Day 505 - At Sea

Lunch today was spent with the most traveled passengers. The loyalty program onboard arranges a luncheon for the 30 passengers who have sailed with Princess the highest number of days. At each table, one of the senior officers working onboard will dine with the passengers. Jaco invited me to go along, so I obliged.

I’ve been a few times previously & it’s always hit & miss as to whether or not you’ll find passengers who are easy to get along with. Or not. Thankfully the ones I sat next to were pleasant. There was one other lady at our table who actually works for Princess as a vendor in the shops. She was pretty excited.

Now, there is a VAST difference between British passengers & American passengers. British passengers are very polite & reserved. American passengers TEND to be a little louder & a little less reserved. This woman, being an employee, was NOT reserved at all. Oh my. It was a little awkward at times. I won’t go into too much detail, but needless to say, I think several of us were relieved when the luncheon was finished!

I visited with Jaco for a while in the cabin until he went to the office, at which point, I wandered up on deck to catch a little sun. It was quite breezy and a little cloudy. Several birds were flying around the ship. It was fantastic to lay back & read, watching the clouds roll by & birds soar overhead. When it started to cool off, I got up to come inside. I noticed a large mass of land off the port side. Apparently we were sailing between Dominican Republic & Puerto Rico. Cool.

Popping by the Medical Centre to see Jaco, I visited a bit with him before I headed to the cabin & got changed for the gym. Yes, today is day 3! I’m on a roll now! Another 18 days & I’ll have a new habit! Just in time to fly to South Africa & fall apart again! Argh! Here’s hoping I can stick with something when I get there!

I’ve thrown out the quinoa sprouts. My chart said they should be ready tonight, but compared to all the other sprouts, they reek. Yuck. I had to pitch them. I think next time, I’ll only sprout them one day and then eat them. If anyone has any insight, let me know! The rest of the sprouts are doing well!

For the evening’s entertainment, I phoned home & visited with Dad & Grandma B, as well as Jenn in Texas. I’ve been pretty ‘detached’ from home thus far. I typed a few blog posts & put some more tunes on the iPod, seeing as I’m a regular at the gym now… ha!

Tomorrow is Grand Turk. Another pin on the map!

Sleep well…xxxx Maria

 What a great day!

Love the clouds!

 Life at sea.

Streaks of light & land in the distance (I think it's Dominican Republic)

Day 450 - Packing & Talking & A Little Stressing

Hmpf. Well, as much as I had hoped to get done today amounted to about half that after I finished talking on the phone. Fair enough, I realize that I would get a lot more accomplished if I would just hush up & buckle down, but I have missed my girlfriends & family!

I managed to pack a few more boxes & get some laundry done… At least with the cold weather outside I don’t have to feel guilty about spending all this time inside!

Mom2 had asked me to stay over for the weekend, but I didn’t have any clothes with me that would be suitable for cold weather! I made a beeline for home when I could & promptly put on warm clothes & the space heater. Everyone in the house enjoys that ‘heat-dish’! I am certain Jaco & I will need to live in a warm climate. Otherwise, our heating/electrical bill is going to be high year round!

Stay warm!

xxxxMaria, Valentina, Oceana & Adios

Day 435 - Happy New Year

Well, after my marathon last night, I didn't go to sleep until 0400. I slept until 1330 this afternoon & woke up with a doozy of a headache. Probably from the chocolate overload from yesterday. I might as well have had that bottle of champagne! The hangover would've been the same!

I exercised the dogs - they are trotting at 2.5 mph 2x/day. Valentina has lost about 1.5 lbs & Oceana has lost about .75 lbs. I'm proud of them! If only I had the same discipline for myself!

I sorted through a few boxes - found 17 old polo shirts from my Princess Cruises days. I think I can start my own basketball/volleyball team! I also found my old high school jacket & my flight suit from the helicopter days! Even managed to find one of the button caps, well half of it, in my pocket! Who needs landing lights anyhow?! Ha ha!

I have talked myself out of paying for storage for the time being. Since I've been told I only have to the end of the month to get my stuff out of my Dad's place, I'm not really looking forward to going down there, when I only have a week between Cuba & Florida. We're going to try & visit Granny as well, so hopefully that will work out! In any case, the stuff that is left at Dad's, well, some of it is Granny's, some of it not. I don't think I want to pay $80+ per month to store the stuff when chances are high that Jaco & I will want different things for our home - when the day (finally!) comes. I've asked Dad to snap a few photos & email them to me so I can get a head's up on what is actually there.

I spent a large part of the day on the phone - SHOCKER! I called Jenn to talk blogs, Mom2 to talk travel, Trisha to talk, well, just to talk! She's called 5x & I haven't been getting the messages. We're up to speed now! Jaco called, Mom called... Busy day on the phone.

I also watched the latest of the Twilight series. I am not a patient person, so I wasn't happy when Eclipse ended leaving me in limbo. I googled for the Breaking Dawn plot & found out what happens. I won't spoil it, but I'm pretty disappointed. I guess the entire vampire 'thing' is whacky, but Breaking Dawn seems to push the envelope just a little too much. In any case, Eclipse ends with a big question mark.

I then proceeded to google Taylor, Rob & Kristen. I'm not too impressed with Kristen & Rob. Rob takes 'bed head' to a whole new level. Cute accent, but I like 'juicier' lips. And Taylor. Well, great name for starters, those muscles & that smile. And the little tyke is only 18. What a life he has! Did you know he's a martial arts expert? Anyhow... Looks like I can put the Twilight series to rest for the time being.

The dogs are passed out under the covers, the cat is sprawled out on top of the covers. I think I'll join all three of them... Tomorrow brings a bit more packing & sorting with it... Wish me luck on the purging of 'schtuff'! I'm going to need it!

xxxx Maria, Valentina, Oceana & Adios

Day 387 - Skype & Phone

After a late night of Skyping around the globe, I tried to sleep late. Although Jaco told me he would call around 9. I forgot to ask if that was 9 my time or 9 his time. So, I woke up with a start several times throughout the morning thinking that I'd missed his call. Nope. He meant 9 his time.

Luckily the dogs were content to sleep late with me. I guess they were tired from their big day of goodbyes yesterday too. I woke up late & found Jaco online. I called him right away & we had a chat for an hour or so before he had to board his plane & finally journey home. He'll arrive around 4 or 5 this morning - my time! The dogs were very cute when they heard his voice. They were looking on both sides of the laptop, unable to see his face on the screen. Poor things. They really miss him!

After I skyped with Jaco, I called Mom2 & we spoke for about 2.5 hrs. Yup. It was a long one! But we had a lot to talk about! We are going to our first raw food lesson next Sunday. I'm excited to learn!

I then realized that I had no water, so I boogied into town to buy another jug of water. The girls chased away the bulls from the car when we went outside. It was cute. 10-13 lbs chasing away gargantuan bulls with horns & hooves!

Once I was back inside, I skyped with Jenn in Texas. Harrison was still up! He made my day! 'Hello Aunty Jo!' 'Valentina!' 'Miss you Aunty Jo!' 'I love you Aunty Jo!' Be still my beating heart! What a little star that boy is. He's grown so much already! I can't believe it! I'm so grateful for Skype & beautiful friends! Jenn & I had a fabulous chat about life & all its splendour. I can't wait to visit them!

I phoned Dad after that & April answered. Apparently Dad & Jeff left for Texas for 10 days! If I had only known! I would have gone to see Jenn & the kids! Dad & Jeff are going to a cattle course of some sort, so hardly my cup of tea, however, it would have been fun to see Jenn!

Next up I called Collet. She is humming right along with her 2 boys. Zeke is growing like a weed & I can't wait to see him. She is so busy trucking all over the place, I'm not sure when I'll get my chance, but hopefully soon! I have intentions to visit & help her out. I'm not the best 'Mom', but I'll clean or something like that!

What a day! I'm doing my best to get caught up on the blog (again) & tomorrow is treatment again. Only three treatments left after this! Gosh! Can't they just give me one super dose & have it all done & dusted? That would be nice!

Oh! If you're a friend on Facebook, you'll see the photos already, but if you're not, I'll share my wigs & their 'personalities' with you - one by one - over the next couple of weeks. Let me know which ones you like the best! There's a special surprise at the end! I hope you like it!

Lekker slaap!
xxxxMV&O

Meet Julia!

Day 226 - Millennium Method - Module One

Today was a spectacular day! Mom & I went to Jessica's Millennium Method - Module One course. It's pretty much energetic healing for dummies! For those of us, who may or may not have intuition, well, we all have intuition, it's just some people's intuition hollers a bit louder than others! For those of us who have quiet intuition, this takes the guess work out of it! 


It's an amazing method that shows impeccable results. Next time you see me, ask me & I'll give you a little session! Or you can ask Mom, too! Or you can ask Jessica! :o) 


I saw quite a few familiar faces from the previous Yuen classes, so it was great to catch up with them. 


I had woke up with a horrible feeling this morning. I felt achy, feverish, nauseous, along with a great headache! I couldn't figure it out! Jessica later told me she'd corrected the group to release during the course. She did the correction about 0700, so I guess I was extra sensitive & started to 'dump' early! Lucky me! 


Mom & I went to Southcentre for lunch & let the dogs out for some exercise. They were both in the little kennel while we were in class, so they were happy to stretch their (short) legs! After the course, we stopped for groceries, but I was so exhausted I couldn't even muster up the energy to go inside! I slept the whole way home & went straight to bed as soon as I got in the door. I slept for about 3.5 hrs when I finally decided to get up & take some pills & have a bite to eat!


While I was up, Jaco called & we had a lovely visit. I told him of my health woes & a bit about the class. We talked about where to live & when to live there. Sometimes it's hard to carry on a conversation - something is missing & it just doesn't flow. Today was a good day & we talked easily for 2+hrs! Long distance is a challenge, but you learn to appreciate the times you have together! I do miss him!


Still tired, I went back to bed, but of course, the chatter in my mind was much louder than a dull roar. My goodness, I've got to find the mute button if I'm going to keep my sanity much longer. I have no idea when, but eventually I fell asleep, Valentina snoring by my side.


Sleep well my friends, 
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Ignore the copyright thing on the photo - Jessica gets full credit!

Oceana's meltdown while Mom left the truck to get groceries

Day 214 - Long Walks & Long Talks

Another beautiful day on the ranch. Mom's friend, Vivian, came out this afternoon & we all went for a walk. We walked all around the meadow, past the horses, past the yearlings, past the cows & calves & back home. It was a good 2 hours of exercise & fresh mountain air. It was really nice to get out & enjoy the scenery. It has been a long time since I've ventured out around the ranch. If you're ever bored, come on over for a stroll around the area... I'd love to have some company!


Vivian is quite the gal. She's house sat, nanny'ed & been a personal assistant all over the world. She's led quite the exciting life! She has a great sense of humour & is very quick-witted. When I asked her if she was coming to the Head Shaving Par-tay, her reply was, 'Well, yes, as long as you don't expect me to shave my head. I might shave my legs though.' It made me laugh!


The little dogs were pretty tuckered out by the time we got home from our walk. They had fun crossing creeks, jumping over logs, spotting cows & horses, and of course, the all-you-can-eat cow pie buffet that I did my best to interrupt! Gross! Bring on the dewormer & toothbrush! Back at the house, I came in to wash my hands & by the time I'd finished, they were both curled up & asleep in the dog bed! I guess those little legs do wear out!


Vivian entertained us with her Dean Martin & Elvis songs while Mom made supper. All went well until she asked me to watch the rice. I watched it alright. I watched it burn! I didn't turn it down when it boiled, so whoopsie! It was very much stuck to the bottom of the pot. What can I say? Mom told me I was fired. I actually felt happy about that!


While Mom & Vivian looked at photos, I answered a call from Nicole. We talked camera gear, travel, wigs & computer programs. After I hung up with Nicole, Ami called. I had been waiting to talk to her for days now! We happily chatted about England, USA, jobs, lifestyle, weather, friends, her 10K run she just completed & shaved 13 minutes off her time (!!!) & plenty of other issues. After Ami & I said goodbye, I called Roxy for a quick chat - which turned into an hour! When we said goodbye, I went out to check on the fire Mom & Vivian had going, but they'd just poured water over it! We were on our way in, when Jaco called! My goodness, my ears were a burnin' this evening! What a night! And what a day! 


All this fresh air & I am plenty ready for bed! Yes, it's a short post, but I'm running out of steam! Sleep well & here's to a great tomorrow!
xxxxx
Maria & Valentina

The ponies

The Ranch

Babbling brook

The girls

Poor Wiley Coyote didn't make the springtime.

The yearlings checking us out...

Don't fool yourself - it really is comfortable!

Meditation Chair

Mom's Meditation Chair in action

One of the springs on the ranch

Mom, as she summits Connop Glacier

Canada geese hangin' out with the cows

Pretty tree

Crossing the 'crik'

Tuckered out!

Snoring & tooting her way through the night!

Day 212 - Mehh.

Today was a strange day of sorts. I slept until 0930 or so when Oceana's yips woke me up. I had been tossing & turning & trying to squeeze in a few more zzz's. I was having a beautiful dream. Mmmm. Michael Buble. He wanted me to be a back up singer (Lord help his career!). It was completely life like & I even managed to wake up & fall back asleep & keep dreaming. He had a crush on me & introduced me to his parents & grandparents... What a fun dream! Of course, I googled him when I woke up & to my dismay, he's engaged. Oh well, I'm married anyhow... :o) He's coming to Calgary in August & I have every intention of taking Jaco. Yay! I saw him about 2.5 yrs ago with Mom & Mom2. We had the worst seats in the house & we still had a blast! If Mom2 had moved over one more seat, the spotlight would have hit her in the head! Good times! 


Anyhow, moving on with the day... Well, honestly, it really didn't progress into much. I spoke with a friend who has been through chemo & Hodgkin's & she did a lot of emotional/spiritual work along with her treatment. She's got an interesting take on things, so I'm planning on meeting some of her friends/mentors next week. She brought up a very interesting point. I have held the thought that I need to do some emotional 'work'. You know, get rid of all the yucky stuff I'm holding onto that might be keeping me in a less than healthy or negative place. She suggested that there isn't any work to do & that we are already perfect exactly as we are. I thought that was pretty clever! Yeah, why not? Why should I have to punish myself & make myself feel bad about having to do a bunch of work?! Why not just start each day as a fresh new day with none of the baggage from yesterday or yesteryear? I am going to adopt that mentality. It makes sense! Thank you Fawna! (http://www.fawnabews.com) 


I finished my chat with her & decided to stop in & see Joe at EVIC before I took the recycling away. As this is the long weekend, the centre & campgrounds are quite busy. The weather hasn't been too cooperative, as usual, so a lot of fair weather campers were heading back to the city. Apparently there is a fair bit of snow falling at Little Elbow, which is a stunning campground about 25 kms from EVIC.


When I returned from recycling I took the dogs for a walk to the highway & back. Then we played fetch in the yard. Oh man, Oceana was right wound up! She was ripping all over the place. With her antics & the squeaky toy, the poor horses had no clue what was going on. They were giving us some pretty strange looks!


We came inside & I started cleaning. Again. Man, this job never ends! I hung up some bathroom curtains, bedroom curtains & finally washed the new sheets from Ikea to put on the bed. Enthralling, I know! I sorted through a few papers on the desk & got the bankruptcy papers ready to burn for the Head Shaving par-tay... June 17th if you're around!


I booked my flight to Victoria to see Jaco & I am so excited to see him!!!! I'll spend a night with Ross & Krystle, a night with Karen & Werner & then visit Jaco for 4 days. Then it will be August before I see him again! Pooh! I spoke with one of the Fertility Nurses today & she said I could go, as long as I would be back in time for the ultrasound & blood work. Off I go!


So, as Michael Buble serenades me to sleep, I hope there's no snow on the ground tomorrow... Sweet dreams.


Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Looking out the kitchen window - the bull on the left was playing with the Christmas tree moments before!

I actually quite like this picture... Too bad it's on the point & shoot!

Adios intrigued by something!

Tweet Pea squeakin' away!

Sisters forever!

Well, at least until she steals my toy!

Day 185 - At Sea Again.

Today was pretty quiet, as far as excitement was concerned. I did my best to type a few blog entries & resize photos. I did a few loads of laundry & entertained the thought of going to the gym. I didn't end up going, but I entertained it! :o)


I spent a big chunk of the day trying to sort out Medical stuff. I am trying to phone Doctor's & hospitals from a Satellite phone. If you have any idea how frustrating this is... I don't have a number they can call me back on. It's $4.95/minute to call a satellite phone & no Doctor is going to do that. I offer my email address, but no Doctor likes to email. All I seem to get are answering machines. When I do finally get through, the Doctor isn't available. Oh, and the ship's phone automatically cuts me off if I'm on hold longer than a few minutes!!! ARGH!


I am wanting to book a lung function test to monitor my lungs throughout the chemo. I also want to book a heart function test to monitor my heart throughout the chemo. Lastly, I am desperately trying to get into the fertility clinic to 'preserve' my options.


Tonight, Jaco & I went to the medical centre after dinner. He had to check on a patient & I wanted to print something. I had left my dinner plate on the desk in the room. BIG MISTAKE. Jaco finished earlier than I & went to the cabin. He phoned me & asked me if I had given Valentina a chicken bone. NO! I most certainly hadn't. Oh dear. I asked what was left on the plate. He said a few shrimp tails & half a spring roll. Wow. She really outdid herself this time!  


The remnants on the plate meant that she had consumed, in 10 minutes or less:
1. One coconut chicken breast
2. One coconut chicken drumstick
3. One big dollop of sour cream
4. Mini pizza crusts


Her belly was so distended it wasn't even funny. She could barely jump up on the couch! They say everyone gains weight on their cruise. I guess she's no exception to the rule! I was surprised she ate it, as Jaco has cheese plates every night & often leaves the cheese. It will sit all night & all morning & she doesn't touch it. Mind you, I wouldn't want to touch blue cheese either! 


I also had a horrible migraine today. I actually got sick to my stomach with it! I haven't done that in about 4 years! I have no clue what brought it on, but it was a doozy! Thank goodness I wasn't ashore when it happened! Here's hoping it doesn't happen again!


Tomorrow we're in the Dominican Republic & I think she'll be VERY HAPPY if she's allowed ashore & able to find a nice grass patch!


With love & hugs & full bellies,
Maria, Jaco & Valentina
xxxxxoooooxxxxxooooo

Watching sports, approximately 10 minutes prior to the incident.

The remnants. 

Now that is a full belly!

She's so full, even her eyes are bulging!!! :o)

Day 159 - The Next Next Chapter

Back to where it all began. Well, the blog anyways! Yup, today Lil’ Miss V & I boarded a big ol’ aero-plane bound for San Diego.

I had a particularly crappy night’s sleep, probably because I was so worried about today’s flights & getting to the airport on time always stresses me out. (No just because I’m generally always late, but also because my luggage is usually too heavy & today I was flying on my own with Valentina.

My day started off with a call from Roxy. Then Collet. Then Granny. Then Jaco. Then Laura. I will certainly say, I am so sad to be saying goodbye to all my wonderful & dear friends. They have been there for me through thick & thin & I will be quite lonely without my daily calls to at least one of them! I know I will have Skype & Facebook for awhile & then email, but it’s just not the same. Don’t kid yourself, today saw a lot of tears fall from my eyes!

Mom took me to the airport & we also had a teary goodbye. We’ve had a rocky few months, but I’m happy to say that we parted on proper Mother/Daughter terms & not disgruntled roommate terms! :o)

Security was a nightmare. The queue was ridiculously long & they didn’t even have enough bins to put your stuff in! I put my shoes, belt, jacket, (1/2 my clothing) in one bin, with my liquids. My laptop in one bin & then I had my carryon case, purse & of course, Valentina’s carrier. Apparently one person can’t have 5 ‘scans’, so they made me chuff the bag full of Valentina’s food & treats into my existing luggage. They swabbed ALL of my bags & clothing & even made me put my hands in my pockets & swabbed them! Thank the Good Lord I didn’t have to do the full body scan! It was there, but I didn’t notice anyone in it.

Getting on the plane was just as bad. I had just bought a tea from Starbucks when the started boarding. Having my hands full, I awkwardly made my way down the passage. When I approached the plane, the ‘friendly’ stewardess tells me I can’t bring my carry on case onto the plane. Yeah, right. It’s the one that has my laptop, hard drives & cameras in it. Like I’m going to let those out of my sight! Thank goodness I’d used my bowling bag of a purse, so I could fit my cameras in it & I just carried my laptop onboard.

I sat next to a beautiful Mom from California. She had her 3 month old son with her & we chit chatted our way through most of the flight. Her Grandma stays in the same Assisted Living Home my Granny used to live in! Her little guy had the cutest dimples & was all smiles until we started to descend. With half an hour to go, he got quite fussy, understandably so, and I started a game of peek-a-boo with the in-air shopping magazine. When peek-a-boo didn’t cut it any longer, I tore a page out of the magazine & crinkled it. MAGIC!! He was completely enthralled! It sounded just like those little crinkle book toys you get for babies, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ I went through about 5 pages – they lose their crinkliness after awhile – so sadly, if anyone wants to order the ‘Caveman/Yeti’ for their garden or the hair growth powder, I’m afraid I’ve ruined their chances! The little fellow fell asleep shortly before we landed.

After a brief wait in the San Francisco airport, they announced it was boarding time. I had my luggage prepared like they had asked me to on the previous flight, so when I fumbled my way up to the attendant checking us in, he took one look at me & said 'You're going to have to check one of those bags. You've got 4 bags & you're only allowed 2. You'll have to put a 3rd one inside one of the other bags.'


I looked at him in disbelief. 'You're kidding me, right? This is what they made me do on the last flight & it was fine. One bag is my carry-on, which is too big, so I put it a la carte & take out my camera gear & laptop. Another bag is my purse & the third bag is my dog's carrier.'


He considered the LIVE ANIMAL a bag. Are you kidding me? After I notify the airline & no one tells me this will count towards my carry-on total... I don't think so! I was furious! I rammed my laptop into my purse & asked if he was happy. I was so frustrated getting on that plane! Then, to my surprise, I see these HUGE overhead bins! I could have left everything as it was & been fine! I really wish these airlines would get their act together. And Mr. Jeremy Smith should be a little more helpful when it comes to his paying customers! Yes, United Airlines will be getting an email from me!


I sat next to a Swedish Pole Vaulter. What? You haven't met a Swedish Pole Vaulter before? You need to get out more! Ha ha. I thought this was about the most random combination I could have possibly met! He was a sweet young chap, on his way to San Diego for 5 weeks of training. 


I was met by Alexandra, who turned out to be Dr. Castillo's daughter! I was tickled pink when I saw the sign reading:
'JILL & VALENTINA'


Awh! How cute! They even included Valentina in the welcome sign! Alexandra drove us to the hotel & helped with the luggage. On our drive there, I asked what she did. It turns out she is a Psychologist & she helps people with addictions, eating disorders, and hey! Did I ever have some questions for her! She helped me understand the reasons behind my 'closet eating' & well, I just love it when things like that happen! Little serendipity moments make life beautiful!


Exhausted, I crashed at about 0200. Morning is going to come early! Sleep well & see you in Tijuana!


xxxxx
Maria & Valentina

Tweet Pea & Nonna enjoying a ride in NeverLate

Nonna says goodbye to Valentina

Last minute stuffing before we leave Canada!

The Gorgeous Alexandra who fetched us at the airport