Friday, June 27, 2008

Fine, I Guess Mexico is Okay

I've been feeling a little guilty that I told the internet I don't like Mexico. It's normal to get cranky now and then and who doesn't take it out on their setting? Right?

Since posting yesterday I've watched for something good, something that I like about living here, something that I could never experience in Chicago. Today it hit me: my morning runs along the ocean.

Aside from the fact that I hate running and more times than not I'm chanting "I hate this I hate this I hate this" in my head, it's a fairly pleasant experience. The path is wide enough to pass people (assuming they move to the side and don't freeze in the center when they hear you approaching) with little decorative stones and a rope fence. It's cut into the rocks and winds along the shore so you never run in a straight line. That might annoy some people, but since I hate running the constant turns distract me from what it is I'm doing there.

The best part is at the end of the path. I've mentioned the large circle where we stretch out and watch the fish as they leap through the air. Some days the waves are big enough that they splash against the wall and onto the landing. I normally stand on the far side so I'm out of the way and don't have my back to anyone, but today I stood right at the edge.

Every few minutes a wave crashed against the wall and water shot straight above me. I'm not sure if it's a genius design, pure luck, or a combination of the two, but the water never hit me. I watched the surf swirl over the rocks, the water rising within two feet of where I was standing. When I leaned over to stretch my legs it was as if the water had surrounded me, and with my back was to the other people I felt enveloped on an island all my own.

I suppose a private island for working out is a good thing about living here. ;)

11 comments:

MJ said...

I'm sure everyone gets tired of where they are at some time or another... right now I hate GA because of the heat! Like your blog : )

WendyCinNYC said...

It's totally normal to get frustrated with where you live, even if you love it. There are days when living in NYC makes me crazy and I want to scream at everyone in it.

Hang in there. The ocean sounds wonderful there, and the water is a fair bit warmer than the North Atlantic.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Welcome MJ, and thanks! I can sympathize with the heat, plus this morning the humidity was over 80%.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Wendy. I know, there were times Chicago drove me nuts, but not like this.

Zoe Winters said...

LMAO @ "feeling guilty about telling the internet you hate Mexico." That strikes me as so funny because my husband often says: "Well, did you tell the internet about it?" hahaha

And I am SO envious. I LOVE the beach, like in an almost illicit way. I would love to be able to spend every day on it.

Janna Leadbetter said...

I agree with you and Wendy. Frustration as your surrounding can creep up any time - I'm that way with my own halfway-remodeled, semi-functional house! Bah!

Sounds like a beautiful experience this morning. I'm really glad you were able to enjoy it.

colbymarshall said...

I think you're entitled to diss Mexico every now and then. I do it with Georgia all the time, even though for the most part I'm glad I live here!

Spy Scribbler said...

Awwww. It strikes me as ironic that something you hate doing is your favorite thing about Mexico, LOL. :-)

Okay, I knew what you meant. It was just funny. The ocean sounds WONDERFUL!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Zoe, I think it's funny, too. I try to stay positive on here and people think I'm crazy if I say I don't love living here, especially tourists who come for one week. They don't see the other side of it.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Janna & Colby, thanks for making me realize I'm not the only one who feels that way. Nothing's ever perfect, I know...

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Yes, Spy, it is ironic. :D Thanks for pointing that out. But notice I wasn't actually running when the waves were there, just stretching. I like exercise, just not running!