kind of pork or chicken from a road side stand. It's all a blur, except for the stress, the depression, the constant crying, the frustration, and of course, the sound of the damn doors closing.

Fast forward to today, I awoke to the sounds of doors opening. They have been opening all along, it just took me a while to see/hear them. Yes, life is completely different now. Yes, my lifestyle has changed. Yes, I have way too many things to do and not enough time to do them all. Yes, if I want a banana for my cereal I don't go to the supermarket but to my back yard. But the doors are opened. Opened to experiencing my culture and my new home. Opened to this island with its unbelievable sights and sounds. Country life has surprised me. There is a much more defined sense of community. (excluding the stupid loud idiot neighbors next door) Eating fresh fruit right off the tree is truly a delight. Stopping at road side stands can be a culinary adventure. The flora and fauna of Puerto Rico is incredible. I have seen 19 rainbows and each time I sit in awe. I miss the coquis when I can't hear them. I have met new friends and new family who inspire me to be a better person. I laugh daily and it isn't always the laughter of an insane person, it's a joyous laugh. I have my new responsibilities down to a science ... OK, not a science more like organized chaos but it works. I don't stay at 5 star resorts as often but you haven't lived until you stay at the Holiday Inn and eat fresh mangoes while sitting in the pool, listening to the roosters crow. I left cold New England winters for constant tropical sunshine. I keep my windows open year round. I have my morning coffee while sitting out on the balcony watching the sunrise. I have not had any allergies nor taken allergy pills since I moved here. I have a pet gato. I drive to the feed store and buy 25lb bags of chicken feed for our free range chickens. (OK, this door can close at any time). I still do miss some things from my city life, but my country life is full of possibilities.. Two years later, I see open doors all over the place. When I choose to walk through that open door is up to me, but I know it's open and that is progress. It's a crazy country life, but (dare I say it) it's a happy life. So, I am passing on this sage advice. Don't focus on the closed door, look for the opened one, it's there, maybe a little obstructed, but it's there.

Good Bye 2006

As this year comes to a close, the media is filled with reviews of the past year. I ruminate about the past and start thinking about the new year. Unlike millions of people, I won't waste my time making New Years resolutions. What would be the point? Who do you know that actually made a resolution and kept it? If you do know someone who claims to have made a New Years resolution and kept it, chances are they lied. So again, why bother?

Instead of resolutions, I say goodbye to 2006 with love, admiration, and gratefulness to those people or events who made the planet a sweeter place, and vow in 2007 (not a resolution just a desire) to get a hell of a lot more sleep. (despite the voices)

• To my family (you know who you are): who despite their proclivity towards complete insanity continue to love me unconditionally, continue to stand strong and united no matter what the gods send our way.
  
• My friends : the "comadres" Loli, The mother hen, who despite her own trials and tribulations, always calls and emails, knowing I hardly ever return either. Yolanda, with her words of love and magical healing, the wisest soul I know. The two of you have taught me the real meaning of friendship. Dan and Jeannie, Oh, how I miss our 3 person parties, the decadence of our relationship, the jokes no one but us will ever understand. "the boys" again proving that men can sometimes be the best girlfriends.
  
• white chocolate: I am grateful, admire and love your existence
• Cochise: sweet kitty gato, your purring has stopped my tears more often then I care to admit.
  
• my ipod: because of you, music is always at the ready, evoking a plethora of emotions
  
• my cousins: (and if you know my family, you know that "cousins" number in the millions) Those I am becoming re-acquainted with and those who since childhood are part of my memories.
  
• laughter: it really is the best medicine.
• The man in my life (you know who you are): you always believe in me, never give up on me, spoil me, love me, tolerate all my bullshit, and after all these years still crack me up like no other.
  
• fruity cheerios: (not to be confused with fruit loops) a meal at any time of the day.
• health: although not perfect, I still have the energy to continue this adventure.
  
• My mother in law: your generosity of spirit and loving nature are cherished.
• Puerto Rico: my birth place, my current home, you have reawakened my pride in country and culture. (except for reggaeton which sucks and should be banned)
• Natures wonders: every day I am amazed at the beauty that is you
• platanos: my comfort food
• Everything and everyone else who crossed my path in 2006, who challenged me, shared their wisdom, or altered my being in any way.

In retrospect 2006 wasn't that bad. I jumped many hurdles, learned a few life lessons, laughed, became stronger and more determined than ever. Goodbye 2006, come on 2007, I'm ready.