Retirement Isn't Easy For Everyone...

Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to have retired at 40. It's a dream come true! However, it is not easy for me to sit still for very long. Have you met me?

When we first decided to do this I knew I would have to have something to do in my free time. I can sit at the beach or by the pool and be quite content but those hours in the morning or late at night tend to need to be filled for me... So, I started my own little website, The Sweetest Tee, where I sell things I like, in hopes others will find them and like them too. It's not a huge money maker but it does give me a little extra cash to put in savings. It's been rather rewarding for me to have something that I built and maintain. I am always trying to shamelessly plug it in hopes to get more traffic, sales, likes, etc... 

Keith and I wear our tees ALL THE TIME and are constantly stopped and asked about them. We come up with funny sayings, friends send us sayings and we search for unique sayings online. Then we put them on our tees. We are always looking for more ideas so please send them over if you have any.

I have tried adding more items to the site (beauty, home goods, electronics, etc...) but the tees are by far the most fun for me to make and add. The other items are things I find interesting and think maybe someone else may like as well. I would love feedback on the site, especially if it will help make it better. I am always open to suggestions.

If you haven't tried it yet, use code FIRSTTIME10 for 10% off to give it a try. 

Our Experience with Medical in Mexico

For those of you who are unaware, we have been spending a bit of time in the local hospital as I (Tarah) have a tumor that I need to get removed. It's nothing major but it's something that has to be taken care of... It seems I have a teratoma tumor which is removed by laparoscopic surgery. I will be staying one night in the hospital. The surgery was scheduled for April 18th but ended up being moved to the 27th due to the scope needing to be repaired.

The reason for this post is to share with you how the medical has been for us in Mexico. First off, my Dr. is amazing. When I first met her she gave me her personal WhatsApp number and her personal email. Now you may be thinking, sure she did, but no, really... I have texted her several times and she actually responds. She answers questions and has even sent me lab results via text.

We have Mexican health insurance and US health insurance. Thankfully our Mexican insurance is going to cover the surgery 100%. Our US insurance would have only covered 75% so we are thankful we decided to get the extra coverage. It only cost us around $166 a month for the two of us to be covered.

The hospital we go to tends to deal with a lot of expats and vacationers so they give you all of your records to go. I have had two chest X-Rays, an EKG, CT Scan, blood work, and several ultra sounds. Seeing the doctor tends to be around $45 USD and none of the other tests have been over $150. In total, I think we have spent maybe $800 on EVERYTHING and thankfully insurance should reimburse us. Since I haven't had the surgery yet I can't comment on how that will be but I plan to once it's over.

So far, the experience has been good. Most everyone speaks English so that has been helpful as my limited Spanish does not include hospital visits... I can be polite and talk about number 1-10 and colors but when it comes to EKG's and such I am at a loss... The only negative has been just not always understanding what is supposed to happen next. However, all I have to do is send my Dr. a text and she lets me know.

So... check back for updates on how the surgery went and my experience on staying in the hospital and the after care.

Lights, Camera, Action - Our Opportunity to be TV Stars!

We recently had the pleasure of being a part of a pilot for a new potential expat show that is being pitched to the networks. They came to our home and filmed us answering questions and talking about our move to Mexico. We also had the opportunity to check out a local cenote we hadn't been to before where they filmed us jumping off the rocks and swimming. The crew was so much fun to meet and work with. We can't wait to see the final result and we hope the show gets picked up!

We had no idea when we moved down here that we'd have the chance to be on TV talking about this new life of ours. Funny thing is, a few weeks later, we were picked to be on a popular TV show that has to do with moving abroad. Not sure how much we can really say about that right now but we are really excited for this opportunity - more info to come!

We are trying to post videos of our adventures so our family and friends can see what we've been up to. Check out our YouTube Channel, we try and update it often.

Mosquitos in Mexico

Mosquitos are here and they are hungry... it's nearly impossible to not get bitten. We spray when we go out at night and yet, somehow, they still find a way in to get in a little itchy bite... I am hoping I have just stumbled across the one thing that will work. I am going to have to try it!

Our Scuba Obsession!

Recently, I received my scuba certification and let me tell you it was the best, most exciting thing I've ever done. The class took about 2-4 hours for 4-5 days (not including the homework), but it was well worth it. Tarah has been certified for a long time, but it's been several years since she's gone diving. This has given us an opportunity to share a wonderful experience we both enjoy. Attached are a couple videos documenting our experience. Thank you Rob and Kris King for your drone video.

https://youtu.be/t-6PjfuBHHo
https://youtu.be/fNGZtcwYzoI

Our Family Came to Visit us in the Riviera Maya

Dinner at Alux in Playa

Our family recently visited for 10 days to escape the cold weather of Ohio. Keith and I tried to be good this time and build an itinerary so we didn't wake up each morning saying "hmmm, what should we do today" to 6 different people. Surprisingly, it worked out really well and I think everyone was pretty happy.

Here is what we suggested (however, we didn't always follow this plan):

Jackson enjoyed All Inclusive day!

Monday:

Breakfast at Lolha

Tulum/Coba Ruins

Dinner at our home - we invited friends over to meet the family

Tuesday:

Xpu-Ha beach for kayaking, lunch and light shopping

Dinner at a local restaurant

Wednesday:

Day trip to Valladolid - sightseeing and shopping

Thursday:

Burrito Amor for lunch 

Pool day

Dinner at La Lunita

Friday:

Cenote Azul

Happy Hour at Lolha

Dinner at Traverna (Italian)

Cooking class was a winner!

Saturday:

Monkey Sanctuary 

The Dining Experience in Tulum

Sunday:

All Inclusive day at Bahia Principe (pool, food and drinks)

Monday:

Cooking class with Lily in Tulum

Pool in the afternoon

Dinner at Alux in Playa

Mamitas Beach Club

Tuesday:

Catamaran Trip 

Dinner in Puerto Adventura

Wednesday - Playa Del Carmen for the day:

Mamitas Beach Club

Spa day for the ladies

Beach day for the men

Early dinner at the beach club

Thursday:

Breakfast at La Buena Vida

On Thursday, everyone flew home... We think it went well - everyone was still talking to one another after those 10 days, so that's a win in our book! ;)

A quick video of our home and why we love it here.

Mexico has been an amazing experience thus far. Sometimes it's hard to explain to people what life is like here and why we chose to leave a nice home, good jobs, and our friends and family back in the old country. So, Tarah and I have recently made a short video describing what we love, and give you a quick tour of our home. We also made this video as an application for House Hunters International. Hopefully we get picked. Wish us luck.

https://youtu.be/hyz9g6NFWUk