Finally, Fiji

I'm baaaaack! Fiji was so fantastic it will be difficult to tell you all there is to tell. I'm tempted to fall into the "we did this and then we did this and then ohmygawd there was this oooh and also that and ohholycrap then there was this" sort of narrative so I don't miss a thing. But that won't be too terribly interesting for you. Nor would it really convey Fiji--which is a peaceful, beautiful place where it seems folks just may have gotten the living right. Even I could get spiritual in a place like this.


So instead, I think I'm going to tell and show you about first the people, then (in the order the mood strikes me) the beauty of the landscape, the animals, the food and...okay, maybe a few things we did (although that will be well covered by the aforementioned). With no further ado: The People of Fiji

The happiest most content people in the world live in Fiji. Okay, I haven't explored the entire world (yet) but as I do, I will be on the lookout for a people more content and happy than the Fijians. And why not? The weather is perfect year round, there are 12 hours of daylight year-round, food is abundant (hence, everyone eats--which means you don't see homeless, hungry or begging people), the water is clean and plentiful, the land is stunningly gorgeous, there's no pollution, everyone walks everywhere and no one is in a hurry.  In the interest of full disclosure, we were on the second largest island--Vanua Levu (the biggest island--Viti Levu did seem more crowded/urban and thus may have more "issues" than Vanua Levu). Fiji is about 35% Indian (or Indo-Fijian as they call themselves) and the cultures seem to have blended well. Although there is not, apparently, much if any inter-marrying among the Fijians and the Indo-Fijians, they seem to get along well and we never detected any racism. We were told that at the school the children of Sunil and Rhada (more on them later) attend the Indian children are taught Fijian and the Fijian children are taught Indian. And they all learn English--which makes it very easy to travel there as well, although some accents are harder to decipher than others. (In fairness, I think they may have had a difficult time with my dad's Georgia accent as well. ;-))

The Fijian greeting is "Bula!" and one is greeted with that exuberant expression everywhere. Driving down the roads we'd pass pedestrians and they'd all smile their huge smiles (and they have phenomenally white teeth! we were told it's from chewing sugar cane...huh??), wave and say "Bula!" or, if they were particularly happy, "Bula-Bula!!" Even in the market when we were greeted we always felt it was genuine and not just a ploy to get us to buy. They aren't pushy about that at all. And although bargaining is the norm, it isn't done in the aggressive way it is in other countries (no one accused us of trying to take food from their children's mouths, for example). It's all very polite. Well, it was for me, but of course, I can't bargain for items that are already so ridiculously low-priced! The best I could do was "how much for two?" when my step-mom and I both wanted sarongs at the same handicraft shop. [We got them for $15 each (that's Fijian dollars...so about $8 US dollars) down from the $20 price tag. Later we saw the same ones for $8 (Fijian). Oh well. I told you I can't bargain.]

They are also very warm, genuine, open and welcoming folks. And so, I give you...our Fijian friends:

On our first day driving around we drove by this group walking home from church. We stopped to take a photo and they obliged. This is one of my favorite photos from the trip.

 On another day we were fortunate enough to be taken to one of the villages where we went to their church service (Methodist--although all done in Fijian). It happened to be Mother's Day so the women were conducting the service. The most beautiful singing I've ever heard. First photo is the cantor and his daughter.

 The reception line after the service. So warm and friendly!

 We were invited back to the home of the village chief (above, left--in the orange pants)

 This is Sami (left) and Sunil (right). Sami was the caretaker and tour guide supreme for the Natewa Bay home we stayed in. Sunil was the caretaker and tour guide uber-supreme for the home we stayed in at the Maruvu estates (just outside Savusavu).

 Sami and Sunil at the waterfall they led us to (hacking a trail with their machetes and even cutting down a walking stick for each of us!). You'll just have to trust me that we also climbed up to this waterfall. (I'm not posting bathing suit pictures. Sorry.)

 Sunil and two of his brother-in-laws who led us out to the world's only floating island.

And these are Rhada's sisters and one of their sons at their home, where we stopped on our way to the floating island and then after--so I could change clothes after falling into the island. Yes, into the island. A blog post for another day.

 We bought bananas ($1 Fijian--50 cents US for a whole bunch) from this woman who had this stand set up roadside in what we thought was the middle of nowhere.

 Rhada--Sunil's wife and our cook. And man can she cook! Fijian or Indian food--it was all fantastic. Here she is preparing the taro leaves for the Lovo meal on our last night (which I think will have to be it's own separate post).

 And this is Wyse. He used to bartend at one of the resorts so he came over and bartended for us one night. He whipped up several island concoctions which were so good I can't remember their names.

 This is Wyse again with his wife, Tetsch. It was their village we went to.

We passed this little boy enjoying his papaya on horseback as we drove across the island.

I have hundreds and hundreds of photos (and a few of these--like the one above--are my step-mom Nancy's photos; apparently no one person can capture it all. It took two of us photographing constantly! And I don't know why that photo rotates--I've tried and tried but it stays sideways no matter how many times I rotate it). It's hard to edit. But...I hope these gave you an idea of the beauty and kindness of the Fijian people.  Next up...the scenery and landscape of Fiji!

Seamus is More Famous

I've been meaning to post pictures and tell tales of our Fiji adventure--because believe me there is so much to tell. It's a magical, wonderful, gorgeous place. But I also have 700+ photos, and my step-mom Nancy just sent me her 700+ photos, so there's a lot of culling to do. Plus, we returned home to one funeral and no sooner had we come home from that then we learned that Chris's aunt had passed away from metastasized breast cancer. We arrived at her home about an hour before the mortuary did. Her funeral was Friday.  Needless to say, things have been sad and busy and well...keeping me from the blog. Fiji stories and photos will be coming....um...well...maybe soon.

In the meantime, Seamus is feeling a little jealous of Bob over at Daisy and Bob's blog  because Bob, the pit bull, is having quite a week. So Seamus would like me to let you all know about the award he received this week. He got a plaque with his portrait and signatures from the staff over at Ruff House Pet Resort at the celebration of their 5 year anniversary. See, Seamus was their very first customer and after 5 years, is still their best customer. (He got a plaque; we got a free weekend of boarding for him in one of their new island-themed suites along with a bath....wait...I guess that's sort of for him too! But we get to get away...don't let him know that.) The photo is of Seamus (who hates being picked up; hates it!) and me getting the award from owner Marti. Thanks Ruff House.

Chris's Aunt Susan was an avid animal lover herself. She passed away after a six-month battle with breast cancer (metastasized to her brain and elsewhere by the time it was caught). She loved Seamus (who doesn't?) and all animals and she will be greatly missed. RIP Susan.

Fiji Favs

I'm home. Safe and sound. Fiji is fabulous. So much to tell! But, I'm also tired. So just as a "Bula! let's talk soon" note here are a few favorite photos from the first few days:

  The pool at the house we stayed in.

The beach in front of the property where we stayed

Local Villagers on their way home from church--they were happy to stop for a photo

Our front porch.

Tough, tough vacation.

How have things been with you all?

On the Fly and About to Fly

Bula! (That is the Fijian greeting...which means, in essence "health" and how appropriate is that for this blog?)

We're in the countdown to Fiji time. Also, I'm in the countdown to getting more pages to the agent so she can get them to editors. Also, I have much work to finish up at my "real" job. Also, there's a spray tan with my name on it (well, a gift certificate. Never done it before; I'm sure it will be hilarious and I will look like Snooki...except tall and blonde-ish), a hair appointment (to get those now unnatural blonde highlights back), and a manicure and pedicure waiting. All in the next 48 hours. So, um, this will be fair warning of a blog hiatus.

I did get an iPad2 (which Chris has attached himself to), but we understand there is very little (to no) internet connection where we are staying. So I likely won't be able to post while I"m gone. But expect many, many photos and updates when I return.

Bula! Bula! And um, Aloha!

A Rebuttal from the Ta-Tas Team

In the interest of presenting both sides of the debate, I'd like to share this blog post today from the Save the Ta-Ta's founder. I have one of her shirts. I like it.

Fact Checking the LA Times Opinion.

LA Times Joins the Fray

And the Boobie War has hit the LA Times.
I still disagree with much of what is said, but I'm happy to see the discussion continued in a civilized manner.
I just hate the "self exams don't do squat" statements.

Here's the article:  LA Times.

A Super Very Good Day

I guess the caption sort of takes away the mystery...my check-up with the oncologist went fine today. So, I have now moved past the 2 1/4 years "all clear" mark. Which means 3/4 of year until "the percentage of recurrences that we see drops precipitously" (or something like that...basically, with triple negative BC, like my old bad boy, recurrence generally occurs in the first three years, much less after that). I'm feeling good about that. Still need to get the blood test results back but all else was looking good. I can admit now that I thought I felt another thickening in the right breast, but it was in the same spot (and probably was the same spot) that the good and great Dr. Karam had done the ultrasound on before and it was and is only scar tissue from the radiation. Phew.

But wait...what do Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds have to do with my right breast? Well, nothing. But remember I told you my agent would be sending out THE PROPOSAL for The Dog Lived very soon? Well, today was the day! My baby is all "growed up" and out in the world! At this very moment she is in the clutches of several carefully selected editors at various publishing houses. I had a nice chat with my agent today just after I finished up my doctor's appointment and it seems that my baby is pretty and being generally coo-ed over. It helps that as it turns out three, three, of the editors who received the proposal are beagle-servants themselves! It's like Seamus has planted his minions out there to make sure this happens. Keep your fingers, toes and paws crossed for us.

That was my super, very good day.
Wait...wait...you saw "super very good day" and "The Proposal" and thought that Chris had.....oh, lord. You just don't know us at all.

Finding My People

No sooner did I find myself on the "wrong" side of the Boobie war, then I innocently go off to Fresh 'n Easy at lunch to load up on my "Eat Well" packaged (fresh! healthy! helping me lose weight!) foods and I find once again, I am not part of a group. I am an outsider again!

I've been to Fresh 'N Easy before, but apparently not at lunch when there is limited parking. There were of course handicap parking spaces available but that's not me. Then I saw two open spaces--hurrah!!--but, oh, wait... "Parking for Hybrid Vehicles Only."  My Jaguar is a lot of wonderful things, among them...Purebred. No hybrid. I drove on. Voila' two more open spots! I accelerated the non-hybrid to the open spots....but there was another sign: "Parking for Moms with Children Only." Seriously?? I've never seen that before! And that is decidedly not me. Not even if Seamus were in the car with me. I ended up parking far, far away. But that's okay, the calories burned are only helping me get into that Bagdley-Mischka swimsuit. I just felt so sad that I didn't fit in. I'm sort of thinking maybe I'm not Fresh 'N Easy's kind of people. I'm parked over in the "people we don't really give a crap about" section.

Apparently, these sorts of reserved parking spots are not new. I'm behind the wave (of outrage), judging by what I found when I Googled for an image of the signs I saw. But that's okay. 'Cause I found my people and my parking.

Note to Fresh 'N Easy: think about it, please?

Coffee With a Canine

I'm interviewed (mostly about Seamus, duh. Winning!) over at Coffee with a Canine. I love this blog. Here's a part from the interview:

How were you and Seamus united?

I love the term "united." It's quite accurate. Seven years ago I went through a divorce and moved with my two old beagles to a townhome. Within five months of moving, both dogs had passed away. I was, needless to say, devastated. I went on a trip to Ireland with my brother and a cousin and when I came home the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, where I'd been a board member and volunteer for over 15 years, called to let me know they had a beagle in need of a home. I thought that I probably shouldn't get a beagle again since I was single, working a lot and living in a townhome with not a big yard. But I went to see the dog. And we all know what happens next. Caution....meet wind. The beagle was adorable and unusually colored--really red. He also made me laugh a lot. I named him after a cousin in Ireland that was...yeah, you got it, red-haired and really funny (not so unusual in Ireland).

Go check out the whole thing and many other great dog & coffee stories at Coffee With a Canine.   And have a good morning.

Fiji on My Mind

I've been feeling obligated to continue the discussion of, at the risk of over-simplifying, what's appropriate in breast cancer fundraising (or, where the priority should be) while at the same time bursting with good news that I'd rather be sharing. And then, as it turns out, the breast cancer fundraising discussion has gone on anyway in the comments in the below post. So, here's what I've decided--I'll weigh in there later as well, and anyone interested in that discussion--and it is a very interesting and thought provoking discussion--should continue to read and comment in the post below. Right...below this completely, admittedly, frivolous and light post.


Because...for now anyway....I'm going to take a little diversion to share a little good news.

First, I heard from my agent last week that the book proposal is ready to go out on submission!! Woo Hoo!!! I don't have a timeline but I have great faith in my agent and am very, very excited to enter the next phase (for you non-writers...the next phase is where the agent takes the proposal to editors at publication houses and sells the book!).  I have lots of writing ahead of me and I'm looking forward to that too. And some of that writing will be done in....(see below)

Second, we are less than 4 weeks away from our trip to Fiji!! We met yesterday with the folks who own the home we will be staying in (friends of my dad and step-mom's) and over champagne brunch we learned the customs, what to expect, where to go, etc... I'm beyond excited about this! We'll be there for two weeks and there isn't a whole lot to do...other than lounge around on the beach or in the hammock on the balcony or perhaps go snorkeling or kayaking. I think I'll be able to write quite a bit while we're there. (So I'm looking at getting a iPad2 before we leave...anyone with knowledge of the iPad, please leave comments. I want to read, write, check emails from work and personally, and basically not have to bring my laptop.)

Third, I am very, very close to having lost 10 pounds since the start of my healthy eating/ work-out routine. I've lost about 9.2 pounds (depends on which scale and what time of day). And more importantly I feel much, much better. I'm working out with the trainer 2 days a week (20-30 minutes on the treadmill and 50 minutes of strength training) and doing yoga for an hour 1 day a week, plus walking Seamus for  1 1/2 miles on one other day of the week (don't worry about his exercise--- Chris takes him out for much, much longer walks much more regularly. Seamus is the most fit beast in our home.) I've continued to eat much better and in smaller portions. And, yeah, I've continued to struggle with not having my martinis or wine. So, um, they came back this week--wine dinner and, we'll...see champagne brunch up above (although I did do the salad bar and even selected the low-fat Greek yogurt dressing!).

Fourth, I went bathing suit shopping. And note, this is on my list of good things that have happened! I went to Nordstrom, having learned long ago that the more one pays for things the smaller the size of those things. But still....I haven't bought a bathing suit since cancer invaded the premises. And it was only about 4 years ago that I realized it was really inappropriate for me to wear a two piece suit (my stomach was the last to go, but when it went...it went with a vengeance! I used to think people would be too busy staring at my gigantic thighs to notice a little wedge flowing over the suit bottoms, but once the wedge dropped down and snuggled up against the thighs to  introduce itself, I realized reinforcements were necessary.) So this was bound to be traumatic. It did not start well. When I walked into the store I was in the dress section and they had an awful lot of cute spring/ summer dresses. And I, armed with a gift card, thought "well, a sundress isn't a bad idea." But you know what is a bad idea? The freakin' lighting in the dressing rooms!! It's like a green spotlight on each and every cellulite dent!! And nothing, but nothing was cute on this body. Nothing!!  I almost lost the courage to head to the bathing suit section. But, I figured, I was here. My timing is good--the new line of suits should be in, there won't be too many people also shopping, and well...it can't get worse.  I should look.

Long story somewhat less long, I was helped by this stunningly gorgeous, young, African-American girl who made me believe she too struggled with finding a suit to make her look 10 lbs slimmer (okay, I wanted 30 lbs slimmer, but no bathing suit can cover these thighs, so I was trying to be realistic) and she lead me to a Badgley-Mischka steel blue suit they'd just got in that morning. And....and....and....it fit!! And I loved it!! Okay, it will fit better five less pounds from now, but I have 4 weeks for that. It fit! It's stunning. It's glamorous and it's MINE!! I was so excited, I bought a second suit and a cover-up. 

Then, I went to the Shop to Stop Breast Cancer (okay, diversion ---benefits the Pink Ribbon Place, is frivolous, fun and exploits the hell out of the pink ribbon while raising funds for....things other than research; I also wore the Save 2nd Base shirt to the event. These are my sins.) At the Shop to Stop, I was able to snag a fantastic Tod's purse and super-cute scarf. Both of which happen to match the swimsuits I bought (not that I'd put the scarf with a swimsuit, but it was enough to get a theme going...).  Then, Saturday, right after Fijian-fest champagne brunch, I went to the Lake Arrowhead Coach outlet where there was...O.M.G. a HUGE sale. Now, I've been trying to break myself of the Coach habit because a) it's not cheap and b) I'm not a 16 year old Asian girl, which does seem to be the target market. BUT...but.... they had stuff at 50% off and then another 30% off and...and....damnit...I really like some of their styles. So, yeah. I now have blue Coach sunglasses, a little wrist-let purse and one heck of a giant spring/summer khaki and white patent-leather tote. All in the name of Fiji! Okay, and France this summer...

Did I mention I went to work today (Sunday) to pay for this? Yeah, because Chris and I also went to the Apple store to check out that iPad2.....

(the darker blue on the bottom right is the Badgley-Mischka...the photo doesn't do it justice, it's quite glam; note also the Tod's purse in the upper right...so, so excited about these...).