Macy:
Too funny! She is amazingly awesome. Just friends though...mostly. (: I have read some of your posts here. Cool stuff.
My dream is to do life like Doctoro and lots of you 'expat' long-term folks. I read Rastagal777's blog with complete jealousy. I know it's not a big long vacation in Ja, btw. I want to delve right into ALL of Jamaica. I want to take the leap. Maybe meet a nice lady, make a life there, work, scrounge, whatever it takes. In the early 1990's, I gave up my dream job working the Morning Drive slot at a radio station to have kids and get married. It was based out of a town that is home to a huge ski resort. Most of the people in that lifestyle--ski, drink, party, work, rinse, repeat-- suffered to live it by working three jobs, hustling for extra cash, and/or shopping at thrift shops...eating Ramen...selling weed...playing in bands...whatever worked. I see some of the same vibe in Negril. "Paradise...with a price." Good analogy.
What did I get for being responsible? My marriage ended horribly. I have been a fulltime single Dad for almost six years and THAT is a pleasure but they are getting ready to leave the nest.
The last peice of evidence I needed to prove I need to do what makes ME happy soon...I met a great girl...we were gonna get married this past January in Jamaica... and she passed away of an accidental OD (prescription meds and alcohol) in June. Shocking and the pain is still with me.
I am simplifying my story but I know I have learned one thing: Life is too short to die here in my cubicle laying out publications/constructing marketing campaigns that in 100 years no one will care about.
I will do anything to get there for as long as I can each year and maybe be there for good. Starting in 2014 I am taking LONGER trips...building up to that.
(: Thanks for the opportunity for a lunchtime rant.