Dear patients of the clinica movil,

Next time you need cash, please ask. I would be happy to share with you whatever I have. Just don't take my purse - along with my credit cards, cash card, driver's license, temple recommend, ID cards, and blackberry - with important phone numbers and information I can't replace. I had no money to buy groceries because we had to cancel our credit cards and cash card, and spent an entire afternoon getting a Mexican driver's license so I can drive. And that's just the beginning . . .
Thank you,
Dr. Reed

Soy Chilanga!

Yes, I'm officially Mexican - and to prove it I have a Mexican driver's license. They require no test, no questions, background check or vision exam - just a telephone bill. They wouldn't accept one with my name and address on it - but would accept one with someone else's. Go figure. I guess it's part of being Chilango.

Valentines

Chocolate + dining out + flowers + homemade sugar cookies = Best Valentines Ever!
Way to go, dad-the-bad, now I can change my reminder blog background.

Veracruz

I was invited by a friend this weekend to go to Veracruz. It's probably not what you're thinking - beaches, surfing, relaxation. We went with a group from his church - The 7th Day Adventists - to Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz.
Points of interest:




We started here. Angel (our driver) drove me to the address I was given and was surprised that it turned out to be his church.








This is Xalapa - the capital of Veracruz. Beautiful city.






Our destination - a small town of Perote - a 2 hr drive up the mountain (actually a volcano)








Unloading the bus in Perote



Waiting patiently for us to get set up.









a friend I made - she wanted to help and brought me a chili lollipop







their school,







other workers from the church



and a beautiful view of their little town


other interesting points:

• I saw as many interesting cases in one day as I did in one month of residency - and TONS of Giardia. (I told them my daughter had it twice and turned out just fine, which made them smile)
• Although the people are very poor, they are very happy.
• The state of Veracruz looks alot like Costa Rica - beautiful!
• The optometrists get the award for the most efficient. They saw 1,500 people and fitted them all for glasses.
• The 7th Day Adventists are Super Nice! They even sing a song very similar to our church's "Called to Serve" Needless to say, I was VERY popular. And in the end they were VERY disappointed.

sweet, savvy Mabel

I had a great weekend visiting kids in Houston. We took the grandkids to the zoo, where we had a great time. Toward the end of our visit we passed a cotton candy stand. Being a fan, I asked if it would be OK if I bought the grandkids (Mabel, Caroline, Devin and Annie) some cotton candy. I purchased a bag with two layers, blue and pink. Being the girlie girl she is, Mabel requested only pink cotton candy. After eating what I thought was enough, I told the girls they could have a little more, and then we were wrapping it up to take home. Caroline would get to take home the blue, and Mabel the pink. Mabel looked at me and immediately dove into the bag, grabbing fist-fuls of blue cotton candy and devouring them. Pretty savvy! Although I always thought Mabel was Peterson through and through, I now realize she did get something from me - my sweet tooth. But I'll still have to give the Petersons credit for the smarts.