Grocery Shopping in Saipan

Greg: I want to return this rice.
Cashier: Why?
Greg: Because it's bad!
Cashier: That's why its $2.99
****long pause****
Greg: Why?
Cashier:  It has bugs!
Greg: I DON'T WANT BUGS IN MY RICE! YOU SHOULD PUT A SIGN $2.99 WITH BUGS IN RICE IF YOU'RE GOING TO SELL IT!

LOL

Yummy Vegan Waffles

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast hands down!  What is yours?  I having been experimenting with some vegan recipes and found this yummy waffle recipe here.  Thanks Cake Duchess for the delicious recipe.

The first time that I made it I left it on the counter overnight and it had a strong yeast taste to it in the morning. The second time I made it I put it in the fridge overnight and I liked that the flavor wasn't so strong. I followed the recipe exactly except that I added some cinnamon last minute.

Voila!  We had it with fresh kiwis, powdered sugar, and coconut nectar. =)

"All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast" - John Gunther

Small Business Ideas on Saipan

G and I were just talking about how we wish we would have seen Saipan at its peak in tourism and in the economy.  We are hoping and praying that Saipan's economy picks up for everyone's sake.  Let's face it, austerity Fridays suck.

Well it looks like there may be a some hope.   BOH is accepting grant applications for small businesses on Saipan.  I would apply but I don't have a proven track record or management experience in owning a small business. Still I keep wondering what type of business would thrive out here.  It's sad to see so many empty commercial buildings and shops along Beach and Middle road.

 I was thinking about what type of small business I would open if I got approved! I have two lists. One list is what I think Saipan really needs and the second list is my wish list for Saipan.

What I think Saipan needs:

1. A top notch birthing center like the one in Guam called Sagua Managa.  Come on! Wouldn't you rather give birth in a more comfortable environment rather than CHC or any other hospital? I would have if I had a low risk pregnancy.  At Sagua Managa you can Facetime or Skpe with family and friends on their free wireless network after you give birth.  
2. A farm that produces organic fruits and vegetables much like this one called  Pie Ranch.   I would also incorporate an educational program with the schools that would teach kids  the importance of sustainable farming and food system education.  Plus I would have a cool barn that you could have community functions at.
3. A Japanese Cultural Center and Tea house-Saipan has a lot of Japanese memorials and relics from the war so why wouldn't we have a Japanese cultural center here to?  Plus a Japanese Tea house could feature tea ceremonies.  G and I went to a traditional tea ceremony in San Francisco and it was awesome!   I think the tourists would enjoy it and so would the locals.

What I wish Saipan had:

1. Blue Bottle Coffee - Java Joes is my favorite coffee shop in Saipan but I am really missing my lattes from Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco.  Luckily they just opened a web store online.
2. Jamba Juice-Saipan has something called Pearl Shakes that are made of ice and a flavored powder.   They're okay once in awhile but I want something healthier and fresher. Plus who knows what type of preservatives or icky food dyes are in those powders anyway.
3. Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt or a Yogurtland -Saipan has the Scoops and the Big Dipper Ice Cream shops but again I think Saipan needs a healthier alternative.
4. A Mexican Restaurant. Man I miss Mexican food. Enough said.  

Anyway, that is all I could think of at this moment. Let me know what business you would open in Saipan if you were approved a grant from BOH.

I had a baby!

A picture of the first time Nolan and I met after 8 hours of labor. Not the most prettiest picture of us but definitely a special moment.

 I'll always remember the first time I saw his cute face.  After I delivered Nolan a nurse brought him by me for a quick moment to meet him.  He was tiny!  He was only 4 lbs and 10 oz.  and he came six weeks early because I had developed a condition called pre-eclampsia.   I had just a couple of seconds to kiss him and they took him away to the advanced nursery to stabilize him.  

Honestly everything happened so fast.  We are so thankful we were in Guam for the delivery.  I felt really well take care of by Dr. Kaaren Zvonik and the nurses at Labor and Delivery at Guam Memorial Hospital.  

Visiting Nolan in the advanced nursery

 It's hard to believe that I had baby Nolan eight weeks ago.  Today he's almost ten pounds and full of life.  I'm so blessed to have him in my life. <3

My Little Coconut

 It's hard to believe that I am half way through my pregnancy. I'm 19 weeks pregnant in this picture taken by my hubby Greg.  The most exciting thing is that I'm starting to feel a lot of movement in my tummy! We had an ultrasound done recently and found out that we will be having a baby boy in July!  

Yoga Mama

(photo credit yogapose.com)

I'm still getting used to the fact that I'm going to be a mom this coming July!  It still hasn't quite hit me yet except that I'm starting to show a little baby bump.   I just entered my 2nd trimester (14 weeks) and so far I'm feeling great.  My friend, Crystal, who is 30 weeks along invited me to her prenatal yoga class held at Brilliant Star School last night and I loved it!  I'm thinking I'll try anything to help the delivery go a little smoother since there are NO epiderals given during child birth in Saipan.  Yup, should be interesting! lol 

A Sort of Homecoming

G and I are back on island and were welcomed at the airport with some familiar faces!   It feels great to be back home!