tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91302926295744775852024-03-05T08:28:35.107-04:00life is a science experimentplease be sure to read the DISCLAIMER before delving into the mania of my personal mind.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.comBlogger894125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-4476829997690001192014-05-04T13:31:00.000-04:002014-05-04T13:31:10.884-04:00Sunday Sillies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here's your YouTube Show.<br />
<br />
A little tardy, I must say.<br />
<br />
Just came out of a 3 week mosquito borne virus.<br />
<br />
But here it is!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i1.ytimg.com/s_vi/UaKzWTfXOdY/default.jpg?sqp=COzvmZsF&rs=AOn4CLBoAG0iXioraqKFt523D5nXlv2dTw"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/UaKzWTfXOdY?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/UaKzWTfXOdY?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-46701134827650733492014-04-01T10:36:00.000-04:002014-04-01T10:36:09.817-04:00it was only day one ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You really have to laugh.<br />
<br />
My baby sister saw a pic Papi posted of us while we were in the 2nd tow truck after our car broke down and asked, "Why are you smiling?!?!"<br />
<br />
Because you have to laugh.<br />
<br />
We have a car we bought from the devil himself. We had it 'repaired' the day before we left for our trip to the nerve center of this country.<br />
<br />
I've been having some troubles being stranded at the side of the road in our small town in the country, but there's one problem area you do not want to experience being broken down in, and true to our nature of never ending drama, this is where the car was grounded.<br />
<br />
Now, I've spoken before about how we're living in a pretty vicious country, but just to recap for those of you who are new to my world, people in this country are so desperate to get their cerveza for the day, they will kill you for 5 pesos.<br />
<br />
I am not exaggerating.<br />
<br />
We set out to the capitol, Santo Domingo, to get my salt air impaired piano fixed by the <a href="http://andreashealingjourney.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-happy-place.html?showComment=1396355508481#c4385589664428417764">best in the country</a>.<br />
<br />
But not only that, we had 2 computers, also slain from living too close to the ocean, along with our computer we've been sharing and an iPad for the other soul who doesn't get to the shared computer first.<br />
<br />
Oh, and cash in case we got stranded.<br />
<br />
Off we drove with our tinted windows, to be sure people couldn't see we were gringos right away in hopes that we don't get accosted, and drove on a highway where there is nothing for miles, except for the occasional horse.<br />
<br />
It's an ideal stretch for serial killers to dump bodies in, but we don't have that problem in this country. Generally speaking, that seems to be more of a phenomenon of white men in 1st world countries.<br />
<br />
However, it is a great place to be dumped after desperate pirates take everything you own, then kill you so you can't identify them.<br />
<br />
Satan's Sedan croaked and we were stranded in bum-fuck-nowhere, Dominican Republic, near 2 horses who seemed to salute us with an anxious, "Neigh!!!!"<br />
<br />
We were fortunate that this toll road had an emergency number. We called it and the woman who spoke speed Spanish did her best to get information out of me about where we were.<br />
<br />
"Ummm ... near 2 horses and coconut trees." It couldn't have been arduous to find the farcical gringos with a raised hood.<br />
<br />
When they arrived, they found me searching the grass. Why? Because when I had taken the radiator cap off, the lid blew off like a volcano.<br />
<br />
Not to mention, I had green coolant dripping from my face, hair and clothing. The saving grace was that I had waited long enough that the coolant did it's job and I didn't get a 3rd degree burn from boiling fluid.<br />
<br />
Papi had a good laugh at my face of disgust. Yeah. Really funny.<br />
<br />
Anyway, thanks to our emergency crew we didn't get killed by fortune hunters.<br />
<br />
The emergency crew called a tow truck for us, but he could only bring us to the first toll booth. We needed a 2nd one once we passed that border.<br />
<br />
Upon meeting the first driver, I had asked Papi to please sit in the middle, so that I didn't have to sit beside what my spidey senses told me was a creepy man.<br />
<br />
"No! You speak Spanish!" Papi said. Oh yes. This guy whispered things to me in Spanish that Papi couldn't understand.<br />
<br />
Really, I couldn't understand the words, but I understood the energy quite clearly.<br />
<br />
We got to the 2nd leg of the highway of hell without being raped and the new tow truck driver, who was a sweet family man, got us to a repair shop with our car and all it's belongings in tow.<br />
<br />
This is where we met the garage owner who had two thumbs ...<br />
<br />
... <i>i'm not kidding ... it was QUITE fascinating</i> ...<br />
<br />
... who told us that our engine was dead.<br />
<br />
Dead engine. Stuck 3 hours away from home, no clue to know whether he was lying or not with one option: we had to accept that we were going to have to pay for a new engine if we were to make it home again with the demon's dump of a jalopy.<br />
<br />
An engine takes a little time to be put into a car, so we had a forced vacation, but there's so much more to tell you.<br />
<br />
Why I'm writing a blog instead of practising my piano that we went all the way there to get fixed? Because I can't find my fucking piano power cord.<br />
<br />
Jeeeeeezus have I left all my cords in Santo Domingo?!?!?!<br />
<br />
We can't do anything without drama, which is entertainment for everyone.<br />
<br />
Don't ever feel bad if you have a boring life.<br />
<br />
I'm thanking my angels that we got through the trip and made it back home alive.<br />
<br />
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to tend to a puking puppy.<br />
<br />
And people wonder why I started drinking again ...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i allow my life to be filled with peace</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-3341038492323658742014-03-23T23:25:00.001-04:002014-03-23T23:28:02.926-04:00the happy place<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been working hard.<br />
<br />
I haven't been here in your presence.<br />
<br />
There have been a few weeks of healing, and <a href="http://andreashealingjourney.blogspot.com/p/fuzzy-family.html">The Thug</a> is doing so much better, with the exception of those lumps. He looks a little on the Quasimodo side with some strange lumps from healing too fast or some strange phenomenon <a href="http://doctorbobs.com/">Dr. Bob</a> told Papi and me about.<br />
<br />
Our hearts had to heal as well. It was really hard to edit <a href="http://youtu.be/SmUZHrShrRo">his footage</a>.<br />
<br />
In perfect timing, I've had an opportunity to use playing as a way to feel better through all this. I've been really enjoying learning new songs for gigs here on the island.<br />
<br />
I've taken a temporary detour from translating all the songs I wanted to perform solo in mostly Spanish sets. I'm working toward 3 potential performances.<br />
<br />
It has been glorious to sing and sing and sing and play and sing and play ...<br />
<br />
Anyway, I've been practising other songs that are just as difficult for me to memorize as songs in Spanish.<br />
<br />
Many moons and moons and stars ago, I was in college in a jazz program. I'm revisiting this practise of jazz and blues, even though I've been engulfed in pop and rock since the middle of that college program. <br />
<br />
There has been a wee obstacle.<br />
<br />
My piano.<br />
<br />
My machine has been eaten by the salt air that we can sometimes see in the pictures or video we take.<br />
<br />
The ocean has already marred my baby. She's feeling the effects of the salt air, even though I've done my best to keep the doors closed when I play her.<br />
<br />
We've only been playing together for, what? 8 months?<br />
<br />
She is crying. An arthritic body. Some joints hurt, some bones ache, but she doesn't creak, she honks.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
Honks.<br />
<br />
There are times I won't even get through a song without the offense that I am in combat with.<br />
<br />
Not to mention, this week, she has begun giving me the silent treatment. Utter refusal to sing certain notes.<br />
<br />
My finger sinks into the plastic with no emotion. Dead note.<br />
<br />
But only when I ask her to play more than 3 notes.<br />
<br />
I've taken my songs down to bones of only 3 notes to adjust to her temperament.<br />
<br />
Spacial playing. Yeah. I have an angry piano.<br />
<br />
I have found someone to give her the attention she's been honking for.<br />
<br />
He was very good at speaking slow Spanish to me on the phone. When Dr. Piano found out where I lived on the island, he commented, "You know there are people closer to you in Puerto Plata and Sosua?"<br />
<br />
Well, I have searched for someone who could definitively say, "I know someone who fixes digital pianos."<br />
<br />
That 'someone', Dr. Piano, was referred to me by someone who knows gear in the country. A guy at a recording studio here on the other side of the country. I trust him.<br />
<br />
So when Dr. Piano tried to refer me to someone who may be closer, I explained "Well, Wanny told me you were the best in the country. So, I want the best in the country."<br />
<br />
Dr. Piano just laughed and we decided I'll be bringing her in on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, I practised enough before she had to go in for her visit with the doctor.<br />
<br />
I still need her home fast. I can't perform with a honking piano.<br />
<br />
And I can't be here with you as much as I'd like to be.<br />
<br />
But I do miss being here.<br />
<br />
I'm just busy, and it's the best place for me.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>self-worth. that is pleasant.</i></b></blockquote>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-51937357043795531132014-03-23T17:32:00.000-04:002014-03-23T17:32:21.282-04:00sunday sillies ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My poor baby boy, aka "The Thug" is doing much better, but here are his wounds.<br />
<br />
Just nasty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SmUZHrShrRo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
His bark is back.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-42712995143984462252014-02-26T19:47:00.000-04:002014-02-26T21:04:50.585-04:00our worst day here<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's going to take a while to write this post with one hand.<br />
<br />
My right arm is out of commission, which is very upsetting as Sunday, I received an invitation to my first piano gig on Saturday nights, and now I will have to delay that gig for at least 2 months.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://andreashealingjourney.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-new-enemy.html">Remember those Rottweilers</a> a few houses down? This attack was the worst yet.<br />
<br />
We were trying to be responsible dog owners and had <a href="http://andreashealingjourney.blogspot.com/p/fuzzy-family.html">The Thug</a> wear a muzzle for our beach walk.<br />
<br />
When he ran to the neighbour's gate, we thought it would be fine because we were told the wicked woman had moved with her dogs.<br />
<br />
She was back, and so was the pack.<br />
<br />
They grabbed The Thug by the muzzle and all three of them started to tear at the flesh on his face and head.<br />
<br />
Our poor baby had no defence because of the muzzle he was wearing, and the dogs pulled at him so hard his head was pulled right through the fence.<br />
<br />
Now they had the advantage because his head was stuck and the three of these dogs really went to town ripping and tearing at The Thug's face, ears, eye and mouth.<br />
<br />
We threw rocks, sticks, hit them on the head with the ends of the leashes, until finally, I tried to reached in to pull one of them off.<br />
<br />
Instead of helping our sweet boy, I wound up with the Rottweiler's jaw clamped on my forearm.<br />
<br />
Flipping my arm about like it was a rag doll, he looked like he was having a great time with the newest toy to enter his space.<br />
<br />
Yet, the original toy, our dog, was more enticing and he let go of me to further work on ripping the face off our dog.<br />
<br />
I ran screaming to the village for help and lucky for us, everyone came running.<br />
<br />
By the time we all got back to the fence, The Thug had gone limp. I truly believed he was dead.<br />
<br />
Not only that, Papi had been bitten as well.<br />
<br />
But the men grabbed coconut palm leaves and used the hard ends of the leaves to ward off the dogs. Looking like lion tamers with a chair and whip, they held off the dogs while a few of us kicked in a part of the fence to help pull out our big boy.<br />
<br />
There is nothing heavier than an 80 pound Pitbull who has gone limp after you've had your arm bitten by a Rottweiler.<br />
<br />
But I didn't feel the pain of my arm at this point. My whole mission was just to get my baby out of the fence so that they couldn't remove his entire head from his neck.<br />
<br />
There was so much blood I couldn't even tell what his injuries were.<br />
<br />
As the owner sauntered toward us, I yelled, "Get these doors fixed! <b>NOW</b>!" followed by, "Now I need the hospital!" and finished off with giving her the finger and a scream of, "Fuck <b>YOU!!!</b>" That's a language she understands even if my Spanish was lacking.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, on this North Coast of the island, there are no emergency vets.<br />
<br />
We had to leave our sweet baby with Dominican Daddy to watch over him, while we rushed ourselves to the hospital to deal with our own lacerations.<br />
<br />
Without getting too graphic for you, we both found that the flesh of our arms was exiting our wounds.<br />
<br />
Fleshy bits where they shouldn't be.<br />
<br />
It takes 30 minutes to drive to the hospital here. It was the longest 30 minutes ever.<br />
<br />
When we got there, because I couldn't move my fingers, they thought I had a broken arm, which would not be hard to fathom, considering who bit us.<br />
<br />
However, I have learned since my motorcycle accident that I have the world's strongest bones and nothing was broken.<br />
<br />
I visited The Thug at <a href="http://doctorbobs.com/">Dr. Bob</a>'s again today to see how he was doing.<br />
<br />
He is completely despondent and wouldn't even lift his head when he saw me.<br />
<br />
I truly believe he thinks we've given up on him.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow he comes home. Tomorrow can't come soon enough.<br />
<br />
Papi, The Thug and I all have some healing to do. Emotionally and physically.<br />
<br />
People in the village have gone back and asked her to fix her gate, because her dogs have not only bit our dogs and us, but they have also bitten a child.<br />
<br />
Her response? "It's not my problem. This is my house. I don't need to fix it."<br />
<br />
In this crazy, wild west of the Dominican Republic, it is not abnormal for people to be killed when an entire village is outraged.<br />
<br />
I just hope they don't poison the dogs. It's not their fault. They have not been socialized.<br />
<br />
She is the one who is evil.<br />
<br />
And I will never put a muzzle on my dog again.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i treasure every day i am living</i></b></blockquote>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-14181408679053836352014-02-18T10:49:00.001-04:002014-02-18T10:49:45.681-04:00non-consensual flogging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We only wanted to have fun.<br />
<br />
We wanted to experience a cultural celebration called <a href="http://www.dominicanrepublic.com/index.php/travel/travel-news1749623790/thedominicancarnival/485-lavegacarnival">'Carnival'</a>. It is a month long celebration of Dominican Republic independence.<br />
<br />
We took a chartered bus to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Vega_Province">La Vega</a> with locals for the excursion. That was fun.<br />
<br />
The people we traveled with were lovely. One man, whom I'm sure is in the closet, needed a hairband for his braids. I obliged.<br />
<br />
Moments later, he gave me his bracelet, simply because I told him I liked it.<br />
<br />
There was singing and carrying on, and of course an en route visit to an outhouse so I could practise my Dominican squat.<br />
<br />
When we arrived, I noticed vendors selling footballs of varying colours, filled with water giving them solid pressure. I couldn't understand what they were for, so I simply shook my head when anyone tried to sell me one.<br />
<br />
Many people had them, but to me they seemed pointless, until we meandered through the crowd, and I would randomly be hit in the ass by them.<br />
<br />
It really hurt and I was stinging from the floggings within minutes of arriving there.<br />
<br />
But it was time to go to the parade where my eyes were treated to colours of costumes that were incredible!<br />
<br />
Gorgeous! My only intention was get every costume on my video to show everyone the detail that went into these outfits.<br />
<br />
I found out later why every single costume had an evil face. They were the <a href="http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.livio.com/carnaval/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Ddiablos%2Bcojuelos%2Bdominicanos%26espv%3D210%26es_sm%3D91%26biw%3D1595%26bih%3D870">Diablos Cojuelos</a>, and demons they were.<br />
<br />
As I tried to film these demons, it donned on me as to why I was occasionally hit by these strange footballs by various men in the audience.<br />
<br />
I began to be brutally belted by the Diablos Cojuelos.<br />
<br />
When I was hit by one, I would turn around from the pain to protect myself, only to be hit by another man standing waiting for his turn to beat me.<br />
<br />
They hit me with those rock solid footballs with all their strength.<br />
<br />
This I know because I saw how hard they hit other women as well, and in a country where you're born with a baseball bat in hand, the swing is strong.<br />
<br />
Yet, the women around me only received a seldom hit.<br />
<br />
I stood out in the crowd because I am a gringa with blonde hair. I was a target, and my beatings were repeated well beyond 20 times.<br />
<br />
No matter where I went, children and men would attack me with these balls.<br />
<br />
At one point, I found a tree and stood in front of it, pressing my ass up against it with my arms fastened tightly around the back in hopes I would be safe.<br />
<br />
There was even a point where I was being chased by a few of the Diablos Cojuelos through the crowd, and people parted to give them access to get to me.<br />
<br />
Then they cheered as I was assailed repeatedly.<br />
<br />
One of the hits I took was so painful I came close to vomiting and passing out within seconds.<br />
<br />
Someone told me to sit down, but I was in so much pain, I couldn't even sit to save myself. I explained this only to have them laugh, thinking I was kidding.<br />
<br />
I was in tremendous pain, so much so that it hurt to walk and I could feel the swelling of welts through my shorts.<br />
<br />
Inflammation of blood created pressure as it bled beneath my skin, and even the lightest touch from someone brushing against my ass sent pain shooting through my mid-section.<br />
<br />
There was one more problem: I still had to get back to the bus for 6 o'clock.<br />
<br />
As I darted through the crowd, I did my best to keep my backside protected by grandmothers, food carts, walls and trees.<br />
<br />
I was in full panic anticipating the next beating, looking over my shoulder in fear for 2 hours.<br />
<br />
During the weaving in and out of the crowd, still being occasionally hit by anyone who had enough space to do so, we found our group. The tour guide for the day was sweet enough to give me a barrier to watch for anymore sneak attacks.<br />
<br />
Our group on the bus really didn't understand the gravity of the attacks I endured.<br />
<br />
Girls told me they hurt as well, but they sat on her bus seat pretty easily, and jumped around with energy.<br />
<br />
It took me quite a bit of time to finally settle into my seat.<br />
<br />
I had to do it millimetre by millimetre until my entire ass was placed. I sat, breathing through the pain.<br />
<br />
We finally got home from our long day at Carnival and I went straight to the bathroom mirror to look at how badly I was violated.<br />
<br />
Here is the 'end' result:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pwUkTrqYHB-7ZOhV_waTLlk2ofP-naD-Cs-kwKRj6FjyMtnazqxo5k3M2Tjl1gTKxolEb4dd-1tG-WBSciiSB3XVgypExhsidI0D8u8-OJmRf4QuC4d8ulDf7rqMpnfx3hJhyphenhyphen-wvoYk/s1600/bum+abusive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pwUkTrqYHB-7ZOhV_waTLlk2ofP-naD-Cs-kwKRj6FjyMtnazqxo5k3M2Tjl1gTKxolEb4dd-1tG-WBSciiSB3XVgypExhsidI0D8u8-OJmRf4QuC4d8ulDf7rqMpnfx3hJhyphenhyphen-wvoYk/s1600/bum+abusive.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
However, yesterday, it was even worse. The bruising has spread down my legs and the the sides of my hips, and it's almost impossible to find any white skin back there.<br />
<br />
I don't think I'll be going back to 'Carnival'. I'm done.<br />
<br />
I'm also not too sure about being in large gatherings with men here anymore.<br />
<br />
It's too unpredictable and I don't feel safe.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>my life has value and others appreciate who i am</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-40980855070530580442014-02-13T16:05:00.000-04:002014-02-13T16:05:32.469-04:00a raindrop in the ocean<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tomorrow is save the puppies day.<br />
<br />
So many dogs here are wild, and the ones that have a family generally aren't spayed and neutered.<br />
<br />
This means, many puppies.<br />
<br />
Here, people think the only solution is to drop them off in the wilderness, allowing them to die.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, they're nicer and kill the puppies quickly so they don't suffer by starvation.<br />
<br />
Well, one of the people we have painting Casa Paraíso has 5 puppies.<br />
<br />
We can't take one of them, as we have already agreed to take one that is currently in another dog's womb.<br />
<br />
Taking one more would put us over the edge with insanity. <br />
<br />
6 Bathroom Buddies are enough. <br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
Anyway, when our great painter/Spanish tutor came to work at the house today, he said he and his cousin were going to bring the dogs into the wilderness to let them die, because they can't keep them.<br />
<br />
I begged them, "Please, don't do this today. Tomorrow I will bring them to the <a href="http://a.a.a.s./">AAAS</a> and surrender them." I explained he'd have to surrender the mother as well for the babies' sakes.<br />
<br />
He agreed to the terms.<br />
<br />
I know full well that even though I can't do this with every single cat and dog in the country, at least I can do it for one litter.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, I just can't handle all this.<br />
<br />
The other day, I was frantic when I saw a girl throw a dog into the water with all her force.<br />
<br />
I'm not talking play. I mean it looked like Serena Williams serving in a tennis match.<br />
<br />
The rip tide here on our side of the island can drown a human, never mind a small size dog.<br />
<br />
Didn't matter to her.<br />
<br />
Every time the dog would run back out of the waves, she would pick her up (usually by the collar, choking it) and with every bit of her strength, she would throw it into the ocean one more time.<br />
<br />
The dog would eventually surface, gasping for air, ears back and whites of her eyes showing.<br />
<br />
This is how she was 'washing' her dog.<br />
<br />
I expected her to stop after the 2nd time, but upon the 3rd, I ran to her, screaming in my broken Spanish, "Please stop! Look at your dog! She's shaking because she's afraid to drown! You will kill your dog!"<br />
<br />
Then to add an empty threat to the monologue, hoping she wouldn't take me up on it, I added, "If you don't want that dog, I'll take her. She needs love. You're going to kill her."<br />
<br />
The girl simply apologized to me as if it was only a matter of my problem being sensitive, not having any regard for the animal and what she was doing to it.<br />
<br />
Everyone else who watched her do this thought it was normal.<br />
<br />
They laughed at me and my panic.<br />
<br />
This is one of the hardest things about living here in the Dominican Republic.<br />
<br />
The lack of respect for animals.<br />
<br />
Then there's road kill.<br />
<br />
There are no predators here, so when there's a dead dog at the side of the road, it sits in the sun until it rots.<br />
<br />
You see road kill at least once every 2 days.<br />
<br />
Then?<br />
<br />
You see the remains for a good week after, and being that there is only one road you can travel, you are forced to see it time and again.<br />
<br />
The last remains we saw were there for so long that after a while it was completely unrecognizable as a dog.<br />
<br />
How does an animal lover get past this?<br />
<br />
You don't, I guess.<br />
<br />
I suppose all I can do is bring those 5 adorable puppies in and surrender them and the mother, in hopes that they will all keep their lives and find a family.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, we save 5 puppies and a mother.<br />
<br />
It's like a rain drop in the ocean compared to all the other that are dying.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i accept what i can not change</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-33271517135932702562014-02-08T10:55:00.000-04:002014-02-08T10:58:44.933-04:00here we go!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There's a new round of kids coming in to <a href="http://dominicandream.org/">Dream Project</a>.<br />
<br />
Tiny, pumped for the challenge, sweet kids.<br />
<br />
They're going to audition for the music program this week. It's so exciting for them, as much as it is for me.<br />
<br />
I love teaching little ones from day one. It's makes me tingle with happiness when I see their eyes light up after they realize they've played their first song.<br />
<br />
It's akin to how I'm feeling about playing my first gig in Spanish this week.<br />
<br />
It was kinda sprung on me, but Tuesday I get to showcase some of the songs I've been working so hard on.<br />
<br />
It's a gastropub called, '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/VLoungeCabarete">Voodoo Lounge</a>'. My kinda place.<br />
<br />
It's got comfy couches where you can really sink into the cushions to listen to live music. You just have to try to ignore the mosquitos who have built condos under the cushions just waiting for a ripe ass to bite.<br />
<br />
MusicMan and I are going to play a few songs along with another teacher from the Bachata program at Dream Project.<br />
<br />
However, the timing is a bit off. I was going to put music on the back burner for a month, because we're quite busy prepping the house for sale.<br />
<br />
Yes, we're selling Casa Paraíso, for so many reasons.<br />
<br />
We love this house, but since the day we've moved in, it has been all about the house.<br />
<br />
Repairs, workers, commotion.<br />
<br />
We were looking to come here to rest from working so hard for 4 years after the motorcycle accident. Instead, we've spent the entire year focusing on this house.<br />
<br />
It's beautiful down here on the ocean, but to every good there is a balance of bad.<br />
<br />
Rust.<br />
<br />
It's killing everything, including this house, and we just can't afford the upkeep.<br />
<br />
Plus, I'll tell you, I will be so relaxed when I'm not dodging the chorus of children screaming my name at the gate all day, every day.<br />
<br />
I can't even enjoy my yard, because the children think that once I'm out there, I'm their property.<br />
<br />
"Gringa! Open the gate!"<br />
<br />
"No, my friends, the gate is open on Saturdays."<br />
<br />
Except today, when I found I woke in the middle of the night to feeling quite under the weather. I haven't slept properly in days and it's not allowing for a healthy immune system.<br />
<br />
So, I put a sign up saying, "No class today, I'm sick. Sorry."<br />
<br />
Which prompted every child to come to the gate screaming my name to try to get me to come out.<br />
<br />
I tried to ignore them and went to find some more sleep, when I was awoken by The Carpenter who didn't tell me he wanted to work on Saturday as well.<br />
<br />
I need peace. I need sleep.<br />
<br />
I also look forward to not having Housemaid.<br />
<br />
I'm not into people in my house every day, and stopping by unannounced. I'd rather clean on my own.<br />
<br />
You see, it's kinda hot here and in order to exercise, I have to do it in the nude as clothes really get in the way when you're sweating so much.<br />
<br />
So, I have to always be on the lookout for Housemaid letting herself in our house for whatever reason, whenever she chooses.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, it's not like back home, where people usually call before dropping by. Most people here can't afford the phone call, so they just show up.<br />
<br />
That whole Seinfeld thing where people just drop by and expect you to be decent and available? I'm not into it.<br />
<br />
I remember when I was younger, I wished people would just drop by, because then it meant I was loved.<br />
<br />
Now? If you love me, you'll understand that I require a lot of alone time.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, I don't like being caught in the nude.<br />
<br />
The constant wave of people in my house is not my kinda thing.<br />
<br />
These are just two of the reasons for selling Casa Paraíso.<br />
<br />
It's been lovely.<br />
<br />
Alas, it's time to move away from the cows and closer to the city.<br />
<br />
And now, let the house insanity begin!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i live in peace</i></b></blockquote>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-33396922423117197022014-02-04T09:58:00.001-04:002014-02-04T09:59:44.641-04:00shine on beautiful soul!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Fat-phobic.<br />
<br />
I get it.<br />
<br />
Some people are overly mean to overweight people. That's really terrible.<br />
<br />
I understand that sometimes it's an eating disorder, just as much as it is food addiction, but other times it's someone who's body is just built that way.<br />
<br />
We are all different.<br />
<br />
I have this food addiction and I do everything to abstain from the foods I gorge on.<br />
<br />
Some people don't care that they're overweight and that is <b>GREAT</b> for them.<br />
<br />
However, some of us have other feelings about it.<br />
<br />
I, personally, have way too much pain in my knee and back when I put on weight.<br />
<br />
Not to mention, I have a different sort of eating disorder that makes me lose my mind.<br />
<br />
I would prefer to fit into my clothes so that I know I'm a healthy weight, even if the mirror doesn't allow me to see the same reality.<br />
<br />
If I don't, I'm affected by obsession and can't function properly because all my energy is spent freaking out about the pants that don't fit, then I start having anxiety.<br />
<br />
It's not fun. I'd rather just stay at a healthy weight to send the Anorexia Monster back to its hole.<br />
<br />
I have a very sweet friend who is working on losing weight.<br />
<br />
She has been proudly posting the results of her efforts with glee!<br />
<br />
I, and so many others, are so proud of her.<br />
<br />
Then, we have the 'mean girls'.<br />
<br />
They are being just as catty to her as they were to me and Papi.<br />
<br />
Just as negative and hurtful.<br />
<br />
The same fucking assholes as we all know they are.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
Leave her the fuck alone.<br />
<br />
She is doing a good thing for herself.<br />
<br />
It doesn't affect <b>YOU</b>.<br />
<br />
It makes her feel better.<br />
<br />
But of course, 'you', have to try to make her just as miserable as you are.<br />
<br />
You're going to run out of people to pick on, you know?<br />
<br />
Maybe you'll all just have to start pegging off people in your clique one by one.<br />
<br />
Then you'll be left with the king prick who will be lonely at the top.<br />
<br />
Perhaps then, that person will have the leftover clique to ostracize them!<br />
<br />
Oh, the irony.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm fucking pissed off that people will harass my friend who is not hurting anyone, but only bettering her own life.<br />
<br />
Me and Papi seriously don't think we will ever want to live in Vancouver again with these cretins.<br />
<br />
These are some of the meanest people I've ever encountered.<br />
<br />
Even being part of The Pariah Club didn't work out for me.<br />
<br />
They ostracized me as well.<br />
<br />
I doubt they're doing that to this lovely soul. They are pro-health most of the time.<br />
<br />
But still, the other uber-PC people?<br />
<br />
I'm not shocked.<br />
<br />
When this sweet soul started posting about her journey, I was counting the days before the 'mean girls' reared their ugly heads.<br />
<br />
Sure enough, they appeared, spewing filth and negativity.<br />
<br />
My sweet friend, you are awesome.<br />
<br />
You are doing what so many people struggle to do.<br />
<br />
You are paving a path to encourage others to feel better in their lives as well.<br />
<br />
Healthy is strong.<br />
<br />
You are lovely and don't let any of those creeps bring you down.<br />
<br />
I, like the others who are ostracized from that 'community', wish you the best and are rooting for you.<br />
<br />
We love you.<br />
<br />
Shine on!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i achieve my weight loss goals</i></b></blockquote>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-7523519848475559622014-01-28T14:21:00.001-04:002014-01-28T14:22:36.352-04:00bag<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bags.<br />
<br />
So. Many. Bags.<br />
<br />
Not only do stores in this fine country have an obsession with plastic bags, they also encourage their employees to do 2 of the most horrible things ever: tie the handles and bag many of the items separately if they can.<br />
<br />
Bags, doubled, for 36 eggs which are already in plastic encasings to deliver them to the market. Triple plastic.<br />
<br />
Seriously. That's not going to stop them from breaking!<br />
<br />
Or, doubled for any kind of meat that is also already in it's own layer of plastic, making sure it's separated in another bag from vegetables (of which you're going to wash anyway) that couldn't possibly be near meat, or you will die a slow, suffering death with the devil itself.<br />
<br />
But what makes it worse, is the fact that Papi always rips the handles to open them, rendering them useless.<br />
<br />
Papi is too impatient to delicately open the plastic knot.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, you can find me in the kitchen with a fork trying to pry open the bag, with the most utter care, to salvage those handles so that I can use those bags again.<br />
<br />
I won't let go of the environmentalist in me, even if I live in a country considered un-environmental.<br />
<br />
However, most of the time I have my reusable bags, that I brought all the way from Canada, handy.<br />
<br />
When they see me coming, they know now that I have my bags, because I am the crazy bag gringa.<br />
<br />
Occasionally, I find someone who hasn't encountered the eco-queen, who looks at me like I'm from another country.<br />
<br />
Yes. Judging me by my olive skin, I am.<br />
<br />
But the other day, someone asked me, "Why?"<br />
<br />
Why do I have my bags? Well, because of <a href="http://www.seaturtles.org/section.php?id=126">the turtles</a>, of course.<br />
<br />
So, they had an answer for my answer as well.<br />
<br />
"But the bags don't go into the ocean, they get burned."<br />
<br />
Yes. Burned.<br />
<br />
That's how they dispose of garbage here; burning.<br />
<br />
There are so many differences here than in Canada, so I could say there are many differences in Canada than in the DR.<br />
<br />
I recently found out that there actually <b>IS</b> recycling here. You just have to find it.<br />
<br />
People will collect your plastic bottles, but you have to search them out. So now I will.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, our dogs will eat the bottles before we can find someone to recycle them.<br />
<br />
Speaking of dogs ...<br />
<br />
... <i>because of course i couldn't go 2 posts without talking about dogs, could i? ...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
... <a href="http://andreashealingjourney.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-new-enemy.html">the neighbour I thought would never speak to us again</a> was all smiles as she drove past me while I was at the 'Baby Chower'.<br />
<br />
Did I tell you about the 'Baby Chower'?<br />
<br />
It's a baby shower, only with someone trying to spell in English on a cute-as-can-be, hand-made invite, about as well as Papi can spell in Spanish.<br />
<br />
While we were there, the family asked us to be the baby's godparents.<br />
<br />
I told them that we had to tell the last people we couldn't do it anymore, because they were lying to try to get money out of us.<br />
<br />
We don't have any. We have a house.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I have no idea where this rant came from.<br />
<br />
Right. Bags.<br />
<br />
We went shopping on our fancy shopping cart, 'the quad'.<br />
<br />
But this time, I brought my reusable bags.<br />
<br />
The woman in charge of collecting pesos asked me, "Where are you from?" followed up by, "Welcome to the Dominican Republic."<br />
<br />
I told her we are from Canada.<br />
<br />
She asked me, "How long have you lived here?"<br />
<br />
How long have I lived here?<br />
<br />
I guess I've lived here long enough for someone to recognize I actually live here and am not just visiting.<br />
<br />
I am home.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i have the power to change my world</i></b></blockquote>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-9851906938376979632014-01-21T13:04:00.000-04:002014-01-21T13:04:33.915-04:00a new enemy.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, Papi and I have been living here for a year.<br />
<br />
And even in our new abode, we really know how to win friends and influence people.<br />
<br />
We now have a neighbour that may not like us too much anymore.<br />
<br />
We have bad dogs.<br />
<br />
Well, one of them anyway.<br />
<br />
The Thug is a bit of trouble, but not as much trouble as the 3 rottweilers behind that flimsy wooden gate.<br />
<br />
They are absolutely gorgeous, massive dogs.<br />
<br />
If I knew they were friendly, they'd be my first stop every day for slobbery kisses.<br />
<br />
But, they have a job to do.<br />
<br />
Apparently, so does The Thug.<br />
<br />
His job is to rip your lips off.<br />
<br />
We have been putting the dogs on leashes since The Donkey got too close to them.<br />
<br />
The dogs along the beach run to each others gates and torment each other.<br />
<br />
Other dogs do it to ours, and in turn, ours do it to them.<br />
<br />
As a dog, your turn on the beach with your people means you get to flaunt that you're free and tease the dog behind the gate.<br />
<br />
However, these 3 rottweilers don't get to leave the yard, nor do they have a sufficient gate. They can stick their head through the wood.<br />
<br />
Fair enough that her property is so huge that they don't really need to leave to get exercise, but still. I've never seen her walk them.<br />
<br />
Anyway, a few weeks ago, The Donkey being full of puppy pep, ran up to torment them and got her paw bit all the way through to the other side.<br />
<br />
It was terrible!<br />
<br />
So, we now leash the dogs to get them past the 3 headed monster, that rivals <a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Three-headed_dog">'Fluffy' in Harry Potter</a>.<br />
<br />
All was going smoothly until the other day.<br />
<br />
Without a chance of reversing his decision, The Thug doubled back and ran to defy our leash rules.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, one of the dogs got a hold of The Thugs lip and The Thug wasn't backing down.<br />
<br />
There they were, each trying to rip one another's lips off.<br />
<br />
Blood was staining the wood.<br />
<br />
The owner, whom I've never heard anything good about from the village, was screaming and beating her dog with a pool pole.<br />
<br />
I released a weird high pitched squeal that involuntarily comes whenever dogs fight.<br />
<br />
I yelled for Papi to get a stick so I could pry The Thugs locked jaw open and get him off the other dog.<br />
<br />
Both of them have battle wounds.<br />
<br />
They had so much blood on their muzzles, that they looked like lions who'd just finished eating their kill for the week!<br />
<br />
But the worst part was how the woman started yelling at <b>ME</b>, as if it was all my fault. "Por favour, nunca mas!"<br />
<br />
I really don't think it's only my fault. I'll take the blame for unleashing my dog too soon after passing her massive property.<br />
<br />
Our gate does not allow for our dogs muzzles to get through.<br />
<br />
When other dogs come running, all ours can do is run back and forth and bark.<br />
<br />
Not to mention, the wood holding back these dogs seems pretty useless.<br />
<br />
If she was the friendly sort, I'd recommend putting slats of wood there so that she doesn't have any more troubles.<br />
<br />
But so far, we've learned she's not very nice, and now we're a little worried that she may get someone to poison our dogs.<br />
<br />
She's definitely not going to be our friend.<br />
<br />
Papi and I have an awesome gift of either winning people's hearts, or pissing people off to the extreme.<br />
<br />
I suppose, having that information, I should really stop giving a shit about people who hate us.<br />
<br />
We have enough of the 'love us' side to make me happy.<br />
<br />
Not giving a fuck commences in 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...<br />
<br />
No fucks given!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>today i choose me</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-12512984581824482122014-01-17T09:46:00.000-04:002014-01-17T09:46:41.493-04:00out to pasture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The cows are in abundance.<br />
<br />
The thug thinks they're a toy to play with.<br />
<br />
It's a little upsetting.<br />
<br />
I'm sure the cows are going to win that game.<br />
<br />
The fridge ticks and tacks.<br />
<br />
Apparently it's 'doing it's job'.<br />
<br />
We should have had cabinets built around our inverters. Now they are water logged because of the ocean air being full of salt water.<br />
<br />
We are without power a lot of the day, every day, but after a year, we're starting to get used to it.<br />
<br />
"Oh, you should have the same cabinets around your inverters as your neighbours, then you wouldn't have to buy new inverters."<br />
<br />
So, you couldn't have told us that before we went into the hole for 2 new ones? <br />
<br />
Ya know?<br />
<br />
But back to the cows.<br />
<br />
I sing a lot of songs about cows.<br />
<br />
Not that I put any away in that locker of music to record.<br />
<br />
It's just cow songs.<br />
<br />
Like a musical.<br />
<br />
While on the road.<br />
<br />
Because we're always on the road.<br />
<br />
And there are always cows.<br />
<br />
So, what else would there be to sing about?<br />
<br />
Or for that matter, write about.<br />
<br />
So, it's only natural that when we're walking the dogs, after the first river, we'll find a pasture of cows.<br />
<br />
Then, being the tyrant he is, it's only natural for The Thug to go torment them.<br />
<br />
Off runs Papi.<br />
<br />
"Run faster!" I scream. I don't want our neighbours putting a bullet in our dogs.<br />
<br />
I don't want our dogs hurting the cows.<br />
<br />
I can now see all the cows running away from The Thug.<br />
<br />
But what's worse, is now The Donkey thinks it's time to play too.<br />
<br />
She's about as tall as a calf.<br />
<br />
Earlier that day, there were the puppies.<br />
<br />
It's possible we'll take one.<br />
<br />
We miss Pathetic Puppy so much.<br />
<br />
It's nice that we have her reminders. Like my fancy wedding purse with a very special chew hole, courtesy of the baby girl.<br />
<br />
It's like she came in the form of a cyclone, destroyed everything, then went back to her angels.<br />
<br />
We have her reminders.<br />
<br />
But we'll never have that little one eye.<br />
<br />
We may have a new little girl to make our lives crazy for a while.<br />
<br />
One can never have enough crazy.<br />
<br />
Except for the fact that I feel so heartbroken that so many hearts have left my life.<br />
<br />
I can live without <b>THAT</b> crazy.<br />
<br />
But then, I guess they were never really friends to begin with.<br />
<br />
I will keep moving forward.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i choose love</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-38438749695835396442014-01-12T22:28:00.000-04:002014-01-12T22:28:35.498-04:00sandwish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Haven't been here for a few days.<br />
<br />
Over a week I think?<br />
<br />
Well, I suppose I've been a tad busy.<br />
<br />
I've found it very difficult to stop and chat.<br />
<br />
Then Papi got sick.<br />
<br />
I tried putting us on a semi-raw food diet.<br />
<br />
He's trying to blame the 'healthy' food on his sickness.<br />
<br />
"Can't do that! It's healthy!"<br />
<br />
He has eaten the odd salad here and there, so I'm pretty sure that's not what's going on.<br />
<br />
Today, I felt something coming on, but it isn't anywhere near my stomach.<br />
<br />
All in my sinuses. And it's not dairy. Haven't had any. No, it's some flu bug-ish thing.<br />
<br />
But I'll still be eating the healthy stuff.<br />
<br />
I went out and bought fruits and veggie galore!<br />
<br />
I was all set! All ready to make Papi & I healthy food so that we would feel healthier.<br />
<br />
Except right now, he's eating crackers.<br />
<br />
For his 'upset stomach from eating healthy food'.<br />
<br />
I'll be sucking on a green smoothie shortly.<br />
<br />
I don't care how sick I'm feeling, I'm going to lose this ankle weight I'll tell you. It hurts my knees, back and ankle. Begone bitch!<br />
<br />
My rowing machine is almost here!!! I'll row my way to skinny again.<br />
<br />
Then there was a conversation about a sandwich.<br />
<br />
Or rather, a sandwish.<br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
Sandwish.<br />
<br />
There's a café kiosk down the road. They sell sandwishes.<br />
<br />
I'll have to try one.<br />
<br />
I wonder how the wish comes true?<br />
<br />
Do you make the wish when you chew? Or when you swallow? Or just mantra the whole wish the whole time you eat the sandwish?<br />
<br />
I dunno, but whenever I want to type the word sandwich, I type sandwish, because of the kiosk.<br />
<br />
I've been influenced by my surroundings.<br />
<br />
Sandwish.<br />
<br />
I walked on the beach this week. My ankle is being a bitch about it, but I'm sure I'm getting stronger.<br />
<br />
Sandwish.<br />
<br />
Then we rode the ATV along the sand for as far as the tide would allow.<br />
<br />
We found 3 different river hangouts. We're going to go try one far down the beach next.<br />
<br />
Sandwish.<br />
<br />
I wish, I wish, I wish ...<br />
<br />
... to always feel happy in this life.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i enjoy the process of reaching a healthy weight</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-66860027435434859572014-01-05T10:29:00.003-04:002014-01-05T10:29:45.847-04:00sunday sillies!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>your sunday sillies ...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/j-84FznFhSE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-77921728035591955672014-01-02T09:41:00.002-04:002014-01-02T09:41:59.988-04:00New Years Eve in the DR!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, I was invited to celebrate New Year's Eve with the village.<br />
<br />
Instead of just staying right in the village as per usual, everyone was up at the street bar. You know? The one where I'm going to have my first piano gig?<br />
<br />
There was much dancing and screaming and children running around.<br />
<br />
Oh, not to mention the bar chihuahua barking.<br />
<br />
It was also someone's birthday on this night.<br />
<br />
I don't bring anything with me other than my camera for filming, so I couldn't buy the birthday boy a beer.<br />
<br />
I went home to get some money to do so. 120RD pesos will get you the <b>JUMBO</b> beer. That should do him good.<br />
<br />
However, when I returned, I realized that somewhere on that dark, puddled, rocky path we walk to get to the street bar, I lost 100 of the 200 pesos I had brought.<br />
<br />
Upon stating this, out loud, it seemed the entire bar emptied. I suppose to go find my 100 pesos and get themselves their beer.<br />
<br />
Finders keepers!<br />
<br />
I wasn't about to do that night time trek through the paths of the village to look for the equivalent of $2.50.<br />
<br />
I still don't know who the lucky person is who found it, but shortly thereafter, everyone decided to go to the Party At The Gas Station!!!<br />
<br />
Sounds like a great place to have the New Years countdown, no?<br />
<br />
I went home to get my purse and use the washroom, and dammit, I locked the padlock on the iron gate, but had left my keys inside!!! For fucks sakes!!!<br />
<br />
Let me tell you, that lock is <b>STURDY</b>. Nobody will get through it with difficulties, and it made me happy to know we're in such a secure house.<br />
<br />
It took 3 people and 40 minutes to get the iron gate open. They finally just had to break the iron that the lock was on, because that lock wasn't budging.<br />
<br />
I fully recommend the <a href="http://www.assaabloy.co.th/en/local/ASSA-ABLOY-Thailand/Products2/?productId=739819">Yale lock</a> we have. 100%.<br />
<br />
By the time they opened it, we had 20 minutes to get to the Party At The Gas Station!!!<br />
<br />
All the cabs were full, so I did what I said I would <b>NEVER</b> do.<br />
<br />
Take a moto.<br />
<br />
There I was crammed between Housemaid and our driver. Terrified. I was thinking, "This may be the day that I die." However, our driver wasn't a drinker, so I felt a little safer.<br />
<br />
Honestly, we got to the Party At The Gas Station!!! with 5 minutes to spare and my Honky 'Fro looking like a street cat had nestled in it.<br />
<br />
I didn't care. I only wanted to film their countdown. Problem is, they don't countdown.<br />
<br />
One person yells it's time and the rest of the party erupts in a fiendish jumping, screaming, bottles clanging, motos tooting and engines revving.<br />
<br />
By the time I realized what was going on, I had to turn my camera on as fast as possible!!!<br />
<br />
I still caught the mayhem, because it went on for about 15 minutes. I only wish you could have seen the initial wave of screams as it neared us at the far end of the bar!<br />
<br />
But then! All of a sudden the people we met there left to go to bar #3!<br />
<br />
There I was following along like a lost puppy to the new one that has just opened up down the road.<br />
<br />
It was time for some serious dancing. And boy did the men there want to dance with the gringa.<br />
<br />
I tried to tell one guy, that was a tad touchy-feely, that I was married, but the word 'married' (casada) and 'tired' (cansada) are very similar, so after he was groping I merely had told him I'm tired.<br />
<br />
Good one. Yeah. That will do the trick.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, I had Housemaid there to watch while they tried to lure me to the back of the club (I don't want to know the reasons), but Housemaid would pull me back to the front where it was safe.<br />
<br />
It was my <b>FIRST</b> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachata_(dance)">Bachata dance</a>! <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachata_(music)">Bachata music</a> is a native music to the Dominican Republic. I learned the moves really fast and damn, if I do that once a week I'll have thighs like a tree trunk!! Now I know how all the girls have such plump round butts here!!!<br />
<br />
I was also pleased that my ankle could do it. More than pleased if you want the truth. I wanted to dance all night!<br />
<br />
But now it was 3 in the morning, and everyone we knew left to go to bar #4 in Cabarete.<br />
<br />
Not me. It was time to go home in a cab with drunk locals, which was also party in itself.<br />
<br />
I wish Papi were here for the entertainment.<br />
<br />
Only 2 more sleeps!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>my life is filled with joy</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-58800429980375076332013-12-29T19:40:00.002-04:002013-12-29T19:45:09.662-04:00the gift<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Papi is gone.<br />
<br />
So is our electricity.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I'll go see about buying a newer, used inverter.<br />
<br />
I spend most of my day running to do things while I see the city power on. "Quick! Practise a set while you can! Throw in a load of laundry! See if Papi sent a message!"<br />
<br />
Then in between, I try to find things to do without electricity: a little exercise, fold laundry, clean up dog poop, or just practise those Spanish lyrics over and over.<br />
<br />
Today, the water gave out on me.<br />
<br />
Back to flushing toilets with a bucket of water from the pool, not to mention a pool bath.<br />
<br />
I'll be getting a super duper special 8 a.m. visit from our plumber tomorrow morning.<br />
<br />
Maybe there will be electricity so I can get an extra couple of hours practise in.<br />
<br />
I definitely need it.<br />
<br />
This whole 'translating to Spanish' thing is consuming my days.<br />
<br />
My obsession.<br />
<br />
It's so lovely to sing all day, but when your memory leaves as <b>MUCH</b> to be desired as mine does, it's a little frustrating.<br />
<br />
I feel like I'm forever going to be tied to a sheet of paper with words on it.<br />
<br />
Anyway, while I was practising yesterday, I had a special visit.<br />
<br />
No, not 20 children at my gate screaming my name in unison to be sure I heard it.<br />
<br />
... <i>you think i'm kidding ... don't you?? ... nope ...</i><br />
<br />
It was Housemaid.<br />
<br />
It never really occurred to me just how much it meant to people here that we played Santa.<br />
<br />
But there she stood, with a bouquet of flowers in hand.<br />
<br />
Beautifully wrapped in a pink mesh type paper infused with lines of sparkly gold, and a gold ribbon bow to tie it all in a grand package.<br />
<br />
Never have flowers ever looked so beautiful.<br />
<br />
2 bright sunflowers, with gads of purple daisies, surrounded by little yellow buds peeking in from the not so empty spaces.<br />
<br />
Oh, and a card, which read, "On behalf of the children and families in the village, Blessings."<br />
<br />
This bouquet would be a <b>VERY</b> nice gift for someone, when you go to their birthday or any other time people want to bring some love to you, but this one?<br />
<br />
It took about 15 people to scrape together the money to buy this gift.<br />
<br />
I am floored.<br />
<br />
They were so grateful for what we did for them for X-Mas.<br />
<br />
When I was worried about dipping further into the credit cards to do this, I didn't really know that it would be as appreciated as it was.<br />
<br />
I cried a couple of tears from the pure love I felt.<br />
<br />
Papi wasn't here to receive this love, but he felt it from afar.<br />
<br />
He could really use love.<br />
<br />
His trip hasn't turned out so well.<br />
<br />
The family he was staying with didn't quite treat him with much respect.<br />
<br />
Imagine being alone at the house of part of your 'family' for X-Mas because your 'family' said you weren't invited to be with them where they were having dinner?<br />
<br />
Then get kicked out on X-Mas night with no warm clothes and nowhere to go because you told this 'family' how you feel?<br />
<br />
Yeah. Merry fucking X-Mas to you, too.<br />
<br />
Anyway, Papi will get to come home to love.<br />
<br />
And hopefully electricity.<br />
<br />
One thing is for sure, by not having any electricity, this house is sure tidy.<br />
<br />
I've also managed to slim down a little from the ankle fat, as well as strengthen my ankle so much that I can almost get up and down stairs without pain!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I better upload this before the electricity goes again!!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i choose to consciously surround myself with positivity</i></b></blockquote>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-74534885897195810322013-12-25T16:30:00.002-04:002013-12-25T16:30:22.779-04:00silent day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>i just realized i never shared episode 38 with you! here's your sunday sillies a little late</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/k2nR0J7cFsU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
After a few days of grieving heavily for the loss of our little baby-dog, Harley, my time got very busy to help me move on from the sadness and get shit done.<br />
<br />
We had to prepare for the village.<br />
<br />
It's been an intense week and I have had no time to tell you about everything.<br />
<br />
We started off with playing Santa to the children in the village.<br />
<br />
But first, we had to drive almost an hour to Puerto Plate to buy the toys. It was a store Housemaid told us about where the toys are inexpensive and we can get a discount.<br />
<br />
That was of course, after the boss finished his chicken. No talking until his chicken was done.<br />
<br />
On the day of giving, we walked out of our yard door to see the entire village of children jumping up and down, arms to the air with tight little fists pumping upon every bounce off the ground.<br />
<br />
Of course, Papi and I had Housemaid to help us with wrangling the kids. As we approached the excited horde of short people, she yelled, "You don't get your presents unless you are at your house!"<br />
<br />
Immediately, they ran home to wait eagerly for our arrival.<br />
<br />
Later that same day, we were going to give out rum to the adults. The adults were very insistent about us giving them presents as well.<br />
<br />
We also realized we couldn't just give to a few people, that we needed to give a lot more to the rest of the village.<br />
<br />
Off we went, credit card in hand and bought a box full of bottles of rum. Let me tell you, the kids were easy to get back to their houses to wait for their gifts, but the adults? It was a very insane time.<br />
<br />
Grabbing, yelling, frantically wanting their share and trying to get more than we had allotted for for everyone.<br />
<br />
Next year, we will be giving out food and care packages instead.<br />
<br />
That night, there was quite the party in the village, as we listened to sounds of gunshots.<br />
<br />
Well, we thought they were gunshots.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until being invited to the party last night that I realized what it was.<br />
<br />
Housemaid and Dominican Daddy invited to me the Fiesta de Navidad.<br />
<br />
My DR Family fed me a meal, in which they were so generous as to buy special Dominican chicken and rice.<br />
<br />
I brought a huge salad, which we topped with the Dominican dressing.<br />
<br />
I also brought the grapes, which are like a tradition for the dinner.<br />
<br />
Oh, and a few bottles of red wine.<br />
<br />
Another tradition is lots of apples.<br />
<br />
People are lucky to be able to eat healthy, local, organic produce here, whereas in Canada, these foods are the more expensive of the choices.<br />
<br />
Not here. Instead, junk food is expensive.<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the 'gunshots' I heard.<br />
<br />
They have what looks like a bazooka, that is filled with some kind of explosives and they put all kinds of chemicals in and <b>"BOOM!!!"</b> it goes, as I startled with every firing.<br />
<br />
Last night, people danced and drank, ate apples and grapes, while sharing their beer with children.<br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
Children.<br />
<br />
It seems normal to everyone here, but when I saw a father giving beer to his 8 month old baby, it really disturbed me.<br />
<br />
What can I do though? I'm not here to preach about anyone's culture and it seems this is what everyone does with their children.<br />
<br />
The party then moved up to the street, where we found the village bar. Lovely woman serving, who's house is below the establishment.<br />
<br />
She invited me in to see her house and while she walked I spoke to her about playing and singing at her bar, reminding her that it would be for free.<br />
<br />
It'll be my practise gig when I'm ready in a few months.<br />
<br />
Anyway, that has been my week, and rest assured that it was all on video!<br />
<br />
Today I settle in for a quiet day, while I wait eagerly to hear from Papi who is somewhere in Vancouver.<br />
<br />
And it's a silent day in the village.<br />
<br />
The dogs have had nothing to bark at.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i am grateful for the time shared with those who have left to be with angels</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-57937487339723014982013-12-19T19:59:00.000-04:002013-12-19T19:59:51.570-04:00with the angels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Her body is gone.<br />
<br />
It was not the easiest choice, considering she was only a year old.<br />
<br />
She just started being the best guard dog.<br />
<br />
But her body had shut down and she stopped eating, yet was vomiting bile.<br />
<br />
From the tests Dr. Bob did, he deduced that she only had a few days left, so it seemed like the best idea would be to allow her to go before she wound up suffering.<br />
<br />
I cried so hard. I'm pretty wiped from it.<br />
<br />
But I do have to tell you about the people who were there at Dr. Bob's.<br />
<br />
It seemed like this girl was a little clueless when she came in.<br />
<br />
When she saw that I was in tears, she asked, "Is she OK?"<br />
<br />
I told her she wasn't, that she was in renal failure, but I guess she doesn't really grasp what that means. She replied, "We have some herbs to help that. We saved a dog from a heart attack with our herbs."<br />
<br />
Really? So, when you saw a dog having a heart attack, did you just run screaming, "This dog is having a heart attack! Quick! Grab the herbs!"<br />
<br />
Now, I'm all about the natural remedies. I'll take natural over pharmaceutical any time there's an option.<br />
<br />
But renal failure? Her body had simply shut down and she was delirious, which was why she would just walk somewhere and stare into the nothing-ness.<br />
<br />
We had suspected that she was not 'right' for a long time. As in, since a few months after we rescued her. We always thought that she was an 'odd' dog.<br />
<br />
I can't tell you how many times we've said, "She's not like other dogs." <br />
<br />
Dr. Bob's tests didn't show any actual poisoning, but that her body just did this on her own. Her kidney has been failing for a long time and her body finally gave in.<br />
<br />
I would have tried anything if I knew a year ago that her little body wasn't producing like it should.<br />
<br />
We just didn't know.<br />
<br />
But back to Flower Child.<br />
<br />
Her mother was there and Hippy-Dip was telling her mother about a motorcycle accident and how the doctors are making the victim have surgery without pain killers.<br />
<br />
I guess this is their first experience with the fact that this country refuses pain killers under every circumstance. Yes, even surgery.<br />
<br />
So, what was the mother's response?!?!? "Oh, that's horrible! She needs a new doctor! I'm going to have to bring her my healing mat!"<br />
<br />
Really?!?!?! What fucking planet did you people come from?!<br />
<br />
Oh, but the finale was when Dr. Bob's blood tests proved their dog had tick poisoning, and the girl's response was, "But, he doesn't have ticks!"<br />
<br />
That was enough.<br />
<br />
Through all my sobbing and dying from grief, I had to retreat outside to be alone and cry without all the stupidity.<br />
<br />
Since coming home, I've slept away the tears and The Donkey has been acting out of control.<br />
<br />
She also won't stop sniffing Papi's shorts.<br />
<br />
It's as if she's saying, "I can smell the death. Why can I smell the death!"<br />
<br />
She keeps walking around searching for Pathetic Puppy.<br />
<br />
The Thug is coming for hugs and won't stop talking. He seems to be saying, "Where's my toy. I liked that toy."<br />
<br />
Jake-a-Like is needy.<br />
<br />
Papi and I are so sad.<br />
<br />
Her little spirit was more than alive, even if her body had been dying for a long time.<br />
<br />
I whispered in her ear to come with me. That she didn't need that sickly body any more.<br />
<br />
That she could still be with us every day.<br />
<br />
Amongst the angels.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i let go of sorrow, while holding on to love</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-79691156138157768332013-12-18T15:21:00.000-04:002013-12-18T15:21:32.910-04:00she's stealing my heart.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm having a hard time playing today.<br />
<br />
Every song I play makes me cry.<br />
<br />
Normally, playing is like prozac that seeps from the piano through my fingers and takes away emotional distress.<br />
<br />
Not today.<br />
<br />
Every word I sing, every melody I play is making me cry.<br />
<br />
Pathetic Puppy is probably not going to make it.<br />
<br />
She is in renal failure. Her blood is at less than 7% in her body.<br />
<br />
We've given her some stuff to piddle like crazy and try to flush her out, but honesty, renal failure can't be reversed.<br />
<br />
She's so heartbreaking.<br />
<br />
When Papi and I first saw her, she had a hole in her head and had just lost an eye.<br />
<br />
She's had a lump grow in that eye after we healed the hole in her head.<br />
<br />
Every medicine we give her to help with the ticks has her puking and she's definitely the runt.<br />
<br />
She's only a year old, and the little woeful girl is more than likely on her way out.<br />
<br />
I was alone when I spoke to Dr. Bob this morning.<br />
<br />
I only had Dominican Daddy to talk to about my sad news, and when I told him, he looked like he might cry.<br />
<br />
Later, Housemaid told us that he's grieving because she was his favourite dog.<br />
<br />
I have to say, she was my favourite too.<br />
<br />
You can't help but make her your favourite.<br />
<br />
She's so pitiful.<br />
<br />
I always go for the underdog.<br />
<br />
My heart is very heavy and I can't stop holding her.<br />
<br />
Normally, playing would take away the pain.<br />
<br />
Not today.<br />
<br />
It's pulling every tear out of me and making it hard to continue.<br />
<br />
I'll try to play again tomorrow, I suppose.<br />
<br />
Or perhaps I'll only work on some chord progressions.<br />
<br />
That will keep me from listening to words in a song.<br />
<br />
It's the words and melody that get me.<br />
<br />
Every song had something that I could relate to this little girl.<br />
<br />
She's going to be with the angels soon.<br />
<br />
They're so lucky to have her.<br />
<br />
We were so fortunate to be the people to have her in our life.<br />
<br />
How lucky we have been!<br />
<br />
She was only granted one year of life, and we got to spend it with her.<br />
<br />
Still, I'm so sad.<br />
<br />
I know the angels will allow her to visit us. I know, but I'll never get to hold her skinny little muzzle with that underbite.<br />
<br />
Her one soulful eye will never be able to sway me into letting her have my seat in the La-Z-Boy while I suffer on a wooden chair.<br />
<br />
She will soon be only a memory.<br />
<br />
Soon, she will be a spirit and I'm sure she'll be taken care of by all of those before who have left and taken a piece of our hearts with them.<br />
<br />
I'll hold you until you go, little girl.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i embrace the rhythm and the flowing of my own heart</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-29990792324840131852013-12-17T21:33:00.000-04:002013-12-17T21:33:01.499-04:00time warp!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow!<br />
<br />
All of a sudden it's Tuesday.<br />
<br />
I kinda fell into a piano pothole.<br />
<br />
I'm working on a piece, transcribing it into Spanish: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtEfpHkvHfA">Tori Amos, 'Winter'</a>.<br />
<br />
I have been torn as to whether I should just leave it in English, but I think I've figured out my niche for my piano gigs.<br />
<br />
I've started transcribing all my songs into Spanish.<br />
<br />
It may take me longer and a little more work, but it will help for both languages.<br />
<br />
People know a popular song in English, so they'll be able to enjoy the song in their mind in English, but all the folks here will be able to understand the song in Spanish.<br />
<br />
So, that's kinda where I've been for the past few days, because this is a <b>HARD</b> one to work with.<br />
<br />
Oh, there are a few other things we've been doing in between hiding in my dungeon.<br />
<br />
Fixing parts of the car, and helping sick Fuzzy Family.<br />
<br />
The car is mobile now, though I have to slide in from the driver's side to get to my seat when Papi is driving.<br />
<br />
It's really classy when you're wearing a skirt.<br />
<br />
And it's so nice to have people looking at our car and shaking their head, wondering what the hell happened.<br />
<br />
Oh, you know, just my drunk husband texting while driving. No big deal.<br />
<br />
Then there's the sick animals.<br />
<br />
The Bastard Prince has some strange inflammation from eating some strange plant that's in season right now.<br />
<br />
Apparently, it's like catnip for them and they keep going back for more, but the problem is it creates a bladder issue and he hasn't been able to take care of kitty business for 24 hours.<br />
<br />
He's spending the night at the hospital.<br />
<br />
Also, the Pathetic Puppy is really living up to her name.<br />
<br />
We don't know if she got poisoning from raiding the garbage, or has poisoning from a rat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://doctorbobs.com/">Dr. Bob</a> is banking on garbage. He has seen the end results of other things she's gotten into.<br />
<br />
She's like a ninja! Black as the night so you can't see her slipping into the corners and getting into trouble.<br />
<br />
She's been lethargic and hiding under the piano while I play. She just wants to be left alone.<br />
<br />
When Dr. Bob drew her blood, there wasn't too much to take.<br />
<br />
It's going to take her a few weeks to get back the blood she's lost from her body trying to fight off the poisoning.<br />
<br />
We're going to have to really watch this li'l bugger.<br />
<br />
She can barely move right now, and within a week she's lost a lot of weight even though she's been eating, albeit, not as much.<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to 'Winter'.<br />
<br />
I thought that my bitch of a back was not healing as fast because it happens to be 'winter' here in the Dominican Republic, but I realize now that it's because my ankle has hindered me from exercising.<br />
<br />
I've gained weight and that hurts my back as well. Not to mention, my ankle has put me out of alignment.<br />
<br />
I started yoga a few days ago, in between practising.<br />
<br />
It's been hurting too much to sit and practise for hours at a time, so I had to start stretching in between, which led to getting back to yoga.<br />
<br />
All of a sudden, my ankle is healing faster, I'm sleeping through the night without pain in my back, and lo and behold, I've started to take off the weight.<br />
<br />
This is going to take a little while. I put on so much weight, that a skirt that is normally too loose is too tight to wear.<br />
<br />
No problem. While I work on my piano sets, I'll keep exercising.<br />
<br />
It's all coming together.<br />
<br />
Now, if we can just get some healthy animals and stay away from Dr. Bob, I might have more time to work on these sets.<br />
<br />
I've got 2 weeks to get some serious work done before I go back to <a href="http://dominicandream.org/">Dream Project</a>.<br />
<br />
So, no wonder I lost a few days there.<br />
<br />
I am a 'tad' busy.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i exercise because it makes me feel good </i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-81607059570321038782013-12-13T21:52:00.002-04:002013-12-13T21:52:33.377-04:00fairy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am pretty sure my fairy godmother visited last night.<br />
<br />
OK.<br />
<br />
Maybe it was a firefly.<br />
<br />
OH WAIT!<br />
<b><br /></b>
Maybe it was <b>Tinkerbell!!!!</b><br />
<br />
Well, I'm going to just go with my fairy godmother.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, while feeling like my world was imploding, I thought perhaps my angels had left me again.<br />
<br />
There is a saying, about how they don't leave, but we are the ones to do the walking.<br />
<br />
It it so empty when I don't feel their energy around me.<br />
<br />
But just as I was thinking this, Eternal Friend dropped me a text and I was immediately drawn into her positivity.<br />
<br />
She's not the fairy godmother.<br />
<br />
It was a little flicker in my room last night.<br />
<br />
It gave me good vibes.<br />
<br />
Then I woke up lighter, feeling like my angels were here.<br />
<br />
So it couldn't have just been a firefly, could it?<br />
<br />
It's the first one I've ever seen.<br />
<br />
Seriously, I've never seen a firefly, so how am i supposed to know if it was actually a firefly or my fairy godmother?<br />
<br />
It was dark, I was reading The Hunchback of Notre Dame on a tablet, because you can't get English books here. And it was free.<br />
<br />
No lights were on, so there's no telling what it really was.<br />
<br />
All I know is I felt a hell of a lot better today.<br />
<br />
I felt the angels again.<br />
<br />
I believe in that thought, that it's we that do the leaving.<br />
<br />
Dogs never have that problem.<br />
<br />
They just cruise through life with their angels no matter how hard life is for them.<br />
<br />
They always have their crew with them.<br />
<br />
Perhaps, it also felt good that we have a motorcycle ride yesterday.<br />
<br />
Not just a motorcycle ride, but a ride without helmets.<br />
<br />
I don't condone riding without helmets.<br />
<br />
My helmet <b>DID</b> save my life in the motorcycle accident.<br />
<br />
I was wondering if maybe, perhaps, I've just said 'fuck it'.<br />
<br />
Death wish?<br />
<br />
Or am I just enjoying the freedom?<br />
<br />
I'm not sure, but I do know it felt good to be on a bike and not be afraid.<br />
<br />
Today was a little more scary, as we rode through one of the most hairy parts of our highway.<br />
<br />
None-the-less, it was beautiful.<br />
<br />
Maybe the beauty helped me regain my angels.<br />
<br />
Beauty.<br />
<br />
Happiness.<br />
<br />
All I know, is I feel like my heart is lifted.<br />
<br />
I always bet back up.<br />
<br />
And tomorrow, I get to see the kids for our music.<br />
<br />
I have their sweetness to rely upon for good energy.<br />
<br />
I also have my fairy godmother.<br />
<br />
Bright light.<br />
<br />
Shine.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i deserve sublime happiness</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-40216210368734078382013-12-12T13:58:00.000-04:002013-12-12T13:58:08.954-04:00obligation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Perhaps it's possible I'm becoming acclimatized.<br />
<br />
When in Alberta, land of the ice and snow, my bitch of a back was in agony.<br />
<br />
Utter agony.<br />
<br />
I had no pain killers, but those that my lovely brother in law gave me.<br />
<br />
They made me puke all over the place.<br />
<br />
Plan B: No pain meds at all. Limp about with a scowl on my face like an angry troll.<br />
<br />
I took it out on my niece who has a sugar addiction and gets wired on the substance.<br />
<br />
It hurt her. It hurts me that I even hurt her feelings for a second by jabbing at her about the amount of sugar she eats.<br />
<br />
I should know better. I'm the same way with sugar addiction. How can I expect a child to control it?<br />
<br />
I do know that by eating horrible sugary, wheat induced foods, my troll face was definitely a little more than extreme.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I came back home, to depression, and to find that my body isn't responding to the heat quite like it did last time I came back from the utter BRRRRRRR.<br />
<br />
I came back to the Dominican Republic 'winter'. It's still warm, but occasionally you need a sweatshirt or heavy t-shirt.<br />
<br />
When the sun does come out in all it's glory, I'm like a child running to the ice cream man.<br />
<br />
Screaming out to the yard to capture a few moments of heat. "Please sun. Please warmth. Take away the pain."<br />
<br />
I know it can help with both physical and emotional pain.<br />
<br />
But last night I was up most of the night with the throbbing icy pain that shoots down through my leg.<br />
<br />
I woke up to a little bit of a bad mood due to lack of sleep and the stress of coming home to creeping fear.<br />
<br />
Papi admitted to the Facebook world of his wrongs.<br />
<br />
Deadly wrongs. Drinking and driving, while texting at 4 in the morning and driving off the road is nothing to take lightly.<br />
<br />
True to the nature of Facebook, or rather FecesBook, Papi was greeted with less than desirable comments.<br />
<br />
Zap! A few more 'friends' deleted. Neither of us needs bullshit right now. I won't tolerate it anymore. Life is hard enough without crap from people.<br />
<br />
After speaking with a few friends about my feelings of this, I'm greeted with a resounding, "But I'm worried about <b>YOU</b> too!"<br />
<br />
I'm only worried about Papi.<br />
<br />
He has vowed that the drinking will not be coupled with driving, and that there will be no more texting while on the road either.<br />
<br />
I've been harping on him for years about the texting. He is finally seeing the results.<br />
<br />
All I have is the gratitude that mi esposo didn't die while I was gone. It's all I have to stay in the now.<br />
<br />
I hold him, because we just never know when someone we love will be snatched from us, either by a bad choice, or life and all it's daggers it throws at us.<br />
<br />
Life.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, I am just so tired of trying to get through it.<br />
<br />
I know where suicidal tendencies come from.<br />
<br />
This place where we are just so exhausted from what's handed to us that we feel we just can't endure another day.<br />
<br />
Then we do, and we continue.<br />
<br />
Some of us don't make it out alive. Some of us give in to the voice that says, "That's enough. Let's just go now, OK?"<br />
<br />
Yesterday, the only thing that got me out of bed was the fact that 8 little creatures are depending on me.<br />
<br />
I lied in bed shaking.<br />
<br />
Stomach turning.<br />
<br />
Blood curdling.<br />
<br />
Toes curling.<br />
<br />
Muscles buzzing, feeling like they're separating from my body.<br />
<br />
Today, there are tears, but I know I have obligations, like the children's Christmas celebration at Dream Project.<br />
<br />
I'm so grateful for these things that get me out of bed.<br />
<br />
I'll endure another day because I'm in a never ending fucking ring match with life.<br />
<br />
I'll just get up and keep taking the fucking blows.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i know i am braver than i can see</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-73247943073192228502013-12-11T00:28:00.000-04:002013-12-11T00:33:35.582-04:00emotional upheaval<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The greeting.<br />
<br />
It was tremendous.<br />
<br />
It was stupendous.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://andreashealingjourney.blogspot.com/p/fuzzy-family.html">The Donkey</a> jumped all over me, crying, "You're back! I missed you! I love you so much!"<br />
<br />
It was the greatest greeting I've ever had.<br />
<br />
Of course, the rest of The 6-Pack wanted a moment of a greeting as well, but they didn't have a chance.<br />
<br />
It was a nice welcome after hearing some news that disturbed me.<br />
<br />
I can't talk about it publicly yet.<br />
<br />
I have to wait for him to speak about it first.<br />
<br />
He's told a few people who are close to him, but that's his choice as to who he tells.<br />
<br />
Funny, isn't it?<br />
<br />
Mi esposo usually tells the world everything about himself.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who would worry too much if he said anything, and a lot of people who would come down very hard on him, which is not the answer right now.<br />
<br />
Still, it is something to worry about.<br />
<br />
Oh, I worry.<br />
<br />
I worry and worry and worry.<br />
<br />
You know how you can tell someone something that is bad, and they don't listen to you?<br />
<br />
You know how you can always say, "I told you so," much later?<br />
<br />
Well, that doesn't really matter when shit happens and you're terrified.<br />
<br />
Like for instance, the car accident where I asked him to slow down around the corners, because he was going to fast, then he ignored me and we did a wipe out seconds later into the brush?<br />
<br />
But we don't listen to people we love the most.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying he's the only one that doesn't listen.<br />
<br />
I don't listen to him a lot either.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I suppose I can only talk about how I feel about this.<br />
<br />
It could really be put into other topics for anyone else out there with these feelings.<br />
<br />
I'm worried that there will be more disastrous repercussions.<br />
<br />
Still, I'm worried there may be difficulties.<br />
<br />
I'm scared of what could be worse.<br />
<br />
There could have been a way worse outcome.<br />
<br />
He is very lucky.<br />
<br />
Really, we both are.<br />
<br />
Both of us.<br />
<br />
I don't sit in the present very much.<br />
<br />
I jump to the future and freak out there.<br />
<br />
That's my deal.<br />
<br />
I spoke to a friend about it recently, and my friend has the opposite problem, they only live in the now and can't look to the future.<br />
<br />
I so wish that I could have that problem, then I wouldn't see <b>this</b> as a problem.<br />
<br />
I'd just see that right now, here, I have my love.<br />
<br />
Right now, I am fortunate to have him as my other half.<br />
<br />
Right now, is not the future and the fears I have.<br />
<br />
Worrying will not change anything or make anything better for the future.<br />
<br />
All it will do is give me more wrinkles and grey hair.<br />
<br />
OK. So, I suppose that's what I have to do right now: remember where I am and that everything is OK right now.<br />
<br />
Everything is OK right now.<br />
<br />
I'd like to stay here and be alright.<br />
<br />
Right now is very good.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i am exactly where i need to be</i></b></blockquote>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-90508781599782047562013-12-05T14:01:00.000-04:002013-12-05T14:01:23.143-04:00seriously, pass the wine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
OK.<br />
<br />
So, maybe the 'rules of etiquette' are that you only pour 2 mm of wine in a glass, but why?<br />
<br />
My mother is Miss Manners to the extreme.<br />
<br />
Right up there with Martha Stewart.<br />
<br />
Not sure where this debutant social grace came from.<br />
<br />
She really is just a Yukon child raised in East Van.<br />
<br />
Did they have this protocol in the land of flannel?!?<br />
<br />
She was a single mom who really had nothing and had a mother who didn't really help her out much, because she chose a family over school.<br />
<br />
Yet somehow, she got this fancy pants personality.<br />
<br />
So, when I said I'd like to indulge in the red wine, she poured me 2 sips in a glass.<br />
<br />
2 sips.<br />
<br />
I asked my baby sister as to why so little, wondering if maybe it's because she's worried because I'm experimenting with drinking like a 'normal' person.<br />
<br />
Which kinda confuses me.<br />
<br />
When I drank many years ago, she told me I had a drinking problem, in a not so sweet way.<br />
<br />
Then when I was clean 'n sober, she asked why on earth I'd want to do that because I never had a drinking problem.<br />
<br />
But now that I wanted to experiment with drinking in a sane manner, she pours me a millimetre of the bevvie?<br />
<br />
She might as well have put it in a plastic sippy cup.<br />
<br />
Anyway, mother left after a few days here in the blistering cold and I spoke to my baby sis who explained that it's what charm school people do.<br />
<br />
If you drink white wine, you get a half glass, if you drink red, you get a couple of sips.<br />
<br />
Are we who like red automatically labeled the wine-o-s?<br />
<br />
Curious.<br />
<br />
Apparently, it's because red you sip and white you gulp.<br />
<br />
So what!<br />
<br />
Gimme me half glass of red wine just like your white!<br />
<br />
You really want to keep getting up and refilling my glass until I drink my allotted amount?<br />
<br />
That seems like a lot of work!<br />
<br />
And besides, I want my half glass of wine goddamit!<br />
<br />
Now, mother has left the building, back on her flight back to Vancouver, my baby sister poured me my half glass.<br />
<br />
I don't need more than that.<br />
<br />
It's all I want.<br />
<br />
It's my only evil for crying out loud!<br />
<br />
Except for the sugar I've indulged in over the past few days.<br />
<br />
I have pimples that are rivalling my nose.<br />
<br />
Not sure where my chin starts and my pimples end.<br />
<br />
Really sexy.<br />
<br />
Not the greatest femme look.<br />
<br />
Pizza face.<br />
<br />
But I only have a few days left of the bad food.<br />
<br />
This size of jean is not going to be my permanent size folks!<br />
<br />
Things are going to change when I get back.<br />
<br />
Except for my half glass of wine.<br />
<br />
Fuck etiquette.<br />
<br />
Fuck manners.<br />
<br />
Gimme my half glass of wine.<br />
<br />
I know Papi will pour it properly.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i know i am loved by family</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130292629574477585.post-67696761814091022082013-12-03T18:06:00.000-04:002013-12-03T18:06:39.936-04:00All hail the baby sister!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The pain kicked in.<br />
<br />
It's amazing how much of a relief I get from the weather in the Dominican Republic.<br />
<br />
All I can say is, I am so very grateful my brother-in-law shares his pain meds for his own horrible chronic pain.<br />
<br />
Although, I will be suffering through the pain instead of utilizing his offer from now on.<br />
<br />
I've had 2 rounds of awesome upchucking, and the bags under my eyes make me look like I am 100 years older.<br />
<br />
Classy.<br />
<br />
I haven't had to deal with my bitch of a back for 10 months, so it was a shocking reminder of how much pain I was in for all that time.<br />
<br />
I really understand the need for morphine, codeine and all the other little pills I took all those years.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I had my family there to push me around in a wheelchair in the snowy streets of Banff, which was an amazing X-Mas gift from the family, not to mention the flight out here they helped pay for.<br />
<br />
My 10 year old niece did a good job of pushing me into walls and into the middle of street intersections against the red light.<br />
<br />
She loves me.<br />
<br />
I think.<br />
<br />
My baby sister is so very thoughtful.<br />
<br />
She understands my food allergies and tries her best to accommodate me, while at the same time, taking care of her entire family.<br />
<br />
She's a good sis.<br />
<br />
I can't do too much while I'm lying around, so I just watch my teenage nephew go through the cupboards and fridge non-stop.<br />
<br />
Since writing this, he's opened the fridge about 12 times and never really taken anything out.<br />
<br />
Now the pantry.<br />
<br />
Now back to the fridge again.<br />
<br />
Of course, all of this is in between playing on his phone.<br />
<br />
He hides in his phone and when he gets in trouble for it, he simply walks over to the fridge and pantry to pretend he's looking for 'something'.<br />
<br />
With all the effort it takes to try to fool his parents into believing he's busy, he could actually do something with his time.<br />
<br />
Most of the footage I have here is of him: "Look who's on his phone again!"<br />
<br />
My baby sister has her hands full.<br />
<br />
When she's not yelling at my nephew, she is repeatedly yelling, "No!" to my sugar addicted niece, as she incessantly begs for more candy.<br />
<br />
Oh, there goes my nephew again.<br />
<br />
He's switching things up and opening both the freezer <b>AND</b> the fridge at the same time.<br />
<br />
Moving things around, sniffing something to see if it's any good, and now, putting it right back in again when it was not an odour he was impressed by.<br />
<br />
Now, back to the pantry, staring at nothing, picking things up, putting them back down and walking away again.<br />
<br />
Wait!<br />
<br />
He actually took something out of the pantry!<br />
<br />
Cereal!<br />
<br />
Not that he's pouring himself any.<br />
<br />
He just took it out and left it on the counter while he investigated what's on the stove.<br />
<br />
And now, he just put the cereal box in the fridge.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
I don't think Papi and I would be able to handle a teenager.<br />
<br />
We would lose our minds.<br />
<br />
Then again, it seems my sister already has.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>i love my family for who they are</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07081558215651271966noreply@blogger.com0