Ah, how good it feels...the hand of an old friend" by Mary Englebright.

In this brief life we have friends come and go. Some pass through your life and others stay for life. I am very lucky to have two friends that define the ultimate meaning of friendship. Life in eachother's company was too short and now that we're thrown in different corners of the earth, it makes me reminisce and cherish the times we had together...and boy did we have some good times together!

We were all high school friends, but I knew Kavita's face before that. We use to go to the same after-school lessons and when I saw her at orientation, it took a while to remember where I saw her before. Cindy and Kavita were closer in Providence but when I moved back home to go to school there, I met up with them for the first time in the library and our first topic of conversation - "Are you playing carnival?!" Words can't describe the fun we had together in those 2 years I was back home. We were inseparable. I knew in the moment I was living the best days of my life. No bills, no job, no worries! My biggest daily concern was what time Kavita was coming to take me to lunch. Carnival was our yearly highlight and we would plan months ahead. My biggest joy would be for us to all pick out our costumes and accessories together. The Carnival fetes were indescribable fun and Carnival Monday & Tuesday were total days of bliss for us...dancing and drinking till our feet blistered.

Then the worst happened. Kavita & Cin got into a humungoid fight and stop speaking for 4 years. Imagine that! 4 years. By this time, I was living in Florida again and up to this day, I can't tell you exactly what happened because I wasn't there. Neither of them would relent and it was tough being in the middle. When I would visit Trinidad and go to parties, I would have to go back and forth between them. I never gave up trying to make them reconcile their petty differences. Four years later, it finally happened. Last week Cin did some soul searching and reached out to Kavita, who now lives in England, via email. Kavita was so thrilled, surprised but happy that Cin wrote her and they both apologized for the rift. Let's just say Christmas came early for me and I can't wait to go back home and revel in their company again like the good ole days!

Even though we're all strewn in different continents now we still keep in touch and I'm up to date with their daily drama and life events...I won't have it any other way! What I love the most is that when we speak or meet up it's like we pick up where we left off and not a moment has passed inbetween. It's a familar comfort that I get when I'm with them. I hope it never changes!
Here are some memorable pics of us at our favorite time in the year:

My first year playing carnival. This picture made the Carnival magazine!
Me & Cin taking a 5 on the pavement!
Gearing up for the stage
At a carnival fete with Marsha
Another magazine pictorial of us with no behavior
This was when we went Tobago to chill-lax after carnival. God, that was a great trip!

He's Melllllllttttinnnggggg!!!

Today marks one week that Lee's been on his diet and we're proud to announce that he's lost 10 lbs so far! It's unbelievable actually, and it's surreal to see the numbers on the scale. I'm happy to report that he's doing well and this initial weight loss has encouraged him to keep up the hard work. He could eat about everything, but alot of emphasis is put on his portions. For example, for lunch today he got 1/4 cup red beans, 1 cup of salad and 1/4 cup pork. I've NEVER fed anybody, especially Lee, such controlled amounts. I usually ladle rice by the pot spoons! He's also taking appetite suppressants and the injections of HGC (don't ask me what it stands for). Whatever it is, it's definitely working. The real challenge however would be when he stops the shots and is down to his ideal weight. This diet has really shown us how much he (and I) over-eat.
The first week was difficult for me in terms of having the control to measure out his food. I love to see Lee eat to his heart's content, and giving him 1/4 cup of beans destroys me. It's a challenge for me to also not cook so much food; I'm ending up with alot of leftovers that's clogging up my fridge! This weekend we sat down and planned out all his meals, so it's easier for me to cook the lunches and dinners minus the headache of wondering what to make.
We're starting week 2 so I'll keep you in the loop as he melts!

Goodbye Chunkers

Some of Lee's nicknames from college include "Big Country" and "Big Lee". He is a big guy, and it's what people mostly identify and describe him by. He does not take it personally and wears his size sometimes like a badge of honor....proudly on display. He's 6'5 and when I met him, 350 lbs. Over the last two years, he's dropped 35-40 lbs on his own through frequent exercise and less "outside" food. If you know Lee, you know he's athletic; Played football in college, completed a triathlon, plays basketball, and always on the go. I always tell him he's the fastest, fat guy that I know. It's a compliment because he's always the one 1/2 mile ahead of me when we run, beats me in any swim race, and is like a horse on the bike.

However, since he lost 40 lbs, his weight has plateaued, and the last year has been really hard for him to lose significantly. His ideal weight would be anything under 300 lbs...numbers he hasn't seen since middle school! If I had to guess his problem, I would guess that it would be portion control. Sometimes I get so mad at him when I'm physically fighting him not to have seconds, or so pissed off he at the entire pint of Starbucks ice cream (I didn't talk to him for days after the ice cream incident!)

He's been talking about a friend at work who is on the Transformations Diet. It's where you receive shots (yes, injections) of B Vitamins and appetite suppressants along with a regimented food plan. I've heard of it before, and have no doubt that he will drop weight like crazy, but was skeptical on how long it would last, the costs, and the side effects. However, after much research and talking he decided to make his appointment to start this process.

I have also been skeptical about it for my own selfish reasons. Lee's size to me is endearing; he's a bull in a china shop in the kitchen and looks hilarious gyrating his waist to Soca! I can't imagine him 50 lbs lighter and more importantly, who am I gonna enjoy all my favorite food with?!? I love to feed Lee; he loves everything I cook and it's fun to eat with him. This could only mean one thing - that I'll have to diet alongside him to keep him motivated. Nonetheless, I'm still excited for him to reach his goal weight.

I'll keep you guys updated with his weight loss regime. I'll take before, during, and after pictures to document his journey to skinny-hood! Wish us luck!

Lee drunk as hell in Key West back in 2006 (don't worry, I know the girl!)


He'll probably kill me for putting this up!
Lee minus a chin in 2009!

Oh Xmas Tree, Oh Xmas Tree!

Since I've known Lee, he has had a peuny, charlie brown looking tree. Lauryn was taller than it - that's how embarrassingly small it was! Every year he's been wanting a new one, but fake trees are so expensive for a decent looking one that we've been holding out for 4 years now! Until this year!

We thought we'd get a live tree and we initially, had a $20 budget. Wishful thinking! An hour later, and $50 poorer, we drove away with our very first real tree. It's a real beauty; perfect size, perfect shape. We're most proud of it and can't stop exclaiming that it's the most beautiful tree we've ever seen! It definitely gives us the Christmas spirit and we're already ready for the big day to be here. Here are some pics of our extravaganza:

Standing infront of our new tree
All ready to go!













Ta-Daaaaa!
Went to the mall to see Santa


Had to pull teeth to get Leeana to sit next to Santa!

Fun, Friends & Football

Facebook's really a great invention. I got Lee hooked on it and he's reconnected with many of his college friends that he hasn't seen in donkey years. For months now, he's been saying we should go visit one of his football buddies, Alec, in Tampa. They were so close back in the day and Alec's been dying to have us over. So we planned it for the weekend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were playing the New Orlean Saints at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. It was a great weekend and I'm still trying to recover this Monday morning.

We got there Saturday night and after the back-slapping and man hugs we spent the rest of the night drinking and laughing. Alec's girlfriend and her best friends were also over and we instantly connected. They had alot of funny stories and we talked until 1 am (I know what you're thinking - DSY, up past 8pm?!?). Their comaraderie reminded me of my friendship with my best buds and it made me miss the good times I've had with Kavita & Cindy.

I've never been to an American football game and I was up at the crack of dawn ready to rumble! The game started on Sunday at 1pm so we tailgated for a couple hours before that. Lee met up with more college football friends. It was funny how all alike they looked - Super tall, broad shoulders, and balding! The plan was to scalp Lee & my tickets. We eventually paid $60 for 2 tickets but before we went in, one of Lee's friends pulled out 2 free tickets for us! We sold our $60 tickets to someone for $50 and got great, free seats (4th row from the field). BONUS!

I had no idea what was going on football wise and mostly watched the cheerleaders wondering what their toes looked like after dancing for hours in boots. The previous night started to catch up with me and the sleepies were attacking. Lee was tired too because he slept in the cab back to Alec's house. We aren't as young as we once were!

All in all, great fun. The only disappointment was that I didn't take any pictures which is very unlike me. All I took to the game was my chapstick and totally forgot the camera. The only souvenirs we have is our free visor we got and our memories. Still wish I took some damn pictures though...

All I Want for Xmas

Xmas is right around the corner and Lee & I have started xmas shopping already. We're usually xmas eve shoppers scrounging up whatever's left on the shelves. But this year we're on top of our A-game (primarily because we have the moula this year!) We have a couple gifts for the girls already and this Black Friday we plan to wake up early and hit the stores to see what else we can get. I got Lee one out of 2 gifts already. It's killing me to keep it from him. I can't keep secrets and usually I can't wait until the day of to give my present! This year will be different though!

Last year, I didn't ask for much for Xmas because money was scarce. I think I got a pair of swimming goggles!!! This year I was torn between getting many, different things that I need like a new bra, goggles :) etc. OR I could get one big gift. I've been dying for a Kindle forever and I hope Santa brings it for me this year! I've hinted very strongly with pictures, emails, and this blog!

Weekend Pics

A Great Vacation in the Works

As I sit here at work wishing it were 5 pm already, my mind drifts to the 1000 places I rather be than at this desk. In particular, our next vacay spot in 2010 - Barbados! This ingenious idea was that of my mother's when we were talking about my next trip back home. "Let's go Barbados when yuh come na..." Who could turn that down?!

You could pronounce this country 2 ways. 1) Bar-Bay-Dus or 2) Bar-Bay-Doze. I have very very faint memories of a family vacation as a child when my parents took me and my brothers. I don't even think Johann was born then; I'll have to check. Lee was ready to pack his bags the minute I told him about it. We'll most likely do this 2 week vacation next year around August/ September when we've both accumulated time off and money. We plan to go to Trinidad, spend a couple days before leaving with my parents for about 4 days in Barbados.

Here are some fun facts about this Caribbean Island:

Is the birthplace of Rihanna, who moved from Barbados to the United States at the age of sixteen to pursue her music career.

Was chosen by Tiger Woods as the location for his wedding in 2004.

Has always flown only the British Flag, until achieving it's independence in 1966.

The National dish of Barbados is Cou-Cou and Flying Fish.
Cou-cou is a dish made with cornmeal and okras, in much the same way that it has been made in Africa for centuries. It is accompanied by flying fish which have been prepared in an aromatic sauce of tomato, onion, chives, thyme, fresh pepper, garlic and other herbs.

It is good luck to have a mongoose scurry across the road in front of you.
Some time during your stay you are more than likely to see a Barbados mongoose scurry across your path. The Mongoose is a slender, furry creature of about 24 inches from its head to the end of its bushy, squirrel-like tail. It has a brown coat and looks a bit like a Weasel or a Stoat. They were brought to Barbados from India in 1879 to combat the problem of the increasing rat population - and the ensuant threat to the sugar industry. Unfortunately for the planters they had made one big mistake. The rat is a nocturnal animal while the mongoose likes to go foraging during the day - so they rarely cross each others path.


Flying fish jump out of the water and can glide for 30 to 50 metres!
Barbados is hailed as "The land of the flying fish". This interesting fish abounds in our waters and has become something of a national emblem as well as a staple part of our diet. Other popular local fish are dolphin, kingfish, sailfish, barracuda, tuna, red snapper and chub. Incidentally, whenever you see "dolphin" on a menu, please don't think that you are about to eat "flipper" and his friends. Dolphin in Barbados is an ugly but delicious fish, not a porpoise.

Barbados was originally named Los Barbados, meaning 'the bearded ones'.
The many fig trees on the island had long hanging, aerial roots. To Pedro Campos, the Portuguese explorer who sighted the island in 1536, these roots made the trees look like they had beards, hence the name 'Los Barbados.

Pictures that I've found online get me very excited to visit. My parents, Lee & I are total beach people. We stay for hours upon hours and once we have a beach chair with some drinks - we might never leave! I can't wait to chill-lax, take great pictures and see the sights. I even mentioned to Lee the other day "Honey, won't it be GREAT to get engaged in Barbados!!!" He only smiled and said "Sure it would.." I'll have to work harder on that, but I'll keep you updated on my progress!

How Time Flies...

Besides my birthday month (September, for those who forgot) November is another special month for me. Not only for the inevitable Thanksgiving feast for which I'm physically preparing for, but it marks another year that Lee & I have been together. Sometimes I have to re-count on my fingers when we met because I simply can't believe this is our 4th year together.

For those who don't know the story, Lee & I met worked together back in June 2005. We were truly just friends from the getgo. I actually (and he knows this) was kinda grossed out because he had a bald head and I couldn't bring myself to touch it! We used to talk into the wee hours of the morning about everything and I didn't feel the pressure to be anybody else but myself with him since it was strictly platonic on both sides. It was around November that same year the dynamic changed and has been a love fest ever since! I love alot of things about him, but these are my top favs:

1) He's funny as hell even at 5:30 am
2) He's in touch with his feminine side and isn't afraid to show it
3) Fun loving, adventurous, and social able are his best attributes
4) A great father who is funny, gentle, and playful
5) Has a great smile, chunky cheeks, and a strong chin
6) Clumsy with his big, oaf-self
7) Pays attention to house-work detail especially his laundry
8) Loves everything I cook (good, bad, and indifferent)
9) Is an honorary Trinidadian
10)Always in a good mood
11)Always opens my car door


But don't be fooled, it's not hunky dory 24/7. Here are some of my petpeeves with him, thankfully there aren't many!

1) I hate when he slams the toilet seat down
2) He stops to close to the car in front of us
3) When he destroys things in frustration

After 4 years of being together, everyday is still fresh, exciting, and fun. We're great, great buddies and work well as a team at anything we do. We've had some good times together and I'm looking forward to many more (legal) years with him! (Hint Hint)

Trick or Treat Traditions

It's that time of the year again when Halloween stores pop up on every street corner (it's Lauryn's life mission to visit eachone), when the weather finally starts to turn, and when we all declare how fast the end of the year is comming.

Halloween is not my favorite time of the year but I go along with it. I get scared very easily and even some kid costumes these days are just downright scary. I do however look forward to our annual pumpkin carving contests! It's our 3rd year doing it and I've been planning this year's for weeks now. Usually we go to a local church's pumpkin sale but we thought we'd get them at Walmart this year because they were $5.00 instead of $10.00 at the church. WHO WOULDA THUNK IT....every Walmart/Sams/Target store in the Greater Orlando region ran out of pumpkins the day before Halloween. Guess who had the last pumpkins in Central Florida.... the chuch we were avoiding....and guess who paid $10.00 for a pumpkin - us!

Anywho, Lauryn and I team up and Leeana's on Lee's team. The first year they won, but the 2nd year Lauryn and I blew them out of the water! It was 1 - 1 and the competition is always stiff. Although there's no offical judge it's always obvious who did a better job. It is a boatload of fun and this year was no exception. Lauryn and I deemed ourselves the winners this year and even Lee and Leeana reluctantly agreed that ours was the best! You be the judge...

Lee & Leeana

Lauryn & Me








Me & my overpriced pumpkin


Might as well pose to get my $$$'s worth!