So, after a long day of driving, and waiting, and working, and driving, and waiting, and getting lost, and speaking a lot of Spanish, and more driving, and more waiting, I was looking forward to a long lonely night at home. (Dave's on a business trip).
So I stop at a convenience store to buy some corona, or at least full-fat Ben&Jerry's ice cream.
I walk out with oatmeal cookies and organic milk.
Somehow, Christian teacher is oozing out of my pores and I can't even fake it.
Sheesh
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Fortune Cookies
Kelly – “there is a prospect of a thrilling time ahead for you/ Existe la posibilidad de ratos emocionantes por venir.”
Dave – “All the troubles you have will pass quickly./ Todos los problenas que tiene pasarán rápidamente.
Maybe this is a promise of things to come?
Dave – “All the troubles you have will pass quickly./ Todos los problenas que tiene pasarán rápidamente.
Maybe this is a promise of things to come?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
OMG it's time
So it’s 4am and I can’t look at the clock bc my eyes tell my brain I should be in bed & my brain tells my heart to give it up it’s time to leave but then my eyes see all the dirt in the corners of my house now that it’s empty and my mind thinks I should clean before I go and my ears hear honey, everything is fine and then my heart is so jealous I think just leave it because right now I would give anything to keep using my own bathroom, mold and all.
Suddenly, I hear myself answer , “yes!”, even though I can’t remember the question and I know it’s a lie bc I want to scream, “NO! I’m NOT ready! We CAN’T go yet!” and throw a royal tantrum or at least sneak 1 last thing into the suitcases really, just this one but then I realize there’s nothing left to take. The house is empty. One last check for my passport is really just routine, because what kind of nutcase carries 8 suitcases & forgets her passport?
In the car I blend into the suitcases and just when I start to feel like another piece of luggage, I hear David try to distract me. “You’ve got to wonder, who else drives at 4am Sunday morning?” But I just smile glumly because it makes me wonder about everyone else who had to leave their homes.
I try to be brave for him, but he knows I’m not, because normally it’s me who talks to fill the silence and this morning he has taken on that task just to be nice. I can’t even remember why I’m doing this, so I just tell myself, won’t it be nice to relax? And that works for all of two minutes before I remember how many things I have left undone and how many I have left to do…
There will be no rest for me today.
Suddenly, I hear myself answer , “yes!”, even though I can’t remember the question and I know it’s a lie bc I want to scream, “NO! I’m NOT ready! We CAN’T go yet!” and throw a royal tantrum or at least sneak 1 last thing into the suitcases really, just this one but then I realize there’s nothing left to take. The house is empty. One last check for my passport is really just routine, because what kind of nutcase carries 8 suitcases & forgets her passport?
In the car I blend into the suitcases and just when I start to feel like another piece of luggage, I hear David try to distract me. “You’ve got to wonder, who else drives at 4am Sunday morning?” But I just smile glumly because it makes me wonder about everyone else who had to leave their homes.
I try to be brave for him, but he knows I’m not, because normally it’s me who talks to fill the silence and this morning he has taken on that task just to be nice. I can’t even remember why I’m doing this, so I just tell myself, won’t it be nice to relax? And that works for all of two minutes before I remember how many things I have left undone and how many I have left to do…
There will be no rest for me today.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming!
Dave comes in on Friday!!! I am so excited. It has been soooo long! I am totally excited to see him, and show off all the hard work I've been doing to be ready for the move - and then I remember that if Friday is almost here then Sunday is almost here and Sunday is when I actually move. Huh.
Everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited. Sure I'm excited! But I'm also really scared. I'm excited for Friday - but Sunday's coming.
I'm also often asked if I'm ready. I want to answer with witty comment about how none of us are ever truly ready, but it always seems to fall flat. I'm ready for Friday - but Sunday's coming.
BTW - My title phrase first coined by Tony Campolo was meant to be an inspiring message about Christian faith. When things are down and depressing, like they were on Good Friday, just remember - Sunday's coming! Christians will always have trials, but the promise is for something amazing in this life or the next.
Only in my case it's the opposite - Friday will bring rejoicing & Sunday will bring tears. Hello, Friday. Good-bye, Sunday.
It's (almost) Friday - but Sunday's coming!
Everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited. Sure I'm excited! But I'm also really scared. I'm excited for Friday - but Sunday's coming.
I'm also often asked if I'm ready. I want to answer with witty comment about how none of us are ever truly ready, but it always seems to fall flat. I'm ready for Friday - but Sunday's coming.
BTW - My title phrase first coined by Tony Campolo was meant to be an inspiring message about Christian faith. When things are down and depressing, like they were on Good Friday, just remember - Sunday's coming! Christians will always have trials, but the promise is for something amazing in this life or the next.
Only in my case it's the opposite - Friday will bring rejoicing & Sunday will bring tears. Hello, Friday. Good-bye, Sunday.
It's (almost) Friday - but Sunday's coming!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Advice people actually think I need to know before I move to a place they've never been before
6. Carry a lot of cash to bribe the police
5. I don't think Americans should drive in Mexico
4. So my friend went and she actually had a maid (this was whispered in such a way as to imply that having a maid was equivalent to having a live-in stripper or something)
3. You need a passport, you know.
2. I heard they revalued the peso (they did. when I was in junior high.)
1. Don't drink the water!
5. I don't think Americans should drive in Mexico
4. So my friend went and she actually had a maid (this was whispered in such a way as to imply that having a maid was equivalent to having a live-in stripper or something)
3. You need a passport, you know.
2. I heard they revalued the peso (they did. when I was in junior high.)
1. Don't drink the water!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Top 10 questions I'm sick of answering with a smile
10. Why Mexico? Are you kidding? yes, this is all a big joke. thanks for your support
9. Where exactly in Mexico? this is followed by a glazed look as I try to explain, so I keep wondering why people are asking!
8. Are you going to teach Spanish? um... no. I'm going to learn it.
7. Why are you leaving so soon? soon??!! Dave's been gone since April 1!!
So you've been all by yourself? no, actually, there's a couple of single guys staying with me to keep me company (oops!)
6. What are you going to do with the house? we're renting it out
5. So when are they moving in? um... funny you should ask...
4. Are you driving? you've got to be kidding!
3. When does the moving truck come? three weeks ago ... haven't you noticed I wear the same 4 outfits over and over again??!!
2. When do you come back? anytime we want to buy a plane ticket...
1. Do you have a place to stay? nah, we were going to live in a box.
9. Where exactly in Mexico? this is followed by a glazed look as I try to explain, so I keep wondering why people are asking!
8. Are you going to teach Spanish? um... no. I'm going to learn it.
7. Why are you leaving so soon? soon??!! Dave's been gone since April 1!!
So you've been all by yourself? no, actually, there's a couple of single guys staying with me to keep me company (oops!)
6. What are you going to do with the house? we're renting it out
5. So when are they moving in? um... funny you should ask...
4. Are you driving? you've got to be kidding!
3. When does the moving truck come? three weeks ago ... haven't you noticed I wear the same 4 outfits over and over again??!!
2. When do you come back? anytime we want to buy a plane ticket...
1. Do you have a place to stay? nah, we were going to live in a box.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Are all Americans this confused?
I knew my students would have a lot of questions. And I scheduled a day in my Spanish lessons to discuss the cultural differences between daily life in Mexico and daily life in the U.S. This seemed like a somewhat relevant classroom discussion, as it's part of my job to impart this knowledge to future generations.
But when adults started asking me the same things, I started to worry.
Just in case you've been wondering, here are just a few questions (and their answers) about Mexico and our trip:
Are you living in a suburb of Mexico City? No. Mexico City can't have suburbs. It is geographically stuck within a ring of mountains. It can grow in population, but not in size. The concept of suburbs is totally American, and almost no other country has them. We are lucky to be living within miles of Mexico City, so we can drive there for things like organic grocery stores, American restaurants, protestant churches, and Kelly's job.
Do Mexicans make less than Americans? Will you be paid in Pesos? Doesn't it cost less to live there? We can be paid in pesos or dollars, it doesn't really matter since all companies pay electronically anyway. There are 10 pesos to 1 dollar, approximately. The avg. American makes $40,000 per year; the avg. Mexican makes $4000 per year. Cost of living is not really cheaper in Mexico, they are just used to living with less than Americans are. If we wanted to, we could live in a smaller house, drive older cars, eat less food, and choose cheaper entertainment - whether we lived in the U.S. or in Mexico. Plenty of college-educated Mexicans have satellite TV, cell phones, a reliable car, a few kids, a housekeeper, extra food, and a few stamps in their passport.
How much is gas there? I'm guessing Americans are interested in this bc gas is such a hot topic right now. Mexico is a net exporter of gasoline. What that means is that Mexicans can extract more gas from their own land than they actually need. The arabic world we call "the middle east" can all explode next week & Mexicans will still be driving SUVs. They also have government controlled gas prices, because the avg. Mexican thinks it's wrong for very few mexicans to get really rich selling a national resource to their own countrymen. (it would be like Michiganians selling tap water) So the government sets 1 gas price for the country & all stations charge the same amount. Right now that price is about $2.50/ gallon for a full-service fill-up.
What will you eat? food. like we do now. As previously stated, we're living in a house with a kitchen, much like we do now, and in a town with many American-styled grocery stores, and delicious restaurants. If you actually know Dave & I, you can be assured that we will eat about anything. :)
What are you going to do all day? Well, we'll be working! Dave is working for the same company, just in a different location. So his job will be very similar to what he's already been doing (there are some differences, but most people only know that he uses calculus to test cars. That basic concept isn't changing.) Kelly is still finalizing her plans, but currently is planning to work 2 or 3 different jobs, as well as devote time to some interests she hasn't had time to do. "2 or 3?!" someone asked yesterday. "Well," I replied, "I work 2 or 3 jobs now, it's just all on one paycheck!" This is actually true. Sadly.
Are the police/ government corrupt? This is a sociological question that could take days to answer. Most likely, not any more corrupt than other governments. If you've watched American news, you know that our government & police have been caught up in a lot of scandals lately. If you have heard stories, please try to remember that saying Mexico City was really dangerous in the 80s is like saying Detroit had riots during the 70s. It's true, but it's also history, not current events.
Do you have to bribe the police? Um, no. In fact, it's a bad idea. But, remember that what Americans consider a bribe, Mexicans sometimes consider a tip for good service. We're planning to smile a lot.
Are you going to be illegal aliens? um, no. sorry.
I'm still waiting for more questions.
But when adults started asking me the same things, I started to worry.
Just in case you've been wondering, here are just a few questions (and their answers) about Mexico and our trip:
Are you living in a suburb of Mexico City? No. Mexico City can't have suburbs. It is geographically stuck within a ring of mountains. It can grow in population, but not in size. The concept of suburbs is totally American, and almost no other country has them. We are lucky to be living within miles of Mexico City, so we can drive there for things like organic grocery stores, American restaurants, protestant churches, and Kelly's job.
Do Mexicans make less than Americans? Will you be paid in Pesos? Doesn't it cost less to live there? We can be paid in pesos or dollars, it doesn't really matter since all companies pay electronically anyway. There are 10 pesos to 1 dollar, approximately. The avg. American makes $40,000 per year; the avg. Mexican makes $4000 per year. Cost of living is not really cheaper in Mexico, they are just used to living with less than Americans are. If we wanted to, we could live in a smaller house, drive older cars, eat less food, and choose cheaper entertainment - whether we lived in the U.S. or in Mexico. Plenty of college-educated Mexicans have satellite TV, cell phones, a reliable car, a few kids, a housekeeper, extra food, and a few stamps in their passport.
How much is gas there? I'm guessing Americans are interested in this bc gas is such a hot topic right now. Mexico is a net exporter of gasoline. What that means is that Mexicans can extract more gas from their own land than they actually need. The arabic world we call "the middle east" can all explode next week & Mexicans will still be driving SUVs. They also have government controlled gas prices, because the avg. Mexican thinks it's wrong for very few mexicans to get really rich selling a national resource to their own countrymen. (it would be like Michiganians selling tap water) So the government sets 1 gas price for the country & all stations charge the same amount. Right now that price is about $2.50/ gallon for a full-service fill-up.
What will you eat? food. like we do now. As previously stated, we're living in a house with a kitchen, much like we do now, and in a town with many American-styled grocery stores, and delicious restaurants. If you actually know Dave & I, you can be assured that we will eat about anything. :)
What are you going to do all day? Well, we'll be working! Dave is working for the same company, just in a different location. So his job will be very similar to what he's already been doing (there are some differences, but most people only know that he uses calculus to test cars. That basic concept isn't changing.) Kelly is still finalizing her plans, but currently is planning to work 2 or 3 different jobs, as well as devote time to some interests she hasn't had time to do. "2 or 3?!" someone asked yesterday. "Well," I replied, "I work 2 or 3 jobs now, it's just all on one paycheck!" This is actually true. Sadly.
Are the police/ government corrupt? This is a sociological question that could take days to answer. Most likely, not any more corrupt than other governments. If you've watched American news, you know that our government & police have been caught up in a lot of scandals lately. If you have heard stories, please try to remember that saying Mexico City was really dangerous in the 80s is like saying Detroit had riots during the 70s. It's true, but it's also history, not current events.
Do you have to bribe the police? Um, no. In fact, it's a bad idea. But, remember that what Americans consider a bribe, Mexicans sometimes consider a tip for good service. We're planning to smile a lot.
Are you going to be illegal aliens? um, no. sorry.
I'm still waiting for more questions.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Roommates
With the right lighting and costume designer, I could be living an episode of "Desperate Housewives"! There are two guys staying at my house right now, while my husband is away on business. Normally, this would be either a top-secret quirk or some generous act of hospitality, but in this case it's just one more thing to make me completely crazy.
The only reasons I'm still sane:
a) dave's ok with it
b) it's only temporary
c) they both speak engineer, which I'm used to
d) I can now watch Law & Order SVU after dark and still fall asleep before midnight.
the not nearly so exciting nor benevolent reason they're here: they're renting our house for the next two years while we're gone, and their old leases expired May 31. So, Dave's in Mexico, the new guys are in our house, and I'm in limbo for 2 weeks while I finish my job.
I totally should have quit sooner.
The only reasons I'm still sane:
a) dave's ok with it
b) it's only temporary
c) they both speak engineer, which I'm used to
d) I can now watch Law & Order SVU after dark and still fall asleep before midnight.
the not nearly so exciting nor benevolent reason they're here: they're renting our house for the next two years while we're gone, and their old leases expired May 31. So, Dave's in Mexico, the new guys are in our house, and I'm in limbo for 2 weeks while I finish my job.
I totally should have quit sooner.
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