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

We didn't miss too much, and you can get what you miss for a price (customs!) Didn't miss the fancy house, cars, and home furnishings (the view made up for that easily!), shipped in the good cat food, hair and skin care and a few organic staple pantry items. Friends and family brought whatever else we missed - and they visit often The fresh fruit and fish and a decent if not consistent bounty of veggies on the island, we did just fine!

Uggs in Laguna? I grew up on the beach in Laguna and Huntington. We always wore flip flops.

Endangered species in Belize.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuben_sandwich

.

ha ha ha ha that's great!

Janie, if you moved there, you might disappear entirely!!

WOW that Rueben looks DELISHOUS!!

Twenty years ago, Thurston was going to have his ashes sprinkled in Neiman Marcus (Needless Markups). Thinking I might come visit him occasionally. Now he's going for B.C.'s Bar.

I think I would miss smog, traffic jams, high taxes, driving 110 miles to work, paying ridiculous car insurance, my mother-in-law and no one waving to each other as they pass.


Oh yeah, an ice rink, I would miss that too.

Wow. Look what I woke up to today!

Thanks (in most part) for the candid responses. I think a lot of insight is gained from hearing what others "truly" miss living there.

BTW - I am NO Paris Hilton. My dog won't fit in my purse.
She barely fits in my car.

Why can't you have your Jag there with you? I concur with the sushi issue, but wonder why that would be with so much fresh fish around you? I hadn't even thought of the doctor . . . hmmmmm. That could get scary.

Jane - I am investing in one of those back stretcher thingies so we won't dissapear!

Hooray! A ray of hope. Thank you for the encouraging response. I am really tired of living on the sand, and having the only fish available for $25 next door - be something that was farm raised from who knows where, who knows when?
I can see where Trader Joe's 2 buck Chuck would be missed by wine drinkers! Theatre here is not what it used to be . . . so could wait for trip home. I am thrilled to hear that you actually have a groomer! Storm would be a "sand monster" otherwise.
Regarding the IGUANAS . . . really? Outside the window ?

I can't bring my Tempurpedic? Why?
Also it is cottage cheese ( I can take or leave Brie); and these ARE my basic staples.

Living on the beach already, I know the life span for bread is the end of the day. I do really love bagels though. No Potato chips would hurt too. My electronics are rusted from the ocean air. I keep my M&M's in the fridge (or else they mold within hours). I keep electronic bars in all the closets to keep mildew off my clothes.
NO ANIMAL ANYWHERE should EVER have to eat whiskas! That would be a deal breaker, but was told I could have Orijen shipped. Do not know at what cost though. AND NO TARGET??? Does this place HAVE NO SOUL?
OH! THE HUMANITY!! Really re-thinking things now . . . There is AIR there, right?

this is heading for "thread of the summer" status!

Laguna was the only place you could buy Uggs (before they became popular among the demon spawn- and had to be manufactured in China). The Birkenstock guy down on Forest had them. Don't worry, Rainbows (flip flop of choice here) are still en vogue. Trust me at 5:30 am coming out of that water; a flip flop doesn't do it. We all have on our sheepskins.

Nothing like the smell of wet sheep in the morning...

One of the iguanas that have visited us.

Oh, come on . . .
No Rueben's there either? Not even a PASTRAMI RUEBEN? Why is that?

With all of the restaurants that seem to be there; why is there no "Deli" type places? I would think someone could clean up with one!

CollyK:

Are you kidding???? It is alive? What do you mean by "VISITED"?
Ewww!

Well Michelle, I think they are gorgeous and they are part of the magnificent flora and fauna of Belize. Ambergris Caye is not so rich in wildlife as the mainland but we still have all sorts of interesting and wonderful wildlife here. If you are not a fan of wildlife up close and in your face, Belize may not be the place for you. You will get regular visitors to your home and sometimes in your home - of every persuasion. Eight legs, four legs, two legs, winged etc etc. We're always having to clean bat poop off of our walls, escort tarantulas to places that are safe away from our dogs and rescue Cane toads from being licked to death since our dogs discovered their psychedelic secretions. The land crabs are huge and can be quite a challenge to wrangle.

One of the things that attracted us to Belize was the access to wildlife and we have not been disappointed.

I have to think Michelle is putting us all on!! Nobody is THAT much of a princess!!

The locals think that they are very tasty..bamboo chicken
Their eggs are also considered delectable.

Definitely "one for the books". LOL

They don't have books there either?

Ha! KC, you don't live in Cali! They didn't have a TV show called "Laguna Beach" for nothing...

Not everyone lives like on the show. I pulled my son off of it the 1st season.
Princess? Seriously? Because I shriek at the thought of some green Jurassic monster inside my home?
Surely some of you must have been a little shocked upon seeing this your first time. Or was everyone just raised there from childhood?
Immediately running through my mind is:

Is there some way of keeping them out?
Do they bite?
Are they poisonous?
What if your dog gets a hold of one? Will it harm them?
I do not believe this is an unreasonable response to seeing this thing.

Iguanas LOVE Uggs!!

Uggs are tall. Great for hiding. Although sometimes thier tails don't fit in all the way.

I asked those same questions the first time I saw Paris Hilton!!

I want to know why someone would want to leave Laguna Beach??

Indiana breaded tenderloins
Victoria Secrets (No, the two are not compatible)
Afffordable toilet paper that is not interchangable with sandpaper

Marty! I think I love you! Thank you again for this board....:D

Sorry for the hijack Michelle, please continue....

AAAAAAARGGGGGGG! Let them eat cake.

Johnny cakes, I presume??

Ham or Chicken?

Iguana!

I would really miss watching my 5 grand kids growing up the most.
My weekly visits to Sam's Club and the changing of the season's,except Winter.
I'd probaly miss my wife also!

What we need here is a good shrink.

I use Cindy at Pedro's bar friday nights - family discount specials - just give her my name when you pop in for your session.

he/she would go crazy!

she's good and the fact that she works for Pedro indicates an ability to deal with personality disorders!!

And she did just get married!

and Jeff is more nutters than Peter!!!!

Laguna, You'll be just fine. We don't have William Sonoma or Sur du Table, but Caye Supplies will be a great treat. You will miss your Viking stove, but look into Mabee or Anchor. I often let people use mine as a crematorium.

I would miss the 190 inches of snow we had last winter......NOT!

I forgot, a house where I can leave something outside without having it pilfered. Would anyone know where my Mezzuzah went? That is Low!

ok, so i guess no one told her about visits from big water bugs, crabs and scorpions, huh?

and i heard you on the cottage cheese - my point was you cant barely get dairy ANYTHING fresh?? no milk, no butter... (that's right, you can only get butter in a can).

and, are you for real about why can't she bring her jag down??? hey, anyone wanna take bets on how long a convert jag would last down there?

and before you can assume you can ship all kinds of stuff down, like dog food, you might want to check on duty charges.

sorry, this is just too amusing - did you research anything first? i love, love, love belize, but no place is paradise. if it were, we'd all live there.

If this is a wind up, it is funny. If it isn't, it is funny and scary.

and watch out for those land sharks too!

Becoming increasing miserable for long time residents here. Sauds and Egyptians are buying up the business's (Restaurants,hotels, fish markets,Galleries,boutiques,etc) ; and the locals cannot stand many of their business practices. Replacing shops with "MAGNET, KEYCHAIN, and T-SHIRT shops. The few small businesses that have managed to stay, won't for much longer, as the owners refuse to fix anything while charging a fortune for rents. The Jolly Roger had to shut down last year due to this. It has been here about as long the town.

Even though we own our property out to the tide . . . My dog isn't allowed there from Memorial day to Labor Day, as it belongs to the tourists. I also may not have a cocktail on my own beach without getting a ticket ($200).

Yet when I ask the police to remove the transient who is living under my balcony (drawing flies from using it as a toilet as well); I am told it is his right to be there. It doesn't matter that he acts out in a rage at the tenants, making them afraid to live there.

If I DARE leave the town to do anything; it takes forever getting to and from during the summer. Not much is worse than sitting in your car, being able to see your house in front of you, and knowing it will be a solid hour and 10 minutes before you will get in your driveway. The only thing I guess would be going out to get in your car, and ONCE AGAIN having someone parked across your driveway. Takes over an hour for a tow truck; and usually the day ends with the angry owner of the impounded vehicle coming up from his day at the beach, screaming and yelling at you; and of course doing something to your own vehicle.

The atmosphere of this once "Art Village on the Sea" has changed so drastically to more of a "VEGAS".

That and much more is just getting so very old.

(you asked)

You have things stolen from your yard?

A Jag won't last anywhere very long let alone A/C. Joke is to buy one, drive it home, get the lounge chair out and takes bets as to when it will fall apart.

Right, Don't pack the flamingo yard art. Won't last a minute.

Can someone tell me WHY a convertible wouldn't last down there (or other types of vehicles)?

Salt, salt air, wind and sand!! Plus it is VERY dificult to get a permit for a private vehicle on the island!!

Can you spell T H E F T?

Does Jaguar make a golf cart?

They may. Mine is made by Mercedes Benz.

We do not call them GOLF carts (but they are).

michelle - you really gotta go and see what you're talking about. no machinery lasts there. the "roads" are gut busters, except for town area, which is paved with lovely pavers, and big speed bumps every 100 yards. once you leave those paved areas, all bets are off for suspensions. and i am hard pressed to believe you can find any jag parts there. (unless like someone said, you have lotsa disposable $$ to "get" things no one else can).

you can HAVE a convertible there, the question is how long will it take until it is destroyed.

Hi Michelle - The best thing for you to do would be to come down and visit for a couple/few months and check out the country and the island. You'll never be able to figure out on a forum if you're going to love it, hate it, or end up somewhere in the middle. I'm pretty sure most of us on this forum love it and are quite passionate about Belize. It's a paradise to us, but that's because we accept it the way it is, and try to keep it that way as much as possible. It couldn't be any less like Laguna Beach, so you would have to put that notion completely aside. It's another country, so doesn't play by any rules other than its own.

Come down, visit, relax, enjoy, experience, then decide. Some folks live full time, some half the year here and half somewhere else, some visit as much as they're able be that a few times a year or once every 5 years.

We're a pretty friendly and fun lot, so come hang out for a bit and de-stress.

So you have NO personal vehicles at all other than the carts?
No one takes their car or truck down? What happens for long trips you may want or need to take?

Ride a bus, a plane or a boat

Thanks,

I was just attempting to be as "informed" as possible before making the decision to come for even a visit.

So many things are surprising. I had read that the beef there was raised by Menonite farmers and was quite good. Naturally, I would have assumed there would be milk from the same. Seems strange that there would be livestock without Milk.

Hadn't a clue about Iguanas, cockroaches, and land crabs(?).

I have migrating whales, dolphins who love oranges tossed to them, sea lions, seals, sand pipers,grunion, hawks, sand crabs, and gross Jellyfish that sting.
Occasionally a shark or two . . .

I keep my car here garaged or else the elements would rust it out like down there.

What I miss the most aside from friends family and parties at my cousins house...

Salmon hand rolls
Edamame
Miso
Health food stores
Fruit and vegetable stores
Cheese Shop
China Town
Mr Brown iced coffee
Sitting in the park at the end of the road
Old Navy

(we used to live in Kensington market and a wide range of reasonable priced food shopping available to us)

What I do not miss so much...
snow
24 hour stores
sleeping with 2 duvets in the winter


p.s. we get way better tv for less monthly than we did in Canada.

There are scorpions on the island and large cats and venomous snakes in the jungle. Unless its made from stainless steel, it will have a very short lifespan. We mostly supplement milk for rum or Belikin.
Puts a whole new spin on breakfast cereal.

what an unpaved main road (not a side street) looks like after it rains a bunch:



(photo courtesy of Sucbaldy)

[quote=sweetjane]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?

Couldn't have said it better myself Jane! I am just laughing inside!! OK - yeah, right! Maybe an Onstar could be attached to a golfcart! Then again, if you need one, then we are looking at much more serious problems!! No offense Michelle, but SJ has it right! I'd have to say one of the only thngs I would miss is REAL milk...

The things I wouldn't trade:
Waking up to incredible sunrises
Knowing if I had a problem, someone would probably have a Fund raising barbque, blood drive etc. if I really needed their help/
Sitting on my verandah early in the morning and greeting my neighbors while they walk their poochies on the beach.
People with a great sense of humor, who can make lemons into lemonade.
A social circle that encompasses ages from 8 to 80
Never having to explain a "bad hair day".

I'm only on page 4 and I thought the same thing, KCJ - this HAS to be a joke!! OMG!!

I have a feeling the answer is SCARY!!! And DEFINITELY amusing!! Sorry - just can't help myself with these comments - it just gets better and better.

..and, lovey, that was the bottom line issue for me...what if, g-d forbid, thurston (or for me, bruce) had a heart attack while there....

Girl, you are in for a culture shock! Some people handle it well and others, not so much.

My 4 cents worth...don't plan to come down for a year. Make your plans for 1 -3 months to get a feel for the place. Almost everyone on this board, including me, loves San Pedro but I know several people who visited once and will never set foot on the caye again. It's not for everyone.

Think about leaving the Newf at home for the first visit. The climate, especially in the summer or early fall, would be hell for your dog. Don't underestimate the risk of possible serious health complications that a complete lifestyle change can have on Storm's (my granddaughter's name, btw) health.

Finally, (and I am typing this in the nicest possible way) I think your expectations are totally out of whack with the reality of living in San Pedro. Can't live without an Escalade and OnStar? Need a UPS man? Afraid of iguanas and wildlife (there are huge saltwater crocodiles too, you know)? You need to stay in North America, darlin'.

Michelle may not understand that Ambergris Caye is a small island and not on the mainland of Belize. Like any island, everything is essentially imported and therefore more expensive (if you can even get it).

It is also a little laid back, unpretentious, beach town / fishing village and our feet, bikes, boats and golf carts get us from here to there just fine. There are a few real cars, but I for one wish they weren't allowed. These automobiles aren't necessary, except perhaps to haul things other than persons (and spoil the ambience).

There are a few fashionable people on the island (mostly the tourists and a few well heeled locals), but overall very relaxed.... we even have "stuff swaps" at Pedro's on occasion and exchange clothing and goods we don't use (we have really scored at these!). It's a hoot and much better than consignment or goodwill because you actually know the previous owner!

That said, I have always held the position that it is always better to "run to" rather than "run from" (pertains to love, career, and residence of choice). Look before you leap -as there are many great places to retire to. Just take the time to find the right "fit". Check out Placencia, Belize - it seems to be a great place also, just a little difference feel.

I still miss my Jag, but she wouldn't like it here and that's ok. I have all of my animals and they love it!

Thanks, but the "CROC" thing did it for me. I thought the person was joking at first. I had already read up on the Iguana, and figured them really not to be a big deal.
But my fear of Crocs is so bad, that finding out it was true they were there in Belize, I actually became nauseous. Severely. I have never had any desire to see Florida, and refused to go to Knott's Berry Farm when they had the Alligator House next door to it (fearing one could get over to the amusement park).

I have a 20 year old African Spur thigh Tortoise named Elvis who weighs over 100 lbs - I am not afraid of all reptiles, but the fear of a Croc getting my dog brings me to my knees. Those things just creep me out! Oh, no no way.

Guess I am back to looking into getting a place where mom is (who hates my dog) in Palma Nova.
Ok, Spain is nice.

Mom - Crocs - Mom-Crocs - Six of one - Half a dozen of the other

We still love you!

Spain rocks - that is a place I could live for awhile!

hardy har har hahahahahahahahahaaha! but yes, it's all good advice, for the most part.

I hate birds . . .do they have birds there???

You probably wouldn't hate birds so much if you hadn't been given so many!

I got a monorail pass from Colly and it is better than the subway!

inanity . .insanity . . it's a fine line!!

look who is talking.....

Live, from Bakersfield Junior High . . .!!!

Live, from PVHS......:)

on the lagoonside on the way to my friends house, someone had discarded an old mattress....occassionally on the ride to her place u could catch a croc, named alice, sunbathing on the mattress...i would always look to see if she was there

i didnt bother to read all the posts, but I think Michelle must be satirical. I think the posted took her cue from "Confessions of a Shopaholic". Or at least I hope so.

I still have monorail passes for sale if anyone is interested, please PM me.

Damn, those crocs killed another good thread. It's not like they go crawling down the street. Just don't go swimming in the lagoon. And there are lots of dogs for Storm to play with. Please reconsider.

When you want to leave the rat race behind, you have to be willing to some degree leave the stuff that the rat race produces behind too - that being said you can actually find a lot of creature comforts here to spoil yourself when you feel the need, so long as you're willing to PAY - good wines, fine cheeses, nice chocolates, fresh vegetables, gourmet cooking stuff, and even vehicles (though I do not advocate the latter) ~ I mean how did all the SUVs, Polaris, Jeeps, Mini Coopers, etc. manage to get on the island??

Good Luck!

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

Can I ???

I just read all ten pages and this was as good as smile to today. For any on you who think Michelle is not for real - I'll vouch for her. I moved to San Pedro from Northern California and Southern California (especially Laguna Beach) is as different as A/C is from Punta Gorda.

Michelle, although a lot of people have played with you they have also told you the truth.

HOW I DID IT: (* all US dollars)

� I had a 2400 square foot house so I went though and put a sticky on everything I planned to take.
� I had my son and daughter come take anything that they wanted that wasn't tagged. That was four SUV's packed full.
� I invited my friends to come take what they wanted.
� I had a friend who organized garage sales set up a yard sell that covered all 75' of my drive way.
� I had guys from a recovery facility come and take anything that was left that they thought they could use or sell.
� I had a guy with a dump truck come and take the rest.
� I had the Polly Klaas Foundation come and take my Infiniti convertible.
� The moving company brought a 40' container (I only needed a 20') and they wrapped, boxed and loaded all my tagged stuff.
� I had to put this stuff in storage in Ladyville until my condo was almost finished (I moved in 5 years ago and it is almost finished.) LOL
� I still have enough unopened boxes to fill a bathroom to the ceiling even though I keep giving stuff away.

What I learned was that this is all just STUFF!

What I don't miss
o Paying $100 a month for car insurance (I pay $50* a YEAR for golf cart insurance.
o Paying at least $100 a month for gasoline (I have an electric golf cart).
o Paying $2,000 a year for home owners insurance (I pay $90 a year here).
o Paying $3,000 a year for property taxes (I pay $90 a year here).
o Paying $5 one way to cross a bridge (I pay $75 a month for a bridge pass).
o Paying $50+ for limited cable TV (I pay $21 a month for 75+ channels).
o Not having to drive an hour to the airport to check in 2 hours ahead of schedule).
o Traffic jams (I can make it across the bridge and to the airport in 10 minutes).
o Having to schedule a doctor's appointment three months in advance (I call Dr. Lerida's office in the morning and am seen that afternoon - and never waited more than 10 minutes and the cost of an office visit is $15).
o Driving 2 hours to Monterey to dive in 52° water (my dive operator picks me up 900' down the beach and the water is almost always 82°)

What I do miss I can live without and then it is a special treat when I travel.

My daughter, who also loves this island but is stuck in Southern California, says that "this is an island of misfits - including you Mom!" I take that as a compliment. And thanks to all of you for an afternoon of entertainments as I sit here at my computer overlooking the most beautiful sea in the world.

Im sorry Michelle gave up on us due to crocodiles. Because we are probably mostly misfits, she might fit in. But, now that my first year living full time here is over, I must say it has been a challenge. Change is the challenge. Too much, over too short a time, can get you. Maybe she has never considered what she can't live without because she hasn't had to. The full emersion year has told me I like aquafit at the pool better than sandflies that bite me on the beach...still love to look at it from the house or Canucks. You can have granite, stainless, and a garbage disposal, but the cottage cheese is really what you thought was going to be sour cream once you got it home. It's to laugh...and cry...and laugh again. Just make sure to end up laughing. Maybe she would like St. Johns.

You lost me at 48 pairs of Uggs! and that is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many Mountain Dews!!! I'm jsut sayin

KC and Carbunkle, I love y'all! Way too many laughs for a swingin Sat. night!

I think most anything would be better than Southern California at this point. And I was born there.

Try living and working in NYC.

Cane toads = frog legs!
Land Crabs = crab claws!

And yes, Cane toad legs can be eaten. The posion glands are near the mouth. The legs are skined and washed in salt water.

"And yes, Cane toad legs can be eaten"

by a braver soul then moi.

When FTWB and I started going to the Caribbean I told him that the first time I saw a shark, any kind of shark, in the water the same time I was there I was OUTTA THERE never to return!..............................The last time we were in Shark Ray Alley I stepped on one waiting to get back into the boat. At least that is what FTWB said. I said "WHERE" ? And stated looking for it to take it's picture.

You can make fresh potato chips, you can buy reeses pieces, you can bring your pillows and you can buy a temper pedic mattress. Sheets and towels - well you need to import those too.