Whre the heck is Canadian Chica??

First I want to thank many of you for the most kindest words you have written in the past few months... I can't believe I've been "gone" for so long...

I am still in Calgary, and hubby and I have been traveling back and forth for the past few months. SO much has happened, but where does one start? Hubby is still busy working in Cancun and is LOVING his not-so-new job. I am in Calgary and liking my job. I definitely like making some "real" money!!!

Hubby and I just bought a home here in Calgary. We figure that we should have a place in both countries as you never truly know where a path may take you. The housing market in Canada is VERY expensive. However, we figure it will pay off in the long run.... Will be VERY nice to have a place here and in Cancun. Our place here needs some work - was built in '97, but with the decor of '89. I'll have to post some "before and after" pics!

On another note, hubby arrives tomorrow evening and we are headed to the Rocky Mountains to enjoy some time together. Can not wait!!! We like to get out there as often as possible when in Canada :)

Okay, well I know I haven't updated you all too much, but wanted to let you all know that I am alive and well :))

Hasta pronto amigos :)

Where have I gone?

Sooo it's been over a month since my last post. Okay, almost two months if I'm going to be picky!!

I have had so much go on that I don't even know where to start to be honest. I'm back in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for a few more months and loving every minute of it. I moved back up here about a month and a half ago to be with my step-mom Joy and my Dad. If you recall Joy was diagnosed with ALS two years ago. Joy and my Dad were living with hubby and I for just over a year in Cancun until her health really started to take a tumble.... Lots of visits to the Galenia Hospital in Cancun for respiratory problems, and finally the decision was made to go home while she still could. At first I hadn't planned on going, but now I am so happy I did. Joy passed away four weeks ago Friday. It was the hardest time of my life saying goodbye, watching her suffer, and truly realizing that she was gone...

One of the things I will forever remember about Joy was her love of life. She never once complained or felt sorry for herself. Anyone that knows her can attest to this. I have found myself complaining, less, and less myself about all the little not so important things in life. What a breath of fresh air!!! I have to admit that I also don't have as much patience for people who do complain about everything, or feel sorry for themselves. Like get over it. Sorry, that is just my two cents. I am so grateful to be alive and healthy and Joy taught me this amazing lesson in life "remember to dance in the rain"!!

It was not an easy decision when I decided to leave Cancun in mid-June, but now I know I made the right choice. Thank goodness I was here for Joys final weeks. I was there to move her from Palliative Care into her Hospice, and two short weeks later she passed away....

I had a lot going on at the time - I was approached by Mexico Today along with some fellow bloggers and friends to go to Oaxaca Mexico for a paid position with their campaign. Originally I had agreed and was so excited to go! After I received a call from my Dad explaining Joys situation...I knew I had to go home, and miss out on this amazing opportunity.

On top of this, hubby is still in Cancun and I am missing him terribly. Good news he actually flew up here in mid-June with me and helped me settle, and move Joy around. Little did we know that two weeks later he'd be flying home for her funeral. I'm going to be in Cancun again in two weeks, but just for a visit and my nephews baptism. We are the Godparents!!!!

Well, again, my blog is all over the place but I thought I needed to write a brief post explaining where this Chica was at!!!

Joy, I will forever have you in my heart, and you were the most amazing person I had the pleasure to love and know. Non-judgemental, and always living up to your name. Joy you are my angel, and I am so happy you have now found peace. Until we meet again..... I love you.

www.hopeforjoy.ca

Hotter than hell down here!!!

Hi Everyone!

I am back in Cancun and missing Calgary like crazy. How can I miss that blizzard of a storm I left behind you ask? Easy. Family. Friends. Food. Shopping. I could go on and on. However, that being said I am happy that I'm able to work on my tan again. I can't believe how fast I lost my colour when I went back home. Calgary is one of the driest cities in North America!!

Cancun warmed up in the last few weeks. At first I thought I just had to get used to the heat again, but nope, it's HOT here. For most tourists it's absolutely lovely. As a local I'm not the biggest fan of summer heat in Cancun. I can not wear make up, can't apply moisturizer, no high heels, etc... OMG... Don't even ask me about cooking. Yesterday I was sweating up a storm in the kitchen!! Awful!!! UGHHH. LOL!

On to some really good news.... I lost 5 pounds!!!!! My pants are much looser, and I can really feel it. How did I lose this weight? Pilates and my diet. I gave up sweets for Lent so that probably helped, and I've also been watching my portion sizes. That is my biggest piece of advice for anyone trying to lose weight, and who don't want to completely change what they eat.Oh and btw I am a size 2 again!! A really happy size 2. I would still like to lose a few more pounds, and tone up, but I am so happy. All of my hard work has paid off!!!

IAs I mentioned a few posts ago, I am a student again. I am currently studying nutrtion and will be a Certified Holistic Health Coach, and a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. For those of you who know me personally this won't come as a surprise. I have always had a passion for nutrtition and exercise. I'm very happy that my parents are so supportive and helped me make this possible. Thanks Mom and Dad :)

My best friend Abby arrives in Cancun on Wednesday night for eight days. We are both so excited, and I can't wait to spend some quality time with her. We both plan on working out together the entire time she is here, and maybe next week I'll be down a few more pounds!! Wish me luck :)

Adios for now...

Another change

By human nature I am a creature of habit. It's not that I don't like change, as I do. I'm a Gemini - we love change. However, there are certain situations that I do not deal with well. Por ejemplo people.

If you recall, our cleaning lady Elvie is pregnant, and had to stop working with us recently. Thank goodness I had the disaster of the electricity to keep my mind occupied as the weeks leading up to her final day were tormenting me. Serioiusly. I grew so attached to her, and was very sad that I wouldn't be seeing her on a daily basis. A tad dramatic. I know.

The good news is we have her cousin working with us. In all honesty her cousin is actually a much better cleaner than Elvie. However, Elvie had my trust, and her cousin will now have to earn it. After our incident with our awful cleaning lady last year it's sad for me to say you now have to earn my trust. I'm sure she will, and I hope I'm not wrong. I really like her... :)

Another change coming is that my Dad and Joy will be leaving us for Canada next week. Very sad for me as they've been with us for about 10 months. Unfortunately, Joy's health is really not doing well, and she needs to go home to Canada and receive the help that can be offered to her on that side. Well, if it weren't for that reason I would be even more sad. The selfish part of me is going to miss them so much, but now is not a time for me to be selfish. I'll just have to get used to the idea. That's all. Actually, we will be going home with them as well for a surprise visit for my mom's 50th birthday!! Can't wait !!!

What about you guys? Are you okay with change? Or do you relish the thought like myself?? 

Miracles do happen!

So, remember last week I mentioned our floors were going to be repaired and no one showed up? Well, this morning at 8:45 sharp the guy showed up. I'm still in shock. I hear the hammer banging away. I see the dust in the air. Nope I'm not dreaming - this is actually happening. Hallelujah!

Can  you imagine my floor(s) could be back to normal by the end of the week?

I'll keep you all posted as I'm hoping he returns tomorrow, and again the following day!!