Observations from Mexico: Part Three

1. Last day depression: And tomorrow we go home. I have been trying to convince Rob that we should immigrate to Mexico and set up a poutine shack for drunk Canadians. No luck. Although he seems tempted! I think the lack of access to hockey games is holding him back though.

2. Six days in and yep, I still hate rude people: My momma taught me well. After six days with exposure to strangers from the U.S., Canada, Europe and Latin America) and their ways of dealing with staff, and I am on manners patrol. A simple please and thank you goes a long way my friends. And anyone serving you deserves that at the very least!!!

Observations from Mexico: Part Two

Day Five in Mexico and a few more observations...

1. Xel-ha: A must see for those who come to Cancun. It is a huge ecological water park with logs of animals (dolphins, manitis, sting rays and of course, the ever present iguana).

We spent the afternoon there yesterday where I happily snorkeled most of the day away. I even came across a stingray - which I promptly named Mr. Stingray - swimming along the bottom of the ocean. I followed him for a while until he decided that I had made him uncomfortable enough that he turned around and began to chase me. Guess my future as a stalker is looking grim.

2. Finding the Perfect Drink: It seems to me that at all inclusives the challenge is to find the perfect drink. Here, it is a tie between the mudslide (99% al-ki-hol, 1% chocolate) and the margarita (99% al-ki-hol and 1% lime).

3. Speaking of alcohol: I have discovered that the game 'asshole' is still oodles of fun. Especially when you add alcohol!

4. Speaking of alcohol part deux: Oh how I have sinned. For almost a full year I have given up diet coke in all its form (diet pepsi, diet coke, coke zero) and for the past few months I have given up pork and beef (thanks Oprah!). One night of al-ki-hol and games of asshole and my belly is filled with a burger and diet coke. Sigh. Off to hell I go.

Observations from Mexico: Part One

I have decided to use this blog for what it was originally intended for - my travel observations. Unfortunately, I usually create such brilliance on my work trips and then run out of time to do anything more than send them in an email. Luckily, this time I am on vacation in beautiful Cancun, Mexico. So....here goes....

1. Jessica is to plan all of my future vacations: Jess chose the Grand Princess Riviera and my god it is a beautiful resort. Modern, clean rooms, good food and amazingly lovely grounds. And let us not forget the fantastic service!! Yep. Jessis officially promoted from best friend to best travel agent.
2. I am a news junky: I have been here three days with no newspaper or CNN. Out of desperation, I have begun to watch Fox news where I have learned the words for what will cause the world to end (at least according to Bill O'Reilly) - Barack Obama.

3. I am still a mosquito magnet: I have as of yet to actually SEE a mosquito, but they sure do find me! My legs are positively a feast, a buffet of blood for the little buggers. Stage One was noticing the red splotches on my legs. Stage two is when they swell and look like pimples. Now we are into the scratching stage which should lead shortly into scabbing over. Sexy.

4. All inclusives are made for more than 2 people: We are here with two other couples. Totally the way to go I say! Rob and I tend to run out of conversation by tday two and so we end up resorting to arguing over card game rules. Six people works much better - much more to talk about.l

5. I like this place: As I sit here in the sun drinking a yummy Mango daquiri - me thinks I want to come back next year. Who is in???

It's DONE!!!

We finally finished the hallway shortly after celebrating the New Year. New Year...newly painted hallway.

Et....VOILA!

The biggest job of Rob's life!

The saga of the hallway continues. This past weekend, Rob continued on with the project while I worked. Thank god for husbands or this hallway would continue to be a disaster!!


Here is Rob on Day One of painting - also known as priming. Folks, it took two coats of primer to look decent! Thank god for patient husbands!



Once again, renovation cat decided to try and help....in his own special way.... Finally, on day two, the colour went up. The fabulous colour I chose was called Camelback White. Fancy eh?
Rob called it Mushroom Soup. What do YOU think?

Now for touch ups and trim. I hope to have this project done by.....2010?

The Biggest Job of My Life

No. Not becoming a mother. Rather, I stupidly decided to repaint the hallway in the house. Simply put, I think I lost my mind.

Rob and I thought that we would be able to take down the wallpaper and paint it all in one weekend. We were sorely mistaken. The weekend has now passed and the painting has yet to begin!

But first - you must check out the before pictures.....as you can see, change was sorely needed.




Step One: Take down old wallpaper. Jake particularly enjoyed this part as it provided plenty of toys (and by toys I mean random pieces of wallpaper) for him to wrestle with, chase and chew on.

The process was slow and painful. It took us 11 hours.

But finally it was done! Im not sure what the heck happened in this hundred year old house - but I call the look "wartime chique".


Before proceeding to step two - Rob and I decided to stock up and I much needed resource. Coffee. In the process - I made a shrine to honor this weekend of renovation joy.

Once again - Renovation Cat Jake was there to share with our joy and emersement into step two - filling all the holes in the wall.



In the process we discovered wallpaper circa 1962!

More when the house actually gets painted!!!!!

Im a Camel

Thats right....Im a camel. And I will say it loud and proud - I AM A CAMEL!!!

Now you may think I say this as a result of some talent go without any kind of beverage for a long period of time. You are incorrect. Im always drinking something (not just alcohol!) and am running to the bathroom when it decides to exit.

Nope, I am a camel for the following reasons:

1. At one time, I too had a hump on my back. Sure, dear Dr. Chan drained said hump (after noting that it was 'cool') but a hump was there. I neglected to get pictures of it though - mainly because it was on my lower back a.k.a. near my butt.
2. I have a nasty disposition. Most days I feel like hissing and biting irritating people. In fact every day.
3. When cranky I make obnoxious noises. And when Im woken up too early. Its true! Ask Rob!

4. I dont like to be petted. Nope. I find it condescending. Kinda like the camel.


5. Finally, and most importantly....I, like the camel, keep deposits of fatty tissue.

Note that all photos came from my recent trip to Kuwait!