Day 529 - Barbados to Miami to Atlanta

This morning we enjoyed a nice lie-in & woke up around 1000. We went outside for one last glorious dip in the ocean. Jaco swam a LONG way out & I bobbed in the waves for a while, returning to the lounger to soak up some last-minute sun. The water looked absolutely stunning & was far too inviting to pass up. I didn’t want to leave!

We rushed back to the room, showered & packed up the room. The cab driver was patiently waiting for us as we slowly arrived with our luggage. I managed to drag a suitcase over my big toe & partially ripped it off & partially bent it backwards. Ouch. A little blood, but I’m still walking strong!

We made it to the airport in about 20 minutes. I’m not sure how fast we were driving & neither was the cab driver. His speedometer didn’t work! Jaco was impressed with the Tom Adams roundabout & I was impressed with the frangipani trees lining the sides of the road. I would love to live somewhere they grow freely!

We checked in & hooray! We were flying Business Class! That meant, 3 bags each at 32 kgs! No baggage fees! It certainly is my lucky day! We sat on a bench & enjoyed the warmth a little longer. Jaco stayed with the luggage while I walked out & sat in the sunshine for a few minutes – one last time! The air was nice & fresh, with a warm breeze to keep you somewhat cooler.

I took one last sip of my water before we passed through security. I was happy they had a little garden area so I could at least dump my water on the plants, rather than in the garbage! I think all airport security areas should have plants! Think of how many mini gardens we could feed!

Jaco found a few magazine he wanted & I found stamps for my postcards. We rushed to our gate, only to arrive in time to hear an announcement telling us that our flight was delayed by an hour. Last night we checked the forecast in Miami & they were forecasting thunderstorms. Apparently the weatherman was right for a change, as our delay was due to thunderstorms! We relaxed & passed the time with free wi-fi. I must say, I sure appreciate free wi-fi, especially when traveling!

When it was time to board, we were supposed to leave the terminal & walk out to the plane on the tarmac. As I left the building, one of the staff told me I had been selected for special security screening. Great! I don’t mind so much, but it is kind of annoying, considering that I already passed through the regular screening with x-ray machines & such & now they want to go through ALL of my bags with a fine toothed comb. The part that bothered me the most was the fact that I carry a lot of my valuables & camera gear in my carry-on. The lady screening me didn’t know what was what & managed to mess up my packing job quite sufficiently. Then she tried to rush me out of the way, when I obviously had to repack my bag with due care. When I finally had it re-packed, I joined Jaco & we headed over to the plane. It was beautiful – blue sky in the background, shiny silver plane, my handsome husband – time for a photo! I took one photo while Jaco was getting ready & all of a sudden I’m being hollered at! I can’t take a photo of the plane! What?!? Groan. AMERICAN Airlines. What is it with this country? They think I’ve never seen a plane before? They think I can’t gain access to a photo of whatever kind of plane it is we’re flying on? Give me a break! I’m taking a souvenir photo of my husband as we begin our long journey home. Which, by the way, after this moment, just got THAT much longer. Jerks.

Thankfully, once we were finally on the plane, it got a whole lot better! I’ve never flown Business Class before. It was awesome! Plenty of leg room, reclining chairs with a leg lift, cushy seats, frequent drink service, decent food (I never understood how Jaco could say that airplane food was good. Now I do!) , touch screen tv’s… I’m being spoiled now!

We arrived in Miami just past 2000 & managed to collect our luggage straight away. We had no issues passing through Customs & before we knew it, we had an hour or so to kill. Our flight to Atlanta was delayed by 1.5 hours, so we wandered around the airport for a while. We bought a few snacks & tried to go online. Wouldn’t you know it, but they charge for access. Since we only had 30 minutes before we were boarding, it wasn’t worth the money. Hopefully the hotel will have access.

As I type this, we’re on our way to Georgia. It’s only 9 degrees there! I think we’ll be quite cold, considering our previous evening cooled off to 29 degrees! (We slept with the balcony door open – listening to the waves crash on the beach all night. Perfect!) We’re in First Class, but it’s nothing compared to the previous flight. No tv’s, no food, no foot recliner… Listen to me complain. Help when I’m back in economy!

Stay tuned for tomorrow we fly ALL the way to Africa! Yay!

xxxxMaria

Last day in paradise! 

 My Baby after a morning swim

 Sigh. So sad to say goodbye to this!

 Flying fish in the airport

 Oh Yeah Baby! First Class!

 In the airport

 Leaving on a jet plane! (Shortly before I was yelled at by AA staff - apparently there isn't to be a record of their planes. ??)

 Having fun with Photobooth in Miami

 Aren't we cute?

Mini kiss.

Day 485 - The Joys of Flying

As I type this blog post, I have my iPod cranked. There is a screaming child 2 rows back & she is barely audible as I go deaf to the sounds of ‘Your Never Fails’ & no, it’s not a ballad! She has been crying pretty near the entire flight. Now it’s becoming a hysterical breathing/crying mixture. Only 1.5 hrs to go.

I forgot what flying red eye is like. I booked this flight, as it was the shortest wait time in Toronto. We left at 0040, arrived at 0640, flew again at 0940 & arrive in Bridgetown at 1600.

I have enough luggage for about 6 people. Thank goodness Mom2 & Dad2 came with! They must feel like my sherpas!

I have had a splitting headache since I woke up yesterday. It’s finally dissipating, although it’s probably just due to the fact that I have a kink in my neck from the neck pillow which deflated part way through this flight. Sure enough, there is a big hole in the side of it. I have only had it for 3 flights. Grr.

Btw, I remembered that I had my voice recorder with me. If you want to experience part of the joy of this flight, here you go:

(Insert Audio Clip Here) (sorry, couldn't get it to upload - ship internet!)

In a few short hours, we’ll be in Bridgetown, Barbados. I’ll collect my luggage (5 cases plus carry-on), make my way through Quarantine Inspection (smoothly) & then the three of us will find a taxi cab (van) to the ship, where I will finally be reunited with my husband. I can’t believe it’s been over 3 months since I saw him last.

I am always grateful for the time we have together. Of course, being able to be with him in warm, sunny locations always makes life that much more exciting. I still adhere to the belief that I am the luckiest girl I know.

I’ll do my best to get updated on the blog & share the love of my life, the blue waters of the Caribbean & the joys of life with you.

Thanks for hanging in there while I fumbled through my hiatus.

xxxx Maria

I only wish the girls were part of my luggage! **sniff, sniff** I sure do miss them! Already!

The adventure is about to begin!

Miss you Mom! Miss you Valentina! Miss you Oceana!

Day 477 - Adieu West Palm Beach

Well, I’m back home. If only for a few hours. I was up early this morning, packed up the rest of the bags, and hitched a ride to the Hall. I hugged goodbye to all the wonderful people I met these past few weeks & Charlie & I shared a cab to the airport.

I managed to receive my discreetly wrapped package before I left. The ice cream. Ooooh! I was so excited when I unwrapped it! It must have been half a litre! Delicious! Quite possibly the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten! Some little old ladies sat down beside me at the airport & asked me a few questions, but I couldn’t really answer, as my lips & tongue were numb from eating so much ice cream! Brilliant!

The flights home weren’t anything spectacular or tragic. I’m happy I’m flying WestJet for the next few flights!

Mom2 met me at the airport with the girls. Valentina certainly knew who I was, but Oceana couldn’t have cared less! Mom2 knows where to park & where to pick me up, so we’ve got the airport down pat! I was delighted to see the girls & of course, Mom2. It would be a short visit, as I was flying to Saskatoon tomorrow to see Granny.

Mom2 & I stayed up until midnight talking about the past three weeks. She’s very excited to learn what I’ve learned & has been doing her best to eat raw while I’ve been gone. I’ll be excited when I’m back on Valentine’s Day when I’ll have more time to sit & tell her more about my experience.

And then there’s Jaco. My poor husband! I haven’t spoken to him since Tuesday! I’ve been away in the evenings for the past near week! He won’t be able to reach me in Saskatchewan, so it will be a week before we speak! I’ve sent a few emails, just to let him know I’m still alive – but still!

Goodnight all… with love from Alberta

xxxxMaria

Mr. Muscles - you can be vegan & buff!

Ice cream. 2 cups of it. Healthy. Delicious. My lips went numb. Highly recommend it!

West Palm Beach airport. Oh how I love sunny blue skies.

Day 455 - Packing Still!

Today was the last ditch effort to pack up the odds & ends. I seem to have a lot of them. I thought I was doing well. Apparently not. I ended up pitching the last of the stuff into a few boxes – now unsorted & unlabeled – and threw them into the small room. I packed my suitcase for Florida & headed into the city. I wanted to stay at Mom2’s tonight, as I didn’t want to be rushed or late tomorrow. I also didn’t want to chance something going wrong with the car or roads & I end up missing my flight.

With the girls in tow, the excitedly whined & cried as I drove the last few blocks to Mom2’s. It was quite cute. I always worry if they will be happy somewhere else. It seems as though they are liking their temporary home. I’m happy about that!

Alright… That’s it! I’m packed up & moved out! Well, mostly. The rest will have to finished when I get back from Florida. Wish me luck! Here comes 3 weeks of no sugar, dairy, meat or anything cooked! I’ll feel like a brand new person by February 12^th! I must say, I’m very much looking forward to the change. Bring on the health!

xxxxMaria, Valentina, Oceana & Adios (for one last night!)

The Girls are sad I'm leaving. I am too.

Kiss kiss!

Passed out.

Out cold

Really out of it!

Still out of it.

Day 423 - Flying Home

I was up at 0315 when I woke up from a scary dream. The head of a woman was chasing me, laughing, her head bouncing like a crazy bouncy ball. Gross. I ran to a truck & couldn't get the key in the ignition. I was so panicked in the dream, I actually woke up, my heart pounding so fiercely I was afraid I'd have a heart attack! My alarm was set for 0345, so I laid in bed for another 15 minutes & decided I would need the extra time to get ready.

I didn't change my dressing this morning, I'll do it tonight when I'm home. George was already up & at it, patiently waiting for me to finish up. Elizabeth came out to the kitchen all wrapped up in her blanket, just to give me a hug & say goodbye.

George & I had breakfast & one last chat before we hopped into the Pacifica for the ride to the hotel where the shuttle was waiting. I'm so sad to see the weekend end! I want it to last so much longer! I have had such an amazing experience here!

I sat in the back of the shuttle next to a gal on her way to Houston. She is finishing up her studies to be a Teacher & has lived in Illinois, Colombia, and now California. She has ties to Bethel too, so that was pretty neat! We chit chatted for a bit until we both decided to fall asleep for a bit.

I checked one suitcase in & sat down to drink 1L of fresh squeezed orange juice & 500 ml of Kangen water. I was so 'soaked' by the time I was done, I felt sick! In fact, that feeling stuck with me for the rest of the day. I think my body is in dire need of sleep & relaxation!

The flight to Seattle was good. I think. I slept the whole way! No drooling this time! I visited with an Electrical Technician for Medical Equipment while we taxi'd the runway. He raises Border Collies & wants to move to Kentucky from California. Apparently Kentucky is more affordable than California. Not sure I'd want to head out to Kentucky, but each to his own, I guess!

I found free wireless at the airport in Seattle & decided I would finally break my Facebook fast & attempt to get caught up on the blog. Of course, a little people watching is always included in anything airport. The Somalian lady whose 'handsfree' cellphone means tucking it into the side of her head covering, the splashing, gurgling water fountain with a speaker underneath emitting just those sounds, the California girls in their matching track suits & bold ways, the burping 50-ish lady with an 80's perm & apparently no manners... The list goes on...

Another quick sleep on the plane to YYC & there was Mrs. Roxy, chai tea in hand, waiting patiently for me! What a great friend! She dropped me off at Mom2's to pick up the girls & have a quick visit with M&D2. I left a few hours later & managed to find Roxy still up with Mom, doing books. Roxy was going to drive home & I ky-boshed that. Ever since her & Kevin told me about Roxy's habit of falling asleep at the wheel in the night, I don't like her on the roads after dark! She had to get up early, so to bed it was. Just as I was about to turn out the light, I remembered the eclipse! I think it was 0130 by the time I went to bed. I stood out on the deck with my camera, taking photos of the moon as it disappeared & turned a glorious shade of orange/red. I froze my butt off & couldn't fall asleep I was so cold! Whoops! Luckily I have no plans for tomorrow!

Sweet dreams...

xxxx Maria, Adios, Valentina & Oceana (glad to have the girls back!)

 George dropping me off at 0430 for the shuttle!

 Crazy paintjob in Seattle

 I love Target! Best dog costumes ever!

 Merry Christmas from the girls!

 Mama's high tech weigh in...

 Grocery bag & luggage scale!

 Roxy dons the honorary wig! Forwards...

& backwards! (And she still looks adorable!)

Day 389 - TSA Frustration & Wolves! (AGAIN!) (Happy Dance!)

Today I managed to Skype with Jaco for quite awhile. I sure do miss him! It was great to hear his voice. He is quite busy these next few weeks while he is at home. I hope he can squeeze in all he needs to get done!

I also visited with Kim, a friend from ships. We haven't spoken for a few months, so I suppose we were overdue! I also visited with Mom2. We are planning to re-audit our Level 1 of Personal Best. I am looking forward to this, as I need a jump start to get back into the swing of things once I am done with chemo. Personal Best is a course I took 10 years ago & it changed my life. I highly recommend it if you're in the Alberta area. Our course begins December 10th & runs until the 12th. I'll keep you posted on how it goes & if I decide to run for Prime Minister afterwards!

Did I mention that it's been snowing since last night? Ugh. I am not ready for winter. I know, I'm lucky, as it's the middle of November, but come on! Who loves the white stuff & the icy stuff on the roads when you need to get things like toilet paper & food? I shouldn't have to risk my life to survive. Yeah, I know, you can make sense of that last sentence... But you know what I mean! Well, at least those of you living in Canada do!!! Yuck!

I fell asleep at 1930 & woke up shortly before 2100. Uh-oh. Yup, you guessed it. I couldn't fall asleep. Again. This time I occupied my time with blogs, news posts & YouTube videos about the atrocities regarding the TSA in America. It is ridiculous. I am so fed up with this terrorism B.S. & the so-called 'rights' of the governments to treat us like, well, I don't even have a word for the pathetic way they are treating us as human beings!

Supposedly the radiation & health hazards from both back-scatter x-ray scanners & millimetre wave scanners is worse than they originally indicated. They can & will cause skin cancer, they can make tumours grow more rapidly... I mean, honestly, the technology hasn't been around for that long - how can they REALLY know how bad they are for you? Adding to the fact that the former head of Department of Homeland Security has a vested interest in the installation of scanners all across the US. He stands to earn a lot of money from each of the scanners installed!

Well, you can refuse the scan, you say? Yes, you can. But then you get the aggressive pat down. What's that? Yes, your genitalia will be touched. Not with the back of the hand, but the palm & the fingers. There are instances of passengers who have had the hands of TSA agents DOWN THEIR PANTS! They dig under your bras, up & around your groin - and if you refuse this, you don't get on the plane!!! How is this right? I am horrified to travel! I don't want to be molested, but I certainly don't want to be subjected to excess & unnecessary radiation! This is pathetic! Where are our freedoms?

For those of you saying, 'Well, it's for your own safety. There could be a terrorist attempting to get on that plane.' Tell me why we can't profile like Israel? Why isn't there stricter enforcement of people on no-fly lists? Better background checks? Sniffer dogs? Puffer machines? There are so many other options besides aggressive pat-downs & radiating scans. Come on!

If you want to try to do your two bits worth, sign this petition: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/airline/
And please feel free to google any of this information if you feel I am overreacting. I guarantee you, it's real. And if you think your children are safe from the radiation or molestation, think again. They are getting it too. It's just not right.

Thankfully my night of nightmare flying was interrupted by the most beautiful sound in the world. I am in love with the wolves. They are back. I am so excited! This is a magical place! My Mother wants to leave it, but I would gladly stay, knowing that I could potentially hear the wolves each night. It was so mesmerizing that I actually bundled up & went outside to record their howls. I leaned against the car & listened to them. They were all around me. One was south of the house, one was across the pasture along the tree line to the southeast & another directly across from the house to the east. It was amazing! Of course, once the howling stopped & I realized that they are pretty much silent enough to sneak up on me, I got scared & came back inside. It was also somewhere between 0430 & 0500. Nonetheless, I wouldn't trade one second of it!!! Pure Magic! I feel so blessed to witness the sounds of howling wolves outside! I think they know how lonely my heart is & they came to sing me a song... :o)

Enjoy & pardon the poor recordings. I hope you can hear it well enough to appreciate it! The initial crunching is my feet walking down the steps outside in the cold snow.

xxxxMV&O

Personality of the day:

Meet Katy

Day 140 - Results. Or Not.

I know I posted earlier about the results or lack thereof, but I'm still trying to catch up! 


Jaco did indeed call this morning. I had left Skype on, but my computer went to sleep. So when he phoned at 0400 on the house phone, he woke the house up! Whoops! Mom woke up & brought me the phone, looking all disheveled & nothing like herself. I love that she says to me, 'It's 4 o'clock, what are you still doing up?' Um, what are YOU doing up? Maybe we're up for the same reason? We heard the phone ring? :o) She later came back to my room to tell me to talk quieter - I love how she can hear a pin drop without hearing aids at 0400, but can't hear me talk across the table when she's wide awake & hearing aids in. Sigh. 


Anyhow, Jaco was on his way... Capetown to Johannesburg to Atlanta to Montego Bay. He was flying business class, so hopefully he'll catch a little rest on the plane & not be too wiped for work!


I went back to bed & fell asleep to the sounds of Mom printing, typing & clicking away in the next room. She was up & didn't want to go back to bed. Yes, I feel bad! They left about 1100 for their big road trip.


I left for town shortly thereafter. I had some running around to do & of course, the biopsy results at 1400. As I mentioned earlier, I waited 2.5 hours only to be told they didn't have the results back! $8.75 in parking... The poor fellow at the pay booth. He received all of my change! I am glad he didn't drop the parking 'arm' on my car as I exited!!


After I was set free with a week of wiggle room, I ran my errands, the usual, CNF, Costco, and then to prayers. It was a great night at prayers! Valentina was exceptionally charming & managed to gain the affection of everyone there! That's my girl! :o)


So there you have it! The exciting day that wasn't! Here's to a bigger & better tomorrow! Ha!


Love & hugs, 
Maria & Valentina
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Doesn't this room look like a fun place to hang out for 2.5 hrs?

I mean, who wouldn't want to chill out in this avocado green chair for half the day? It looks so comfy! I'm sure there's a massage button somewhere!

Even Valentina got bored!