Pray for Sure

Right before we left last year, I had gone into Managua with a friend to shop when I came across a shower curtain that was just begging for my purchase.  Appropriately adorned with VW buses and surfboards, the curtain also had cute little road signs on it that read "Pray for Surf."  Of course, VWs and surfboards are a theme in our life and I bought it without hesitation.  We left about a month later, and I had almost forgotten about our cheery bathroom decor but was again, pleasantly reminded of it upon our return.  Then last week, Ian summoned me to the bathroom as I was busy in the kitchen, pointed to it and said, "Babe, check it out.  The signs say, 'pray for sure.'"  Wouldn't you know it?  The bottom of the capital 'E' runs into the darkened border of the road signs so you can barely notice that the cheap Chinese curtain we bought is clearly spelled wrong.  Every single one of the road signs say "Pray for Sure."  We got a good laugh out of it and it's become even funnier because two days ago, on another trip to Managua, we found the matching bath mat.  Sure as shit, the mat also says, "Pray for Sure."  Clearly, we had to buy it.

We ended up buying a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder on our last venture to Granada.  We're movin' up people!  We have a car made in this century.  It even has airbags, a/c, and a radio.  Driving has become a little less nerve-wrecking for Melly but the dirt road takes a small toll on my jiggly, stretching belly.  Baby doesn't seem to mind it at all.  In fact, I think all the bumps actually put her to sleep.

We took a trip into Managua this week for a doctors visit and a tour of Vivian Pellas Hospital.  Dr. Martha Montenegro is straight out of a Telanovela (spanish soap opera for those not familiar with the term.)  She has wild red hair and thick turquoise eyeshadow.  The appointment was standard - a quick belly measurement and another doctor impressed by little Liv's strong heartbeat.  The delivery rooms are clean and comfortable.  There is a/c and cable and everyone seems very nice.  I'll admit being slightly overwhelmed by it all and, as I love to wear my emotions on my sleeve, I cried a little during my appointment.  Dr. Montenegro told me to, "Stop crying.  This is the best hospital in Central America.  I have friends that make surgery here, instead of Miami.  I have two babies in Miami.  One here.  Here is better."  The hospital is  nice.  She's right.  I'm banking on my anxiety being totally normal and have been chalking it up to relentless pregnancy hormones.  Damn them.  I can't wait until our little chiquita is finally here.  Sometimes I feel like I'm going to pregnant forever.

As far as business ventures go, I am in the process of trying to start a mobile bakery.  I've baked a couple of coffee cakes for Lindsey's family who is out visiting for Seth and Lindsey's wedding.  The owner of the beachfront bar wants to buy some stuff from me as well, so it's a start.  Ian is going to run the Home Owner's Association for La Vista which will bring us a small income too.

Other than that, the surf has been decent.  Ian scored some good sessions at Panga Drops this week.  The winter wind has kicked up and the water has cooled off a bit.  I think we've had our last rainfall of the season.  The La Vista river is getting shallower.  I wonder if the plants and animals are trained to know of the impending dry season.  How do they store enough moisture and energy for five months without rain?  I'm curious to see how quickly the landscape changes.        

The new PF

For my Mama - almost 27 weeks

Ian built us shelves!