For me, going away to sunny, wonderful, beautiful, paradise islands is dangerous. From the minute I stepped off the plane in Montego Bay, I could breathe in the delicious air that you know comes from being in such close proximity to the warm sea. Then, my shoulders which tend to creep up towards my ears, melted back down to their correct anatomical position. Dangerous why? I start to question why I live where I live. So does my husband. It happens, like, every time.

Sooooo, anyway,

When we got to the resort with the kids, it was early evening. As we were meeting my long time high school friend there with her family, I was wondering where I’d find her at this time of day. But no worries mon’, she was right there at the front desk! See? Things are just easier in the islands!

We headed straight for the beach together to take in the first sunset of our trip.Ahhhh. A good start.

Next, the buffet. I’ve got to admit-I was worried. Because it was VERY GOOD! So much variety each night with tasty local fruits, great vegetable dishes and Jamaican style entrees such as jerk chicken and fish followed by a lot of yummy little desserts. The breakfast buffet offered french toast, pancakes, all kinds of eggs, all sorts of potatoes, and beautifully steamed local vegetables. And ….desserts.

So here’s how this part goes. I promised myself I would try to maintain my weight this week. How?

Step 1: I filled my plate with protein and vegetables and there was an incredible variety to choose from daily. I reminded myself nothing tastes as good as the success I’ve had so far.

Step 2: I picked my favourite starches-roasted pumpkin or sweet potato, a half slice of french toast or a small bun and allowed it to possess about 1/4 of the entree.

Step 3: I chose to have dessert. Sometimes.

Step 4: My friend told me I looked awesome and not to be hard on myself when I worried I might be sabotaging my efforts! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

Step 5: I exercised every morning except for one day! You know, there is something to be said for being able to wake at 630 am because you want to, take a moment to walk out on your back porch and see this:

…walk in the beautiful warm breeze to the gym and get in a good workout. I KNOW it’s the island fever taking over my body because I have NEVER and I mean NEVER been a morning workout person. I usually can’t put in the same effort as I could mid morning or early afternoon. I also NEVER work out on an empty stomach. BUT….I did! And by 8 am I was back in my hotel room ready to start the day with the family.

The typical day involved swimming in the pool or going to the beach as I have two water babies!

That’s pretty much it folks.

To break up the ahem…monotony, we planned some day trips which also allowed some fantastic drives along the coast to see the charming towns along the way. Our cabbies filled us in with facts and made us aware of any points of interest-I love, love, love that!

One day, we visited Dolphin Cove in Lucea, a small town half way between Mo’Bay and Negril. The dolphin is one my most favourite animals and the kids rocked this adventure. They had to jump into about 15 feet of Carribean Sea, put their swimming skills into action and follow the signals of the trainer! I was so impressed with my munchkins and I think they were proud of themselves too.

Wooooooo hoooooooo! Look at him go.

But the highlight, oh yes, the absolute highlight was seeing my hotel room phone’s red light flashing with a message from my baby sister saying she just got engaged. Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! And so we raced out to the garden near our room and snapped this shot:

The Sunset Beach Wedding Gazebo! FYI, my daughter said she is getting married here

And finally, a nice day trip to the Jamaican Safari to view the crocodile island used by Roger Moore in the film, Live and Let Die. I of course, am holding the grandchild of the croc that starred in the 70′s film:)

We flew back to Toronto two nights ago and are gingerly getting back into the routine of day to day living. Boooooooo.

What I know.

1. I was just meant to live on the islands. I know it. Hawaii is still my fave but Jamaica holds a dear place in my heart.

2. When you have two water babies, bring a lot of band-aids for cuts and scrapes obtained poolside and on the water slides.

3. If you go to Montego Bay, please visit the Jamaican Safari and Dolphin Cove. Educational for everyone and so gratifying.

4. I am capable of going to an all inclusive resort and maintaining my weight.

5. Baby crocs feel slimy.

6. I am (possibly) a morning work out kinda girl.

7. I have finally tasted callaloo (similar to spinach).

8. I am now a fan of big floppy straw hats. (Friends, if that ain’t a sure sign I’m in my 40′s, I don’t know what is).

9. The sun really, really, really does make people feel better. Earth’s natural anti-depressant.

10. My sister is engaged to a phenomenal guy and I am the matron of honour. Yes matron, don’t start with me.

Yeah mon.

Love,

Arlene