Wow - 2011

Can you believe it, 2011? Is it just me or did this past year fly by?? I'm not complaining as overall it was a good one. A few pitfalls, but nothing I can't handle.

We moved to Mexico. Can you believe a year ago we moved back here? Has it been that long? Funny as it still feels brand new to me at times. I'll have to do something about that.

I'm still working on my New Year's resolution(s). A tad tardy, but whos' paying attention anyways? Normally I am not really the resolution kinda gal, but since spending the last year in Mexico I feel somewhat inclined. My attitude towards living in Mexico is not the best right now, and I know the only way out of this funk is by changing my attitude stat. So for sure that will have to be a top contender.... Oh, and the gym. I haven't been in almost 3 full weeks, and guaranteed put on 5 solid pounds while in Canada. No lie. Que pena!!

Just to add a bit more randomness to this post, here's a quick flash of our New Years Eve.

We rang in the New Year in style. We ended up going to a restaurant with about 40 of our family and friends.It was lovely as we had the entire garden area reserved for us. We paid 400 pesos for all you can eat, and drink for 3 hours. Now that is a deal. We stayed there until about 1 in the morning, and then moved the party to our friends place partying until 7am. Can you believe it? This little Canuck can still party like she used to. Who knew. The next morning, okay afternoon was not so fun, but I was a trooper and made it to the inlaws for a huge lunch!

                                                              Wow, do I look tanned?

Champagne anyone?

Cheers boys!

I truly hope that all of you had a wonderful New Years, and that 2011 brings you nothing but happiness, health and love.

Cheers!

Ringing in the New Year

Well, it is almost New Years Eve and I sit here in Cancun trying to figure out what we are going to do exactly. I hate this - we had plans, but they have fallen through. We returned late last night, and it was pretty hard trying to make plans up from up North. Okay, I know it's not a real "poor me" situation, but I think I'm just upset as for the past 5 years we've hung out with our best friends in Canada. Now, nada?? Really??
Hubby and I decided we would spend Christmas in Canada, and NYE in Mexico as I just wouldn't give up the holidays with my family. So as great as he was about giving up Christmas I felt bad about pushing New Years Eve on him as well. Now? Now I sit here with NO plans. Arrggghhhhh.....
Some of our friends in Cancun are trying to plan something, but what can we do?? Do we have a house party?? Do we spend a fortune to attend a party at one of the hotels?
Oh well... I do have an outfit in mind, but am a little pasty after my trip home. Self tanner it is.
Whatever we do end up doing I'm sure we'll have a great time.
I truly wish nothing but the best for all of you in 2011, and happy safe partying for all.
Happy New Year from Cancun!!!

Christmas in Canada

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

My last post I shared some photos of our place in Cancun, and I promised to share some photos' of our Christmas in Canada!!! There are no palm trees, but it has been surprisingly warm and pleasant.

Christmas this year was one of the best ever. My mom baked some of my favourite cookies (vanilla kifle), snow on the ground, lots of family, and who am I kidding, some fantastic gifts!!!

We will be back in Cancun in less than a week, and that is where we are ringing in the New Year.

Christmas morning... our stockings and tree!!!

Hubby and I in front of my parents Christmas morning

                                                                       Kids Table!!

                                                              Adults table

                                                                My beautiful mama!!

My Goddaughter and I

Seasons Greetings!!!!

Christmas at our house

Hubby and I are getting ready to head to Calgary for the holidays, and I for one couldn't be more pumped. Hubby, myself and our Shitzu Kiara are all headed North for two weeks.

Even though we are leaving we still decided we had to have a Christmas tree, and put out our decorations. It just really wouldn't have felt like Christmas had we not.

We ended up buying our tree from the Costco tree lot ,which actually sold out in 2 weeks time. The tree is from Oregon, and is huge. We paid $1000 pesos for it, roughly $90usd. It was the biggest one they had.

All of our decorations on the tree were purchased at the local Home Depot - not cheap, but better quality than anywhere else we looked. The decor around our house is ours from Canada.

I can't wait to get to my Mom's place and take some pics there for all of you to see. For now, enjoy these pics of our place here in Cancun.

Happy Holidays !!!

Christmas in Mexico (Christmas Around the World from World Book)

Quick - someone hit Rudolph!

Yes, you are really seeing a vehicle dressed as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer here in Cancun. Ohhh my. I saw this little beauty as I was leaving Telmex the other day, and couldn't help but take a photo for all of you to enjoy!!

Oh, but wait today's special comes with another photo for you all to enjoy. My brother, hubby and I paid a littled visit to our local Home Depot recently and took a snap shot of "Naughty Santa" for you all....

Awww...How I love the holiday season :)

Another first in Mexico

The past few weeks we (my family and I) have learnt that it is time for this gringa to buy herself a vehicle. Not just any vehicle, but I am in need of a 7 passenger vehicle. My one problem? I won't drive a mini-van. This is in no way meant to offend anyone who does drive a mini-van out there, but I just don't ever want to drive one myself. The good news is that there are a lot of options out there for a 7 passenger SUV. YAY, there is a God!!

This will be our first time buying a brand new vehicle in Mexico. I was fortunate enough to have my first car bought for me by my parents when I was 16, and then got some help for my second. So technically this is actually my first car I'm buying by myself (thanks hubby)!

Now even though I am an amateur when it comes to car shopping, I am no dummy! I know that in Canada, and assuming the USA, interest rates are moderated, and there is always room to negotiate. Well, so far my experience here in Cancun has been a huge shock. Interest rates are all over the map - Toyota was happy to advise their rate was 15.95%, and the price is THE price. We were very honest with our sales lady and said sorry, we wont' waste your time as we will not pay 16% interest!

I could go on, and on about how different the experience was, but I really don't want to bore everyone! We went to Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota,  Mitsubishi and Mazda. The Ford and Mazda dealership were the most impressive. The staff new their product, and were full of great information.

I think I have narrowed my picks down, but I most definitely have a favourite. I am hoping to be the owner of the Mazda CX9 in the new year!!! Anyone have an experience with it? Or even Mazda? If so, let me know!!

Whirlwind of a week

The last few weeks seem to have flown by in record time. We have had family come and go. Over 60 family members to be exact. Ohhh and what a crazy family we have ....uh-hum... in a good way of course!!! My dad finally married the love of his life, and his best friend.

I can not believe that after the months of planning it is already over, and everyone is gone. Well, except for one of my uncles who is still staying with us. Don't you ever wish time could just sit still, just for a little while?? Just enough to enjoy it for "that" much longer? Don't get me wrong I do look forward to the future, but when am I going to get that side of the family altogether again in Mexico? Probably never.

The wedding was amazing, and my family had a blast. Seriously, no one complained about anything and we sure had our fair share of mishaps. The second day at the resort one of my little cousins (2 year old) fell off a chair and was rushed to Playa del Carmen for surgery! She landed on her chin and bit through her tongue..... She was a trooper and back in action the following day!!!

My dad and stepmom had a Mayan themed ceremony on the beach. It was amazing, and very emotional. It was later followed by a wonderful Italian meal, and a party around the pool with Trio's to start the night, and a DJ to finish it off.  Fun, fun, and amazing.

I guess what I'm trying to say in a round-a-bout way - there is nothing like family. Enjoy all the time you get to spend with them, and treasure the memories for life.