Day 470 - Late Cab & No Dessert = Cranky Me.

This morning was another morning of goodbyes. It’s down to the last week & this time next week, I’ll be the one rushing around getting in the last hugs & collecting addresses from the wonderful people I’ve met so far.

I decided to take the chance & go to the mall with the shuttle. There is a Whole Foods nearby & I wanted to get as many of the organic spices & ingredients as I could to take with me to the ship. Gurunam was kind enough to drop me off at Whole Foods after leaving the rest of the group at the Mall.

I managed to spend enough time at Whole Foods that we finished at the same time & she took me to the mall! I found some soap for Jaco & I hope he’ll be pleased with it. He had a favourite licorice kind in Canada, but the factory burned down. Hopefully this will suffice! I found all the spices I wanted except for the chipotle. I’m hoping to find it back home. I do love Whole Foods! That place rocks!

I did buy one bad thing. Raw truffles. Cacao & agave. They were divine. They melted in my mouth. Wow. Don’t tell. They were so good.

I managed to find a Valentine’s Day present for Jaco at the mall. It was some sort of menswear from Cuba – or something like that. A lot of linen fabrics & really classy dress shirts, linen pants, etc, etc. I think he’ll look incredible in the outfit I chose for him! It was also ½ price! Bargain! I also stopped by Victoria’s Secret & found one other present for Jaco/Me for Valentine’s Day.  And that’s where that story ends!

After I had circled the Mall, I decided it was time to head back. I knew I could take the local bus, but since it was getting dark, I didn’t want to take a chance walking the road to Hippocrates from the main road, so I opted for a cab. I had the Customer Service desk call one for me. I asked them to call a cab at 1810. I couldn’t see any out front, but I stood outside & waited nonetheless. Tonight was dessert night at Hippocrates & I didn’t want to miss it, seeing as I’d missed it last week. Supper was from 1730-1900 & dessert was served at 1900. At 1850 I called & asked them to save me a plate of food, as I was STILL waiting for the cab. At 1915 the cab driver finally showed up. I was furious. How could it possibly take THAT long to drive to a shopping mall?!? And to make matters worse, he took some backwoods route to HHI & expected me to pay him more! I told him he had to give me some sort of a discount for taking FOREVER to pick me up. I think he knocked off $4 or something. It should have been free, I tell you what!!!

And to top it off, there was no dessert left. Good thing I snuck in those truffles! Gurunam, bless her heart, shared some of her ice cream with me. It was only a few spoonfuls, but it was delicious! I was very grateful!

John gave me a ride home, as I had a few bags to carry & it was raining off & on. I was very thankful that he did! I mentioned that I hadn’t made it to the beach & it didn’t look like I would, seeing as the rest of the days were busy. He kindly offered to take me on his day off! I was flattered that he would do such a thing! So, it looks like my time in WPB will be complete! I can’t wait! We made arrangements to go on Monday afternoon. I didn’t have a lot happening that day, so it would work well for both of us! Yay!

On that note, I’m dipping into the sauna for my usual sweat. Sweet dreams & see you tomorrow!

xxxxMaria

Eagle with wheatgrass. I didn't notice the wheatgrass in his talons until today. Whoops.

Day 168 - Happy Birthday To Me!

Yup, today is my 31st birthday. Looking back on the day, it really wasn't that much fun, so I'm going to celebrate it tomorrow!


I wasn't even the last one on the list today at the clinic, so I figured I would be able to get away in good time for Valentina's Vet appointment. Today she was getting her International Health Certificate in order to travel abroad. The appointment was at 1520 downtown. 


They called me in for my treatment before anyone had really finished up & no sooner had I sat down when Emily, Mika, Karla, Rossy, Nora & Maria came out with a couple of mini cakes & a candle on each one. They sang happy birthday to myself & to Jack, another patient. Yes, Jack & Jill had their birthday's on the same day! Oh the irony! I was very touched that they girls were so thoughtful!


I was finished in good time & managed to hop on the first shuttle. Oh dear. Today was also a ridiculously slow day at the border. We waited & waited & waited & waited. By the time we made it through & back to the hotel, I knew I would have to hustle my butt! To my surprise I had a dozen beautiful pink roses in my room! What a great Mom I have! The card read: 'I wish I will there. Love Mom'. Oh how I love a good English to Spanish translation. Mom said it took nearly 10 minutes to try & spell out what she wanted the card to read! And the girl still goofed it up! Oh well. My room smelled delicious! Speaking of delicious, I had to get some food in my belly, Valentina's papers organized & get out the door to catch the bus. I left the room at 1430.


I swear, I must have just missed the bus, as I waited a good 20 minutes for the bus. By the time I got on to the trolley, I had 10 minutes to make it 11 stops! Not happening!


I decided to head up to Whole Foods after the Vet appointment, as I was low on groceries & didn't want to come all this way & go home empty handed. I had taken my carry-on suitcase & placed it underneath Valentina's carrier, so lil' Miss V was riding the double decker bus today! 


We didn't really fit on the trolley benches, so I decided I would stand at the back close to the doors & stay out of the other travelers way. There I was, leaning against the wall, my double decker bus at my feet, when along comes this 'lady'. She plops herself down on the trolley floor next to my feet. She stretches out her legs, so every stop we make, people walk up the stairs & have to navigate over her legs. Eventually she sits cross legged. Why she sat there I will never know. There were plenty of empty seats in the trolley car. Pretty soon, she's rocking back & forth, banging her head against the wall. She's suddenly scratching her head & shaking her hands in the air. She's talking jibberish with plenty of profanity thrown in the mix. Oh please let this trolley ride end soon! Please let it be over! 


Thankfully we were finally at Park & Market & I was able to hop off & away from the scary situation. I scooted one block over to the Market Street Veterinary Clinic where Dr. Dorian was hopefully still waiting to see Valentina! Thankfully I was still able to squeeze in! I weighed my little girl while I waited. She was 10.2 lbs. I asked the Vet if she was overweight & he said she could lose just a touch, as she lacks some definition from her ribcage to her lower back. You know what they say, 'Dogs are like their owners'! And this owner lacks alotta definition! :o) Sadly & certainly more seriously, I've been told that dogs will often take on the health issues of their owners. I've noticed Valentina's lymph nodes before, but didn't think anything of it. I asked the Vet & sure enough, he did say they were a little larger than normal, but not to panic just yet. OMGosh. I would surely live the day in horror if I were to pass my Lymph problems on to my dog!


Otherwise, she was fit as a fiddle. He said she was very clever, although I'm sure he says that to all the dogs & their owners that come through! :o) But this time he's right! :o) We received our International Health Certificate, settled the bill & were on our way. The Vet Clinic was a great experience - wonderful staff & helpful. They also took the time to answer all of my questions. Two thumbs up & a big dog biscuit for Dr. Dorian & co.! 


It was back on the trolley & then onto the bus. This time I had 3 creepy men scoping me out. Eeew. I sat next to one of them, as it was the only seat I could manage the double decker. I just don't get people who don't get the concept of personal space. Your bum & thighs should rest in your seat, not 1.5 seats & certainly not my seat! Stop touching my leg with your leg. I swear, I'm going to have OCD issues & need to shower after every public outing. I was very happy to get off of that bus!


As soon as I got to Whole Foods, I bee-lined it for the bathroom. I kid you not. I waited a good 10 minutes for their Unisex bathroom to open up. When it did, this 'dude' steps out with his to go mug & a book under his arm. Are you kidding me? You're lounging in a public bathroom? More gross & more OCD issues.


I make my way around the best store ever (well, maybe 3rd best after Lululemon & Le Fate Scalze shoe shop in Napoli, Italia) & find all the wonderful healthy foods I know I should be eating! To my horror, the supplements I planned on picking up are not here! Oh no!!!! I am hoping that Henry's will carry some of them, as I am nearly out of several important ones! Argh! The ones they do have are different brands, dosages & who knows about the quality!


After checkout, I've got a suitcase that weighs a ton, a dog bag, a purse, and 2 brown bags of groceries. This is going to be fun! I fumbled my way over to Kiki Sushi again for my birthday dinner. Danny & Calvin were there & they remembered me. We had a great visit while I stuffed my face full of scrumptious sushi!


I caught the bus & no sooner had I sat down when another 'weirdo' starts asking me questions about my Whole Foods bag. 'What's so special about that place?' I tell him about the healthier options in the shop. It goes in one ear & out the other. He rambles on about his big casino winnings & how so & so took money from him & paid him with his own money & it all just went in my one ear & out the other! :o) He then wound back to the health food thing & proceeds to tell me, 'Oh well, we're all dying anyhow, so what's the use?' I retorted & said, 'Some of us are dying sooner than we'd like to & we're trying to make a change'. I was so happy that my bus stop was up & I could get off... I lug my heavy bags off the bus & once I'm rolling down the street, I catch my self muttering 'uglies' toward Mr. Unhealthy. Then I realize that I'm the only one on the street & I'm talking to myself... Not much better than the lady on the trolley. Yeesh. I'm becoming one of them! 


I make my way home & finally get back to the hotel about 2100. I'm wiped. What a day. And this was my birthday? I don't think so! I'm taking a raincheck & celebrating tomorrow! 


I unpack my groceries & get ready for bed. I'm looking forward to a more exciting day tomorrow! 


Love & hugs,
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Emily, Rossy, Nora, Mika & Maria serenading me with 'Happy Birthday'

Nora, Rossy & Maria

Maria, Karla & Rossy

Jack & Jill's birthday!

It feels so good to get flowers!

Was - Was - Was

The helpful girls at Market Street Vet Clinic

She looks pretty happy about her weight. Guess it runs in the family! :o)

University Ave

Day 161 - Is It April Already?!

Seriously? Where does the time go? I can't believe it's already April! Today there were a lot of goodbyes. Was it something I said? :o) 


I was the last one on the list to be called in for treatment, so needless to say, I didn't make the first shuttle back. Aaron, the lad from Dawson Creek, offered to take me to Whole Foods before he left for Yuma, however, it took so long to get through customs, he had to leave as soon as we got back. I decided to venture out on the public transit system & find my way to Whole Foods. 


I had been given directions the previous time I was here, but never went on my own. It took one hour to get there. I took a bus, the trolley, a bus, another bus & then walked a couple blocks. I spent about one hour in the most glorious health food store. EVER. I was excited to go home & eat! 


I stopped at Kiki Sushi across the street for some dinner & it was delish! The 2 sushi chefs were quite entertaining & made my visit an enjoyable one. Danny, Calvin, Andy, Julianna & Gabriel. My sushi chefs were Vietnamese & Chinese. Shows you how much I know about sushi!


After I finished my meal, it was a walk, a bus, another bus, the trolley & another bus.  I stopped off mid-trolley at the pet shop & they were just closing. I wanted to ask about a hard sided kennel for Valentina's cargo flight. :o( (!!!!) While I was talking to the clerk, a gentleman taps me on the shoulder & says, 'Hey! How are you!? It's been ages since I've seen you! How've you been?' I have NO IDEA who the guy is & I reluctantly say, 'I'm good. Nice to see you too...' Does he have any clue that I'm from another country & he MOST CERTAINLY hasn't seen me before??!! Crazy!


Then there's the P. Diddy wannabe I sat beside in the front of the bus on the way there. The 2 old guys sitting in front of me were telling me what bus to take to get where, when P. Diddy turns to me & says, 'What kind of perfume are you wearing? It smells like Diamond Pearl.' I smile & tell him it's Lolita Lempicka. He has no clue what I'm talking about. One of the old guys rolls his eyes & I just smile. Oh the joys of public transport.


I think I put my back out of whack when I lifted my suitcase onto the bed to unload the groceries from it. Yes, I shopped with my carry-on suitcase. Yes, the guys at Whole Foods commented on never having 'bagged' a suitcase before. Anyhow, here's hoping my back is back in action tomorrow! 


Have a great sleep & see you tomorrow!!! xxxx
Maria & Valentina

The girls getting gifts from the leavers

Aaron is really tall & Emily is a little short

Harvey's Brother & Sister in Law

My beloved Whole Foods!

Danny & Calvin whippin' up a storm

Yummy Sushi!

Waiting for the bus. There's a really raunchy XXX store across the street. I blushed just looking at the window displays!

Beautiful palm trees!