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!

I Have a Tail!
Finally, I have a tail. And I purchased it at a $6,000 discount! And it covers me just as well. What a relief!

SOLUTIONS:
My husband always comes up with creative solutions. Unfortunately, they usually require more effort on my part than his. Recent example: I mentioned that the flowers I had recently planted at our house tend to wither if left without water several days. Since we would be in Mexico I suggested that we set the automatic sprinkler system to every other day rather than twice weekly as it is currently. Nope, that would cost WAY too much to water the flowers that much, so he recommended I dig up all of my flowers and plant new ones that are drought-resistent. Hmm. I think I'll pass. I'm pretty sure we can afford to water my flowers for another month.

I'd like to thank . . .
My granddaughter, Caroline for getting me a new cell phone. Because of her I have a new state-of-the-art cell phone that works in any country in the world without extra charge. Yep! While we were in Houston she decided to see if my phone would float - in the toilet. Nope, it didn't. So now I have a new phone, because my generous husband gave me his - since he already has a blackberry that he can use. So if I want a blackberry, all I have to do is go visit Caroline.

MY TAIL
I have to buy myself a tail.
And I'm not too happy about it.
The reason that I'm not happy about it is because it is costing me $16,657.00.
That's right! In U.S. dollars. (the official estimate from the underwriters.)
A bit pricey, if you ask me.
But part of the cost of being able to live my husband again.
I hope he appreciates the sacrifice.

THE OFFICE
Yesterday was officially my last day of working as a pediatrician at Alamo Heights Pediatrics, a place I have grown to love over the past three years. I received lots of hugs and kisses, flowers from my colleagues, a crystal butterfly from Kaitlyn, potpourri and a candle, and (my personal favorite) a drawing of a bouquet of hearts from a sweet boy named Joey. I didn't leave until 7:30 pm partly because we had tons of paperwork, and partly because it was difficult to make myself leave. For additional insight - meet the office:

Lindsay (Pediatrcian, owner and general manager): fabulous physician, expert in cardiology, passionate about her patients, witty, accomplished, insightful, great colleague.
Leah (Pediatrician): A bundle of energy, leader and public servant, very thoughtful, well-known in the community as expert physician for special needs children, juggler of family, home and career.
Beth (Medical assistant): Constant as the North Star, always on time, dependable, down-to-earth, predictable, non-complainer, very tactful, a "get the job done" kind of person.
Becky (Nurse): A fireball, initiator, fast-paced, can be a little bossy (to her advantage), a "go the extra mile" type person, motherly, confident, upbeat and opinionated.
Lindsay (Medical assistant): Great worker, easy-going, can be bold when the occasion demands, adaptable, able to take a stand, dependable, fun to work with.
Letty (Collections): Eternally happy and smiling, the first person you want to see in the morning, proud mom to five girls, aggressive about collections - in a very nice way, a "make it work" type person, knowledgable.
Lucy (Collections): A "no nonsense" gal, smart as a whip, very competent, a little guarded, down-to-earth, honest, tells it like it is.
Christine (front desk): Quiet and reserved, very polite and professional, good work ethic, pleasant.

My cousin once told me the hallmark of a great relationship is that you can look back and realize you're a better person for having known them. I can honestly say I'm a better person for having worked with these ladies. Thanks for a great three years!

MEN AND THEIR TOYS
Have you ever noticed that men LOVE electronics? OK, that's not a big surprise to anyone. But have you noticed that it's easier to get your man to the store if the trip has something to do with electronics?

Two recent conversations related to me by my friend:

Conversation #1
Dorothy: Craig, could we go to the mall? I need to get a purse.
Craig: I thought you had a purse.

Conversation #2 a few days later while watching TV

Dorothy: Is this picture a little fuzzy?
Craig: You're right. I think I need to get you a new television - there are some plasma screens on sale. I'll get the car.

Instead of getting frustrated about our differences, take advantage. If you want your husband/boyfriend to remember your birthday, mother's day, valentines, anniversary - suggest electronics - ipod, blackberry, computer, television, palm pilot, etc. For my husband it's not the big TV's he wants. He loves little business trinkets, ipods, but most of all CAMERAS. In fact, I got a new one for my birthday, even though I already had one.

Recent conversation while on vacation: (we were going out on a small boat)
Michael: "Did you remember your new camera?"
Me: "Of course. It's right here."
Michael: "Great, because I don't want to bring mine on this boat. It might get wet. Actually, when I bought your camera - it was kind of a little for me."
Me: "Really? I would have never guessed."

The good new is - no matter how many times I lose my camera, break it, drop it in the toilet, or wear it out - there will always be one waiting for me for the next big event. And an expensive one at that! So, I really can't complain.

WHAT I LEARNED ON MY SUMMER VACATION


I recently had a great PAID vacation to Kohunlich (jungle and archeological ruins) and Cozumel (beach) compliments of Nextiraone Mexico. Not only did I have a great time, I learned:

- To dance! My husband also learned to dance, but only because I told him he was not a true mexican if he couldn't dance.
- That Mexicans are very animated and talk with their hands, which helps figure out the spanish. And if you don't know the words at least you can pretend to understand by nodding in agreement, acting disgusted, surprised, or merely stating Si! or No!? simply by watching them.
- That Mexicans truly know how to party.
- That it's not a great idea to stand under a tree staring at a monkey - they
tend to get irritated and can surprise you with a shower
- How not to throw up on a boat - Yes, I actually spent one hour on a small boat out in the ocean without puking once.
- Never buy a churro from a street vendor. (Said churro more than made up for not vomiting on the boat.
- New spanish vocabulary: mono/chango - monkey, chilango - person from Mexico (what my husband calls himself), codo - tightwad (what his colleagues call him), probecho - no true definition that I could elicit but they say it before a meal, like "bon appetit", beber - to drink (not water), and the difference between correr - to run and coger - (well just don't use that one)
- And the most important - I enjoy spending time with my husband and his friends and am looking forward to moving to Mexico.