I knew moving to the "easy going-slow-moving-enjoy-the ride-lifestyle" would mean the end of trips to Neiman Marcus and Williams Sonoma for the latest in 'must haves", and Starbucks for the ONLY "Chai" I drink. My beautiful Stiletto heels will no doubt become ART on shelves in the bedroom. But to THINK of the weight of the "need to do all that" to be lifted off my shoulders and "JUST BE" makes it sooo worth it . . . Doesn't it?

Even though I live on the beach here - I spend most of my time in sweats and my Ugg boots (all 48 pairs of them; every color of the rainbow since they first hit here over 20 years ago). Mornings after surfing were always freezing; even in early summer.

No more Uggs? Hmmm. Cannot imagine. but ok . . .

After looking at TACO GIRL'S blog and her grocery list, it hit me . . .

CAN I LIVE WITHOUT? . . .
My ALTA DENA cottage cheese? It is an appendage!
STORM'S grass fed bison, beef, and venison? Her orgnc Chicken Breast Treats?
MY GREY GOOSE Martinis? (I get ill on Rum - blasphemy I'm sure).
STORM'S GROOMER on Fridays?
MY GRANITE COUNTERTOPS and VIKING RANGE? no one to cook for anymore, but still . . .
MY SALTWATER AQUARIUMS?
MY ESCALADE? AND ONSTAR . . .
WHAT ABOUT ONSTAR that tells me what to do?!
My TV SHOWS? Dexter, Criminal Minds,Hell's Kitchen,HOUSE,LOST, Bones,MEDIUM, 24, Gordon Ramsay, Law & Order ???!!!

AND CRAB?! STONE- SOFT SHELL-KING?! A mainstay for me!
OH! AND MOUNTAIN DEW?? I GO THRU a 12 pak every 3-4 days!
AND AMAZON.COM! They deliver everything here from vitamins to Panini makers to Storm's Stuffies weekly . . .
NO AMAZON? NO UPS MAN?`

For those who HAVE DONE IT . . . HOW did you? AND . . .

Can I ???

I'm thinking.... don't even try!

What I miss the most (in this order):
My friends/family
Good wine
Good sushi
Shopping at the Farmer's Market in ATL / Kroger
Loehman's / TJ Max / Marshalls / Big Lots
My doctor / dentist
My convertable Jag
THE END

You can read this for starters:

http://www.belizefirst.com/livehome.html

Michelle, You'll be pleased to know you won't have to give up everything on your list. There is a grooming parlour in San Pedro called Pampered Paws, so Storm does not need to miss a Friday at the doggy spa. All of your favourite TV shows are available via our local cable service so you can get your dose of all the drama you want in your life. You can indeed have Amazon send your items to you here, so no need to worry about that either.

We don't miss much. I do miss theatre and a broad range of live music. Cheaper wine would be nice.

Having banana trees in our garden, being able to pick and eat fresh coconuts whenever we want, being able to eat fish as within an hour of catching it, cooking outside every day, spending 3 hours shopping because we bump into so many friends along the way, stew chicken rice and beans, conch ceviche, snorkeling with rays any time I want, dancing all night at community celebrations, green iguanas in the tree outside our window - those things are priceless.

escalade? stilettos? Onstar? pannini maker? girl, you actually BEEN to this island? you SURE its for you??? you require cottage cheese??? you do know you can't even get CREAM FOR COFFEE there, right? let alone paying a fortune for cheese of any sort? you do know we have to use powdered, boxed or canned milk, right? you know when you're driving in a golf cart and it starts pouring, you just get soaked, right?

i love AC as much as anyone on this board, and considered the move. here's what i would miss:

fresh potato chips
reeses pieces
being able to just go buy new sheets or fluffy towels
my tempur-pedic bed & pillows
the feeling of not being sticky & sweaty
my cats would have to settle for Whiskas (oh i draw the line there)
crackers - saltines & toasted wheats
everything i own not rusting out
Target
good,fresh chocolate of any sort
things not going stale or limp constantly
did i mention not feeling sticky yet?
my gringo friends tell me they miss deli meats & sandwiches
bagels, multi grain & rye breads

so while you ponder missing bison steaks, brie & your 48 pairs of Uggs, consider that there are many BASIC STAPLES to miss too.

ac is a wonderful, fantastic place to visit, and i love it to my core, but i think it takes a certain amount of personal sacrifice to be happy living there. dont give up the dream, just be realistic about what you are getting into.

Thanks Michelle, I can't stop laughing.

This would make a great reality T.V. show!

If I lived down there, I would miss the anticipation I feel about my increasingly frequent visits.

Welcome to "I'm High Maintenance ....... Get Me Out of Here" and here are your hosts, Pedro and Paris.

Krispy Kreme donuts.
Shocks in my vehicle.(When we came here I was 5'8",now 5'")
Getting my groceries all in one stop
Trader Joe's