He did it!
>> Monday, December 11, 2006
It's becoming finalized.
C. put his 2 weeks in today! His boss responded very kindly. His last day will be Monday, December 25th.
Merry Christmas. :-)
These 10 fuzzy chicks
>> Sunday, December 10, 2006
Ten.
These 10 fuzzy chicks illustrate just how many more days I will be alone.
After more than 125 days apart - C. and I are nearing the finish line. We're almost there.
I know I talk about this incessantly, but I just am so pleased that soon I will be waking up to my best friend again.
No more ga-jillion phone calls.
No more sad nights.
No more loneliness for both us.
No more international commuting.
No more flying solo.
I cannot believe that soon we'll be together.
Go ahead, tell me what this means.
This "sign" is painted on the ground of the parking lot at a San Lucas grocery store. $10 million dollars to anyone who has any idea of what it means.
What, in your estimation, is it trying to communicate to drivers? (It totally looks like something from LOST having to do with the Dharma Initiative.)
This is why no one really knows how to drive in Mexico.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!
C. and I decided to not do the "Christmas Tree" thing this year in Ohio.
Quite frankly, it's just too difficult.
I get home on the 21st and we leave on the 28th -- not enough time to buy a tree, put it up, wait for it to "fall," decorate it...then take it all back down again. Nah, not this year.
On that same note, I am SO not in the Christmas spirit. At all. It's just so weird when it's December 10th and it was nearly 80 or so today. Not.In.It.At.All.
#983 thing I love about Cabo
Getting my car washed for 40 pesos (about $4) in the Mega parking lot while I grocery shop.That's so awesome.
**Note: When I was in Mega, I actually heard "Feliz Navidad" on
the speaker system -- cracked me up.
My day
>> Saturday, December 09, 2006
I layed in the sun today.
On December 9th.
Awesome.
There's an Olympian in this fam
>> Thursday, December 07, 2006
(L to R: Litle girl I don't know, Marianna, Chloe, Elphaba)
(The gorgeous scenery at the school where the meet was located.)
(The parking lot/gym area where the meet was held.)This afternoon/early evening I had the pleasure of witnessing my first outdoor gymnastics meet. Chloe, the future Olympian (or cheerleader) did fantastically on her routing. In fact, she even took home a silver medal. (We're all extremely proud.)
Watching "organized" sports in Mexico is...different...but cool. Really cool.
:-) Read more...
Dos semanas mas!!!
>> Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Two more weeks will I sleep alone.
Then I will be in my home on the 22nd.
Then I will be with my husband (where I belong) for the rest of our lives. (Barring neither of us decides to move to another country, thus starting another 5-month long separation.)
Amazing.
I can't believe we've almost been living apart from one another for 5 months.
It's flown by and dragged on.
It's been depressing and exciting.
It's been exhilarating and scary.
It's tested us, pushed us and has solidified one thing:
I love him, love him, love him. Without him I'm not as strong as I thought I was.
He's allowed me to try something new. To live "independently," to go after my dreams. To do what I needed to do. He's let me be me.
He's exactly what I had inscribed on his wedding band - He's my everything.
He's comforted me through tears over the phone. He's taken care of every last detail of our "Ohio lives" so that I could concentrate on starting this chapter. He's trusted me, loved me, and believed in me.
I'll say it again: I love him, love him, love him.
Piñata time!
On Saturday I was at the office doing some work (I'm a loser) and my sister called me to tell me to go to one of the two gas stations in San Jose because the rumor around town was that we were out of gas.
(We rely on Semi tanker trucks to bring us our gas and if they're delayed, well, then we have no gas.)
So, off I went.
Check out the line.
It took my sister an hour.
It took me about 25 minutes. Totally an adults' version of a piñata beating -- hurry up, cut in front of other cars! Try to be first! They're SO good at creating lines. I was up to get gas and of course, a truck cut in front of me. I'd say he was 2 cm. from hitting me. I (for some reason) honked and yelled at him. (I was kinda worried that he was was going to kill me afterwards, but I'm totally alive and well.)
:-)
Annoying thing about Mexico #23
Chocolate.
Ok, so all of the chocolate that comes to our stores is trucked in. It's a long, long drive. In an semi.
During that time the most rancid thing happens: the chocolate melts, re-solidifies into a weird waxy mess - and then is put on the shelves of our grocery stores for all of us to buy and "enjoy."
Case in point:
I recently purchased a bag of Hershey Kisses. Why? I need chocolate randomly throughout my day. The bag is a flippin' crap shoot. Sometimes, there are chocolate "kisses" (more like waxy blobs) that are completely OUT of the foil. Other times, the chocolate has turned this odd white color. (And it's milk chocolate.)
Ugh.
How does a Gringa get a not-re-melted, hard-as-a-rock piece of milk chocolate?
What is up.
>> Monday, December 04, 2006
All is just fine.
The weather has turned, there's been some crazy wind at night -- but it's sleep-with-the-windows open weather.
Still no place to live.
Put an ad in the paper today to sell my car.
C. & I are getting through our list of "to do's". That's positive.
I haven't done ANY Christmas shopping and I'm thinking about skipping dealing with that this year. I have no time. And when I get home, I DO NOT want to be spending my 2 days before Christmas at the flippin' mall.
Ok.
Going to bed.
Thankful
>> Saturday, December 02, 2006
1. For my two new office plants that I potted today.
2. For my Cabo family.
3. For the distance to soon be quelled.
4. For the new year.
5. For new beginnings.
6. For wine.
7. For new shoes.
"I'm so busy."
>> Wednesday, November 29, 2006
I loathe when people complain about how busy they are. Can't stand it. "How are you?" "Swamped." Shush. Get over yourself. EVERYONE is busy.
However, since this is my blog and I can do with it what I want, I'd like to expand on the list of "To Do's" that is involved with the transition from Toledo, Ohio to Los Cabos, B.C.S. Mexico.
At this particular juncture, the husband and I are emailing back and forth a "To Do" list (one for him, one for me) that we both are commenting on, updating, writing notes about, etc. It's getting nuts.
Some of the things we must do BEFORE we move here after CHRISTMAS:
- Buy me a new car, ship it to Mexico
- Ship C.'s car to Mexico
- Install a house alarm
- Get a battery backup for the sump pump
- Finish all online banking
- Ready the house for our departure (timer lights, lineup snow removal, etc.)
- Buy a laptop for Craig
- Get all of our bills online
- Buy "return to Cabo after Christmas" tickets
- Research what Nattie needs to come to the country
- Reserve a place on our flight for Nattie
- Find a place to live. (This is a serious one. Or there might not be a Nattie for a little while.)
- Sell my jetta or ship it back to the States.
- Forward our mail
- Finish up Dr.'s appointments
- Pack up whatever stuff we want to move here from the States. UPS it to the importer in San Diego.
- Oh, and spend time with our families and see everyone we want to see before we leave after Christmas...
Not to mention buying Christmas gifts for everyone, shopping, etc. I think we're just going to skip that this year.
I think we're both a bit overwhelmed. Quite honestly, though... this is all stuff that we really couldn't have done any sooner than what we're doing it.
All will be fine. Read more...
Weather Foolishness
I love it when the temperature "dips" to about 75 or 80 during the day and the locals wear turtlenecks, sweatshirts and sweaters and I'm still wearing sandles and sleeveless clothes.
I'm eternally stuck in July and I love it.
Today
>> Tuesday, November 28, 2006
My sister (with whom I live) and her BFF left for San Diego today. I am here with Chloe, VeggieBurger and Marianna. (Brother B. leaves for T-town tomorrow a.m.) So, it's me and the kids until Friday afternoon/evening.
Anywho, Mena (the all-espanol speaking housekeeper-o-my-sister) pointed out when I got home (in Spanish, of course) that Riley (the semi-delayed intelligence-wise puppy rottweiler) ate poinsettias (I think that's poisonous) and that we're out of food.
So, she wrote me a grocery list. In Spanish. FUN! It's like a high-school Spanish class project. Here is what is said:
- pan bimbo (white bread, "Bimbo" brand)
- leche galen (gallon of milk)
- toallas para limpiar (this one stumped me for a few. paper towels)
- jamon (ham)
- bolonia (bologna. Thank goodness for cognates)
- brcoly (broccoli. duh)
- coliflor (cauliflower)
- manzanas (apples)
- carne arrachera marinada (huh? I had to ask the guy at the store about this one. It's some sort of meat. Like steak, all cut up or something.)
- pan amburguesas (hamburger buns)
- pan hot dog (hot dog buns)
- pure tomate de cajo (2) (2 cans of tomato sauce)
- cilantro (YES! it's English AND Spanish)
Added bonus, the cashier and I had a conversation in Espanol, as well. (Definitely the longest one I've ever had with a Mega cashier.)
Me: Hola (Hi)
Her: Hola, come estas? (Hi, how are you?)
Me: bien, y tu? (Good, you?)
Her: Eres Americana? (Are you an American?)
Me: Si, pero vivo aqui. (Me, but I live here.)
Her: En San Jose? (In San Jose)
Me: Si. (yes)
Her: Hablas espanol? (You speak spanish?)
Me: Poquito. Apprendiendo. (A little. I'm learning.)
Her: Bueno. Practica mucho. (Good! Practice a lot!)
Me: Si. (Yup.)
Another random grocery store note:
I no longer get all nervous when I have to pay in pesos. I'm handling the currency much better. Before, I would just pay with the largest bills I had -- so I wouldn't have to count out correct change. However, now I'm totally getting better.
**Sigh**
FUN!
I wonder what tomorrow will bring. Read more...
Things to be proud of:
While C. was here, we did several things that are "new" to me and I am proud of them, so I shall record them here.
- We not only navigated traffic, but found the auto parts store in San Jose ("Formula Uno") and I spoke in Spanish and bought two headlights for Bullet (one was out) for only $100 pesos. (About $10 USD.)
- We dined down in San Jose at a restaurant that I had forgotten where exactly it was located. And we ordered in Spanish's, and I found a parking place. (That was my first time navigating through downtown San Jose.)
Ok, well. It's the little things... Read more...
Hm.
Ok, so this is both a sad and exciting day.
Sad, because my best friend just left. Again. And, because we won't see eachother again for a month. Ugh.
Exciting, because we're getting closer to our end. We're almost there.
**Sigh**
This has been a very long four, going on five, months.
He's Official
>> Monday, November 27, 2006
As of about 4:00 p.m. today, C. can officially live and work in Mexico. His FM3 (about the size of a U.S. passport) was approved.
Wah-who!
Done. (This, my friends, is a huge relief.)
I'm alive
C. is still here.
Mom and little sister left this a.m.
I shall write tomorrow after C. leaves. (You know, when I'll have a boatload of "alone time" on my hands again.)
YAY! YAY!
>> Wednesday, November 22, 2006
I'm leaving to pick C. up from the airport in 40 minutes. I'm having a difficult time concentrating...
Read more...One more Day
>> Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Tomorrow at 12:30 I will pick up C. from the aeropuerto.Tomorrow at 2:30 I will pick up mi madre y mi hermana from the aeropuerto.
Yippee!
WalMart in Cabo
CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico (AP) -- WalMart has won preliminary approval to build a store in a resort town on the tip of Mexico's Baja California.
But opponents vow to continue fighting the project with demonstrations or by blocking roads.
Residents and shopkeepers fear that the store could harm the resort town's laidback atmosphere, where sports fishermen and tourists mingle with locals on the narrow streets.
Some are also worried that the store -- or a proposed highway overpass for it -- might replace the trademark stone sea arch as the first view people have when they drive into the city.
In 2004, another WalMart-owned discount store quietly opened less than a mile from the ancient temples of Teotihuacan, just north of Mexico City, despite months of protests claiming the sprawling complex was an insult to Mexican culture.
Read more...
Residents and shopkeepers fear that the store could harm the resort town's laidback atmosphere, where sports fishermen and tourists mingle with locals on the narrow streets.
Some are also worried that the store -- or a proposed highway overpass for it -- might replace the trademark stone sea arch as the first view people have when they drive into the city.
In 2004, another WalMart-owned discount store quietly opened less than a mile from the ancient temples of Teotihuacan, just north of Mexico City, despite months of protests claiming the sprawling complex was an insult to Mexican culture.
I'm so OVER centipedes.
>> Monday, November 20, 2006
Tonight, I walked into the kitchen and there was ANOTHER centipede on the floor. This time about a 4.5 incher.
I stepped back, quickly.
Yelled to my nephew.
He came in, with a shoe, and proceeded to beat the crap out of it. He is my hero. (I told him that I'd campaign that he be un-grounded for his report card since he killed the bug for me. He said, "Seriously? Thanks, Aunt K.")
--
Friends, I'm <----------> this close to moving back to Ohio. These bugs are ridic.
Two
I will see my husband in TWO days!
I will see my mom and my little sister in TWO days!
WAH-WHO!
Yay for TWO!
The husband is not a felon.
It's official.
C. recieved his background check from the state of Ohio declaring that he is indeed, NOT , a felon.
Whew.
(C. needed this letter to give to the Visa- granting Mexican government.)
The bug
Here's the bug that almost took us out last night.I'd say this little amigo was at LEAST six inches long.
See those legs? Ew.
See that thing on the back end? It stings you. Repeatedly.
If it attaches to you, it clings. You must PEAL it off.
I think it looks like a shrimp.
I don't intend to eat shrimp for a while.
Ah, yes.
I just bought two swimsuits (online). In November. That I will wear in December.
Thumbs up to the weather here, friends. THUMBS UP.
Highlights (and I use the world loosely)
>> Sunday, November 19, 2006
All's well. Nice laid-back weekend.
Highlights:
- Company party on the beach. Super fun. Great company, great group. Was out until 4 a.m. (uh-huh. I'm getting old.)
- Have a sore throat, did a lot of sleeping.
- Saw a movie with my brother and sis -- fun, family bonding.
- T. started putting up Christmas decorations at her house. (They really do look great.)
- Ate ramen for dinner -- so nice. (They had the "oriental flavor" I like at CCC in Cabo.)
- Went to Costco - love it there.
- Went to Home Depot.
- A gigantic centipede almost killed us. Big bro and nephew took care of it. Pictures to come.
- Going to bed.
- The little sister, the mom and the husband ALL ARRIVE in 3 days. SO cool.
No news is good news
>> Thursday, November 16, 2006
Nothing new with me.
Worked.
Ate.
Painted my toenails.
Watched The Office.
Blogged.
Talked to my sister.
Did Laundry.
Who says living in MX isn't exciting?!
You've got to be kidding me.
>> Wednesday, November 15, 2006
(Click to make larger)I thought that Hurricane Season was "over".
Yeah, right.
As you can see above, Sergio (which has now been upgraded to a hurricane) is heading directly toward us. Judging by the map above, it should get to us right around Wed. (When the mom, the little sister and the husband will be arriving.)
Allegedly, Sergio has strengthened quickly but is moving slowly.
Fun fact: Each time I've returned from Toledo, or that someone comes to visit me -- there's a hurricane! Read more...
Freedom
For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm doing what I want to do.
I'm living my life for myself and for my husband.
And, I'm happy.
It is a an invigorating, energizing and amazing feeling -- to get up, like your job and be proud that you're trying something new.
I only wish that my loved ones can experience a contentedness like this. Change is not for everyone, but everyone does have choices. I'm glad we made this one.
Yeah, there are a ton of things that are unresolved right now.
Yeah, there isn't a lot of certainty right now.
Yeah, it's a transitional period, but I ask for your understanding.
In no way am I attempting to ignore or vanish from the relationships that I hold so dear, instead... I am, we are, getting our lives together.
The logistics and complications that are involved with this transition are sometimes overwhelming and weigh heavy--however, they're temporary. Truly.
I appreciate any and all of the support that you've given to myself and C.
Thank you for your patience and unconditional love.
Irony
>> Tuesday, November 14, 2006
(As always, click to make larger.)Guess what I brought with me? Another tropical storm.
Never fails.
I get here... BAM! A tropical storm and/or "hurricane."
What? I'm expecting a visitor to come and see me?
BAM! Another tropical storm. ("Sergio." What a stupid name.)
--
Next Wed. my little sister and my Mom are arriving at 2:30.
Next Wed. my husband is arriving at noon.
--
Will they make it?
We.shall.see.
--
UGH.
--
We do have some time before then, so it'll be interesting to see what happens. Read more...
Me
I'm back from Ohio.
It was a whirl-wind visit. Flew in Thursday night, left for Cinci Friday a.m., (my friend B. got married), had the rehearsal stuff on Friday, got the computer fixed, had the wedding on saturday, picked up the computer, shopped for necessities and had a quiet "with-my-husband" dinner, got back to Toledo late Sunday night, ran one million errands and got my life together on Monday, and packed and left early this a.m.
I'll post more later.
Only in Mexico
>> Wednesday, November 08, 2006
There are now time share salesperson's IN the grocery store. At Mega.
Pick up some milk, bread...oh yeah, and a time share.
Wow.
(Please re-read the title of this post.)
Oy. Mexico
See that? Above?
Ah yes, that's real.
It's a centipede.
It's gelatinous.
It was in my sister's closet.
In one of her shoes.
It's nearly 5 inches long.
--
What wants to move to Cabo now?
Housing Update
>> Monday, November 06, 2006
(Where the house will be built. The back will face that mountain/canyon.)It was older.
(I'm trying not to be a princess.)
Definitely not worth $1200 anywhere but in Cabo where there is a housing shortage.
--
Mi hermana and I checked it out. I was/am looking at it with an open mind.
--
We left there and then went to check out a little community/subdivision that is in the process of being built. It's one of those quaint little, cute neighborhoods were there are several styles of homes - and everyone picks the one they like. We checked out the models - and they're great!
My sister bought one.
Yup. She bought one. (Or pardon, is in the process of buying one.)
It's a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home that has both an ocean (slight) and mountain/canyon (awesome) view. It'll be finished being built in April, but will need slightly more work after that. (You know, like a kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
C. and I will then rent it from my sister. ;-)
SO! We have a LONG TERM plan! It's just during the interim that we must find a place to stay - just somewhere for like 6 mos. or so. SO, this is a super-great thing. My sister builds equity, etc. - we have a place to live!
My brother is also thinking of buying a 3-bedroom place up the road. Awesome.
So, as of right now - this is great news! VERY cool.
:-)
Looks like we'll be staying in Cabo for a little while...
(Inside of the house - a picture of a picture)
(Outside of the house. There are no garages here, really. See that little cover to the left of the front window? On the side of the house? That's where the washer and dryer go...outside of the house. Crazy different. I love Mexico.)Place to live
Today, my sister and I will be heading out and taking a look at a possible place for C. and I to live. It's a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo. Let's cross our fingers!
One of the concerns here is that there is NOTHING on the market. We got a call this a.m. that this was available and we'll check it out at 4. Hopefully it's nice and works out. If not, hopefully something else works out.
Fo Mo
>> Sunday, November 05, 2006
Four more nights, and I will see my husband, my dog, my house, my bed, my stuff and my other life. (**smile**)
I love it here, but I must admit - going home is worrisome for me--only because it's when I'm actually physically there that I miss my "old" life.
I'm much better with change. Make the decision, DO it, be done. Don't look back. MOVE on. I'm not good with waffling back and forth - and until C. gets here permanently, I feel as if going back and forth is "waffling." You know? I much prefer he comes here. (But then again, it's good to get out of this little place every so often. Everyone says it's absolutely necessary to do so.)
It's such a weird feeling to know that my life is now here (though not 100% of it), yet I still have some "life" back there.
I'm ready for both of my lives to meet up. Here. In Cabo.
I'm bracing myself though, I don't want to be overly sentimental about everything I own. You know? I have a feeling this will happen. Pictures on the wall, my dining room table, my bathroom, my bathTUB, all of my favorite things...
Ugh. This is going to kill me.
Hmm...
Dinner in Mexico
Tonight at dinner, an older, middle-aged white woman wearing an ill-fitting halter dress (complete with the obligatory vacation lobster-colored back sunburn), drank entirely too much red wine, shimmied and sang to a mariachi trio that played ALL of the verses of the ever-popular Mexican hit, "La Bamba."
Two thumbs up to that lady.
Definitely an exciting dinner with the fam.
Mexican Culture Observation 1,098
Mexican people, men in particular, are short. I'm not kidding. While waiting outside of the airport today when picking up my brother, I watched the natives.
I'm not kidding - I'd say the average height of a Mexican man is maybe 5' 5". I'm not kidding.
There are days I feel like a GIANT here.
(Other story: On the way to the airport there was a very large cow dead on the side of the road.)
Ok.
>> Friday, November 03, 2006
Ok, I really like my job.
Yeah - I do. I really enjoy it.
The people I work with are great. (There's always some weirdos - but they're everywhere.)
I like it here.
Better
The 'ole Cingular bill was cut in HALF this month. (I still don't know how it was $300, but whatev.)
When I head back to T-town a week from today, I'm switching back to flippin' Verizon. Friends, I will then call you.
I'm feeling...
>> Tuesday, October 31, 2006
...better about driving here. I drove ALL around downtown Cabo last week, and to the airport 4 times - I'm feeling good.
Very empowering. Odd, I know. But really.
GREAT visit
It's been a LOVELY week:
- C. was here for the entire Company-sponsored fishing tournament. He was SUCH a help.
- We celebrated our anniversary (a couple days later) with a GREAT meal down in San Lucas.
- C. applied for his FM3 and it has ALREADY BEEN approved! Why is this good? Because we can begin to make FINAL plans for his actual LIVING and moving here. YAY!
- (Yay again to the bullet above.)
- We were able to stay in a $25 million dollar home for 2 nights. You guys, unbelievable. The view? Un.be.liev.able.
C. and I saw Ron Jeramey (porn star, Surreal Life, etc.) down at the airport. Um, let's just say, "ew." (Quite honestly, "ew" could be said again and again.) Slovenly and just gross. I think that Gene Simmons from KISS will end up looking very similarly to him. (Mr. Jeramey was the "special guest" at the Pimp 'n Ho this past weekend...) Read more...
Totally Safe
>> Wednesday, October 25, 2006
- Hurricane Paul came and went.
- We got lots of rain, flooded streets, etc. (Streets were TOTALLY fun to run in.)
- C. gets here today. :-)
- I'll be blogging more next week.
Not today
>> Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Well, Hurricane Paul won.
C. will NOT be arriving today. The husband's flight was cancelled and re-scheduled. He will be arriving tomorrow around noon.
Ugh.
However, at least he's safe.
Tomorrow's the day!
>> Monday, October 23, 2006
YAY! My husband arrives tomorrow night!
I'm SO EXCITED!
YAY!
Hopefully HE arrives, and hurricane Paul does not.
Not the BEST timing...
I certainly hope that hurricane Paul doesn't negatively impact my visit with my dear husband.
It's supposed to offer some hard wind, rain, etc. to us on Tuesday evening...(of course, around the same time that my C. is coming in town.) So, I'm bracing myself for a delay.
This is ok. Why? We've waited this long. I just want him to fly safely.
(According to my sister, this is pretty late in the season for a Cabo-area hurricane. The last time one hit this late was 1950.)
YAY!
>> Sunday, October 22, 2006
I'm pretty excited, I must admit.
I must only sleep alone for 2 more nights -- C. will be here on Tuesday night.
It's not easy living without your best friend. Really. I think the distance between us sucks, however - it has succeeded and reaffirming how much I love him and want to be with him, forever.
Yup. Happy camper right now.
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