St. Kitts

St.Kitts Vacation
December 21
We started off our morning heading into town in a car that Nigo borrowed for us. It was Bobga’s first time driving on this trip. He did a great job, but I am still nervous about driving on the wrong side of the road. My job was to make sure that he didn’t drive too far to the left and end up in the gutter.

We met some of Carol’s family, Patsy, Nellie, Lela, Maketa, AJ and Grannie for a little shopping downtown. Nayeli and I hung out with her family while Carol and Bobga searched for a parking spot. Town is very busy. The shops are small and packed, the streets are narrow and unmarked and there are no stop lights in the town. We had fun just joking around and hanging out at Titesee Mall while we waited for Phylis and her girls. Carol’s family is a hoot to be around. They like to joke and have fun.

From there we went over to Basil’s house to meet up with more family and head over to Batik. Along the way, we stopped at a small historic area that marked the first Europeans visiting the island. That’s where I saw my first monkey. He was wearing a diaper though. As we pulled into the parking lot of the Batik, the car we were using died. Didn’t know why…it just did. Nigo worked on getting us another vehicle while we saw the demonstrations and shopped at the Batik. They had some beautiful gardens that we were able to take pictures in and sit and relax.

On our way to our next destination, the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, we stopped to pick up a rental car. Keep in mind this was our second car for the day. We continued on and were able to travel up to the fort and up to the museum. It was quite a hike up to the top of the fort, on foot that was. Momma wasn’t able to go up to the top with us, so one of the younger girls stayed down there with her. The scenery was amazing…..miles and miles of water, mountains and greenery.

Our next stop was the Black Rocks along the seashore. The white water would just come rushing up and splash over the black rocks and continue toward the shore. It was a beautiful evening to watch the waves and the sun was setting behind the mountains.

On our way back we had to switch to car number three because car number two had to be returned the next morning. So, we switched cars and headed over to the Marriott for dinner. At this time it was close to 7 pm, the sun had gone to bed and Bobga was driving in the dark for the first time. Just for your information, St.Kitts doesn’t put yellow or white lines on their roads as a guide. It’s very crazy. We ate at the Blu Seafood Restaurant for dinner. We decided to make it a small affair since we had been with the whole family all day, so just Bobga, Carol, Nayeli and I went. We each had one of their specials, chicken, lobster or salmon. It came with a wonderful caeser salad with banana croutons. The romaine lettuce was served whole with the dressing and croutons sprinkled over it. Nayeli would pick up and eat a whole leaf at a time. It was so funny to see. They had a small percussion band playing the steel drums on the side as we ate. Nayeli was so funny. She danced most of the evening and made some new friends. On the way back to the car, she kept saying, “I am coming auntie Rachael, I am coming”.

We made it to the car, Carol and I, while Bobga used the bathroom. We couldn’t get the car doors to open with the power lock, so we manually opened the doors and checked the dome light. It wouldn’t turn on. At that point we decided to wait for Bobga and let him try and start the car and realize that it wouldn’t start. We tried several times to contact Nigo and Phylis but were unsuccessful. Bobga had some hotel staff try and jump the car battery, but it still didn’t work. So Nigo took us back to Norma’s home for the night as we tried to figure out arrangements for the next day. Carol and Bobga had an appointment at 10 am and we had no transportation. To top it all off, we lost both of Nayeli's pacifiers and she screamed from the time we left the Marriott until she fell asleep an hour later. Can we say shot nerves? At that point, everyone was on their last leg. Dirty, tired and frustrated. This morning, Nayeli cried for another 30 minutes because she didn’t have her pacifier. Ug! Phylis picked us up at 9:30 and we were able to pick up another pacifier before their appointment.

Nayeli and I hung out at Phylis’ home until Carol and Bobga finished their appointment and picked up car number four. Gratefully, it was a higher riding vehicle so the car doesn’t hit the road when passing over a gutter. We went over to Carol’s Uncle Charlie’s home and met up with the family again.

One of the things that we needed to do today was go shopping for some food so that we could make meals at the apartment. Ready for a shocker? Our bill was $360. Okay, so that was in EC. In US dollars it was $133 dollars. Everything is overinflated since it is shipped in. Reminds me of when we went to Alaska. We picked up some kids sunscreen from the drugstore and paid $19 in US, $49 in EC. The Breyers ice-cream was just over $7. I had a lot of fun trying to figure out what the cost was in US dollars since everything was marked in EC.

We went on a tour of Norma’s home upstairs and it is spectacular. It looks like something out of an architecture magazine. It is absolutely stunning. The apartment that is attached to the house is beautiful also. It is a two bedroom apartment that is totally furnished. She was kind enough to even put food and beverages in the kitchen cabinets and fridge. We are truly blessed to be able to stay here. The beds are so comfortable. They are the same as mine back home. She even has individual air conditioners installed in each room. Norma’s home is set on the side of the mountain and is facing the ocean. She is only about a quarter of a mile from the water and you can hear the water and see the white foamy surf. From the upstairs balcony, you can see the different shades of blue and green in the ocean which changes with the depth and rocks.

The only thing that I don’t like is the mosquitoes. I have several bites from last night, and they are large. Other than that, I have been having a ton of fun. I enjoyed going to church at their small branch. They are all very friendly and humble. The drive to church was scary. Norma drives very fast and takes curves quickly. I plan on taking some video to show the craziness of the driving.


I will add pictures and video as I am able to upload them.

Another round of Protocol

Good morning. Yes, it's a good morning! I am starting another round of protocol this morning. I will only be on P2 for 25 days and then moving onto P3 just in time for Thanksgiving. I am following it to the T! I measured my body parts this morning, portioned out proteins for this week and shopped for fresh veggies! Have some apples left over from my last visit to the orchard and have my supply of hcg.

What is my goal you ask? Thanks for asking. I should be able to lose at least 15 lbs in that time, but am looking to shed at least 20. Shoot high, but be prepared for slightly less.

I will try to post weekly, just to keep myself accountable to those I love.

On the job front, nothing new. I do have an interview at a financial firm on Friday the 13th. No bad karma there. hehe. Hope you day goes well and hopefully when I see everyone at Thanksgiving, I will be one size smaller! Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage! I am.

Beautiful morning

Just wanted to post a quick note to let everyone know what a beautiful day it is! Went for a 3 mile walk this morning, only two days after completing our 40 mile bike ride. I have 38 miles to go to reach my 150 mile bike riding goal and 9 days to complete. Should be able to finish with two more bike rides. Hope you are all having a fabulous day!

Beautiful Morning

Good morning to everyone! It is a beautiful day today. Just thought I would catch everyone up to speed on what is happening in my life. Last entry was March 23rd.

I am walking every Tues and Thurs with Carol and Lisa out in our neighborhood. I found this cool website called mapmyrun.com that allows me to plot out where we have walked and it will tell me the distance. I can also log my workouts and see other ideas for routes. I am continuing my struggle with trying to jog/run. I think it just comes naturally to some people, while others struggle. I am in the later group.

I have pumped up the tires on my bike and am looking forward to adding that to my routine. I am already working out five days a week, but would love to add longer bike trips on the weekend.

The dogs are finally gone, so is Mark. I have cut off all ties with him and have forced the dogs onto him while he was in town this past weekend. He brought his first wife with him, who he is dating again, up to stay at the Pine Ave house. They got to play family again but I made him take the dogs over there. Sounds like Kathy, (his ex) will be moving to Holland and staying at the house that Mark and I worked on for six years. Oh well. Life never turns out the way we want it to. But if your path ever runs accross Mark's, make sure you tell him how happy I am without him and his disgusting ways. Enough on that subject.

I am looking forward to going home at the end of June for neice's graduation. Haven't seen the family in over six months. I miss them all dearly. Will I be thinner then? Don't know, but I will be healthier and loving the great outdoors. You can be sure that I will be bringing my walking shoes! Make sure you check out the pictures from the Il Divo concert that Carol and I went to in May. We actually had tickets to meet them before the concert and have our picture taken with them. Enjoy!

List, List, List

Okay so more to add to the list.
-Our Pine Ave house was broken into. It was empty so there wasn't anything to steal and they didn't vandalize the house.
-There have been three burglaries in my neighborhood in the middle of the night while the families have been home. That makes me very nervous.
-My car is on the brink of shutting down on me. I have to take it to the service shop this afternoon to see if I can get it repaired for a song and a dance.
-And mom is not available to hear me moan and groan. So, you all get to hear it instead.

Ug!!!

More to add to the list

I was on my way out of the garage last night when I saw a note taped to the other garage door. It said that there was a water leak at the Pine Ave house and the city came and shut off the water. Didn't know if the basement was flooded. So, I rushed over there and found the basement dry but that the roof had leaked and ruined one of the walls upstairs. I called Mark to let him know that his house needed some attention. That was fun.
So, even thought I am not responsible for the other house, having to run over and check on a flooded basement and finding a leaky roof, was not on my list of things to do last night. So, I am going to add it to the list.

I'm making a list...

Do you remember a time in your life when everything seems to go wrong? Is it Murphy's law or is it a trial of your fortitude and strength? I believe it's the refiners fire. What doesn't kill us will make us stronger. We can choose to approach our trials with an attitude of bitterness or betterness. I choose betterness.

So, to keep my sense of humor, I am going to keep a running list of trials in my life and laugh at them and learn from them.

So, the past two weeks are as follows: signed divorce papers,ex-husband harrasement, basement floods, car starts making strange noise, basement floods again, car battery dead, car stuck in garage.

I would list my blessings also to counteract the other list, but they are personal and many.

The tickets came in for our Il Divo concert in May. Very excited. Started another round of protocol today. This will be a short round and will only last 26 days. Carol and I are doing it together and will be accountable to each other for every last morsel of food that falls upon our lips. Wish me luck on overcoming my food crutch. Hope you are doing well and that life is treating you well.

Exhausting Week

Wow, can we say long week? It actually started on Saturday as I crunched with the help of others, to get the old house finished. It looks really good. It was so nice having mom in town to help me through my tough time. I know that Mark and I are both going through a painful time, more so for me than him. I am glad that Tuesday has come and gone and that I can try to heal and move forward.

As for the picture, it's one of our ducks at the office. His name is Pocatonto. We thought he was a Pocahantus, but he is a Tonto. So, we combined the two. He was from Delores Wet Pants nest. She had 11 ducklings which we followed from eggs outside our window to full grown ducks. Ahhhhh...spring.