Since we are currently on the road at the moment we have created a new blog about the journey and that is where I will be most days pondering travel, life and, as usual, the all encompassing "what am I doing with my life?". I will continue to post here but definitely less often while we are on the road.
You can find me at Joydrive.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
life's unfair
How do Mexicans work all day, party until 2am and still looked refreshed and ready for work the next day? While I look ragged and puffy eyed after only 2 days of late nights...oh yeah and I am not even working. BAH!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Spanglish
My brain is on overdrive at the moment...I am thinking half in Spanish and half in English which is affecting my ability to put together full sentences in either language. But I am happy to report that Spanish immersion was pretty good and finally somethings are starting to click. We still need to (and plan to) study more but it was a great introduction. At the moment we are in Mexico City and I am enjoying being back in a big city...in fact we have only been here 6 hours and I am already thinking we should stay here longer.....
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
outside comfort zone
I have just registered us in a two week Spanish immersion course. This entails 5 hours a days of full-on Spanish, optional afternoon activities (in Spanish of course) and staying with a host family which is..yup...only in Spanish.
Are we terrified? Absolutely but in a very good way.
Are we terrified? Absolutely but in a very good way.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Broken wrists and small towns
Mazatlan was a real treat...good weather, friendly people and a whole lot cheaper than the Baja.
We did a little surfing though the locals are pretty territorial and since I am still new to it I would rather not deal with cocky guys who are going to take every wave anyway. We ate delicious food everywhere...including my new favourite drink "limonada con pepino" which is lemonade with cucumber. So amazingly good I think I drank about 5 in four days...hmmmmm! And the highlight of craziness was fishing with Jim, the owner of our bed and breakfast.
We rolled out of the dock at about 7:15am in one teeny boat and proceeded to fish for bait fish, in which yours truly caught a few, and then we headed out for his first marker in search of dorado. I am all for fishing but this guy was seriously SERIOUS about fishing. Once T hooked a fish it was all on...T's pulling the fish in, Jim is screaming at him not to let go and to take his time and I am thinking that I might get rocked of the boat. T did pull in a big dorado and then Jim hooked it through the head with the gaff....this is exactly why if I had to catch, kill and clean my own meat products I would so be a vegetarian. Anyway I was game to try so I too ended up hooking a 12 pound dorado and dang! those things are so strong. I was sure I was going to get sent over the side of the boat, it actually felt like my wrists could have snapped off. T decided it would be funny to tape so we had a small movie of my trying to pull the fish up while singing out a stream of expletives. Charming. I will be dubbing over them. Anyway T helped me out and laughing at me and we managed to get it into the cooler. It was pretty fun but five hours later I was wondering if I would actually have to pee off the side of the boat or in the bucket Jim nicely told me about. Fortunately we headed back and since I had purposely not had much water I made it to shore! YAY! No peeing off the boat for me.
So we left Mazatlan after eating our dorado with mango salsa and now we are currently hanging out in a great little town called Sayulita which is a thirty minute drive north of Puerto Vallarta. We ended up here based on a conversation we had the night before we left Mazatlan and we thought we should check it out. It is awesome! Good waves for beginners, good waves for real surfers and a really great town. It might be on the first places we have been in Mexico where the gringos and the Mexicans have a really great relationship. Apparently it was founded by both Mexicans and foreigners so perhaps that is why everyone gets along so well. Either way it is always a pleasure to be in a place where everyone will smile and wave hello to you.
We did a little surfing though the locals are pretty territorial and since I am still new to it I would rather not deal with cocky guys who are going to take every wave anyway. We ate delicious food everywhere...including my new favourite drink "limonada con pepino" which is lemonade with cucumber. So amazingly good I think I drank about 5 in four days...hmmmmm! And the highlight of craziness was fishing with Jim, the owner of our bed and breakfast.
We rolled out of the dock at about 7:15am in one teeny boat and proceeded to fish for bait fish, in which yours truly caught a few, and then we headed out for his first marker in search of dorado. I am all for fishing but this guy was seriously SERIOUS about fishing. Once T hooked a fish it was all on...T's pulling the fish in, Jim is screaming at him not to let go and to take his time and I am thinking that I might get rocked of the boat. T did pull in a big dorado and then Jim hooked it through the head with the gaff....this is exactly why if I had to catch, kill and clean my own meat products I would so be a vegetarian. Anyway I was game to try so I too ended up hooking a 12 pound dorado and dang! those things are so strong. I was sure I was going to get sent over the side of the boat, it actually felt like my wrists could have snapped off. T decided it would be funny to tape so we had a small movie of my trying to pull the fish up while singing out a stream of expletives. Charming. I will be dubbing over them. Anyway T helped me out and laughing at me and we managed to get it into the cooler. It was pretty fun but five hours later I was wondering if I would actually have to pee off the side of the boat or in the bucket Jim nicely told me about. Fortunately we headed back and since I had purposely not had much water I made it to shore! YAY! No peeing off the boat for me.
So we left Mazatlan after eating our dorado with mango salsa and now we are currently hanging out in a great little town called Sayulita which is a thirty minute drive north of Puerto Vallarta. We ended up here based on a conversation we had the night before we left Mazatlan and we thought we should check it out. It is awesome! Good waves for beginners, good waves for real surfers and a really great town. It might be on the first places we have been in Mexico where the gringos and the Mexicans have a really great relationship. Apparently it was founded by both Mexicans and foreigners so perhaps that is why everyone gets along so well. Either way it is always a pleasure to be in a place where everyone will smile and wave hello to you.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
So here we are...
Finally after months of work we are on our way...
After we finished up work in Todos Santos, we headed to Cabo for a bit of relaxing and luxury. We also ran a few errands to finish up our work contract so that we didn't have anything else to worry about while on the road. After two hours at the Office Depot in Cabo and a trip to UPS we sent off the final design package and ready to chill out...but of course that is not always how things work out.
Turns out T's visa was coming close to expiring and we figured that it wouldn't be a hassle to extend it. Well, it wasn't. Basically they told T he either had to leave the country and come back in or he could apply for his FM3 which is sort of like an annual renewable permanent residency, they told us to get the papers and to come back the following day. So we printed bank statements, got a friend's Mexican address as well as borrowing a bill of theirs, had the lady at our B&B print us out a letter in Spanish and then returned to immigration only to get another officer who proceeded to yell at us about why we couldn't extend our visa. We told him we understood (although I was more than ready to yell back) and that we'd apply for the FM3. He sent us to the Banjercito (the government bank) to pay the fees. Once all paid up we were back at immigration (again!) Since I was feeling feisty we decided it was best if T went up to immigration alone and I sat quietly reading my book. Playing the docile wife role I waited and steamed in the back of immigration until I saw T motioning for me to come up. Apprehensively I wandered up concerned that they would want to see all my papers too. I was stunned to see the same immigration official smiling and telling T that "there is another way". He sent us back to the bank to chance our fee payment and then issued Tom another 180 day tourist permit. No FM3...no leaving the country and most importantly no bribe. It was weird. We have no clue why they chose to help us but we are so happy that they did.
Then to make our last week in the Baja even better the small B&B we stayed in lowered our nightly rate from $100 to $65. Again, we are not too sure why they chose to do so but we were super pleased with that little gift as well.
We caught the ferry from Pichilingue which is about 24km outside of La Paz two nights ago and this is where things became rather trying. For some crazy reason the ferry leaves at 2am but you need to be there about two hours before. So T and I get there, pass through customs and then wait. We waited so long we both fell asleep in the car. Then we loaded the car on board but it is not a ferry where you drive in and drive straight off, there is only one entrance. So every vehicle, including semis, have to drive in and then reverse into their spot. It was chaos...but we managed to get the car in just fine and then we happily made our way to the cabins only to find a 45 minute lineup full of people waiting to get to there cabins. We finally arrived at our cabin at about 3:45am and managed to sleep through the stupid kids next to us pounding on the walls. After hours of restless sleep and line-ups we were so happy to get off that boat.
So now we are exploring Mazatlan and melting all at the same time. It is so hot that you sweat the minute you step outside...but at least we are not on a ferry.
After we finished up work in Todos Santos, we headed to Cabo for a bit of relaxing and luxury. We also ran a few errands to finish up our work contract so that we didn't have anything else to worry about while on the road. After two hours at the Office Depot in Cabo and a trip to UPS we sent off the final design package and ready to chill out...but of course that is not always how things work out.
Turns out T's visa was coming close to expiring and we figured that it wouldn't be a hassle to extend it. Well, it wasn't. Basically they told T he either had to leave the country and come back in or he could apply for his FM3 which is sort of like an annual renewable permanent residency, they told us to get the papers and to come back the following day. So we printed bank statements, got a friend's Mexican address as well as borrowing a bill of theirs, had the lady at our B&B print us out a letter in Spanish and then returned to immigration only to get another officer who proceeded to yell at us about why we couldn't extend our visa. We told him we understood (although I was more than ready to yell back) and that we'd apply for the FM3. He sent us to the Banjercito (the government bank) to pay the fees. Once all paid up we were back at immigration (again!) Since I was feeling feisty we decided it was best if T went up to immigration alone and I sat quietly reading my book. Playing the docile wife role I waited and steamed in the back of immigration until I saw T motioning for me to come up. Apprehensively I wandered up concerned that they would want to see all my papers too. I was stunned to see the same immigration official smiling and telling T that "there is another way". He sent us back to the bank to chance our fee payment and then issued Tom another 180 day tourist permit. No FM3...no leaving the country and most importantly no bribe. It was weird. We have no clue why they chose to help us but we are so happy that they did.
Then to make our last week in the Baja even better the small B&B we stayed in lowered our nightly rate from $100 to $65. Again, we are not too sure why they chose to do so but we were super pleased with that little gift as well.
We caught the ferry from Pichilingue which is about 24km outside of La Paz two nights ago and this is where things became rather trying. For some crazy reason the ferry leaves at 2am but you need to be there about two hours before. So T and I get there, pass through customs and then wait. We waited so long we both fell asleep in the car. Then we loaded the car on board but it is not a ferry where you drive in and drive straight off, there is only one entrance. So every vehicle, including semis, have to drive in and then reverse into their spot. It was chaos...but we managed to get the car in just fine and then we happily made our way to the cabins only to find a 45 minute lineup full of people waiting to get to there cabins. We finally arrived at our cabin at about 3:45am and managed to sleep through the stupid kids next to us pounding on the walls. After hours of restless sleep and line-ups we were so happy to get off that boat.
So now we are exploring Mazatlan and melting all at the same time. It is so hot that you sweat the minute you step outside...but at least we are not on a ferry.
Friday, July 25, 2008
it is only proper
Don't you agree that if J. Crew has a dress that includes your name, for example "the Sarah dress", they should send you a free one just because said dress and you share a name?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Clarity
I feel like I am starting to come out of the cobwebs that surrounded me the past few years. The stress of needing to get a job kind of clouded my mind. Instead of learning more about what I wanted to do I freaked myself out and took any job that was offered as I did not think I would find anything else. The pressure to make something of myself pushed what I'd like to be doing career-wise to the back of my mind and this vicious cycle kept my head thick with worries, anxiety, pressure, and indecisiveness.
But now, I feel like this so-called fog is lifting. I have a clearer idea of where I am, what I want and what I have to offer. Not really an epiphany but more of a realization deep within that if this is the only life I have then I need to be sure I do what makes me feel good.
And being creative is it. If I can make things then I am content. And even better...I know where the creativeness lies---it lies in writing, colour, design, fabrics, patterns, knitting, sewing, fashion and handmade goods. And weirdly enough the internet has really made me the see the potential to do all these things and make a living at it.
I really owe T on this one. His patience of teaching me how to use Indesign and Illustrator these past few months have opened up an area where I feel like I "get" it. I like colour and I like taking a few pieces and making them fit together in a visually appealing way. It is immensely challenging and I am not sure if exhibit design is for me but the graphic element definitely is. But T's support and underlying belief in me is indescribable...I am so lucky to have a partner that not only sees my talents when I cannot he refuses to let me hide from them.
For the first time in ages I feel inspired. I want to draw again...I pretty much stopped drawing years ago. And I want to dance again... just because I love to move and I forgot that...I forgot the joy. Next time we are anywhere for a bit of time dance classes are on the top of the list.
Things just seem to be moving in the right direction these days...and I am glad for it.
But now, I feel like this so-called fog is lifting. I have a clearer idea of where I am, what I want and what I have to offer. Not really an epiphany but more of a realization deep within that if this is the only life I have then I need to be sure I do what makes me feel good.
And being creative is it. If I can make things then I am content. And even better...I know where the creativeness lies---it lies in writing, colour, design, fabrics, patterns, knitting, sewing, fashion and handmade goods. And weirdly enough the internet has really made me the see the potential to do all these things and make a living at it.
I really owe T on this one. His patience of teaching me how to use Indesign and Illustrator these past few months have opened up an area where I feel like I "get" it. I like colour and I like taking a few pieces and making them fit together in a visually appealing way. It is immensely challenging and I am not sure if exhibit design is for me but the graphic element definitely is. But T's support and underlying belief in me is indescribable...I am so lucky to have a partner that not only sees my talents when I cannot he refuses to let me hide from them.
For the first time in ages I feel inspired. I want to draw again...I pretty much stopped drawing years ago. And I want to dance again... just because I love to move and I forgot that...I forgot the joy. Next time we are anywhere for a bit of time dance classes are on the top of the list.
Things just seem to be moving in the right direction these days...and I am glad for it.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
sleep deprivation
It's midnight and I am still awake...only a few more days and this project is finito. I literally cannot wait...I might have to perform a happy dance once it is done or, alternatively, I'll on a beach in Cabo happily slurping on alcoholic beverages with little umbrellas in them while lying on a massage table. Umm yup, I'll take the latter thanks.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
smile
Just when you think the world is a difficult place someone goes and changes your view and puts a smile on thousands of faces.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Blanket Numero Uno
Since many of our friends are pregnant I have been putting my knitting skills to the test. I completed this blanket a few weeks ago but had to wait for it to be delivered so I could post it up. Canada Post (who continue to charge unseemly rates) notified me it has arrived so I really hope it has....otherwise SURPRISE! You know who you are and this is coming for the new addition!
The pattern is from Stitch and Bitch entitled "Big Bad Baby Blanket"....this is the first time I actually figured out the gauge (with Karen's help) and made the pattern fit the wool of my choice. There were a few hairy moments but overall I love how it turned out. In fact I think that I might need to make one for myself....but I am going to settle for using the remainder of the wool to make a toque for moi!
The pattern is from Stitch and Bitch entitled "Big Bad Baby Blanket"....this is the first time I actually figured out the gauge (with Karen's help) and made the pattern fit the wool of my choice. There were a few hairy moments but overall I love how it turned out. In fact I think that I might need to make one for myself....but I am going to settle for using the remainder of the wool to make a toque for moi!
Monday, June 16, 2008
a two week review
Ok since work has taken over my life as I want to get this project done, blogging has fallen to the end of the priority list so for a catch up this what has been going on (don't hate me for a lame catch-up post)
- work
- flew home to attend my little brother's (who is 6'3) highschool graduation ceremonies
- surprised my entire family except THE DAD who graciously picked me up from the airport
- was shocked by the girl's choice of grad dresses (when did skanky become the new black?)
- laughed as my brother partied all weekend long and did not suffer from a hangover once
- danced with my whole family at said graduation party
- ate a pound of candy with my little sis
- met my new cousin (ok second cousin) who is absolutely adorable
- ran about six million errands in 5 days
- tried to meet up with friends
- ran out of time so had to apologize to friends (good thing they are are travelers and understand how time fills up when you arrive home for a visit)
- switched out travel attire while fighting with all our humongous tubs of clothes that are crammed into the closet in my parent's basement
- drove in crappy traffic complete with crappy Calgary weather
- paid an exorbitant amount of postage to send a package to NZ and one to Oz (Canada Post what gives?)
- saw Sex and the City---overall rating mediocre
- enjoyed a few baths...so delicious. Mexicans don't seem to into the whole bath notion so I was pretty darn excited to get in the tub at home
- Checked out my little sister's first apartment--very nice indeed
- Got our International Driver's Permits so we are legal to drive all over Central and South America!!!
- got back on the plane and am back in Mexico working like a demon to get the work project done
Saturday, June 14, 2008
That's right
Perhaps an explanation is in order for yesterday's lame post. First off believe me, I do not think I have it bad in the slightest....I just usually feel like I never have enough time to do all the things I'd like to, AND I am notorious for taking on too much stuff (just like my Dad---genetics can do weird things). So, I generally feel like I am always trying to catch up. It is a pretty crappy way to feel and an even worse way to live. And on top of that I am always worrying that I am screwing up all the time...like I won't get the job, then I do, then I am no good, then I am going to get fired....before any of this ever happens I have made myself think it will and we all know the power of thought.
So I have decided (or shall we say I am working on it) to let go of things...to stop worrying what other people think and to just decide that it will work out. Why? Because I say so MUAH HA HA! Ok I know that my "caring what others think" issue or my worrying isn't going to go away that easily but I am sure that I can correct this little niggling voice in my head bit by bit. And perhaps I will adopt the "if you don't like it then leave" attitude...yup, you heard me right BEEEOTCH!
So I have decided (or shall we say I am working on it) to let go of things...to stop worrying what other people think and to just decide that it will work out. Why? Because I say so MUAH HA HA! Ok I know that my "caring what others think" issue or my worrying isn't going to go away that easily but I am sure that I can correct this little niggling voice in my head bit by bit. And perhaps I will adopt the "if you don't like it then leave" attitude...yup, you heard me right BEEEOTCH!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Running
Truly that is what I feel like... just running to catch up all the time. I will be so glad to slow down soon and have more time to write again. I know how lame.
Oh yeah Crocs is being sued.
Oh yeah Crocs is being sued.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Crocs = me trying to not to stare in disgust
Since when did wearing heinous, heavy-duty PLASTIC footwear become fashionable? My eyes are bleeding aaaahhhhhh...the pain.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The world will be my oyster
I am constantly in a battle with myself these days. It is the confident part versus the insecure part and at the moment insecure is kicking some serious ass. I don't know why, in my later twenties, I feel more lost than ever before. I am continually questioning my choices and abilities and envy those who seem to go ahead and 'jump in' knowing they will succeed. I have no idea where my self-doubting ways have come from but I need to stop, re-evaluate what I really think about me and start thinking in a more positive way. Geez I sound so lame. But it really has come to a bit of a breaking point...either I start thinking positively or I might just end up somewhere I don't want to be.
Monday, May 19, 2008
i should get more delicious sleep
For the past few weeks I have been unable to sleep. Ok...I do get sleep but not restful and it takes me ages (like hours) to fall into sleep. The past few weeks I have been working on less than 5-6 hours of sleep a night...I know that seems like it should be enough but I am a gal who likes her 8 hours and it is starting to take its toll. I don't really know what it is but the minute my head hits the pillow I start thinking about all the work we have to do, all the writing I should be doing, whether we will ever own property.....Clearly I do not need to be keeping myself up worrying over these things but I cannot seem to just let it go. I envy T who rolls over, tells me not to worry about things because it doesn't help (which I get, thank you very much) and then in about 5 minutes is sawing down a whole forest of sleepy trees while I lie awake pondering all the things I should do. I have been told to take the word SHOULD out of my vocabulary, I am trying but this one is a real hard one to remove for some reason.
Last night I decided to say "screw it"...I did not think about work, I did not worry about writing, I did not worry about what I should be doing and miraculously I fell into delicious sleep. It was so needed I hope that I can tell everything else in my mind to take a hike tonight because this lady has a TON of delish sleep to catch up on.
Last night I decided to say "screw it"...I did not think about work, I did not worry about writing, I did not worry about what I should be doing and miraculously I fell into delicious sleep. It was so needed I hope that I can tell everything else in my mind to take a hike tonight because this lady has a TON of delish sleep to catch up on.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Work and work breaks
Work has kicked in and it is taking up most of our waking hours. Don't get me wrong there are no complaints here...I am happy to get this job moving because that means we are closer to continuing on our adventure--with a bigger bank balance which is great.
I have been busy learning all the design programs and although I am no graphic designer I think I am adequate at using the programs and with T's help we are producing some good designs. It is nice to be learning as well as using creative skills that I thought 4 years of university buriedSo things are as they say, "Full on."
When we are not working I am working on learning to surf. I have my own 'tabla de surf' (surfboard in Spanish) and a wetsuit and an ability to make the most amazing wipe-outs. Truly...I am that talented....I am no longer wading in the whitewater but out with T in the bigger waves learning to stay on my board, paddle and attempt to properly catch waves. I caught one the other day and managed to stand up at the very end. Only once but it makes me want to keep going out even if it means I continue to get clobbered by waves. One day I going ride a wave even if I drink half of the ocean while trying!
I have been busy learning all the design programs and although I am no graphic designer I think I am adequate at using the programs and with T's help we are producing some good designs. It is nice to be learning as well as using creative skills that I thought 4 years of university buriedSo things are as they say, "Full on."
When we are not working I am working on learning to surf. I have my own 'tabla de surf' (surfboard in Spanish) and a wetsuit and an ability to make the most amazing wipe-outs. Truly...I am that talented....I am no longer wading in the whitewater but out with T in the bigger waves learning to stay on my board, paddle and attempt to properly catch waves. I caught one the other day and managed to stand up at the very end. Only once but it makes me want to keep going out even if it means I continue to get clobbered by waves. One day I going ride a wave even if I drink half of the ocean while trying!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
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