Swine flu went from something I had heard a whisper of last week to something pretty serious withing the space of a week. I've read a lot about this flu on the internet. Around 100 people have died in Mexico City, and now there have been cases in the US, Spain, Scotland and perhaps Manchester. Obviously I am very saddened by deaths of people in Mexico City, but having lived through the mad cow era in the UK and anthrax scares following September 11, I tend to take a pretty philosophical about these things. If its not something you have control over then don't worry about it. I'm afraid I've developed a bit of a tendency to hide my head in the sand during world crises.
Two things that have personally impacted me on this occasion:
Two of my very dear friends who lived in Playa Del Carmen have decided to move up their leaving date. They are expecting a baby and for unrelated reasons had made the decision to return to the US. I just got a phone call 10 mins ago telling me that they've decided to leave today, for fear that travel may become increasingly difficult over the next month, as a result of the spread of swine flu. A wise move (and when an unborn baby is involved I think caution is the best way forward) but its meant that I didn't get to say goodbye which has kind of hit me hard today. Its made me feel a little lonely here in Mexico. I still feel very happy in my choice of lifestyle and just in myself at peace and content, but increasingly recently, I've been missing my friends in the US and UK. Other than the friends who are now leaving I suppose I have begun to develop one or two close friendships in Mexico (and of course my boyfriend who is my best friend ever). Teaching by the pool one day last week I overheard one of the guests listening to Led Zeplin - this reminded me of living in England and of all of my friends from Uni and I suddenly became not 'homesick' but 'friendsick'. Then with my only really close friends leaving Mexico this feeling got worse and today - well I'm feeling a little bit alone.
I also spoke to my Mam - my parents are planning a trip to Mexico on May 11th. I am very excited about this, but my mam said today that her friends have been calling her telling her not to come. I kind of poo poo'd this but now it seems that there is a real possibility that travel to Mexico might be seriously impacted. The European Union health commissioner has advised Europeans to avoid nonessential travel to Mexico. I hope this does not affect my parents trip as I really want to see them (although I don't want them to get swine flu).
This brings me back to the feelings I had of remoteness right after September 11th when I was marooned in Brooklyn on my own.
There is also the issue of the impact all of this will have on tourism to Mexico and the impact that that will have on my and other's in this region ability to earn money. Coupled with the US economic situation and media coverage of drug wars here in Mexico I worry about falling tourism.
Ak I'm being a big baby I know and I am incredibly lucky with the life I have here. As usual I'm just going to trust that this will blow over. I'm about to deliver a bottle of fresh orange juice to my boyfriend who is sick (excuse for a big hug) and then head to pilates and yoga to put my mind into a peaceful state.
Going to miss my friends though!!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Lion Fish - ANOTHER 10 mins of fame
Some of you may recall my radio debut when I was interviewed by Radio Newcastle following the September 11th 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York. Well today I was captured in the lime light once more. The reason???? This little guy:
He is a Lion fish - actually a juvenile Lion Fish, about the same size as my little finger:
Lion fish are native to the Indo-Pacific, but have recently been spotted here in Cozumel. No-one knows how they got here although there are various theories involving releases in Florida. They look innocent enough right?
In fact they are voracious predators eating native fish and crustaceans in large quantities. They are not known to have any native predators here in Mexico and because of this and the fact that they reproduce quickly there is concern within Cozumel's National Park Organization that they will compete for food and space with local species and damage the delicate ecological balance on Cozumel's reefs. They are equipped with venomous dorsal, ventral and anal spines, which deter predators and can cause painful wounds in humans.
He is a Lion fish - actually a juvenile Lion Fish, about the same size as my little finger:
Lion fish are native to the Indo-Pacific, but have recently been spotted here in Cozumel. No-one knows how they got here although there are various theories involving releases in Florida. They look innocent enough right?
In fact they are voracious predators eating native fish and crustaceans in large quantities. They are not known to have any native predators here in Mexico and because of this and the fact that they reproduce quickly there is concern within Cozumel's National Park Organization that they will compete for food and space with local species and damage the delicate ecological balance on Cozumel's reefs. They are equipped with venomous dorsal, ventral and anal spines, which deter predators and can cause painful wounds in humans. So how does this involve me? Well on Saturday I was diving along with a group of divers and I saw a tinsy lion fish. Pretty cool I thought and looked around for something to catch him with. 'Rats teeth', I had nothing. So I left the little guy at large. Well today I armed myself with two plastic bags - those who know me know I like to dive with back ups:)
Anyway I figures I might see him in the same spot as on Saturday. The conditions today were good and with my discover scuba group in tow I made my way back to the spot where I'd seen him. On the way we saw two carribean reef squid. This put me in high spirits because I love to watch squid. When I got to the general area I started to look around. We found a sting ray and I checked a few rock piles which looked like the ones I'd seen him on on Saturday. Just as I was about to give up hope (what are the chances of finding such a little guy in such a large ocean I thought), there he was. Hanging out on a sponge. So I poped out my little plastic bag and scooped him in.
He caused quite a stir on Sunset Beach. One of the other instructors (Caesar from Caribbean Divers) called the local TV station - Chanel 10. My first thought - I look a mess - hair like straw, dry salty wrinkly skin from the ocean, and they're going to want me to talk (yikes!). I made a quick decision not to attempt to speak in Spanish (a wise move I think). The reporter took lots of video of the fish, a little of me and a lot of Caesar. I have to say Caesar took to the lime light very well!
I then took my little friend to see Julio where we transferred him into a cooler. Feeling hungry, I returned home. I had planned to keep him overnight, take him to show the people at work and then take him to the Marine Park tomorrow. Well, within 10 mins of my getting home I received a call from the Marine Park asking if they could come and collect him. Someone had turned me in! They arrived in minutes. I learned that this was only the 3rd lion fish to have been caught in Cozumel. Sadly I doubt my little friend will survive the week. The NP officer told me that he'd probably end up pickled in alcohol. When he saw the look on my face he back tracked and said that they would probably keep this one alive to study. A likely storey - I think he was just trying to stop me from crying.
So off he went in a big white van. Very pretty little thing - difficult to believe he'd cause such havok:
And so the question is -am I a reef preserver or a lion fish murderer???
Saturday, March 28, 2009
TEMEZCAL - March 21st Summer Solstice
Selene my yoga teacher, decided to arrange for a temazcal to celebrate the Spring Solstice. On March 21st daylight shares equal time with darkness. During the months that follow up until the summer solstice there will be increasingly more hours of light in the day. A temazcal is an ancient sweat lodge used by the Mayans; a location to bathe and to heal; a communal room where stories are shared and spirits appeased; cleanse the body and prepare oneself for love and birth. Our day focused on letting go of the old.. the birth of a new self.
Here is Selene right after the Temezcal:
Our day starte at 2 with a 2k hike to the area where the Temezcal was to be held. We walked through the Cozumel jungle. In this area the jungle was around 30-60 feet tall which is tall for Cozumel where much of the jungle was dwarfed by hurricanes Gilbert and Wilma. I really enjoyed walking through the jungle - which in places was not dissimilar to forrests in England. The sound of the wind russtling in the trees and the birds singling is very quietening. When we arrived we were given a choice of fresh fruit juices. I chose cucumber and lime juice. It was really refreshing and I plan to make it very soon for myself. We made a concious effort here to begin to enter a more quiet reflective state - in preparation for our meditation:
Next we moved to a clearing in the jungle where a fire had already been prepared for us. The air smelt of burning wood and copal (an incense made out of a local plant - used like sage, in Mayan rituals).
Selene lead us through a meditation focusing on connecting with the elements. The earth beneath our feet, the wind in the trees, fire and water (represented by the conch shell). I closed my eyes and felt the heat of the fire on my hands, the smells of the burning wood and copal as well as the earthy smell of the jungle. I could see the sun and fire burning red on the lids of my eyes, feel the little stones and roots under my feet and the wind on my face. I felt very connected with these things.
After the meditation one of the men from our class, Jonathon, talked us through a manifestation exercise. We chose three of our most heart felt wishes and wrote down a wish on a piece of paper as well as the reason why we wanted this thing and reasons why we felt we deserved to get them. We were told that it is important to keep these desires secret (especially from those involved in our desires). This was to be a private person contract with the 'powers that be', whatever that might mean for you (God, Gods, Buddha... ). Secrecy of desires is a theme I've been noticing a lot in discussions on manifesting. I a firm believer that dreams should be held close to your heart and not shared with others. I went through many years of sharing my dreams with anyone who'd listen (wearing my heart on my sleeve) and I think this detracts their potency somehow; almost makes them impotent. Now I am back to being a private dreamer:)
Anyway after thinking of my top three desires and writing them down on three pieces of paper we were sent off to bury our dreams like seeds and invited to trust that mother earth would take our seeds and grow them into our dreams. I spent some time looking at some of the taller trees. I think trees are very magical things. Old and wise; silent witnesses. My mam used to hug trees - I just like to get close to their trunks and look up towards the sky - this way it almost looks like they are touching the clouds:
This was an amazing root ball - probably from a tree uprooted by Wilma:
After meditating we practiced yoga for 20 minutes before starting the temezcal. During many of the poses your face is facing skyward and I enjoyed watching the leaves of this tall tree swaying in the breeze:
We then played some Mayan instruments: drums, pipes, rainmakers and shakers. A few people dances but for the shy amongst us - jumping around in bikini's was a little too much:
The temezcal is an igloo shaped cement hut:
Inside there is a bench around the walls with enough seating room for around 14 people. There is a pit in the center. The room is heated by adding hot coals to this center pit, the leader of the ceremony then pours water, infused with herbs onto the red hot coals. This water turns the whole room into a steaming sauna:
The coals are heated in a separate pit until they are quite literally red hot.
Hot rocks are added 4 times during the temezcal. This is referred to as the 4 doors of the temezcal. We started by thinking of our grandparents. Selene spoke in Spanish and one of the girls kindly translated for me and another Amercian girl. Its nice for me to listen to guided meditation in Spanish as I find my mind cunjures up its own immages as Selene talks in Spanish. Sometimes when the English translation comes I've been spot on and other times I have been thinking way off course. Either way its all good. I spent some time contemplating my grandparents and how sorry I was that I never really got to know both of my dad's parents or my grandfather on my mam's side. My dad talked a lot about his parents on our road trip down and I took this time to remember some of those stories and think of my grandmother Charlton with whom I was very close. Sadly all are now gone. I then started to think about my own parents and how they have helped formed who I am today. I am very lucky to have two outstanding parents, both spiritually and intellectually.
There was much chanting, shouting singing, breathing and listening. There is something bonding, intimate and spiritual about sharing a temezcal with a group of people with whom I've begun to build nice relationships. I was warned of searing heat, advised to find a clam mental space, to control my breathing in order to cool me down (exhale twice the length of my inhale). One lady had to exit the temezcal before the second lot of hot rocks were deposited. Whether it is because I had been diving so much, or because the weather was not yet warm enough to have heated the stone of my seat - which was quite cool, I'm not sure, but I have to say that I did not find the heat remotely overwhealming. Indeed when the curtains opened to deposit more coals, I found myself shivering! After the seremony we left the hut as babies leaving the womb. We ate water mealon, edamame (my first edamame since leaving NYC - quite a treat) and apple choped with lime juice and Cayenne pepper. Here are Selene and my friend Michele post Temezcal:
Michele and I decided to leave before night took hold. We started the 2k treck through the jungle in the half light following sunset and by the time we reached the car were stomping through the darkness, in a pretty thick jungle. We could here all sorts of scarey night sounds and see pretty big bats flapping around overhead. We were very pleased we were on the road - and pleased that we were sure that it was the right road (Michele was more sure than me).
Anyway thanks to Selene and the yoga group I had a wonderful day and have a very fond memory to keep. I also had an impressive collection of huge swollen bug bites thanks to my thin white skin.
Here is Selene right after the Temezcal:
Our day starte at 2 with a 2k hike to the area where the Temezcal was to be held. We walked through the Cozumel jungle. In this area the jungle was around 30-60 feet tall which is tall for Cozumel where much of the jungle was dwarfed by hurricanes Gilbert and Wilma. I really enjoyed walking through the jungle - which in places was not dissimilar to forrests in England. The sound of the wind russtling in the trees and the birds singling is very quietening. When we arrived we were given a choice of fresh fruit juices. I chose cucumber and lime juice. It was really refreshing and I plan to make it very soon for myself. We made a concious effort here to begin to enter a more quiet reflective state - in preparation for our meditation:
Next we moved to a clearing in the jungle where a fire had already been prepared for us. The air smelt of burning wood and copal (an incense made out of a local plant - used like sage, in Mayan rituals).
Selene lead us through a meditation focusing on connecting with the elements. The earth beneath our feet, the wind in the trees, fire and water (represented by the conch shell). I closed my eyes and felt the heat of the fire on my hands, the smells of the burning wood and copal as well as the earthy smell of the jungle. I could see the sun and fire burning red on the lids of my eyes, feel the little stones and roots under my feet and the wind on my face. I felt very connected with these things.
After the meditation one of the men from our class, Jonathon, talked us through a manifestation exercise. We chose three of our most heart felt wishes and wrote down a wish on a piece of paper as well as the reason why we wanted this thing and reasons why we felt we deserved to get them. We were told that it is important to keep these desires secret (especially from those involved in our desires). This was to be a private person contract with the 'powers that be', whatever that might mean for you (God, Gods, Buddha... ). Secrecy of desires is a theme I've been noticing a lot in discussions on manifesting. I a firm believer that dreams should be held close to your heart and not shared with others. I went through many years of sharing my dreams with anyone who'd listen (wearing my heart on my sleeve) and I think this detracts their potency somehow; almost makes them impotent. Now I am back to being a private dreamer:)Anyway after thinking of my top three desires and writing them down on three pieces of paper we were sent off to bury our dreams like seeds and invited to trust that mother earth would take our seeds and grow them into our dreams. I spent some time looking at some of the taller trees. I think trees are very magical things. Old and wise; silent witnesses. My mam used to hug trees - I just like to get close to their trunks and look up towards the sky - this way it almost looks like they are touching the clouds:
This was an amazing root ball - probably from a tree uprooted by Wilma:
After meditating we practiced yoga for 20 minutes before starting the temezcal. During many of the poses your face is facing skyward and I enjoyed watching the leaves of this tall tree swaying in the breeze:We then played some Mayan instruments: drums, pipes, rainmakers and shakers. A few people dances but for the shy amongst us - jumping around in bikini's was a little too much:
The temezcal is an igloo shaped cement hut:
Inside there is a bench around the walls with enough seating room for around 14 people. There is a pit in the center. The room is heated by adding hot coals to this center pit, the leader of the ceremony then pours water, infused with herbs onto the red hot coals. This water turns the whole room into a steaming sauna:
The coals are heated in a separate pit until they are quite literally red hot.
Hot rocks are added 4 times during the temezcal. This is referred to as the 4 doors of the temezcal. We started by thinking of our grandparents. Selene spoke in Spanish and one of the girls kindly translated for me and another Amercian girl. Its nice for me to listen to guided meditation in Spanish as I find my mind cunjures up its own immages as Selene talks in Spanish. Sometimes when the English translation comes I've been spot on and other times I have been thinking way off course. Either way its all good. I spent some time contemplating my grandparents and how sorry I was that I never really got to know both of my dad's parents or my grandfather on my mam's side. My dad talked a lot about his parents on our road trip down and I took this time to remember some of those stories and think of my grandmother Charlton with whom I was very close. Sadly all are now gone. I then started to think about my own parents and how they have helped formed who I am today. I am very lucky to have two outstanding parents, both spiritually and intellectually.There was much chanting, shouting singing, breathing and listening. There is something bonding, intimate and spiritual about sharing a temezcal with a group of people with whom I've begun to build nice relationships. I was warned of searing heat, advised to find a clam mental space, to control my breathing in order to cool me down (exhale twice the length of my inhale). One lady had to exit the temezcal before the second lot of hot rocks were deposited. Whether it is because I had been diving so much, or because the weather was not yet warm enough to have heated the stone of my seat - which was quite cool, I'm not sure, but I have to say that I did not find the heat remotely overwhealming. Indeed when the curtains opened to deposit more coals, I found myself shivering! After the seremony we left the hut as babies leaving the womb. We ate water mealon, edamame (my first edamame since leaving NYC - quite a treat) and apple choped with lime juice and Cayenne pepper. Here are Selene and my friend Michele post Temezcal:
Michele and I decided to leave before night took hold. We started the 2k treck through the jungle in the half light following sunset and by the time we reached the car were stomping through the darkness, in a pretty thick jungle. We could here all sorts of scarey night sounds and see pretty big bats flapping around overhead. We were very pleased we were on the road - and pleased that we were sure that it was the right road (Michele was more sure than me).Anyway thanks to Selene and the yoga group I had a wonderful day and have a very fond memory to keep. I also had an impressive collection of huge swollen bug bites thanks to my thin white skin.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Carnival in Cozumel...
Well to be honest I did not enter into the true spirit of carnival. Nevertheless the 4 days leading up to ash Wednesday were crazy here in Cozumel. All over the Island dancing in the streets, the official parade started at 6 every day. One curious thing about this island is the number of transvestites who live here. Not your hot New York type transvestite mind you - glamor is far from the grasp of the Cozumeleno transvestite! In any event this is the time for all manner of craziness to come out. I'd see Elvis getting into his car on the way to work (apart from dressing as women, the Elvis costume is the most popular carnival getup).
I walked into town to nights and the streets were crowded:
Here is the King of Carnival:
And an idea of the feel in the streets:
The parade was cool. Allie would have liked the pirate float - I liked the Wizard of Oz float. We walked around the square and listened to a Cuban band. Some people were dancing well, others not so much:) I'd really like to be able to Salsa. I might look into learning some day soon. Vicki and Eddie could have shown these people a thing or two. I was back at home by 10.30. One of my students the next day reported drinking til 5 - this, I guess, is really what Carnival is all about but I am getting old and boring!!
I walked into town to nights and the streets were crowded:
Here is the King of Carnival:
And an idea of the feel in the streets:The parade was cool. Allie would have liked the pirate float - I liked the Wizard of Oz float. We walked around the square and listened to a Cuban band. Some people were dancing well, others not so much:) I'd really like to be able to Salsa. I might look into learning some day soon. Vicki and Eddie could have shown these people a thing or two. I was back at home by 10.30. One of my students the next day reported drinking til 5 - this, I guess, is really what Carnival is all about but I am getting old and boring!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Bloggin like Crazy...
Yes twice in one day!!! As promised I thought I would show you my new apartment. I think my mother pictures me in a hovel knee deep in roaches (BTW its has been weeks since the last roach attack). So here it is...
My Kitchen - see the clock, all the way from England - this clock chimed every 15 mins in the back of my car on the drive down to Mexico.
The other end of my kitchen - the sink was the only thing in the apartment that I did not have to buy:
You can see I have two electric hobs on a counter next to the door (I need to replace these with gas) and a little cooker on top of the counter. Note the Heinz Tomato Ketchup on the bench. Tomato sauce sandwiches are still a staple for this girl:) Mam's painting is by the door, with a picture of my parents in Rome underneath. Bigsy is on top of the fridge, together with a picture of Daniel and Lee (My best friend Lisa's kids).
My bedroom is a little messy:
I usually make the bed religiously, every day, as soon as I get up. Today I was tired and so I planned to leave it until after my afternoon snooze. As it happened I did not have time to snooze today. You might just see Big Ted in the left (a very well traveled bear). I painted the room mint green which I love. I bought a heavy Mexican chest of drawers, which I also love and a nice bookcase where Buddha sits. Julio gave me a bed frame his brother had made.
My clothes closet is on the other side of the room as well as another bookcase:
My Green Man is hung by the door. The closet has no doors but that's good here to avoid humidity.
Finally my bathroom - small, clean and white. It works well:
I am EXTREMELY happy here.
My Kitchen - see the clock, all the way from England - this clock chimed every 15 mins in the back of my car on the drive down to Mexico.
The other end of my kitchen - the sink was the only thing in the apartment that I did not have to buy:
You can see I have two electric hobs on a counter next to the door (I need to replace these with gas) and a little cooker on top of the counter. Note the Heinz Tomato Ketchup on the bench. Tomato sauce sandwiches are still a staple for this girl:) Mam's painting is by the door, with a picture of my parents in Rome underneath. Bigsy is on top of the fridge, together with a picture of Daniel and Lee (My best friend Lisa's kids).My bedroom is a little messy:
I usually make the bed religiously, every day, as soon as I get up. Today I was tired and so I planned to leave it until after my afternoon snooze. As it happened I did not have time to snooze today. You might just see Big Ted in the left (a very well traveled bear). I painted the room mint green which I love. I bought a heavy Mexican chest of drawers, which I also love and a nice bookcase where Buddha sits. Julio gave me a bed frame his brother had made.My clothes closet is on the other side of the room as well as another bookcase:
My Green Man is hung by the door. The closet has no doors but that's good here to avoid humidity.Finally my bathroom - small, clean and white. It works well:
I am EXTREMELY happy here.
My Job
I thought I'd give you an idea of how my day runs here in Cozumel. I set my alarm for 7am and leave my apartment by 8, then I drive to the hotel I work in. I walk through the staff entrance of the hotel to my dive shop which is right on the beach. Usually I stop and take a look up the beach to see how the ocean is behaving that day (a bit like checking my e-mail first thing at the American Club!). 
Rosie works in the shop: 
Usually she starts every day with a prayer on the beach for good luck with $$$ that day. She also pays us and gives me advice on Mexican men and cooking. Go Rosie!
I am one of three instructors. Here are Fernando and I in our uniforms - one of our students took this picture:
And here is Luis:
As soon as we get to the shop we load up tanks and set them up by the pool, as bait.
Now we sit in wait until customers attracted by the 'scuba lessons at 9' sign come over and ask us what its all about. Usually we get 4-5 people. We teach a short classroom session and then jump into the pool with the students. The pool is around 65 degrees and the worst part of the day is jumping in htere. This is me with Emily working on equalizing:
After the pool we encourage people to sign up for a beach dive. So far we've made no money so this is the important part. We usually have a good sign up rate. We earn $26 per diver who agrees to come for a 'discover scuba' dive with us.
At around 12 we head off to Sunset Beach. Here I am breaking down gear after a dive:
We work in rotation, so every 3 days its my turn to teach the discover class in the pool. The other two act as back up - bringing gear etc. The person teaching the pool takes the first 4 divers to the beach. If more than 4 sign up a second instructor comes along. In addition to the discover scuba lessons, we also teach certifications - mostly Open Water Diver. When its busy we usually have one or two certifications on the go. We also take turns in teaching the three day cert courses. Yesterday I started teaching a certification for two guys and taught the discover course in the pool because Fernando and Luis were already in the middle of certification courses. Its busy right now but we're making a nice amount of money. This is good because many on the Island now are having trouble finding work.
After work I generally come home, listen to 'The Archers' on the radio, have lunch, call parents or friends, take a 2 hour nap, go to yoga and then meet up with friends or boyfriend.
Might I add that when its not my pool day and there are no certifications, I can be finished work by 10.30. I like these days almost as much as my day off. They are true rest days because I have nothing planed and can laze around my apartment.
Stay tuned for apartment pics!
Rosie works in the shop: 
Usually she starts every day with a prayer on the beach for good luck with $$$ that day. She also pays us and gives me advice on Mexican men and cooking. Go Rosie!I am one of three instructors. Here are Fernando and I in our uniforms - one of our students took this picture:
And here is Luis:
As soon as we get to the shop we load up tanks and set them up by the pool, as bait.
Now we sit in wait until customers attracted by the 'scuba lessons at 9' sign come over and ask us what its all about. Usually we get 4-5 people. We teach a short classroom session and then jump into the pool with the students. The pool is around 65 degrees and the worst part of the day is jumping in htere. This is me with Emily working on equalizing:
After the pool we encourage people to sign up for a beach dive. So far we've made no money so this is the important part. We usually have a good sign up rate. We earn $26 per diver who agrees to come for a 'discover scuba' dive with us.At around 12 we head off to Sunset Beach. Here I am breaking down gear after a dive:
We work in rotation, so every 3 days its my turn to teach the discover class in the pool. The other two act as back up - bringing gear etc. The person teaching the pool takes the first 4 divers to the beach. If more than 4 sign up a second instructor comes along. In addition to the discover scuba lessons, we also teach certifications - mostly Open Water Diver. When its busy we usually have one or two certifications on the go. We also take turns in teaching the three day cert courses. Yesterday I started teaching a certification for two guys and taught the discover course in the pool because Fernando and Luis were already in the middle of certification courses. Its busy right now but we're making a nice amount of money. This is good because many on the Island now are having trouble finding work. After work I generally come home, listen to 'The Archers' on the radio, have lunch, call parents or friends, take a 2 hour nap, go to yoga and then meet up with friends or boyfriend.
Might I add that when its not my pool day and there are no certifications, I can be finished work by 10.30. I like these days almost as much as my day off. They are true rest days because I have nothing planed and can laze around my apartment.
Stay tuned for apartment pics!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
I'm Back...
BUSY
Well its been a while since I've blogged - apologies. After Christine and Cat left I had a lot of work to do in making my new apartment habitable. Mostly painting. I painted my apartment in NJ and I have to say that this was a much harder task. Firstly paint in Mexico smells much more strongly than its US equivalent. Add to this that I'd developed a nasty chest infection and you can imagine that painting became a mammoth task. When I was finished I had to leave the apartment for a week for the smell to completely clear so that I could stand being in there again. I'm not sure that there is a Health and Safety Authority here, to speak of but I'm pretty certain that the paint I was breathing was not entirely healthy for me. Next time I will definitely wear a face mask.
NEW APARTMENT
So now I am in my new apartment. I've cut my rent in two and I love my new place. I bought all of my own furniture, which is really nice. I have a mint green bedroom, sunshine yellow, eat in kitchen and a white bathroom. Everything is how I like it. I still need a bed base, bedside tables and a desk, but need to save a little for those.
ILLNESS
I have been hampered a little by my illness. I basically got sick after the January full moon celebration - all that dancing around with the cold wind running through my hair! I had a pretty bad chest infection with very irritating chesty cough, followed in quick succession by a head cold.
BOYFRIEND
I have a boyfriend too, which is taking up a little of my time. One of my, self set, blogging rules is not to talk about romantic relationships. There are a few reasons for this. Primarily - well they are private. Also I like to keep my blog focused on the constant things in my life. I want to be able to go back and read it without thinking - Uggrrrhhh!!! Sad reflection on my past relationships, but there you go.
So why do I mention my new relationship???? I guess its just because it has been occupying my thoughts a little recently and so blogging about other things has seemed less exciting.
WORK
Work is good. Loving the guys I work with Fernando and Luis. We all work pretty hard but Cozumel has been beset with an unending stream of North Fronts - which bring cold temperatures, wind and rain. This has not been good for business as it is difficult to convince people to jump into a frigid pool when its gray and cold.
VISITORS
Michele Carvale and her fiance Bill are currently in town. Great to see them. Both very happy and excited about getting married.
So there it is an a nutshell. I'm setting myself a new, once a week blog target. Perhaps next blog I'll add some pictures of my apartment.
Well its been a while since I've blogged - apologies. After Christine and Cat left I had a lot of work to do in making my new apartment habitable. Mostly painting. I painted my apartment in NJ and I have to say that this was a much harder task. Firstly paint in Mexico smells much more strongly than its US equivalent. Add to this that I'd developed a nasty chest infection and you can imagine that painting became a mammoth task. When I was finished I had to leave the apartment for a week for the smell to completely clear so that I could stand being in there again. I'm not sure that there is a Health and Safety Authority here, to speak of but I'm pretty certain that the paint I was breathing was not entirely healthy for me. Next time I will definitely wear a face mask.
NEW APARTMENT
So now I am in my new apartment. I've cut my rent in two and I love my new place. I bought all of my own furniture, which is really nice. I have a mint green bedroom, sunshine yellow, eat in kitchen and a white bathroom. Everything is how I like it. I still need a bed base, bedside tables and a desk, but need to save a little for those.
ILLNESS
I have been hampered a little by my illness. I basically got sick after the January full moon celebration - all that dancing around with the cold wind running through my hair! I had a pretty bad chest infection with very irritating chesty cough, followed in quick succession by a head cold.
BOYFRIEND
I have a boyfriend too, which is taking up a little of my time. One of my, self set, blogging rules is not to talk about romantic relationships. There are a few reasons for this. Primarily - well they are private. Also I like to keep my blog focused on the constant things in my life. I want to be able to go back and read it without thinking - Uggrrrhhh!!! Sad reflection on my past relationships, but there you go.
So why do I mention my new relationship???? I guess its just because it has been occupying my thoughts a little recently and so blogging about other things has seemed less exciting.
WORK
Work is good. Loving the guys I work with Fernando and Luis. We all work pretty hard but Cozumel has been beset with an unending stream of North Fronts - which bring cold temperatures, wind and rain. This has not been good for business as it is difficult to convince people to jump into a frigid pool when its gray and cold.
VISITORS
Michele Carvale and her fiance Bill are currently in town. Great to see them. Both very happy and excited about getting married.
So there it is an a nutshell. I'm setting myself a new, once a week blog target. Perhaps next blog I'll add some pictures of my apartment.
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