Dealing With Grief

Dealing With Grief, Family & Friends, Healing, Health, Survival

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Dealing with Grief

Remember please, if you don’t like to read about these matters just skip this post:

The last time we went to Cleveland Clinic, where my husband passed away, I travelled with a nurse who I had hired because Rafi was already very delicate and he couldn’t stand on his own two feet. It was honestly the worst trip I had done with him on my countless trips abroad. We literally had to carry him and lay him in the back seat of the car to take him to his different appointments. He had a Pet Scan done on the first day. The following day we went to the neurologist. The neurologist was a very kind man who dedicated all the time in the world to him and broke the news to us that Rafi’s cancer had spread to his bones and to many organs. This news was devastating for both of us. He started asking Rafi several questions to see how well he was coordinating his thoughts. He asked him to draw two interlocking pentagons which he tried to do to the best of his abilities and then the doctor asked him to write a sentence. Rafi wrote quite clearly: I love my wife.

Copyright © 2015 UVA Investment, Corp. All rights reserved
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La última vez que viajé con Rafi a Cleveland Clinic, donde se complicó todo y murió, viajé con una enfermera la cual había contratado porque ya Rafi estaba muy débil y no se podía sostener en sus propias piernas. Fue el peor viaje que hice con él porque literalmente teníamos que cargarlo y acostarlo en el asiento de atrás del auto para llevarlo a sus diferentes citas médicas. El primer día se le hizo un Pet Scan y al día siguiente lo llevé a su primera cita que era con el neurólogo el cual nos dio la noticia de que el cáncer de Rafi había progresado y que literalmente ya estaba cundido. El doctor era sumamente amable y dedicado. Le hizo muchas preguntas a Rafi para ver como andaba neurologicamente hablando. Le pidió copiara dos figuras pentagonales entrelazadas y después le pidió escribiera una oración. Rafi escribió (en inglés): Amo a mi esposa.

Copyright © 2015 UVA Investment, Corp. Todos los derechos reservados.

Resort Looks by Mont Carpe Diem

Beauty, Fashion, Resort Living

 

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Marie Tere et Moi wearing Resort Look by Mont Carpe Diem (787) 539-4848

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Mont Carpe Diem is a charming paradise in absolute tranquility. Luxury & relaxed for nature lovers. A quiet oasis to renew your body and soul. Surrounded by nature in a peaceful and private atmosphere. Mont Carpe Diem is a farm resort located in the Puerto Rican tropical rainforest on the border ranges between Aguas Buenas, Bayamón, and Guaynabo, away from crowded areas yet not too far from the city. 30 minutes from Plaza Guaynabo.

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Two charming luxury cabins in the woods overlooking nature, with large windows which give them a fresh air of captivating tranquility. With air conditioning and private bathrooms. The cabins are uniquely designed combining warm elements with French country style influences. Paintings by the owner enhance their walls. Both are near the pool bordered by nature.

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The natural environment of the farm is a habitat for certain species of birds, coquis, peacocks and doves, our quotidian guests! It is a wonderful place to just relax in the cabin, by the pool, or in the Balinese house structure by our little pond listening to the perfect sounds of nature, spotting an occasional lizard or peacock or taking a relaxing massage.

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We welcome our guests to our home to have the involvement of living as a member of our family, to have a real experience of local life. The main house is adorned with the owner’s painted art, charming objects and stunning views. It is provided with cable TV / Netflix, WI-FI internet. Large loft kitchen with ocean and forest view from our enormous open terrace.

You can dine finely in the open air of the Caribbean. A variety of refreshing drinks, as well as our “Quick Menu”, are available to our guest at any time with light and simple dishes. Also, delicious gourmet homemade dishes, made using traditional recipes and influences of some of the richest cuisines in the world such as the French, Italian, Spanish, Eastern, and Asian; of course, the Caribbean, are available with prior notice in the “Menu Gourmet”. The ingredients used to make our dishes are bought fresh every day. It is for this reason that we kindly request to our gently guest, inform us in advance what they want to eat from “menu Gourmet”

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Our spices are fresh from our garden or directly brought from France and the Middle East. You can collect fresh eggs from our chickens to prepare your breakfast every morning.

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Our farm-hotel is ideal and oriented for nature lovers, outdoors sports, young adults, Senior Citizens, corporate brainstorming, honeymooners, couples, friends, family reunion, wedding celebrations and anniversaries. If you choose Mont Carpe Diem it’s almost certainly because you are the type of traveler looking to get away from the heavy touristic zones and will love to have a more authentic, personal experience. We, the owners of Mont Carpe Diem, will be available to satisfy our customers with very personalized service. You can design your stay here, tailored exactly to your likings. We will fulfill your every desire.

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As part of our amenities are the hiking, the aqua-aerobics exercises, stretching, and physical exercises out of water guided by a professional of physical culture and sports.

There isn’t anything within walking distance from Mont Carpe Diem but you can visit the local restaurants and bars to enjoy our famous cuisine and hospitality a few miles away by car.

Only 25 minutes from the city of Guaynabo, malls, restaurants and commerce’s, 40 minutes from Old San Juan, 30 minutes from Bacardi’s factory, 50 minutes from El Yunque rain forest and beautiful Luquillo beach with our famous local food “Kioskos”. 30 minutes approx. from Ocean Park beach and one hour from the natural reserve Cabezas de San Juan in Fajardo and the Bioluminescent bay as well as marinas and the ferry to Vieques and Culebra islands.

The property is completely private in a closed farm. Pool, walking paths, forest, a small lake with Balinese house structure, parking, etc., belongs to the property. Our guest can feel free to enjoy each of these spaces within our property. The neighborhood is safe and quiet.

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You can find guides and information about places to visit, local cuisine restaurants, beaches, and adventure and navigation options. Books, maps, and pamphlets of places to visit are available for our guests. Main highways are just a 35 minute from Mont Carpe Diem. Exploring Puerto Rico requires a car rental.

Our rental agreement must be signed in order to rent the cabins.

For additional information about pricing, services, and packages depending on the season, contact:  reservations@montcarpediem.com or call us: (787) 539- 4848  / (787) 459- 5620

My Best “Looks”

Fashion

Here are some of my picks from my blog.  Most made by local designers. Hope you enjoy them.

Practice Kindness

Thoughts

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During a conference, if the speaker would ask attendees which of them considered themselves to be a good human being I’m sure many people would raise their hands. We always believe it’s the “other person” the one who suffers from envy, greed, ego issues, etc. We talk in third person when we are referring to flaws. We’re not born being good human beings. Kindness must be practiced. Now that I have a public fan page, for example,  ever so often people criticize me. Occasionally  they criticize my accessories, clothing, makeup, or make negative comments. How do I react?  As long their post or comment is not rude or offensive and respects my boundaries, I take a deep breath, wait a while and then I try to put myself in the other person’s shoes.  I try to provide thoughtful responses. And you know what?  On many occasions, they have been right!  More than once the situation has turned around like magic and they loosen up and answer back with respect. Tolerance must be practiced every day.  Respect others.  Acknowledge them.  Greet people, try helping the needy, give affection to older people even though you might find them a little boring, or have had a rough day.   Listen to that friend who has suffered a loss or disappointment. Kindness should be  practiced daily.  We are all so imperfect.  We should practice tolerance, goodness and compassion.

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PRACTIQUEMOS LA BONDAD

Si en una charla o foro el moderador hace la pregunta, ¿Quién aquí es se considera una buena persona? Estoy segura de que la mayoría levantaría la mano. Siempre pensamos que el malo, el equivocado, envidioso, avaro, etc. es el prójimo. Hablamos en tercera persona cuando de defectos se trata. Pero todos, todos, tenemos nuestros enormes diablillos que escondemos a veces hasta de nosotros mismos. No se nace siendo bueno. La bondad se practica. Ahora, por ejemplo, que tengo el blog, algunas personas entran en el mismo y me critican. De vez en cuando critican mis accesorios, ropa, maquillaje. Me hacen comentarios negativos etc. ¿Qué hago? Siempre y cuando lo que me escriban lo hagan con respeto, respiro hondo, espero un rato y cuando me pongo en el lugar de la persona le contesto con dulzura y empatía. ¿Y saben qué?  ¡En muchas ocasiones han tenido razón!   La bondad hay que practicarla TODOS LOS DIAS. Ponte en el lugar del otro. Saluda, da los buenos días, ayuda a los necesitados, dale cariño a tus viejitos aunque ya te aburran un poco o tu día haya estado demasiado complicado. Escucha a esa amiga que te cansa con su lamento. La bondad se practica día a día, momento a momento. Somos completamente imperfectos. Practiquemos la bondad.

Copyright © 2015 UVA Investment, Corp. Todos los derechos reservados.

 

Meet My Collaborators: Annie Vaillant & Sofía Calbetó

Beauty, Family & Friends, Fashion

 

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Annnie Vaillant & Sofía Calbetó

 

You might wonder why I chose my two nieces as collaborators to my blog  and then you might not. They both have style,  they are bold beautiful young women.  What I cannot wear, they can.  I wanted to let the younger generation know what I consider elegant dressing when you are at an age when you can wear it all, never losing a sense of style.  I don’t exactly wear everything I like.  I wear what suits me best.  I know my body, my age and I know what to wear to hide my flaws and look sophisticated, yet modern.  I want to help you all out there to dress accordingly to your age and your body type.  Because that’s what elegance is all about.  So here is where they come in.  But mind you, they are no ordinary young women.  I want you to meet them and know both of their backgrounds. Quite amazing young ladies.

 

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Annie Vaillant Ortiz

 

Annie Vaillant is my brother’s daughter.  She is a gynecologist.  She graduated from the University of Miami.  She has an undergrad bachelor degree in Science, major in Biology, minor in Chemistry.  She went to “Ponce School of Medicine” and graduated from Med School. She did her residency at the  “Hospital Municipal de San Juan- OB Gyn”. Actually works at the “Instituto Gineco-Oncológico HIMA, Caguas”, Puerto Rico.  Has a beautiful three-year-old called Ana Isabelle.  She also has an amazing sense of style.   Top local designers have chosen her to do photo shoots wearing their latest gowns.  She always looks amazing at parties.  I’m very proud of my niece Annie.

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Ana Sofía Calbetó González

Ana Sofía Calbetó González is married to my nephew Eddie Calbetó, my sister’s son.  Ana Sofía studied at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.  Has a degree in Residential Design.  Also a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design.  Worked for several years at a local kitchen and bathroom remodeling store where she designed kitchens and worked at redecorating client’s homes.  Has a magnificent sense of style.  Actually is a full-time Mom with two small boys, Eduardo who is 4 and Alvaro who is 2.  She designs most of the dresses she wears and also does her own makeup.  People actually stop her at parties to ask her what she’s wearing, who did her makeup etc.  I consider her my niece although she is actually my nephew’s wife.  We get along exceedingly well. I’m very proud of her.

 

Copyright © 2015 UVA Investment, Corp. All rights reserved.