Oh yes readers I am posting after only a one month laps. Is this a come back? I don't know. lol
So in my last post I mentioned that there were many things that use to bother me and no longer do. Now when its mentioned I think "oh that.. whatever". I must say there are still many things that get under my skin but just from being on facebook I see that would be the same if I were living in the states. And maybe even worse.
Something that use to really get to me was when Mexicans would speak in Spanish "like a gringa". If you haven't ever heard it you wont get this, but those who have well, you know what I'm talking about. Basically the draw out the words and don't put the accents in the right place and they say the r like errr instead of rolling it. For a long time (were talking years here) I felt like they were making fun of me. Then one day I decided to spend some time with the Abuela and sat down to watch one of her old black and white films. Every single white person in the movie spoke like that, and it was hilarious. They were always some rich dude coming to take advantage of the Mexicans. I found myself laughing so hard at the movie and it was one of those days that I really connected with Abuela. After that I realized they were not making fun of me but more so laughing at an age old joke that came from the films. Many of my family members here have expressed the respect they have for me for being able to learn and communicate in Spanish and the same family members will do gringa speak at me. Writing about this gives me a since of peace and happiness that I cant really express on paper. So many times we get offended or hurt when we don't really understand the intentions behind an action. I was letting something upset me when really my family was trying to let me in on a type of inside joke. They think its hilarious when I do gringa speak.
As I'm sure many of you know the Time Space Continuum actually slows down in Mexico. When someone invites you to a party at 2pm you should plan on going at 3, they are not expecting you at 2. This also extends into the workplace. If a meeting is at 10am do not show up at 945 because you will be waiting at the least 30 min before the meeting starts. I wasted many precious hours this way my first year or so. I have adjusted well, I'm still responsible in the fact that I always show up a little early or at the least right on time, but I also always bring with me something to do while I wait. Therefore I don't get disgruntled about my time being waisted and I don't have to feel anxious about being late. Oh and as for the parties depending on if its someone who knows me well I ask if the time they gave me was Mexican time. I always ask because we showed up after the time on the invitation once and the person told me they had put the actually time only on my invitation because they knew I always show up when its stated on the invitation. hahahaha That memory still makes me laugh really hard. And on the flip side once we invited some friends from work over for a barbq and put 2pm thinking they wouldn't show up till 3. When they showed up we were not ready and I actually mentioned I had planned on them being late. My friends fiance told me she rushed them out of the house saying that I was American and would expect them to be on time. To be honest I'm sitting here laughing really hard as I write this because I love the quirkiness of what my life has become.
Noise... ahhhh the noise. So I remember being in the states and being like what is the deal with all the hooting and horrible singing as loud as you possible can and laughing so loud the whole freaking world can hear you. Now after countless Christmas parties, weddings, holidays, birthdays ext. I love it. Its really fun to just let loose and let out a typical Mexican yelp or to sing even if you don't have a beautiful voice. Its funny just yesterday there was a party going on at 5pm next door to my house and they were all Aheee Aheee Aheee Aheee... (not sure if that's how you would spell it but you know when they are dancing and someone gets in the middle of the circle to do some funky move) and hearing it made me want to dance and spin around. These people really know how to have fun. It makes you feel like a kid again.
Speaking of the noise something else that doesn't bother me any more and actually I hardly notice is all the gas trucks, bread vendors, junk vendors, water vendors, the sweet potatoes whistle at 9pm... on and on and on that drive up and down the street all day and evening. I remember when I first moved here being like, gees how can these people stand that crap. And why don't they just call the companies when they want something. But there has been plenty of times when we are out of water or itching for some sweetbread where the truck happens to roll around and I'm like man I'm glad they are so loud so I knew they were coming.
So what have you adjusted to, or are hoping to adjust to?
Showing posts with label Oddities in Mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oddities in Mexico. Show all posts
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Getting use to living in Mexico
Lately I have had quite a few of those moments where you look around and think,"Wow, not to long ago this would have seemed very strange to me." Ill share them with you, then I would love it if you would share yours.
1) While shopping at the tiangis we saw a fish stand that looked excellent. His tuna steaks were a great price and looked so good. We told him we wanted some. Hes says no problem but these have been here a while and I dont have enough to fill your order anyway. If you can wait just a min we will bring in the other fish. Ok no problem. The kid standing close by immediately goes off down the isle. While we wait we buy a coke from the cloths stand behind us and let Joslin the two year old point and try to name all the fish and sea food laying out on the ice. Then up the isle comes the kid with a cooler on wheels with a fish head out one end and a tale out the other. This fish was huge!!! They plop it up on the cutting board and right there in front of us all start to cut it up. And we all just continue talking as if this is no big deal. He then cuts us some thick red lovely looking steaks, we pay and were off. It wasn't till I was in the truck that I realized this should have been odd to me.
2. At almost every major stop light in Tepa there are people hacking items from pens to phone cards, to kiddy pool, and large maps (this list could go on forever). Also there are those who do an act with fire batons, dancing, or try to clean your window. I basically refuse to give any of these people money because I know from looking around their are places hiring and these guys have made the choice to be out here. What made me saw wow this time is that Im so use to them being there now and I just dont even make eye contact or look at their items anymore. I also automatically just shake my finger and mouth NO to the window washers with out a second thought.
3. This one I was kind of sad about when I noticed it today. I take for granted that there are many places where I can look at the horizon and see small mountains. I just adored this when I first moved to Mexico. And since they are larger here around the city than Tepa it use to be one of my favorite reasons to come to the city. Today I was staring right at one of them and was to busy inside my head to notice. When I did notice I thought yeah I see it every day.
4. Other things I take for granted and I wonder how I ever lived without them is the Carnaceria and Papaleria close to our house. Today we went to both we spent less than 200p at each and you wouldn't believe how much we got. The crazy thing is that these places are so small but always seem to have everything you are looking for. If you dont see it just ask and they will pull it out of somewhere. The Carnaceria we go to is so clean and organized. And the fun thing is it has all the normal every day stuff but they also have a pretty good selection of specialty items.
My thought is that I need to be putting more of these things in writing so I dont forget them as they become a part of my every day life.
I think that's all for now. I have actually been trying to make notes as I think of things to blog. I often have great ideas and by the time I get to sit down and write a post they have all gone.
1) While shopping at the tiangis we saw a fish stand that looked excellent. His tuna steaks were a great price and looked so good. We told him we wanted some. Hes says no problem but these have been here a while and I dont have enough to fill your order anyway. If you can wait just a min we will bring in the other fish. Ok no problem. The kid standing close by immediately goes off down the isle. While we wait we buy a coke from the cloths stand behind us and let Joslin the two year old point and try to name all the fish and sea food laying out on the ice. Then up the isle comes the kid with a cooler on wheels with a fish head out one end and a tale out the other. This fish was huge!!! They plop it up on the cutting board and right there in front of us all start to cut it up. And we all just continue talking as if this is no big deal. He then cuts us some thick red lovely looking steaks, we pay and were off. It wasn't till I was in the truck that I realized this should have been odd to me.
2. At almost every major stop light in Tepa there are people hacking items from pens to phone cards, to kiddy pool, and large maps (this list could go on forever). Also there are those who do an act with fire batons, dancing, or try to clean your window. I basically refuse to give any of these people money because I know from looking around their are places hiring and these guys have made the choice to be out here. What made me saw wow this time is that Im so use to them being there now and I just dont even make eye contact or look at their items anymore. I also automatically just shake my finger and mouth NO to the window washers with out a second thought.
3. This one I was kind of sad about when I noticed it today. I take for granted that there are many places where I can look at the horizon and see small mountains. I just adored this when I first moved to Mexico. And since they are larger here around the city than Tepa it use to be one of my favorite reasons to come to the city. Today I was staring right at one of them and was to busy inside my head to notice. When I did notice I thought yeah I see it every day.
4. Other things I take for granted and I wonder how I ever lived without them is the Carnaceria and Papaleria close to our house. Today we went to both we spent less than 200p at each and you wouldn't believe how much we got. The crazy thing is that these places are so small but always seem to have everything you are looking for. If you dont see it just ask and they will pull it out of somewhere. The Carnaceria we go to is so clean and organized. And the fun thing is it has all the normal every day stuff but they also have a pretty good selection of specialty items.
My thought is that I need to be putting more of these things in writing so I dont forget them as they become a part of my every day life.
I think that's all for now. I have actually been trying to make notes as I think of things to blog. I often have great ideas and by the time I get to sit down and write a post they have all gone.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
FM2 renewal what I needed
Here is the list for the original renewal:
1) The form from www.inm.gob.mx with signature (on the left side click solicitudes de Tramites, under estancia click vivo en mexico y quiero, the first line is extender la estancia, and the secound would be refrendo de inmigrante, Then your info)
2)A full copy of and the origianl of your FM2
3)Proof of pay
4)A written statement of truth for what you are applying for.
5)5 photos 2.5 x 3cm, 3 in front 2 of side (most places close to the office know exactly what to give you if you just tell them what its for)
Always make tow copies of everything, and if your FM2 is familial or under someone else get a couple copies of their ID
I also always have an extra full copy of my passport in case its needed.
Address change list.
This time around all we needed was the new lease and an electric or water bill to prove we lived there.
Please note: Always go into your office and ask for what you need. I hear some offices may differ.
1) The form from www.inm.gob.mx with signature (on the left side click solicitudes de Tramites, under estancia click vivo en mexico y quiero, the first line is extender la estancia, and the secound would be refrendo de inmigrante, Then your info)
2)A full copy of and the origianl of your FM2
3)Proof of pay
4)A written statement of truth for what you are applying for.
5)5 photos 2.5 x 3cm, 3 in front 2 of side (most places close to the office know exactly what to give you if you just tell them what its for)
Always make tow copies of everything, and if your FM2 is familial or under someone else get a couple copies of their ID
I also always have an extra full copy of my passport in case its needed.
Address change list.
This time around all we needed was the new lease and an electric or water bill to prove we lived there.
Please note: Always go into your office and ask for what you need. I hear some offices may differ.
FM2 renewal 2011, vist 3-5
My previous post was about how I found out what I needed to do to fix the mistake I made by putting my country as Estonia. Trip number three went something like this. I had been told all I needed was a copy of all the papers I had from the first time and to redo the application. No problem one lesson I have learned is to make a full extra copy of everything I turn in for my records. So I went online and redid the application and checked it three times to make sure it was right. I then made two more copies off all the other stuff I had from the first time I applied. When I got to the desk she realized I had put an extra 5 on one of my ID numbers. OH my gosh am I an idiot... well no not really I have an astigmatism and haven't had my eyes checked in over a year. She had to show me each number one by one before I could see the mistake. After going across the hall and fixing this I turned it all into her and got my next print out with my information that I could check online. This all in all took over 3 hours.
Next after checking online and the status saying that I needed to go in and check on it we made the plans. I went in with my print off and got a number. This time I waited for almost 3 hours before being called again. They informed me that now I needed to pay for the address change. Thankfully the whole time I was waiting I was talking myself into the idea that I wouldn't actually be picking up my FM2 card that day. All that was needed she said was for me to go pay the fee (using the form they give you at immigration) and to bring them back one copy of my print out and two copies of the receipt. It was already 1230 and since they close at one I decided to do it all the next morning. Last Friday I made my fifth trip to immigration in a month and turned in my payment. She printed me off a sheet but it didn't have the info to check it online. She told me to use my old info and wrote down a new clave for me. I have tried this online multiple times this week and it is not working. For now the plan is for me to go check into it tomorrow morning.
I have been slacking on actually putting a list up so Im going to do that now on another post.
Next after checking online and the status saying that I needed to go in and check on it we made the plans. I went in with my print off and got a number. This time I waited for almost 3 hours before being called again. They informed me that now I needed to pay for the address change. Thankfully the whole time I was waiting I was talking myself into the idea that I wouldn't actually be picking up my FM2 card that day. All that was needed she said was for me to go pay the fee (using the form they give you at immigration) and to bring them back one copy of my print out and two copies of the receipt. It was already 1230 and since they close at one I decided to do it all the next morning. Last Friday I made my fifth trip to immigration in a month and turned in my payment. She printed me off a sheet but it didn't have the info to check it online. She told me to use my old info and wrote down a new clave for me. I have tried this online multiple times this week and it is not working. For now the plan is for me to go check into it tomorrow morning.
I have been slacking on actually putting a list up so Im going to do that now on another post.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Rio Verde
We got to go swimming out at Rio Verde again and it was so great. First off another day in my hot box apartment and I thought I was going to loss it. I should note that around here when people say they are going to the rio they don't mean it like we did growing up. When I mention actually swimming in the river people look at me like I'm crazy. Seriously people if you saw some of the creeks my dad let us swim in as kids you would know Id be ok with any Mexican river. They mean they are going to a set of pools near the river. So near the river that while you swim you can enjoy the view. Also as most of you know Mexicans are crazy about not being cold. For example when my husband or suegra are here and I put the girls in the kiddie pool I have to run warm water into it even if its sweltering hot outside. I can remember swimming with blue lips and I'm still alive. Anyway that is to get to the point that the water used for the pools is feed from an underground hot spring. So all the pools are like bathwater. And to be honest the only refreshment I get is to dunk in and then sit on the side and let the breeze cool me off. But the girls and all the other people love it. And really when the sun isn't directly overhead it is pretty nice. They actually have two kiddie pools that are pretty large with tarps over them to shade the pools for the babies. This time around we brought our tent and all. We are doing some small experiments with it to see how the girls will do on a full out camping trip. Toting all the stuff was totally worth it. We were there from 10am till 5pm and perfectly happy and comfortable the whole time. We also found out that we could camp all night there and thats our plan for next time. Its actually really cheap to swim all day long, it was $85p total for Alana my husband and me and the baby was of course free. There are not any pictures of all the pools and stuff but there is one pool that is at least 7-9ft deep all a long it and it has three diving boards, a different one that is from 5-6or7feet deep that has a huge coiling slide, a medium size pool that's about 3 feet, two baby pools that are like 1foot or so those have the shade, and a child pool that was about 3feet or so that had two slides one that curled and the other that you have to go under a water fall to start sliding. Another thing that you notice here is less swimsuits. Its not that there aren't any but a lot of people just swim in their cloths. I can remember how this would have been humiliating for families in the states, and how some places wont even let you in with out one. I do think some of it might have to do with money here but to be honest I don't think it does totally. Its just that a swimsuit isn't necessary for fun in the water. Some of the very people who didn't have suits had some of the best looking floaters, food and site set up stuff. So I began to think they could have bought suites but its more like why bother. They of course have a little tienda that somehow always has what you need. We did miss having our friends there (Leslies family) but at the same time it was kinda nice for us to just get out as a family and spend the day together. We realize we do this quite rarely. My husband and I are both social people and love to be surrounded by lots of people we love. So we almost always tend to invite people. Not to say it would be any less fun the other way but it was a nice experience. I have a feeling some day we wont have to invite people to be surrounded. We recently found out that we will be having baby number three in November sometime. We are excited and guess what all we will be going through the seguro for the whole thing so here comes some more info your way. ;)Here are some pics of Rio Verde.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
La Cruz Roja
As an update since I decided to stay home with my girls and not freak out on finding a job a new friend got me into the idea of volunteering again. He is a med student in Guadalajara but is from my town. I met him at a friends house on Easter and he introduced me to some of the people at the Cruz Roja in town a week later. Also thanks to his persistence I was able to talk on the phone with the doctor who directs that particular branch and get an appointment with him. As you might not remember from a post a long time ago, I have in the past attempted many times to reach this doctor to no avail. At that appointment while I was waiting I realized that the copies of my lic and BLS card were of my expired cards. So after talking to him about everything I brought this to his attention and he asked me to go get him a copy of the new ones right then. He said he would be waiting on me and that there was a place to make copies one block away. Well that one was out of order and I ended up walking more like 10-15 blocks total before it was all over. But hey I got the copies and returned, and we can all use a little exercise. After sitting down he explained that I also would need to provide a solicitu (not sure I wrote that right) but basically a formal request to volunteer there. He said I could bring it by any time over the next week or so because the other director who would have to help with the decision would be out of town on a honey moon. No prob but what the heck did I just walk 10 blocks to make a copy for if I was coming back anyway. Well because that's just how things go here. All in all the doctor was very nice and seemed excited for me to help there. From there I went home and quickly had the letter written up. Due to being out of ink and other issues it took me till this week on Monday to bring him the letter. I was so surprised when he called yesterday and told me I just needed to go into the Cruz Roja and talk to a lady named Sandra. I went when he said she would be there.... And you'll never believe this.... SHE WAS ACTUALLY THERE. This is a first for me with them. lol She said I could come when ever I want as long as I wear a white uniform and bring a copy of my credentials for her to have on file there. I explained that Saturdays would be good for me and she was happy because apparently they are slammed all day. So now to get a uniform. I haven't worn a white uniform since nursing school this will be fun. We are planning a trip to Rio Verde this weekend so I wont get to start till next week but either way its coming and I'm excited. I had a dream last night that I was back at my old work place but working as a floor nurse. Its funny because it felt so nice and all day I was thinking about it. I'm glad to be at home with my girls and I know its where I need to be but nursing is in my core and I cant get it out nor do I want to. Whoo hooo so here is to some possible exciting posts about the difference of nursing here and there. And also exciting that I will be getting out there and forced to make another drastic step with my Spanish. I so need this I'm at a plateau right now and I think this will help a lot.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Fair and Expo
This week was the culmination of the Tepabril festivites. We went to the fair which had a free circus with the tickets and we also went to the animal expo. Both were great fun although Alana and I were still getting over a stomach infection for the fair. I have no idea what we had or how we got it but it didn't go away until we took antibiotics and it was pretty nasty until then. I will post a few pictures of the fair and expo here. A few of the pictures are of the pictures of saints that people put on the rides. It never fails to amaze me where people will put these things and how they will adorn them. I don't do or say this to offend any Catholics out there it is just different here and they do this kind of thing more. Aside from things like this and some different foods the fair just feels like a fair and same with the expo except at home those two were always together and not in separate places.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Desfile we finaly made it
I was told on Easter Sunday about the Desfile that would kick off Tepabril, that's the festivities for Tepa and are obviously in Apri. We were so excited to actually have information on the when and were of some of the activities. The last few years we have been feeling around blindly and sometimes bumbling into an activity or two. We did manage to get a hold of the website last year but it was to late. So we went downtown on the date and time we were told and it was obvious there was nothing going on. Issac asked the closes police officer and was told that they had printed the date wrong and it was to be next weekend. Oh well we let the girls play down town a bit and made the most of our morning.
The next weekend we were not disappointed. As soon as we got downtown around 10 we could tell something was going to happen that day. We went to the mercado and hod our breakfast complete with a cup full of mariscos or seafood. Yumm I love these and just writing about them makes me want to get another one. The odd thing about Mexico is that seafood is really only sold in the mornings.
Then around eleven we headed to the street to get a good spot for the parade that was to pass by around 1130. We ended up waiting till almost one but it was totaly worth it. They floats were big and well done and we got to see some of the school bands. Some of which sucked horribly but it was still an experience. For example the trumpet they use here is not the one we are use to it has no buttons.
As for the play we got tickets to it was to start at 830 the weekend of our anniversary and seemed the perfect way to celebrate. So as normal we wait till we put the girls to bed around 815ish before we leave them with the sitter. Once we got downtown we realized the blunder of driving and it took us a long time to find a spot. By the time we got to where they play was to be it was a little after nine. No big deal I thought all plays start late and this is Mexico after all plus we have tickets. We quickly found out that the free tickets that were in our hand meant nothing to the people spilling out of the theater doors squishing each other to see. On the way in we noticed they were broadcasting the play live onto a big screen outside and I decided it would be better to watch from there. After my husband realized I didn't see this as a total failure to our night out he was happy with the idea to. There was so much hubub and commotion going on around us and while driving I had seen some cool stuff on the other square that I just couldn't sit there. He agreed and we headed to look around. And oh how much fun we ended up having, in the end we were glad we didn't get in and end up sitting on our tushes all night. Here are the pictures. We also ran into some of our friends which was nice. We also ate out at a nice Italian restaurant one night the week of our anniversary. I didn't bring the Camera that night. But after we ate we went and walked downtown and my husband found a nice secluded little bench to sit on and he gave me a pair of earnings. My gosh he still makes my heart melt. Of course at the same time when I tell him what a wonderful job he did he says, "I know I'm that master." Well what ever as long as he keeps it up. ;)
The next weekend we were not disappointed. As soon as we got downtown around 10 we could tell something was going to happen that day. We went to the mercado and hod our breakfast complete with a cup full of mariscos or seafood. Yumm I love these and just writing about them makes me want to get another one. The odd thing about Mexico is that seafood is really only sold in the mornings.
Then around eleven we headed to the street to get a good spot for the parade that was to pass by around 1130. We ended up waiting till almost one but it was totaly worth it. They floats were big and well done and we got to see some of the school bands. Some of which sucked horribly but it was still an experience. For example the trumpet they use here is not the one we are use to it has no buttons.
As for the play we got tickets to it was to start at 830 the weekend of our anniversary and seemed the perfect way to celebrate. So as normal we wait till we put the girls to bed around 815ish before we leave them with the sitter. Once we got downtown we realized the blunder of driving and it took us a long time to find a spot. By the time we got to where they play was to be it was a little after nine. No big deal I thought all plays start late and this is Mexico after all plus we have tickets. We quickly found out that the free tickets that were in our hand meant nothing to the people spilling out of the theater doors squishing each other to see. On the way in we noticed they were broadcasting the play live onto a big screen outside and I decided it would be better to watch from there. After my husband realized I didn't see this as a total failure to our night out he was happy with the idea to. There was so much hubub and commotion going on around us and while driving I had seen some cool stuff on the other square that I just couldn't sit there. He agreed and we headed to look around. And oh how much fun we ended up having, in the end we were glad we didn't get in and end up sitting on our tushes all night. Here are the pictures. We also ran into some of our friends which was nice. We also ate out at a nice Italian restaurant one night the week of our anniversary. I didn't bring the Camera that night. But after we ate we went and walked downtown and my husband found a nice secluded little bench to sit on and he gave me a pair of earnings. My gosh he still makes my heart melt. Of course at the same time when I tell him what a wonderful job he did he says, "I know I'm that master." Well what ever as long as he keeps it up. ;)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
All you need are a couple good days...
So the last couple days have been really good for me. For some reason since deciding to stay home with the girls for the next year different opportunities have come my way. Basically if I'm going to stay home with them I want us to all get out of the house more. Over Easter I met a family who are from here in Tepa and they told us about the spring parade. I was so excited to hear about it because there is really no where to get this information except from people who have lived here all their lives. It was suppose to be last Sunday. Oh yes you see the catch I said suppose to be. So on Sunday we go and pick up a friend and her little girl and go downtown. We quickly notice that there are no streets rope doff so my husband asks an officer who is near by. Apparently the information was given out wrong, they even posted it in the paper wrong its next week. Well while we were downtown we decided to see if we could get more information about this months activities. April is the month of festivities for my town. We saw that for like 2 weeks the Casa de Cultura will be putting on a play every night for free but you have to get tickets. This weekend will be our 5th wedding anniversary and we thought this would be a great way to celebrate. And guess what Sunday night is Vasolina or as we know it Grease. I ran up the two flights of stairs to see if anyone was in and to ask what activities there might be for kids. Luckily I was catching the lady on her way out and she said that if I came back on Monday that she would be sure and save us two tickets. Ok finally getting to the good part.
Yesterday morning I take the girls out around nine and I drive around for about 30 min looking for "Se Renta" signs. Oh did I mention we are looking for a house or at least bigger apartment with gardin. This is how you find things here you have to drive around and look for them, unless your from here then you just know people who know people which we don't. Lucky me I found a phone number and an address. That is a big deal we drover for like 45 min the other day and only found one number. Then I went and parked in our usual lot downtown and we headed to the Casa de Cultura. Again I climbed the stairs and with both girls this time. The second floor has a biblioteca or library and as we passed it on our way up to the third floor I decided it would be a good idea to check it out. True to her word the lady had set aside tickets for us. She is a very animated lady and I had a good time chatting with her. She told me how this particular show was her acting group and that they have all been acting for at least a year. I told her that I love the story of Grease and she got all excited and started going on about the music. I love having normal conversations. Some of what she said I didn't catch but I was having such a good time I didn't ask. ;)
Then we headed back downstairs and ventured into the library. As soon as I stepped in a familiar face greeted me. She was the lady who does the kids church at our church (which we haven't been to in a few months). She showed me where the kids books were and told me they were going to have an activity in 30min in the plaza out front. So we waited and let Alana read and we went and got some food because of course 30min in Mexico is more like an hour. But the activity was fun and Alana loved it. She then told me that they were doing it again the next day and that all through the summer the library has stuff for the kids so we plan to go. Then later that evening I had an appointment with the doctor who heads up the volunteer program with the red cross. After walking clear across town to get him an extra copy of my lic and CPR card he told me he also needs a letter of request. Not sure why but I had expected to clear everything up and be helping out there next week after this appointment. Basically I get him this letter and when the other person who also directs the red cross gets back from his honey moon they will decide weather its ok for me to help then they will contact me. And then from what I understand I have to go through a course abut the Red cross and a first aid course. Anyway it sounds like some mumbo jumbo but at least its giving me something to get involved in.
Today we went again downtown for the story time and I took Joslin to get her one year immunizations and I got my tetanus booster. Next month we both and Alana all have to go to get the other half of different ones (the girls the polio drops and me the tetanus). But my trip to the Seguro was in and out and smooth as butter. I got there about 15 till noon and my book was the second in line. They started at 1215 and we were out of there by 1230. So Im slowly regaining that bit of myself who knew she could do anything. I am becoming the women I know I am. ;) Wow is that encouraging or what?!?!?
Yesterday morning I take the girls out around nine and I drive around for about 30 min looking for "Se Renta" signs. Oh did I mention we are looking for a house or at least bigger apartment with gardin. This is how you find things here you have to drive around and look for them, unless your from here then you just know people who know people which we don't. Lucky me I found a phone number and an address. That is a big deal we drover for like 45 min the other day and only found one number. Then I went and parked in our usual lot downtown and we headed to the Casa de Cultura. Again I climbed the stairs and with both girls this time. The second floor has a biblioteca or library and as we passed it on our way up to the third floor I decided it would be a good idea to check it out. True to her word the lady had set aside tickets for us. She is a very animated lady and I had a good time chatting with her. She told me how this particular show was her acting group and that they have all been acting for at least a year. I told her that I love the story of Grease and she got all excited and started going on about the music. I love having normal conversations. Some of what she said I didn't catch but I was having such a good time I didn't ask. ;)
Then we headed back downstairs and ventured into the library. As soon as I stepped in a familiar face greeted me. She was the lady who does the kids church at our church (which we haven't been to in a few months). She showed me where the kids books were and told me they were going to have an activity in 30min in the plaza out front. So we waited and let Alana read and we went and got some food because of course 30min in Mexico is more like an hour. But the activity was fun and Alana loved it. She then told me that they were doing it again the next day and that all through the summer the library has stuff for the kids so we plan to go. Then later that evening I had an appointment with the doctor who heads up the volunteer program with the red cross. After walking clear across town to get him an extra copy of my lic and CPR card he told me he also needs a letter of request. Not sure why but I had expected to clear everything up and be helping out there next week after this appointment. Basically I get him this letter and when the other person who also directs the red cross gets back from his honey moon they will decide weather its ok for me to help then they will contact me. And then from what I understand I have to go through a course abut the Red cross and a first aid course. Anyway it sounds like some mumbo jumbo but at least its giving me something to get involved in.
Today we went again downtown for the story time and I took Joslin to get her one year immunizations and I got my tetanus booster. Next month we both and Alana all have to go to get the other half of different ones (the girls the polio drops and me the tetanus). But my trip to the Seguro was in and out and smooth as butter. I got there about 15 till noon and my book was the second in line. They started at 1215 and we were out of there by 1230. So Im slowly regaining that bit of myself who knew she could do anything. I am becoming the women I know I am. ;) Wow is that encouraging or what?!?!?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Caramelo
I'm a little behind on a couple blogs Iv been wanting to post due to the birthday party and Easter. Both of which I will post about and put pictures but first this one. This is a book review of sorts. Thanks to Alice who writes the blog http://wagamamawonderings.blogspot.com/, I have some new books to read. I enjoy being sent books from people that I don't pick out because I often get ones that I would never choose but then I love them. One of the books she sent is titled Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros and is a National bestseller. This book is about a young Mexican girl who is raised in the US and visits Mexico city to see her grandmother every year. Mainly I just want to say it was nice to see in writing the differences yet similarities in the countries. Also it helped me to better understand my husbands side of the family. Mind you in this book her grandmother is a hateful old lady and non of my family here is quite so hateful. But I did get to see inside some of their prejudice against Americans and their love for their own people. Also she sometimes puts her words in Spanish when there is just not an English word to describe what she wants to say. I feel I broadened my vocabulary by reading this book. She so well explains herself in both languages and it is at times poetic. She refers to historic events be it war or popular issues helping me to get to know the country I live in. When the only Mexican history you know is the Alamo it can dampen you in certain conversations. I feel that now I can join in on some of those issues. Because of this particular issue and the widening of my Spanish vocabulary I actually plan to almost study this book. For me to learn I need things put in an every day sense and this book does so very well. I suggest it to my blog readers even if you don't live here, this may help you get a look inside some of the issues of being from both countries.
I just want to put a small portion of one of my favorite example where her writing can become so poetic yet so real.
"As soon as we cross the bridge (into Mexico) everything switches to another language. Toc says the light switch in this country, at home it says click. Honk, says the cars at home, here they say tán-tán-ta´n. The scrip-scrape-scrip of high heels across saltillo floor tiles. The angry lion growl of the corrugated curtains when the shopkeepers roll them open each morning and the lazy lion roar at night when they pull them shut. The pic, pic, pic of sombody's faraway hammer. Church bells over and over all day even when its not o'clock. Roosters. The hollow echo of a dog barking. Bells from skinny horses pulling tourists in a carriage, clip-clop on cobblestones and big chuncks of horse caquita tumbling out of them like shredded wheat.
Sweets sweeter, colors brighter, the bitter more bitter,. A cage of parrots all the rainbow colors of Lul'u sodas. Pushing a window out to open it instead of pulling it up. A cold slash of door latch in your hand instead of the dull round doorknob. Tin sugar spoon and how surprised the hand feels because its so light. Children walking to school in the morning with their hair still wet from the morning bath. "
She goes on like this for two pages and I hope you get the book and read more. I also think the above paragraph helps to describe some of the things I don't want to loose. For example here chicks say pia pia instead of chirp chirp and the other day I couldn't remember the chirp chirp part. May sound silly but this was a big deal to me.
I just want to put a small portion of one of my favorite example where her writing can become so poetic yet so real.
"As soon as we cross the bridge (into Mexico) everything switches to another language. Toc says the light switch in this country, at home it says click. Honk, says the cars at home, here they say tán-tán-ta´n. The scrip-scrape-scrip of high heels across saltillo floor tiles. The angry lion growl of the corrugated curtains when the shopkeepers roll them open each morning and the lazy lion roar at night when they pull them shut. The pic, pic, pic of sombody's faraway hammer. Church bells over and over all day even when its not o'clock. Roosters. The hollow echo of a dog barking. Bells from skinny horses pulling tourists in a carriage, clip-clop on cobblestones and big chuncks of horse caquita tumbling out of them like shredded wheat.
Sweets sweeter, colors brighter, the bitter more bitter,. A cage of parrots all the rainbow colors of Lul'u sodas. Pushing a window out to open it instead of pulling it up. A cold slash of door latch in your hand instead of the dull round doorknob. Tin sugar spoon and how surprised the hand feels because its so light. Children walking to school in the morning with their hair still wet from the morning bath. "
She goes on like this for two pages and I hope you get the book and read more. I also think the above paragraph helps to describe some of the things I don't want to loose. For example here chicks say pia pia instead of chirp chirp and the other day I couldn't remember the chirp chirp part. May sound silly but this was a big deal to me.
Monday, January 18, 2010
...in my skin...
I of course have been reflecting on this whole thirty thing. I know it is by no means old but it is older than I was before. One thing I was doing was remembering my self at 20 let me tell you I am much more comfortable in my skin and am excited to see where that brings me in the years to come. As a teenager believe it or not I was very comfortable in my skin, I liked who I was and the fact that I was going nowhere was comforting to me. Then thankfully others saw a potential in me that I never saw in myself and I was encouraged to go to nursing school. The first few years of my 20´s was quite confusing, I was giving up a lot of habits that had became (I thought) who I was. I wasn't sure who to be or who I was without them. Slowly but surely as I grew in Christ he helped me to see that those habits had nothing to do with who I truly was. Right when I was becoming comfortable with who I was again I met my husband and the fearful years set in. I was just looking at pictures from then and let me tell you I was happy and comfortable with who I was but fearful about the future. As most of you know our struggles with immigration started shortly after we met which was when I was 24. When I was younger I enjoyed my differences from other people, I actually tried to make them more than they were. The two years that Issac and I lived in separate countries and the last year and a half my differences from the others around me were a bit to strong for me. I now feel I am at a place where I am still very different than those around me but I am comfortable with the amount of difference. I want to always hang on to my American style, beliefs, language, and attitudes (except the worry part). I think part of what has made me more comfortable with the differences around me is that I understand them more now. Although I am regularly baffled by Mexicans I quickly come to understand why they are the way they are. I´m excited about raising and growing my family in the up coming years. I look forward to feeling safe and knowing that my family will not be torn apart by borders and that I can be comfortable with who I am. Here I let out a sigh of relief for the happiness, comfort and security I am feeling. Thank you God for giving me this.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Vacunes
We got Joslins first set of shots, and as to be expected it was a whooper of a day. My husbands boss agreed to let him have a long lunch for one day so we could go get them done. By the time he had gotten lunch my 2 year old was taking a nap. We discussed it and he decided he would be the one to bring Joslin to get her shots. Oh boy I thought, God be with him (I was truly praying). You see my husband goes into almost fits of rage when I or my daughters get the slightest bit hurt. He seriously has to leave the room and calm himself down. I find this slightly amusing, maybe its my insensitivity to catastrophe. I tend to always stay calm analyze and find out what I need to do. He on the other hand is of no use when pain is happening to one he loves. Well in a way, and as usual not the way I wanted God answered my prayers. They told Issac they were not doing vaccines that day and he would have to bring her back tomorrow. Well there was no way for him to get an extra lunch break two days in a row. So now the wheels were turning. The one person we knew would watch Alana was out of town. My husbands mom stays at his grandmas (which is about 20min from us) for three months at a time and helps to run a shop (long story).
My husband says, "Ill ask my mom to come help you." I cringe but say, "Sounds great." I mean I have no other choice right? I know this post is about my experience with the health system but because his mom was a major (MAJOR) part of the day I need to explain a little first.
Mother in laws are suppose to be these great horrors right? Well mine isn't. She is a wonderful Christian women who is extremely thankful that I left the states to live with her son (and of course her granddaughters also). But.... Oh yes the big BUT....
Every since I have moved her she has treated me like I know nothing of Mexico. Seriously we will have conversations where I will say something. She will repeat to be sure she understands what IM saying, meanwhile Im nodding my head in approval. And she says, "No" Flat out refusing that I could possibly be right. Ok enough ranting sorry.
So there are two places in which you can go to get these vaccines. At the time my husband and I thought that only one of these places were for vaccines and the other was for doctor appointments. Some misguided person told my husband this. After running a couple errands down town I decided we could walk to get the vaccines because it was only a couple blocks from down town. His mom asked someone which street we should take to get there. Well after walking 7-8 blocks and me saying over and over we were going the wrong way and to the wrong clinic, I finally broke down and called my husband. I hated to do it I felt like I was a kid again and tattling on an older sibling. But he was as upset as I that his mom would not listen to me. She then told him that they do the vaccines at both places, why she couldn't tell me this I still do not know. So we finally get there and she goes in first to be sure they would do the vaccines.
They said they did and we went in to the desk we were lead to. We were third in line, after one went in we were only second in line. Then a nurse came out and asked if we were there for vaccines. We said yes and she told us we needed to giver our vaccination card to some nurses that were at another desk. I did and she told me they would call us when they were ready. Then I watched her put our card under like 3 other cards. Crap now were 4th in line. The one girl who was in the first line ahead of us must have known something we didn't because she didn't move. And was taken in to get her babies shots. Then someone else came and stood their and went in and got her shots. So had we stayed there we would be done now. Were we done, nope still needed to wait for 2 more people to go before us. His mom rolled her eyes obviously upset. I asked her why that nurse told us to go to the other line. She said it was because she didn't want to work. That nurse is lucky I don't know enough Spanish to tell her what I thought of what she did.
Finally we were called to the desk and I was told to sit down with the baby. One of the nurses took my baby to the other side of the room and weighed and measured her. They then looked at her vaccination card and said that since it was her first time getting vaccinations she should really be at the other desk. I looked at them like, "Im not moving and you will give her her shots, or I will do it myself." Then they looked at Issacs mom and she explained what had happened up till now. They went to the other desk and asked if they could do the shots and apparently the answer was yes. While writing the measurements on her card they informed me that she was within a high percentage for her age. Wow some teaching being done, I was excited to see this. I was dying to talk to them about being a nurse here in Mexico but I was waiting also to see how much teaching they would do. She went on to explain each vaccine my baby would get, why she would get it, and the possible side affects and how to treat those side affects. Whooo hoooo. Great job I was thinking. Because most medical terms are similar in Spanish and English I was keeping up quite well. I then explained to them the reason I understood so well was that I was a nurse.
Now here is an interesting tid bit and I now understand why we got sent to their desk by the "working nurse" I asked them how they liked working here and they shook their heads and said oh no not working but doing our "servicio gratis"...
"WHAT..." I said and looked astonished, "Gratis"
They went on to explain that every nurse in Mexico has to do one year of service for free at a gov facility after graduating. Wow I though I cant imagine if that were to happen in the states. We would really have a nursing shortage then.
We got there at 11am and left around 1pm. Not to bad its about how long I had to wait at the dr. office in the states with my first baby.
The next appointment my husband and I have decided to leave our 2yr old with a friend and IM going by myself with the baby. That should be exciting.
My husband says, "Ill ask my mom to come help you." I cringe but say, "Sounds great." I mean I have no other choice right? I know this post is about my experience with the health system but because his mom was a major (MAJOR) part of the day I need to explain a little first.
Mother in laws are suppose to be these great horrors right? Well mine isn't. She is a wonderful Christian women who is extremely thankful that I left the states to live with her son (and of course her granddaughters also). But.... Oh yes the big BUT....
Every since I have moved her she has treated me like I know nothing of Mexico. Seriously we will have conversations where I will say something. She will repeat to be sure she understands what IM saying, meanwhile Im nodding my head in approval. And she says, "No" Flat out refusing that I could possibly be right. Ok enough ranting sorry.
So there are two places in which you can go to get these vaccines. At the time my husband and I thought that only one of these places were for vaccines and the other was for doctor appointments. Some misguided person told my husband this. After running a couple errands down town I decided we could walk to get the vaccines because it was only a couple blocks from down town. His mom asked someone which street we should take to get there. Well after walking 7-8 blocks and me saying over and over we were going the wrong way and to the wrong clinic, I finally broke down and called my husband. I hated to do it I felt like I was a kid again and tattling on an older sibling. But he was as upset as I that his mom would not listen to me. She then told him that they do the vaccines at both places, why she couldn't tell me this I still do not know. So we finally get there and she goes in first to be sure they would do the vaccines.
They said they did and we went in to the desk we were lead to. We were third in line, after one went in we were only second in line. Then a nurse came out and asked if we were there for vaccines. We said yes and she told us we needed to giver our vaccination card to some nurses that were at another desk. I did and she told me they would call us when they were ready. Then I watched her put our card under like 3 other cards. Crap now were 4th in line. The one girl who was in the first line ahead of us must have known something we didn't because she didn't move. And was taken in to get her babies shots. Then someone else came and stood their and went in and got her shots. So had we stayed there we would be done now. Were we done, nope still needed to wait for 2 more people to go before us. His mom rolled her eyes obviously upset. I asked her why that nurse told us to go to the other line. She said it was because she didn't want to work. That nurse is lucky I don't know enough Spanish to tell her what I thought of what she did.
Finally we were called to the desk and I was told to sit down with the baby. One of the nurses took my baby to the other side of the room and weighed and measured her. They then looked at her vaccination card and said that since it was her first time getting vaccinations she should really be at the other desk. I looked at them like, "Im not moving and you will give her her shots, or I will do it myself." Then they looked at Issacs mom and she explained what had happened up till now. They went to the other desk and asked if they could do the shots and apparently the answer was yes. While writing the measurements on her card they informed me that she was within a high percentage for her age. Wow some teaching being done, I was excited to see this. I was dying to talk to them about being a nurse here in Mexico but I was waiting also to see how much teaching they would do. She went on to explain each vaccine my baby would get, why she would get it, and the possible side affects and how to treat those side affects. Whooo hoooo. Great job I was thinking. Because most medical terms are similar in Spanish and English I was keeping up quite well. I then explained to them the reason I understood so well was that I was a nurse.
Now here is an interesting tid bit and I now understand why we got sent to their desk by the "working nurse" I asked them how they liked working here and they shook their heads and said oh no not working but doing our "servicio gratis"...
"WHAT..." I said and looked astonished, "Gratis"
They went on to explain that every nurse in Mexico has to do one year of service for free at a gov facility after graduating. Wow I though I cant imagine if that were to happen in the states. We would really have a nursing shortage then.
We got there at 11am and left around 1pm. Not to bad its about how long I had to wait at the dr. office in the states with my first baby.
The next appointment my husband and I have decided to leave our 2yr old with a friend and IM going by myself with the baby. That should be exciting.
Monday, May 25, 2009
buggen out!!!!!!
Fiddledee dee, Fiddledee dee
The fly has married the bumblebee,
Will you marry me sweet bumblebee.....
I made a book of short nursery rimes for Alana. This is one of my attempts for her to be familiar with all things American. (I found it on a website full of hundreds of free printable books for kids, http://www.enchantedlearning.com/books/spanish/words/, they have books in English and Spanish)Anyway the point in bringing it up is that we keep getting bees in the house. This is totally freaking me out because neither of my girls have been stung and I don't know if they are allergic. I seriously need to get an epi pin in the house then I will feel much better about this. The other day I saw one and a huge fly was right behind it. The fly was trying to mate it I think. I'm not sure but it was right on top of the bee and the bee didn't seem to happy about it. They flew around the house for a bit then out the window they went. Then I wonder is this where this nursery rime came from.
So we found lavender coils for the mosquitoes that cost the same as the green ones. They still stink but not as bad. We had been using them outside of each bedroom door and kitchen window for about a week. They work great. One night we forgot and didnt get eaten a live. So we got lazy and didnt put the coil outside the bedroom doors the next night. Bad idea.....
I got four bites that night, one of which I'm wondering if its not a mosquito. And it hurt when I got bit, although so did one of the others that I do think is a mosquito. But the first one is on the inside of my leg and got the size of a 10p coin, and stayed big for like a week. The others didn't get so large or stick around as long. Its still pretty red and I'm keeping a close eye on it. So now coils are being used every night regardless. We also have managed to get a mosquito net type of thing over both girls beds. Although Alana keeps knocking hers down, I'M still working on making it permanent with out it being to permanent. Also we bought some plastic screen from the hardware store. This was no easy task. The the windows on the doors in both bedrooms don't open. So we have to screen the whole door. We bought Velcro and silicone glue to put the screen on the doors. This way we can take it down if we need to. For the laundry area we are just going to use the silicone. I hope it works, I haven't gotten that far yet. The baby got a couple bites on her face and the next day my husband also bought me some bug spray that doesn't stink, it smells like lemons. I have been putting it on me and my 2 year old every day and on the baby's cloths before putting them on her.
We have to get rid of our scorpion eater (cat) because she is starting to spray and my husband refuses to pay to get her fixed. I do agree with him partially but I wanted a scorpion eater. Ill be dropping the cat off Monday at his aunts house in the country. Maybe while were out there we can find a male and exchange it.
Well I suppose that's all for the bug situation at them moment.
The fly has married the bumblebee,
Will you marry me sweet bumblebee.....
I made a book of short nursery rimes for Alana. This is one of my attempts for her to be familiar with all things American. (I found it on a website full of hundreds of free printable books for kids, http://www.enchantedlearning.com/books/spanish/words/, they have books in English and Spanish)Anyway the point in bringing it up is that we keep getting bees in the house. This is totally freaking me out because neither of my girls have been stung and I don't know if they are allergic. I seriously need to get an epi pin in the house then I will feel much better about this. The other day I saw one and a huge fly was right behind it. The fly was trying to mate it I think. I'm not sure but it was right on top of the bee and the bee didn't seem to happy about it. They flew around the house for a bit then out the window they went. Then I wonder is this where this nursery rime came from.
So we found lavender coils for the mosquitoes that cost the same as the green ones. They still stink but not as bad. We had been using them outside of each bedroom door and kitchen window for about a week. They work great. One night we forgot and didnt get eaten a live. So we got lazy and didnt put the coil outside the bedroom doors the next night. Bad idea.....
I got four bites that night, one of which I'm wondering if its not a mosquito. And it hurt when I got bit, although so did one of the others that I do think is a mosquito. But the first one is on the inside of my leg and got the size of a 10p coin, and stayed big for like a week. The others didn't get so large or stick around as long. Its still pretty red and I'm keeping a close eye on it. So now coils are being used every night regardless. We also have managed to get a mosquito net type of thing over both girls beds. Although Alana keeps knocking hers down, I'M still working on making it permanent with out it being to permanent. Also we bought some plastic screen from the hardware store. This was no easy task. The the windows on the doors in both bedrooms don't open. So we have to screen the whole door. We bought Velcro and silicone glue to put the screen on the doors. This way we can take it down if we need to. For the laundry area we are just going to use the silicone. I hope it works, I haven't gotten that far yet. The baby got a couple bites on her face and the next day my husband also bought me some bug spray that doesn't stink, it smells like lemons. I have been putting it on me and my 2 year old every day and on the baby's cloths before putting them on her.
We have to get rid of our scorpion eater (cat) because she is starting to spray and my husband refuses to pay to get her fixed. I do agree with him partially but I wanted a scorpion eater. Ill be dropping the cat off Monday at his aunts house in the country. Maybe while were out there we can find a male and exchange it.
Well I suppose that's all for the bug situation at them moment.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Bring on the Rain
I came here last year the last week of June, which in our town is in the middle of the rainy season. Let me tell you before I never understood why people called it the rainy season. I have a sponsor child in Africa and she would always talk about the rainy season and I always thought, "is it really a big deal that it rains."
Now I know oh yes it is. Because when I came in June it was sweltering hot and humid in St. Louis where I'm from I kept bragging about how good it felt here in Tepa. The weather here has never hit an extreme like it does in MO for both seasons. And I have managed to brag about that most of the year to friends and family. ;)But in April our apartment started to get a tad bit uncomfortable in the evenings even with a fan on.
Then.....
It rained, AHHHHHHHHHHHH lovely rain. And since the first rain I must say I have not broke a sweat in my house. And have rarely had the fans on.
This all kinda goes back to the electric issue we discussed in a previous blog. Living here you don't need fans and space heaters to often so it seem logical. But I forget that those who live on the coast are gonna be toasting pretty soon.
Not only is the rainy season a big deal because it feels better but because when it rains it pours. If you see a rain cloud you better duck and cover or your gonna get drenched, then its gone. Just like that it rains cats and dogs, rarely with lightning and thunder, then just goes away as quick as it comes. I really like this because this means I can let my daughter play in the rain and know the sun will be out soon to dry her off.
Of course this also means plants get to grow healthier. More fruits and veggies in the market than I thought could ever exist at one time of year. Oh and the flowers, we love the flowers, natural and gardened. This also means my allergies get to flare up like crazy. But Ill take flowers over non itchy eyes any day. We took a walk and took pictures of the flowers the other day. Its funny Iv been here a year and still want to take pictures of the flowers, as if I'm not gonna see them every year for the rest of my life. lol
So now its time to see how horrible the streets and parks flood and have the rain pour in under the doors. I'm on the third floor but with no insulation around the doors and as hard as the rain comes down our rooms still get a lot of water. I meet a lady who made a sand bag type thing for her door and I plan to do the same for ours. Although it will only go there when its raining because the breeze from under the door is nice.
My daughter is loving the rain even when were inside she wants her shoes, socks, and coat with hood on when it starts coming down. Then she goes to our laundry room (which is mostly open at the top) and does her best to "not get wet."
Rain Rain don't go away,
stay to play another day...
Now I know oh yes it is. Because when I came in June it was sweltering hot and humid in St. Louis where I'm from I kept bragging about how good it felt here in Tepa. The weather here has never hit an extreme like it does in MO for both seasons. And I have managed to brag about that most of the year to friends and family. ;)But in April our apartment started to get a tad bit uncomfortable in the evenings even with a fan on.
Then.....
It rained, AHHHHHHHHHHHH lovely rain. And since the first rain I must say I have not broke a sweat in my house. And have rarely had the fans on.
This all kinda goes back to the electric issue we discussed in a previous blog. Living here you don't need fans and space heaters to often so it seem logical. But I forget that those who live on the coast are gonna be toasting pretty soon.
Not only is the rainy season a big deal because it feels better but because when it rains it pours. If you see a rain cloud you better duck and cover or your gonna get drenched, then its gone. Just like that it rains cats and dogs, rarely with lightning and thunder, then just goes away as quick as it comes. I really like this because this means I can let my daughter play in the rain and know the sun will be out soon to dry her off.
Of course this also means plants get to grow healthier. More fruits and veggies in the market than I thought could ever exist at one time of year. Oh and the flowers, we love the flowers, natural and gardened. This also means my allergies get to flare up like crazy. But Ill take flowers over non itchy eyes any day. We took a walk and took pictures of the flowers the other day. Its funny Iv been here a year and still want to take pictures of the flowers, as if I'm not gonna see them every year for the rest of my life. lol
So now its time to see how horrible the streets and parks flood and have the rain pour in under the doors. I'm on the third floor but with no insulation around the doors and as hard as the rain comes down our rooms still get a lot of water. I meet a lady who made a sand bag type thing for her door and I plan to do the same for ours. Although it will only go there when its raining because the breeze from under the door is nice.
My daughter is loving the rain even when were inside she wants her shoes, socks, and coat with hood on when it starts coming down. Then she goes to our laundry room (which is mostly open at the top) and does her best to "not get wet."
Rain Rain don't go away,
stay to play another day...
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Time flies when your with the ones you love.
Iv been in Mexico one year June 29th, with no visits to the states. There are many reasons for this. First off I just have not been ready yet to spend the night without my husband. We had lived apart for so long and I'm just not ready for that yet. Another reason is because as soon as I got her I got pregnant. I didn't want to travel pregnant and now we are waiting to get the babies US papers. And speaking of having the baby I'm just not sure I want to travel alone with two kids. I did it a lot with my first so that we could visit my husband. She came to Mexico for the first time when she was 8 weeks old and for the next 2 years of her life we came every 3-6mo. But let me tell you traveling with a child under 2 is not fun when your by yourself. So the thought of traveling with a 3 year old and a 6 month old makes me cringe. Oh and there is always the money issue. The flight alone will cost us at least 12-14,000usd (although right now they are cheep but still more than I want to spend) because my daughter is 2 and needs her own ticket now. Do you have any idea how many pesos that is? Or how many months of rent, or groceries that is? So far I just can't bring myself to think of spending everything we have saved for one trip.
My husband is also getting his vacation from work soon. He has for a whole year had only one day off a week and worked at least 50-60hours a week (sometimes more). He finally gets his week vacation and I don't want him to skimp on it because I want to go to the States. He is willing to spend the money for me to go if I want to but I don't feel its necessary. My family is getting a few boxes (yes a few) together to send me and I think that will take me from any (and its slight) homesickness I'm feeling. I mainly just miss my little sister and her family, and want my mom to be able to hug the baby. But all things in its time. The bible says we shall leave our families and be joined with our Adam. And so here I am and happy with it.
Things that have changed for me:
1)I'm thankful for speed bumps. when I got here I thought, "What the crap they are everywhere, this is horrible." But now I get it people drive like maniacs and this is the only way to restrain them a little.
2)I like cajeta, I hated it when I first moved here but I love it with pan now.
3)I had the helado which is common for here the other day and realized I didn't hate it like I use to.
4)I can find or know how to ask for just about anything I decide I want (with out my husbands help).
5)When I get in our car that is crappy and the transmission is about to fall out of, I don't get angry and think about my Altima.
6)I don't think twice about drying my cloths on the line, or rushing to get them in when its gonna rain.
7)I have a friend around my age who loves crafts as much as I do. And although the conversations are still strained by my lack of Spanish Im not exhausted by it at the end our our times together.
8)I have actually meet in person 3 people who were from the states and live here happily now, one of which is not living here on retirement money. This is great.
9)Aside from Ben and Jerry's Ice cream, I cant sit and list all the stuff I cant find here that I had in the States. (I realized this when my family asked me what I wanted in my care package, I totally drew a blank)
10)Im not afraid to try to talk to people and I don't get embarrassed when they give me an extremely confused face. I just try again or tell them never mind and go home and look up what I was trying to say.
11)I realize how not alone I am in this situation, and that others have done well with it.... And so will I.
12)I understand why people sweep water the streets now....This baffled me when I first moved here.
13)Even with the lack of concern for safety, I'm starting to see the love for children that everyone had told me about. I plan to fix the lack of safety (if only for the few I come in contact with) when I can speak better with First Aid classes.
14)I don't care if people hear me speaking in English and stare at me as I walk by.
15)I don't get angry and go on a "its not fair" tantrum when I feel my husband is being mistreated at work. I realize everyone here is treated that way at work, and yes it still sucks but not much can be done about it.
16)I can sleep through the various street noises. (gas trucks, water trucks, trash bell, ext.)
Things that have not changed:
I still get angry when I think about what our family had to give up (present and future).
I still miss my sister and her family as bad as the day I left.
I still wish I could work as a nurse at least a few days a week.
I still know living here with my husband is Gods will for my life and if I never get to visit the States again I will always remember this.
When given the chance I will still talk someones head off, (I'm even getting their in Spanish, look out Mexicans here I come)
Wow there is a lot that has changed and very little that hasn't.
My husband is also getting his vacation from work soon. He has for a whole year had only one day off a week and worked at least 50-60hours a week (sometimes more). He finally gets his week vacation and I don't want him to skimp on it because I want to go to the States. He is willing to spend the money for me to go if I want to but I don't feel its necessary. My family is getting a few boxes (yes a few) together to send me and I think that will take me from any (and its slight) homesickness I'm feeling. I mainly just miss my little sister and her family, and want my mom to be able to hug the baby. But all things in its time. The bible says we shall leave our families and be joined with our Adam. And so here I am and happy with it.
Things that have changed for me:
1)I'm thankful for speed bumps. when I got here I thought, "What the crap they are everywhere, this is horrible." But now I get it people drive like maniacs and this is the only way to restrain them a little.
2)I like cajeta, I hated it when I first moved here but I love it with pan now.
3)I had the helado which is common for here the other day and realized I didn't hate it like I use to.
4)I can find or know how to ask for just about anything I decide I want (with out my husbands help).
5)When I get in our car that is crappy and the transmission is about to fall out of, I don't get angry and think about my Altima.
6)I don't think twice about drying my cloths on the line, or rushing to get them in when its gonna rain.
7)I have a friend around my age who loves crafts as much as I do. And although the conversations are still strained by my lack of Spanish Im not exhausted by it at the end our our times together.
8)I have actually meet in person 3 people who were from the states and live here happily now, one of which is not living here on retirement money. This is great.
9)Aside from Ben and Jerry's Ice cream, I cant sit and list all the stuff I cant find here that I had in the States. (I realized this when my family asked me what I wanted in my care package, I totally drew a blank)
10)Im not afraid to try to talk to people and I don't get embarrassed when they give me an extremely confused face. I just try again or tell them never mind and go home and look up what I was trying to say.
11)I realize how not alone I am in this situation, and that others have done well with it.... And so will I.
12)I understand why people sweep water the streets now....This baffled me when I first moved here.
13)Even with the lack of concern for safety, I'm starting to see the love for children that everyone had told me about. I plan to fix the lack of safety (if only for the few I come in contact with) when I can speak better with First Aid classes.
14)I don't care if people hear me speaking in English and stare at me as I walk by.
15)I don't get angry and go on a "its not fair" tantrum when I feel my husband is being mistreated at work. I realize everyone here is treated that way at work, and yes it still sucks but not much can be done about it.
16)I can sleep through the various street noises. (gas trucks, water trucks, trash bell, ext.)
Things that have not changed:
I still get angry when I think about what our family had to give up (present and future).
I still miss my sister and her family as bad as the day I left.
I still wish I could work as a nurse at least a few days a week.
I still know living here with my husband is Gods will for my life and if I never get to visit the States again I will always remember this.
When given the chance I will still talk someones head off, (I'm even getting their in Spanish, look out Mexicans here I come)
Wow there is a lot that has changed and very little that hasn't.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Electric
When I first came to Mexico I thought the way they did the electric billing was "unfair." Yes, that is the whole hearted American in me. Funny how I look back now and I have lost so much of that and although I thought I wasn't spoiled I now know I was. Anyway that's another blog. This one is about how they bill for electric, and is obviously targeted to my none Mexican living readers because they already know about it.
When I lived in the states I thought the whole unplug everything was a load of baloney, even when I did experiment with it a few times I never noticed a difference in my bill. Same thing with the light bulbs and such. So when I came here and my hubby kept getting on to me for leaving things plugged in I would get so frustrated about it. Then he showed me one of the bills and how they work. The company have set limits for minimum usage, normal usage, and excessive usage. I love that they call it an equivalent to excessive. Anyway when you are in the wattage of minimum you pay less than if you use the wattage of normal and obviously more for excessive.
Thanks to our smaller apartment and my acceptance that unplugging things can knock us down a notch or to our bill was only 114p. Yahooooooooo!!!!
The lesson learned here is if you live like a Mexican and not an American you really can survive on pesos. lol
I wanted to put the actual amounts and the breakdown on this blog but I cant seem to find it on my bill now. I know Iv seen it a few times and I thought it was on all the bills. If any of you Mexican living readers have it could you post it on a comment or if I find it I will put it on here as a comment.
Im convinced that instead of jacking the prices up all the time Ameren should get a system like this. It would basically force people to use less electricity and actually it is more fair now that I think about it. Because if you use excessively you pay excessively and same for using less. Yes even after 10mo of being here Im thinking about if things are fair or not. lol
When I lived in the states I thought the whole unplug everything was a load of baloney, even when I did experiment with it a few times I never noticed a difference in my bill. Same thing with the light bulbs and such. So when I came here and my hubby kept getting on to me for leaving things plugged in I would get so frustrated about it. Then he showed me one of the bills and how they work. The company have set limits for minimum usage, normal usage, and excessive usage. I love that they call it an equivalent to excessive. Anyway when you are in the wattage of minimum you pay less than if you use the wattage of normal and obviously more for excessive.
Thanks to our smaller apartment and my acceptance that unplugging things can knock us down a notch or to our bill was only 114p. Yahooooooooo!!!!
The lesson learned here is if you live like a Mexican and not an American you really can survive on pesos. lol
I wanted to put the actual amounts and the breakdown on this blog but I cant seem to find it on my bill now. I know Iv seen it a few times and I thought it was on all the bills. If any of you Mexican living readers have it could you post it on a comment or if I find it I will put it on here as a comment.
Im convinced that instead of jacking the prices up all the time Ameren should get a system like this. It would basically force people to use less electricity and actually it is more fair now that I think about it. Because if you use excessively you pay excessively and same for using less. Yes even after 10mo of being here Im thinking about if things are fair or not. lol
Monday, April 27, 2009
The fair
The fair was at a totally different location and had no animals. Issac called the fair number to find out where it was and when the circus started and if they were having any promotions the day we wanted to go. So the girl goes on to tell him the directions and when the fair is (we found out later the times she gave us was wrong). Then I see Issac make a strange confused face and then snarl. I asked him about it after he was off the phone and he told me she said, "at 730 there would be girls fighting in chocolate." Yes you read it right at the family fair at a time when most kids would be there they are having girls fighting in chocolate. Issac said, "I guess because I'm a guy she felt I would want to know." with a face of being obviously irritated by her telling him about it. lol Again only in Mexico. We went around 6 in order to be able to see the circus then eat dinner then go home. Well the circus was cute, but there was absolutely no food ready in any of the stands till almost 8, so Alana got to ride some rides (they were free with the ticket). This one was also 25p for each adult and 10p for Alana, the circus was free as were the rides. We got out of there spending less than 200p and got to eat dinner there. Which was supper yummy, I ate what they call a Gringa (yes that's slang for white girl, which is why I wanted to try it) lol It was so good, its pork made pastor (Ill explain in a min), cheese, pico digallo, between two thick home made tortillas and guacamole sauce on the side. OMG it was to die for.
So Issac and I have decided in the future when my family is rich and they can come see us they need to come in April during the festivities.
So Issac and I have decided in the future when my family is rich and they can come see us they need to come in April during the festivities.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Animal Expo for April festivities in Tepa
They have an Animal expo going on right now for the April festivities. It was a lot like the fairs in my home town (where I grew up). I really felt at home there with all the cows, and other farm animals being shown off and fair foods being sold right next to them. ;) The only thing that was really different was the food. Ahhh the food in Mexico, I love it. We ate fresh pineapple ice cream that was made out of the fruit from the pineapple then he put the ice cream back in the shell and froze it all. Supper yummy. Then we had Churros Relleno (may have butchered the spelling) filled with caramel. My daughter had a blast with checking out all the farm animals and they had a free bouncer that she was on forever with some other little girls. It cost us 25p each adult to get in, 20p for the ice cream, and 25 for a pony ride. So bairly over 100p and we had a blast. This was the first time since I had the baby that we stayed out for more than a couple hours, because I wasn't comfortable nursing in public quiet yet. I am proud to say I did quiet well with it. This time around is so much easier, I was so nervous about it with my first but all is going smother with this one. So Yeah for getting out and about this helped my antzyness a bit. We decided we need to go again this week before its gone and go hungry this time. They had some yummy looking stuff that I haven't tried yet and other things I have that I know I want. My husband said he doesn't want to eat all day before going so he can eat everything. lol Sadly I don't think hes joking. They had rides to but we didnt make it that far. I'm a little leary about fair rides even in the States so I wasnt upset we missed this part. Oh and they had a rodeo ring set up, I would so love to go see that. You cant take the country out of the girl no matter what they try to tell you. :)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter in Mexico
Well I was so surprised last month when I saw no Easter treats, baskets, bunnies, or anything related was in the stores. Here Easter is just a catholic holiday. Yes the Christians who are not Catholic are reminded and thankful for the resurrection of Christ but they don't do eggs, baskets ext. And really anything else but to go to church as usual. Also for like the last month or so there has been no meat for sale on Fridays. Anywhere that normally sells or makes food with meat literally closes down or they only cook fish. Everything here except the supper markets where closed from Friday to Sunday, including the bars, and regular stores this weekend. I am determined for my children to be raised with not only the holidays my husband was raised with but also the ones I was raised with. We bought a summer beach basket for Alana and filled it with treats. We celebrated Easter on a wed because my husband was off work that day. The night before we died eggs. We only had red food coloring and the store we went tried to get other colors at didn't have any. So all our eggs where red but our 2 year old still had a blast with them. We used her crayons and made them all different looking and after putting the die on them she put stickers on them. I told her that the Easter bunny only hides pretty eggs so she put a lot of work into them. The next morning we hid the eggs around the house and she had so much fun looking for them. While she ate eggs, mostly candy and played with her treats we read the verses out of Mathew that described the resurrection of Christ, and thanked Him for his love. Although no one else in town seemed to care much about Easter we had a great time in our little apartment with our family. Then on Sunday because my husband was working, I was able to catch my best friend from childhood online and we chatted all Sunday morning on the web cam. My daughter sang for her and we had a great time. She is in Canada going to school and was also alone for the Holiday. Everyone here seems more preoccupied with the April celebrations of the town. I will soon be writing about that.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
more details about having a baby in Mexico
The last blog was more just an announcement about our new baby girl. Before I moved here and even more so after I got pregnant I got extremely curious as to what it would be like to have a baby here. First I asked some of my husbands family but they didn't have a lot of input for me, they had all been through the public health system to have their babies and saw noting wrong with laboring in a room with 5 other women and no support person at your side. I knew that the private sector would be different but I wasn't sure how different from Mexicos public, or from the states. Iv written before about my doctor appointments but let me just say again we ended up with a great Doctor and I have no way of recommending how to find one. We drove around town looking for an office that looked decent and had good parking, seriously that's what we did. We made our first appointment and had decided if we didn't like him we would keep looking. He ended up impressing us so we stuck with him. In our town there is no phone book or list of doctors at the hospitals. The drive around method is used for everything, or you can ask but his family just kept telling us to go to the public facility and we didn't know anyone else at the time.
A few things are different even if using the private system, and I need to say this is in the area of Mexico I live in I cant speak for anywhere else. I think I mentioned this before but I'm so amazed by it Ill mention it again. Our doctor and/or a nurse was by my side the enitre time until after I was back in my room after the baby was born. Im sure this has to do with the fact that I didn't have a million monitors on me that would have alarmed for the staff to know if something was wrong. But it was nice and I felt well taken care of. Now for months before the baby I kept asking my doctor if I would receive pain meds after the baby. With my first they gave me percocet and I still remember how much the cramps hurt when I first nursed her and how bad the stitches felt. He kept reassuring me yes he would give me pain meds. He wrote for me to have what they call Tylex. Its Tylenol 750mg. Yikes that's not pain meds, but I bit the bullet and took it, I actually think this has a lot to do with how quickly I healed. My hospital room had an extra bed in it for Issac to sleep in which ended up being more comfy than my hospital bed. :) The hospital beds where the old electric brown ones that first came out after the crank beds. I almost bet they were donated from a hospital in the states when they up graded. Again Ill say there where no IV pumps so the nurses kept having to calculate the drip rate of my IV. Oh I got fancy slippers that Im still wearing around the house not those crapy socks the hospitals give out in the states. I think I mentioned before but Im not sure that my 1 week appointment with my OB was free. This is also amazing to me. A big difference was the 1 week appointment I don't remember seeing my OB that soon after the baby but I do remember going to the pediatrician like every week for a bit. Here they don't want to see the baby until 1months. I do think that now for regular doctor visits we are going to seek the public health system, as long as there are no hospitalizations involved. Being a nurse I feel I can disregard or listen to what I know is best from an office visit and I dont plan to go to the doctor for a common infection because you can get just about any medication over the counter hear. Oh something else I found out lately is that the shot records for children are pretty similar except for a few months, and the only big difference is that they all get their tetanus shot at 2yrs old. I think this is because they are expected to start Kindergarden at 3yrs. This is another reason we need to get the girls into the public health system.
A few things are different even if using the private system, and I need to say this is in the area of Mexico I live in I cant speak for anywhere else. I think I mentioned this before but I'm so amazed by it Ill mention it again. Our doctor and/or a nurse was by my side the enitre time until after I was back in my room after the baby was born. Im sure this has to do with the fact that I didn't have a million monitors on me that would have alarmed for the staff to know if something was wrong. But it was nice and I felt well taken care of. Now for months before the baby I kept asking my doctor if I would receive pain meds after the baby. With my first they gave me percocet and I still remember how much the cramps hurt when I first nursed her and how bad the stitches felt. He kept reassuring me yes he would give me pain meds. He wrote for me to have what they call Tylex. Its Tylenol 750mg. Yikes that's not pain meds, but I bit the bullet and took it, I actually think this has a lot to do with how quickly I healed. My hospital room had an extra bed in it for Issac to sleep in which ended up being more comfy than my hospital bed. :) The hospital beds where the old electric brown ones that first came out after the crank beds. I almost bet they were donated from a hospital in the states when they up graded. Again Ill say there where no IV pumps so the nurses kept having to calculate the drip rate of my IV. Oh I got fancy slippers that Im still wearing around the house not those crapy socks the hospitals give out in the states. I think I mentioned before but Im not sure that my 1 week appointment with my OB was free. This is also amazing to me. A big difference was the 1 week appointment I don't remember seeing my OB that soon after the baby but I do remember going to the pediatrician like every week for a bit. Here they don't want to see the baby until 1months. I do think that now for regular doctor visits we are going to seek the public health system, as long as there are no hospitalizations involved. Being a nurse I feel I can disregard or listen to what I know is best from an office visit and I dont plan to go to the doctor for a common infection because you can get just about any medication over the counter hear. Oh something else I found out lately is that the shot records for children are pretty similar except for a few months, and the only big difference is that they all get their tetanus shot at 2yrs old. I think this is because they are expected to start Kindergarden at 3yrs. This is another reason we need to get the girls into the public health system.
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