Grenada - August 16, 2008

The initial plan today was to venture around St. Georges and Grenada with Vicky; however, we never called her because mom was ill. She remained ill for several days, never wanting to be too far from a bathroom. It would have been perfect opportunity for T and I to lounge around a beautiful beach by the resort, if it had one, so instead we decided to hike.


Breakfast was actually much better today. I was served an omelet and it even had some vegetables in it! When we were ready for our hike I asked for bottles of water (snacks and everything were to be included) and after minutes James presented two warm bottles of water that we hadn't drank from the day before. At least it was wet.


We hiked for a few hours in the blazing hot heat, but still didn't manage to get much sun due to all the trees. We initially tried to venture through the trees, scraped and cut we aborted that plan and later found trails that were much easier! Although they were easier, the trails and terrain still proved quite challenging for T. We ventured to four beaches (although from the pictures James insisted it was only three - I'm pretty sure I'm capable of counting to four!). I would have liked to have gone further, but T had reached his limit. We swam in the fourth beach, which was a beautiful calm and serene beach. We also played at the second beach which had very large waves, "10' high waves!" by T's recollection!


This was also the day of our ocean kayak adventure sans life jackets. We also didn't have a/c for most of the day today and when we did, it could only be used in one room at a time! Dinner tonight included fish pate (aka tuna fish on toast), blue cheese spread (although far more intense) on toast, stuffed olives, and a crepe with chicken and LOTS of pepper. I asked for a salad and then had cheese slices. I hadn't realized that the crepe wasn't the main dish. James was apparently cooking fish, again, but I didn't have any as a salad was all I really wanted. It was difficult to differentiate what was being served as it took so long we began to assume that it was the main course.


Here are some pictures from our hike:

College Dormitory Memories

Today I took my son and went to visit a former client of mine, who moved into her Freshman college dorm earlier this week. In my 11 years at my current position, this is the second youth that I have worked with that has actually gone to college. When I learned from my co-worker, that this magnificent young lady was attending college (I worked with her from '02-'07) and he had to meet her for the first time by the end of the month, I jumped at the opportunity to see her again!

College dormitories...to date myself, it was 16 years ago, I found myself a Freshman at the same college. While I wasn't in her specific dorm, the rooms, the hallway, the entrance were all too familiar. There had been visible upgrades - welcoming lobby with furniture, and more parking (although I couldn't find the visitor lot!) and then the reported - cafeteria open 24 hours in the dorm and a small gym in the dorm. The room was still stifling hot due to no air conditioning but the college now provides lofts, dressers and a table. Back in my day, I had to purchase a loft and used plastic book shelves and other makeshift "furniture" that only a college student could use or grow to love!

I only stayed in the dorm for one year. I had gone in "blind" for a roommate and managed to get a very nice roommate on opposite sleep schedules that lived 15 minutes from home and went home every weekend. A year or two later when I saw my first roommate again, I learned that maybe I wasn't such a good roommate afterall. She was my one and only female roommate, ever. I felt isolated that year, I spent as much time at my girlfriends college living her college life with her. I even considered transferring, but even she and I had very different paths.

I never fully embraced the whole college life. While I don't have regrets about things in life, only life lessons, if I could do it again, I would do it differently. I would embrace the experience!

Riding up on the stuffy, smelly, dirty elevator to her floor, I remembered all those years before. I looked at my son and suddenly I felt old. He said I wasn't that old. To be innocent and naive. I graduated college exactly three years after I first entered college that summer after high school when I moved into the college dorm. Oh how long ago that was.

Spent

I believe that I am emotionally and physically spent. I feel like I need a vacation. I think that I need to check out and return sometime when either I or everyone around me becomes sane. I think I need to find a closed until further notice, or maybe closed for remodeling sign or shirt and wear it indefinitely.

I'm not sure if it's that I'm still recovering from vacation, hormones, emotional turmoil, heat, responsibilities, dating or an accumulation of all of it. But, I've had it!

I'm wearing extremely thin and my already limited patience level is now surpassed below sea level. I'm beyond the frustration of trying to plan ahead or make plans. I've decided to not plan anything, not care and not worry. Whatever happens, happens. I feel like the lights have been turned off on me and since I'm tired of being tired of it, I'm now officially EMBRACING IT.

As my mom used to say when I was growing up and she'd reached her limit, "THE KITCHEN IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE."

I'm officially closed until further notice. In order to help me embrace my new found sense of checking out and dreaming of the Caribbean vacation I didn't have, I've purchased Seagram's Escapes. Maybe I'll resurface when I'm beautiful, tan and refreshed. It's always good to dream, right?

Grenada Tour Day - August 15, 2008

Last night as I went to bed, I start to almost feel bad. I think that maybe we were too hard on James. Maybe I'm just a softie, deep-down. In reality, there is no excuse for what we have seen and been offered, especially given the price we have paid. Regardless, I wake with a new attitude, which is quickly thwarted upon arriving at our breakfast time to find yet again, nothing ready. Another 1.5 hours to get the exact same low lack luster, crepe with a small side of fruit.

James arranged a "surprise" for T today. Some local boys were to show him how to crab down at the beach. We head down after breakfast. But, I go to the villa to grab sunblock and learn now, for the second time, we are locked out of the villa! This time is far worse! The deadbolt on the bottom of the door has engaged, therefore even a spare key will not allow us entry. We head to the beach sans sunscreen to find no locals and hope that sometime in the near future we can have access to the villa, again.

While sitting down on the grass by the beach, I am approached by a local. He sits and talks to me for quite some time. I have a hard time understanding his dialect, despite the English, as well as his soft-spoken tone. I think he's flirting with me and yet I don't know what he's saying, nor am I interested. I do understand that he has five children, the eldest recently finished school, that live with their mother. He wants me to go swimming with him and to trust him to go to Grand Anse beach, 12 miles away. He inquires about our stay and asks if he can come calling. Other than that, I'm not sure what he said and I could have easily nodded my head in agreement to some bizarre questions since I was quickly tiring of saying, "What?". Fortunately, I never found myself betrothed to him and he never came calling to our villa. We did see him two other times at the beach but just said hello in passing.

The local boys did arrive and showed us the stick and string method for catching crabs. T and I did see several come out, but the boys were all drawing in the sand that when they went back to look they were gone. So we never actually saw them being trapped. T also couldn't understand anything that the boys told him so we were pretty much like fish out of water.

Fortunately from the beach, I could tell that our villa had been opened. The bolt had been cut from the outside, under the door, and subsequently removed. Maybe I would manage to not lock us out, again.

Lunch was actually delicious today. Vicky had made a wonderful tomato soup, that T said made canned soup taste "NASTY"! Then she served us chicken curry and cheese slices. The amounts of food are vastly different and I was still longing for fresh fruits and vegetables and even dessert. Somethings I guess I need to learn to live without.


After lunch, James took us on our first tour. We went to Mt. Caramel Waterfall, a 10-minute trek through the trees and brush. We saw goats, and mango and bamboo trees. Mom wasn't a huge fan of the walk, as physical hiking isn't her thing.






We went on a tour of the nutmeg factory. Pictures weren't allowed. It was actually a pretty desolate sad site. Prior to Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the factory employed 140 people. They currently employ 10. We observed the nutmeg process, which can take two months to dry a nutmeg.



After the nutmeg tour we went to the bank to exchange currency and walked around the market. To James' dismay we took too long speaking with the locals and "shopping" the local street vendors. We tried some local treats which were horrible, but entertaining nonetheless.




Next we went to the rum distillery. The distillery was closed because we took too long, but James gave us a personal tour. It was rather interesting to see the process of making rum over an 8-day period with sugar cane and the boiling process. Mom was able to try a sample, but I steered clear. The vats were rather disgusting and the thought that anything clear could result is truly amazing.


Our next stop was Crater Lake Antoine. The view was OK. Thinking that there was more to see, T and I almost followed James behind a building where he decided to "water" some brush! Despite James using the bathroom, he didn't bother to stop for us during out 7 hour tour. He also packed "snacks", bottled water and a bag of chips which he offered shortly before we stopped at Fish Friday for dinner.

After Lake Antoine he took us to another lake where the turtles mate and lay their eggs. It wasn't turtle season, so we didn't see any. I felt that we stayed here far too long as by this point the pressure on the bladder and the grumbling of the stomach were getting ever insistent. We did try to pass the time by finding more crabs under the tree shrubs.

James also took us by the old airport. Which one of the planes remained and a cow. James tried to see if his 4x4 could fly, but mom wasn't too thrilled with the idea. James claimed by the end of the day we had traveled 150 miles. I didn't think Grenada was that big, so we must have been back tracking a lot. Some places were beginning to look familiar but I also think he was big on boasting about gas prices and money he was spending to make us think he was earning the fees. Gas was $13.28 per gallon!




We also stopped at a beach where I was entertained by the "stuck dogs" and T enjoyed the clear water. Since we didn't grab towels since James said we wouldn't be swimming, we bought a towel. I was also on a mission to purchase a key chain or two - since TS had given me crap for not getting her one in Europe!
Fish Friday was fun. But, by this time I really had to use the bathroom and was starving! The bottle of water and handful of nacho chips just weren't cutting it. Fish Friday is in Gouyave where local fish merchants gather to sell their catch, play music and it's a fun gala affair. James stopped off at a local bar to grab a drink and eventually when the bathroom was open and had toilet paper I was able to use it! James took forever to finish his beer and despite my eagerness to see the festivities and my pacing, he continued with his stories to mom. Even though it's only approaching the end of day two, I've heard about enough of James' stories, dreams and boasted accomplishments!

We did have some good food and ice cream too. We ate with a great group of university students and a mom. Mom enjoyed entertaining them with stories while T and I enjoyed walking around and watching people and trying foods.

The drive back was long. It was almost 11p.m. when we got back to the resort. 10 hours later and one bathroom break, I was in need of a nice long shower and bed!

Trip to Grenada - August 12 & 13, 2008

I really have procrastinated long enough about posting about our Grenadian adventure. Personally, I would like to throw in the towel and not discuss it; however, in retrospect one day months from now, I may appreciate looking back and remembering those finite details that we so easily forget. Besides, the trip is paid for in full, we are healthy and safe and it's ready to try to focus on the positives.






Still being new to the international travel, as of this year, I'm been trying to write a travel journal. I still find this a daunting task as I fall quickly behind and then don't recall specific details I thought may have been important or I don't want to recall them at all. In the case of the Grenada trip, so little seemed to actually happen that I didn't find much worthy of writing. Even with my pictures, I think I have dozens of the same pictures with just different lighting/sun! Again, I still regret not getting another camera where I could zoom out and one that takes great night shots. Although this wasn't as big of an issue as it was in Europe. Although, looking at nighttime pictures from fellow travelers, my camera really didn't do much worse at night or should I say, their's wasn't much better?






Our trip began by heading over to the Detroit area on August 12, 2008 to stay at my mom's. I set the alarm for...two hours later, 2:15a.m., when I laid down for my nap to wake up to head to the airport for our 6:35a.m. flight. Getting through security and customs went without a problem and no one even bothered to question me as a single parent with a young child or request the notarized documentation - coming or going. BUT, I was prepared, with two documents in the event that anyone did ask. One employee asked if he was my son. So it appears that flying with a child is much easier than trying to cross the border in a vehicle (Canada border).









We arrived in Ft. Lauderdale around 9:30a.m. and seeing that our flight to Trinidad wasn't until 8:55p.m. we had the entire day to either sit in the airport or tour Ft. Lauderdale. We opted to rent a car and hit the highway with the sun overhead, a cloudless sky and the air conditioning on high! We grabbed a delicious lunch, did some furniture testing at Rooms-to-go and then headed back to the Atlantic Ocean. (Whether stress, allergic reaction to food/sun, heat allergy or some voodoo doll hex - I had an immediate blister on my lip which appeared while still eating lunch! So the entire trip, I dealt with the blister and rescab - what fun!) The beach was clean and beautiful. The water was clear and beautiful. Despite not wanting to add wet bathing suits to our carry-on luggage, it was so worth it to relax and play in the sand and water. It was like a mini-vacation, despite being a rather quick day before we returned the car and headed back to the airport for our next flight.










Arriving at the Trinidad Aiport at 1:00a.m. is rather uneventful. A KFC was about the only thing still open. I purchased a few bottles of water from an open bar that accepted US money. My mom and son grabbed KFC and we quickly learned the exchange rate from US to Trinis were 6:1! We all snoozed here and there from one seat to another until our flight to Grenada at 6:00a.m. Airport staff was also preparing for the celebration in Trinidad, home of the Steelpan Band by hanging streamers of red, white and black throughout. On our return trip, we watched them take them down!









We arrived in Grenada at about 6:45a.m. As mentioned previously, we were not greeted by Mr. James Post, or anyone from Paradise Bay Resort. There was an ATM, but having cash to exchange, we weren't able to convert any money to use the phone. Security/Information wasn't able to assist us in calling the resort stating they couldn't make calls to cell phones. There the three of us were, exhausted from 30 hours of travel, sitting in a foreign country wondering what to do next. Mom and I ready to strangle each other for not making Mr. Post appear in thin air! Finally, a taxi driver assisted us by making the call and subsequently taking us to the resort. If I wasn't passed out tired and bordering on vomiting from the motion sickness of the drive, I would have attempted to take pictures of the long trek across the island to the resort. Pictures of the homes, the people, the streets, the animals...Grenada.






So as not to be repetitive with prior posts, our welcome was anything but welcoming. 8:00a.m. and the villa wasn't really ready and there wasn't any food worthy of serving. The view however was beautiful. After a dismal breakfast we headed to the villa to take a nice shower and sleep. Unfortunately, sleep would have to wait. Our shower didn't have cool or cold water, so my son found himself in scalding hot water, quickly standing outside of the shower covering his privates naked asking for assistance. Assistance I was unable to give. Maintenance was called and the water was soon fixed to allow us to take showers. To make matters worse, I manage to lock us out of the villa for the first time of the trip. Cristina seemed more than irritated that I asked to get back into the villa.







A quick introduction of the Paradise Bay staff that we met on our trip. Mr. Post, need I say more? Quick summary if this is your first blog read - Norman Bates, dreamer of dreamers, scam/con artist that tries his best despite falling very far from mediocre. Cristina: a beautiful young woman that stays at the resort and appears to be Mr. Post's personal slave - err assistant. She is the cook when Vicky isn't there, although her cooking abilities appear nil as it takes 30 minutes to serve cold, dry toast cut in half. She is also the masseuse. Cristina states she won't eat Mr. Post's cooking, although we are forced to (Hmmm...not a good sign). After confrontation/discussions with Cristina and then Mr. Post about the resort accommodations - Cristina distances herself from us. Brian is the maintenance man. He appears to work part-time and keeps to himself. Vicky is originally from Trinidad and works morning and afternoons for Mr. Post as the cook. She is a wonderfully pleasant woman that is eager to aid travelers in making the best of their stay or to assist with other plans. She has a great disposition. Her boyfriend is Mike, who works has a shop at the market. Vicky's sister, Alana is a taxi driver in Trinidad. Vicky is vocal and candid about Mr. Post, the resort and other "guests" that have come and gone - most often gone prematurely.




At 4:30p.m. we awake from the dead and head to the "restaurant" to learn that we are the only guests in the resort, there are no menus, there are no set meal times, there really are no meals. Despite being asked what we want, it repeatedly boils down to, "What do you have?" Mom has tuna fish on a bun, my son "T" has a bun with a side of peanut butter and packets of jelly since grilled cheese or cheese in general is unavailable. I have a side salad which has cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers and stuffed green olives with side of oil and vinaigrette. James Post returns from the market with cheese and we have cheese slices and another bun.




During lunch we communicate with Cristina about the "resort", accommodations and expectations. After "lunch" we confront James about the unacceptable resort: no pool, no beach chairs, no fruit, lack of veggies, no menu, timeliness of food, the accommodations, etc. He tells us he just returned from the store and that to give him a chance because of the "Carnival" he didn't have food and was not prepared. Carnival ended two days prior and only lasted two days. And Hurricane Ivan from 2004, still haunts and appears to be an excuse for the remainder of things left half completed or undone.








After lunch we explore the grounds of the resort. The pool is empty. The out-buildings are empty inside. We did find a large crab residing in one room of the building. We learn that it gets dark by 7:00p.m. so our adventures of the resort end quickly as it's now time for dinner. A three hour dinner (Said like Gilligan's Island...A Three Hour Tour - maybe if you just hum it, that will help).

We were informed that dinner would be at 7:30p.m. - this came from our discussion with James about lack of timing and menu. We arrived for dinner at 7:15p.m. to find that nothing was ready for us or prepared - not table settings or food. As Vicky is gone for the night, James is the cook. So much for alleged fine European cuisine or even fine anything! James makes three appetizers - totalling over an hour to bring them out - all of them on burnt 1" toast squares - duck liver (aka fois gois?), tuna fish and Virginia black ham. He also tries to give us stuffed green olives, which we return as none of us will eat them. There is no ambiance, no music, no candles. I try my one and only glass of awful champagne. Next we are served lentil soup, which Vicky made and we all agreed was very welcomed and very good. Then came stuffed baby green peppers - which were also very good. James had given us something to "explore" while we waited between "courses". I knew immediately it was a nutmeg and we entertained ourselves by dissecting the nutmeg - much to James' dismay! We had carefully separated the mace, the shell, the insides! By this time, it's 9:15p.m. and we are all about to pass out on the table, still waiting for the main course. I walk T down to the villa, in the dark along the uneven path and put him to bed. I return to find the dinner still not on the table. The main course was some form of fish (which mom and James both confirmed it was overcooked), bad instant mashed potatoes, cold green beans, and cold pickled eggplant. Dinner finished shortly before 10:00p.m.!







There were two computers, one James and one Cristina's in the area adjacent to the dining room. I wouldn't call it a lobby. There was an old couch and a television screen across from it on a table. There were DVD's next to the screen, but didn't appear to be in English. I was able to use "Cristina's" computer and found myself emailing friends and family throughout our stay - and passing time.







Mom headed to bed after dinner, fearing leaving me alone with James at the computer. James managed to drink the bottle of champagne, but I wasn't afraid of him. As odd as the man was, I didn't ever feel threatened by him. As I finished on the computer, I managed to fumble my way in the dark to the villa to call it a night. Our first night in Grenada.

Ill Prepared Independence

I'm taking a hiatus from the Grenada posts for a day or two and really do plan to blog about the positives of the trip and post some beautiful pictures.

I'm currently ill. Physically, I'm fine. I'm ill prepared for my son's newly acquiring (yes, acquiring as it isn't fully acquired yet) independence. I should be happy, right?

I'm actually not sure why I feel so ill prepared. It isn't like I haven't seen this coming all year, or maybe even all eleven years. You see, by nature, I clearly look at the big picture. I shouldn't be completely blindsided. I really shouldn't. But, I AM.

Here's why:
* Last night my son got his own cell phone (The email account in March was BIG!).

* Tonight my son was invited to his third boy-girl party of the summer, BUT his FIRST overnight boy-girl party.

* Thursday is his official last day of daycare....EVER.

* Tuesday my son starts 6th grade (aka middle school).


I can't seem to locate my paper bag as I'm hyperventilating....until next time...

Fruits & Vegetables...FOOD

Today I finally made time to go grocery shopping. It is fabulous to have readily available fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition having bread, milk, yogurt, what a blessing.

I even bought chocolate milk for my son, since in Grenada when he asked for chocolate milk he received hot chocolate. Nothing like hot chocolate when it felt almost 100 degrees outside!

Today I reveled in using a blow dryer and curling iron. When I walked in my locked house after being gone for two weeks, the thermostat read 79 degrees. It felt cool compared to being in Grenada. My thermostat in Grenada with the a/c on often read that and when it wasn't working it was 85 degrees.

Maybe I take things for granted. Maybe I expect too much. I've worked hard for who I am and where I am today. As some say, I suppose I can say that I work hard and I play hard. I'm finally trying to take time for me and take vacations and enjoy life. I have a wonderful family. I have a good, stable job. I've earned and I work hard to maintain it. I deserve what I have, which isn't a golden spoon by any American standard.

Paradise Bay Post Follow Up

Last night as I lay awake after posting about Paradise Bay Resort I thought of all the things I didn't discuss. I must have finally drift off to sleep as I woke in some nightmarishly awful sweat, fearing I was back at Paradise Bay!

Today I spent most of the day talking to co-workers about my trip, sharing photos and horror stories. Apple Vacations were recommended by several as my next all-inclusive international, affordable, five-star travel source. One co-worker spent much of her day searching for information about Paradise Bay and she sent me the following APPALLING link:

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ultipost/1/1218222840/tpod.html

Thank you to the two visiting guests that commented on my previous post. I have taken your recommendation and I have made the first step by emailing the Board of Tourism. I also contacted the auction site to inform them of our hellacious experience and to be sure that NO ONE ever purchases an auction bid again and is welcome to what we received. The woman plans on talking with another employee and general manager about the situation and will get back to me. She asked how they could compensate me to make me feel better. A full refund would be great compensation, but I'm not expecting one. At this point, I NEVER plan to purchase anything from an auction again - definitely not a vacation, that's for sure! I did say that possibly a legitimate replacement vacation (since they are all donated anyway) would be an appropriate compensation for us. Who knows what if anything will come of it.

Back to the above link...so Mr. Post has posted a travel blog/contest about how to win a minimum 3-night vacation at his resort for writing 400 word essays about his resort, positive reviews of course, BEFORE you ever come to his resort. The link goes on to offer longer stays based on how many positive reviews you actually post. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC. He even goes on to justify why he's offering such a contest. I just want to comment - it's because the resort is a sham, a scam and he is like Norman Bates of the Bates Motel!

I can honestly say, that even if we were given an all-inclusive, all expenses paid trip to stay at Paradise Bay Resort again, I would NEVER set foot on the property again as long as it is owned by Mr. Post.

Had it not been for the auction, I would have never gone to Grenada. All of my friends and associates asked, "Why Grenada?" Why not? But the reality, without the auction, I would have chosen an all-inclusive to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or some other affordable, known location. My co-worker just purchased a week all-inclusive to Punta Caya with airfare for $1100. Yes, I said, $1100. So I guess that means the three of us could have stayed for over 2 weeks for the price of our trip.

I didn't mention other experiences we had at Paradise Bay Resort & Spa as I had posted captions under the photo albums of my facebook account. The weekend we went without air conditioning. When the maintenance man, Brian returned (apparently two people were called and one was going to church and the other had bike issues and couldn't get to the resort. Although if that were true - Mr. Post would have DRIVEN to pick the guy up to fix the problem!) he replaced the circuit with a higher wattage. However, in doing so and changing other things, the dinning area lost power. We ate by melting candelabra. One day we didn't have water (He claimed due to a power surge but we heard otherwise.).

In the upcoming days, I plan on posting more about our experience and posting some breathtaking pictures. We did see the island. Unfortunately though for fellow Grenadians, I do not ever plan to return to Grenada and will not recommend it to anyone.

Grenada & Paradise Bay

It's now after midnight, technically Monday morning. I've spent the great majority of the afternoon and night cutting and cropping pictures to save them to albums. There were definitely pictures I wish I had taken while I was in Grenada that I didn't. Mainly pictures of things around the "resort" that I didn't bother with. Most likely as I was trying to stay on the positive side. Now that the vacation is done, I don't have to; however, I really want to put the whole vacation behind me and move on.


I will blog about our first international, three multi-generational vacation when I feel that I can devote the time and energy necessary in doing so. I just haven't decided how I want to blog about it. Unlike my European blogs that went day by day, as I was practically in a new country everyday, this wasn't the case in Grenada. (Can I say that in Ft. Lauderdale I finally learned that I have been pronouncing Grenada wrong all along. It is Gre-NAY-da instead of Gre-nah-da, and even now I still have trouble with this. You just can't train an old dog new tricks!)


Speaking of dogs (yes, I am again digressing...) this appears to be perfect time to share a fabulous dog photo that had me amused and more than mildly entertained for a good 40 minutes watching two dogs be "stuck". I was even reprimanded by my mother to look elsewhere as I was making it worse - but this is PRICELESS!

Anyway, so I haven't decided yet on the style (and no it isn't doggie style!) of my blog, but I'm leaning toward just highlighting.

For starters, Paradise Bay Resort was anything BUT PARADISE or a RESORT. It was as close to a high dollar hell as feasibly possible. For the sake of my son and the money already invested as it was a pre-purchased vacation stay from a PBS auction, we did the best we could and even upgraded to include the "super inclusive" which was to provide unlimited food and beverage. What a joke. I wouldn't even feed unwanted house guests what we were provided! While at the "resort" I did happen to google "Paradise Bay Grenada" and was linked to Trip Advisor and reviews. I read them all. I was not astonished by anything that I read. Clearly it appears that the most positive review, a man and his wife Ann from Pennsylvania, befriended Mr. James Post and had a fabulous experience. I'm curious as to how much they paid for their experience. In addition, when we received the bill on the last day for the upgrade, on the hand written bill was the following statement:

"If you commit to place min. 3 positive reviews on tripadvisor and other review sites we are prepared to reduce to $XXXX. " (an amout $243.36 lower than the initial elevated total!)

Can we say blackmail? Afraid that he wouldn't transport us back to the airport as he wasn't at the "resort" we paid for other transportation back. This cost was also to be included. He met us at the airport and the three of us exchanged heated discussions about the stay and the bill. To end it all after sometime I offered him EC and US money (although I converted the EC wrong and paid $250 more than I would have liked to) and agreed to not post anything negative on tripadvisor. However, since we paid the full amount due to my miscalculation and based on a reported 5% discount for cash I should be able to write whatever I want on Tripadvisor. I won't though. Unlike Mr. James Post, I am true to my word. My blog, however, is NOT Tripadvisor nor is it a vacation review site.

I would recommend that anyone interested in reading about Paradise Bay Resort in Grenada refer to Tripadvisor. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g616292-d617965-r13010625-Paradise_Bay_Resort-St_David_Grenada.html#TOPC Be sure to read past the few positive reviews as it makes me wonder how many of the positive reviews were bribed or created by Mr. Post himself.

In short the food was terrible. The post on the 30 minute wait for coffee, 30 minutes for sugar/cream, 30 minutes for cold toast was so accurate it made me laugh! Some days we were offered the basket of jelly and honey packages - however, they were old and additional packages were never added during our 8 day stay.

We were the ONLY guests at the resort. It was reported that a honeymoon couple missed their flight - if true, what a blessing for them!, as did another single male traveler miss his flight. Mr. Post DID NOT pick us up at the airport as he had confirmed two days earlier by email, which was to be part of our upgrade to the super inclusive package. A taxi driver called him and then drove us to the resort. The ride to the resort was off the beaten path and the narrow road was occupied by wandering goats, cows, chickens and dogs. The taxi driver didn't have any idea where the resort was, despite the small island. The resort was located high upon a hill and based on the surrounding homes on the street to the resort, we were pretty scared of what we may find although I was still hoping to be pleasantly surprised to find my "Paradise" nestled high upon the hill.

Mr. Post initially refused to pay the taxi driver and then told me that there must have been miscommunication about the transport. The "staff" quickly went to our villa to clean it. As it was early morning, we expected breakfast from our very long travel; however, there was nothing prepared. Additionally, we were informed that there weren't groceries due to the recently completed "Carnival". Mr. Post had mentioned that while Carnival was primarily Monday and Tuesday (we arrived Thursday morning) there would still be festivities around the island, WRONG. Consistent excuses throughout our stay were: Carnival and Hurricane. If something wasn't done, wasn't fixed, wasn't offered, it was because of one or both of them! Despite the reported day before cancellations of his other three guests, he was completely unprepared for the arrival of us - three guests. Due to the lack of groceries, my son and I had A crepe and my mom had scrambled eggs. Nothing else. A plate with ONE CREPE. Completely unappetizing, despite my obvious hunger.

The package that I purchased from the online auction was valued at $2500 which included 8 days/7 nights in a jacuzzi suite (aka honeymoon suite) for two as well as a whale watching or catamaran trip, a seven course Sunday brunch (which we NEVER received as that was the day of our whale watching trip), 4 massages (my mom had ONE), an island tour and 2 hikes or walks. The additional confirmation letter boasted, "enjoyed instant recognition for the massages, fine cuisine and beautiful location. Although small, the resort has 3 massage stations and 1 massage Gazebo on an on-site secluded beach. There is a small gym with the latest equipment. Ocean kayaks are available." Based on our package, I was EXPECTING PARADISE.


Per night that comes to $357, with an additional $206 to add my son and then an extra $135 per day charge to upgrade to the "super inclusive" which offered all inclusive meals, tours, etc. We didn't even get the initial base package AND his final charge was at $200.25 per day plus my son's overnight fees!

The resort didn't have ANY massage stations. There was no massage gazebo and there wasn't a secluded beach. Beaches CANNOT be private on Grenada. Maybe this was what was considered the massage gazebo but it didn't overlook the beach/water:

Here are pictures of the "secluded beach" - it appears to be so secluded that not even Mr. Post nor his "staff" are able to get to it to clean the beach for guests:

I inquired about the gym and was informed that there was an exercise bike located in the villa adjacent to Cristina's villa (the back-up cook/helper/assistant/masseuse). I used the bike ONCE, which was in the front part of the villa, facing out the side window. There was no radio, but I was able to read a magazine about Grenada dated 2004! I did walk into the other room (Mr. Post escorted me to the villa, unlocked it and showed me the bike. Cristina had informed me that the "gym" was only a bike.) where I observed by light of the setting sun, a stair stepper, treadmill, workout machine and free weights. There was no working light in the room nor was there air conditioning, so I left the room and went to use the bike. At the airport during our argument Mr. Post stated that there was a "gym" and that I had only asked to use the bike, denying no lighting and a/c in the adjacent room. Like everything at the "resort" nothing was readily accessible, you had to find Mr. Post or Cristina to go, do or have anything. Most often Mr. Post was found sitting online, but sometimes no one was available.

We did use the ocean kayak, once. This was a small feat as the kayak had to be strapped to Mr. Post's truck and then driven down the long steep driveway, up the short distance road to the beach (the non-secluded beach). My son quickly found himself seasick and my foot was still bleeding from stepping on something in the water I hoped was coral. We never attempted this again. Mr. Post stated he hoped in the future that he would chain the kayaks with a lock at the other beach as driving them back and forth wasn't very reasonable. Had one been readily available, I may have attempted to use a single kayak; however, Mr. Post DID NOT have life jackets and when I questioned him about life jackets he responded, "Don't you know how to swim?" Clearly, being new to kayaking I was not about to kayak beyond the beach/cove of the beach into the Atlantic Ocean without a life jacket!

The massage, the one my mom did receive, lasted well over 1.5 hours. It took approximately 45 minutes for Cristina to shower and prepare to give the massage. Since my mom asked for one before dinner, dinner couldn't be started until her massage was finished, despite my son and I being hungry and knowing that the meal takes 2-3 hours to be cooked. My mom said that the massage wasn't very good either. They left the headrest and mat on our veranda leaning against the balcony which repeatedly fell over with the early morning rain and wind.

On a positive note, had the stay been less expensive and Mr. Post had been accurate of the expectations of the resort on his website http://www.paradisebayresort.com/, we may have been prepared for what we received. A website stating not to expect nightlife and lush carpets was far from what I anticipated. Knowing what $2500 for a week stay in the US would provide, I expected a lot from a country where the average monthly family income is $600! Had the package not been offered as a honeymoon suite/romantic getaway for two and as my mom stated throughout the vacation had been offered as "Come be my house guest and I'll show you Grenada!", then it might have been tolerable teetering on enjoyable.

Undeniably, the view (minus all the bugs - I couldn't get enough bug spray!) was beautiful. The beaches were too far to pleasantly walk to for bathing, besides the beaches were dirty and the water was nasty! There were no lounge chairs at either beach despite my mom requesting this on numerous occasions. We did receive "beach towels" upon request. The resort had a pool which didn't have water. Some of the reviews discuss the pool and how unsafe it was. Some of the vacation sites state that the pool is coming soon ('07) as well as kitchenettes in each villa - however, that wasn't on my paper (not even paperwork) nor on the main website. There were no exercise classes. There was no 7-course meal. There was no fine cuisine. There were no massage gazebos. There was nothing PARADISE about this ALL INCLUSIVE VACATION.

As I had two chaperones with me, my mother and my 11-year old son, I didn't expect to drink much despite the drinks (reportedly wine and champagne) were included. I did have one glass of champagne which was AWFUL. I was not offered anything besides champagne the entire vacation. All I wanted from this vacation was to get some rest and relaxation, enjoy great memories and experiences with my son and mother and get a good tan while occasionally drinking a fruity cocktail by the beach.

Well, we had experiences. Does that count?????

Making Progress

I have managed to make progress today. I was able to finish all three movies, upload the 300 pictures or so from our vacation to Ft. Lauderdale, Grenada, Carriacou and Trinidad - including editing, cropping and saving, uploaded the pictures into albums on Facebook - including adding some captions, viewed my credit card statement, viewed my bank statement and balanced my checkbook.

I never made it grocery shopping but I did make a list! I never made it to return the movies to blockbuster, but I did watch the ones I had. I never did make a CD of the pictures from the vacation but I have them all ready to upload as they are in a folder saved on my computer.

I can't get EVERYTHING done all at once, whatever will I do tomorrow?

Multi-Tasking at it's worst!

I arrived home from my Caribbean vacation yesterday afternoon. I dropped my son off with his dad for the rest of the weekend and headed home to see how the house fared in our almost two week absence.

Sometimes, I really think I have ISSUES. I am the queen of multi-tasking. But today I think I may have crossed the line - I set up a cushion bed outside to work on my tan while watching the three blockbuster mail movies that I have had for a month now! I had to take a picture since even I found it absurd!




Then here is my normal routine when I want to exercise, watch movies and catch up with emails, blogging and im'ing.


I have managed to finish two of the three movies, worked on my tan, caught up on emails and phone calls and finished six loads of laundry. Now if only the laundry fairy would come and put away the folded laundry - life would be good!

Bug Spray

If I never smell "unscented" bug spray again, it will be too soon!

Airline Aggravations

I think I'm almost packed, although again I find myself back online surfing the flight requirements and restrictions. This task is daunting.

It doesn't make matters any easier that I now fear that due to the most recent cancellation of half of our flights, that the remainder flights into Grenada are still in tact. We are initially flying Spirit, with two flights into Trinidad. Thanks to increasing costs, we now have to pay for checked baggage as well as seat assignments. I thought I would book our seats and for two of the segments for the three of us the seat assignments are $100, or we can take a gamble at free assignments at check in. Then there is the pre-pay baggage which is 1/2 price.

The baggage...is going to drive me crazy. I decided that it would be best to have one checked suitcase for my son and I in addition to a smaller carry on suit case and a back pack. When I weighed the checked luggage initially, it was right at 50#. It's unbelievable how much each pair of my son's almost calf length shorts weigh! I really thought that this trip packing would be easier, but with two people it isn't.

Then our flight into Grenada is on LIAT. I looked up their luggage policies, which include that baggage is free; however, carry on luggage can not exceed 15 pounds. Therefore, I'm guessing our smaller carry-on suitcase will be checked.

Spirit charges for snacks. Seeing that we are going to have significant layovers, I wanted to throw in some peanuts, crackers and candy into our carry on. It looks like in less than 3oz. this may be OK, but I'm not really positive on that.

I'm beginning to feel like bagging the whole packing thing, taking a carry on only with our bathing suits and calling it good. Oh yeah, but Grenada has clothing requirements - so guess that won't work either!

Like my frequent ponder as to "WHY CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!", I'm now finding that I want to know why airlines and rules can't be CONSISTENT and COHERENT.

Sigh...back to the drawing board...

Vacation Jinx

Why is it that vacations always seem so bittersweet? I've mentioned before that since I do seem to seldom vacation, I always fear getting sick during vacation. My "A" personality doesn't always bode well with time off from the routine of chronic organized chaos that my body seems to shut down when I'm on vacation. Fortunately not too often though, since I just don't have time to get sick and clearly don't want to on vacation. I'm thinking this vacation will be different as I seem to have put my "jobs" on the back burner since meeting Mr. Date and haven't really made work all consuming and high priority.

Funny thing is, driving in the car tonight I was listening to John Tesh. Something about that guy, I find him oddly intriguing and I enjoy listening to food for the soul, or whatever it is. I know that I find him much more entertaining than Delilah, although I sometimes listen to her cheesy love songs but can't stand her lack luster emotional dedications. Anyway, digressing...John Tesh started talking about the "vacation jinx" and about how people tend to get sick when on vacation due to being overstressed and lack of sleep prior to the vacation. He listed several prevention techniques including drinking black tea daily for the week before, sipping bottled water continuously on the airplane, avoiding non-bottled water on planes as they are filled with germs, drink three bottles of water per day during vacation and use a nasal spray to lubricate the nose on the plane as planes are as dry as a desert. I'm sure there were a few other suggestions which I can't remember. Other than consuming water, I'm not really game for any of them; however, I did find the whole timing of the topic to be amusing as I will be traveling in a few days myself.

I'm truly hoping that I manage to avoid getting "sick" on vacation and upon return. Missing people will be enough for me to handle let alone being sick!

Timing

Have you ever wondered about timing? It seems like most things in life have to do with timing. You can miss a bus or a plane, simply by having the wrong timing. Certainly you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some claim that dating relationships are either made or broken due to timing.

Why does everything always seem to revolve around time? Is it that we are so quick to blame things and why not blame on time?

For once I would like to thank timing for meeting Mr. Date. If it weren't for timing, it likely wouldn't be.

And as a side note, I want to blame timing of schedules on the fact that I miss talking with JA every day due to our employment schedules! My life just seems to be void without our long in depth conversations! I suppose this isn't really timing to blame, but I want to blame something for the fact that JA is so deeply missed!

Eating Crap

I'm not sure if it's stress, but eating crap consumed the better portion of my entire day. It wasn't my intention when I left for work today, but lack of time had a great deal of impact on my lack of healthy choices.

Thinking that the issue of notarization of the letter was under control, I arrived at work to find numerous emails with the most recent being marked "critical" that my co-worker would not notarize the letter without me being present in the office. After begging and pleading and owing her big time, she agreed this time only she would do it. Meanwhile though, I did my best to find a color copier to have a notary in my other office notarized the "copy" of the emailed document.

Racing against time I finished up a few projects at my office and then headed back across state to sit through the third training presentation. I occupied my time by watching trainees nod off and found myself drawn to an arrogant, single guy that sat in the back that was beyond rude and disrespectful. I was quick to judge him thinking that he partied too hard over the weekend and that his time and energy was too valuable than to listen to a 2-hour presentation of a new program. He fell asleep during one point and then made several loud sighs and mumbled comments that weren't so mumbled to me. I just find it hard to understand how others can be so disrespectful, regardless.

I had about five minutes to get gas and hit a drive thru. My first choice was Schlotsky's, but the drive thru was set back off the road and their was a line, clearly not imperative for the few minutes I had. So I did the unthinkable for me. I drove through McDonald's.

I met Mr. Date at his work and we went to a nearby park. When he left, I went through the second drive through of the day, Taco Bell. I figured why not, I had already managed to eat poorly once. Then as if to put the icing on the cake, while purchasing chocolate M&M's to repay my co-worker, I bought a medium bag of the peanut butter M&M's and proceeded to eat those during my drive home.

Yep, when it rains, it pours. I don't think there are enough hours in the night to exercise off today!

POF Party

Friday night, we went to the POF party. In somewhat of a disguise, the four of us walked in traditionally late to the Plenty Of Fish Singles Party in Grand Rapids. Mind you, seemed a little odd to walk in as two couples, Mr. Date and I, JN and her "friend" S. JN and S dated in the past and now just hangout, or something.

Walking in we were greeted by the host who wanted to sign us up for the Catch and Release (aka speed dating) that was in progress. JN and S weren't interested, but we finally convinced them they needed to participate and they joined in for the final three rounds.

Mr. Date and I went out to the patio to listen to the non-existent band that was supposed to be playing. When the game was done, we were joined by JN and S and welcomed a few others to our table. I'm all about including others. I know what it is like to be excluded, so I'm all for inclusivity. The more the merrier. Besides, it's all about meeting people.

I managed to steal a POF camera and went around and took pictures of people. People were more than willing to have their pictures taken and with me taking them, that means I wasn't in any of them! Always about planning! Later, we moved inside and did some dancing.

It was a fun night. Met some really nice people. It surprises me how comfortable I am with Mr. Date. I don't feel like I have to sit by him and hold his hand and comfort him. I was able to leave him and not have to worry that I would be accused of the unknown or that he would be mad at me. It also surprises me how comfortable I am drinking with him. I think that stems from the fact that I've found alcohol in my new found singleness! I've never been a big drinker despite my high tolerance, but I'm definitely not afraid that I will do or say something stupid around him if I've had something to drink!

Mr. Date told me the next day about a conversation that he had with S. It wasn't anything I don't already know. I know that I can rub people the wrong way. It happens. It happens to all of us. He apparently isn't really wild and crazy about my personality, and I'm completely OK with that too!

Travel Anxiety

I suppose if I went back to when I first began bloging this spring before my trip to Europe, this blog would likely parallel it. I suppose it's just a matter of who I am. The nerves, the stress, the packing, the planning that all come from taking a trip. From leaving behind the stability and security of a routine, the familiar and loved ones.

Don't get me wrong, I do love vacations. I suppose it's everything surrounding the vacation that I don't love. It's the preparatory and the clean up that I could do without. At an early age, I learned that there was a lot involved with vacationing and that you always needed a vacation when you came back from vacation. Maybe not the best life lesson at such a young age. I'm not sure that it is a lesson that can be relearned, at least I've never managed to break the tradition.

If I were frazzled for the last trip, I anticipate that this time will be far worse. I leave in a few days and I have yet to pack. Yet to even begin to pack! I did do all of the laundry so everything is available for packing! I still would like to do some last minute shopping which will alleviate some packing, if I manage to find what I'm looking for!

Then there is the packing for my son. He thinks he's managed to help by picking out 14, yes 14 outfits! Pretty much I have to go through them and reorganize and pack.

I haven't managed to figure out exactly what luggage I'm taking either. With all of the new airline luggage requirements, it makes it a little tricky. Seeing that it will be very warm, I definitely don't need to pack warmer clothes so the luggage should be lighter. I'm debating on the whole check one bag and carry on one for the two of us, but haven't settled on it yet. I have all the measurements, so I'm sure I'll measure the five choices of suitcases a half dozen times!

While looking up the baggage requirements, I happened to again scan the requirements for international travel. Travel for minors traveling with only one parent. I did have my son's dad sign a letter (which he revised) to accompany with us on the trip. I considered having it notarized, but thought maybe just having the letter to be safe would be OK. Today I learned, I was wrong. The letter needs to be notarized. We leave in days! This is freaking me out since his dad has been so willing to assist me with the whole vacation planning in the first place.

I'm trying not to freak out. I've only eaten about a dozen double stuffed oreos trying to de-stress. I think I should resort to exercise instead. I think I'll go do the dreaded shopping, then sweat it all off with some brutal exercise and then move on to the packing and logistics of the trip.

If anyone has any suggestions to ease international travel or travel in general, feel free to let me know. I'm clearly open for suggestions!

Understanding Life Lessons

This morning I received a call from someone I dated over two years ago. We are very good friends now and it seems that since I've met Mr. Date, he seems to be calling a lot. Maybe it's since he knows I'm not available. Maybe it's since he's lonely, desperate or sees that his world is falling apart due to employment, housing and personal issues that he vaguely discusses with me. In some ways I think he wants me to believe that it has something to do with me, which I'm not that gullible or maybe it's that I have moved on and just don't care about the why's.

His call this morning was to ask me how much he hurt me when our "relationship" ended. He wanted to know why in the world I would ever consider being in a relationship again. See the thing is, I learned a lot about myself and about relationships from him. It was clearly a life lesson. It was a recognition of how to accept and understand when mutual feelings don't exist or when the odds are stacked against you. It was also an understanding of what I want out of a relationship and what I don't.

In retrospect, my friendship and relationship with him was everything I could have asked for. I wasn't interested in dating as I had just separated from the ex-bf. He was accepting of me maintaining a relationship with the ex-bf but even two years later, I still wonder about his motives. I never fully trusted him. Ok, that would be an understatement. I wasn't and never would have been a priority. When I spent time with him, it was usually in the same general area but not together. I would be watching the sunset or movies and he would be painting, working or on the phone. Because of him, I fell in love with the beach and the summer sunsets.

I'm not sure if he's over me. His calls could imply that he's not, especially if I wanted to believe them. But for me, in my healthy state I take them at face value. A friend is going through some tough times and I will be there for him in ways that I can but I will not let him interfere with my emotions or feelings. I have become a stronger and healthier individual.

I have lived. I have loved. I have lost. I have learned. And for that, I am thankful that my life lessons have helped mold me into who I am today.

Competitiveness

I mentioned in the previous post that I think that my competitive edge has mellowed out with age. I truly believe this, although others may completely disagree.

In regard to competitiveness, I am my biggest competitor. I challenge myself hard. I don't feel that much is worth doing if I don't give 110%, or as much as I am feasibly capable of giving. This is pretty much in all areas. In play, work, family, friendships, relationships. Is it really worth doing if not done well or given your best? I do admit there are things that I don't do well, and I either discontinue doing them or I try to improve.

In games - card, board, sports - I'm a complete rule follower. I'm not one to believe that rules should be broken. And, if it's my game and I'm giving people instructions, I'm going to be honest and I'm going to follow the rules. Some see this as competitive when I point out "rule-breakers". I see it as honesty. I suppose in the scheme of things, following rules doesn't really matter. But for me it isn't about winning, it's about how you play the game.

Yesterday Mr. Date and I went biking. For anyone that knows me, I can be a FREAK (yes, in capital letters!) about exercising. I suppose some OCD comes into play. If I'm going to work out, I work out. No holds bar! I give everything I can and I usually manage to push myself and sweat a lot! If I'm not sweating and working out hard, why bother working out? I don't work out to get hit on. I work out to feel good and get in shape! I think this is just a family gene as my brother is really intense too!

Anyway, Mr. Date buys a bike rack and brings his bike over last night so that we can bike. We have discussions about how far and he seems a little....um...questioning. Like he needs to know exactly how far we plan on biking and where. I keep asking how far he can ride, how far does he want to go and he tells me he can ride as far as I want to go, he can ride all day long!

So that means to me, "He can ride all day long." Well, his idea of biking and mine were, well let's just say....not the same. Apparently he can ride around town all day long! I had even mentioned riding about 25 miles round trip and he didn't seem phased, but I opted against it due to time constraints. We ended up doing 10 miles since his butt was hurting from the seat and he worried about "bogging me down." Clearly I would have ridden a lot faster without him. I did try to slow WAY down to ride with him, but even that was a challenge for both of us! When I ride the stationary bike at home, it's a constant 14mph while I play cards, email, im or blog online. So when I get outside, I want to ride like the wind. I don't have other things to multi-task with and 14mph isn't really all that fast! Well, last night that was too fast.

Anyway, I'm beginning to realize that it isn't about finding someone to keep up with you, it's about finding someone that you enjoy their company.

Afterall, I think that my working out should be done solo so that I can go about my merry freakish way. Although today we did opt for walking. For those that don't know, last year I participated in the Michigan 3-Day, a 60-mile walk over three days for breast cancer. My mother is a survivor and I wanted to walk for her. Following the training guidelines was grueling and I found myself with plantar fasciitis and a heel spur. Set back from the training for many weeks, I changed from the Chicago walk to the Michigan walk and slowed down my pace. They advise training at a 20 minute mile, but I slowed down to 15 minute miles or slightly less. This was actually a little tricky since I was pretty comfortable averaging just over a 14 mile minute. I found time to get in the training miles, even the 18-15 mile back to back days while working full time and being mom! The walk for me was one of endurance, strive, motivation, competition, health and fitness. For most others participating it is about the support group and the cause. My goal was to attempt to finish one day in the top 100. We didn't start at the front of the pack any of the three days, back in the 1000's actually. My best finish was day three, I finished 8th. I walked with some serious walkers that trained at 13.5 minute miles and had participated in numerous walking marathons. Mind you, I'm not a walker. I HATED walking. Training was grueling. I was bored out of my mind. I thought if I never "walked" again, that would be too soon. It really wasn't that bad. Even now, I miss it. I do enjoy it, the wind, the exercise, the solitude. I also enjoy walking with people and miss walking with JA, DK and even my son!

So today Mr. Date thought that walking might be more up his alley. Of course I only walk with my z-coils and I'm back to my 14 minute mile. Mr. Date had on sandals. I was pretty sure he wouldn't be up to that speed and knew that I would walk at his. He said he walks 7-8 miles at work every day. Yep, I've heard that before too! So in an 8 hour day that's one mile per hour. Needless to say, I didn't push it and I walked with him. I don't know exactly how far we went, guessing maybe 6.5 miles or so, we were home in 2 hours. Mid-walk if not sooner, he seemed to be questioning walking. He then had a blister on the heel of his foot pop, so that didn't bode well but we were about three miles from the house at that point. Mr. Date confirmed that maybe he should stick to biking.

I told him that I would be more than willing to bike with him, as long as I got in 15 miles or so BEFORE we went out to ride! Afterall, I do need to get in a workout too!

Sweating the Small Stuff

The old adage says, "Don't sweat the small stuff." How does one differentiate between the small stuff and the big stuff?

Another adage says that things happen in threes. How do you know which three to count?

Here's the thing, it seems like lately three things happen to me every day, if not every hour! Fortunately when I sit down to think about them, I can't remember them all so maybe they were part of that "small stuff". Or maybe, I really do have the ability to put things behind me and move on. Or maybe there will be some recollection when reminded by some event or occurrence that will happen.

A few random things that have happened lately, which just might be "small things":

* I opened my car door into the edger hanging on the garage wall. I left three deeper than surface markings on the door. (Flip side: I have a black car, the markings are white. The car, while in good shape, IS 7 years old.)

* Driving on my commute to work, my cruise control stopped working. (I found myself intermittently driving 83mph not even in a rush! 184 mile commute per day is not feasible without cruise! Flip side: I couldn't find a fuse associated with the cruise control - BUT the cruise resumed working that afternoon!)

* Yesterday my mom called in hysterics to tell me that our flight for our vacation next week was canceled on 7/23 and no one bothered to mention anything to us! However, the final leg of our trip from Trinidad to Grenada, we still had those tickets! (Flip side: We now have our third set of airline tickets for this vacation - and actually get to spend an extra 24 hours in Trinidad! I just have to book the hotel!)

* Showering tonight the shower faucet continued to move away from the wall and eventually fell off onto the floor of the tub, repeatedly. Conditioner in hair and one leg full of shaving cream, I ventured around the a/c house looking for a screwdriver to "fix" the faucet. (Flip side: I couldn't fix it, managed to get it to stay on the third time and I was able to finish showering. Tomorrow is another day and I will look at replacing it all together!)

These were just some of the small things that have occurred in the past day or two. There are many other things, but not really worth mentioning. I think that there was a time when I really did sweat the small stuff. I use to be competitive too, but I think with age, I've really mellowed out.

There are somethings that we can control and others that we cannot. And truly, what, other than life and death is really worth sweating for. Ok, I can think of a few...

Mr. Date & The Blog

So last night I finally came out and told Mr. Date about the blog. I had skimmed around it a few times trying not to come right out and announce that I blog. I was told that I could privatize my blog and only select few could read it, but the reality is only a few of my close friends read it on a regular basis anyway.

But, the thought that a guy that I'm dating would have access to my inner thoughts and feelings suddenly made me feel very vulnerable. I've been pretty open with him. Maybe it scares me more to know that he'll then know what a fruit loop I truly am and read about my "issues" well before he ever met me! Then what would he think? What if my blogging offends him somehow, when they are just my random thoughts and feelings at the moment that I decide to sit in front of the keyboard. What if?

The reality is, what if nothing. I don't have anything to hide. This blog is out there for anyone to come across and if he looked, there it would be. So I gave him the link. I didn't give it to ex-bf even when he asked. But for some reason, I found myself wanting him to know about it. Knowing that if he was confused or needed insight into me, he could find it. I would prefer he ask and I don't ever want him to worry about something he reads and not question or address it with me. He said he's not sure that he wants to look at it. At this point, I'm ok with whatever. I threw it out there, I let the truth be known.

And as Jack would say, "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!" But I think he can and he does.

Profiles & Time

I just read my girl friends blog and she has given up on dating. She removed all of her profiles. I can't say that I blame her. I met four people and if I didn't like Mr. Date, I'm not entirely sure that I would have met anyone else. Four was A LOT for me. I don't mind the emailing but actually connecting enough to want to meet people because you think there is potential rather than meeting because you don't have anything better to do or you just don't want to continue to communicate with no end in sight.

Mr. Date recently joined Facebook. He mentioned that he thought I had taken off that I was looking for dating on any sites. I don't use facebook or myspace as dating sites although I know many that do. Unless my friends, I don't believe that information is accessible and if you are my friend you likely know my dating situation anyway! Personally, if it weren't for the friends that I have on both sites, I wouldn't be on them at all. But to delete them I would feel like it was a unnecessary termination of a friendship. I only look at either site when I have mail and then since I'm on there I'll check for updates on my friends.

I still have one profile out there on a social networking site. And that too is only because of the emails that I share with "friends". But lately, I have no interest in doing that, despite them knowing that I'm dating Mr. Date. I truly don't want him to think that I'm looking or communicating with people in the event that something were to happen. The reality is, I don't know most of these people (some are actually friends that have joined - but they KNOW me and can reach me by phone, home, email, etc.) and they don't know me. If I were to delete my profile I don't think it would phase anyone. I haven't strung anyone along or led them to believe I'm interested, since I'm not. My profile had that I wasn't looking and that I met someone recently. I went in today and deleted my pictures and the description of myself in the profile other than I've met someone and good luck. I figure that way those that I do email will see that and then in a few days I'll completely delete it. Since I was also getting new emails from people which I either didn't respond or confirmed not interested, not looking.

Besides, I just don't have the time to keep up with regular emails with "friends". I want to communicate with the friends that I already have! I've been doing well at getting out and seeing friends and having a good time. Right now I would say things are very balanced, also something else completely new - which I think dating someone else with kids definitely helps with! Understanding the importance of scheduling and knowing the balance of friends, family, work, relationship, etc. I leave for vacation in less than two weeks and there's so much to do and I only want to make time for those things and people that truly mean the world to me! :)