I had thought that two good ideas for 2010 would be to sleep more and drink more water.
Well, It's 1:00 in the morning on the eve of back to school, meaning my alarm is ringing in fewer than six hours. I have spent the past hour trying to sleep to no avail.
As well, I'm thirsty.
Maybe I'll do better in 2011.
These are my opinions on where we stayed, the good and the bad.
It was a large complex that apparently housed 1600 people. Except for the big party on New Years Eve, it never felt like 1600 people. If you are interested, we stayed that the Royal Decameron. There were lots of places to eat, swim, drink and the beach was awesome.
I think that the beach was the best part. We were located about a 30 minute cab ride from Puerto Vallarta. When we went there, I was shocked to see the rocky beach. We had a lovely, large, sandy beach. As well, it was calm. We were away from the city and for the most part, that was an advantage. The disadvantage is that the night life was lacking a little. We didn't get to dance Salsa as much as we would have liked.
The food was good and there was a lot of variety. If you like to stick with Canadian basics, I'm not sure that the menu would have been pleasing. However, I don't really eat a lot of Canadian basics, so I was in Heaven. We ate a lot. Up to 5 times a day. I'm having an enchilada baby. I do think that if you have food allergies, the buffets and even the menu would be problematic. I found that a few times, things were not what they said they were. My cheese empanada had chicken (thank goodness I was so relaxed that I didn't care! Normally this would be cause for a petition!). There were other examples, but they don't stick out in my mind. As well, there were nuts all over the place. Working in a super cautious nut free environment, this struck me as odd. Whatever, I like nuts!
I had heard that there is a little competition at all inclusives, and it's true. I'm not sure that setting an alarm to wake-up before 8:00 to reserve a table for dinner and throw towels on a beach chair really fits the relaxation mentality. All the same, it did't really bother me, just struck me as odd. Personally, I was torn between sleeping in an taking advantage of the sun anyway.
The activities and energy at the resort were great. I enjoyed Yoga and stretching on the beach, Jason played tons of beach volley ball and we took a little merengue lesson by the pool. Everyday I looked at the Spanish lessons being offered, but I ate breakfast instead. Jason spoke Spanish all the time, so that was my lesson. Every night the resort had a show and it was singing and lots of dancing. Again, Heaven!
The room was ordinary. We were promised a view of the beach and yes, you could see the beach from the corner of the balcony. However, if it were light and I could see the beach, better to be on the beach. There were little things about the room that could have been in better repair or just a little nicer, but I'm not a princess. It's not a five star and that was apparent. All the same, the room was good, there was nothing to complain about.
Security was not an issue. Thinking back, I think this was a little dumb and naive of us, but it worked. We didn't pay extra for the key for the safe and just kept money in the room. None of it ever went missing. In the future, I will pay for the safe because it is dumb. Never once did I feel unsafe on the resort, in Bucerias or in Puerto Vallarta. That said, I may be considered more adventurous than most and my tolerance for danger is not high, but not low either.
When they tell you not to buy tours on the beach, listen. Pay attention. If it's cheap, there is a reason. Now, we didn't give our money away not not have a a tour, there was a tour, but it was not well done and there was a lot of waiting. As well, if you are paying for a boat tour, pay when you see the boat. This mistake could have been costly. Thank goodness Jason spoke Spanish and was persistant. Our mistake.
We thought our excursion with Vallarta Adventures was great. It is expensive, but you pay for quality. We took the tour that included a speed boat, jeep, mules, zip lines and repelling. With activities like that, I was willing to pay a little more for a tour that follows Canadian standards for safety. The guides were amazing; energetic and professional. It was a lot of fun and if I ever go back, I will go on a different tour with them for sure.
Our resort was probably 80% Canadian. I was really surprised. I only met Western Canadians and Quebecers. It was like my two worlds were meeting and I could compare them like I never have before. In summary, we're kind of different, but not that different. There is a lot I could say. I could probably write a thesis. Not a bad idea, continue taking Mexican vacations to research for a thesis. Hmmmm..... Anyway, WCs are there to party and a pretty relaxed. Quebecers take their sun seriously. The were up at 7:30 getting their beach chairs and reserving their tables. But you know what, so was I and I'm a WC. However, I've always known that I'm culturally confused :)
All in all, it was amazing with a few tiny details that did not deter my fun in the sun in the least.
I went to Mexico for a week with Jason. I think it was possibly the best week of my life. I feel so much more relaxed. I remember how I felt before leaving (for the four months before leaving) and it seems like that person was a completely different person than I am today.
I loved the air. The cold dry air of Saskatchewan was making my skin want to leave my body. The warm humid Mexican air felt so good.
I loved the beach. The soft sand between my toes, the lounge chair, the waves crashing. A little reading, a little watching, a little drinking and a little playing in the waves.
I loved the ocean. I went in on red flag days, meaning it was dangerous. Yes, waves that can flip me over in a 360 are a bit dangerous. It was like being tossed around in a big washing machine. As well, there were a few netty pot experiences, but I think it was good for me. The water was a perfect temperature and the sand was just an added exfoliant.
I loved the food. Jason and I both chose the Mexican restaurant at the resort as our favourite and ate everyday by the ocean. I ate a lot. So much that Jason put his hand on my belly to lovingly pat my enchilada baby. So yes, I'm a little porker, but isn't that what January is for?
I loved the 'free' bar. Specifically, I loved the variety available. I kept things reasonable. I do love mango margaritas!
I love Jason. He was the best travel partner. He was in charge of 'things' and 'Spanish. I was in charge of 'information' and 'questions'. I'm notorious for misplacing things. My Spanish improved over the trip, but did not return to the level of 2007. Jason speaks Spanish very well, having lived in a couple of Spanish speaking countries. I remember details and I ask the important questions. I think that we were fabulous at making deals in the market! He was speak Spanish, I would understand most, I would speak to him in French, he would understand half. We walked away when we didn't like the price until we heard "amigos! I give you good deal!"
He was so much fun to spend 7 days with. I loved watching him play beach volley-ball. I loved watching him get browner and browner everyday. (He's super hot!) I loved that we did things to make each other happy, but it wasn't a chore.
I loved spending my birthday in the sun! Jason arranged for a little mariachi band to play a happy birthday song for me. For my birthday I got a necklace with a blue topaz pendant, which is my birthstone. Then, on New Year's Eve, I got part II! Pretty good for a guy that thought that because my birthday and Christmas are so close that I only need one present. NYE was a blue moon, so I got a blue ring. A once in a Blue Moon treat! It matches the necklace and it is gorgeous. I can't stop looking at it!
I was so sad to leave today. The resort experience was wonderful. The people were so nice. I know that it's not at all a true Mexican experience. That will be for another trip. However, it was a wonderful holiday and I hope to be able to do it again.
Jason and I do not live in the same city. In the beginning, this was okay. We have busy lives, seeing each other only on the weekends was fine. I liked it.
Then came the summer. Together all the time. Throw in the fact that we didn't work in August and it really was all the time. For me, it was wonderful. I love Jason and I was so happy to spend so much time together.
When September came around, a little part of me screamed out in pain. I wish it would have died and I could have forgetten about it. Oh no, it has kept screaming. I miss Jason. Both of us have been busier than busy (like everyone else) this fall. Jason has no problems with the fact that we don't talk everyday and we don't see each other for 102 hours at a time. In case you are wondering where I got that number, 6:00 am Monday to 6:00 pm Friday. It's just an estimation, we don't really have rules. It's not like prison. Maybe I shouldn't compare our relationship to prison.
As that last paragraph would suggest, I am in turmoil. It's not fair to say that Jason doesn't miss me. He just misses me rationally. Like "Well Babe, we have things to do and places to be and I miss you and all but I'm gonna go ahead and do stuff and get over it. See you later." I miss him more like this, "(sob, sob, sniffle) I miss you! Why don't you care? Why am I not important to you? Why would you rather do ANYTHING besides see me?(choke on tears)". I realize that I have it easy. I have only travelled to see him twice in the past four months. I have realized that I get stuff done on weekends like a normal person. He has to get all his stuff done while being super busy during the week. Then, he has to drive for an hour or so and that's not so fun.
Basically, I have it easy. But it's still so hard. I just wish I could see him whenever I want to. I wish that I was a strong and independent person who loved my own space and wanted to do my own thing. I'm pretty sure I used to be like that. I think I have it in me. I guess I need to find that part of me, shake it awake and put it back into action.
Or I could just cry.
Lorie Lindsay has the power to wreck my day. It's not just the mediocre morning show. I shoudn't even complain about that because I do have the power to turn off my radio. More often than not, weather reports are not what I want to hear. In fact, the only thing I want to hear is sunny with a high of +28 degrees Celsius. Alas, I think that was the forecast approximately 3 times in 2009.
So when temperatures of -30 are predicted from now until the end of time, I'm just as grouchy as everyone else. I pull out my level 4 winter jacket. Yes, I have 4 levels of winter warmth. I live in Saskatchewan. Extravagance in this area is completely acceptable. I prepare for the horror of indoor recess.
I must be getting particularly old and crotchety because I found indoor recesses to be overly miserable last week. I was a nasty teacher. The kids were crawling the walls. I can't blame them, it is slightly inhumane to keep 25 individuals in a room for a whole day. So I took matters into my own hands and did something I have always dreaded doing. I took the kids out to play in the bitter cold. I made sure they were all well dressed and told them they could go inside when they were cold. This is what I discovered: If you are dressed properly and you are in the sun and the wind is not blowing in your face, it's just fine. Really. I feel like I've discovered something really magical.
Yesterday evening I drove out to Craik. I meant to drive out during the day, but due to a series of adventures that threw off my day, I didn't manage to leave in time. Of course, the sun sets around noon*, so I didn't have a lot of time. Jason was a few minutes behind me in a bus full of adolescents. Despite my fear of deer, I had the better deal. When I arrived, I contemplated the dark side of feminism. His driveway was full of snow. I become enraged dislike when someone drives on my driveway when it is full of snow. It just makes it so much harder to shovel. So I shovelled the driveway. It was -37, -45 being the 'feels like' temperature. Please note, I did not know this. Had I known that it 'felt like' -45, I would have cried that I have to live here. I bet I spent a good 20 minutes shovelling. I had to stop now and again to shake my hands warm but all in all, it was okay. When I came inside I smiled sweetly when Jason looked at me with a little bit of shock, amazement and fear. Fear, because if I were crazy enough to shovel snow in 'feels like' -45, who knew what I was capable of. I was slightly grouchy, but smiled sweetly and said, 'I know you would do that for me.'
I have supervised outside (meaning I have been forced to stand outside) when it is -5 with nasty, nasty wind and the experience is far worse. Walking outside in Montreal when it is -10, it is humid and I am not bundled up is not a pleasant experience either. That cold hurts from the inside out. The -30 days are just a part of where we live and if we accessorize appropriately, they are bearable. Especially since we have magnificent heating systems and cars, many of which are stored in garages and have automatic starters.
*I lie, it's shortly before 5:00pm. Still, that's really early! Only one more week and that will be better.
When the opportunity arose to purchase Rider tickets, I looked into it. When I found out that the seats were being sold at face value, I jumped at the chance! After all, it's not everyday that the Roughriders host the Western Final. In fact, this has never before happened in my lifetime. As I told Jason, the next time this happens, we will probably be telling our grandchildren how we went to the game oh so many years ago.
*** Please note, children, let alone grand children, are a long ways off.***
Unfortunately, the day did not start off so well. The stress of my life has ben affecting me rather harshly as of late. It seems that the accumulated stress of the constant action in my life has crept up on me. As of last weekend, most of the action was done. All week I had trouble sleeping and the busy activity of my life is the only explanation I've got. As well, I've been getting very nervous, very easily. Our day had been very busy. The schedule was tight. I was in a tizzy to get from place to place on time.
Despite my nerves, things were going well. Then I left the tickets out of town at Jason's mom's house. Time to freak out! We were supposed to go and work out before the game. I sent Jason to work out and I went to get the tickets. Luckily, out of town is not that far. It took me a while, but I got the tickets. I picked Jason up much later than he was expecting. A little bit later than I was expecting, but what can you do? Obviously, we were in great moods as we walked towards Taylor Field in time to miss the kick-off.
In any case, we were standing in front of our seats at the opening kick off. Phew. We made it. And look at that! 55 yard line! Perfect view of every corner of the field. Thank you my cousin! We were clearly sitting in season ticket territory. The age of those sitting around us, as well as the lack of beer, confirmed my suspicions. The man sitting beside me looked normal enough, but he had the voice of a serial killer. Low, crackly, he held the ends of his words a very long time. While the chilly temperatures made me glad that seating was 'cozy', Mr. Serial Killer did sort of give me the willies.
The first quarter was stressful! All week, I heard speculations that if the Riders could take it in the first quarter, they'd have the Stamps beat. Well, all I saw were Burris's perfect passes to Joffery Reynolds for first down after first down. Thank goodness for penalty calls or I'm sure we would not be going to the Grey Cup! Yes, I say we, because we are a team of a million. 12 players on the field, the rest in cold seats or arm chairs around the country. After the Riders tied it up, the rest of the game is foggy. I just remember thinking "Oh Good!" Oh Good!" as more and more good plays were completed. At 2:47 left in the fourth quarter, I turned to Jason and asked if it were possible for the Stamps to get 16 points in order to tie it. Given that he is wonderful, but not a fortune teller, he just shrugged his shoulders. And the Stamps got a touch down. Gah! But the Riders held it together. They blocked a 2-point convert and then a field goal attempt. Phew. They were passing out the hats at the 1:00 minute mark but I did not relax until 0:10 :)
So that's it. We won, the Serial Killer didn't get me, I didn't freeze my butt off and I'll be glued to the television with my fellow green bloods next weekend!
I chose to spend my Friday night doing something that no sane person would ever do. First, I was at work. Second, I was with 12 year-old boys. Slightly better than 12 year-old girls.
First Clue: You are blogging about your dreams.
Second Clue: You are dreaming about blogging.
Warning: This is creepy.
I dreamed that I need to move out of my aparment (irl, I do not have an apartment, nor do I need to move)
So I went to the house of a fello blogger (I only know this person online)
She was going to let me live at her house for $1300 a month. I couldn't handle the price in my dream so I was stressed! And I accidentally destroyed her bathroom. (I have never accidentally destroyed a bathroom, nor do I have any idea about this blogger's bathroom)
It was all very strange. Maybe I need to take a break.
Am I crazy? Have I no national pride? And by nation, I of course mean RIDER NATION!
Amazingly awesome game. Never in my life have the Rider's finished the regular season in first place. It makes me nervous. We are the underdogs!
So who do we want to play on our road to the Grey Cup?
Health Care
I'm very excited for the poor, down trodden, innocent people of the United States as I think they might now have access to Health Care.
I'm not naturally so poetic. Much of that sentence is from a song my class is singing for Remembrance Day. It talks about the great giant that treads on the poor innocence of people. Translation: Capitalism is killing Latin America. Try explaining that to 8 year-olds.
I've recently been in touch with some of my good friends from Montreal which has made me oh so happy!
Report Card progress: 39% complete. Right on track.