San Pedro Housesitters - our adventures!

We're Back!! And somewhere DIFFERENT!!

2010-10-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

The silence has been deafening - but so many things have happened...first off, we are no longer "housesitters" per se...and we've MOVED!! We are now in an area known as DFC - and we're staying in a 3-bedroom house...

I know you're probably asking yourself: what couple needs that much space?

*point to themselves* WE do!!

Books, stuff, so much STUFF - needs to go somewhere - and thankfully, it's all in a room. There's still boxes everywhere, and quite frankly, the house we are in needs some major work. I got some cheap furniture, but an electric short burned our second TV - now we're looking at a flat screen...(boys and their toys)...

It's a home we're thinking of buying in the future - but who knows. With the threat of hurricanes 6 months out of the year, and the house built of something just shy of cardboard, we may not be investing wisely.

I looked over the classifieds this week in the paper and saw that there was canal front property selling for $35kbz...location is everything, and while I keep hearing about property for sale for super cheap ($15-$17k bz/$7.5-8.5kusd) - it's all about the location - and if I have to cross the bridge etc, not working for me...so for now - we carry on renting.

Naturally, more pics will come up as the place gets spruced up...

Thank You!

2009-04-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

Warning: Extra Gushy Post! Read at your own risk!!!

Today, I give thanks to God, for bringing this WONDERFUL person into my life. Every single cheesy moment, every single sappy song you ever hear, when it says life was incomplete, until that special someone walked into their life? It's TRUE!!
Until I met this booger, I was cavorting around without a care in the world. Hadn't stayed in touch with my mother, didn't have solid friendships, nada.
But, thanks to this beautiful man, this wonderful soul, I am a better person.

Happy Birthday Sweetie! I wuv u lots. It helps that you is a super duper tinkybutt!! :)

Those eyes SLAY me!!!

Easter Weekend - Reflections

2009-04-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to this lovely and LONG holiday weekend. I have tomorrow, saturday, sunday and monday off...which means I plan on sleeping, eating, maybe exercising, and of course, taking lots of pictures...!! duh...
Will I see cute babies in sand? probably.
Will I be in a drunken stupor on Sunday? probably.
Will I sleep like the dead on Monday? most definitely.
sooooooooooooo...
the only time I will have for reflections will be Friday and Saturday...sooo...
I promise to bring photos of a new recipe.
I just ordered some organic chocolate from Juan Cho, Juan the Chocolate Man! :) They are waiting for me at the airstrip (cargo) so will go and pick those up...more info on all that later as well...

loved the packaging! :)

I will also use this lovely ingredient my boss lady got me when she was at Playa del Carmen...mmm...REAL vanilla!
I have NEVER in my entire life, used real vanilla. Last night was the first time, and I made an apple cake. I think, though, that I wasted a valuable resource in a cake that probably didn't need the good stuff...but it ok...me learn as me go!!
anywhos...here's a couple pretty reflection pictures to tide us over until I can come up with some yummy looking new photos/recipes (well, to my hubby they're amazing!)...

Hoppy Easter! :)
lol... ;-)

I like...

2009-04-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

BOATS!!
I can't swim very well, I rarely walk on the beach. I love Air Conditioning, though today's cool sea breeze was awesome. I can't drive a golf cart to save my life. (I have - without a license, in an emergency, and almost had a heart attack!).
But, I must say, I really LOVE boats! They're so sexy. They're sleek, and powerful and so big. Yet, in the water, they're graceful and magnificent.
I imagine myself aboard one of those big suckers, driving them and sluicing through the gorgeous Caribbean, while my honey, dressed in the traditional garb (all white knee high shorts, white shirt tucked in and sailor hat) feeds me seedless grapes (I hate having to spit out seeds), and pours wine down my throat (nevermind that I don't like wine!)...yea...ahem...
The man HATES walking the beach...and today, I realized why.
I took nearly a hundred photos of the same things...all the while, under the broiling sun. Not a single cloud in the sky! He of course waits patiently for me, which meant that when the waves crashed against the seawall, he would get splashed on. Not a happy boy. Sorry honey.
But I sure got great shots! :)
Enjoy a bit of the sunshine, blue sea and BOATS!! I love boats...hmmm...I have a problem...Yacht dreams with Dinghy money...that's me! ;)

P.S. Everyone is posting pictures of their beautiful plants and springtime blooms, so, since I ain't got that, I thought boats would be good. Is that strange?

Habaneros

2009-04-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

Caution: May cause burning sensation!!

SPICY!!

Caliente!

Fuerte!

Delicioso!

Yes, these are hot peppers. I think they're one of the hotter varieties known to man. So, yea, they're hot. And just delicious in this sauce. This is like a staple on most Belizean tables, and I have to tell ya, it's major fire. It is delicious because of the tartness of the lime juice, yummy smelling because of the onions and uber-fresh cilantro. Man, it's got all the things I love. Great scent, onion, and HEAT! Make this to go along with your meats, like if you're grilling beef for fajitas, or got a good hearty stew, if it's cold in your areas, a few drops of this juice means you'll have heat spreading through your bod and you'll be warmed up and raring to go in no time. mmm...so...on to the ingredients!! Okay...prep yourself...:)
Ingredients:

* 3 or 4 habanero peppers (in this case, I used SIX)

* juice of two limes

* 1 chopped, diced large onion

* a bunch of fresh cilantro (chopped)

* salt to taste

* some cold water

Directions:

*Wash and pat dry the habaneros.

*On an open flame, place the peppers and allow to roast and blacken slightly. Keep windows open while you smoke and roast these peppers!

*Turn off the fire, then carefully transfer the peppers to a large, clean bowl, preferably ceramic.

*With a fork, mash the peppers, seeds and all. Keep face away from the steam that may escape from the hot peppers.

*Add a generous sprinkling of salt, followed by the juice of two limes.

*Mix in a couple (2-3) tablespoons of cold water.

*Add in the diced onion and cilantro.

*Toss gently and mix well.

*Let rest and pickle...

Yum. Enjoy. Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.

*Some people have been known to drizzle this tempting hot treat on pizza, chicken, beans and more. Whatever your temptation, be sure to indulge with care.

Bravery Meter:

The Timid – a few drops of the juice only.

The Brave – a few bits of the onion and juice.

The Macho – juice, onions AND peppers!

Oh, and exciting news! This recipe was also featured on www.sanpedrosun.net! My work. Of course. Cause, you know, the paper RULES!! :)

Pardonez moi le fotografie...le suckiando... :) Yea, I speak le Fracois...u liiiiiiiiike?? ;-D

Stewed Chicken - and a new name!

2009-03-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

From barely audible Mayan, to stewed chicken.
Now, an interesting story about the chicken while I was cooking it. My sweet landlady passed by the open doorway of my apartment. It was hot as a MOFO, and I had to have some ventilation.

Anyway, she passed by and said, "That smells good!"
I couldn't resist and came out and said, "Thanks!"
"Whatcha got cooking there?" she asked.
"Stewed chicken," I replied.
"What all do you put in there?" she asked.
"Oh...ummm...well...Season All, Complete Season, a bit of chili powder, black pepper...onion, garlic..." I hemmed and hawed..."well...it's not like I have a recipe!"
She smiled and said, "So, a little bit of this a li'l bit o' that?"
I nodded. Then I went inside and grabbed my stuff that I used.

She stood there while we chatted, and I explained to her that I was cooking two and a half chickens. She wondered why, and I explained it was my donation to the Lions Club, as they were having a fundraiser for the community's beloved Reds. I usually donate a couple stewed chickens for the Lions when they have their functions. I can't donate my time because I am useless - unless I am eating or drinking, or sleeping.
I know, I am a bad person.
I am working on perhaps dedicating a couple hours a week to some charity.
Not the beer fund. Not my gut. I'll keep you posted on that.

So, back to the stewed chicken:
She thought it was all about seasoning the chicken, and putting it in a pan, covering it with water and letting it simmer for hours till the meat fell off the bone.
Isn't that soup?
I thought that maybe I had it all wrong and had the name of my chicken wrong, so, I renamed my pot of chickens "Gravy Chicken!"

Here's what I did: (Click for larger view - coz Blogger sucks...)
After seasoning the chicken and having other ingredients on hand and ready to go, I put a tablespoon of vegetable oil in the pan, and heated that up real nice. Then, I added the onion, garlic and bell pepper chunks and sauteed them real nice. The smell? Oh. The smell! Gorgeous!
Once the veggies had sauteed for a while, with the onion caramelizing a bit, it was time to throw in the chicken! :) mmm...

So, this chicken, oh...it SIZZLED when it hit the pan. It looks quite crowded in there. That's fine. It means that when covered, it will steam real nice and slow, and create its own gravy. Lemme tell you, when that gravy simmers down, oh...heaven! (I'm twitching here!!)
I want to sing a song to this chicken, I love it so much!

So, after crooning a few love songs to the chicken, cover it and let it steam away, sizzling and smelling all divine and stuff. Give it about 20 minutes, stirring and shifting the meat every so often, making sure it's not sticking too much! If you worry that it's sticking, well, then, lower the flame to low. This particular chicken vacillated between medium flame and low flame.

While that sucker cooks away in its own juices, it's time to break out the recado! This block is quite large, but remember, I was cooking more than one chicken at the time! In this case, (1 3lb-chicken) a good, 1-inch block is excellent for a deep colored gravy.

I added some water to the bowl that held the seasoned chicken. There was some leftover spices at the bottom, and adding water to it, means I get to use every bit of those spices! Break apart the recado, making it melt into that liquid. The best way I found to do this was to use my thumb, index and middle fingers and sort of mush it around in the water, rubbing until it dissolved thoroughly. The liquid turns a gorgeous red hue. ooh...so exciting! (See pic below, top right corner!)
By this time, the chicken is sizzling away in the pan. It's juices will have dried up somewhat. If the pan still looks like it's got quite some liquid, don't add too much recado-water. Wait till the liquid in the pan has evaporated slightly, which means you might have to take the lid off the pan. Oh darn, you gotta smell that divine goodness! Then, add that recado-water and cover up the pan once more, and let that sucker do its magic!

See this? I am sure love songs have been written in ode to this meal! MMM...

About 20 more minutes of simmering away, and that chicken is good to go. Yes, I cooked the dark meat, skin on. It's fine, just strip the skin off when you're serving it. No problem! AND...just for added naughtiness, I put in a little bit of coconut milk in the stew. Just because. Yea. So the Belizean food police will arrest me. So what. It was GOOD!!

OH...almost forgot...it must be accompanied by fried plantains...you know, for extra cholesterol and calories! :)
This is how this meal is typically served! nom nom nom nom

Rice and beans, stewed chicken, fried plantains, potato salad and Coca Cola (tee hee...). I threw in a bit of avocado and tomato salad for the heck of it. Coz, that's how I roll!
Then, I added this on the side, for the not so wimpy! :) This Habanero Sauce recipe I shall upload next! :)

Altun Ha

2009-03-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

I SUCK!!
SHeeeeeeeeeeeeet.........
U have to STRAIN to hear what the heck I am saying...I promise you, I was speaking! :(

The Mayan Ruin

2009-03-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

So, here is a post I was gonna share with y'all a while back...it was my honey's staff trip to one of the Mayan Ruins in Belize (Altun Ha). Yea...Suya Tours gave the entire bank staff a free trip as a Christmas present for 2008. They cashed in on the holiday weekend, and away we went. As his beloved other half, I got to enjoy the perks of that trip too! :) whoo hoo!
Of course, I had to take random shots of silly things...and not so silly too...

Not so silly: the love of our beloved Belizean Belikin. Even cooler, we were on our way to see the ruin that is featured on the bottle as part of the logo! It wasn't even 10 am yet!

Silly me...I was so caught up taking video of the site that I didn't get a chance to take a hike. My thighs thanked me the next day!

Not Silly: I want chairs, just like this, in my yard when I have a house. They are beyond frikkin cool! Not so silly: I do love a guy who likes his plants! He's got that look on his face like: SCORE!!

SWEET: My boo boo's best friend and his 6 year old. The water was frigid, but with her daddy, all was well! so, so, so sweet!

Silly: I mean, boys, in a pool, playing like wittle boys...and having fun. Nice huh?

Seriously? The hot tub was delicious. But then we all felt like we were stoned when we got out. I mean, duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude...like...ohhhhhhhhhhh...maaaaaaaaaaaaann...but, it was a nice experience. Not something I plan on doing anytime soon. Unless I was staying at the resort. Then I could have headed right to bed. Instead, we had to get on a bus and then on a boat to get back home...not fun, not fun at all...either that, or I have been raised so poor that I don't know a good thing when I am sitting in it? lol...

PSST: If you're nice, I'll post a video where I narrate in Mayan...(Yucatecan Mayan) That's my village's language. Grew up speaking that, Spanish, English and of course, Creole...fun times, fun times...
also...be sure to check out my stories/essays on www.ambergriscaye.com/tiachocolate

Answer to "Guess This Photo"

2009-03-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

Well...it wasn't a shark...if you guessed this:

then...ding ding ding! You are the winner! of...umm...er...bragging rights? Now you can say, "Nea nea nea nea boo boo...I was right...it was a dolphin!" And then you'd still be wrong because there were TWO! Heehee...

Guess this photo

2009-03-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

dun dun dun dun dun dun...

Well...what do you think it is? :)

Now...this creature...we can all safely say, is The Creature from the Black Lagoon...or...(HAHA), The Black Creature from the Lagoon! (oh...GOOD one...I crack myself up!)
Le boobays are lopsided...but, that is a camera trick, one that cannot be reproduced...I believe I am more or less even! :)
And that water...scrumptious. Once again, my love for San Pedro (Ambergris Caye to be exact) has been restored. I know now why I can't wait to get back home. This is home; I don't want to leave for more than holidays or a week!

GOOFBALLS

2009-03-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

ah...yes...these boys sure know how to shake it! :) Tee hee hee...but ask the love of my life to dance with me and he's so shy...I have to pour copious amounts of alcohol in him before he'll become twinkletoes...men...!!

Adoration

2009-03-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

This is such a schmarmy post...but I thought about it, and quite frankly, do I give a care what you think? (well...I do...to a certain extent, but considering that I am all for uniqueness and being your own person, well...I don't either!) Yes, that's me, a study in contrasts!
I just HAD to post about the love I have for my man.
Today, I woke up and felt such a rush of strong feelings, a butterfly-in-the-stomach feeling that I just absolutely love him and missed him terribly since he wasn't curled up next to me (why did he have to be responsible and go to work on time?), that I had the goofiest smile on my face!
So, I decided I would bake cookies for him, so when we get home tonight, he'll have cookies and curl up on the couch with me and snuggle and watch CSI together. Because he decided to hand over control of the remote to me on certain days, during certain hours, and he will watch my shows for me if I am not around, and then he'll tell me what happened. Cynics might say that five years of being together will teach you that, but really, he's just always been that considerate and sweet.

Brace yourself people, I LOVE MY MAN!

I do, I do, I do...BECAUSE: He is the sweetest person, cute as all get out, and so nice. I want to have TEN boys, who will grow up to be just like their father, so that I know at least TEN girls (or boys) will be extra happy and blessed in love. (scratch that...one boy will be enough!) They're gonna be cute as hell, I know that!

does he not have the most beautiful eyes in the world? that's what having an englishman for a father will do to ya!

Because: He loves my cooking (has gained so many pounds and has not complained ONCE) and thinks I am cute...and calls me cute pet names and gives me butterfly kisses, gecko kisses, and my personal favorite, helicopter kisses.
I lucked out when God was handing out boyfriends, and (I'm tearing up now), if I ever lost him, my life would, quite simply, be over.

And, because today, I had lunch with him. We haven't been able to go to lunch together in a while, and we played hooky from his mama's cooking and instead went to have THESE!
And he even paid (hehehe). Like I said. I love my man!

WHY??????

2009-03-10T18:18:00.001-07:00

So, this is a post about how much I wish I was a mother, and how much I want a home, and how insanely emotional my weekend was!
Why I want to be a mommy:

My boo is darling, he's so handsome, this little cutie fell for him too!

Why I want to have a home:

The current place I am staying at, has been SOLD...it sold in THREE days! (Despite the shite economy...oh well) Wow...luckily I get to stay on and rent my apartment, but it was a hairy hour when I was told I had five weeks to find a new place...so...the new owner, who is a man...gets this T-Shirt message...hehehe...don't kick me out...but I thought the saying sums up how I felt at the moment!

But, it renewed my hope that maybe this will be my new backyard view, and I want it complete with a palapa and small dock. Only thing missing from this palapa in the neighbors dock? A HAMMOCK!! :) mmm...I want a house so bad I can TASTE it...dang!

My Job

2009-03-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks for commenting so religiously Rebel. I was seriously slacking off for a while there, but I gotta respond. I work at a newspaper! :) The San Pedro Sun is our baby. I do graphic design and layout for the paper. And it's time consuming, but so worth it when the readers comment and tell us how much they enjoy reading it! It is a weekly paper, so I literally lose so many days out of the week...we looked up recently and realized that it was MARCH! But it felt like we just put out our New Year's Issue...
Anywho, this insane, but cute, dude is one of our main reporters.

In the background is another of our reporters. This was taken at 3:30am Wednesday (or was that Thursday?). Elections had just finished about an hour earlier, and we were about to head home. But, we love each other so much we hung out and took funny pictures instead! hee hee!

He is just a nut...but we love him for it. This past week was our municipal elections, and this guy, who is totally into his politics and news was all over it! :)

Seriously, don't you think so? He kinda looks like her...him...whatever that is...lmao!

Got more pictures to upload on how COOL my job is. I could whine and complain that the hours are insane, but when you're surrounded by fabulous coworkers (including the bestest boss EVAH), it's hard to find something to whine about. Plus, late night dinners include THIS:
Oh. My. GAWD. Stewed. Chicken. with. corn rice.

Picking up the papers at the water taxi dock...yup...comes over by boat from the mainland every Thursday!

Check out the Cuban boat...some Cubans refugees landed on shore last year in THIS boat. I shudder at the thought of being on open waters for longer than a minute! Poor people. Makes you really think that things are THAT badly off that they'd rather risk their lives getting out!

He was a bit shy, but he helps us with the packages every week. Thanks man! Those suckers are HEAVY!

Tell me now, Yoko, is the paper fine? We ready to hand them out to the adoring public? :) Hehe.
Here it is, tha fruit of everyone's labor! :)

Sorry...sorry...sorry!!

2009-03-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

I know I am hideously behind on posting...am working on putting out THIS:

The San Pedro Sun Newspaper (It's like my baby or something)

and am having fun with THIS:

mmm...yummy aren't they girly?

I wish I lived here...

2009-02-24T06:57:00.001-08:00

I can only imagine how much a plot of land costs in this neighborhood...it is the suburbia haven...quiet, clean, tree lined, beautiful...I was walking around and all I could hear were birds calling and singing...eerie actually since that's rarely something I hear in my other spot...but it was fun! Just for an estimate, I would say this plot of land-just land mind you-NOT the land and a house...is probably going for $134,500 US...

This cutie patootie house is something I would be HAPPY to live in...it's got a gorgeous yard...whoever owns this must be soooo happy!!

This yard is nice...with the big tree and mature flowering plants...wow...I can envision all sorts of wicked stuff for the yard...it's a double lot...so...my estimate: $195K US

My dream home? I will probably scan my design sometime and post it...but "haaa...haaa...honk..." at the rate I am going with trying to keep up, I might take a WHILE!! :)
Someday...
See...the thing is...I had ALL good intentions to post sometime this weekend...and then I plumb got carried away with my buddy Court being here and all...but...anywho...here you are...just glimpses into what I want and wish I could have...dreaming and scheming and plotting to own a home...

Valentine...

2009-02-15T14:59:00.000-08:00

Warning:

This post contains:
mushy stuff,
adult-style imagery,
and alcohol.
Lots and lots of booze.
Read at your own risk!

Had a great Valentine's Day - spent the afternoon baking nearly 75 chocolate chip cookies for my brother-in-law's bake sale...he really only needed 50, but you have to take into account some will not look quite perfect, some need to be taste tested...and with the ginger mojitos flowing, one needs something to nibble on.
That's my story.
I'm stickin' to it!
My gorgeous, talented, smart, did I mention BEAUTIFUL sister in law was helping me? She looked at the cookies and they came out perfect. I never have that effect on cookies...or anything! She's a total cutie, and sweet to boot. I couldn't ask for better in-laws. I am truly blessed!!

Andrew, Julie (Miz Cutie) and moi...

Oh, and her little brother was a darling too - and poor thing had to stay home in bed as he was recovering from the flu! :( She was so concerned for him, and went shopping with me for ingredients and when we got back to her house, he had already cleaned out their room. She felt even worse, and decided to come over to my apartment and help me bake.
Sweet, sweet!

C'mon, let me kiss you! You're my little brother, I have to torture you... (god they are too cute for their OWN good!)

DISCLAIMER: Cutie is of legal drinking age (18), she has a girlfriend, her parents allow her to party, and she is a very responsible young lady.
So, several ginger mojitos later, we were deep into convo about life, love and men/women. She always tells me how much she loves her brother (my honey bear) and she wishes she could meet someone like him who would obviously make her as happy as she sees me! Isn't that sweet? I am SOOOOOOO glad that we're considered relationship role models (ha...if they knew the truth...hehehehe)
Though for the moment, she is happy with her girlfriend, she's very diplomatic about how love can come courtesy of a man or woman.

And I wondered, later, after she had left with TONS of cookies, while I chopped, diced and seared Valentine's Dinner for my hubby, how everyone else was spending their Valentine. Even though it is a highly commercialized "holiday", it is a time for reflection and appreciation.
I have LOTS of gay friends, confused friends, a high ranking woman in our town is also gay - so it is everywhere you look, and I for one have no problem with it, and wonder why anyone else would. And then I remember the Fight against Prop 8 and realize that in my little cocoon of love and understanding, I am insulated to the real, ugly world of hate and discrimination.

What happens to those who were excited to get married, adopt and share a life together. How bittersweet is such a day do you think?, for them to realize that despite all attempts, they are not considered normal.
Is loving someone NOT normal?

My two cent piece - which some may argue is superficial and not necessarily worth much considering I don't know what I am fighting for...but I could care less...I value opinions, and believe that we are all equal, and I just honestly wish that legally and constitutionally, we can all accept what the people have already accepted.

And re: Valentine's Celebration? It was lowkey for us this year, what with expenses and such, we decided to stay in. I have an incredible hubby to share my life with, and when he hinted that he would love a steak with some kind of potato and a GREEN salad? What do you think I did? Hells yeas, I cooked. I was on it! Like white on rice (which was NOT on the menu btw). And did I take pictures or do anything a proper blogger does? Heck no. I was so busy trying to finish everything on time and getting the meal set up properly I didn't take not one picture. I will say this though, I am glad that I didn't. Some things are better off kept private. Oh, and to top off the nice meal, I made these: Mmmmmmmm!!!

We met up with our other couple friends for some drinks afterward though, so that was nice.

This is how the night ended up degenerating!!

Jose Cuervo ran out, so Aaron broke out the Corralejo...oooohhhh...shudder...These have got to be my favorite "cool" glasses ever!! I got them for my friend (our host) for Christmas, along with a nice big bottle of booze. The best kind of gift apparently! :) Oh, yes, we are "a small drinking town with a fishing problem". Seriously, the t-shirt says that exactly!

This was a gag gift, called Paris Hilton. She is brought out when the men are all together, and drinking. If anyone is silly enough to pass out (on their extra special, soft, fluffy couch), this becomes the prop for some HILARIOUS pictures and video. (We are all 20+ and early 30's). It used to be that anyone who passed out from too much partying, ended up with makeup and nails done. If you'll notice, it sounds like only men are the irresponsible ones who end up overdoing it. Us girls are SMART...we don't mess around. We have a few cocktails in pretty glasses and then we gossip and surf the net and borrow/steal our men's credit cards, and place orders for cute stuff online! Hehe. Oops, secret is out! :)
Oh, and if you're super concerned, we NEVER let friends go home alone after a night out as such. We have several cabs lined up who will come by and pick us up, and drops us off home.
Safety first.

My two cents

2009-02-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

Just a thought, since I have been watching the news and reading all the gossip on the Chris Brown - Rihanna debacle. Abuse, any kind, is NOT right.
It saddens me to the very core that it happened - it should not happen to any one...man or woman, and abuse needs to be stopped. Now.
My mother was horribly verbally, physically, mentally and emotionally abused by my the man who raised me. I remember one instance where he literally spent ALL DAY beating her up, I came home for lunch from school and he stopped while she fed me. Then when I left, I left to the sounds of her screams. She tried to leave him and went to her parents for help, and her dad gave her an extra whooping and sent her on her way back to the husband "she chose".
I remember times when I had to crawl on my hands and knees as a little girl and begged him to stop hitting my mother. And getting hit in the process. And his laughter and acknowledgment that yes, he was all powerful and was the MAN. Fucking bastard.
Abuse hurts. It tears at you, rips you apart, makes you feel like shit, and debases you, makes you smaller than the dirt man treads upon.
It is vile, filthy, cannot be washed away, and is long lasting.
My mother, to the day she died, could not sit up right for long periods because one time, when the bastard decided that his fists weren't enough, that banging her head on the door wasn't enough, throwing her out on a rail-less verandah wasn't enough, that slamming the door on her fingers so she would lose her footing wasn't enough, he threw her down on the floor and proceeded to kick her.
She was the football and he was the deranged referee. Her disk slipped and she never managed to sit right again.

If anyone who reads this is experiencing any sort of abuse. Perhaps you have been made to feel inadequate, a word has hurt your feelings, or you have caught your partner looking like he/she is experiencing rage, reach out to a friend. Get help. Leave if you must. Do not look back.
Whatever happened that night between those two "stars", is happening all over the world. Re-evaluate your situation. Decide for yourself. Be strong.

If you are an abuser, or borderline - stop. Now. Get help. Break the cycle.

Stop the abuse. It hurts everyone; everywhere.

Ingredient: Recado

2009-02-09T07:06:00.001-08:00

This is one of the ingredients that most housewives have in their kitchen! Recado. This little red block of spice makes for a red gravy that ROCKS. Every time I make stewed chicken, it's cinches everything together!

Brands vary - I sometimes prefer the homemade, but this was available in the greengrocer and it's quite good actually - stronger than the usual.

Oh...and ALWAYS, ALWAYS be sure to wash your chicken in lime! Yes, lime. (or vinegar if you don't have limes on hand) One of the things that makes me cringe is watching Food Network stars simply rinsing chicken from the pack it came in - with just plain water. That's just ...eww!
You have to soak the chicken in some lime...squeeze one whole juicy lime over the chicken, mix, add some water till it just barely covers the meat and leave to soak a couple of minutes, then proceed with seasonings and cooking.
It makes all the difference.
Oh, and while we are on the subject of cooking, I gotta tell you. I had Rice and Beans, with Stewed Chicken, fried plantains, potato salad, a bit of corn, and Hot Stuff. I roasted habaneros, with diced tomatoes, onions, lots of juicy lime, salt and cilantro. The combination is unbelievable. It makes EVERYTHING taste so much better! Oh...I have got to post this too...heehee...so many things to post, so little time. Till next time!

Johnny Cakes

2009-02-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

Yes...Johnny Cakes. The recipe I use is one my wonderful, totally cute, adorable and sweeeeet Mother-in-law gave me. She always reminds me that it is my cooking that has packed on the pounds on her beloved son, but then she gave me THIS recipe! Hello?! I still luvs yas babe! :) Anywho...I have pasted a couple collages to show how I more or less bung up a couple things and come up with this divine concoction! :)

Yes, perhaps I could have said something, but really... silence is golden.
And pardon the dark-ish settings. I am not a PRO! :)

Next time, I will do a video of me making tortillas...that oughta be fun!

TAGGED - I'm one of 6 IT's!!

2009-02-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hehehehe...what a lovely morning...was coming from home and on the way, I thought of posting a couple personal things on this morning's post. Then I log on and rebel has TAGGED me! :) I have never been tagged before...so...here goes...

25 random things about me (oh gawd...)

25. I speak Yucatecan Maya - and actually didn't have to read the sub-titles on Apocalypto...:)
24. I dream in color - wild crazy colors - and never have had a black and white dream...
23. I secretly wish I had super powers (well...not a secret anymore) - I always wanted to fly
22. I have NEVER tried da herb... (most people I know have...and still DO!! but not boring ole me)
21. My favorite cereal is Honey Nut Cheerios (I literally will sit and eat the whole BOX if no-one stops me...dry, with milk...whatever...I will hog it!)
20. I once went to Europe after a guy I met and spoke to for ONE hour in the flesh, invited me one year later....confusing? Um...I met this guy, we spoke for one hour, exchanged emails and over the next year, plotted and planned until I actually took my FIRST overseas flight to meet him in London - then he took me to Paris, and a couple spots in Spain...aaahhh...to go back to innocent old days!!
19. so...in relation to that...I have never been to the US...though I know one section of the Miami Int'l airport very well...
18. I do love a good ellipsis...
17. lol...I just Googled the spelling of the word...and realized that I had spelt it wrong on MANY occasions...and so, my 17th confession: I LOVE GOOGLE!!! (not their backing of Prop8 though)
16. Back to food...I don't really care much for chocolate - like, I will eat it, if it's in a dessert or something, but I won't actually go to the shop and BUY one...
15. I love writing backwards (in cursive too)
14. I used to have prophetic dreams (I think I have learned to suppress them or something...it hasn't happened in a long time!) - I once met this guy, and that night, I had a vivid dream about him...that he was getting married but he kept dilly-dallying between getting married and officiating the wedding...when I told the friend who introduced me to him, she cried - saying that he had taken his trip to Belize to clear his thoughts and make up his mind about whether he should marry his fiance or join the priesthood...I have also dreamt of many incidents that have happened...and I will on occasion get a feeling that something will happen...and it does...some silly, some a bit serious...
13. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a neurosurgeon. And a pilot. And a teacher. And a bank teller. I am neither of those things - I fly in the cockpit often in our little planes; I used to teach; I turned down a job as a bank teller - instead, my hubby-wubby is one...perhaps one day I will operate on someone's brain...metaphorically...coz blood makes me a bit queasy...
12. while on the gray matter...I ALWAYS have a running commentary in my head (ever watch Scrubs? yeah...sort of like that but not quite!) - I am always imagining a scenario - whatever I am doing...walking down the street? check out that goofy smile I have on my face...that's because I just imagined something hilarious about whatever is on the street...
11. (you're still here?) I started cooking at the age of 8.
10. I can wiggle my ears and twitch my nose (I guess on command)
9. I have never watched Star Wars or Star Trek...and have NO desire to do so...
8. I cry easily...when Grissom left CSI...I bawled...
7. I love Disney shows - the cheesy tween ones (esp. Hannah Montana and Suite Life of Zack & Cody...etc...) and the cartoon-y ones (with a bowl of cheerios on a Saturday/Sunday)
6. I love the cold more than the sunshine & heat
5. I believe in lucky underwear/clothing
4. I am secretly a bit of a food snob (gee...thanks BLOGGERS!)
3. I will spend all day on perezhilton if allowed
2. Even though I thought the Cardinals had a great story...I secretly rooted for the Steelers (but it's only because Big Ben is so CUTE and kinda reminds me of my hubby...so if I had his love child, you couldn't really tell...) - yea...NUTSO!! hahahaha...
1. I LOVE knowing the endings...To a book (sometimes, I start reading there) To a movie...I annoy the bejaysus out of my hubby when I constantly ask him...and then...what's gonna happen? huh huh huh?

So...now that you know how annoying I truly am...I will pass on the torch to a few people...sad thing is, I don't really know who I should tag. hmm...the conundrum (Rebel already went...hmm...huh...)

1. tacogirl
2. Joy
3. okay...this is REALLY pathetic...I am not sure I can tag anyone else...not today anyway...but these two will go for now!!

Flashback

2009-01-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

I know I have lots of things to write on this blog. A confession session seems to be on the horizon...I wonder how long it's been since I've had a really good verbal purge...via this here newfangled creation, the computer...words flow easily - this is...my therapy of sorts.
But today, I have to write SOMETHING about where I live, considering I'm supposed to be writing about my "adventures housesitting" hehe.

These little stinkybutts are my step brothers. I LOVE them to pieces...and apparently they like me too...phew!

The older one has no reason to like me...I was awful to him when he just came into my life...yes...I know...shame on me, I was like 20-something and he was only 3...and I couldn't stand him around me...the hangups of an only (and adopted) child! Ha!! But I so got over it...and he is so sweet and apparently forgiving.

I think having little twin brothers (E & K) has softened him (M) and he's probably just used to the chaos now...poor thing! And yes, the two on his left are his twin brothers (fraternal obviously!)

Rule #1 at my apartment: Don't have people over. Or loosely translated: No parties!
Well, is it so bad to have my three stinkies over for some sandwiches and juice for my birthday? That's not a party, though K (middle) was the hired entertainment the way he kept us in stitches! (BTW, this little party was in October...coz my boitday is Halloween!)
One of the things that make me happy about my apartment is that the owners do leave us alone quite a bit. I mean, there's times when you wonder how you can live in such close proximity to some people, and how can you not step on people's toes. But it's been pretty good going. They were gone for 9 months last year, so we had the place to ourselves pretty much.
And we let the yard go quite a bit...I mean, we're ashamed to admit that we didn't do a great job reining in the weeds, but we managed to clean it up and fix it nicely.
However - now the owner is back. I am on the hunt once more for my own spot. I have so many ideas...I think this weekend, I want to go around with le camera and take pictures of where I WISH I could set up house! :)
Wouldn't that be nice? Would you like to see that? Yes? Yes? OKAY!!!
Anywhos, I guess to get back on my topic...How many of you had at least one stringent rule set where you rented/rent?

(Edit) - Hahaha...I read this over after posting and realized that I certainly made it sound like I have millions hitting me up for my sporadic posts! hahaha. I am NO Perez or P-Widdy! Oh well, a girl can dream! :)

Retail Therapy

2009-01-26T05:55:00.000-08:00

Warning: This post contains some mushy stuff, killer heels, cute purse, and even references to boxing and alcohol. Read at your own risk!

One of the things I love most about my boyfriend is that he is the most understanding and chilled out guy out there. I kid you not. We've been together five years (going on 6 on July 13) and to date, we've had like one argument per year (and I can be a big girl and say it was all MY fault).
After a week feeling like crap, wishing I was dead, or at the very least, wishing that my mom was back with me, he said, Honey, you need to come with me to the city and do some shopping. You will feel better.
......
What did I tell ya? This man is wonderful, amazing, beautiful and smart. hehe...who cares if we have like no money to spend like crazy. What's the point of working your ass off, doing double work, and so much more, and have nothing to show for it??? At least that was the argument I had on file should anyone question my decision to shop like there was no tomorrow!

This flock of birds kept us entertained while we waited on the boat that would take us to Belize City! I took the SP Belize Express for only$30bz round trip, in comparison to flying out at $90-$100. Yea...money saver, that's ME! :) More to shop with I say!

The scene from the dock. My island is gorgeous...I know. :)

This is some scenery I can handle. Cute babies are always on the top of my list! That little girl's smile is too cute too!

Ah...view from the Swing Bridge in Belize City! These fishing boats are a familiar sight for all who arrive via water taxi!

Isn't this view amazing?? I don't see any cruise ships in the horizon. Just a sail boat, a small fishing boat and that bird!

Anywho, he had a meeting in the city while I decided to take the beautiful route on boat. Only a little over an hour later, and I was in the city!

One thing I will say for being in the city. It puts so much in perspective for me. The therapy I got was not from shopping or dining at one of my favorite places. It came from seeing the poverty that is so rampant throughout the city. It spills out to the main drag of the city. It follows you, with a stench that cannot come off until you take off your clothes and take a long shower. Belize City (affectionately called Belize Shitty) is such a cacophonous mix, with the poor, mentally challenged and homeless all over the street, loud honking cars, people with some serious attitude.

It makes me appreciate my island. We might be expanding and growing, but we still have the small town community feel. Our people are nice, friendly, have at least a smile for you. The city is all about elbowing your way past others, no dawdling on the sidewalk, as someone behind you will let you know exactly how she feels. Mostly it’s the women with the snarky attitude! When I get my stuff from the shop and cashiers and bag boys, I always say thank you. My momma raised me right, show common courtesy, right? You would think I had grown another head the way those people stare every time I say thank you, smile or try to be nice. That’s sad. I hope that my beloved San Pedro doesn’t end up with people like that.

But enough about my lessons learned. Check out the loot I scored! (After the jump over the night shot!)

I arrived on the last boat back. I completely missed the 4pm boat (well, in my defense, I thought the boat left at 4:30! Anywho, had to wait till 5:30 for the express back home. The sight of the lights always makes my heart sing. I love my little island! Ain't it purty?

InStyle is my favorite magazine, those heels are killer (and that purse...actually, I already had that but won't it look cute with those shoes? he he he...)

So, thanks honey, for inviting me to go to the city. I enjoyed myself. Even that dude who followed me down the street rapping something about his talent and making weird gestures was ok, coz I knew I was feeling better by the second, appreciating all that I have, and appreciating you for who you are. And I won't tell nobody about your singing in the cab on the way back home, drunk as a skunk. Yes, Antonio Margarito lost to Sugar Shane Mosley, and you had every right to drink your sorrows away. My ears didn't need the extra torture though! ...
...
Strawberry wi-i-ine...lalalalala...hehehe...sorry...couldn't resist!

Garbage and Politics

2009-01-23T05:58:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen this newfangled truck being used at all. Politics season is heating up in my beloved little town. I wonder if this is part of the propaganda.
I honestly am neither red nor blue when it comes to politics. I think long and hard about whom I want to vote for, do some research and talk to others about different candidates. Families of the candidates are often their downfall. Small town politics includes lots of backstabbing, mudslinging, corruption, suspicious transactions - and that's sometimes just within the party! UDP (United Democratic Party - Red) and PUP (People's United Party - Blue) are the oldest parties in the country. No independent party can hope to win. EVER.
Anyhow, this truck was brought in under our UDP Town Council. It's new, shiny, and I have never seen it in action. But I could be wrong. I could have been stuck inside the office and not seen it being driven around. Who knows!

It’s good when stuff that’s been bought for oodles of money can be put to use. I don’t care at this point if it is just because the politics is in season, I am just happy to see it in use. Voters aren’t stupid. We know why things are suddenly looking up. We wish it was politics all the time. Poor people would get free grants to fix their homes or get out of bad debts. Things that were originally designated for the people and were kept hidden can be brought out now. The people, for a few weeks out of the season, suddenly have the power.

If a politician offers you $400 cash in hand and asks you to vote, tell them SURE SURE SURE…and when the other politician comes by and does the same, say the same. On voting day, vote for who YOU want to, not for the one has given you more money. Trust me, it’s like the only money you will ever get from a politician. And then you can buy me a drink! I sure as heck have never been given money by any politico. Probably because they get that vibe from me, you know, the one that says, “suckaaaaaaaaa…” to them? Heehee.

I kinda went off tangent, but I do want to show you something also regarding politics. The great US of A just got their first half black/half white president. Ease off on the whole black thing by the way. Barack Obama is half and half. He’s creamy milk chocolate. He’s a cutie! He’s hope. He’s change (take a shot of tequila every time you hear that word from him!). He hopefully will be able to accomplish what he’s set out to do. And what is it that he will do? What did he say he was gonna do? Think real hard. He is in office now. He is awesome and powerful and can make things happen. He is different.

The great B-E-L-I-Z-E also got their first black Prime Minister. Before that we had a half Lebanese one I believe (he kinda screwed us over, so really, do I have to go there?), and before that, it was two other white/non-black dudes. One was even on the road to becoming a priest! (My favorite, George Cadle Price)

But, I’m just saying, there was no huge ripple in the media about Dean Barrow becoming our first black PM. Probably because we are like, totally used to black people. I thought people in the great US of A were too. What is the big deal? Why the big issue on color? Can’t we all get along?

PM Barrow and President Obama - two firsts.
Both campaigned on the platform of change.

I have no sensible or deep conclusion to this post, no clever analogy like "Polictics is like garbage, best thrown in the bin and burned at the dump." I just had to get that out of my system. So, if you read to the end, and wish I'd been more clever. Oops. Sorry. My bad. Tough. I am not miss Clever Clogs this morning. But I got politics out of my system! hee hee...

Everything is coming up roses!

2009-01-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

This was what greeted me this morning. The sun was SHINING and I swear I heard a couple of birds singing. It was not me...PROMISE!
This rosebush has THREE buds...this one is opening up...and the other will follow...then a long pause THEN the other will flower. I will have quite a stretch of roses! :) yay...
I was talking to a friend in Portland (yea...I know...crazeeeeeee!!) and he was telling me how he's got lots of roses. I dream of the day when I will actually own my own plot of land with a house. I will have ROSES all over...I like all flowers, but roses hold a special place for me cause my mama liked them! :)
I have tons of clippings now, but I fear that I might have to leave them at the place I am staying at now because how horrid would it be to uproot them? :(
anywho...I told my friend that I am soon gonna be called the Rose Lady...which is markedly better than "dat criayzy cyat lady..." (do I really have to translate?)
And that's only cause we're not allowed to have pets!
When I get a chance to upload, I will show you these pics of FAT CATS I met yesterday at SAGA humane society! They were awesome-o!! WISH they were mine...

UPDATE:

oh...purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Mom

2009-01-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Life is weird. I just got a side job that allows me to write fun stories for a web site. Pays me some money monthly which helps with a huge ass bill I got to pay off. Long story short. Medical care is hideously expensive in Belize. No such thing as affordable insurance, which means that when my dearly beloved mother got really sick, she didn't even want to say anything because she was worried it would cost too much (mothers!).

Miss you lots :(

By the time we took her to the hospital, it was way too late. After spending five days in hospital, she passed away. She was only 47.
I miss her a lot. I keep hearing her voice when I spoke to her as they were taking her in. It's frail. Sad. Lost. Lonely. Scared. REALLY scared. Terrified. Alone.
I am an only child. Adopted. My mother was divorced from my awful adoptive father (who don't speak to me no more...).
During the days in the hospital, while my mother was hooked to tubes and oxygen masks, I talked to the nurses who tended to her day and night. They were completely disillusioned by their work, the pay was crap and they were simply looking at the couple years they were in Belize as a stepping stone to heading off to the US. What pissed them off was the fact that the cost of medical care was outrageous and they kept 'tsking' me, saying, you poor thing. You have to pay the bill ALL BY YOURSELF?!
One nurse had a little daughter, and she even went so far as to say, "I better have another child, just so my baby girl isn't alone in paying bills or taking care of me when I get old!"
Yea. She said that.
I didn't care. I still don't care, I would have done the same thing all over again.
We transferred my mother from that hospital to another one, and they had her in ICU for a few days. What was interesting however, was when I tried to come in, the first thing they did was take me to the office and demand $1,500 Bz ($750 USD), up front, immediately, right now. My boss, coworkers and friends were rallying, knowing that I had a huge bill coming, and the community had already started donating money so I knew I had at least that amount in my bank account. But thankfully, I had gotten in touch with a lovely woman from the Kidney Association, and she wrote out a check for that amount, which then meant that I had gotten my mother one night's stay in ICU and a dialysis treatment. Since the weekend was starting, no-one bothered me, and My mother managed to stay put for two more nights while my poor friends tried to come up with money. My darling hubby-wubby started working on a quick loan just in case and we knew we could hold on for a bit. Come Monday, with no money in hand, I was told my mother would have to be taken out since I couldn't pay the bill.

Yes. As in, evicted from the hospital because I couldn't pay up. But, here's the zinger: I couldn't accompany her, I had to remain in the hospital, kind of like a hostage, until the bill was paid.
Ah...welcome to the life of a Belizean. Anyone who lives here and is from another country generally has no problem like this because they are investors. They are covered by international insurance. It's the real country people who get SCREWED!!

Yes. I am pissed. It's the colonialist mentality. "Sell to the foreigner and screw the little country people, they're happy to work for pennies a week"...though believe me, foreigners actually think that paying someone $175 (Bz) or $200 (Bz) is too much. I had a job with English people who paid me $250 ($125us) a week, even though they reeled in over $1,000 a DAY!! And my rent was $500 a month...so for two weeks, I had to hold on to my check because I had to pay my rent. hmm...So, yea...if you're thinking, "well, what about your savings?" - trust me if I could, I would have. But I didn't, so I didn't!!

So my mother passed away the Monday night. They didn't put her out, but only because of my coworker who called the owner of the hospital and basically put him in his place. They agreed to a payment plan. Which brings me to my current situation. The bill, when it came, was almost $9,000. The first hospital? ha...that was $10,970.50. Yes. Combined, I had a $20,000 bill to pay!
My stepdad hasn't stepped up to the plate as yet, so have been making payments alone.

But this is not really me bellyaching about my bill. It's the principle of the matter I guess. (?)
And the good news. I have a side job. I have started writing for www.Ambergriscaye.com under the title, Tia Chocolate. Yes...there's a story behind that! :) That's another post though!! And that is helping me pay off my 2 year bill...hehehe...I guess I better not get sick during those years!! Oh well...it's Friday. The weekend is coming. I am looking forward to playing a bit in the yard - though the rain won't let up! AAAh...oh well...

My mop makes the perfect accessory amongst my gorgeous plants! My bright yellow and orange flip flops also make the cut! Hee hee.

my lakefront place! haha - this is currently my street!

Welcome!

2009-01-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Early last year, my boyfriend/hubby/love-of-my-life and I moved into this gorgeous, if small apartment. We live in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. It's considered a paradise island, and having lived here for the past 12 years, I can attest to it's charm and beauty.
There are a few problems with this lovely island - such as garbage, crazy development (have serious problems with that), and lots of environmental concerns. The community comes together during these crazy times though, and we take care of each other. And we all know how to have fun...so...let's see how this goes about!
Oh...and yeah, we're taking care of the yard and home when our landlords aren't around...and this is part of our education in home ownership. I am hoping that some time this year, we come across an affordable home, or land, where we can BUILD our home.
Basically, this blog is simply life. On an island. Responsibility. Tourism. Stuff.

I hope you enjoy following this blog - and try to be nice if you comment! :-D