They pulled it off!

Lindsey and Brandon are married! She not only organized the entire wedding, they made their own cheesecake wedding cake and alligator groom's cake, which most of us believed was impossible. The wedding ceremony was beautiful and Lindsey looked radiant!


A few thank you's to:
Lindsey, for organizing the entire event,
Brandon, for making the best groom's cake EVER!






Grandma and Grandpa for allowing us to invade for a couple of nights,
Brad and Sidona for travelling from Montana just for the wedding,


Heidi and Kay for hosting the shower and family party, and for taking us in, helping with the babies, and treating us like royalty for almost a week.










Carrie for traveling without a husband with two babies, and being a very good sport about it.
Jennifer, for giving a fabulous toast, and putting up with the hectic wedding schedule.











Bethany and Brandon for traveling with a newborn, a 2-year old, and surviving the loss of the "yucky wee wee."Ryan and Brianna for providing entertainment for dad-the-bad and Caroline during the shower.








Poodle and Fernash for rearranging their events to accommodate the hectic wedding schedule.
And for Spencer and Laura, for giving up their rooms and playing with Caroline and Devin. You were life-savers!

Thanks to everyone who came and made Lindsey's wedding a wonderful event! We love you!

We have a problem, Houston

It's not a HUGE problem, but could cause a little tension at the wedding "dinner", which is actually now going to be more of a wedding "reception" with dinner. The "Bungalow" where Lindsey is having her dinner informed her this weekend that they could not possibly accommodate all the people that will be coming to her reception all at once. So all that worry over the proper way to say "please be prompt" was irrelevant. They are now asking that people come "between 6:30 and 8:30" in typical "Utah reception" fashion. This should be interesting.

Congratulations, Brianna!

Congratulations to Brianna, who was accepted to the highly competitive Occupational Therapy Program at Texas Women's Hospital. We're very proud of you!

Grandma and Grandpa in Mexico

Believe it or not, my parents visited Mexico this past week. We had a great time. Here are some of the highlights:

We took a tour of the archaeological zone Teotihuacán, the highlight of which was grandpa buying bow and arrows "for the grandkids" and then shooting arrows as we walked along the avenue from Pirámide de la Luna to Pirámide del Sol.


Grandma, however, had a little trouble with
the stairs.







They enjoyed a ride on the Turibus, surveying many of Mexico
city's beautiful parks, monuments, and neighborhoods.







We also had a picnic up in the mountains -
and took a boat ride (trajinera) around
Xochimilco, the only remnants of the lake on which
Mexico City was built.

Grandpa learned a few spanish terms, including "gracias", "muy bien," and his personal favorite, "quien pega paga", (referring to the rule in traffic that the person who hits pays.) He got such a kick out of it he made our driver laugh. He practiced the phrases, especially the last until he perfected them.

And, in spite of what you might think, he even made a few Mexican friends.
The last night they were here a cute toothless Mexican talked him
into a shoe shine for 13 pesos ($1.30) and made his old dirty shoes
look almost new.





We had a great time and enjoyed having them here in Mexico City!

Five Days in Costa Rica

I made some astute observations during my five days in Costa Rica. If you are interested, read on.

Most beautiful country on earth: Costa Rica. Not that I've seen them all, but it beats out all I have, even Hawaii.


Country with the most species of insects: Again, Costa Rica. This is not an opinion, just a fact. And I have some pretty convincing evidence for proof.

Hands down greatest adventure, aka "fear factor" activity: Ride in a small 12 seater plane across Costa Rica. I discovered during the flight why people actually jump out of the plane when they go sky diving. It beat out the zip line adventure (across the jungle, over a canyon, straight down a canyon upside down), tubing exhibition, cliff climbing trip, and hanging bridges

Favorite beverage of most Mexicans (especially during long bus rides): Beer

Favorite song of Mexican males (while consuming said beverage on long bus rides): "Llorar y Llorar"

My favorite drink on long trips with a bus full of Mexicans, an unlimited supply of their favorite beverage, and only one bathroom on the bus: Water, and very little of it.

Animals that can be easily spotted by the untrained eye in Costa Rica: Monkeys, tiny red frogs, oslos, toucans, and many more.

Most common question asked of us (me and dad-the-bad) during our trip to Costa Rica: "Are you with this group?" Apparently, although dad-the-bad thinks he's Mexican, he doesn't look very Mexican.

Best word to describe Mexicans: Divertidisimo! (The most fun!)

A few more cool pics:

This volcano is the most active in Costa Rica and one
of the most active in the world. At times you could actually see
lava flowing down the mountain.











Hanging bridges - this one was approximately 150 feet above the ground and 200 feet long.









We stayed at an amazing hotel/spa with natural spring warm water pools with waterfalls, winding trails, hot tubs. Wonderful!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Bethy, Brandon and Mabel on another beautiful girl! She looks just like her mother, so she's gorgeous!

My weekend

My weekend consisted of:
-going to the Ashes and Snow exhibit
-having a ward party friday night and not being in charge
-spending Saturday at an orphanage where we put in a new playground, planted flowers, painted all of the inside rooms, built and stained "cubbies" for the kids clothes, had a clown show for the kids, distributed quilts, and held babies - all part of the best Eagle Scout Project I've ever seen
-going out to dinner at "El Lago" (a fabulous restaurant on a lake) with dad-the-bad
-getting four dozen pink roses (two from dad-the-bad and one from my filipino friend) as well as a beautiful box made from oyster shell
-having a new ward member from Costa Rica over and listening to his conversion story
and
-receiving phone calls, chats, and blogs from my kids for my birthday, definintely the best part of my weekend (tied with going to dinner with dad-the-bad)

Ashes and Snow

Today I went with a friend to an exhibit that has been in Mexico City a couple months called "Ashes and Snow." It is an exhibition of photographs and three movies depicting people living in harmony with animals. The images depict a world that is "without beginning or end, here or there, past or present." The photos are amazing. The exhibit has been shown in Italy, NYC, California and Tokyo. If you want to see some amazing pictures (none of them superimposed or digitally collaged) go to ashesandsnow.com. Sorry, we weren't allowed to take pictures. You'll have to go to the website.

New Languages

I knew moving to Mexico would necessitate learning Spanish, what I didn't know was that I would have to learn "Utahn" as well. I have several friends from Utah who have introduced me to an interesting new language. A few examples:

"kid" - a term used for a friend, usually girlfriend. "Hey kid, have you been to the zocalo?"

"Lordy" - usually used during an "almost" collision in traffic. (Apparently, if you add a y you're not really taking the Lord's name in vain.)

"Well I'll be dipped!" - an expression of exasperation or surprise.

"Fer" - precedes an adjective to form a "complete sentence," such as "fer rude (most common), fer cute, fer gross," etc.

These are only a few. Please feel free to add to the list if you know any Utahns.

Any takers?

After my seven days in Hawaii, half of them alone, I decided the next time I go with dad on a "business trip" I'll take someone with me. Actually, the only future trip that interests me is the Cisco Summit conference in Paris in 2012.

Seven Days in Hawaii

Hawaii

Days 1 - 2

This is where I spent the first couple of days for several reasons:
I was sick
Dad-the-bad was "working"
It was raining

Two heavenly days of lying in bed feeling achy.




Day 3 - I got lost trying to find Pearl Harbor and ended up somewhere that looked like west Texas. In my defense - it was raining, I didn't have my glasses, and I was having coughing fits.


Day 4 - We made it to Pearl Harbor. This is the U.S.S. Missouri.









Day 4 - Spent all day visiting the Hawaii temple (beautiful!)

and the Polynesian Cultural Center
(amazing show!)












We returned to Waikiki late that night only to find our hotel was on fire! The street was blocked off, and several fire trucks surrounded the building.

So, we pretended we were patrons at the Marriott across the street and hung out there until it was safe to return. We weren't able to park the rental car at the hotel that night, however, which thrilled dad-the-bad because he saved $40 in hotel parking fees.



Day 5 was spent at church and hiking Diamondhead crater.









More hikes on Day 6 - beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking views






We wrapped it up on Day 7 with a trip to the North Shore and to
the Dole Pineapple plantation.
This is as close as we ever got to the beach.

Hawaii

Can you believe? I'm going to be in Hawaii in only three days!

Easter Weekend

We had a great time last weekend . . .







at the park . . .











at the zoo . . .















watching Devin sit up . . .
















having a great shower for Bethany . . .





and making rice krispy treats











Thanks to Ryan and Brianna for hosting the parties!

Beautiful!

The Jacaranda trees are beautiful this time of year! We run past this one every morning.

Easter Fun

This is the official Easter Fun Site for the Reed Family - minus two daughters who will be having fun in Spain and one daughter who is studying hard in Provo.

Friday- Trip to the zoo during the day. Everyone is invited.

Saturday- Easter egg hunt at Ryan's neighborhood park at 4pm. You have been assigned the following items to bring:
Mom and dad will provide sloppy joes and dessert
Bex and Shawn will provide chips
Ryan and Brianna will provide the hunt

Sunday - Easter Dinner - (Petersons are invited as well) Check with Ryan for the time.
Mom and dad: Ham, rolls
Bethany and Brandon: Salad
Ryan and Brianna: Funeral potatoes
Bex and Shawn: Dessert

Any other suggestions, please let us know! See some of you soon.
Fernash and Poodle - Have fun in Spain! Baby the Shady - I hope you get invited to grandma's.

Helpful Hints for driving in Mexico City

Helpful hint #1: If a policeman tries to pull you over because you've made an illegal turn, pretend you don't hear his siren, or honking and ignore the flashing lights. Stay in the heaviest traffic possible in the middle lane - especially if you are lost and don't know where to go anyway. He'll eventually give up and go away.

Helpful hint #2: How to tell if you are in heavy traffic - a) if you're on the periferico (major freeway) and people in the bus behind you are getting off and walking past your car to get in the bus ahead of you, the traffic is bad; or if that doesn't clue you in - b) if there are people standing in the middle of the freeway with portable stands selling chips and soda to weary drivers you are probably in heavy traffic.

Helpful hint #3: Always have a full or nearly full tank of gas. You never know when a relatively short journey can turn into a 2 1/2 hour event, causing undue stress on dad-the-bad, or whoever you may have waiting at home.

Stay tuned for more helpful hints as MomTheBomb discovers La Ciudad de Mexico.

Nietas

Lately I've been buying costume jewelry from street vendors for my granddaughters. I really don't know why, other than I'm a sucker for the little kids selling them, and that I have the two most adorable granddaughters on the face of the earth, and they love girly things. (I also have an incredibly cute grandson, but since I would like to maintain my friendship with his father, I don't buy him jewelry.) But last night the little trinkets came in handy when I needed props for a program we were putting on at church. Thanks Mabel and Caroline.

Walmart

Today while shopping at Walmart some sort of siren went off. As most people were ignoring it, I thought nothing of it - until a police officer came up to me and asked me to leave the store. Since he had a gun and I did not, I complied. On the way out I asked him why he was making me leave, and he responded that there was a fire. Outside with the other people who had been ushered out I found out it was just a fire drill. Big difference. Can you hear my sigh of relief?

Magnificent Monarchs

The mountains of Mexico are the nesting grounds of the monarch butterfly. Each winter in mid-november, millions of monarchs migrate from the Great Lakes area to central Mexico. They return in mid-march, although different butterflies, as the lifespan of the monarch is only six weeks. Scientists have not figured out how they know to go to the exact same spot every year. They nest in the branches of tall fir trees, which bow under their burden and give them the appearance of orange leaves. They flutter through the sky in a blizzard of orange and black. We made a trip to see them today. The pictures below do not do them justice. It is truly a spectacular sight!

These aren't leaves - they're butterflies - millions of them. You can see how the trees bow under their weight.

This is a picture of the flurry of butterflies. Beautiful!

For $10 (US) you can rent a horse to hike up the mountain and for $6 more a guide to show you the best butterfly spots.

Truly, one of the hidden treasures of Mexico!

Getting lost

When I arrived in Mexico City a friend of mine told me the only way to get to know your way around is to get lost alot and find your way home. I'm doing a very good job getting to know my way around Mexico City - and it works!

Notification

Interesting fact about Mexico City: The only thing required for a driver's license here is that you pay a fee. There is no written, oral, driving competency, vision screening, or literacy exam. You simply pay the fee and they give you a driver's license - which explains alot!

Feed The Women

The third monday of each month a handful of women in Mexico City get together at Ora Hernandez's home to cook a hot meal for 200 poor elderly women. The volunteers represent as many as ten different countries, including Greece, The Netherlands, India, Thailand, The Phillipines, and of course, those of us from the good old US. After cooking the meal, we take it over to a Catholic church and serve the hungry women. Ora has been organizing this effort for the past twelve years.

After the meal, every woman who has had a birthday during the month is honored with a small gift and cake. Everyone sings "Las mananitas", the official birthday song of Mexico. (Ora is the lady in the white apron.)

Meet Perla. Although she speaks only a Phillipino dialect with very little English and no Spanish, she comes every month and can out-work any of us. She also crochets six coasters for every single woman in our church unit (ward) for their birthday. And she is the first to volunteer her famous Phillipine noodle dish when somebody needs a meal brought in. She is my hero!

VALENTINES

Yesterday was Valentines and my husband told me he was giving me a "hair appointment" for Valentines. Which I already had planned myself. So I was a little disappointed - until he came home with a lovely box filled with foot care items - fragrant salts, lotions, and soaps. And he gave me a foot massage with them. That was the best Valentines ever!

More car trouble!

The other night I was sure my car had either developed a seizure disorder, or had had a spell put on it by one of the witches in Tepoztlan. I tried to drive home after being out with a friend and my car wouldn´t let me in. Each time I tried to enter, it started honking at me, lights blinking - then sirens would go off. The entire street was peering out their windows wondering whose car this American lady was trying to steal. The unlock button on my remote did nothing. My husband couldn´t figure it out either. Well not at first.

Turns out I had an extra remote in the deep abyss of my purse which I had inadvertently set off when I tripped and fell on my purse. It was to a "second alarm system" the car had that I didn´t know about. Oops!

Top ten things I learned in Cuernavaca

10. Although I may be a good guesser on exams, I am not an advanced spanish student.
9. There are two kinds of students in Cuernavaca; young college students and nearly dead. And
then there was me.
8. You have to be careful explaining medical terms in spanish.
7. Las mañanitas (the birthday song of Mexico)
6. That they call Cuernavaca "The city of eternal spring" but it actually means cow´s horn.
5. How to make mole (a mixture of chicken, chocolate, and picante sauce, with other extraneous spices; in my opinion a shameful waste of chocolate calories.)
4. How to spread your food around your plate so it looks like you´ve eaten more than you have.
3. That even though the large freeway sign says "Periferico Norte" with an arrow pointing in that direction, doesn´t necessarily mean that periferico norte is in that direction. Sometimes they take 4 or 5 years (or longer) to take signs down after they´ve put them up for a detour.
2. That there are lots of brujas (witches) in Tepoztlan.
1. The meaning of the word golpe (dent) - Always pay for parking in Tepoztlan.




Me and Vanessa (my favorite classmate) in front of the "alternative medicine" display

Me making mole at our cooking class

My friends from University of Utah - Dan, Jessica, Jake and Jordan.

Beautiful view of Tepoztlan from atop the pyramids.

Mi familia mexicana - Roberto ( they gave him beer with his meals), rebecca, me and Perla (my mexican "mama")

Funny Story

Yesterday I drove with some students from the University of Utah to Tepoztlan to view the pyramids, which happen to be on top of a mountain. I parked my car at the bottom along a cobblestone street and we hiked up the mountain. (It´s beautiful, by the way) We returned a couple of hours later and there was a note on my windshield as follows:

Si no tiene para el estacionamiento, espero que tenga
para arreglar el golpe.
Gracias.

¿Que pasó?

The first person to figure out what happened will receive an Amazon.com gift certificate or a free souvenier from Tepoztlan, whichever you prefer. (It does help if you know spanish, but a dictionary would do.)

Regalos

Yesterday in Tepoztlan I purchased some jewelry for my daughters/daughter-in-law - necklaces, bracelets, and earrings (dangly) - all red/orange chunky. Each daughter may choose one. Please post on this blog (if you are a daughter or daughter-in-law)which item you prefer and I will distribute them on a first-come, first-served basis.

No necesitan ayudame!

Hoy you fui a cambiar mi clase de una clase menos alta. Necisito aprender el básico. Y yo no puedo llamar Ashley o Ryan cada dia.
Muchas Gracias Ashley, Ryan, and Bethany!!!

Ayudame! Ayudame!

Estoy in Cuernavaca por dos semanas para aprender español. Estoy in una clase de cuatros estudiantes: un mujer que es estudiante de español de la universidad de Iowa que estudiaba español hace 6 años; un mujer que es estudiante de epañol de la universidad de Utah que servió un mision de Argentina, un hombre que es estudiante de español de la universidad de Utah tambien, y servió un mision de San Antonio (español); y yo. Ayudame!

My Favorite Furniture

My favorite piece of furniture arrived from San Antonio last week, and even though they packed it in a special crate, they chipped a piece off the beautiful black finish. Interestingly, though, I don´t mind - I asked a piano tuner to come tune it since it had just been shipped. He thought my piano was a Boesendorfer (sp?) which is a piano that costs easily $100,000. He spent hours tuning it (I never thought he was going to leave) and it now sounds unbelievable! It actually sounds like a $100,000 piano. So what´s a little chip in the finish?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

So I love our new home. The construction is incredibly sound. There is 2 feet of concrete between floors, which means you can jump, scream, or have a wild party on one floor and nobody will hear you on the next floor. Which is great UNLESS - you happen to accidenetally lock yourself in the closet in the basement floor when your husband is on the main floor. Enough said.

Lost and Found

We´re finally unpacked and moved in. The amazing thing with moving is that you get to inventory all of your belongings and, believe me, you find things you never realized you had. such as:

32 (yes, I counted them) Books of Mormon (I believe these were all from dad calling the mission president in SA and begging for BOM´s because he had some people he was dying to give them to, and he couldn´t find any extra around the house. Pretty obvious he never gave them out.

3 Pirans from Brazil They´re stuffed, mind you, but they are truly Piranas.

20$ bill - stuck in an old Christmas Card from grandma to lindsey.

1 dried bouquet of roses from Bethany´s wedding (by the way, do you want them, Bethany?)

12 old bras - at least

1 large leather whip (yep, the kind you beat people with)

4 large stuffed frogs (pink or green)

2 Young women statues

1 crocheting project half finished (I believe this is Linsey´s. Perhaps Brandon can finish it for you)

So, if you´re missing any of the above items, let me know ASAP, or they´re going out in the trash (except for the $20)

Back in Mexico

After a wonderful vacation in Houston visiting my kids and grandkids, I´ve returned to good old Mexico. We moved into an empty house (until tomorrow when the movers arrive.)

Yep, we´re really Mexicans, and if you don´t believe it, take a look at the bright orange house we just spent a good part of our life savings purchasing.

This is a picture of the inside - living/dining room

And here is a picture of the view from our living room:

And my very own kitchen ( without Mario)

Christmas Plans
Thanks to "super planners" Ryan and Brianna we actually have Christmas plans for this year, a well as food assignments. Please take note:

Friday, December 21 - Lindsey and Harper arrive. Dad also arrives. They will rent a car and go to Ryan's where we will stay for a few days before Christmas.

Saturday, December 22 - Ashley is bringing Landon to Houston where everyone may meet him. Ask Ashley what time they will be coming. We will meet at Ryan's and decorate cookies/make goodies for caroling on Christmas Eve. Dad will spring for good Texas BBQ. We will be making sugar cookies, peanut clusters and truffles. If we have time, we could play basketball or baseball at the park.

Monday, December 24 - Poodle arrives! Yeah! We will meet out at Ryan's to go caroling to friends in Katy. Carrie and Bethany will bring petit fours and eclairs. We will visit Stewards, Gebauers, and anyone y'all suggest.

Tuesday, December 25 - Christmas Day. We plan stocking exchange at 11 am, Christmas dinner at 1 pm. Ryan has planned a great dinner with the following assignments:
Turkey - smoked by Doziers
Ham - Ryan
Funeral potatoes - Brianna
Rolls - MOMTHEBOMB
Veggies and crackers with dip - Poodle
Spinach salad - Fernash
Cranberry Salad - Bethany
Dessert - Bex and MOMTHEBOMB

When we say dinner is at 1 pm, it is actually at 1 pm. Ryan has invited the missionaries, so prepare your food for 14-15 people. Brianna's parents are arriving at 5 pm, so we need to be finished, hence the 1pm timeframe.

Thursday, December 27 - Ryan, Brianna and her parents (Patty and Dave) will be going to Brazos Bend State Park. Anyone is welcome to come along.

Sunday, December 30 - Devin Michael Funk will be blessed at their sacrament meeting, which is at 11:00 am. The Chapel is on Braeswood Drive.

Monday, December 31 - New Years Party at Ryan's - We do not have food assignments, but will post them if you tell us if you're coming. They will invite Suzy and Josh. You may invite anyone you wish, per Ryan. Just let him know.

Any other activities anyone would like to add - please let me know, and we can arrange them and coordinate via blogdom.

I'm so excited to see everyone!!!!

Thanks to Ryan and Brianna for generously opening up their home and for being super organizers.

New Address
Well, it's official. I finally moved out and will not be sharing an apartment with Mario any longer. We closed on our home in Houston a few weeks ago, and closed on our home in Mexico last night (after a very boring hour of listening to a notary read six legal-sized single-spaced typewritten pages in spanish - the only part I understood was the part that said I now owned 50% of the home.) We then celebrated with caldo at Vip's and sat in front of our new fireplace talking. I'm so excited!
Please come visit!

Happy Birthday Poodle!

Today Brittany is 27 years old, a successful physics teacher, and still gorgeous. She will be spending her birthdy coaching the swimming team tonight. What dedication! I hope they win! We love you, Poodle! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Love, MOMTHEBOMB

Halloween
I leave today for Houston to go trick-or-treating with my "nietas." Am I lucky or what?

Hugs all around!
Friday I gave Mario (our male maid) a hug. Considering all of the complaining I've done about him for - letting himself into our apartment while I was showering, leaving the windows open all day when it never gets over 40 deg F during the day, etc. I thought I should explain.
I came home from teaching friday and attempted to back my large SUV into the open garage. Being not great at any type of driving, let alone the backing type, I ran into the outside wall of the apartment building and knocked off the water faucet. Of course, water sprayed out and, without a faucet there was no stopping it. Mario to the rescue. He broke up his homemade broom and hammered the broomstick into the faucet hole, a feat I believed impossible. Then he went to get a new faucet and installed it, which is quite a feat, considering there was no way of turning the water off. I was so grateful to him I gave him a big hug! Who would've guessed (well about the hug part, not the accident.)

Trees
So, we finally have a signed contract for selling our San Antonio home. I was getting a little concerned, as they were dragging their feet. They had a contingency clause stating if they could not pull out the trees in the backyard to put in a pool, they didn't want the house. The concern is unreasonable if you live in San Antonio and know anyone can take a tree out in their own yard. However, these people are from Mexico, where it is illegal. Yes, you can actually go to jail for cutting down a tree, or even running into a tree with your car. (which makes me a little nervous) You CAN, however, run down a person without repercusion, or sell poisonous food on the street, or exploit your children by making them dance in front of traffic for money. But you CAN'T harm a tree! Go figure.

New Home!
Today we made an offer on a home here and it was accepted! Hallelujiah! We can move in December 2, but I won't be here. The best part is - no more Mario! And we got an offer on our home in San Antonio. Exciting!

I love the good old USA!
There are a couple of things I have learned by moving to Mexico. First, I love my family, and miss them.(Actually, I already knew that) Second, I never realized what a great country we have.

The maid that lives in our apartment complex (Suzanna) had minor surgery this week (hemorrhoidectomy for those who are interested.) The surgeons didn't bother to clean her, or even wipe her up before cutting. Then they sent her home in pretty poor shape. Her husband came over that evening asking if I would inject some pain medicine "into her veins". I asked what the medicine was and why they didn't do it before she left. He said she got the medicine from a "friend", not the doctors, and showed me several small vials, which were obviously samples from somewhere. I politely said "no" and my husband told him I couldn't do it because it wasn't safe to give medicine for which I had no instructions. He told us it was no problem and went home. Apparently she did not agree with the "no hay problema" sentiment and came to my apartment, walked into the foyer, pulled down her pants, wiped her rear with an alcohol wipe and handed me a syringe that she had already filled with medicine. The needle was the largest I'd ever seen. I guess when you're desperate, you're desperate.

Although not perfect, we have a healthcare system that cares for the poor. We have guidelines for sanitation that save lives and prevent complications. We have a great country! I can't wait to come home to visit.

Policia
I convinced my husband to fire my driver last week. I just couldn't stand being carted around all the time. I needed my independence. It only took me one week to have a run-in with "la policia." I got pulled over while looking for a friend's house. I accidently took the wrong street, then turned around and came back out. The problem was that it was a one-way street. Since I was a prime target for "easy money" they decided to pull me over. The conversation was extensive, in mixed english and spanish. I argued that there was no sign for one way. I also argued that I had just pulled in the street to turn around. They insisted that I get out of the car. Luckily, the word NO! is the same in both languages. Then they took my license and told me they had to write me a ticket. I asked where I paid for the ticket and they responded "aqui" - (here) and that it would be $60.00 - and they did say dollars. Again, that common word came in handy NO! WAY! They then told me they had to keep my license. When they wouldn't give it back, I said, "That's it, I'm calling . . ." and that's all it took. They started laughing, gave me my license and told me to have a nice day. Then I asked them to direct me to my friend's house. The shook my hand and waved me on. Am I lucky, stupid or just plain old stubborn? Whatever I am, it worked for me.

Thanks, Lindsey!
Like my new blog? If you do, thank Lindsey. She did a great job!

Thanks!

Home Sweet Home
In our quest to find a home here in Mexico, I have discovered that Mexicans don't build houses the way Americans do. You never find the same house twice - no cookie cutter houses in pristine neighborhoods. They are pretty interesting, however -
-like the house that has one room that you can access only from the outside. Perfect for the teenager who wants an easy get-away.
-or the house with the long closet - and I mean LONG - in the master bedroom. It's narrow and longer than the width of the room. I could get lost in there.
-my personal favorite was the house with the miniature toilet and tub in the upstairs bathroom. By miniature I mean 1/4 of the regular size. What were they thinking? That their kids would never grow up, because that toilet is much too small for even a six year old, let alone one of our son-in-laws when they came to visit.
-the house that I LOVE, which is out of the question. Not because of cost, but because they have live high-voltage cables connecting in the corner of the front yard, which can easily be reached by a child.
-then there was the house that had a very small kitchen, but a room next to the kitchen with eight (yes, 8) refrigerators - for reasons that I will never understand.
-and then there was the house (very lovely) with glass stairs - they kind of float, because there is no obvious support other than a small side support- with NO handrail whatsoever. Being the clumbsy person that I am, I think we can rule that one out as well. (Not to mention the danger with the grandchildren.)
SO, I'm still looking. And probably will be for quite a while.

OOPS!
Today I was trying to ask our driver if he would come pick us (me and Lindsey) up to take us to the mall to shop. Unfortunately, I used the wrong verb. Instead of recoger I forgot the re part and used coger. Luckily he started laughing and didn't take me seriously. Time to study those verbs!

We have a winner!
Cooper (our dog for whom we are trying to find a home) had a sleepover with the neighbor's dog this weekend and it went so well they want to keep him! They even let him stay in the house and sleep by their bed. Wow! He's in heaven. So am I!

A DAY IN THE LIFE
Today I . . .
-got a blackberry for $50.00
-received two dozen longstemmed beautiful red roses from my husband (he paid $10.00 for them), and
-accepted a job offer to teach at one of the best medical schools in Mexico.
I think I can get used to this.

EARTHQUAKE
Today in class we had what I thought was a fire drill. Turns out there was no fire. And it wasn't a drill. There was an earthquake apparently. Given my tendency to focus on what I'm doing and not pay attention to what's going on around me, I missed the whole thing. I'm happy to report I did get up and leave with the rest of the class (6 total.) Welcome to Mexico!

MEXICO
I'm here in Mexico City and adjusting quite well. Being the glass half full type person that I am, I have composed a list of the top ten reasons I'm going to LOVE Mexico!

10. The Weather. This is probably Mexico's best kept secret. It is crisp and cool every morning, never gets above 80 degrees, and although it rains almost every day it is NEVER humid.

9. Friends. After attending church the first sunday, we received an email entitled "new friends" inviting us to dinner. And they don't seem to mind that we're 15 years their senior.

8. Extra Time. Since I currently have no job or church responsibilities, I have lots of extra time to study spanish and catch up on things I have not done in years.

7. New Language. I've started a spanish class three hours a day five days a week with tons of homework that is absorbing lots of that extra time. I LOVE my class and my husband has actually started speaking to me in spanish.

6. Running. The weather here provides perfect atmosphere for running any time of the day. The area surrounding our home, Bosques de las Lomas (forrest of the hills) provides beautiful scenery.

5. Scales. The scales here measure in kilos, which means I weigh 2.2 X less than in pounds. Love that metric system!

4. Maid and driver. It is amazing how much you can get done when you have someone to cook and clean for you. My running clothes are washed and neatly folded on my dresser daily. And I do homework while being driven to class. This is quite the pampered lifestyle.

3. The people. They are very friendly and don't even mind my attempts at spanish.

2. Vales. Everyone in my husband's company gets vales, which are coupons with which to buy food or use at restaurants. He has so many he has not been able to spend them all. Fortunately, I'm willing to step in here and take charge to make sure they all get spent.

1. My husband. Since he was the reason I moved here, it is not surprising that spending time is the #1 reason I will love Mexico.

Come visit us soon!