OK, so with the news of a new baby (#2) on the way, I'm due Oct 30th and the thought that we were going to tear down he house and re-build while the economy is in a so called recession... it's been crazy! Plus getting daycare for Nate and going back to work. Lots on the plate. Well I always have been a BIG eater, *snicker snicker. But the re-build idea was 2 months in and the budget we said and the quotes they gave us is NOT what they said they could do so then we looked at selling and re-buying. Well after seeing the prices of houses in our neighbourhood and thinking, shit if we spent a little dough on the house we could get a higher sell price. For example, similar house that made ours feel HUGE! Was listed for $699,000 went into a bidding war (cause we're in a recession remember) and the final price was $748,000, but wait... a few weeks alter I was showing my family what they house looked like and how INSANE the price was never mind that they got $47,000 over the list price but when we looked the price at sold time was now... ready for this... recession right? Well it was $758,000!!! OMFG! Are you kidding me? Just goes to show that not only are ppl NUTS but it's a great time to sell. The biggest problem is finding a place we like. Everything we like sells before we can even see it. Most houses in our area are selling as fast as 3-5 days! That's right.. not months or weeks but DAYS! Scary if you think of what is going on in the US and we are at the farthest end of the spectrum if we are even on the spectrum, HA HA HA!
So NOW we are reno'ing the house, new kitchen and bathroom on the main floor and finishing the vinyl siding, so the house it upside down, Nate is under foot and the belly is growing faster then a speeding bullet!!! Yes I know NUTS! But hey what's life without a little drama? After all if we don't sell we'll have a nicer place to live in, hee hee hee.
I'll have to throw up some pics of the war zone, ha ha ha!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
¡México, aquí venimos!
Well we are going to venture to Puerto Vallarta with baby!!! We will also be traveling with my big brother Todd and his wife Ann, so extra hands/sitters. Should be lots of fun!
After all the snow and rain it will be a nice change.
Now we get to brush up on our Spanish!
After all the snow and rain it will be a nice change.
Now we get to brush up on our Spanish!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Jamaican County Music
Oh dear lord! Pete and I just found the song that we heard only too often at the resort by Tim Wilson called "Booty Man", this song is histerical, slightly offensive but oh well.
you have to have a listen
http://www.themadmusicarchive.com/song_details.aspx?SongID=2132
click on the speaker icon to have a giggle =D
if you scroll down on the page you can see the lyrics.
OR
go to this Youtube link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0bO_E8V7P8
you have to have a listen
http://www.themadmusicarchive.com/song_details.aspx?SongID=2132
click on the speaker icon to have a giggle =D
if you scroll down on the page you can see the lyrics.
OR
go to this Youtube link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0bO_E8V7P8
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Video's From our trip
This is of the Steel Drum band we had at the hotel, they are awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpwjuufiPkU
This lovely Jamaican was singing and dancing away on the street. Nothing new as Jamaican's LOVe their music and it is nothing to see then singing and dancing everywhere, even the hotel staff (waiters, bartenders, maids, etc...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g49H9uz3XLU
Oh ya and the late day rain... this was quick the rain one night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bdYF0UqgAk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpwjuufiPkU
This lovely Jamaican was singing and dancing away on the street. Nothing new as Jamaican's LOVe their music and it is nothing to see then singing and dancing everywhere, even the hotel staff (waiters, bartenders, maids, etc...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g49H9uz3XLU
Oh ya and the late day rain... this was quick the rain one night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bdYF0UqgAk
Monday, February 4, 2008
Dunn's River Falls
The Beach at Dunn's River Falls
Peter, Peanut and me at the bottom of the Falls
More of the Falls
Peanut takes a dip in the Falls, hee hee hee
Pete on the Main Falls
Is that cold hunny???
Tha main Falls
What are these two doing???
Wild Cats
Pete and I had Roy drop us off at the Falls for 2.5 hours (since there was only one cruise ship in we could have done with 1.5-2 hours). Roy recommended we start at the bottom on the beach and work our way up. Now since I'm in no condition to risk falling in the falls I took the stairs and paths along the side that they call "The Chicken Walk", lol, and I'm all good with that. I was able to go in at a few different spots where it was more like a pool so I could at least say I went in. Pete held my hand just incase but since I was not on the rock it was not slippery.
I made Pete climb the Falls since I couldn’t and he was more then happy to walk with me but I told him I wanted at least one of us to do it.
It was better that we hired Roy and did our own thing vs. being on a tour which they want $39 US each. This way we could do it at our own pace and do what we wanted. So glad that we did.
About the Falls:
Dunn's River Falls is one of Jamaica’s national treasures. The Spaniards called the area "Las Chorreras", the waterfalls or springs and it is truly one of the most beautiful spots on the island. A stone's throw from Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica's fastest growing resort centers, Dunn's River Falls is unique. Described as a living and growing phenomenon, it continuously regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls. The small dome-shaped cataracts are usually associated with thermal spring activity found in limestone caves. This, combined with its location near to the sea, gives Dunn's River the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, if not the world. The name "Las Chorreras" has degenerated over the years to "Ocho Rios" (meaning eight rivers), although there are actually only four rivers in the area - Cave River, Roaring River, Turtle River and Dunns River.
Peter, Peanut and me at the bottom of the Falls
More of the Falls
Peanut takes a dip in the Falls, hee hee heePete on the Main Falls
Is that cold hunny???
Tha main Falls
What are these two doing???
Wild Cats
Pete and I had Roy drop us off at the Falls for 2.5 hours (since there was only one cruise ship in we could have done with 1.5-2 hours). Roy recommended we start at the bottom on the beach and work our way up. Now since I'm in no condition to risk falling in the falls I took the stairs and paths along the side that they call "The Chicken Walk", lol, and I'm all good with that. I was able to go in at a few different spots where it was more like a pool so I could at least say I went in. Pete held my hand just incase but since I was not on the rock it was not slippery.I made Pete climb the Falls since I couldn’t and he was more then happy to walk with me but I told him I wanted at least one of us to do it.
It was better that we hired Roy and did our own thing vs. being on a tour which they want $39 US each. This way we could do it at our own pace and do what we wanted. So glad that we did.
About the Falls:
Dunn's River Falls is one of Jamaica’s national treasures. The Spaniards called the area "Las Chorreras", the waterfalls or springs and it is truly one of the most beautiful spots on the island. A stone's throw from Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica's fastest growing resort centers, Dunn's River Falls is unique. Described as a living and growing phenomenon, it continuously regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls. The small dome-shaped cataracts are usually associated with thermal spring activity found in limestone caves. This, combined with its location near to the sea, gives Dunn's River the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, if not the world. The name "Las Chorreras" has degenerated over the years to "Ocho Rios" (meaning eight rivers), although there are actually only four rivers in the area - Cave River, Roaring River, Turtle River and Dunns River.
No Money, No Problem Mon!
We chilled fro 2 days at the hotel. The place is so big and has everything you need you really do not have to leave. But we had no cash so we decided to go to town, Ocho Rio. We went on a day that there was only one cruise ship in town so that it was not as busy.
They want $30 for a return cab ride from the hotel but after talking to a few of the staff we found out that if you walk up the driveway you can get one for $20. So of course we did, we met Roy, a wonderful older man who has 7 kids! We told him that we needed a bank machine at that we had no luck at the resort and if they don’t work in town we wouldn’t be able to pay him. He told us “No problem mon”, a classic Jamaican saying. He was informative and friendly and was super nice. It was only 10 mins to get to town and Roy pointed out a few of the sites along the way. We hit the ATM and Pete got cash out. Roy then dropped us of in town and we decide that we wanted to hang out for 2.5 hours and he’d met us right where he dropped us off.
We checked out the Market, the Duty Free Shops and ate at Mama Marley’s. We had the Jerk Shrimp that had a heat to it like I’ve never experienced, it was a slow long burn that was so addictive! And the taste was amazing. The bartender made me the most yummy fruit shake made all from fresh fruit as I was finding the pre made drinks at the hotel way too sweet (after all the booze cuts the sweetness, lol) it only cost Pete $6 to get me a drink without booze, HA HA HA.
We asked about going to Dunn’s River Falls later in the week and Roy said he could takes us, only costs $20 fro fare and $15 each to get in. Now I can truly say he did not hustle us.
They want $30 for a return cab ride from the hotel but after talking to a few of the staff we found out that if you walk up the driveway you can get one for $20. So of course we did, we met Roy, a wonderful older man who has 7 kids! We told him that we needed a bank machine at that we had no luck at the resort and if they don’t work in town we wouldn’t be able to pay him. He told us “No problem mon”, a classic Jamaican saying. He was informative and friendly and was super nice. It was only 10 mins to get to town and Roy pointed out a few of the sites along the way. We hit the ATM and Pete got cash out. Roy then dropped us of in town and we decide that we wanted to hang out for 2.5 hours and he’d met us right where he dropped us off.
We checked out the Market, the Duty Free Shops and ate at Mama Marley’s. We had the Jerk Shrimp that had a heat to it like I’ve never experienced, it was a slow long burn that was so addictive! And the taste was amazing. The bartender made me the most yummy fruit shake made all from fresh fruit as I was finding the pre made drinks at the hotel way too sweet (after all the booze cuts the sweetness, lol) it only cost Pete $6 to get me a drink without booze, HA HA HA.
We asked about going to Dunn’s River Falls later in the week and Roy said he could takes us, only costs $20 fro fare and $15 each to get in. Now I can truly say he did not hustle us.
Patois and the Hussel
The dominant language in Jamaica is English. But almost all the Jamaicans are bi-lingual. Jamaican slang is an amalgamation of English and African languages. The Jamaican slang which is the native language is called "patois" and is spoken all over Jamaica by almost all the Jamaicans. The other language is Spanish but it’s like how we have French in Canada, we don’t really speak it unless you are French.
So here are a few of the most common words we heard at he resort;
Aright (ah-rite)- All right, sure, yes, okay
Bout- About. Naa worry bout it. (Don’t worry about it)
Bwoy (b-why)- Boy. This is a common term for anybody—male or female
Weh ih deh? (Where is it?)
Eveling- Evening
Mon- Perhaps the single most important Jamaican word, “Mon” can represent every person in Jamaica—man, woman, and child. Yes mon!
They ask you constantly if "everyting is ah rite". They drop a lot of the "h" sounds out of words too.
Now after talking to a lot of East Coasters from the States they prefer Jamicia because English is spoken everywhere VS. Mexico where it's mostly Spanish with some English. This is where Pete and I truely believe we prefer Mexico because we love the language. Now the people in Jamaica and Mexico are both very friendly but the Jamaican's know how to hussel you. I mean Pete got husseled for $150 Jamaican ($73 Jamaican = $1 Can dollor) just for asking where we could get some good Jamaicain food in Ocho Rios and the guy walked us not even 100 feet! Pete was only gonna give him $100 Jamaican and they guy said "that's chump change" good thing it was Pete and not me casue I would have put my money away and told him "if it's chump change I guess you don't need it then", and would have sat my ass down in the chair.
When we went into the Market in Ocho Rio they are on you! They say all sorts of lines, and they know the bracellet colors from the hotels and say "Hey mon, remember me from the other night at the Riu?", "free to browse, no pressure", "just one minute", "let me show you", or my personal favorite... "the more you smile the bigger the discount" HA HA HA right, i guess i'm not getting any discount ;)
We missed out maid for two days and at 4:30pm she came by the room and said she would be off the next day and did we want to leave her anything!
The best was at the Airport, we bought 2 bottles of Jamican Rum and they box it up for you and the guy who boxed it up hussled us for a tip! OMFG! Are you kidding me? After that I really prefer Mexico.
They aren't even that aggressive in Thailand!
So here are a few of the most common words we heard at he resort;
Aright (ah-rite)- All right, sure, yes, okay
Bout- About. Naa worry bout it. (Don’t worry about it)
Bwoy (b-why)- Boy. This is a common term for anybody—male or female
Weh ih deh? (Where is it?)
Eveling- Evening
Mon- Perhaps the single most important Jamaican word, “Mon” can represent every person in Jamaica—man, woman, and child. Yes mon!
They ask you constantly if "everyting is ah rite". They drop a lot of the "h" sounds out of words too.
Now after talking to a lot of East Coasters from the States they prefer Jamicia because English is spoken everywhere VS. Mexico where it's mostly Spanish with some English. This is where Pete and I truely believe we prefer Mexico because we love the language. Now the people in Jamaica and Mexico are both very friendly but the Jamaican's know how to hussel you. I mean Pete got husseled for $150 Jamaican ($73 Jamaican = $1 Can dollor) just for asking where we could get some good Jamaicain food in Ocho Rios and the guy walked us not even 100 feet! Pete was only gonna give him $100 Jamaican and they guy said "that's chump change" good thing it was Pete and not me casue I would have put my money away and told him "if it's chump change I guess you don't need it then", and would have sat my ass down in the chair.
When we went into the Market in Ocho Rio they are on you! They say all sorts of lines, and they know the bracellet colors from the hotels and say "Hey mon, remember me from the other night at the Riu?", "free to browse, no pressure", "just one minute", "let me show you", or my personal favorite... "the more you smile the bigger the discount" HA HA HA right, i guess i'm not getting any discount ;)
We missed out maid for two days and at 4:30pm she came by the room and said she would be off the next day and did we want to leave her anything!
The best was at the Airport, we bought 2 bottles of Jamican Rum and they box it up for you and the guy who boxed it up hussled us for a tip! OMFG! Are you kidding me? After that I really prefer Mexico.
They aren't even that aggressive in Thailand!
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