Greetings Tropical Storm LANE
>> Thursday, September 14, 2006
Click to make larger
(I love how weather.com labeled "USA" and "Mexico" so clearly. Duh.)
Click to make larger
(I love how weather.com labeled "USA" and "Mexico" so clearly. Duh.)
New Feeling
I actually look forward to going to work tomorrow.
Could be because it keeps me busy - but no matter, I look forward to it.
As of today, at this second - I'm content with the job and with the learning process.
(It goes without saying everything would be 100x better for me if C. were here. Ok, I said it. So, it goes with saying.)
I drove.
>> Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Ok, so it's not that big of a deal. But I drove. In Mexico.
The office is all of 2 or so miles away, so it's really not that big of deal. Still...
So my sister lives on a hill, a very steep, cobblestone hill. (We can call it a mountain, b/c I think that what it is.) Let's just say, Bullet did NOT want to go up the hill. At all. (I was originally in second gear attempting this.) So, I rolled down the cobblestone hill to a better starting point (praying that no one was coming UP the hill) and proceeded to gun it - in FIRST gear up the hill.
Male friends: Did I do the right thing? How, do I get my manual transmission VR6 VW Jetta up the hill safely? I would appreciate your comments.
Female friends: If you know how I can do this safely - I'm highly impressed. Shed some light, por favor.
I keep thinking to myself, if the Domino's pizza delivery weedwacker/motorbike/thing can do it, so can I.
It's here! It's here! Bullet is here!
If I had a camera, I'd take a picture.Bullet is covered in Baja dust, but is here... SAFELY!
Look! Even Dubya is happy.
Yay!
Yeah, great idea. Ok.
>> Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Mexican officials to burn ballots
By WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 58 minutes ago
MEXICO CITY - Electoral officials said Tuesday that they will burn the ballots from the disputed presidential election despite calls from both candidates to spare them.
Luis Carlos Ugalde, chairman of the Federal Electoral Institute, or IFE, said in a letter to President-elect Felipe Calderon that a 1990 law clearly called for the burning of the ballots from the July 2 election.
"The IFE is obliged to destroy electoral documentation once the electoral process is concluded," Ugalde wrote.
No date was set for the burning.
Article can be found here.
Read more...
Thumbs up to the new job
Above: An email regardng this Friday's festivities. I've already RSVPd.
The Piñata Theory
Listen to this.
So I'm becoming more and more aware of the Mexican culture - and one thing is just annoying me to no end.
The people here have, as my sister says, have no sense of space or self.
For example: Today we're in the Mexican Home Depot (walking in, Mariachi music is playing.) We've enlisted the help of Juan C. to help us buy closet organizers for Chloe's room. They're large, long, awkward boxes that we've loaded on the top of one of those construction-y, pull-cart things. We attempt to leave the aisle. Standing at the end of the aisle is a Mexican family of 3. We walk toward them. Do they move? No. We get closer to them. Do they move? No. We TURN AROUND and go up another aisle. Why? They wouldn't move.
Then, at the checkout instead of standing in LINES - the people are standing in a cluster. Yes friends, a cluster. The man behind me (who, I will say it - was scary) was less than an inch away from me. Why? So he could get that much closer to the checkout. ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
People do not get out of your way. Ever. They prefer to hit you with their elbow, their cart - whatever -- just so long as they're first.
Hence - my sister's piñata theory.
(Sorry - this is a long one.)
We're all familiar with piñatas, right? They're ever-present at Mexican childrens' birthday parties, and they're often times a much-loved character: Bugs Bunny, Strawberry Shortcake, Dora the Explorer, etc. In this case - it's Strawberry Shortcake.
The piñata is beautiful! It's colorful, it's attractive -- why wouldn't you want one?
Back to my sister's theory.
Ok, so the Mom of the birthday girl creates a Strawberry Shortcake-themed party -- complete with all of the acoutrements necessary: plates, napkins and of course, a Strawberry Shortcake piñata.
When it's time for the main event, the children all line up, youngest/smallest to oldest/biggest, with the youngest staged to go first. The moms position themselves to "watch" the festivities unfold.
The birthday girl's mom hands out small Strawberry Shortcake bags to the children to use as holders of their candy.
The children then proceed to beat the hell out of a character they love. Over and over again. Until it falls to the ground in pieces; innards spewing forth everywhere.
It's at this point that children and their moms run and charge at the candy-innards, collecting whatever they can. Children and adults get stepped on, pushed out of the way, and thrashed by these adults who are prizing filling their Strawberry Shortcake candy bags over the wellbeing of themselves, and more importantly others.
--
In the same way - life in Mexico can be compared to the moment when the piñata breaks. Get the hell out of the way - or you will get trampled.
What a lovely life lesson.
As it turns out
Bullet isn't here yet.
Friends - everthing takes a while in Mexico. I am SO not lying.
Grosser than Gross
>> Monday, September 11, 2006
Meet the Black Witch Moth.
(Blech. Ew. Shiver. Eye roll.)
They're native to Mexico and their wingspans can reach up to SEVEN inches. Ok, maybe not THAT big, but they're significantly larger than any moth I've ever seen in my entire life. I hate them, I hate them, I hate them.
(Some are football fans, though. One actually watched the OSU/Texas game with me on Saturday.)
TWO are currently sitting by the bathroom door, one IN the bathroom, at work. I am afraid to go to the bathroom, lest they attack me and steal my eyes.
They do not die easily, either. My brother tried to kill a couple of them the other night and it was ugly. As soon as he killed one, another appeared. They're in some sort of mob or something. I'm all for nature - but these are gross. They honestly look like little bats.
Check this out:
The Black Witch has a fascinating cultural as well as natural history. Known in Mexico by the Indians since Aztec times as mariposa de la muerte (butterfly of death). When there is sickness in a house and this moth enters, the sick person dies. (Hoffmann 1918) A variation on this theme heard in the lower Rio Grande Valley (Southmost Texas) is that death only occurs if the moth flies in and visits all four corners of one's house.Ugh. Read more...
I am uber-exciting
- Bullet should be here tomorrow, or sometime this week.
- I painted my toenails today.
- Yesterday I layed by the pool and read.
- Today I did laundry.
- It only costs $100 to fly a pet on American Airlines.
- I ate a wonderful hummus and pita sandwich today.
- I miss my husband, my dog, my bed, my house, my flowers, my dryer and my keyboard.
- I also miss my shower, my couch, all of my stuff, my shoes and my mattress.
- And I miss talking to my friends on the phone for less than 65 cents a minute.
I know, I know...my life is entirely too interesting. Read more...
Sheepish
>> Friday, September 08, 2006
I must admit, I'm struggling with some guilt feelings.
I've been busy. I haven't been communicating with people. Especially my friends and loved ones. It's not that I don't want to, really. It's just that I haven't had the time. This time difference thing is just rough. It's kinda huge. When I'm settling down for the night - my friends in Ohio are sleeping.
It's just a weird time right now. Please, please, please be patient with me.
Whew
It's been a whirlwind of 3 days.
I've met with our ad agency, discussed the magazine we're working on (...it's going to be great...), gone back and forth with copy writers (blech) and other ad people. (I was glad that the creative director wasn't there - I didn't have to battle anyone.)
I talked and talked, listened and listened, drove home some points and tried to appear much more intimidating than I will ever be. (Hopefully it worked.)
I also appeared friendly (yet firm) - because I'd like to think I am.
I schmoozed. And I'm tired.
I inhabited "office space" in a location that was not my office and I was able to pet a cocker spaniel and a german shepherd. (It's a dog-friendly ad agency.)
I listened to about a jillion people tell me that they'd love to move to Cabo.(Blah, blah.)
I frustrated my "client services representative." (Who cares.)
I slept in a hotel room, for the first time, by myself.
I very much so am still learning about my company; about my job; about what they were doing before I arrived. However, I'm excited to begin to pull things to gether - to make change - to start relationships - but most of all to help.
Ok - off to take a shower. I have to get up at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow in order to get a ride to the airport for my flight that leaves at 8:40 a.m.
So long. Farewell. Auf Viedersen
Ok
>> Thursday, September 07, 2006
I'm tired. Flew to Phoenix this a.m., went to the ad agency, worked, schmoozed, going to bed. Will blog tomorrow.
(This is the first time I've ever stayed in a hotel room by myself.)
Bullet update
Bullet was delivered to Arturo at the import agency in San Diego by 9 a.m. Wed. morning.
After a quick fax of the title, I think he'll be on the truck and on his way down the Baja on Friday. I should have my hands on the wheel (how exciting) by Sunday or Monday.
If only I could find my car keys...
Puh-hone-ix
Off to Phoenix tomorrow around noon to meet with the ad agency.
I shall blog later.
:-)
No news is good news
>> Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Lovely day. Sun was shining. 2 thumbs up.
Word is that the Pilates studio is closed until the 25th. (Huh? I just paid for 12 classes yesterday.) Bummer. I was hoping to grow an inch in one month. However, it's Mexico. Whatev.
All is well. Calm and well.
Bullet Update
>> Tuesday, September 05, 2006
According to Anthony the driver, Bullet will be dropped off in San Diego tomorrow a.m. at 8 to Arturo the import guy. Then, at some point will be traveling down the Baja into my loving arms.
:-)
Exciting stuff.
On a positive tip.
Reasons I am enjoying Cabo:
- It's gorgeous here. Really. Ridiculously.
- My work wardrobe. (skirts, t-shirts/cute shirts, shorts, sometimes flip flops. Awesome.)
- My roommate. Cute as a button.
- The sun.is.always.shining.
- My job.
- It's summer clothes all the time.
A downer, exercise, vegetables, Wilbur, Odors, Disney, Cookies
I just made the mistake of going through my dotphoto albums of my house. And my yard. And my Ohio life. (I really should know better than to do that at 12:24 a.m.)
Anywho, I miss. C.
That's about it.
I really hate it that he's at home and I'm here.
I'm keeping my chin up, as is he - this is precisely what we expected it to be: difficult.
So many couples do this. We can do it, I know. It still...in all honesty...blows.
What's most difficult is not knowing what's going on every second of his day. You know me. I'm a talker. I like to verbally process my entire life in the company of my best friend. And, most importantly - I like to fall asleep hearing him breathe. It's hard to do that over the phone.
I wish he'd just say, "I hate this. I'm quitting my job and I'll be in Cabo tomorrow." However, I know it's not possible. He has a job. Our dog. Our house. Our life. It's just not logistically possible.
I need to keep my eyes GLUED to the future.
(Someone stop me from blogging at night. I'm really becoming way too depressing.) Moving on.
--
Today was a good day. Slow, but ok. Pilates class #3was excellent. I love it. Then, we attended a Labor Day cookout/barbecue with several Americans, a couple of Mexicans and a Canadian. (I had to laugh...)
Dinner (for me) was perfectly lovely: sauteed mushrooms, grilled squash and asparagus, Cesar salad and 1/2 of a baked potato. A vegetarian dream.
--
Chloe and I read more of Charlotte's Web tonight. She was asleep after 3 pages.
--
My office at work got flooded/wet during the hurricane. It needs to dry out and then have the carpet cleaned. The odor is so pungent, I can't be in there. Ew.
--
The satellite (TV) is still out. I'm kind of thrilled that we don't have to watch the Disney Channel 24/7. Hasta Luego That's So Raven, Hannah Montana and Cheetah Girls. Sweet.
--
Mega (the super market) had chocolate chip, Chips Ahoy cookies when we stopped there tonight. I ate six of them. :-)
I hate ALL international cell phone service.
>> Monday, September 04, 2006
I'm being taken.
I am not even going to relay my cell phone bill total for the month. Let's just say I'm paying .59 cents a minute, along with a boatload of random surcharges that quite honestly, could be for anything.
Wow.
Again, ridiculous. Luckily, C. will be here in no time at all and my phone useage will drastically decrease. As far as everyone else goes - email me. Or text me. Or send a smoke signal.
Labor Day 2006
First off - I'm alive and well. I'm at the office and the internet JUST appeared. From heaven.
To sum up the past several days, I'd like to quote my brother:
"No satellite.
No electricity.
No internet.
No hurricane."
--
It was the weirdest thing, you guys. Just weird. When all of the reports were saying that Los Cabos was being pummeled, we weren't. Instead, our neighbors to the north, La Paz and another town, were SLAMMED. Hardcore. 125 mph winds and all. People are missing. Mudslides, you name it. Us? We were graciously spared. Why? God was good to us.
We got rain and wind, but didn't get nearly what we expected. I recognize that we're lucky. However, it's still very early in the hurricane season. Let's just say, the hurricane shutters won't be put away just yet.
My overall [random, as always] thoughts:
- Hurricanes, and the preparation of, are exhausting physically and emotionally.
- Preparation is the way to go.
- Worrying gets you no where.
- My husband is great.
- Generators are loud. As my sister said, "It's like listening to your neighbor mow his lawn. Constantly." For infinity.
- Love Actually is a fantastic movie. Hitch is a great movie. Elisabethtown was a quirky, yet enjoyable movie. Yours, Mine and Ours was a "never-need-to-watch-again" movie.
- Being in a home with one's family, for an extended period of time, is actually quite comforting.
- I find it nearly impossible to live without my cell and internet access. (At least in Cabo.)
- Forecasters/news media have no idea of what they speak/write. No clue at all.
- I officially loathe the smell of wet towels.
- We cannot, cannot, cannot ever control all of our circumstances. So, when we surrender to that truth, and decide to make the best of the situation -- all things work together for good.
So - this Hurricane John chapter is officially (as far as I'm concerned) closed. Read more...
cabo update
Hello,
This is craig again. The update is that the power came back on yesterday but the phone and internet is down. There was very little damage to anything in Cabo. Everything is almost back to normal and only needs a little cleaning.
Sept. 2, 8:02pm
>> Saturday, September 02, 2006
Hello everyone,
This is Craig just letting you know that Kylee is fine and everyone is safe. They did lose power early today so she can't update her blog. The weather is clearing and the hurricane shutters have been taken off. I'm not sure when they will get power again.
I will continue to keep you updated.
11:13 a.m.
We'll, I just read all of the news reports. It appears that La Paz (our neighbors to the North, same city where we took that helicopter ride and I almost experienced a reversal of fortune) got some damage.
It'll be interesting to actually see what happened.
Still windy, still raining. I think we're in the tropical storm part of it now.
7:15 a.m.
It's very,very windy and the rain is still falling.
We've got the pool and the in-house water issue under control.
It's back to bed (with my iPod, because it's too loud) for me.
We're exhausted.
6:20 am. - Forecasters & Media: Friend or Foe?
John is deciding to pay a visit right now.
Pretty windy, pool flooding, water coming in. Blech. However, it's under control.
Here's the deal:
I'd like to reiterate that the satellite maps mean nothing. Take for example the map above: The hurricane should be well past us. Is it?Who knows, we're getting more action right now than we have for nearly 30 hours.
I honestly believe that someone at the National Hurricane Center in Miami is sitting at his/her desk, photoshopping - or better yet, using colored pencils to create our "satellite maps," because none of them make any sense. None of it has even been remotely in line with what we've actually experienced.
Then there's the flippin' media. They've been reporting mis-information for the past 20 or so hours. Hey, that's cool. It's Labor Day. You don't have time to report on what is actually occurring, you have the last summer barbecue to get to. Instead you'd prefer to just write a catchy, "nik the Baja, crashing winds, pumelling the peninsula, thousands evacuated" -style article that scares Americans far and wide. That's coo. Whatev.
**rolling of the eyes**
Forecasters and news media are nuts. They're running the world. And we're believing them.
--
Sidenote: I am never going to sleep again. I.just.want.a.good.night's.sleep.
9:35 p.m.
>> Friday, September 01, 2006
We're done.
Storm's over. According to the news, we were schnookered, according to me: not. Everything is fine. I guess San Lucas got ankle-deep water (wooh). But that's it!
:-)
I am emotionally exhausted. :-) I worried about this (and made so many other people worry for me...) for so long and I'm so sorry I did.
Everyone - thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts! You saved us.
:-)
7:25 p.m.
WHATEVER.
I don't think we're getting anything. Seriously, this is great! Ridiculous, but great!
I can't get over the news media. They have absolutely no idea of what they're talking about. Get this MSNBC article; the headline reads:
"Hurricane Force Winds Wip into Baja;
Worst of John's Fury Expected to Bypass Resorts, Forecasters Say,"
Well, duh.
Not even 2 hours ago, MSNBC was telling people that we were getting hammered. Were we? No. Have we at any point? No. There really is not one forecaster physically down here. So where they're getting their info from, I do not know. I'm amazed. And annoyed. MSNBC has no idea.
6:20 p.m.
Yeah, so I think that really there is NO hurricane, it's just God's way of bringing us all closer together.
Yup.
We just watched the movie, "Yours, Mine and Ours," and we're going to be watching another one soon, I'm sure.
I think I might be forced to do some more online shopping. (Sorry, C.)
--
FYI: NONE of the news sources seem to be too on the money. I'd say as a general rule of thumb, don't believe anything they're saying.
4:47 p.m.
Ok, significant wind at this point. In the words of my sister, "It's starting."
So - here we are.
3:35 p.m.
Well, the wind has picked up. It's a bit rainy.
Let's just say, probably not the best time to go for a walk. :-) Or say, a horseback ride on the beach.
I'm kidding. It's nasty out there.
Stil bracing the for eye.
1:19 p.m.
Still no hurricane. It's just sitting there, about a hundred or so miles away. Collecting energy so that it can pound us.
The wind has REALLY picked up, as has the rain.
Currently: We're watching, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
I'm feeling the effects of my worrying from the past several days - I'm exhuasted. I'm hoping to sleep right through Mr. Hurricane John. (Yeah...right...) Off to my nap.
Later.
11:34 a.m.
Boy, it really is all about the wind - isn't it? The wind is definitely increasing, and it's still overcast. Not dark, yet. Just overcast.
Apparently we should be getting hit anytime now. The eye is coming closer.
The reality of the situation is bearing down a bit more on me. I've also come to find out that my laptop & the internet, and my phone - are pretty much my best friends. :-) Lol.
Anywho - anytime now.
I think that we'll be just fine. I feel much more confident with having my brother, B. here. He's served in two wars and has been all over to help emergency situation , most relevant - Katrina last year. Nice to be near a soldier in times like these.
So - I guess we're here. Waiting.
--
The house smells awesome right now. T. is making a pot of homemade pasta sauce right now. It smells amazing. So, at least we'll go down in a blaze of glory while smelling an awesome aroma.
:-)
10:31 a.m.
Still windy. The rain has stopped for a bit. Hurricane John has slowed down significantly, from about 14 mph to 7 mph. That's not necessarily a good thing. If it had continued at the higher speed, the theory is that it would be here and gone. If it slows, well, obviously, the storms slows and lingers. (Not what we want.)
The "big stuff' was/is supposed to hit us around 11:00 a.m. (in 28 minutes), and I'll be surprised if it does.
I'm totally and 100% over the waiting for hurricanes. Ugh.
--
Earlier this a.m. we had a bit of water in the house. It seeped in through the low-lying door and the slope that has created a small pool outside next to the family room wall and due to ill-arranged sand bags. Presently, everything's dry (for the most part), the furniture is on bricks, and all is well.
We (my sister, brother, niece, nephew, nephew's friend and I) all enjoyed a superb french toast breakfast (thank you T.). We'll soon be embarking on making pasta for dinner. Just to be ready.
So - that's that.
8:01 a.m.
(As always, click on the maps to make them larger. We're at the tip of the peninsula.)Can you believe we have internet access? I woke up this morning really thinking that we wouldn't. How weird.
Overnight the storm has been strengthened to a Category 3. (Looks like these ratings/categories on the Saffir-Simpson scale change frequently during the anticipation process. Interesting.)
Alright - well, nothing new to write about. Just waiting and watching and listening. I think I'll go back to bed. Read more...
1:09 a.m.
At this point the rain should be starting any time now.
According to the forecasts, the eye should be hitting us hardest at around 11:00 a.m. Cabo time. (1:00 p.m. T-town time.) Again, I think we're as ready as we'll ever be.
Emotionally, I'm nervous. Not really anticipating the whole, "experience-a-hurricane-your-first-week-here" thing. However, what can you do? When one moves to Los Cabos during hurricane season, one should expect it. (According to my sister, the area is actually due for some good ones.)
At this point, I think that tomorrow, well - I guess today, is going to be a LONG day.
--
When this is all said and done, I'd really like to just lay in the sun.
--
You know, I'm not afraid of the hurricane. I'm not afraid of the storms. I'm not even afraid of the thunder, lightening or waves crashing - I'm most afraid of not being able to communicate to C. that I'm ok. That I'm alright.
You know - that man never ceases to amaze me. Throughout this whole week I've been anything but stable. What with the new job, the move, and the distance and all....
Then - this whole "hurricane" thing arises and I'm that much more nervous. Still, my husband is there, all the while being sensitive, caring, encouraging, positive and most of all loving. Quite frankly - Hurricane John is once again underscoring that I married the right man. Seriously, I'm so blessed.
--
Ok, kids. I'm off to bed. (Yeah, as if I'm going to sleep. I'm more than likely going to go "shopping online." Why wouldn't I want to buy some shoes online and ship them home to C.?)
--
Last year at this time, I was preparing to go to Chicago for Jimmy Buffett's "Labor Day Weekend show." I got my hush puppies on, I guess I never was meant for glitter rock and roll...
--
Hasta Luego!
8:08 p.m.
>> Thursday, August 31, 2006
(Click the maps to make them larger.)At this point, Hurricane John has been downgraded to a Level 2 storm. (Of course, it can pick up speed and increase its' category at any point.) All those Ohio prayers must be working! As I told my sister, I feel much better starting with a Category 2, as opposed to a Category 4.
By tomorrow morning we should really be feeling it, as the eye should be directly on us around 11:00 a.m.
We're sufficiently prepared and are just in "wait" mood.
I'm feeling ok. I'm much more calm and feel better. (Thank you for your support - ALL of you.) Of course, who knows how I'll be tomorrow...
Anywho, at this point, all is well.
Overall thoughts: Its' amazing that these storms change and grow and shrink all at their own whim. I'm floored by this. If you go to this map on weather.com and watch the satellite of Los Cabos, it's amazing to see how the storm has decreased in size. But, could be huge again tomorrow morning. You really just never know. Amazing.
**Random Mexico Note:**
We just got back from McDonalds and it was awesome. Why? Because my niece ordered nuggets, pronounced, "New-gets." And, on the napkins, ketchup, straw station they also include an open container of another McDonalds condiment: jalapenos. Awesome. Mexico cracks me up.
Note: The fries totally tasted like "normal" U.S. McDonald's fries. And, the ice cream is super. Read more...
3:50 p.m.
Weather: Same as it's been. Warm, calm, overcast
H.J. update: We've been downgraded (phew) to a Category 2 hurricane. Now, that's great! However, the eye is still coming directly toward us. So...I guess we take some good with the bad.
And, the TV is working just fine.
And, I just had a snickers and it was great.
And, that's it.
2:54 p.m.
Weather: Looks overcast. Grey. Kinda windy, but Chloe and Marianna are still swimming. It's warm.
I think we're pretty well-prepared. The men are putting the sandbags around the sliding doors right now. Then, they'll be adding the shutters.
I took a shower. I'm fresh, clean and ready to roll. I braided my hair, put on eye shadow and mascara and my favorite lotion. Hey - why not look good for John? :-)
I think the satellite went. It's got the fuzzy screen-thing happening. I, do not want to be the one to tell Chloe this. She watches, "That's so Raven," "Cheetah Girls," and "Hannah Montana" each and every second that they're on.
(It occurred to me this a.m. that I missed Project Runway last night. Ugh. Yet another reason to hate this stupid hurricane.)
So, all in all - it seems like you just wait. I think the worst part of it supposed to hit at 5 a.m. in the morning. I'll continue to post for as long as I can!
My camera broke. Ok, something is wrong with the memory card. And, ok, I think I did it. Still, horrible timing. I'm going to get that little gizmo to work and take some pics.
I'm doing pretty well at this point. T. took me for a walk up the street so that I could see the varying elevations. I'm terrified of land/mud slides. (Unless they're in a glass in front of me.) I felt better because we're far enough away from the mountains to cause a significant slide, and the grate is very slight, nearly flat. So that made me feel better.
Alright, I'm out. Going to try to fix that camera and talk to my mom and sister.
12:53 p.m.
The first of the rain bands are coming in. It's gorgeous.
The ocean is getting more choppy.
It's definitely getting windy.
FYI
I've asked Craig to update my blog as he hears from me.
FYI: Craig's email address is craigbroughtonart@yahoo.com.
11:03 a.m.
Just finished getting all of the stuff in the yard, on the roof deck, etc., put away.
Patio furniture is in the house, cushions are tucked away, a million plants are in a good area.
Now, I think we just wait.
Yikes!
9:14 a.m.
It's beautiful here right now.
The ocean is a bit foggy - it's blending in with the land some.
But, you'd never know a storm was a-brewing.
--
I'd say the worst part about this hurricane business (at this point) is the waiting. The waiting for it to hit.
Oh I forgot...
(Read the post previous to this one first.)
This is amazing.
So, there must not be any sort of "Emergency Planning Network" in Los Cabos because there are people who live here (the natives), who have absolutely no idea that the storm is coming. None at all.
Today T. (sister) told Mena (housekeeper) and Javier (pool guy) about the hurricane. She got out her laptop and let them see. They had no idea. What?!?! We've known about the possibility since Monday. How do they not know? It's so different here. SO different.
So, what that means is that all of the Mexican laborers (even the ones that LIVE on the construction sites) are not preparing for 135 mph winds. Super. That, as my sister said, is when a two-by-four becomes a weapon and it becomes a war zone.
So these poor people, know nothing. UNbelievable.
--
Along those same lines, I'd like to offer a very sarcastic, "Thanks a lot," to the coverage of this hurricane. ALL of the weather websites are talking about flippin' Ernesto. It's a STORM. GET OVER IT. TELL us more about H.J. Ugh. If you ask me, weather.com blows. I may start a boycott right here, right now.
--
Another interesting thing I'm seeing/experiencing with this first hurricane is the mad dash for gasoline. Today on the 2o-or-so-mile drive from San Jose (where we live) to San Lucas (where Costco is) we passed two gas stations. The first looked as if it had 50 cars in line, the second - I'd say nearly 100. Amazing. I guess gasoline is the first thing to go. Obviously. Makes sense.
--
On a lighter note, when we went to Mega (the supermarket, similar to a Meijer, but a bit smaller), I had to laugh because all of the ramen noodles and Oodles of Noodles were off the shelves. It's nice to know that those two soups know no international boundaries. Everyone loves them.
Also - I don't think that Mexicans eat any Asian food. I was looking for Ramen, oriental flavor and it's a no go. However, they do have "spicy shrimp." Ew.
Why can't it just be a blizzard?
I was going to post another visual of the hurricane that is coming at us, but quite frankly, it just scares me even more. So. No visual with this entry.
It's early Thursday a.m., (2:13 a.m. T-town time), and I just got finished reading about as many reports as I could possibly find about Hurricane John. (From here on out called, "H.J.")
It's gone from being a Category 4, to be a Category 3. (Ok, ok, that's better...) However, I'm still not reassured. I guess when we wake up tomorrow, we'll probably start seeing the beginning stages of the whole flippin' thing. Rain caused by the bands around the hurricane, or whatever.
Tomorrow (Thursday) the shutters go up and the little things will be taken care of. (I.e. the rooftop deck plants, etc.) We've gone to Costco and Mega (supermarket) and have stocked up on a boatload of water, food, etc. We've got batteries, lanterns and even a small-medium-ish generator that will keep us sane. Not air-conditioned, but sane.
What scares me the most is the possibility of mudslides. I can't even imagine.
This area has succumbed to a Category 3 before. Anything above that? It's been years.
Still, if we could get out - I want to leave. I'm honestly and 100% petrified. However, I'm attempting to remain as positive as possible. My faith is in God, quite frankly, is what I like to rely on. He hasn't let me down yet.
So - the situation is what it is.
I just desperately wish that C. was here with me. I hate being thousands of miles away from him. I would imagine that it's just as horrible for him being far away and worrying, as it will be for me (and the fam) to go through this storm here. I hate this distance thing. To be quite honest, I just hate it.
Ugh.
So - here goes! I shall update for as long as we have internet access.
To see the status of Senor Hurricane John
>> Wednesday, August 30, 2006
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
(Scroll down to see Hurricane John activity.)
http://www.terrapin.com
We are going to get smoked
(Click on the image to make it larger.)At this point Hurricane John is coming RIGHT at us. If you take a look at the map above, you'll see that by Friday early a.m. we should be getting POUNDED. (We're the tip of that peninsula.)
I'm attempting to see if I can catch a flight out. As of right now, I still don't have all of my VISA/FM3 paperwork finished. That means that if I want to leave the country, I have to have a special "letter" from immigration that will allow me to board a plane out of MX.
I've requested a letter, (as did my sister who is in the process of becoming a Mexican citizen, so she doesn't have her VISA either.), and hope to get it ASAP tomorrow a.m. If I get the letter - and the airport is open, I'll leave. (I've got a flight on hold.)
If I get the letter and the airport is closed, well, then - I'm going to experience my first Level 4 hurricane.
As it turns out, I'm beyond frightened. However, I'm a strong faith-ed person, so I'm trusting that God will sort all of this nonsense out. I'm here, in Cabo, for a reason, no doubt.
EW.
(Wow, what a first week.) Read more...
Hurricane John increasing momentum
000
WTPZ31 KNHC 301435Read more...
TCPEP1
BULLETIN
HURRICANE JOHN ADVISORY NUMBER 9
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP112006
800 AM PDT WED AUG 30 2006
...HURRICANE JOHN NOW A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE...NEW WATCHES AND
WARNINGS ISSUED... (Katrina was a category five.)
I'm alarmed about this situation brewing. My sister is as well, as this
is her first tornado season as a [beautiful] home owner.
She's taking the necessary precautions at this point.
Put hurricane shudders on, buying water, gasoline, etc.
I, on the other hand, had the secretary check to see if I can even leave
the country. (My FM3 hasn't been granted to me yet,
therefore I need a "letter" to leave legally.)
I should have a letter by tomorrow a.m., at which time
the kids and I (or maybe just Chloe), will head to either
San Diego or Toledo.
I shall keep you all posted.
Your prayers are appreciated!
To quote the Beatles...
"It's getting better all the time..."
Today was a good day. I shall break it down into the highlights:
Emotionally: I'm improving. Not only did I not cry today, but I felt better. I think exercising, talking and taking each day at a time is helping. Plus, I'm surrounded by quite possibly the best support system ever - both physically, over the phone and via email. (Thank you.)
Hurricane: I'm interested in how Hurricane John is going to pan out. Apparently we're going to get hit. Not lightly. It's allegedly a category 3. I'm new to this whole "hurricane" business, but I can't say I'm overly comfortable with the idea. Especially after looking at this. (I keep checking the National Hurricane Center's website...) However, I'm sure all will be well. (Prayers are welcome.)
**Random Thought: Probably wasn't the best idea to check on the movement of the hurricane right before I go to bed. Nope. Probably not.
All in all: I'm excited about the job. And move.
Just as I had suspected: I miss C. tremendously. (If I could underline that, I would.) I also miss my dog. Read more...
Bullet Update
>> Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Talked to "Tim the Dispatcher," and my car is still in Wisconsin. It will remain there until after the holiday (Monday), then will get to San Diego sometime next week.
As soon as I've been assigned a driver, I'll receieve his name and cell phone number and I'll be able to chat with him whenever I need him. (Theoretically.)
Fun.
I want the whole coastal experience...or do I?
>> Monday, August 28, 2006
I soon might be experiencing my first tropical storm and hurricane!
Tropical Storm John is getting larger - (see photo above.) Bring on the rain!
(I'm right at the tip, where the "Fri. 5 P.M." is.)
Read more...
(I'm right at the tip, where the "Fri. 5 P.M." is.)
Overall "Back-to-Cabo" Report
It's definitely a season of change, for me. (To quote RENT.)
I'm very emotional these days - I think just about anything could make me cry. I'm not big on feeling like this, as I'd much prefer to laugh, however...I'm dealing. I'm transitioning, right?
Yesterday I commented to my sister that I couldn't find anything - I keep misplacing everything. If I set something down, I can't even a.) remember where I put it or b.) remember what I was looking for. I can't even speak without stuttering. I think I'm just utterly discombobulated or something.
Work went just fine today. After work, I had a small breakdown. (See above.) Then, went running on the golfcourse next to my sister's house with Kiera, my nephew's blue heeler. (She's awesome. A great running companion, as well.) And, now I feel much, much better. (Thanks to my brother's pep talk and my sister's unbelievably graciousness and hospitality.)
Tonight, I'm co-habitating with my new roommate: Chloe. .(7-yr-old niece). Pictures of her newly-designed room, to come. I am sleeping in her new twin sleigh bed, she is respectively sleeping in the trundle to my immediate right. It's the first night she's slept in her own bedroom in probably 2 years. (My brother had been inhabiting it previous to my arrival.)
Part of my "roommate" duties are that I read to her before bed. (I enacted these duties, as I love to read and I thought it would be good Auntie/Niece bonding time.) Tonight we read the first chapter of Charlotte's Web. And I don't know what was greater - reading a literary classic, or having Chloe lay on my shoulder as I read. **Sigh**
--
This experience, of living with my sister, niece, nephew and brother is bound to be memorable and wonderful. I'm so excited to interact regularly with these dear family members-0-mine. Quite honestly - this is just the coolest adventure ever.
--
Husband sidenote: C. is being wonderfully supportive right now. He deals with my emotions ever-so-gently and encouragingly. I'm so blessed and lucky to have him. I do love him with all my heart. It's a pretty great husband who encourages his wife to follow her dreams.
Mark your Calendar
Prepare to fly to Cabo on October 28th for the 8th annual, "Pimp N Ho Ball."
Click here for details.
Wow.
(Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew.)
(In no way, shape or form do I encourage anyone to really attend this. Ever. Also, there's no image with this post, as I refuse to post what is on the "Pimp N Ho" website.)
Ohio Vs. Mexico
>> Sunday, August 27, 2006
At this point I only have one reason: TV
I'm a watcher-o-the-awards shows. I highly enjoy them. The fashion, the acceptance speeces, I love it all. In order, I prefer: The Oscars, Emmy's, then the Screen Actor's Guild awards. (The other ones, I'm pretty much over.)
Anywho - EASTERN time gets to see the Emmy's tonight LIVE. Me? In MX? Nope, I have to wait another hour and a half to see them. By that time, I can just go to MSNBC.COM and read the results. They're three hours delayed here. Huge bummer.
Mexican coke can
Check out this great coke can. It's a vase or something, bursting with fun. Word.(Photo taken by nephew, Max.)
Update: As it turns out, T. just told me it's a coke bottle. I believe her exact words were, "Duh it's a coke bottle, dork." Lol.
Read more...
Update: As it turns out, T. just told me it's a coke bottle. I believe her exact words were, "Duh it's a coke bottle, dork." Lol.
Car update
Here's Bullet. On the rollback. Ready to go to Wisconsin, then San Diego, then Los Cabos.
(It was a sad moment. I must admit.)
I emailed the dispatcher today with the directions as to where Bullet needs to be delivered. We shall see! I'm sure all will be well.
Small Mexican Entrepreneur? Or Mini David Blaine?
Who: My brother
What: got scammed by a small Mexican child. (7,8 or 9 yrs. old?)
Where: At an outside bar in San Lucas
When: Buying coronas
Why: It's Mexico
How: This little girl sees B. standing by the bar ordering a beer. She walks up to him, uses two bar stools to stand up and essentially block him into where he was standing.
She shows him her little box of "candy" and wants him to put a peso in and take something.
He drops one in there and takes nothing. Turns away. She then won't leave him alone. Won't move. He can't get through b/c this little 45 lb. girl has him blockaded.
He says, "I already gave you a peso."
She says, "No."
I look through her little candy box to show her that the peso was in there. (I saw it drop in.) Was it there? No. That little scam artist grabbed the money out so quickly that we didn't see her do it. Look out David Blaine. This little Mexican child's slight of hand shenaningans might rival yours someday.
Amazing.
(Note: I think David Blaine is hot. That's why his picture is above.)
First celebrity sighting
Yesterday the fam and I ate lunch at the Cabo Surt Hotel's restaurant. Sitting next to us were:
Enrique Igleseias and his lovely (and hot) wife, Anna Kournikova.
I totally expected to them to be all over one another, but they weren't.
My thoughts:
- Enrique is built like C. Same height, size, etc.
- Enrique was wearing and odd amount of packed-on facial sunscreen. (Perhaps protecting the sensitive skin where his mole once was.)
- Anna had excessively long hair. However, she was wearing a black and white two-piece halter suit (sans a cover up) that looked amazing on her abnormally near-perfect body. (I didn't see any flaws, but I'm assuming that since she's human, she had at least one. However, I walked past her leaving the bathroom and she looked perfect.)
Very cool to see celebrties on my first real "I-moved-to-Mexico" day, however, it would have been a bit cooler had it been someone else. Say Nick Lachey and that Vanessa chick.
Word on the street is that Pink and Carey Hart are building a tattoo place down here, too. I guess they're going to do their next show from it. My sister says that Carey Hart is small, but confident. Pink, is also very short - but not small-boned. Pretty thick. Maybe I'll get to see them. Fun. Read more...
I'm here
I arrived in San Jose del Cabo around 1:30 p.m. Felt special because I didn't have to go through the tourist line, I got to go through the citizen line. Cool.
Had a great and eventful day. I'm exhausted.
I'll post more info later tomorrow.
It's real
>> Friday, August 25, 2006
Thanks to Junkyard, a.k.a. J., (our friend in Tulsa), my car was picked up by a driver on his way from Cleveland. Bullet, my car, is en route to Wisconsin for a couple of days then will make its' way to San Diego, CA.
Then, to Los Cabos.
In order for the driver to get my car on his car-mover, I had to call a local towing company. The man came with a flatbed trailer and loaded up my car. It was sad. Pictures to come.
Everyone pray, cross you fingers, do whatever you do - so that my car gets to San Jose del Cabo. Safely.
--
Serious side: Seeing my car loaded up made me think, "Yup. We're doing this." Wow.
**Highly Suggested Website**
>> Thursday, August 24, 2006
epinions.com
(Helpful in this nightmare of car moving.)
Eat. Eat. Eat. Can't we just talk at the park?
During this back-in-Toledo period I've tried to see many friends and family members. That's cool. Love it. However, what I'm noticing is that much of this socializing is occuring around one thing: food.
Yeah, I love food just as much as the next closet-over-eater. However, I'm sick of eating.
Yup, you heard it here.
Almost EVERY NIGHT we've eaten out together (just C. and I. We have no food.) or with others. I'm tired of it.
Why, if you want to see people, must we always eat or drink together? Thoughts?
Productivity at a High
It's been a hugely productive past few days.
I'm nearly ready to head back to Cabo.
I've:
- Cleaned my car in preparation for having it shipped. (Yeah, still roadblocked with that particular issue. However, it's ready to go.)
- Have bought all random necessities like contact solution, more sunscreen, perscriptions, etc.
- Have picked up all errands for my siblings.
- Have scheduled and reschedules Dr.'s visits.
- Have visisted the Dr.
- Have gotten stuff dry cleaned.
- Etc.
Got my itinerary
>> Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Back to cabo Saturday, August 26th, 8:55 a.m. (Blech.)
Excited. Why?
- To be in the job 100%
- To see my sister, brother, niece, nephew
- To be in a gorgeous area.
- To get closer to the date when C. can arrive.
Update on the Car Transport Issue
>> Monday, August 21, 2006
Chatted with my friends in Tulsa, OK. (L. & J.) and J. is a professional truck driver. Thankfully, he's called his best friend to see if he can help me out.
If not, he knows of a trustworthy, reputable place.
YAY for friends!
(I shall keep you posted on this.)
Is there ONE trustworthy car transporting company?
>> Sunday, August 20, 2006
Ok, so I'm searching for a reputable car transporting company to take my car from the Glass City to San Diego, to the important agency. (Then the important agency will bring my car down to Cabo.) Reputable is the key word, here.
I had this whole plan to go with X company. Well, I looked up X company on the Better Business Bureau website (why didn't I do this sooner?!?!) and they had an "F" rating. I'm not kidding. An "F."
The top 3 google search results for auto transport companies all came up with more than 26 complaints registered against them - if indeed they were even found on the bbb.org website.
So, I've spent the last several hours looking for other companies on google, checking them out on bbb.org, then submitting my info to their online quote forms.
I've gotten one back for $1,145.08 from an auto transporter in Tustin, CA. They've got an "A" rating at bbb.org. However, it looks like they've only been in business for two years. Is that something to be leary of? Yikes.
And, there was a spelling error in the return email. "Aren't" was spelled "arent." Oh geez. I'm getting really nervous.
And confused. I certainly don't want to send my car on some crazy truck with some crazy back-woods driver. You know what I mean?
C. made the sensitive comment that he's glad that my car is being sent first. That way we can "test it out." Nice. And thank you for that.
So, anyone know an auto transport company? Have any suggestions? Opinions?
Off to bed now.
Meet Brutus. The Jeep.
C. needed a new car for when he tours people in Cabo. Here it is.
I've named it Brutus. Why? Because it's silver, which is close to the color grey. Which is close to the combination of scarlet and grey. Which are Ohio State's colors. Whose mascot is Brutus the Buckeye.
See the connection?
(It's a Jeep Commander)
As it turns out.
>> Friday, August 18, 2006
I'm stressed.
(I'm writing about this on the Dos Pretzels site, because my stress is undoubtedly directly related to my impending move. Not that it's a bad thing, it's that...well, let's be real. Moving internationally without one's husband or dog, to start a new job, can be daunting.)
Anywho.
Dr. W. said that the reason why I'm experiencing back pain, stomach pain, headaches (and more symptoms that I don't want to get into), is because my allergies are flaring up (yay T-Town weather) and just good 'ole fashioned stress.
Perscription:
Some nose spray for the allergies.
Massage therapy for the stress.
Hook a sista up.
Me: "So, Dr. W. You're pretty much prescribing that I get regular massages?"
Dr. W.: (laughs) "Yes, you may want to continue them while you're in Cabo, too."
Me: "Well, I'm sold. I'm excited to tell C. about this."
Dr. W.: "I bet you are."
So friends, get this. My Dr. recomended that I get regular massages. Why, he nearly demanded it. "Kylee YOU NEED MASSAGES. REGULARLY." (Ok, so he didn't say that.)
Fantastic.
At least it's not like a regular colonic or something. Ha.
Still in T-Town
I'm working from home, which isn't terribly easy.
Doing Dr.'s appointments, car stuff and buttoning up of life details.
I can't believe I'm saying this - but I'm actually excited to go back to Cabo. I wanna start this 100%.
I think that C. is ready to go, as well. He's excited. And,we both can't believe how quickly the first 10 days flew by. We can totally do this.
We are, and I underscore, are in it to win it.
Shake and bake.
Crazy Week or so
>> Monday, August 14, 2006
The reason I'm back in T-Town to prepare to move, for good, to MX.
I've got a lot to do.
Dr.'s appointments, car stuff, car appointments, etc. Overall - I'm feeling a tad overwhelmed, but of course, it can all be done.
Time well spent
In the car trip to Virginia I participated in the "Instant Immersion" Spanish program. On tape. (Yup, it was on tape. Like 1991.)
I got it from the library.
I'm on tape #5 out of 8. I just re-learned how to ask for directions, and more importantly, how to understand them.
I'd pretty much be good to go if all Mexicans talked as slow as my tutor-lady.
So far, my favorite word is: bocacalle. (Intersection.) I like to say it. :-)
My initial thoughts on MX
>> Thursday, August 10, 2006
Said thoughts will be forthcoming...
Read more...I'm home
Got in around 10:00 last night.
(Missed Project Runway. Hoping to catch it later today.)
Flights were cool. Seeing Nattie - cooler. Seeing Craig - coolest.
A reason to move to Los Cabos
The sushi.
It's amazing. You'll find the best sushi in the world at NickSan.
If you ever vist me, let us partake there.
Un.be.liev.able.
www.nicksan.com/
Back to T-Town
>> Tuesday, August 08, 2006
I'll be en-route to Ohio manana.
Note: This photo is of the Great Gallery found in the Toledo Museum of Art.
C. and I were married in this gallery. It was gorgeous. Ahhh... Home...
Kissing Fool
When you arrive in Cabo, be prepared to kiss strangers.
They do the whole "cheek-kissing" thing here. FYI.
Today, I both kissed and receieved a kiss from a man by the name of Flemming.
How do I feel about it? I don't know.
Greetings in Mexico are usually very informal. However, a more formal manner is used when greeting an older person, parents of a friend, a professor, or a person one does not know well. A more formal greeting consists, for example, of a handshake and “good morning, how are you” with the formal use of “you.” When friends or close relatives greet one another, they usually hug or kiss each other once on the cheek. When greetings are being exchanged in a group, strangers are expected to be introduced by a mutual acquaintance. In some instances, people who have just met may choose to kiss each other on the cheek, but a handshake can also suffice, even when greeting close friends.
Update on my FM3
Today I should be getting my work visa back. VERY cool. I’m excited.
So, essentially this means I can come and go, and work, legally.
Mo-peds are the new wave.
Do you want pizza delivered in Cabo? It.can.be.done.
Domino’s pizza exists. You call. You order. Then, you either pick it up, or have it delivered.
If it were me, I’d have it delivered. Why? Because I cannot even look at the pizza deliverers without cracking up. (I saw one the other day.)
Seriously, the pizza delivery boy wore a full-face covering helmet (it’s like 100 degrees), complete with advisor. He sat upon a red mo-ped (hahahahahaha) with a square milk-crate shaped heater attached (via a bunjee cord?) to the back. The sound is like that of a swarm of about 13 bees. ZZZZZZZ… If I used the word “jankey,” now would be the perfect time.
The driver’s knuckles appeared to be white and tight as he appeared to pray that his little weed-wacker on wheels made it up the 90 degree, cobblestone street. It was hilarious.
Hilarious.
The only thing better than watching the mo-ped go up the hill, was watching the pizza guy go down the hill.
Quite honestly, he would have been safer walking his moped up the hill and then walking it down the hill.
Unbelievable. Mexico is great.
(Note: the picture at top was googled. But, it accurately represents what we're dealing with down here.)
Spacecamp is probably out of the question.
>> Monday, August 07, 2006
So, on Friday I had the opportunity to ride in a chopper, a.k.a. "helicopter."
Not good.
The mogul owns said helicopter and I, along with the V.P. (my sister), the Sales guy (G.) , the mogul and the co-pilot hopped in the helicopter for the normally 2 hr. drive/trip to La Paz. (North of Cabo. I think.)
You must know:
- I did not eat breakfast prior to takeoff.
- I did not eat lunch prior to takeoff.
- I get motion sick.
- It was hotter than all-get out, with humidity at like 70%.
- The normal drive to La Paz is normally dangerous and hugely frustrating. Think: two-lane highway. Behind semis. With crazy Mexican drivers. (I can say that. Why? Because none of them actually have to go to school or take any sort of driver's training. Kinda like Michigan drivers...)
About 3/4 of the way there, my sister duly noted that I was turning a lovely shade of green.
Long story short, I made it to La Paz without experiencing any reversals of fortune. I was thankful. Why? Throwing up in front of your new boss and perfect strangers would be amazingly humiliating. I would henceforth be monikered "the puker." I attempted to avoid that at all costs.
I stayed strong.
Ok, sort of.
After touchdown (I act as if it was a flippin' space shuttle), we stopped at a pharmacia and bought some Mexican-version of bonine. (Interesting fact: Mexican drugas do not come with directions...interesting...) After that time, I ate and was fine.
Ride back: I did alright. And, we rode over the coast. It was gorgeous. At least it was each time I felt well enough to not puke when I turned my head.
My sister said I was, and I quote, "a trooper."
For the rest of the evening I layed on the sofa. I watched a lovely movie. Love Actually. Anyone seen it? I enjoyed it.
In sum, me and the helicopter did not mix.
Read more...My favorite Spanish words/sayings:
1.) Quesadilla. I love them. I think they are great.
2.) Ocho. We count to "ocho" in my belly dancing class, for the stretching/exercising portion. "Ocho" means we can stop doing that particularly painful exercise. "Uno, dos, tres...ocho!!!"
3.) "What is up?" I notice that some of the Mexicans I am hearing say "is" in between "What's up?" I love it.
4.) Pop tarta. Hee hee. I think it's cute.
To be updated, I'm certain.
I'm alive
Have patience with me! I have much to write about:
- Helicopters
- Cabo Wabo
- Sunning
- Books
- Funny Chloe
- Spanish
- Lack of web access
- Cingular
- Rain
- Overall thoughts about Cabo
Pasta y Fanta
>> Thursday, August 03, 2006
Yesterday makes me smile.
Did the work thing. Then, T. and I took a great walk. There's a Jack Nicklaus (sp?) golf course going in right next to her house, so we walked at least 2 miles in there. It was gorgeous. The sunset was stunning, too. And, the crash of the waves has yet to start getting old.
After the walk, the fam loaded up in the Genovia (Cadillac Escalade) and went for pasta.
Very good. Enjoyed it. We were starving. (I wore a white shirt. No sauce. Go me.)
After pasta, we visited the plaza. According to T., the plaza is where the Mexican community congregates. They just hang out there. It's essentially a very large tiled-area (think football field? About.) with a sort of large gazebo in the middle, a stage at one side and people scattered about. It's well-lit and quite safe. Kids run everywhere.
Which bring me to my favor part of the night:
Picture it: Cabo, around 9:00 p.m. Me, Trish and Bry sitting on a park bench watching a game of sorts unfold.
Kick ball? No. Catch? No. Running bases? No. Soccer? No.
"Kick the Fanta bottle."
Yup - that's what kids play in MX.
Marianna and Chloe kicked the empty fanta bottle back and forth for quite some time. The bottle, which was called a "ball" at one point by Marianna, actually worked quite well.
(Trish and I decided that in Mexican homes the Fanta bottle could be used for many things: a candle holder, a glass, a maraca... what am I forgetting Trish?)
Anywho, the irony of 3 Americans sitting in a Mexican plaza watching two barefoot "Mexican" girls kicking a plastic bottle on concrete seemed very National Geographic.
Serious angle: How simple. How fun. How great. That's a memory. "Hey, remember that one time in the plaza? With the fanta bottle?"
Photo to come.
No deseo hablar español. (I don't want to speak spanish)
>> Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Nope, I find myself just blocking it out.
That can't be good. (But, it is only day two.)
--
Way too early this a.m., Mena (my sister's housekeeper) asked me if spoke Spanish.
I said, "a bit." She then proceeded to give me what sounded like her entire life story - all with questions at the end of each few sentences. I was like, "Huh? What? What are you saying? What are you asking me?"
She may have just asked if she could make my bed, or if she could have all of my clothes. I don't know.
I guess I'll find out after work.
Work Day Numero Uno...Done
>> Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Great day today. The morning consisted of sleeping in and a shower. The afternoon consisted of visiting the office, reading, asking questions, and feeling like a newbie.
The weather is lovely. Gorgeous, in fact.
The ocean sounds delightful. Waves crashing and all.
Tonight I took part in belly dance class. It was difficult. I am not good.
I'm off to bed.
:-)
I'm feeling: tired, still excited by this adventure, and of course...I miss Craig. Tremendously.
Oh note: The 'ole Cingular phone did indeed work. Verizon? Nah, not so much.
I'm here!
Ok, forgive me - it's late and I'm tired. This may just be a mess of a post. (I'm too tired to post an image, too. FYI.)
But - I'm here!
It was a long day. Note to self: take the early flight out of DTW whenever possible.
The first flight was filled with show cats, 3 ill-behaved male children and no arm rests.
The second flight was heaven. A sheer delight. Smooth take-off, smooth-landing. And - get this: I had a whole row to myself. A WHOLE row. Beautiful.
Immigration/customs in Cabo also went well. Very quick. Very. No problems there. Although, I am not all that great at manuevering two large suitcases. I kept hitting walls, poles and a couple of tourists. Ah-well.
Another note: Don't ever buy silver luggage. It's awesome that you can find it so quickly on the little luggage turnstyle thingy - but it's just so dirty already. Ugh.
Right as I was finished going through customs, I exited and heard, "Aunt Kyleeeeeee!!!! Helloooo!!!!" :-) Chloe was there, with her friend Marianna (sp?) and Bry. Super-great. Super lovely. Trish was in the car waiting. Very nice. Very nice.
We got back to the house in no time at all to find that the girls' had concocted a surprise for me. A LOVELY, heart-shaped cake (go TRISH.) with amazing decorations in a confetti-style of colors. Loved it. It said, "Tia Kylee, Bienvenido!" (Welcome, Aunt Kylee!" ) SO NICE. We also had champagne (me, Trish and her best friend, Aida (sp?) and we toasted my new adventure. I believe the toast, which was eloquently said by my brother, was "Here's to more estrogen in the house." :-)
After the lovely cake, we ate and chatted by the pool. Then, Chloe took me by the hand and showed me to my "suite." (Max's room. He's away. At camp.)
I'm currently residing in the very comfortable suite, with the lovely, cream-colored sheets and creamy vanilla scented candle. It's positively perfect.
So, I'm feeling: excited. exhausted. loved. ready.
I'll start my workday around noon tomorrow. I'm pumped.
Did I mention that I already heard the ocean?
My brother has already asked me if I'm ok several times and I must say, I appreciate it. A lot.
The support I'm going to receive from my family in the next coming months is going to be precisely what I need. (Note: Just now, I phoned my brother, who is in the next room, to tell him that I think I saw a mouse. :-) He came over and checked it out. Yup. I'm thankful for family.)
Goodnight.
I can feel the love.
>> Sunday, July 30, 2006
Meet Tootsie. My Mom's toy Yorkie.She's incredibly thoughtful and wishes me luck on my adventure.
Cabo Eve
Thank you! Your kinds words and hugs are much appreciated. (You know, since I'm a hugger.)
Tomorrow is indeed the big day!
I fly out of Detroit at 2:59 p.m.
Arrive in Dallas at 4:40 p.m.
Leave Dallas at 7:25 p.m. (ew. Long layover.)
Arrive in Cabo at 9:05 p.m.!
You know, I have a feeling that this really is going to be somewhat anti-climatic. Which is ok with me. I suspect that our "goodbye" (C. & I's) will be very "normal." We've done as much as a month apart from one another. So, this 10-day jaunt is a "warm-up." Very do-able.
However, I must admit, I'm still floored that tomorrow our adventure begins. It's like the day before Christmas. It's Cabo Eve.
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