You know how when you make a decision and instantly you question yourself? Oh, come on. I know you all do. I do it - constantly. That's what I am in the process of doing right now. Should I have eaten that cookie? Maybe I shouldn't have signed that cell phone contract. I should have worn the sweater, it's too cold for just a jacket. Yes, yes, I should have worn the sweater.
But then I am reminded by many people in my life, that we get to make a decision, wear it around for a while, and then if we want, we can make another decision, or a hundred more. So there's that. But it's still a lot to think about.
So yeah -
Good news, there were 3 students in my morning class yesterday. I think that's some kind of record for me. I'm starting to wonder how summer session will look there. The dean says that enrollment goes down but I'm not sure it can get much lower. Another teacher and I decided that this generation (yes, in fact, my own generation) has a major problem with apathy. And we have no idea what to do about it. Political apathy, societial apathy, personal apathy, you name it.
So what are you apathetic about? (by the way, apathy means lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference for those of you apathetic to vocabulary).
I am apathetic, to an extent about politics. Try as I might, volunteering for campaigns, debating until I'm blue in the face, etc. I can't feel a sense of change with the state or national political scene. Maybe it's that I don't know how to get involved in the right way. So I don't anymore.
Okay - enough rhetoric for now. It's off to check things off my to-do list! Later gators:-)
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Bird by Bird...
There are so many things I want to blog about I'm not sure where to start. But as Anne Lamott says, "Take it bird by bird," so here goes:
As I drive to school on Sundays, downtown, there is always a group of peace demonstrators (do we call them protestors anymore...if someone knows the PC term of the day, please fill me in ) standing on the sidewalk. They have their signs: "Jobs not bombs," "Honk for peace," "Bring our troops home," etc. And I wonder, as I drive by and see them smiling, what it is they think they are accomplishing. I'm not saying I'm for bombs or war or not bringing our troops home but I wonder what protesting like this actually accomplishes. But it's a big thing for these people, they are out every Sunday, rain or shine, and even last Saturday on the main drag in town, there were hundreds then, there are usually just 40 or so on any given Sunday.
Maybe I just wasn't born in that era or I'm not that type of political mind. I wonder if they wouldn't accomplish just as much by walking down and praying at the Catholic church that's always letting out at the same time.
Is it enough to raise social consciousness? Couldn't they be doing something instead? My grandma talks about WWII and how she sold war bonds and rolled bandages and worked at the canteen on the weekends to keep up the spirit of those wounded who would come to the hospital in Jackson. I just wonder how protesting accomplishes anything. Maybe it does. I don't know.
So that's my thought on that subject. Moving on....
It's been a good week. And - drumroll please....I've completed 21 pages of my novel, almost 11,000 words. It's about 1/6 of the way done if you look at length. And I'm excited by it. And others are too which is more exciting:-) I can't wait for you all to read it in hard cover. (And if you ask really nice I might let you skim it for free now!).
Alrighty - I am off to watch some Crossing Jordan and eat cookies and milk (3 of my 1 point cookies that rock!). Night all:-)
As I drive to school on Sundays, downtown, there is always a group of peace demonstrators (do we call them protestors anymore...if someone knows the PC term of the day, please fill me in ) standing on the sidewalk. They have their signs: "Jobs not bombs," "Honk for peace," "Bring our troops home," etc. And I wonder, as I drive by and see them smiling, what it is they think they are accomplishing. I'm not saying I'm for bombs or war or not bringing our troops home but I wonder what protesting like this actually accomplishes. But it's a big thing for these people, they are out every Sunday, rain or shine, and even last Saturday on the main drag in town, there were hundreds then, there are usually just 40 or so on any given Sunday.
Maybe I just wasn't born in that era or I'm not that type of political mind. I wonder if they wouldn't accomplish just as much by walking down and praying at the Catholic church that's always letting out at the same time.
Is it enough to raise social consciousness? Couldn't they be doing something instead? My grandma talks about WWII and how she sold war bonds and rolled bandages and worked at the canteen on the weekends to keep up the spirit of those wounded who would come to the hospital in Jackson. I just wonder how protesting accomplishes anything. Maybe it does. I don't know.
So that's my thought on that subject. Moving on....
It's been a good week. And - drumroll please....I've completed 21 pages of my novel, almost 11,000 words. It's about 1/6 of the way done if you look at length. And I'm excited by it. And others are too which is more exciting:-) I can't wait for you all to read it in hard cover. (And if you ask really nice I might let you skim it for free now!).
Alrighty - I am off to watch some Crossing Jordan and eat cookies and milk (3 of my 1 point cookies that rock!). Night all:-)
Dad's a star!
My dad's the focus (well Dad and his State Forest Tree Improvement Center) of this cool article from the Ann Arbor news:
http://www.mlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1143214829214280.xml?aanews?NEL&coll=2
Check it out!
http://www.mlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1143214829214280.xml?aanews?NEL&coll=2
Check it out!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Failure to keep me occupied
Sarah's movie review for the day. (Because I know you all care so much!)
I saw Failure to Launch last night, the romantic comedy with Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker. It was cute, it had all the right ingredients (trust me, I checked them off on my little screenwriter's 7-beats list), and had some funny moments. But it was just an okay movie. Who I really liked were the supporting cast, and I see this more as a trend lately. Sarah Jessica's roommate was hilarious in the movie, as were Matthew's friends. I even liked the parents, Terry Bradshaw and Kathy Bates and thought the screen lit up a little more when they were in the scene. And I thought Matthew's nephew in the movie was adorable, and I secretly applauded the use of an African American actor in this role within a sea of white faces with blond hair. Another notch for colorblind casting.
But something in the movie failed to move me, to make me sit up and pay attention, to drag me into their world. As with most romantic comedies, we already know the ending before the beginning credits roll so that's not the problem. But something was missing. So if any of you have seen it and want to comment, I'd love to hear. But it was a cute movie, with some good jokes, and some slapstick which is never a bad thing. So spend you $3.50 or $6.00 or $8.25 and you tell me what it's all about!
I saw Failure to Launch last night, the romantic comedy with Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker. It was cute, it had all the right ingredients (trust me, I checked them off on my little screenwriter's 7-beats list), and had some funny moments. But it was just an okay movie. Who I really liked were the supporting cast, and I see this more as a trend lately. Sarah Jessica's roommate was hilarious in the movie, as were Matthew's friends. I even liked the parents, Terry Bradshaw and Kathy Bates and thought the screen lit up a little more when they were in the scene. And I thought Matthew's nephew in the movie was adorable, and I secretly applauded the use of an African American actor in this role within a sea of white faces with blond hair. Another notch for colorblind casting.
But something in the movie failed to move me, to make me sit up and pay attention, to drag me into their world. As with most romantic comedies, we already know the ending before the beginning credits roll so that's not the problem. But something was missing. So if any of you have seen it and want to comment, I'd love to hear. But it was a cute movie, with some good jokes, and some slapstick which is never a bad thing. So spend you $3.50 or $6.00 or $8.25 and you tell me what it's all about!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Best and worst of days
It was the best of days and it was the worst of days. As a teacher that is:-) I had one student show for my first class, and an hour late. So there was that. But then I went to my next class where we had an awesome discussion about the types of nonverbal communication. It was one of those classes that seemed to last ten minutes but we were still talking when class ended. We could have gone another hour or more, it was so great. So that rallied my spirit tremendously.
I had an interesting conversation tonight about expectations and choices and how we set our expectations so high that when we fail to meet them, as we inevitably will do from time to time, that we almost can't stand it. That we come down so hard on ourselves, much harder than anyone else could. If we were a friend of ours, we would be so kind but we're not and that's interesting to me. We have the choice to make the expectations that high or not and to treat ourselves well or not. I like knowing that, realizing that.
Also - I read an article by Anne Lamott tonight (probably my favorite writer ever, she just rocks!) and she talked about how if we aren't happy with ourselves now, we won't be happy with ourselves 20 pounds from now. That's an interesting theory. What, besides me, stops me from being happy right here. Now. Today. This very moment.
The answer is nothing. Absolutely nothing. We get to make the choice to be happy or not. What a concept.
So tonight I choose to be happy. I choose to recognize I have choices, limitless, unimaginable, exciting choices.
Right now I choose to sit back, wrap up in my afghan (made by my mom! it's the best blanket ever), and relax. And be happy. :-)
I had an interesting conversation tonight about expectations and choices and how we set our expectations so high that when we fail to meet them, as we inevitably will do from time to time, that we almost can't stand it. That we come down so hard on ourselves, much harder than anyone else could. If we were a friend of ours, we would be so kind but we're not and that's interesting to me. We have the choice to make the expectations that high or not and to treat ourselves well or not. I like knowing that, realizing that.
Also - I read an article by Anne Lamott tonight (probably my favorite writer ever, she just rocks!) and she talked about how if we aren't happy with ourselves now, we won't be happy with ourselves 20 pounds from now. That's an interesting theory. What, besides me, stops me from being happy right here. Now. Today. This very moment.
The answer is nothing. Absolutely nothing. We get to make the choice to be happy or not. What a concept.
So tonight I choose to be happy. I choose to recognize I have choices, limitless, unimaginable, exciting choices.
Right now I choose to sit back, wrap up in my afghan (made by my mom! it's the best blanket ever), and relax. And be happy. :-)
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Almost time to get Lost
This will be quick as I'm about to go be stranded on my couch watching my favorite island folks:-)
I just completed my to-do list and I feel so good about it I could dance! Isn't it a great feeling when you accomplish all that you wanted to? I had a list of work to do today and I got it all done plus some. Angela helped me with this by reminding me to do one thing at a time. I have problems with that concept. I often attempt to do multiple things at once. Such as dinner tonight. I was attempting to cook my own dinner, make soup for tomorrow's dinner, and make a taco salad for tomorrow's lunch simultaneously. And I realized I couldn't. So I stopped. I put things away and concentrated on one thing at a time. Thank God, literally, for Angela!
But back to the list - of course, I put writing off until the end, even though logically I know better. I know I should "pay myself first" just as I do by putting even $10 into my savings before writing one check. But I put it off and off. I read a book instead, I wrote lesson plans for the rest of the semester, I wrote lectures, I did laundry, I even emptied the dishwasher. I read a magazine. I did grades. I graded papers. Until all that was left on my to-do list was write 500 words.
And then I ran across this quote today, "If you really want to do something, you'll find a way; if you don't, you'll find an excuse." So I decided if I really want to be a writer, I had to find some way to get beyond that fear that paralyzes my fingers on the keyboard at times and just write.
I reread what I've been working on then opened a new word document. And I wrote. 593 words to be exact. I overachieved. And it feels good. I feel like I can rest for a bit, go watch Lost, and enjoy my evening. And know that I am a writer because I did it:-)
I just completed my to-do list and I feel so good about it I could dance! Isn't it a great feeling when you accomplish all that you wanted to? I had a list of work to do today and I got it all done plus some. Angela helped me with this by reminding me to do one thing at a time. I have problems with that concept. I often attempt to do multiple things at once. Such as dinner tonight. I was attempting to cook my own dinner, make soup for tomorrow's dinner, and make a taco salad for tomorrow's lunch simultaneously. And I realized I couldn't. So I stopped. I put things away and concentrated on one thing at a time. Thank God, literally, for Angela!
But back to the list - of course, I put writing off until the end, even though logically I know better. I know I should "pay myself first" just as I do by putting even $10 into my savings before writing one check. But I put it off and off. I read a book instead, I wrote lesson plans for the rest of the semester, I wrote lectures, I did laundry, I even emptied the dishwasher. I read a magazine. I did grades. I graded papers. Until all that was left on my to-do list was write 500 words.
And then I ran across this quote today, "If you really want to do something, you'll find a way; if you don't, you'll find an excuse." So I decided if I really want to be a writer, I had to find some way to get beyond that fear that paralyzes my fingers on the keyboard at times and just write.
I reread what I've been working on then opened a new word document. And I wrote. 593 words to be exact. I overachieved. And it feels good. I feel like I can rest for a bit, go watch Lost, and enjoy my evening. And know that I am a writer because I did it:-)
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
It's a little after 10am on Tuesday morning. I'm at work. However, I cannot do my job because not a single student has showed up for class. I have 9 registered but no one came today. I thought I hit a low 2 weeks ago when I had one student come. Today we have a new low folks. So I'm doing some things to pass the time, checking email, organizing files, checking voicemail. In a minute or two I'll start grading papers for students who actually come to a different class at a different school. It's days like today when I realize I may not have needed to get out of bed after all. Apparently not a soul would have missed me if I had stayed at home and done the exact same things I am doing, except in my pajamas that have Tinkerbell emblazened on the front. Hmmm....
Oh yeah, and to top it all off - it's the first full day of spring. And it's snowing. Just flurries but still - frozen percipitation.
I'm going to go sit at my teacher's desk now and pretend to be a teacher:-) It feels a little like when I was younger and we'd play school and I'd move things around in my briefcase (my dad gave me his and I thought it was the coolest thing - I kept such important things in there, everything from my fashion designs to my house plans to my doll's bib) and talk to the empty room. Except Angela was always there, and sometimes a neighbor friend. Today though, it's just me.
Oh yeah, and to top it all off - it's the first full day of spring. And it's snowing. Just flurries but still - frozen percipitation.
I'm going to go sit at my teacher's desk now and pretend to be a teacher:-) It feels a little like when I was younger and we'd play school and I'd move things around in my briefcase (my dad gave me his and I thought it was the coolest thing - I kept such important things in there, everything from my fashion designs to my house plans to my doll's bib) and talk to the empty room. Except Angela was always there, and sometimes a neighbor friend. Today though, it's just me.
Monday, March 20, 2006
It's Monday. I feel like I should blog but I don't have much to blog about. I scheduled classes today at Valley for the fall, no contracts just penciled my name in. I'm not sure where I'll be come September fifth, it seems so far away though I know it's not. Think about what can happen in six months. What can you do? What could you learn? I'm hoping to have a few drafts of my novel complete by then. Hoping to have a different, better paying job. Hoping to be doing something exciting. It's so odd to think of fall on this, the first day of spring. But time goes so quickly it seems we have to plan for all our tomorrows today.
I'm going to go read for a bit - I luxury I have decided I don't afford myself enough. I'm reading this great book I just got from the library: Blowing my cover, My life as a CIA Spy and other misadventures by Lindsay Moran. I heard her give an interview a few weeks ago and was fascinated by 1) her story and 2) that the CIA vetted her book and let it be published, blemishes about the agency and all. It's a great read, fast-paced and so behind-the-scenes. I once applied to work at the CIA and I imagine that I too had this skewed view of life there as Lindsay says she had when she started. It seems the real life of a spy is more paperwork and less intrigue. Just a little less action packed than my beloved Alias makes it out to be.
Enjoy your first day of spring everyone! I promise to try and be more interesting tomorrow:-)
I'm going to go read for a bit - I luxury I have decided I don't afford myself enough. I'm reading this great book I just got from the library: Blowing my cover, My life as a CIA Spy and other misadventures by Lindsay Moran. I heard her give an interview a few weeks ago and was fascinated by 1) her story and 2) that the CIA vetted her book and let it be published, blemishes about the agency and all. It's a great read, fast-paced and so behind-the-scenes. I once applied to work at the CIA and I imagine that I too had this skewed view of life there as Lindsay says she had when she started. It seems the real life of a spy is more paperwork and less intrigue. Just a little less action packed than my beloved Alias makes it out to be.
Enjoy your first day of spring everyone! I promise to try and be more interesting tomorrow:-)
Friday, March 17, 2006
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all you Irish folks out there (or everyone else who just loves an excuse to drink too much green beer and eat disgusting foods, well in my opinion anyway)!
It's been a good day here in my world. I worked out this morning, which felt good and bad (good in that I did it, bad in that my legs yelled at me the whole time and my arm really threw a fit), and then had a massage. For those of you uninitiated folks, a massage is pure bliss, try it, you won't regret the $60 or so you have to fork over. A wonderful friend gave me a gift certificate so it was doubly sweet, free bliss. It's amazing all that happens when your body feels good. And my favorite part (beyond the finger and face massage time) is when the therapist puts the blanket back over you and puts her hands lightly on where she just massaged. It feels spiritual, honestly.
So enough about my wonderful morning. There's more news - good news in fact: I cleaned my bathroom this afternoon, without incident. For those of you who remember the hydrochloric acid in the eye requiring an ER visit incident of '05 you'll be glad to know I've switched to those cool foam, detergent covered bathroom scrubbies and things worked just fine. Also, because I've officially done my spring cleaning I'd like Mother Nature to officially declare it spring and turn up the outside thermostat. Okay? Thanks.
I'm off to hang out with a friend, visit with her kids, give them presents from Mexico, then do some writing with her. We're working on her book and mine, which is terribly exciting. So if you happen by the Barnes and Noble on Westnedge tonight, look me up! Adidos.
It's been a good day here in my world. I worked out this morning, which felt good and bad (good in that I did it, bad in that my legs yelled at me the whole time and my arm really threw a fit), and then had a massage. For those of you uninitiated folks, a massage is pure bliss, try it, you won't regret the $60 or so you have to fork over. A wonderful friend gave me a gift certificate so it was doubly sweet, free bliss. It's amazing all that happens when your body feels good. And my favorite part (beyond the finger and face massage time) is when the therapist puts the blanket back over you and puts her hands lightly on where she just massaged. It feels spiritual, honestly.
So enough about my wonderful morning. There's more news - good news in fact: I cleaned my bathroom this afternoon, without incident. For those of you who remember the hydrochloric acid in the eye requiring an ER visit incident of '05 you'll be glad to know I've switched to those cool foam, detergent covered bathroom scrubbies and things worked just fine. Also, because I've officially done my spring cleaning I'd like Mother Nature to officially declare it spring and turn up the outside thermostat. Okay? Thanks.
I'm off to hang out with a friend, visit with her kids, give them presents from Mexico, then do some writing with her. We're working on her book and mine, which is terribly exciting. So if you happen by the Barnes and Noble on Westnedge tonight, look me up! Adidos.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
It's the weekend for me. Yep, Thursday nights are my Friday nights in that I teach Sundays. It's kinda nice, and it is snowing here today so I decided to hibernate tonight. I'm going to do some work, eat some supper, watch some tv, cross-stitch a little and write. Yes, the elusive writing. As you may know, I'm working on a book, about those left behind when family members/friends are deployed to Iraq. If anyone has an insight into this, feel free to share. But it has broader themes: loneliness, independence, commitment, love, friendship, bravery, etc. It's fun and exciting to be creating this world, to be meeting these people. As Virginia Woolf said, "arrange whatever pieces come your way." And that's all I'm doing, arranging the pieces.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Where Does the Good Go
by Tegan and Sara (So Jealous CD)
Where do you go, with your broken heart and tow?
What do you do, with the left over you?
And how do you know when to let go?
Where does the good go? Where does the good go?
Look me in the eye and tell me you don't find me attractive
Look me in the heart and tell me, you won't go
Look me in the eye and promise that no love's like our love
Look me in the heart and I'll be broken, it won't happen
It's me to believe, if it breaks the seal
I'm always thinking you would be real
Love me and I feel strong and cold
Where does the good go, where does the good go?
Where do you go, when you're in love and the world knows?
How do you live so happily, while I am sad and broken down?
What do you say it's up for grabs, now that you're on your way down?
Where does the good go? Where does the good go?
These are the lyrics from the song that I'm currently obsessed with. I found it on the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack which I love (I am addicted to soundtrack's, check out the Garden State CD for more awesome music) - and I can't get it out of my head. So I thought I'd share the lyrics and if you want to hear it, just let me know. I'll have you over for some tea and we'll listen:-)
So what do you do with the left over you?
by Tegan and Sara (So Jealous CD)
Where do you go, with your broken heart and tow?
What do you do, with the left over you?
And how do you know when to let go?
Where does the good go? Where does the good go?
Look me in the eye and tell me you don't find me attractive
Look me in the heart and tell me, you won't go
Look me in the eye and promise that no love's like our love
Look me in the heart and I'll be broken, it won't happen
It's me to believe, if it breaks the seal
I'm always thinking you would be real
Love me and I feel strong and cold
Where does the good go, where does the good go?
Where do you go, when you're in love and the world knows?
How do you live so happily, while I am sad and broken down?
What do you say it's up for grabs, now that you're on your way down?
Where does the good go? Where does the good go?
These are the lyrics from the song that I'm currently obsessed with. I found it on the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack which I love (I am addicted to soundtrack's, check out the Garden State CD for more awesome music) - and I can't get it out of my head. So I thought I'd share the lyrics and if you want to hear it, just let me know. I'll have you over for some tea and we'll listen:-)
So what do you do with the left over you?
Can I just say God amazes me. Seriously. I was talking with a friend this morning and she was sharing about believing in yourself and I was like, I just heard a sermon on this!
On Sunday, Matt (my pastor) talked about the story of Jesus walking on water. Now, I've heard this story a hundred times. But I'd never heard this take on it - that Peter hadn't lost faith in Jesus but in himself and that's why he couldn't walk on the water like Jesus. Matt said the question was not "Do you trust Jesus?" but "How much can I believe Jesus trusts me?"
That's stuck with me this week. I think mostly because right now, in this very moment, I don't trust myself very much. I don't trust myself to make the decisions I need to make and to do what I should do. Professionally, personally, it doesn't make a difference.
So how do I go about trusting myself? Having faith in myself? I'm assuming it's a process, and not a wham! I believe in me! moment. So I start today, now. The "just do it" adage.
So here's your assignment this week (because I know all you out there reading my blog need something to do to fill your time, hehe) - consider whether or not you have faith in yourself. Not do others have faith in you because surely they do, but do you believe in you. And how do you act on that faith?
Here's a quote I liked: "Have you encouraged your dreams today?"
Okay, that's it for tonight. I had my last class in Jackson tonight, and I'm beat. I'm counting on a snow day tomorrow (yep - big snow storm's a comin' our way in the 'Zoo!) - I'll report back on the few flurries I'm sure we'll get:-)
On Sunday, Matt (my pastor) talked about the story of Jesus walking on water. Now, I've heard this story a hundred times. But I'd never heard this take on it - that Peter hadn't lost faith in Jesus but in himself and that's why he couldn't walk on the water like Jesus. Matt said the question was not "Do you trust Jesus?" but "How much can I believe Jesus trusts me?"
That's stuck with me this week. I think mostly because right now, in this very moment, I don't trust myself very much. I don't trust myself to make the decisions I need to make and to do what I should do. Professionally, personally, it doesn't make a difference.
So how do I go about trusting myself? Having faith in myself? I'm assuming it's a process, and not a wham! I believe in me! moment. So I start today, now. The "just do it" adage.
So here's your assignment this week (because I know all you out there reading my blog need something to do to fill your time, hehe) - consider whether or not you have faith in yourself. Not do others have faith in you because surely they do, but do you believe in you. And how do you act on that faith?
Here's a quote I liked: "Have you encouraged your dreams today?"
Okay, that's it for tonight. I had my last class in Jackson tonight, and I'm beat. I'm counting on a snow day tomorrow (yep - big snow storm's a comin' our way in the 'Zoo!) - I'll report back on the few flurries I'm sure we'll get:-)
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
As promised here's my second (and final) Mexico story.
So Ang and I get up Monday morning and head toward Algodones which is about 10 minutes from her house or so. We park in the large parking lot owned by the Native American's (it's a nice paved and fenced lot where you pay $3 for them to protect your car). We were amazed by the amount of cars all ready there for a Monday morning but we figured most were snowbirds stocking up before heading back north (we were right).
So then we walk right into Mexico. No fan fare, no security checks, just follow the sidewalk and there you are! And immediately we we bombarded with offers. Men trying to sell us prescriptions, dental visits, glasses, etc. Also - bodyguards. Ang had warned me before we went not to make eye contact so I tried to do that even though it was really very hard. I felt rude and asked her if she thought they thought I was a rude American and she said she didn't think so, they understood the game. So we continued on. We declined the offers for bodyguards but then came the offers for Mexican boyfriends, it was hard not to smile at that. Also, as we walked down the street (there are cars in the street but not as many as you'd guess, mostly people here in the market areas) - we heard more than one guy say 'God bless America'. Again, hard not to smile at that flattery. But still I tried not to make eye contact. Rules are rules.
We walked through the market areas and looked, it's interesting how you're pulled in many different ways. Merchants all want you to look at their things, they weren't too pushy but as soon as you stop to look, they are all over you. Especially us because we are white Americans. Apparently they think we are rich (if wishing made it so!). We'd inquire about prices and move on, not wanting to buy too early. I was looking for some jewelery for gifts, and some turtles (which are handmade and so cute - with bobble heads, mine at home is red and named Lucy. I bought Ang one she named Pedro.) and we were just browsing. There were some beautiful pieces there - pottery, figurines, jewelery galore. And it really is relatively cheap.
We devised plans for our shopping, including Ang's no eye contact rule. Also, we'd whisper a lot because if you expressed your interest or admiration too loudly the person running the booth/store would jump all over you - i.e., put the bracelet on your arm or basically wrap up your purchase. All in all we had fun shopping there, we got some great deals (presents for some of you reading this so I can't spill the details) and I learned a lot. Also, we had lunch at this great restaurant where the waiters were very friendly, there was a band and the margaritas were HUGE! (We had one each, and I had a coca lite - which is a diet coke but sweeter than you get here, but when I stood up from the table and walked away I was definitely feeling that one drink, wow!) We had a large lunch, including drinks and chips and guacamole for about $23. Also, we went to a Mexican restaurant that had great layered cake for a dollar a slice! (Which we proceeded to eat at the restaurant, not as strict regulations as in the U.S. - I was imagining us trying to take our own cake into Chili's here!)
When we headed back we stopped at the bathrooms near the border which were free (you get your paper towel handed to you by an old man when you walk in and per Ang's example, you tuck it in your shirt) and again you have to remember to flush the toilet paper. However, thinking back, I don't remember seeing any signs that said this so I guess you're just supposed to know - or rely on whomever you're with to know. So I guess they don't expect us to go to Mexico alone?!?! I don't know - I'll check into this and get back to you all!
As we got in line to leave, we realized we'd have to wait a while, and it was Monday. Amazing how many people cross the border on any given day. As we waited in line for over an hour (think Disneyland with America as your ride) we were continually asked if we'd like to buy jewerly or turtles or water bottles or food (that looked very homeade). We also saw a man playing an accordion and a small child (maybe 6 or 7) collecting change in a bowl. I gave him the 65 cents I had and we wondered (see Ang's blog for more on this theory) if some Mexicans hadn't mistaken "Take Your Child to Work Day" for "Make Your Child Work Day". Hmmmm...
So we walked back into the U.S. without incident and were off. We went home and crashed for a bit, deciding we'd walked a lot and deserved to lay in bed for an hour. And that's the story of my last trip to Mexico!
So Ang and I get up Monday morning and head toward Algodones which is about 10 minutes from her house or so. We park in the large parking lot owned by the Native American's (it's a nice paved and fenced lot where you pay $3 for them to protect your car). We were amazed by the amount of cars all ready there for a Monday morning but we figured most were snowbirds stocking up before heading back north (we were right).
So then we walk right into Mexico. No fan fare, no security checks, just follow the sidewalk and there you are! And immediately we we bombarded with offers. Men trying to sell us prescriptions, dental visits, glasses, etc. Also - bodyguards. Ang had warned me before we went not to make eye contact so I tried to do that even though it was really very hard. I felt rude and asked her if she thought they thought I was a rude American and she said she didn't think so, they understood the game. So we continued on. We declined the offers for bodyguards but then came the offers for Mexican boyfriends, it was hard not to smile at that. Also, as we walked down the street (there are cars in the street but not as many as you'd guess, mostly people here in the market areas) - we heard more than one guy say 'God bless America'. Again, hard not to smile at that flattery. But still I tried not to make eye contact. Rules are rules.
We walked through the market areas and looked, it's interesting how you're pulled in many different ways. Merchants all want you to look at their things, they weren't too pushy but as soon as you stop to look, they are all over you. Especially us because we are white Americans. Apparently they think we are rich (if wishing made it so!). We'd inquire about prices and move on, not wanting to buy too early. I was looking for some jewelery for gifts, and some turtles (which are handmade and so cute - with bobble heads, mine at home is red and named Lucy. I bought Ang one she named Pedro.) and we were just browsing. There were some beautiful pieces there - pottery, figurines, jewelery galore. And it really is relatively cheap.
We devised plans for our shopping, including Ang's no eye contact rule. Also, we'd whisper a lot because if you expressed your interest or admiration too loudly the person running the booth/store would jump all over you - i.e., put the bracelet on your arm or basically wrap up your purchase. All in all we had fun shopping there, we got some great deals (presents for some of you reading this so I can't spill the details) and I learned a lot. Also, we had lunch at this great restaurant where the waiters were very friendly, there was a band and the margaritas were HUGE! (We had one each, and I had a coca lite - which is a diet coke but sweeter than you get here, but when I stood up from the table and walked away I was definitely feeling that one drink, wow!) We had a large lunch, including drinks and chips and guacamole for about $23. Also, we went to a Mexican restaurant that had great layered cake for a dollar a slice! (Which we proceeded to eat at the restaurant, not as strict regulations as in the U.S. - I was imagining us trying to take our own cake into Chili's here!)
When we headed back we stopped at the bathrooms near the border which were free (you get your paper towel handed to you by an old man when you walk in and per Ang's example, you tuck it in your shirt) and again you have to remember to flush the toilet paper. However, thinking back, I don't remember seeing any signs that said this so I guess you're just supposed to know - or rely on whomever you're with to know. So I guess they don't expect us to go to Mexico alone?!?! I don't know - I'll check into this and get back to you all!
As we got in line to leave, we realized we'd have to wait a while, and it was Monday. Amazing how many people cross the border on any given day. As we waited in line for over an hour (think Disneyland with America as your ride) we were continually asked if we'd like to buy jewerly or turtles or water bottles or food (that looked very homeade). We also saw a man playing an accordion and a small child (maybe 6 or 7) collecting change in a bowl. I gave him the 65 cents I had and we wondered (see Ang's blog for more on this theory) if some Mexicans hadn't mistaken "Take Your Child to Work Day" for "Make Your Child Work Day". Hmmmm...
So we walked back into the U.S. without incident and were off. We went home and crashed for a bit, deciding we'd walked a lot and deserved to lay in bed for an hour. And that's the story of my last trip to Mexico!
Monday, March 13, 2006
So back to Mexico. We drove down to San Luis on Saturday afternoon and crossed the border without incident. They have these stoplight looking things and if it's green you just go. And obviously red means go faster:-) So we went on through and as soon as you drive through the little area you're in the city, boom! On a Mexican street with hundreds of people and different stoplights and no signs in English. But luckily Pedro and Shannon, Angela's friends, were waiting for us off to the left. We stopped and Shannon got into our car and we followed Pedro to their house (and only almost ran through one stoplight - because as Angela pointed out they are in different places, off to the side, not out in front like here). Some of you may know Shannon and Pedro's story, some may not - so here's the cliff notes. They met in the U.S., they got married, and then because Pedro was technically an illegal (even though he'd been here for years, his mom sent him to the U.S. from Guadalajara when he was about 13 with a coyote (he showed us one in a movie we watched) and had lived in Chicago for a while, they went to get him a green card. They walked into the courthouse and Pedro never walked out - he was immediately deported. So after a few years of heartache and headache, Shannon had Pedro move to San Luis, a border city and she got a job in Yuma and now commutes up to 4 hours one way to get to work. This is a prime example of the awesome teachers our public school system has!
So we went to Pedro and Shannon's too cute house - it's an apartment really, that's tiny but done up like Martha Stewart visited. Painted, and decorated, and clean and just like I'd like my house to look like someday. It's different because there's no carpet (flooding is an issue whenever it rains which is rare but does happen) and small. As in tiny. But cute! So a few tidbits about Mexico for those of you who haven't visited: You can't flush the toilet paper, you must put it in the bin next to the toilet. Also, Shannon and Pedro have no hot water and usually only a trickle for a shower. Also, the food rocks! We visited this great little restaurant "Chipiloen" that had good tacos and drove around the city and outskirts. While there are some big houses there (Pedro took us by a castle, really! Some guy has built a castle in the neighborhood, complete with suits of armor next to the doorways), what was more prevalent was the poverty. The houses without roofs or doors, what looked to be sheds. The trash - everywhere. A couch floating down the river where the water they use in the fields comes from. And the tires, everywhere used tires. I guess some are used to hold down the earth, literally, but still! And the dogs - dogs running around everywhere but strangely I saw no cats. Hmmm....
After dinner we tried to go to a movie at the new theater but the ones in English weren't at the right times so we rented Dodgeball (as funny the 10th time as the 1st) and Goal - a Mexican film that takes places partially in Los Angeles and England about what else but football (soccer to us Americans). If you can find Goal check it out, very good (cute lead actor), and interesting slice of Mexican life in other countries. Pedro said the coyote scene was similar to his own and that the same van that takes you to the border goes into the U.S. and picks you up after you've crawled under the fence.
Pedro made us margaritas (with Squirt - very good), and we ate popcorn and hung out. Shannon had us watch some Mexican-equivalent of MTV which was pretty bad (mostly half-naked women and men singing about them and money) and then we flipped to the customs line channel. Yep, they have a TV channel devoted to showing you the line to get back into the U.S. And on Saturday at midnight it was long. We went down and got in it and waited over an hour to cross. People have good ideas there, they try to sell you things while you're in line, which I can say, I've never seen when I've crossed from Canada to the U.S. - but what made me sad was the little kids out at 1am, trying to sell Chicklets (Mexicans seem to have an abundant supply of this tiny gum).
We finally crossed back and headed home. And that's my first trip to Mexico! Bet you can't wait to hear about the second trip! :-)
So we went to Pedro and Shannon's too cute house - it's an apartment really, that's tiny but done up like Martha Stewart visited. Painted, and decorated, and clean and just like I'd like my house to look like someday. It's different because there's no carpet (flooding is an issue whenever it rains which is rare but does happen) and small. As in tiny. But cute! So a few tidbits about Mexico for those of you who haven't visited: You can't flush the toilet paper, you must put it in the bin next to the toilet. Also, Shannon and Pedro have no hot water and usually only a trickle for a shower. Also, the food rocks! We visited this great little restaurant "Chipiloen" that had good tacos and drove around the city and outskirts. While there are some big houses there (Pedro took us by a castle, really! Some guy has built a castle in the neighborhood, complete with suits of armor next to the doorways), what was more prevalent was the poverty. The houses without roofs or doors, what looked to be sheds. The trash - everywhere. A couch floating down the river where the water they use in the fields comes from. And the tires, everywhere used tires. I guess some are used to hold down the earth, literally, but still! And the dogs - dogs running around everywhere but strangely I saw no cats. Hmmm....
After dinner we tried to go to a movie at the new theater but the ones in English weren't at the right times so we rented Dodgeball (as funny the 10th time as the 1st) and Goal - a Mexican film that takes places partially in Los Angeles and England about what else but football (soccer to us Americans). If you can find Goal check it out, very good (cute lead actor), and interesting slice of Mexican life in other countries. Pedro said the coyote scene was similar to his own and that the same van that takes you to the border goes into the U.S. and picks you up after you've crawled under the fence.
Pedro made us margaritas (with Squirt - very good), and we ate popcorn and hung out. Shannon had us watch some Mexican-equivalent of MTV which was pretty bad (mostly half-naked women and men singing about them and money) and then we flipped to the customs line channel. Yep, they have a TV channel devoted to showing you the line to get back into the U.S. And on Saturday at midnight it was long. We went down and got in it and waited over an hour to cross. People have good ideas there, they try to sell you things while you're in line, which I can say, I've never seen when I've crossed from Canada to the U.S. - but what made me sad was the little kids out at 1am, trying to sell Chicklets (Mexicans seem to have an abundant supply of this tiny gum).
We finally crossed back and headed home. And that's my first trip to Mexico! Bet you can't wait to hear about the second trip! :-)
Spring has arrived. It is official in my book. Yes, I know the calendar lists the first day of spring as March 20th and today is only March 13th but it's 64 degrees outside (I just spent an hour walking in the awesome warmth), it's supposed to get up to 68 today (warmer than Yuma's projected high of 67 - take that AZ!), the birds won't shut up, and there are worms everywhere. I am thinking of starting my very own worm store - Sarah's Slimy Strings. $5 a box. They look like great fishing worms, in case you wondered.
Okay, time to hit the showers then the books! Mexico stories to come.....
P.S. - There's now a tornado watch for Kzoo county and it's 70 degrees and it's supposed to be a high of 38 tomorrow with snow. Gotta love MI.
Okay, time to hit the showers then the books! Mexico stories to come.....
P.S. - There's now a tornado watch for Kzoo county and it's 70 degrees and it's supposed to be a high of 38 tomorrow with snow. Gotta love MI.
It's Monday morning. I'm back in the real world. I've been home from Arizona for a few days now though I am pretending like I'm not. I wore my Doc Marten sandals yesterday just to prove it!
But as promised, here's more tales from the southwest! This morning's recollection will be of Saturday in Yuma:
We decided not to go to San Diego because of the bad weather they were having and so we slept in and this had ramifications on the day's plan to go to Algadones, Mexico - the marketplace just outside of Yuma, like 10 minutes from Ang's house. So when we did get to the road that leads to the parking lot where the Native Americans (Ang says they prefer to be called Indians there) charge you $3 to watch your car, it was a parking lot, cars everywhere. So we turned around on the side of the road (luckily we didn't get stuck in the sand, there's sand everywhere there!) and a nice Marine let us out. So essentially Mexico was closed for the day. Ang said we'd never get to the parking lot and if we did, we'd wait in line forever to get back to the States. So we drove back to town and found a Jack in the Box for lunch (despite the scary clown on the billboards, the paninni sandwiches are good!) and then stopped by Rite Aid which is closing and had everything on sale (score!). We stocked up for our next stop which was prison.
Downtown Yuma boasts the Yuma Territorial Prison which is now a state park, an a nice one at that. Here's the lowdown on the prison park from http://www.azparks.gov/Parks/parkhtml/yuma.html:
On July 1, 1876, the first seven inmates entered the Territorial Prison at Yuma, and were locked into the new cells they had built themselves.
A total of 3,069 prisoners, including 29 women, lived within these walls during the prisons thirty-three years of operation. Their crimes ranged from murder to polygamy, with grand larceny being the most common. A majority served only portions of their sentences due to the ease with which paroles and pardons were obtained. One hundred eleven persons died while serving their sentences, most from tuberculosis, which was common throughout the territory. Of the many prisoners who attempted escape, twenty-six were successful, but only two were from within the prison confines. No executions took place at the prison because capital punishment was administered by the county government.
Despite an infamous reputation, written evidence indicates that the prison was humanely administered, and was a model institution for its time. The only punishments were the dark cells for inmates who broke prison regulations, and the ball and chain for those who tried to escape. During their free time, prisoners hand-crafted many items. Those items were sold at public bazaars held at the prison on Sundays after church services. Prisoners also had regular medical attention, and access to a good hospital.
Schooling was available for convicts, and many learned to read and write in prison. The prison housed one of the first "public" libraries in the territory, and the fee charged to visitors for a tour of the institution was used to purchase books. One of the early electrical generating plants in the West furnished power for lights and ran a ventilation system in the cellblock.
By 1907, the prison was severely overcrowded, and there was no room on Prison Hill for expansion. The convicts constructed a new facility in Florence, Arizona. The last prisoner left Yuma on September 15, 1909.
The Yuma Union High School occupied the buildings from 1910 to 1914. Empty cells provided free lodging for hobos riding the freights in the 1920s, and sheltered many homeless families during the Depression. Townspeople considered the complex a source for free building materials. This, plus fires, weathering, and railroad construction, destroyed the prison walls and all buildings except the cells, main gate and guard tower; but these provide a glimpse of convict life a century ago.
I found all of this very interesting. And the fact that the prison is still there, as is. We walked into the cells that felt like caves and I stood in the cage in the dark cell (solitary confinement back then) and looked up into the hole where they'd throw scorpions and snakes down to torment prisoners (Ang refused to even walk into the cage with me and yelled when I looked up to take a photo of the hole). But it was a beautiful place really, if you forget that bad people who did bad things lived there. I wonder what our prisons and prisoners today would be like it they had nicer places to be (not that the cells were nice or anything) but the park was nice. I know my dad works with women inmates and they like to make his building look nice with flowers, and they clean it up all the time, they paint, etc. I think people act differently when treated differently. My digression for this blog:-)
So we walked around the park for a while, it was a gorgeous day, the sun out - almost 80 degrees and perfect. We walked some of the trails outside of the prison grounds and smiled as little kids played with sticks in the grass. Then we got the call - Shannon was ready for us to come to San Luis, Mexico where she lives. So the day was saved - Mexico was open after all!
Since it is Monday morning, I have to keep working (I spent the last hour and a half writing answers to dumb questions for a job interview - ugh!), I have class tonight and tomorrow that I need to prepare for. And it's 61 here and sunny so I am going for a walk at lunchtime. But I'll write the rest of Saturday's story some time today!
But as promised, here's more tales from the southwest! This morning's recollection will be of Saturday in Yuma:
We decided not to go to San Diego because of the bad weather they were having and so we slept in and this had ramifications on the day's plan to go to Algadones, Mexico - the marketplace just outside of Yuma, like 10 minutes from Ang's house. So when we did get to the road that leads to the parking lot where the Native Americans (Ang says they prefer to be called Indians there) charge you $3 to watch your car, it was a parking lot, cars everywhere. So we turned around on the side of the road (luckily we didn't get stuck in the sand, there's sand everywhere there!) and a nice Marine let us out. So essentially Mexico was closed for the day. Ang said we'd never get to the parking lot and if we did, we'd wait in line forever to get back to the States. So we drove back to town and found a Jack in the Box for lunch (despite the scary clown on the billboards, the paninni sandwiches are good!) and then stopped by Rite Aid which is closing and had everything on sale (score!). We stocked up for our next stop which was prison.
Downtown Yuma boasts the Yuma Territorial Prison which is now a state park, an a nice one at that. Here's the lowdown on the prison park from http://www.azparks.gov/Parks/parkhtml/yuma.html:
On July 1, 1876, the first seven inmates entered the Territorial Prison at Yuma, and were locked into the new cells they had built themselves.
A total of 3,069 prisoners, including 29 women, lived within these walls during the prisons thirty-three years of operation. Their crimes ranged from murder to polygamy, with grand larceny being the most common. A majority served only portions of their sentences due to the ease with which paroles and pardons were obtained. One hundred eleven persons died while serving their sentences, most from tuberculosis, which was common throughout the territory. Of the many prisoners who attempted escape, twenty-six were successful, but only two were from within the prison confines. No executions took place at the prison because capital punishment was administered by the county government.
Despite an infamous reputation, written evidence indicates that the prison was humanely administered, and was a model institution for its time. The only punishments were the dark cells for inmates who broke prison regulations, and the ball and chain for those who tried to escape. During their free time, prisoners hand-crafted many items. Those items were sold at public bazaars held at the prison on Sundays after church services. Prisoners also had regular medical attention, and access to a good hospital.
Schooling was available for convicts, and many learned to read and write in prison. The prison housed one of the first "public" libraries in the territory, and the fee charged to visitors for a tour of the institution was used to purchase books. One of the early electrical generating plants in the West furnished power for lights and ran a ventilation system in the cellblock.
By 1907, the prison was severely overcrowded, and there was no room on Prison Hill for expansion. The convicts constructed a new facility in Florence, Arizona. The last prisoner left Yuma on September 15, 1909.
The Yuma Union High School occupied the buildings from 1910 to 1914. Empty cells provided free lodging for hobos riding the freights in the 1920s, and sheltered many homeless families during the Depression. Townspeople considered the complex a source for free building materials. This, plus fires, weathering, and railroad construction, destroyed the prison walls and all buildings except the cells, main gate and guard tower; but these provide a glimpse of convict life a century ago.
I found all of this very interesting. And the fact that the prison is still there, as is. We walked into the cells that felt like caves and I stood in the cage in the dark cell (solitary confinement back then) and looked up into the hole where they'd throw scorpions and snakes down to torment prisoners (Ang refused to even walk into the cage with me and yelled when I looked up to take a photo of the hole). But it was a beautiful place really, if you forget that bad people who did bad things lived there. I wonder what our prisons and prisoners today would be like it they had nicer places to be (not that the cells were nice or anything) but the park was nice. I know my dad works with women inmates and they like to make his building look nice with flowers, and they clean it up all the time, they paint, etc. I think people act differently when treated differently. My digression for this blog:-)
So we walked around the park for a while, it was a gorgeous day, the sun out - almost 80 degrees and perfect. We walked some of the trails outside of the prison grounds and smiled as little kids played with sticks in the grass. Then we got the call - Shannon was ready for us to come to San Luis, Mexico where she lives. So the day was saved - Mexico was open after all!
Since it is Monday morning, I have to keep working (I spent the last hour and a half writing answers to dumb questions for a job interview - ugh!), I have class tonight and tomorrow that I need to prepare for. And it's 61 here and sunny so I am going for a walk at lunchtime. But I'll write the rest of Saturday's story some time today!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
I'm back. In Michigan. And I'm not terribly excited, since it's raining and 49 degrees (yes, I know it's a heat wave for us in March but it's still not 79 and sunny). I had a pretty uneventful trip home yesterday, we were about 30 minutes late leaving Phoneix but it was fine. I read some Newsweeks and the time passed quickly.
So as promised, here's another story from the trip. I'll try to get a bunch up this weekend while I'm at my parents. I have so many stories to tell so I'll just go chronologically. Here's Friday night.
So after Angela and I waited at UPS for almost an hour (there is no such thing as customer service in Yuma, you'll learn this quickly) for her package (which contained 2 red t-shirts, one for each of us, bearing the word "Seriously." on the front in white - a gold star to the first person who tells me why this word is so great (and what it's from) - seriously!) we headed to base. Specifically, the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma. There's a checkpoint at the entrance and we had to pull off to the side with Donna (our sponsor on base, you can't just drive on for fun and Donna lives there - her husband Jamie is in intelligence and on his third tour in Iraq) and a Marine came over to get our ids. Identification is very important in Yuma in general, it seemed I needed it everywhere, particularly when going on base and when trying to get back in the country - leaving, no problem, they could care less, but coming back's another story (and another blog).
So we gave over our ids and they didn't check our registration (which ticked Ang off as she had paid $4 for it because last time she was on base they were not happy she didn't have a copy - murphy's law at it's finest!) and off we went. Base looked like a tiny town to me. There were some fast food restaurants, some stores and a lot of very plain looking buildings. We went to the club, which is split into 2 sides. Side A was for officers and Side B was for everyone else, including us (Jamie is not an officer so Donna's not allowed in there without an invite). We hung out there for a while and watched some of the older Marines chatting (come to find out another unit had deployed this week so it's pretty quiet around base) then we went to bingo. What an experience. Apparently this was a big night out for the women involved. They'd dressed up, gotten babysitters, and were enjoying the bar. And we played bingo for a few hours. And won nothing. We held our breath as they drew raffles numbers. And we won nothing. So we ate candy and some snacks and basically starved and drank and won nothing:-) But it was an interesting peek into how the military wives enjoy a night out. Also, because Donna's husband's C.O.'s wife was hosting the event, we got free drinks on him, from Side A - the Officer's Club. It didn't look all that different than Side B but it felt different:-) The most interesting thing to me was that although the place was packed, there was one bartender who was an Asian woman who seemed to scream in her tiny tiny voice, especially when we kept putting drinks on the C.O.'s tab and then that there was a whole display of beer steins with names on them. And Ang assures me that when the Marines come in to drink, they drink from their own stein. Interesting. Also, drinks were really cheap there (not that we paid but just fyi).
So that was bingo. And as soon as the last number was called we shot out of there and headed for the Paradise Casino where we got $3 hamburgers and I won $52.25 from $10 on the quarter slots. And cashed out:-)
More later folks - oh yeah, 'Dream' was MIA but if I were him, I would have been too. You've never seen so many pregnant women or women who have small children and that's all they talk about in one room in your life:-)
Oh yes - and one more thing. They give you this certificate thingy to put in your car window to show that you've been cleared to be on base. And as we left, I was reading it and it says to return it to the post when you exit and check out. Which we didn't do. Isn't that the story of our lives? We decided that if they wanted the paper back, they should have said so in big letters on the front of the paper, not in little letters on the back. That's the government for ya!
So as promised, here's another story from the trip. I'll try to get a bunch up this weekend while I'm at my parents. I have so many stories to tell so I'll just go chronologically. Here's Friday night.
So after Angela and I waited at UPS for almost an hour (there is no such thing as customer service in Yuma, you'll learn this quickly) for her package (which contained 2 red t-shirts, one for each of us, bearing the word "Seriously." on the front in white - a gold star to the first person who tells me why this word is so great (and what it's from) - seriously!) we headed to base. Specifically, the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma. There's a checkpoint at the entrance and we had to pull off to the side with Donna (our sponsor on base, you can't just drive on for fun and Donna lives there - her husband Jamie is in intelligence and on his third tour in Iraq) and a Marine came over to get our ids. Identification is very important in Yuma in general, it seemed I needed it everywhere, particularly when going on base and when trying to get back in the country - leaving, no problem, they could care less, but coming back's another story (and another blog).
So we gave over our ids and they didn't check our registration (which ticked Ang off as she had paid $4 for it because last time she was on base they were not happy she didn't have a copy - murphy's law at it's finest!) and off we went. Base looked like a tiny town to me. There were some fast food restaurants, some stores and a lot of very plain looking buildings. We went to the club, which is split into 2 sides. Side A was for officers and Side B was for everyone else, including us (Jamie is not an officer so Donna's not allowed in there without an invite). We hung out there for a while and watched some of the older Marines chatting (come to find out another unit had deployed this week so it's pretty quiet around base) then we went to bingo. What an experience. Apparently this was a big night out for the women involved. They'd dressed up, gotten babysitters, and were enjoying the bar. And we played bingo for a few hours. And won nothing. We held our breath as they drew raffles numbers. And we won nothing. So we ate candy and some snacks and basically starved and drank and won nothing:-) But it was an interesting peek into how the military wives enjoy a night out. Also, because Donna's husband's C.O.'s wife was hosting the event, we got free drinks on him, from Side A - the Officer's Club. It didn't look all that different than Side B but it felt different:-) The most interesting thing to me was that although the place was packed, there was one bartender who was an Asian woman who seemed to scream in her tiny tiny voice, especially when we kept putting drinks on the C.O.'s tab and then that there was a whole display of beer steins with names on them. And Ang assures me that when the Marines come in to drink, they drink from their own stein. Interesting. Also, drinks were really cheap there (not that we paid but just fyi).
So that was bingo. And as soon as the last number was called we shot out of there and headed for the Paradise Casino where we got $3 hamburgers and I won $52.25 from $10 on the quarter slots. And cashed out:-)
More later folks - oh yeah, 'Dream' was MIA but if I were him, I would have been too. You've never seen so many pregnant women or women who have small children and that's all they talk about in one room in your life:-)
Oh yes - and one more thing. They give you this certificate thingy to put in your car window to show that you've been cleared to be on base. And as we left, I was reading it and it says to return it to the post when you exit and check out. Which we didn't do. Isn't that the story of our lives? We decided that if they wanted the paper back, they should have said so in big letters on the front of the paper, not in little letters on the back. That's the government for ya!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Greetings from the land of tumbleweeds and cactus. It's 75 degrees here right now and sunny. I don't want to come home:-) Don't be surprised if I don't:-)
I have so many stories to tell and I'll get them all up soon - I promise but here's my preview in the meantime.
Bingo at the officer's club. Winning BIG at the casino. Going to prison. Did you know you can't flush toliet paper in Mexico? Free stuff at the Palms. How to spot a Marine 20 feet away. Shopping carts and the logic of them at the border. A horse named George. And so much more. Tune in later folks;-)
I have so many stories to tell and I'll get them all up soon - I promise but here's my preview in the meantime.
Bingo at the officer's club. Winning BIG at the casino. Going to prison. Did you know you can't flush toliet paper in Mexico? Free stuff at the Palms. How to spot a Marine 20 feet away. Shopping carts and the logic of them at the border. A horse named George. And so much more. Tune in later folks;-)
Friday, March 03, 2006
I am in Yuma! I made it - finally:-) It only took 11 hours! To begin there was an ice storm Wed. night in Detroit which meant that the plane I was flying out on Thurs. morning had to be de-iced. My plane and every other plane at Metro. So we were an hour and a half late departing. Which meant I got to my connecting plane's gate 5 minutes after the doors had closed. And the next flight to Yuma was over weight limit so I had to get on the 5:15 flight. And that got me into Yuma at 6:30. And then Angela wasn't there! (I felt like rubbing this in for her, because she was having a hen party at the time). But she came and got me and we had dinner with Jennifer and Shannon, two very sweet girls who teach with Ang.
So my 6 hrs in Phoneix was pretty uneventful, though I did read a whole book (The Interruption of Everything by Terry McMillian - not a bad story, dialogue was a little stiff in my opinion but an easy, fast moving read), ate a $9 caesar salad, induldged in a strawberries and creme frappacino from Starbucks, and ate some pretzels with a few york peppermint patties. What is it about airports that encourage eating?!?! I also met a woman from Colorado who'd been in Maine getting a knee replacement and people watched - a lot.
So I made it here and hung out with Angela's friends and we went bowling last night, well she bowled, I watched and talked with her friends. They are pretty cool - Richard the computer teacher was especially funny.
And then I passed out - it had been a long day and I am sure I was asleep before I closed my eyes.
Then this morning, neither of us really wanted to get up but we did and as I was getting in the shower - boom! The power went off. It stayed off about 1/2 hour which was crazy. I told Ang I was practicing in case I ever went blind (remember my incident this fall with the hydrochloric acid in the eye - you never know!) and showered anyway. Then it came on - whew! I had no idea what to do today if I couldn't dry my hair. So that was the story of the morning:-)
Then we got to school - Crane Middle School. Quite a place. It's huge and immediately I began to feel like an animal at the zoo. Stares and pointing and whispering. And they are so funny! They think Ang and I are twins and they think she's older (which I think is great). Then they want to know about Miss Knapp (Ang) and they tell me things like when she's mad she makes a hampster face:-) And they like to tease her. A lot.
We brought them cookies and they were very excited about them, I even got hugs. And they are loud, and crazy, and way too loud, and swear and say kid things, and look too old and too little and crazy:-)
It's been awesome to meet them all - the kids I've been hearing about for 6 months. And the teachers, Angela's friends. I think it's so cool to see how life is in middle school. It's so different from when I was here. And to hear their Spainish and watch them laugh and see them cry (we're in a parent meeting right now with a girl) and hit each other and giggle at the boys and the girls).
Well enough ramblings for now. Keep reading. I can't tell you how excited I am to have all of you make comments. That's awesome! Keep writing, you all rock!
Tonight we're headed to base, for beer and bingo, or so I'm told. The buzz is that a new pilot's going to be at the officer's club tonight, who's call sign is "Dream". Should be an interesting night:-)
More later - if I come back from Mexico!
So my 6 hrs in Phoneix was pretty uneventful, though I did read a whole book (The Interruption of Everything by Terry McMillian - not a bad story, dialogue was a little stiff in my opinion but an easy, fast moving read), ate a $9 caesar salad, induldged in a strawberries and creme frappacino from Starbucks, and ate some pretzels with a few york peppermint patties. What is it about airports that encourage eating?!?! I also met a woman from Colorado who'd been in Maine getting a knee replacement and people watched - a lot.
So I made it here and hung out with Angela's friends and we went bowling last night, well she bowled, I watched and talked with her friends. They are pretty cool - Richard the computer teacher was especially funny.
And then I passed out - it had been a long day and I am sure I was asleep before I closed my eyes.
Then this morning, neither of us really wanted to get up but we did and as I was getting in the shower - boom! The power went off. It stayed off about 1/2 hour which was crazy. I told Ang I was practicing in case I ever went blind (remember my incident this fall with the hydrochloric acid in the eye - you never know!) and showered anyway. Then it came on - whew! I had no idea what to do today if I couldn't dry my hair. So that was the story of the morning:-)
Then we got to school - Crane Middle School. Quite a place. It's huge and immediately I began to feel like an animal at the zoo. Stares and pointing and whispering. And they are so funny! They think Ang and I are twins and they think she's older (which I think is great). Then they want to know about Miss Knapp (Ang) and they tell me things like when she's mad she makes a hampster face:-) And they like to tease her. A lot.
We brought them cookies and they were very excited about them, I even got hugs. And they are loud, and crazy, and way too loud, and swear and say kid things, and look too old and too little and crazy:-)
It's been awesome to meet them all - the kids I've been hearing about for 6 months. And the teachers, Angela's friends. I think it's so cool to see how life is in middle school. It's so different from when I was here. And to hear their Spainish and watch them laugh and see them cry (we're in a parent meeting right now with a girl) and hit each other and giggle at the boys and the girls).
Well enough ramblings for now. Keep reading. I can't tell you how excited I am to have all of you make comments. That's awesome! Keep writing, you all rock!
Tonight we're headed to base, for beer and bingo, or so I'm told. The buzz is that a new pilot's going to be at the officer's club tonight, who's call sign is "Dream". Should be an interesting night:-)
More later - if I come back from Mexico!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
I feel I owe all of you who have been reading my blog a moment. I'm packing and doing laundry and repacking, to get ready for my trip to Yuma, Arizona. I am so excited. I leave tomorrow morning at 7:45 out of Detroit, so say a prayer for the women and men who will have my life in their hands while I'm 20,000 feet above y'all. I'll be gone until the following week so you might not get a post for a few days (or 11) but I will be back - have no fear. Even if I do run off to Mexico, I'm sure I can find a cyber cafe to stop into.
Enjoy your week, think good thoughts, and remember: few things are as important as they seem, and usually what is really important, we neglect. I'm going to try and remember that this week.
Later gators;-)
Enjoy your week, think good thoughts, and remember: few things are as important as they seem, and usually what is really important, we neglect. I'm going to try and remember that this week.
Later gators;-)
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