STRESSED!

Hey all,

Okay, first of all- I really dislike the days leading up to final exams...while I am sure Martin dislikes it far more than I do, I hate that I can't do anything to ease the stress that he is feeling. All I can do is listen to him studying, getting frustrated, and wanting to throw his books out the window (and making angry growling noises at his books).

Second, we are moving off the island..for good. This is a good stress and a bad stress. A good stress because we are excited to get home!! A bad stress because this has been our lives for over a year now..so, we have to re-adjust to a new place (which is scary and exciting!) We haven't lived anywhere together for longer than a year (actually, we have lived together in Dominica longer than anywhere else). I know some couples actually moved here right after their wedding and started their married lives here (wow..they are brave!) . So the move back home must have been really bitter-sweet for them! I think you always fondly remember the first place you lived after marriage. Well, come to think of it- every change has its "stresses" that come along with it, right? Ultimately, its a good thing.. and this is what I am taking with me. No matter what happens, we are moving on..and though there are parts of island living that I will miss, I feel that its time. It's still a weird feeling though!

I have to say, today more than ever, I decided that I was ready to leave. Here's the story- Martin and I went to 7-11 (a local store) to get some groceries. They just got some really cool stuff in their freezers (and while Jamaican patties and frozen pizzas may not be exciting to my North American friends, my Dominica friends will understand how exciting that really is!!) Well, I brought over the patties and the pizzas and the lady at the cash says: "these aren't priced yet.. can you please give me 2..or maybe 3...minutes?". HA. 2-3 minutes.. in Caribbean time, that means 1 hour.
So yes friends, we waited one hour to find out the prices of the items... we really just had to laugh at the situation. I have to say though, the lady that was inquiring about the prices was the only one to actually take the time to find out. I went another day and they didn't sell them to me- they didn't even bother finding out the price. She has always been very good with customer service, which is sooo appreciated here (because its rare). She also gave us a discount!! To stay sane here, you really have to look past the thorns to see the rose- and that was definitely the rose of this situation.
BUT, needless to say- it was still frustrating, and it was a confirmation that our time here has to come to an end before we lose our minds. OH and not to mention: it was HOT today. It's hot everyday.. but it was HOT today.

Sigh..well, as they say- "every rose has its thorn"!!




Until next time,

Peace, love, happiness, (and roses),

Stef :)