#i try not to get too negative on this blog because it's my fun getaway space

[magicmalcolm]

@earthtwojess​ replied to your post “I hate the fact that Sami is still Heel but have to also admit he’s...”

Hey malcolm did you know finn and sami had a match together last night? (Aka as me realizing i didnt even think to tell you good job me)

Better late than never!

@devil-devitt replied to your post “Wait, hang on…why is Sami wearing a pair of Chris Jericho’s tights?”

I like the neon blue rings on the knee but I don't like the knock-off Breakfast Club silhouette on the other leg. it's not very Sami. imo.

Between the new tights and jacket and the two promos across RAW and SmackDown it very much feels like somebody hit the factory reset button on Sami and reinstalled him with faulty hardware.  Alternatively, it’s like OG Star Trek Alternative Universe Sami, but instead of having an EFIL GOATEE he got a EFIL BUZZCUT instead.

@titaniumkitten replied to your photo “I don’t know where they are or what they might be doing now, but I can...”

*hugs* I'm sorry for your loss

@inkfishes​ replied to your photo “I don’t know where they are or what they might be doing now, but I can...”

❤️ love you, buddy

Thank you, it’s still really raw and I’m not quite ready to elaborate...but I kinda feel like I don’t know what I should be doing anymore?  This huge part of my life is just gone and everything’s so...silent.  I probably could do with ranting a bit but I think I’m doing okay.  So far.

[geist-fledermaus]

Get To Know Me!

Since I’ve received quite a few followers here and there, I might as well do this!

What is your full name?: Beryl (Sorry, I don’t like my whole name)

What does your name mean?: It’s a gemstone. 

Are you named after anyone?: My großmütter, Beryl Rae Jensen

Does your name make any interesting anagrams?: Not really?

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?: Fuck if I know. Probably something basic so I’m less easy to find. 

Where are you from?: North Pole, AK (I shit you not)

Where were you born?: North Pole, AK

Where did you grow up?: North Pole, AK

Who did you look up to growing up?: My father.

What are your best characteristics?: I can draw. 

What are your favorite things about yourself?: I can draw. 

Which of your parents are you closest to?: My dad.

Which of your parents are you more like?: My daaaad.

What relative was important to you growing up & why?: Tbh My dad was my super hero, he took care of me and my sister, worked 3 jobs, and took care of mom while she went through cancer. He’s the most important lmfao.

What is one thing that you’ve never revealed to your parents?: I’m Pagan.

What would your parents have named you if you were the opposite gender?: Bert Raymond... 

What is your best physical feature?: Eyes or chest. :/ 

What is your biggest accomplishment?: Being locally recognized as an artist, especially on local TV. 

What is your biggest fear?: Being forgotten, being alone. 

What is your biggest regret?: Not pushing myself even more with art. 

What is your eye color?: Various blues with inner green circles. 

What inspires you?: Other artists. 

What is the most important thing in your life?: My fiance! @boywasgirl

What has required the most courage of you in your life so far?: To not give up. To not quit college and drop everything I’ve worked hard for. 

What is your favorite flower?: Sunflowers!

What is your favorite weather?: Rainy weather and thunder/lightning storms!

Who is your favorite actor?: I have a few, but I love Johnny Depp and Jason Momoa. 

Who is your favorite actress?: F u c k. I adore Emma Stone, Emma Watson.. uhh.. Emilia Clarke! That’s just to name a few. 

Who is your favorite celebrity?: Oh fuck. Idk. 

Who is your favorite musician?: They’re a band but I love Bring Me The Horizon, Oliver Syke’s voice and lyrics hit me hard. 

Who’s your favorite person in the world?: @boywasgirl

Who are your best friends?: @armageddonne @darkdragoonxiii @vixenchildxd69-blog and my bff Alisha! 

What is your favorite childhood memory?: My sister breaking the fucking garage door like a dumbshit. 

What is your favorite color?: Black or seafoam green~ I also love other greens and blues! It’s so damn hard to choose. 

What is your favorite cultural activity?: Uh. Axe throwing? Idk what counts as a cultural activity when it comes to me and my family haha. 

What is your favorite drink?: For waking up, Monster or pomegranate and orange redbull kickers, I love mountain dew, anything with peaches and mango as well. 

What is your favorite fairytale?: HAHA. I looove reading about the Tales of Grimm. I can’t just pick one. 

What is your favorite food?: Pizza or Taco Bell.

What is your favorite holiday destination?: Anywhere but Alaska. I love to explore. I REALLY want to travel to Germany, Norway, Ireland, England, and most of Western Europe. 

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?: Strawberry Cheesecake or Mint Chocolate

What is your favorite music genre?: Fuck. I have so many. I love a lot of metal subgenres, alternative rock, punk, old 2000′s emo bands, EDM, rap, I don’t even know how to label all of my favorites but there’s a lot to unpack there. If you’re curious just shoot me a question ahaha! 

What is your favorite physical activity?: Swimming!! 

What is your favorite quote?: “Keep listening to music because it gets you through everything, I promise.” - Mitch Lucker, former vocalist of Suicide Silence. 

What is your favorite snack?: Peach Rings, Brightside Skittles.. Uhh. MY MOM’S CLAM DIP AND RUFFLES CHIPS? 

What is your favorite song?: Throne - BMTH or Mis//Understanding - We Came As Romans.

What is your favorite sport?: Swimming, Hockey, Volleyball and Fencing. 

What is your favorite time of the day?: Early afternoons or late nights. 

What is your favorite type of clothing?: Goth/Alt fashion. 

What is your favorite way to pass time?: Gaming or drawing. 

What is the name of your favorite restaurant?: Family Diner (It’s in my town. It’s really chill and laid back.)

What is your all-time favorite town or city? Why?: I really enjoyed Denver, CO. It was filled with really colorful, intriguing personalities. There was so much to explore, everyone was so open and sweet. 

What is your height?: ... 5′2″

What time period would you love to live in?: Viking Era. 

What did you do for fun as a child?: Drawing. 

Who was a role model in your life?: My dad! 

Did you have any childhood pets?: I grew up with 5 cats and 4 dogs! 

When you were young, what did you want to be?: A mortician. 

What family traditions were important to you?: I can’t even remember many.. I loved during gatherings how we’d play Spoons, wrestle, and be reckless though. 

What was your favorite childhood memory?: Ahah! Shenanigans with my “Twin” Kyle. 

What was your favorite childhood possession?: My Gameboy Color! 

What challenges did you experience when you were young?: Almost losing my mother, trying to speak English, being bullied heavily. 

What is a defining moment from your childhood?: My mother coming home from the hospital finally. 

What do you do for fun?: Play video games and draw. I’m pretty boring. 

What are your hobbies?: Drawing, Painting, Digital Art, Gaming, Dancing, Singing.

What is something that you’re really passionate about?: My art.

What is something you could spend hours doing?: Drawing

What is something you wish you did more often?: Draw. 

If you had to watch a documentary, what would you want it to be about?: Anything WW1/WW2 related or Forensics/Serial Killer related. 

What do you always have on in the background?: Lofi Hiphop or random videos on youtube that catch my eye. 

How do you feel about travel?: Fuck yeah, where are we going and for how long? 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?: Fuckin’ watching Serial Killer documentaries. 

How have your interests changed over the years?: Nah, I’m still the same. I’m pretty bland. 

Which sibling are you closest to?: My sister, Erika! 

How close are you with your parents?: Close but not too close.

How has your relationship with your parents changed over the years?: For the worse.

What is one of the most important lessons that you learned from your family?: You cannot trust anyone. Not even your own family. 

When does your family cause you to stress?: All the damn time. All they need to do is send me a text and I immediately begin to dread. 

What does the word family mean to you?: Something that I never got to fully have but I experienced. It’s also something I can create on my own accord. 

When you envision your ideal family, what do you see?: Honestly me with my partner/partners, kids, animals, and friends. 

How vulnerable is your family with each other?: Everyone is always on guard and they’ll be mean if you even show some form of sensitivity. 

What is a family trait that isn’t necessarily the healthiest?: Being a snitch, gaslighting, gatekeeping, misogyny, yelling if you even show an inkling of emotion. I could go on. 

What relatives had the biggest impact on you growing up?: In a negative way, almost all of my family. The only two I really loved growing up were my dad and sister, Erika. 

What do you watch on television?: If it’s cable I go to MTV, Forensic Files, or Adult Swim/Anything with cartoons. 

What is one of your favorite movies?: To Hell And Back, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, Dracula Untold (For some reason I just really like it, don’t judge). 

If you could have free tickets to any event, what would it be?: A BMTH concert PLEASE. Or anything that’s a EDM/Rave environment. ;_;

What is your favorite form of media?: Youtube tbh. 

What role does music play in your life?: A huge role, BMTH got me through a lot of hard times. 

What is one of your favorite books?: Corey Taylor’s Seven Deadly Sins. It’s a riot of a read and makes me laugh. 

How often do you watch sporting events?: Here and there, especially at bars if they have Hockey going. 

What would your ideal weekend getaway look like?: Road trip to Anchorage and staying at my mom’s cousin’s estate in the mountains. I only got to go there a few times and the view is absolutely captivating. You can see the waters, the city, all the lights.. fuck I’d love to draw that. 

Who are popular figures that you love to learn from?: Fuck if I know LOL. 

What celebrity/musician would you love to meet in real life?: Oliver Sykes and Maria Brink tbh.

If you wrote a memoir about your life, what would it be called?: “Well, That Happened.” A memoir of a dumb bitch LOL. 

What fictional world would you want to travel to for a day?: FUCK. I’d love to just be in a simulation like the girl in Porter Robinson’s music video of Shelter. Just being in a drawing simulation where I can run around and create anything and everything around me. But if we’re talking actual worlds.. I’d probably love to be in Avatar The Last Airbender’s world. I love that series so much. 

What room in your house most represents who you are as a person?: The Office. It’s got art supplies, our gaming PC, all of my schoolwork/homework, the drawing tablets.. 

How clean a person are you?: Tbh I am pretty clean, it’s just cleaning huge messes/unpacking that I hate. 

What is a pet peeve that you have?: STOP CHEWING WITH YOUR FUCKING MOUTH OPEN. 

What behavior do you do that is most likely a pet peeve to others?: Uhh. Idk. Nail biting? Loud laughter? forgetting to turn off lights? Idk. 

What phrase or word do you overuse when you talk?: “I’m so sorry” “I m a g i n e” 

If you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?: Fuck. Hahaaaaa. I’d probably love to just sit and eat at the Family Diner. I love their Reubens. 

What is something about your personality that you like? Don’t like?: I like that people feel comfortable running to me when they need a friend. I don’t like a lot about me, though.

What would your friends be surprised to learn about you?: I am ambidextrous and I know German/Englisch and some French! I want to learn Norwegian even more and Gaelic! 

Where do you see yourself in a few years?: West coast where it’s rainy with those that I love, pursuing my career finally after all these years of hard work. 

Thanks for reading this if you finally made it to the end! If there’s other questions you want to ask, don’t hesitate! ^^ Hopefully you learned something about me! 

[streamacademe]

Week 106, Day 735.

My trip to Scotland was a success and I managed to collect some samples! But, I don’t want to talk about that this week. As my 3rd year has officially commenced, I would instead like to dedicate this post to lessons I’ve learned as a 2nd year PhD student and reiterate over my coping strategies.  So, without further ado... 10 lessons I learned as a 2nd year PhD student:

Be prepared to face some dark times with your mental health - I won’t lie to you, it can, and probably will get pretty ugly. At times it will feel like the entire world is on your shoulders and you can’t breathe. I have had countless mental breakdowns this year, which usually involve bawling my eyes out and hyperventilating, before passing out from the exhaustion of it all, then coming around and crying again. Not fun. I have also suffered from insomnia, and, on the flip side, have had many days where I couldn’t get out of bed. I have included some coping strategies for set backs with mental health at the end of this post. 

It will get hard and you’re going to want to quit - I’m sorry to be a bit of a downer, but it’s the truth. For me, giving up is not an option, but even I have had days where I’ve wanted to quit. It’s probably in the terms and conditions of a PhD to feel like this sometimes, but no one ever reads those. How you keep the love for your project glowing is for you to figure out. I always think of the finish line and of how far I’ve come. Or neck a glass of wine, that also helps...

Find a balance between feeling terrified and apathetic, and stupid and self-assured - PhD’s are terrifying, which I appreciate can be exhausting and can lead to feeling apathetic. However, apathy is both a blessing and a curse. It may make you feel calmer and more able, but it sure as hell won’t motivate you to try harder and do better. The same applies for feeling self-assured; yes, you’re clearly a clever bean for getting this far and you should acknowledge and celebrate that, but feeling stupid pushes us to seek knowledge, which is what science is all about. 

Focus on genuine priorities - Procrastination/dedicating your time to non-essential tasks are your no.1 enemies. PhD’s are extremely unpredictable and you have to try and be ahead of the game or you risk falling too far behind. So make sure you know exactly what your priorities are and treat them as such. 

To do lists and GANTT charts are life savers - On your worst days,  refer to these to reorient yourself and stay on track. Make sure they’re always up to date, kept neat, and, most importantly, realistic. 

Self-care is critical - And no, I don’t just mean bubble baths with scented candles every night, although those are definitely helpful. Self-care is looking after your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Pushing yourself too hard can end really badly. Use me as an example, I pushed myself too hard physically and damaged my spine, which resulted in me taking a week off work. I won’t even mention the amount of mental health set backs I’ve had. So, do whatever it is that allows you to rest your bones, de-frazzles your mind, makes you happy, helps you feel better, and makes you feel like you can keep going. 

You have to learn to say ‘no’ - This will probably be something you’re not used to or are comfortable doing, but I have learned from personal experience that this is literally the most important thing when it comes to  looking after yourself and avoiding burnout. 

Your personal growth is impossible to ignore - Who you are when you start your PhD is definitely not the person you will be at the end. You never stop learning and developing in a PhD, but like, at an accelerated rate. I find it fascinating looking back at my progress reports; something that may have felt impossible 6 months ago is now the norm. 

Rely on your supervisors for help - THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. You DO NOT have to do everything alone. Ask questions, talk to them about your problems, seek their advice. And if they make you feel inferior, uncomfortable, stupid, or make themselves unavailable to you, contact your student support office/r, because a supervisor should NEVER do that. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to voice your opinions and stand your ground with your superiors, they are only human, just like you, and if you feel like they are misguiding or misunderstanding you, tell them. This is your PhD, not anybody else’s. 

Remember that your PhD is your work not your life - As hard as that may be. That is all. 

My ways of coping with the challenges of doing a PhD:

Spend time with animals and in nature - Honestly, if I had to choose just one bit of advice, it’d be this. Animals are the definition of joy, and being in nature always reminds me how beautiful the world can be, irrespective of how dark and rubbish mine may feel at times. 

Sleep - Getting enough sleep makes my anxiety more manageable, my mood better, and means I have more energy to deal with what life has to throw at me. Don’t listen to how much sleep you “should” have, instead listen to your body and work with it. Personally, I aim for at least 8 hours a night. 

Minimalism - I have mentioned minimalism many times on my blog. The benefits of this lifestyle are countless. With respect to my PhD, living with less allows me to have more room to breathe and think. It also means I spend more time on experiences instead of material things. Minimalism also allows me to live intentionally and aligns with my personal values. This in return means that I am more at peace with the life I lead outside of my PhD. 

Save money - Not only do savings mean a sense of security, but having money set aside can be really helpful if you are in need of a getaway or simply want to treat yourself without getting into debt. Furthermore, as there is no guarantee of a job straight after your PhD, or if your funding runs out before you finish, it is essential to have some savings as a safety net to fall on if need be. 

Read - I use books as a form of escape from reality, typically reading either before bed or in the morning before work. It helps take my mind off  the stresses that clutter my brain.

Exercise, eat healthy, and drink plenty of water - I know you’ve heard it all before, but here it is again. It works.

Red Bull (as a last resort) - There are many things in life that have impacted my ability to focus this year, including long drives, bad news, sleepless nights, and mental health issues. However, life doesn’t stop when you want to and so when I’m really struggling I turn to Red Bull for help, and it really does help me. (I don’t drink coffee and tea doesn’t cut it). I always ensure not to drink more than one can a day or drink alcohol within the same 24 hours that I’ve drank Red Bull in. 

How I try to cope with mental health set backs: Disclaimer: ‘Try’ is a critical word here as it is not always easy or straightforward to do the below, and, sadly, sometimes none of these suggestions work. 

Talk about it - I HATE talking about my mental health issues to people as I don’t want to burden my friends, upset my family, or appear weak at work. However, there are times where I’ve had to, and it’s helped. I mainly talk to my boyfriend about it, but should probably see a therapist. Hey ho, small steps. If you really can’t talk about it, write about it, either publicly or privately. 

Perspective - I have been watching a show called ‘New Amsterdam’ recently, which has really helped me see how insignificant some of my problems are. That’s not to say you’re not allowed to feel like crap just because you’re not having open heart surgery, of course you are, but trying to do things that change your perspective can be very helpful in coming out of a mental health episode. Geddit?

Give back - There is always someone having a worse time than you and nothing helps to snap you out of your pity party like lending a helping hand. Whether it’s volunteering at a homeless shelter, running a marathon for charity, or simply donating what you can to a cause you believe in. Give back. 

Headspace - I’m sure you’ve heard of this app/website, if not, here it is. Personally, I don’t like Andy Puddicombes voice, or listening to a human in general, so I don’t use the platform for meditation, but they do have a great range of sleepcasts and sounds, which I use to combat my insomnia. 

Calming medication (natural) - I use an essential oil aromatherapy roller ball to help me overcome an anxious episode or get me off to sleep. Personally, I use Tisserand for these. I also use Rescue Remedy drops for the same reason (these contain alcohol so aren’t for everyone). 

Get the F off of social media for a while - Honestly, your phone isn’t an essential organ, take a break from it, see what wonders it can do for you.

Cut out toxic/negative people - Fill your life with wholesome people, get rid of anyone that makes your recovery impossible, or your life difficult. Be as harsh as you need to be, cry about it, drink about it, but do it, and don’t go back. Here’s a great song to support you through this.  

That is all folks. It took me all day to write this, so I hope it’s at least somewhat helpful. ❤ Peace. 

Photo: A photo of a sunset that made me feel better after an especially difficult day. Source: My camera.

[rundavina2018]

You may all be wondering where we’ve been for the last year…or maybe you haven’t. Either way, the blog definitely got pushed to a spot WAY WAY in the back of my mind…a place where I put things that I don’t really want to think or worry about. Have I been too busy to run or be active? Nope! Have I kept up with running or being active? That’s also a NOPE! We haven’t completely stopped being active altogether…and I have still run on occasion, but there was no regularity of it at all. I think the last time I wrote was right before my trip to Mexico. That was a great “girls getaway” to my mother in law’s  place where my mom, fave aunt and super awesome cousin met up with me and Shari and we all got to relax and unwind and spend some fun time together in a beautiful place.

In between August and now…well…loads of things went on around us. As all of you sports parents know, sports never end (except when they do for breaks) so we had lots of weekends filled with rugby and soccer.

October break was spent with a getaway to one of our favorite places, Siem Reap, where we introduced the boys to our Cambodian family, and they learned quickly why we had fallen in love with the country and people.

  Thanksgiving and Christmas flew by!  Valuable time with our sweet girl, Sarah…the twins absolutely LOVE their big sister Sarah 🙂

And January, along with my resolution to get my crap together and start running again, also came and went!! But a “ski trip” hit the spot after some HOT months in Singapore!

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For February I vowed to start running and restart this blog…one week in and BOOM! I need to allow myself to be okay with the fact that things can and will come up…it’s part of life. So just days after the twins turned 3, off we quickly went for 10 days in the states…other than the awesome stomach bug that decided to hit 75% of our family (thank God for moms and homemade soup!!)…it was still time well spent. We had the chance to spend time with my mom, brother’s family, grandpa, aunt and uncle…and while my fitness routine was going to need a reboot, it was a trip worth taking (we all somehow managed to not take the loads of family pics like we should have). With the last week of February spent regrouping and getting over a tiny bit of jetlag, I once again made a “new month, new start” promise for March!

It’s the first Monday of March and I’m off to a good start…about 4 total miles done this morning and a solid workout this afternoon. Soooooo balance……….since it’s not something I can say I have been very good at in the last year, I need ideas to keep me motivated. If you aren’t following the Instagram page, DO IT! Keep

up with the posts and comment and send ideas and words of motivation…they’re valued more than you may think! “rundavina” is the IG page.  For March, I made a promise to at least stick to TWO weeks, so I need to find ways to create a healthy balance when it comes to staying active regardless of things that come up around us. Dave and I are going to work on this together because you know what they say…TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK! On one hand, I know our unhealthy habits and downfalls, so I am going to stay positive, try to avoid the negative things/people, and attempt to keep Dave motivated as well. Wish us luck!!

“Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living.  If you’re not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you’re not demanding more from yourself–expanding and learning as you go–you’re choosing a numb existence.  You’re denying yourself an extraordinary trip.” ~Dean Karnazes

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU….or something like that! You may all be wondering where we’ve been for the last year…or maybe you haven’t. Either way, the blog definitely got pushed to a spot WAY WAY in the back of my mind…a place where I put things that I don’t really want to think or worry about.

[holydragon2808]

Thoughts on The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars (Part One)

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything original on my blog about The Legend of Korra (or just anything original period). I’ve reblogged several Avatar related posts and art (as well as things from other fandoms), but I haven’t posted hardly anything myself since the Book 4 finale! I’ll just take a moment to wave hello to anyone still following this blog and my fellow Avatar buddies (Waves enthusiastically!). S’up Peeps! OH and if you’ve yet to read the Comic, don’t read any further than this because SPOILERS! I’m pretty sure most in the fandom have read them but just in case.

 I’m a bit late to the party I know, but I wanted to get my thoughts together before I posted anything. I have to say that I was really happy with this comic book overall. They’re off to a fantastic and engaging start with this story. With the ATLA comics I felt like those were just side stories or expansions. Interesting side stories/expansions granted, but really not just vital to anything (just IMO). ATLA concluded pretty soundly overall in its own right. With Turf Wars taking place immediately after the last scene with Korra and Asami walking into the spirit portal (and TLoK having far more loose plot ends to tie up than ATLA in general), this actually didn’t feel like just a comic book. It felt like it could have been a real animated episode. They seriously could have added “Book Five” to the title and gotten away with it.

Korra and Asami’s little getaway was exactly like I was hoping for with the two of them having a good time after everything they’ve both been through. From their friendly competitions and playful ribbing at each other, to their first shared kiss (Korrasami shippers squeal lol) to the two of them confiding in each other on exactly when and how they both realized they loved the other, and so on. That Spirit Mountain or whatever he was acted kind of bitchy though. It’s okay though Korra. In your own words about the Dragon Bird spirit “ I think it can sense where I am. Not EVERY spirit hates me” lol.

 Anyway, thanks to the grumpy mountain, Korra and Asami are forced to cut their vacation short and return to Republic City because they lost their supplies in all the chaos. Before that though, Korra wants to take a trip to the South Pole via the Southern Spirit Portal to visit her parents and tell them about their official romantic relationship and their “sounds fun” lol vacation. Asami has a few reservations about all of that but Korra is just too excited to really pay attention at the moment. So Korra and Asami “come out” to Tonraq and Senna. They’re surprised at the unexpected news (from their perspective) at first, but then were all “Yay! That’s cool! I’m so happy for you both! We couldn’t be more proud!” etc., which is pretty much how the fandom expected them to take it so no real surprise there.

 I do like that after the argument that took place between Korra and her parents, once Asami pointed out a different perspective on the matter (and provided a better understanding for Korra on what exactly Tonraq and Senna were really trying to get at), Korra was immediately able to step back, admit she was wrong to not take Asami’s feelings into consideration (and admit that Tonraq was right about her overly excitable nature leading to rash outbursts at times) and apologize, a FAR CRY from her Book 1 and Book 2 (pre Avatar Wan) days when she had difficulty accepting criticism/other perspectives until she was neck deep in trouble.

 I’m hoping we see more of both the positives and negatives of Korra’s overly excitable, openly passionate nature paired with Asami’s more reserved, patient and logical one in the future (as well as Tonraq and Senna making more appearances and Korra getting the chance to reconcile with them) and how they will work through it overall. Notably, Korra doesn’t just rush off to tell anyone else either without making sure she and Asami both are on the same page about it. They sort of well….”out” themselves to their friends near the end but more on that later lol.

Anyway, the minute our favorite couple steps out of the new spirit portal in the middle of Republic City, the world wastes no time reminding both of them (as well as the audience) of their responsibilities as well as the devastation Kuvira’s attack on Republic City had on the populace. Then this greedy guy named Wonyong Kuem is trying to seize his property back from the spirits. He may be technically right LEGALLY but at this point, he’s hardly the only one who’s life has been uprooted by the unexpected new spirit portal and he’s hardly the only one who’s lost property because of it so he just comes across as a greedy sleazebag (which was basically intentional so yeah lol).

Not to mention that while I do agree that the Spirit World in general should be more welcoming of humans (Heck, before Kuvira’s attack the citizens of Republic City, with Future Industries leadership, completely redesigned the city’s infrastructure just to accommodate the spirits better and welcome them. None of them have done the same for their own world nor did they bother to help with the Kuvira crisis either), a tourist attraction with people like Kuem is not the best way to go about it…Good on Avatar Korra for showing this guy who’s boss, though as she and the Airbenders suspect, he’ll probably be back.  His type always comes back….

It also was somewhat satisfying that the spirits are getting some well-deserved karma thrown back at them. They hate the spirit portal and try to urge Korra to close it but she’s quick to point out that had they helped out with Kuvira to begin with, the spirit portal may not exist right now. They realize that they can’t make her close the portal so in Korra’s own words, they’re just going to have to “deal with it”. Korra seems to believe from the bottom of her heart that Spirits and Humans can one day live together in harmony and she’s willing to stand her ground. I’m hoping the Spirits in general will one day stop looking down on humans on principle and put more effort into making both worlds a place where they can all belong or at the very least be civil. Turf wars (in the plural) indeed….

Meanwhile, even more trouble is brewing on the horizon with the Triple Threat Triads, The Creeping Crystals, the Agni Kais, and every other Republic City gang is on the rise with the Triple Threats gaining ground as we’re introduced to the main antagonist for this trilogy: Tokuga. Let me just say that this guy can seriously throw down (Hooked swords make a reappearance in addition to chi blocking) and is an awesome (but somewhat frightening) reminder that a person does not have to be a bender in this world to be a ruthless and cutthroat badass. I’m glad that the antagonist in question isn’t another bender. Nothing against them (we’ve had some good ones from both series) but it’s just great to finally break the mold here in a way that works. The Triple Threats finally getting a serious chance to shine and show just how badass they can be is a welcome plus as well. Two-Toed Ping is worried about his life being in serious jeopardy just for name-dropping Tokuga during Mako and Lin’s interrogation.

Speaking of the police force, I’m happy that Bolin joined along with his brother. It gives the police force some serious raw power at their disposal with Bolin being a Lavabender and it gives him a chance to truly shine without all the drama of his previous job with Kuvira (and shows he’s earned back his good will with his friends and family). Nice to see the bending brothers back together again. Loved both of the brothers’ interactions with Two-Toed Ping as they were taking him back to the station. Ping is genuinely proud of both of them for making something of themselves. Bolin being Bolin thanks him in stride while Mako just tells him to shut it lol. Good to know some things never change.

Back at the refugee camp we get yet more evidence of the sheer devastation Kuvira’s weapon (and Team Avatar’s attempts to stop it) having irreparable damage on the city and leaving hundreds of people homeless. About the only humorous thing taken from all of this is that President Raiko’s approval rating is -3. That’s too funny! I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m SO voting for either Poki or Zhu Li (or both they should team up!) for the next president lol. Just think of what they could do for the city! Gotta love Raiko’s new campaign slogan “Vote Raiko! He’ll wallop tyranny with a knockout blow! (I’m like Korra….wut? lol). But credit where it’s due. At least even he admits to his campaign manager that the slogan is ridiculous lol. He’s still pretty incompetent though. When you’re required an explanation on how  rebuilding homes for the populace would restore your own good will to the common folk after they’ve been rendered homeless…yeah…he’s more concerned with keeping his job rather than actually doing it….I’m seriously hoping for Poki. Zhu Li for a more practical candidate but Poki’s good too. Meelo can be the advisor. Republic City would either have absolutely NOTHING to worry about with this trio in charge, or EVERYTHING to worry about with this trio in charge. There would be NO middle ground whatsoever lol.

It’s also nice to see that despite their newfound hardships, the refugees aren’t blaming Korra for everything this time like during the beginning of book 3. They’re grateful to be alive and know it’s all thanks to Korra and her friends and they’re happy to see her again. She offers to help the displaced refugees in any way that she can and quickly begins to find herself overwhelmed. Just when it seems like she’ll be forced to leave (and they begin to riot or something), she doesn’t want to leave as Tenzin suggests. I’m going to post what she tells the refugees because there’s no way I can say it better and it deserves recognition in its own right:

Everyone! Please Listen! I feel for all of you. You’ve all been through so much and I’m sure you’re all tired, frustrated, and angry that you’re homes and neighborhoods have been destroyed. This is a time for great change for all of us in Republic City! But a wise man once told me that change could be good or bad depending on your point of view. So maybe we could all look at this as a chance for a new beginning.

I promise to work my hardest to make sure everyone has a place to live soon. My hope is that the rebuilt Republic City will be full of new possibilities for all of us. Together, we can forge a bright future, living in balance with our planet, evolving into our best selves, and becoming who we truly want to be!

Cue the audience cheering for her and the future.

This girl….no. This young woman…I just can’t right now. As I said before, she truly believes in this vision of unity and balance between humans and spirits with all her heart and soul and she is willing to work and fight for it. We saw shades of this Avatar Korra in the book 2 finale when she gave the speech about the Southern Water Tribe being independent and forging a new path for the future. But to see her now after the hell she was subjected to in the book 3 finale and 3/4s of book four…Avatar Korra has come a long way indeed both with her own struggles and being able to truly inspire people. And we get to see that here with her words spoken with an eloquence we haven’t heard in over two seasons. Just beautiful and Tenzin’s expression as if he’s holding back tears just seals the deal. Couldn’t be more proud of her.

Anyway, after the refugee camp visit, Korra and Asami are back on Air Temple Island standing in a very familiar gazebo admiring the sunset. Kya’s “officially” out as a lesbian in the actual universe (rather than just Word of God) but of course we already knew that. It’s also nice to note that a few characters in the canon suspected Korra and Asami had feeling for each other either before the vacation or shortly after. Good to know that they’ll have an older confidante. Kya also gives us more insight on how homosexuality is viewed by the Avatarverse at large with the official canon more or less matching up with a lot of fandom speculations before the reveal. The Air nomads didn’t/don’t give a shit (which well, duh element of freedom and all), the Fire Nation didn’t care all that much either until Sozin came along and outlawed same sex pairings. Guess we can add that to his jerkbender list….The Water Tribes don’t disown people for it but are private about family matters in general. Interestingly enough, it’s the Earth Kingdom that’s the most openly against it though maybe things are a bit different now than in Avatar Kyoshi’s time who was revealed to be bisexual and couldn’t really change things on that front. I think Kya said it best regarding Korrasami, it’s ultimately their story and they’ll know when the time will come to spread the news.

Speaking of spreading the news, Mako and Bolin come by to visit them. The core Team Avatar is back together! Korra and Bolin hug a bit while Mako and Asami hug (the Borra shipper in me squealed a bit lol. Those two always had an easy friendship. More Borra friendship moments please lol). However, this time Korra asks Asami if she’s ready to tell the boys (to not have another situation like what went down with Korra’s parents and not taking Asami’s feelings into consideration), showing that Korra does indeed learn from her mistakes. Just when they’re getting ready to tell them Jinora interrupts via astral projection because the Triple Threat Triads are threatening the new spirit portal (Dammit Jinora! Dammit Triple Threats I wanted to see the boys’ reaction (particularly Mako’s) was my initial reaction).

But I instantly forgave it with seeing Team Avatar’s first confrontation with Tokuga (as well as seeing how Korra and Asami out themselves to their friends anyway but again, more on that later lol). Ghazan’s signature Lava Shuriken makes an appearance! Well done Bolin! It was awesome to see this move return, but even more awesome and heartwarming was that this truly being the moment where Mako accepts Bolin as an equal partner rather than just his kid brother he feels he has to watch out for.

Things really get crazy when the spirits show up and start attacking people because apparently Korra and her friends weren’t doing a well enough job protecting the portal. Korra tries her best to reason with the stubborn (serpent, snake?) spirit but before she can gain any ground with that, Asami is overwhelmed by a group of benders and Korra immediately rushes to her rescue. Though, by choosing to aid Asami, the wrathful snake spirit goes after Tokuga and gives the audience a rather frightening call back to the Avatar Wan episodes.  Spirits can enter a human body and reshape their anatomy to where they take on physical attributes of the spirit in question. We saw that twice in the Avatar Wan episodes (with Yao and that unlucky hunter). This spirit really screws over Tokuga but it’s not like he didn’t have it coming. Though needless to say, Korra (understandably) choosing to aid Asami and not being able to stop that spirit from turning Tokuga into a mutated freak is probably going to come back to bite her in the ass. The Triple Threats end up retreating afterwards and Korra checks on Asami and they share yet another kiss but this time in front of their friends. They all reacted pretty much how I expected. Bolin being happy about getting his “gossip” fill (and calling for double dates already lol), Opal and Jinora being supportive and Mako being a bit awkwardly out of sorts with it but not against it. Don’t worry Mako. You’ll find your special someone someday. (I’m hoping we get more comics after Turf Wars. Would like to see him paired with the Fire Lord’s daughter as originally intended as well as seeing the Fire Nation and the fractured Earth Kingdom).

Anyway, apparently the Triple Threats and Keum (again his type always come back) were working together. The latter was trying to reclaim his land by getting the Triple Threats to intimidate the Airbenders to leave. Tokuga is rightfully pissed about what happened to him and takes over Keum Enterprises as retribution. Mutated or no, this guy is not one to be tried. Looking forward to seeing where all the plot threads will meet.

Overall, I’d say Mike and the rest of the team here are off to a great start with this comic. Korrasami is prevalent, but without pulling focus from the main threat/plot (THANK YOU). They clearly learned from the Book 1 and 2 days. Everything seems to be tying together and paced rather evenly and everyone is in character. Korra is depicted as the inspirational Avatar she was born to be if still a bit impulsive at times, Asami is the calming, rational presence in their relationship and out, Bolin is still the loveable goofball (but badass Lavabender), and Mako is still the socially awkward but competent cop (even with a bunk arm right now) and so on. The artwork is incredible to me. Irene Koh outdid herself IMO. The vibrant colors, the characters, (the spirit world pages were some of my favorites), it really does feel like a legitimate continuation on exactly where the show left off. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m looking forward to part two.

[kennethherrerablog]

The Perfect Weekend Getaway? It Might Just Be Puerto Rico

When you’re wandering around Old San Juan, you’ll feel worlds away from the United States.

Quaint cobblestone streets. Murmurs of Spanish. Centuries-old fortresses.

But the capital of Puerto Rico is just a few hours by plane — and because the island is a U.S. territory, you won’t need a passport to get there.

You can also use your cell phone and spend U.S. dollars, and since almost everyone speaks flawless English, you won’t need to worry if you don’t speak Spanish (though most people will happily let you practice).

I recently spent 10 days in this tropical paradise. It makes a perfect weekend getaway for Americans seeking exotic sights, sounds and tastes without having to travel far from home.

What to Expect

As you probably know, Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria in September 2017. The storm caused $90 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many residents went without power for almost a year.

Given all the negative news coverage, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What would it look like? Would there be hot water and electricity? Would restaurants and hotels be open?

When I hopped off the plane, I was surprised to see that San Juan looks, well, normal. Restaurants, hotels and attractions are open, and the city has been welcoming cruise ships for months.

I’m not saying the work in Puerto Rico is done. It is $71 billion in debt, and the island faces myriad challenges. While I hope you’ll take some time to learn about the territory before visiting, that’s not what this article is about.

So, instead of diving into Puerto Rico’s politics and history, I’ll just assure you: The average tourist can have a perfectly lovely visit.  

And you should, because one of the best ways to support the island is to spend money there. Puerto Ricans are some of the friendliest people I’ve encountered in my travels; they will likely welcome you with a smile.

When to Go

The temperature in San Juan is around 75 to 85 degrees year-round.

High tourist season lasts from mid-December to mid-April and comes with bigger crowds and prices. Spring’s shoulder season (mid-April to June) has fewer crowds.

It’s hurricane season from June to November, though that shouldn’t necessarily deter you from visiting. The weather can still be great, and you can find discounted rates on hotels, according to U.S. News & World Report.

What to Do

You won’t find yourself hurting for activities while visiting San Juan. Here’s a sampling of offerings in this historic seaside town.

Old San Juan

For most visitors, simply wandering the charming streets of Old San Juan could provide days of entertainment.

With 16th- and 17th-century architecture, swaying palm trees, blue cobblestones and stray cats sleeping on stoops, you’ll feel far removed from big-box stores and strip malls.

Stop into stores, sit in one of the many plazas, grab a cup of world-class coffee from Cuatros Sombras and watch the world go by.

Museums and Attractions

History lovers, rejoice! San Juan’s museums are incredibly affordable.

Entrance to the San Juan National Historic Site, which includes the 16th-century El Morro Fort and Fort San Cristóbal, is $7. La Casa Blanca, the oldest continuously occupied house in the western hemisphere, costs just $3 to enter.  

Ready to spice up your day of history? Take a $15 historical tour of the Bacardi rum distillery.

Beaches

When it comes to beaches, you usually have to get out of the city to find beautiful ones. But that’s not the case here.

Neighborhoods like Condado, Ocean Park and Isla Verde all have pristine beaches and are just minutes from Old San Juan. Many visitors choose to book waterfront hotels here.

But even if you don’t stay by the beach, set aside at least a half day to enjoy the sun, surf and white sand while pretending you’re in a Puerto Rican postcard.

Day Trips

To get out of the city, the most budget-friendly option is to rent a car. (When I looked, it was only $17 per day.)

You can then cruise 30 miles to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Most of its trails closed after Maria, but they’ve been steadily reopening. Even so, you can always take in its lush surroundings and waterfalls.

On your way back, hit up Piñones, a beachside town famous for its laid-back food kiosks.

Where to Eat and Drink

Although you don’t hear about it as much as other foodie destinations (yet!), Puerto Rico’s culinary scene has got it going on.

Its most famous dish is “mofongo”: garlicky fried plantains, sometimes shaped into a bowl and filled with meat and broth. You can find it anywhere from hole-in-the-wall establishments to fine-dining restaurants.  

As far as budget options go, here were a few of my favorite spots:

Lote 23: This industrial lot is filled with over a dozen food kiosks — it’s an absolute must visit. Be sure to try manchego croquettes at Croqueteria (two for $4) and homemade cashew milk lattes at Cafe Regina ($7). El Jangiri’s poke bowls ($8-$12) are also excellent.

La Bombonera: One of the oldest restaurants in San Juan, this bakery has been open since 1902. Its most famous offering is the “mallorca”, a flaky pastry filled with cheese and topped with powdered sugar ($3.95). Yum.

Café Manolín: Stop by this unpretentious local joint to sample chicken mofongo ($10.95) and “empanada de lomillo”, or breaded beef steak ($11.95).

Señor Paleta: In San Juan’s tropical climate, you’ll probably get a hankering for something cold. This gourmet popsicle shop has a range of inventive flavors; my favorite was Nutella-filled strawberry ($4).

Barrachina: This restaurant claims to have invented the piña colada. Although another bar in the area claims it, too, all you really need to know is the piña coladas here ($8) are delicioso. Sit at the bar in the courtyard, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

La Placita de Santurce: For a fun night out, grab a beer ($2) and wander around this lively bar area, where the streets fill with locals and tourists alike. It’s perfect for people-watching — and if you stay late enough, you’ll undoubtedly see some spontaneous salsa dancing.

Where to Stay

When deciding where to stay in San Juan, you’ll face a tough decision: old town or the beach. While Old San Juan offers plenty of charm, staying at the beach is, well, staying at the beach.

The good news is that most options are fairly close together, and by choosing one, you’ll probably only be a $5 to $7 car ride from the other.

Since Old San Juan is small, its accommodation choices aren’t as robust as elsewhere in the city. Some reasonably priced options I found were the Fortaleza Guest House and the Decanter Hotel.

You can also choose an Airbnb, but be mindful that it isn’t always best for a city’s residents.

Large, resort-style hotels abound in Condado, a touristy beach area a few miles east of Old San Juan. I’d recommend staying a little further afield, though; you’ll get more for your money, and won’t, be sleeping at a Holiday Inn in Puerto Rico.

Here are two wonderful options:

Nomada Urban Beach Hostel

This trendy hostel is located just a few blocks from the beach. It has a fabulous rooftop — complete with hammocks and lounge chairs — that overlooks the ocean. It also has a shared kitchen, allowing you to cook meals to save money.

Even though I’m past the point of sleeping in dorms, I often still book private rooms at hostels. They’re a great way to enjoy the low rates and sociability of a hostel without listening to other people snore.

Here are its nightly rates:

Dorm bed: $32 and up

Rooftop tent: $45 and up

Private room: $64 and up

Deluxe private room: $88 and up

The Dreamcatcher Hotel

This boutique vegetarian bed-and-breakfast feels like it’s out of an Instagram catalog. (I know that’s not a thing, but if it were, this hotel would play a starring role.)

Each room is uniquely decorated with vintage finds, and the grounds, filled with plants and hammocks, ooze tranquility. Rates depend on which room you book but start at $89. You can opt for fresh vegetarian breakfasts ($11) and also make use of a shared kitchen.  

How to Get to San Juan

Many airlines, including Southwest, Spirit and JetBlue, offer daily departures to San Juan. (Note that with Spirit, you’ll have to pay extra for all luggage, including carry-ons.)

When looking at flights about a month out from my trip, here are some round-trip rates I found:

From Chicago O’Hare: $279 (Spirit)

From Newark: $307 (JetBlue, direct)

From Baltimore: $331 (JetBlue, direct)

From Atlanta: $182 (Spirit)

Once you get there, renting a car isn’t necessary if you’re just staying for the weekend.

Ubers and Lyfts are plentiful and cheap — with the exception of arriving at the airport, when you’ll have to take an official taxi to your hotel. Within the city, walking and biking are great options; some hotels even offer free bike rentals.

Although you won’t get to see everything in Puerto Rico in a weekend, you can always save things for your next trip. Because, once you go — there will always be a next trip.

Susan Shain is a freelance writer and digital nomad. She covers travel, food and personal finance (basically, how to save money so you can travel more and eat more). Visit her blog at susanshain.com, or say hi on Twitter @susan_shain.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

The Perfect Weekend Getaway? It Might Just Be Puerto Rico published first on https://justinbetreviews.tumblr.com/

[marcuspc-blog]

The Perfect Weekend Getaway? It Might Just Be Puerto Rico

When youâre wandering around Old San Juan, youâll feel worlds away from the United States.

Quaint cobblestone streets. Murmurs of Spanish. Centuries-old fortresses.

But the capital of Puerto Rico is just a few hours by plane â and because the island is a U.S. territory, you won��t need a passport to get there.

You can also use your cell phone and spend U.S. dollars, and since almost everyone speaks flawless English, you wonât need to worry if you donât speak Spanish (though most people will happily let you practice).

I recently spent 10 days in this tropical paradise. It makes a perfect weekend getaway for Americans seeking exotic sights, sounds and tastes without having to travel far from home.

What to Expect

As you probably know, Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria in September 2017. The storm caused $90 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many residents went without power for almost a year.

Given all the negative news coverage, I wasnât sure what to expect. What would it look like? Would there be hot water and electricity? Would restaurants and hotels be open?

When I hopped off the plane, I was surprised to see that San Juan looks, well, normal. Restaurants, hotels and attractions are open, and the city has been welcoming cruise ships for months.

Iâm not saying the work in Puerto Rico is done. It is $71 billion in debt, and the island faces myriad challenges. While I hope youâll take some time to learn about the territory before visiting, thatâs not what this article is about.

So, instead of diving into Puerto Ricoâs politics and history, Iâll just assure you: The average tourist can have a perfectly lovely visit.  

And you should, because one of the best ways to support the island is to spend money there. Puerto Ricans are some of the friendliest people Iâve encountered in my travels; they will likely welcome you with a smile.

When to Go

The temperature in San Juan is around 75 to 85 degrees year-round.

High tourist season lasts from mid-December to mid-April and comes with bigger crowds and prices. Springâs shoulder season (mid-April to June) has fewer crowds.

Itâs hurricane season from June to November, though that shouldnât necessarily deter you from visiting. The weather can still be great, and you can find discounted rates on hotels, according to U.S. News & World Report.

What to Do

You wonât find yourself hurting for activities while visiting San Juan. Hereâs a sampling of offerings in this historic seaside town.

Old San Juan

For most visitors, simply wandering the charming streets of Old San Juan could provide days of entertainment.

With 16th- and 17th-century architecture, swaying palm trees, blue cobblestones and stray cats sleeping on stoops, youâll feel far removed from big-box stores and strip malls.

Stop into stores, sit in one of the many plazas, grab a cup of world-class coffee from Cuatros Sombras and watch the world go by.

Museums and Attractions

History lovers, rejoice! San Juanâs museums are incredibly affordable.

Entrance to the San Juan National Historic Site, which includes the 16th-century El Morro Fort and Fort San Cristóbal, is $7. La Casa Blanca, the oldest continuously occupied house in the western hemisphere, costs just $3 to enter.  

Ready to spice up your day of history? Take a $15 historical tour of the Bacardi rum distillery.

Beaches

When it comes to beaches, you usually have to get out of the city to find beautiful ones. But thatâs not the case here.

Neighborhoods like Condado, Ocean Park and Isla Verde all have pristine beaches and are just minutes from Old San Juan. Many visitors choose to book waterfront hotels here.

But even if you donât stay by the beach, set aside at least a half day to enjoy the sun, surf and white sand while pretending youâre in a Puerto Rican postcard.

Day Trips

To get out of the city, the most budget-friendly option is to rent a car. (When I looked, it was only $17 per day.)

You can then cruise 30 miles to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Most of its trails closed after Maria, but theyâve been steadily reopening. Even so, you can always take in its lush surroundings and waterfalls.

On your way back, hit up Piñones, a beachside town famous for its laid-back food kiosks.

Where to Eat and Drink

Although you donât hear about it as much as other foodie destinations (yet!), Puerto Ricoâs culinary scene has got it going on.

Its most famous dish is âmofongoâ: garlicky fried plantains, sometimes shaped into a bowl and filled with meat and broth. You can find it anywhere from hole-in-the-wall establishments to fine-dining restaurants.  

As far as budget options go, here were a few of my favorite spots:

Lote 23: This industrial lot is filled with over a dozen food kiosks â itâs an absolute must visit. Be sure to try manchego croquettes at Croqueteria (two for $4) and homemade cashew milk lattes at Cafe Regina ($7). El Jangiriâs poke bowls ($8-$12) are also excellent.

La Bombonera: One of the oldest restaurants in San Juan, this bakery has been open since 1902. Its most famous offering is the âmallorcaâ, a flaky pastry filled with cheese and topped with powdered sugar ($3.95). Yum.

Café Manolín: Stop by this unpretentious local joint to sample chicken mofongo ($10.95) and âempanada de lomilloâ, or breaded beef steak ($11.95).

Señor Paleta: In San Juanâs tropical climate, youâll probably get a hankering for something cold. This gourmet popsicle shop has a range of inventive flavors; my favorite was Nutella-filled strawberry ($4).

Barrachina: This restaurant claims to have invented the piña colada. Although another bar in the area claims it, too, all you really need to know is the piña coladas here ($8) are delicioso. Sit at the bar in the courtyard, and youâre guaranteed to have a good time.

La Placita de Santurce: For a fun night out, grab a beer ($2) and wander around this lively bar area, where the streets fill with locals and tourists alike. Itâs perfect for people-watching â and if you stay late enough, youâll undoubtedly see some spontaneous salsa dancing.

Where to Stay

When deciding where to stay in San Juan, youâll face a tough decision: old town or the beach. While Old San Juan offers plenty of charm, staying at the beach is, well, staying at the beach.

The good news is that most options are fairly close together, and by choosing one, youâll probably only be a $5 to $7 car ride from the other.

Since Old San Juan is small, its accommodation choices arenât as robust as elsewhere in the city. Some reasonably priced options I found were the Fortaleza Guest House and the Decanter Hotel.

You can also choose an Airbnb, but be mindful that it isnât always best for a cityâs residents.

Large, resort-style hotels abound in Condado, a touristy beach area a few miles east of Old San Juan. Iâd recommend staying a little further afield, though; youâll get more for your money, and wonât, be sleeping at a Holiday Inn in Puerto Rico.

Here are two wonderful options:

Nomada Urban Beach Hostel

This trendy hostel is located just a few blocks from the beach. It has a fabulous rooftop â complete with hammocks and lounge chairs â that overlooks the ocean. It also has a shared kitchen, allowing you to cook meals to save money.

Even though Iâm past the point of sleeping in dorms, I often still book private rooms at hostels. Theyâre a great way to enjoy the low rates and sociability of a hostel without listening to other people snore.

Here are its nightly rates:

Dorm bed: $32 and up

Rooftop tent: $45 and up

Private room: $64 and up

Deluxe private room: $88 and up

The Dreamcatcher Hotel

This boutique vegetarian bed-and-breakfast feels like itâs out of an Instagram catalog. (I know thatâs not a thing, but if it were, this hotel would play a starring role.)

Each room is uniquely decorated with vintage finds, and the grounds, filled with plants and hammocks, ooze tranquility. Rates depend on which room you book but start at $89. You can opt for fresh vegetarian breakfasts ($11) and also make use of a shared kitchen.  

How to Get to San Juan

Many airlines, including Southwest, Spirit and JetBlue, offer daily departures to San Juan. (Note that with Spirit, youâll have to pay extra for all luggage, including carry-ons.)

When looking at flights about a month out from my trip, here are some round-trip rates I found:

From Chicago OâHare: $279 (Spirit)

From Newark: $307 (JetBlue, direct)

From Baltimore: $331 (JetBlue, direct)

From Atlanta: $182 (Spirit)

Once you get there, renting a car isnât necessary if youâre just staying for the weekend.

Ubers and Lyfts are plentiful and cheap â with the exception of arriving at the airport, when youâll have to take an official taxi to your hotel. Within the city, walking and biking are great options; some hotels even offer free bike rentals.

Although you wonât get to see everything in Puerto Rico in a weekend, you can always save things for your next trip. Because, once you go â there will always be a next trip.

Susan Shain is a freelance writer and digital nomad. She covers travel, food and personal finance (basically, how to save money so you can travel more and eat more). Visit her blog at susanshain.com, or say hi on Twitter @susan_shain.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here's why you can trust us and how we make money.

[joannep975783-blog]

Some online Dating Services Essential Safety Recommendations

Avoid quite a few emails to her. After your first email, wait for her reply. Consider the fact that females have more emails daily than guys. When there is no quick response, probably man or woman can be working or it that she's definitely not fascinated for you. She gets the right to pick who she'd like. Far more better to browse for another prospect. Today we are looking at Dating tips for males and the women. Throughout our dating journey, we usually see it challenging to find solutions to meet new people presently. Thanks to technology, we are able to surf dating profiles and read blog posts regarding relationship issues through online dating sites. Even still, there's other opportinity for finding your Motivated To Marry(TM)Partner. My philosophy in the very young age is to begin where the inventors are. I was lucky to have older brother and I used to play tennis, biked, ran track (the girls practiced with the guys) and skied. I met lots of guys in that time and constantly had a boyfriend growing 9th grade because I liked doing public record information did. I met my college boyfriend on the tennis process of law!

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[lauren-nabors]

it’s been a long time, tumblr. how’s it going everyone? 

in the spirit of transparency and honesty, (and because really, if you can’t be honest on your own blog that you’re pretty sure no one reads anymore anyway in your own private corner of the internet, then where can you be honest?) this spring has sucked. like a lot. every couple of weeks I think, surely life can’t get any harder, but then it does and i’m always left reeling a little with anger and frustration and exhaustion. but also it has started to make me think that this is just the new normal. comparing life to new york city three years ago doesn’t work anymore. so anyway, here i am in the mid-west (missouri, misery) just trying to take it one day at a time, often wondering why I’m here and what does God have up his sleeve that’s taking us down this frustrating road in the first place?

anyway! other than that, we’ve had some visitors come to stay with us, which was fantastic and such a breath of fresh air to have our nyc friends here. two of the visits were plagued with a bit of hardship, which i’ll share below. 

sarah jo & peterson were our first visitors, back in mid-april. they came during the middle of the week as they did a road-trip all the way from nyc and back. if i didn’t hate being in the car so much i would totally want to recreate their roadtrip adventure! we were pretty crazy at the restaurant those days, with big catering orders and wholesale deliveries, but we still managed to squeeze in some fun things. we grilled out, got in the hot tub, made margaritas, took them to Bass Pro and Sam’s Club (ha!) and got Pineapple Whip AND Andy’s Frozen Custard in the same day. i feel like we got to know Peterson really well this visit and they are just so funny and easy to be with, it was great! 

a week and a half later, our dear friends Alice and Kyle flew in. they used to live in our old neighborhood in harlem but have recently moved to Connecticut, though they’re both still commuting into the city for work. unfortunately heavy rains and storms delayed their flight and they missed their connection in Chicago. they were lucky to get re-booked on another airline and made it in the same night, just much later than expected. the next day they came to the mill and we got to show them around and have breakfast and lunch there with them. that afternoon we visited Bass Pro (truly, this is the only place we have to take people) and that night we hung out at Brew Co. the next morning I woke up with the worst back-ache I have ever, ever experienced. it had been bothering me off and on all that week and i just kept thinking it would go away but when i bent down to feed our cats that morning something just spasm’ed (sp?) throughout my whole body and i fell over and couldn’t get back up. i yelled at clif and he had to jump out of bed and carry me back to the couch. it was the most excruciating pain i have ever felt in my life, no joke. i was probably at a 9 or 10 on the pain scale throughout the day. i could not walk and could barely put any weight on it. of course, Alice and Kyle were here which made me feel even worse because I didn’t think I could muster up the strength to walk or even get out of the house. they were so sweet and patient and offered help and advice. clif and kyle got out to get lunch and icy hot and pain killers and all that good stuff while alice and i just sat in the living room and talked pretty much all afternoon. later that day we grilled out and they set me up on the patio with a chair so i could be part of the group. i kept thinking i had slipped a disc or something more serious but was relieved to find out i didn’t have any of the symptoms of a slipped or torn disc. Alice and Kyle left early the next morning and, as much as i hated that i was pretty much out of commission their entire last day here, we got to spend a ton of time just chatting and catching up and that’s what their visit was all about anyway. they are such dear friends to us and we were also so thrilled to find out at the beginning of their visit that they’re pregnant! 

the next day my back felt a lot better but i still had this plaguing pain in my lower left side of my back. our friend Shelby who is a family practitioner suggested some acupuncture (Alice also recommended it when she was here and said she’d had great results) and some light stretching. I made an appointment for acupuncture the next day and I am delighted to report that after two sessions my back felt 100% better. I don’t know that I would go all the time, but I can definitely get on board with some of the benefits of it. I felt significantly less stressed (this helped a lot for what was to come the following weekend) and even noticed my cramps were almost non-existent during my next period, as my acupuncturist mentioned that was a possible added benefit from the treatments. 

the previous week our friend Adrian (clif’s first roommate in NYC and the person responsible for introducing me to Clif) emailed to say he had a client meeting for work in Jefferson City, MO and would like to come a few days early and stay with us before his meetings. of course we were like “YES! COME ON!” he came the following weekend after alice and kyle were here, resulting in three visits back to back to back. Adrian arrived Saturday afternoon amidst torrential downpours and lightening storms. how his flight actually landed I am amazed! it had been raining nonstop all week and my mom sent me a text saying that the local news station was reporting on all the flooding around town, some in our neighborhood. we stayed for dinner at the restaurant with Adrian and then headed home. we checked our basement immediately and everything was fine, so we settled into the living room with some drinks and began visiting with Adrian. it had been almost two years since we’d last seen him! about 45 minutes later our cat FDR wandered into Clif’s lap and Clif noticed his paws were wet. we bolted back down to the basement and sure enough, water was pouring in from every crack and crevice imaginable. the guys took off for Home Depot to try and find a sump pump (every place in town was sold out) and eventually came back home with a shop vac, which helped out a little but couldn’t keep up with the rapid rate the water was coming in. we went to bed feeling extremely on-edge and worried, but knowing the reality was that there was nothing we could do about it. we woke at 3:30am and our hearts broke when we saw 8″ of standing water in our basement. our basement was partially finished with a wood-laminate flooring throughout. we had a lot of storage stuff down there, as well as clif’s guitars and a couch and desk and ALL of the Christmas decorations we had put up at the mill this past year. there was nothing that could be done, we just had to wait for it to recede. i got back in bed and literally prayed for a miracle - i didn’t know if it would recede on it’s own and since we knew the sump pumps were currently sold out around town i wasn’t sure how we would get all the water out on our own. i also was afraid it would keep rising and start to come up the staircase to our main floor, as it was still raining and rain was forecasted to continue for the next day and a half. at 7am I woke up and checked the basement - in nothing short of a miracle, the water was all completely gone. completely. we knew there was a ton of work to be had in our future, but luckily we didn’t have to tend to it right then and were able to spend our last day with Adrian by not dealing with standing water in our basement. thank you, Lord. 

we headed to Hotel Vandivort for brunch and then I had to run off to prepare for a managers meeting at our restaurant that afternoon. the rain continued, so we ended up lounging on the couch watching a marathon on HGTV and Clif cooked us all dinner. Adrian is just the best, he is such an interesting and caring guy and we were both so thrilled he was actually able to come to our home for a few days and see our restaurant, too. he and his wife Audrey will soon be re-locating to Toronto full-time, so who knows when and how we will coordinate seeing them again. 

everything has been a bit of a whirlwind since then. we spent a few days stripping the flooring out of our basement and getting it dried with fans and a dehumidifier. we still aren’t sure what to do next, but now that we know the house is capable of flooding again we certainly aren’t going to spend a lot of money to fix it back up. we’ll probably just leave the floor as exposed concrete and invest in getting a sump pump permanently installed. 

as soon as my back felt 100% again, my allergies kicked in. i’ve spent the last two weeks with a stuffy nose and sore throat and haven’t had a day off for a week and half. we’ve had some work-related fires to put out and have both been so exhausted we haven’t felt up to doing much. i finally got some planters around our house planted with flowers but i doubt we’ll get anything planted in our garden this season. we just ran out of time and now it’s summer-time-hot already. where did this year go?! 

we are *fingers crossed* planning some sort of getaway in June, most likely to Chicago. we need some time away again - Puerto Rico feels like it was just yesterday but that was more than three months ago already! 

Here are just a few pictures from the last few months to remember what we’ve been up to that’s been good. sometimes you have to force yourself to think about the good things, so that you don’t just dwell on the negative things, am i right? until next time... 

beautiful peony in our backyard 

GIVE OZARKS DAY where we helped raise funds to support Ozarks Food Harvest and then took a picture with this giant fork, because duh. 

my MUG DAY at Brew Co was last Sunday!

went to see our friends’ kids Grant and Mason in their school talent show, where they did a totally improvised hip hop dance and it was fantastic 

just me and Fred 

Hotel Vandivort bathroom selfie with Adrian 

i’ve read some great novels this spring, including this one below that i devoured in just a few days 

we made a new tv commercial with KY3, then I went in to help edit it and took this screenshot where i look like a true moron.

Parker and his parents came up to Springfield, where we had lunch together and Parker hung off our furniture like a little monkey :) 

Alice and Kyle and this big bear at Bass Pro

when you ask your breakfast grill employee to make you a special breakfast and they spell “hi” with the bacon 

playing corn hole with Sarah Jo and Peterson 

...but Sarah Jo mostly just watches and laughs and drinks her wine 

just the four of us, outside of Brew Co on a beautiful April afternoon 

an election day beer, Clif was so thrilled when Dogfish Head finally got distribution here in MO! 

had a hold on this Harry Potter for almost a month so I was thrilled when it came in and I could go check it out from the library! 

at the beginning of April we took our staff out for bowling and pizza and had a great time! 

[kennethherrerablog]

The Perfect Weekend Getaway? It Might Just Be Puerto Rico

When you’re wandering around Old San Juan, you’ll feel worlds away from the United States.

Quaint cobblestone streets. Murmurs of Spanish. Centuries-old fortresses.

But the capital of Puerto Rico is just a few hours by plane — and because the island is a U.S. territory, you won’t need a passport to get there.

You can also use your cell phone and spend U.S. dollars, and since almost everyone speaks flawless English, you won’t need to worry if you don’t speak Spanish (though most people will happily let you practice).

I recently spent 10 days in this tropical paradise. It makes a perfect weekend getaway for Americans seeking exotic sights, sounds and tastes without having to travel far from home.

What to Expect

As you probably know, Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria in September 2017. The storm caused $90 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many residents went without power for almost a year.

Given all the negative news coverage, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What would it look like? Would there be hot water and electricity? Would restaurants and hotels be open?

When I hopped off the plane, I was surprised to see that San Juan looks, well, normal. Restaurants, hotels and attractions are open, and the city has been welcoming cruise ships for months.

I’m not saying the work in Puerto Rico is done. It is $71 billion in debt, and the island faces myriad challenges. While I hope you’ll take some time to learn about the territory before visiting, that’s not what this article is about.

So, instead of diving into Puerto Rico’s politics and history, I’ll just assure you: The average tourist can have a perfectly lovely visit.  

And you should, because one of the best ways to support the island is to spend money there. Puerto Ricans are some of the friendliest people I’ve encountered in my travels; they will likely welcome you with a smile.

When to Go

The temperature in San Juan is around 75 to 85 degrees year-round.

High tourist season lasts from mid-December to mid-April and comes with bigger crowds and prices. Spring’s shoulder season (mid-April to June) has fewer crowds.

It’s hurricane season from June to November, though that shouldn’t necessarily deter you from visiting. The weather can still be great, and you can find discounted rates on hotels, according to U.S. News & World Report.

What to Do

You won’t find yourself hurting for activities while visiting San Juan. Here’s a sampling of offerings in this historic seaside town.

Old San Juan

For most visitors, simply wandering the charming streets of Old San Juan could provide days of entertainment.

With 16th- and 17th-century architecture, swaying palm trees, blue cobblestones and stray cats sleeping on stoops, you’ll feel far removed from big-box stores and strip malls.

Stop into stores, sit in one of the many plazas, grab a cup of world-class coffee from Cuatros Sombras and watch the world go by.

Museums and Attractions

History lovers, rejoice! San Juan’s museums are incredibly affordable.

Entrance to the San Juan National Historic Site, which includes the 16th-century El Morro Fort and Fort San Cristóbal, is $7. La Casa Blanca, the oldest continuously occupied house in the western hemisphere, costs just $3 to enter.  

Ready to spice up your day of history? Take a $15 historical tour of the Bacardi rum distillery.

Beaches

When it comes to beaches, you usually have to get out of the city to find beautiful ones. But that’s not the case here.

Neighborhoods like Condado, Ocean Park and Isla Verde all have pristine beaches and are just minutes from Old San Juan. Many visitors choose to book waterfront hotels here.

But even if you don’t stay by the beach, set aside at least a half day to enjoy the sun, surf and white sand while pretending you’re in a Puerto Rican postcard.

Day Trips

To get out of the city, the most budget-friendly option is to rent a car. (When I looked, it was only $17 per day.)

You can then cruise 30 miles to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Most of its trails closed after Maria, but they’ve been steadily reopening. Even so, you can always take in its lush surroundings and waterfalls.

On your way back, hit up Piñones, a beachside town famous for its laid-back food kiosks.

Where to Eat and Drink

Although you don’t hear about it as much as other foodie destinations (yet!), Puerto Rico’s culinary scene has got it going on.

Its most famous dish is “mofongo”: garlicky fried plantains, sometimes shaped into a bowl and filled with meat and broth. You can find it anywhere from hole-in-the-wall establishments to fine-dining restaurants.  

As far as budget options go, here were a few of my favorite spots:

Lote 23: This industrial lot is filled with over a dozen food kiosks — it’s an absolute must visit. Be sure to try manchego croquettes at Croqueteria (two for $4) and homemade cashew milk lattes at Cafe Regina ($7). El Jangiri’s poke bowls ($8-$12) are also excellent.

La Bombonera: One of the oldest restaurants in San Juan, this bakery has been open since 1902. Its most famous offering is the “mallorca”, a flaky pastry filled with cheese and topped with powdered sugar ($3.95). Yum.

Café Manolín: Stop by this unpretentious local joint to sample chicken mofongo ($10.95) and “empanada de lomillo”, or breaded beef steak ($11.95).

Señor Paleta: In San Juan’s tropical climate, you’ll probably get a hankering for something cold. This gourmet popsicle shop has a range of inventive flavors; my favorite was Nutella-filled strawberry ($4).

Barrachina: This restaurant claims to have invented the piña colada. Although another bar in the area claims it, too, all you really need to know is the piña coladas here ($8) are delicioso. Sit at the bar in the courtyard, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

La Placita de Santurce: For a fun night out, grab a beer ($2) and wander around this lively bar area, where the streets fill with locals and tourists alike. It’s perfect for people-watching — and if you stay late enough, you’ll undoubtedly see some spontaneous salsa dancing.

Where to Stay

When deciding where to stay in San Juan, you’ll face a tough decision: old town or the beach. While Old San Juan offers plenty of charm, staying at the beach is, well, staying at the beach.

The good news is that most options are fairly close together, and by choosing one, you’ll probably only be a $5 to $7 car ride from the other.

Since Old San Juan is small, its accommodation choices aren’t as robust as elsewhere in the city. Some reasonably priced options I found were the Fortaleza Guest House and the Decanter Hotel.

You can also choose an Airbnb, but be mindful that it isn’t always best for a city’s residents.

Large, resort-style hotels abound in Condado, a touristy beach area a few miles east of Old San Juan. I’d recommend staying a little further afield, though; you’ll get more for your money, and won’t, be sleeping at a Holiday Inn in Puerto Rico.

Here are two wonderful options:

Nomada Urban Beach Hostel

This trendy hostel is located just a few blocks from the beach. It has a fabulous rooftop — complete with hammocks and lounge chairs — that overlooks the ocean. It also has a shared kitchen, allowing you to cook meals to save money.

Even though I’m past the point of sleeping in dorms, I often still book private rooms at hostels. They’re a great way to enjoy the low rates and sociability of a hostel without listening to other people snore.

Here are its nightly rates:

Dorm bed: $32 and up

Rooftop tent: $45 and up

Private room: $64 and up

Deluxe private room: $88 and up

The Dreamcatcher Hotel

This boutique vegetarian bed-and-breakfast feels like it’s out of an Instagram catalog. (I know that’s not a thing, but if it were, this hotel would play a starring role.)

Each room is uniquely decorated with vintage finds, and the grounds, filled with plants and hammocks, ooze tranquility. Rates depend on which room you book but start at $89. You can opt for fresh vegetarian breakfasts ($11) and also make use of a shared kitchen.  

How to Get to San Juan

Many airlines, including Southwest, Spirit and JetBlue, offer daily departures to San Juan. (Note that with Spirit, you’ll have to pay extra for all luggage, including carry-ons.)

When looking at flights about a month out from my trip, here are some round-trip rates I found:

From Chicago O’Hare: $279 (Spirit)

From Newark: $307 (JetBlue, direct)

From Baltimore: $331 (JetBlue, direct)

From Atlanta: $182 (Spirit)

Once you get there, renting a car isn’t necessary if you’re just staying for the weekend.

Ubers and Lyfts are plentiful and cheap — with the exception of arriving at the airport, when you’ll have to take an official taxi to your hotel. Within the city, walking and biking are great options; some hotels even offer free bike rentals.

Although you won’t get to see everything in Puerto Rico in a weekend, you can always save things for your next trip. Because, once you go — there will always be a next trip.

Susan Shain is a freelance writer and digital nomad. She covers travel, food and personal finance (basically, how to save money so you can travel more and eat more). Visit her blog at susanshain.com, or say hi on Twitter @susan_shain.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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