What day is it? I have a hard enough time keeping track as it is; throwing a long weekend in with a migraine (when time stands still) has really screwed me up. *checks calendar is corner of screen* Saturday. Got it.
It sounds like everyone had a fun Thanksgiving. I went to dinner with a friend, had spinach canneloni, and Ibis was able to join us for the last hour. Other than that, I've been laying down since Wednesday afternoon. These headaches tend to last about four days and since we've agreed it's Saturday, it's almost gone. I've already done a bit of cleaning this morning and since that only happesn when I'm feeling better, I know the end is near.
Another thing that hasn't happened since Wednesday? Writing. I squeaked out 200 words yesterday morning, then gave up and crashed on the couch. One of the American channels was having a Mel Gibson marathon and I caught Forever Young and Lethal Weapon 4. Add in a couple magazines and that's what I've been doing for the past couple days.
Last night Ibis and I talked to my mom and gramma via webcam (we use Skype) and my gramma was marveling over the technology. She does have email and she reads my blog (hi gramma!) but free online video conversations were a new one for her. She hadn't seen Ibis in over a year!
I plan to get more writing done today but I don't think I'm going to reach my 60k goal for November. I'm fine with that, especially since that wasn't going to be the end of the book anyway. Have a great rest of the weekend!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Migraine Day
I don't know how many people will be online today, but I hate to skip a day. My head has exploded again so I don't have much to share. My dinner last night was nice - if a little long - and I didn't get any writing done. I feel lazy since I wasn't as busy as I'm sure all of you were, but I was getting into the spirit of the holiday. ;) Hopefully I'll get to it today.
Happy Black Friday, lol.
Happy Black Friday, lol.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you - my friends, family, and blogging buddies - for being in my life. You give me a reason to get up in the morning and do what I have to do, and it really means a lot to me. I've said many times how Ibis and I have struggled to make friends here so having you all in my life really does make a difference. Thank you.
I have many things to be thankful for - my health, my writing, my family - but there are plenty of things I'm hoping I can list next year. We should have a lot of answers in the next year and I'm hoping I'll have a much longer list in November '09.
I did manage to watch the Macy's parade this morning and I saw the JMU Marching Royal Dukes perform! Brought a year to my eye. :)
Ibis works until 8pm tonight but I am joining a friend for dinner this evening. Unless they serve turkey at the Italian restaurant, it will be a very untraditional Thanksgiving. ;)
Have a wonderful day!
I have many things to be thankful for - my health, my writing, my family - but there are plenty of things I'm hoping I can list next year. We should have a lot of answers in the next year and I'm hoping I'll have a much longer list in November '09.
I did manage to watch the Macy's parade this morning and I saw the JMU Marching Royal Dukes perform! Brought a year to my eye. :)
Ibis works until 8pm tonight but I am joining a friend for dinner this evening. Unless they serve turkey at the Italian restaurant, it will be a very untraditional Thanksgiving. ;)
Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Price of Things
Fellow blogger and friend Janna asked me to do a post about the cost of things in Mexico. She said, "I'm curious, what with the economy issues here. And how do they convert to American dollars?"
I haven't done much research on this topic, but I can tell you what I know from living here. That's why you read my blog anyways, right? (Note: all of this is based on my observations.) In terms of the economy, while there are wealthy people, a larger percentage of people live in poverty. The difference is what that poverty means. In the US, if people don't make enough money, there are programs for food (food stamps), health care (medicade), education (public schools), etc. Here, poverty means no electricity or running water, and you're lucky to get milk or meat once a day.
The Mexican government does very little for it's people. There is no free school, and while it's not expensive, parents have to pay every month for their child's education. They also are required to buy uniforms.
I know people will argue with me about my statement about health care in the US, and I hear you, but here if you don't have money, you don't get help. Some things are cheaper - you can get many prescription medications for a lower price and my doctor's appointments have cost roughly the same as what I paid at home, but here I don't have insurance. So I'm actually paying less because there's no premium. The doctors also spend more time with you and take their time figuring out what's wrong. They don't rush you out, even if there are five people waiting outside.
In our town, tourism is a huge factor in people's lives. Fishing is the main industry, but after that it's foreigners spending their hard earned money. People clamor for the seasonal jobs at hotels and restaurants, hoping to make enough money to get them through the long, slow summer. Many, many people own their own businesses. I believe you don't need a permit to open one and if you have the space and the will, you can have your own shop. Vendors line the streets selling fruit, straw hats, model ships, you name it.
One thing I didn't mention is gas. Mexico has one gas company called PeMex. It's run by the state and is the only place to get fuel for your vehicle. Attendants pump your gas, and I only recently found out you should tip them because they make next to nothing. And here next to nothing means a couple dollars a day. I've had trouble figuring out the cost of gas because 1) it's in liters, and 2) it's in pesos. Our car has a 14 gallon tank and 200 pesos fills it halfway.
Right now the peso:dollar ratio is 13:1. I generally do an even 10% switch in my head, but for the past couple months the peso has been losing value (a sign of the economy, no doubt) so that math is a little off. But, if I were to follow the 10% rule, 200 pesos would equal $20US, which would mean it takes $40 to fill our tank. When I left the US in February '07 it was costing between $35 and $40 to fill the tank, so my guess is... we're about the same for gas, with Mexico possible being a little cheaper.
Now, food. Prices vary, but most things are cheaper, especially produce. But it all depends on where the food originated. Imported food is naturally more expensive, especially things that don't come from the US. Seafood and produce seem to be the cheapest items, but I'll do a basic rundown for you, based on our shopping this week. A quick refresher - one kilo equals 2.2 pounds.
At the Market
4 kilos oranges & 1 cantaloupe: 33 pesos
1/2 kilo of fresh shrimp: 50 pesos
3 sandwich buns: 6 pesos
3 gala apples & 2 pears: 33 pesos (those are always expensive)
3 pieces of marinated, flattened chicken: 20 pesos
1/2 kilo freshly ground coffee: 35 pesos
6 bananas: 7 pesos
1 papaya, 1 potato, 1 onion, 2 chiles, 2 avocados (also expensive): 30 pesos
The Grocery Store
1 liter skim milk: 12 pesos
drinkable yogurt: 4 pesos
1 liter cooking oil: 35 pesos
1 pkg US-brand granola: 33 pesos
loaf of American bread: 30 pesos
dozen eggs: 19 pesos
single can of soda: 5 pesos
jar of red pepper flakes: 16 pesos
4 heads of garlic: 7 pesos
large jar of mayo: 31 pesos
900ml container of sour cream: 16 pesos
fresh tortellini: 34 pesos
1 stick of butter: 8 pesos
I know this is kind of a random mix of things, but this should give you an idea of the price of things. One thing I didn't mention is electronics, which tend to be much more expensive than in the US. Household items (large and small) tend to be about the same, as do clothes. You find a lot more cheap clothes here, but I think that's just because of the economic reality of people living here. Larger metropolises have expensive stores, like anywhere else in the world.
Did I miss anything? Something else you'd like to know about? If you ever have a topic you'd like me to address, just let me know!
I haven't done much research on this topic, but I can tell you what I know from living here. That's why you read my blog anyways, right? (Note: all of this is based on my observations.) In terms of the economy, while there are wealthy people, a larger percentage of people live in poverty. The difference is what that poverty means. In the US, if people don't make enough money, there are programs for food (food stamps), health care (medicade), education (public schools), etc. Here, poverty means no electricity or running water, and you're lucky to get milk or meat once a day.
The Mexican government does very little for it's people. There is no free school, and while it's not expensive, parents have to pay every month for their child's education. They also are required to buy uniforms.
I know people will argue with me about my statement about health care in the US, and I hear you, but here if you don't have money, you don't get help. Some things are cheaper - you can get many prescription medications for a lower price and my doctor's appointments have cost roughly the same as what I paid at home, but here I don't have insurance. So I'm actually paying less because there's no premium. The doctors also spend more time with you and take their time figuring out what's wrong. They don't rush you out, even if there are five people waiting outside.
In our town, tourism is a huge factor in people's lives. Fishing is the main industry, but after that it's foreigners spending their hard earned money. People clamor for the seasonal jobs at hotels and restaurants, hoping to make enough money to get them through the long, slow summer. Many, many people own their own businesses. I believe you don't need a permit to open one and if you have the space and the will, you can have your own shop. Vendors line the streets selling fruit, straw hats, model ships, you name it.
One thing I didn't mention is gas. Mexico has one gas company called PeMex. It's run by the state and is the only place to get fuel for your vehicle. Attendants pump your gas, and I only recently found out you should tip them because they make next to nothing. And here next to nothing means a couple dollars a day. I've had trouble figuring out the cost of gas because 1) it's in liters, and 2) it's in pesos. Our car has a 14 gallon tank and 200 pesos fills it halfway.
Right now the peso:dollar ratio is 13:1. I generally do an even 10% switch in my head, but for the past couple months the peso has been losing value (a sign of the economy, no doubt) so that math is a little off. But, if I were to follow the 10% rule, 200 pesos would equal $20US, which would mean it takes $40 to fill our tank. When I left the US in February '07 it was costing between $35 and $40 to fill the tank, so my guess is... we're about the same for gas, with Mexico possible being a little cheaper.
Now, food. Prices vary, but most things are cheaper, especially produce. But it all depends on where the food originated. Imported food is naturally more expensive, especially things that don't come from the US. Seafood and produce seem to be the cheapest items, but I'll do a basic rundown for you, based on our shopping this week. A quick refresher - one kilo equals 2.2 pounds.
At the Market
4 kilos oranges & 1 cantaloupe: 33 pesos
1/2 kilo of fresh shrimp: 50 pesos
3 sandwich buns: 6 pesos
3 gala apples & 2 pears: 33 pesos (those are always expensive)
3 pieces of marinated, flattened chicken: 20 pesos
1/2 kilo freshly ground coffee: 35 pesos
6 bananas: 7 pesos
1 papaya, 1 potato, 1 onion, 2 chiles, 2 avocados (also expensive): 30 pesos
The Grocery Store
1 liter skim milk: 12 pesos
drinkable yogurt: 4 pesos
1 liter cooking oil: 35 pesos
1 pkg US-brand granola: 33 pesos
loaf of American bread: 30 pesos
dozen eggs: 19 pesos
single can of soda: 5 pesos
jar of red pepper flakes: 16 pesos
4 heads of garlic: 7 pesos
large jar of mayo: 31 pesos
900ml container of sour cream: 16 pesos
fresh tortellini: 34 pesos
1 stick of butter: 8 pesos
I know this is kind of a random mix of things, but this should give you an idea of the price of things. One thing I didn't mention is electronics, which tend to be much more expensive than in the US. Household items (large and small) tend to be about the same, as do clothes. You find a lot more cheap clothes here, but I think that's just because of the economic reality of people living here. Larger metropolises have expensive stores, like anywhere else in the world.
Did I miss anything? Something else you'd like to know about? If you ever have a topic you'd like me to address, just let me know!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday Stuff and Things
I'm completely ripping off Janna's Tuesday post theme, but since she's on my mind, I figured it's ok. You see, yesterday Janna suggested a topic for my blog that I think is great, but it requires a little more research. That'll be tomorrow's post.
I only have one stuff/thing, but work with me here. Today I'd like to share the recipe for one of my all-time favorite snacks. Technically it's the type of thing you make for parties, especially small groups where you can all pack around the table. I should also point out that I can't have it here because we don't have an oven. Let me know if you decide to try this!
Baked Brie with Brown Sugar
What you need:
- a wheel of brie (whatever size you want)
- ample brown sugar (I don't know, I guess half a cup)
- crackers - I prefer plain (without seeds or flavors)
What you do:
- preheat oven to 400°
- cut top layer of rind off in one piece, roughly 1/2" thick or thinner
- press brown sugar onto cheese so fully covered, roughly 1/4" thick
- cover brown sugared cheese with rind that you cut off
- place into oven safe dish and bake for roughly 20 minutes
* keep an eye on it as the time is an estimate. When the cheese is soft & starting to bubble, it's done
Tricky part:
I've done this both with and without an oven safe dish. I have a dish that's the exact size of a small wheel, but for larger wheels you may have to improvise. I've used regular pans, but if you do this, you have to cook the cheese upside-down so you can flip it upright onto the serving plate. It's a little messier that way but still delicious.
Remove the top layer of rind and serve with crackers. I recommend having enough knives for everyone because your guests will devour it.
Enjoy!
I only have one stuff/thing, but work with me here. Today I'd like to share the recipe for one of my all-time favorite snacks. Technically it's the type of thing you make for parties, especially small groups where you can all pack around the table. I should also point out that I can't have it here because we don't have an oven. Let me know if you decide to try this!
Baked Brie with Brown Sugar
What you need:
- a wheel of brie (whatever size you want)
- ample brown sugar (I don't know, I guess half a cup)
- crackers - I prefer plain (without seeds or flavors)
What you do:
- preheat oven to 400°
- cut top layer of rind off in one piece, roughly 1/2" thick or thinner
- press brown sugar onto cheese so fully covered, roughly 1/4" thick
- cover brown sugared cheese with rind that you cut off
- place into oven safe dish and bake for roughly 20 minutes
* keep an eye on it as the time is an estimate. When the cheese is soft & starting to bubble, it's done
Tricky part:
I've done this both with and without an oven safe dish. I have a dish that's the exact size of a small wheel, but for larger wheels you may have to improvise. I've used regular pans, but if you do this, you have to cook the cheese upside-down so you can flip it upright onto the serving plate. It's a little messier that way but still delicious.
Remove the top layer of rind and serve with crackers. I recommend having enough knives for everyone because your guests will devour it.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 24, 2008
I Think This is What They Mean By "Feel the Burn"
As of 8am this morning, I'm 3287 words away from winning NaNo. *does a little dance* As most of you know, my goal is 60,000 words, so I'm actually 13,287 words away from winning. That works out to roughly 2000 per day for the rest of the month. That's been more or less what I've been doing, so it shouldn't be a problem. Except for one thing.
I am getting burned out.
I still like my story but I'm so sick of my story. I like my characters but I wish they would just get on with it. Yesterday I backtracked and wrote a chapter I'd accidentally skipped, so I feel like I'm moving backwards and my characters are regressing.
Regardless of my mixed feelings, I got up early this morning and wrote 600 words. I think this story will be longer than 60k, but I'd like to get as much done as I can by November 30th so I can tuck it away and work on the edits for The Other Side. I don't want to stop my current wip midway through, so the more I can get done now, the better.
On top of this, I've either been bitten by little bugs or I'm having an allergic reaction to something, because I am ITCHY! My left arm, my chest and my chin are driving me bonkers!
How's your writing coming along? Do you have any ailments you'd like to complain about?
ETA: I completely forgot to mention my lips have been swollen for a couple days and are also itchy. I'm trying to narrow down what foods I've eaten.
I am getting burned out.
I still like my story but I'm so sick of my story. I like my characters but I wish they would just get on with it. Yesterday I backtracked and wrote a chapter I'd accidentally skipped, so I feel like I'm moving backwards and my characters are regressing.
Regardless of my mixed feelings, I got up early this morning and wrote 600 words. I think this story will be longer than 60k, but I'd like to get as much done as I can by November 30th so I can tuck it away and work on the edits for The Other Side. I don't want to stop my current wip midway through, so the more I can get done now, the better.
On top of this, I've either been bitten by little bugs or I'm having an allergic reaction to something, because I am ITCHY! My left arm, my chest and my chin are driving me bonkers!
How's your writing coming along? Do you have any ailments you'd like to complain about?
ETA: I completely forgot to mention my lips have been swollen for a couple days and are also itchy. I'm trying to narrow down what foods I've eaten.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Five Things
Janna did this meme yesterday and I thought it was interesting and yet another way for you to get to know me. So without further adieu...
Five Things I Was Doing 5 Years Ago:
- working as a graphic designer at ad agency
- distancing myself from a group of friends that I decided were unhealthy for me
- salsa dancing
- living in a studio that I loved
- volunteering for annual fundraiser for a children's literacy program
Five Things on My To Do List:
(I've already done laundry, mopped & grocery shopped today - that was most of my list!)
- write
- work on my dad's website
- work out
- cook dinner
- finish laundry
Five Things I Like to Snack on:
- a wheel of brie baked with brown sugar
- pretzels dipped in ranch with hot sauce
- nutella, straight from the jar
- popcorn
- any type of chip as long as I can dip it in something (I don't actually eat this very often
Five Things I Would Do If I was a Millionaire:
- buy a house that's just big enough to live in until I'm old
- pay for my niece and nephews' college
- make sure my parents are taken care of
- allow Ibis' dad to retire
- buy lots and lots of books
Five Places I Have Lived:
- Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
- Chicago, Illinois
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Vienna, Virginia
- Colora, Maryland
Five Jobs I Have Had:
- art director at an ad agency
- graphic designer at the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago
- designer/software trainer at computer company
- hostess & server at a steakhouse
- cashier/prep cook at cheesesteak restaurant
Five People I Am Tagging:
Anyone who would like to play along. :)
Five Things I Was Doing 5 Years Ago:
- working as a graphic designer at ad agency
- distancing myself from a group of friends that I decided were unhealthy for me
- salsa dancing
- living in a studio that I loved
- volunteering for annual fundraiser for a children's literacy program
Five Things on My To Do List:
(I've already done laundry, mopped & grocery shopped today - that was most of my list!)
- write
- work on my dad's website
- work out
- cook dinner
- finish laundry
Five Things I Like to Snack on:
- a wheel of brie baked with brown sugar
- pretzels dipped in ranch with hot sauce
- nutella, straight from the jar
- popcorn
- any type of chip as long as I can dip it in something (I don't actually eat this very often
Five Things I Would Do If I was a Millionaire:
- buy a house that's just big enough to live in until I'm old
- pay for my niece and nephews' college
- make sure my parents are taken care of
- allow Ibis' dad to retire
- buy lots and lots of books
Five Places I Have Lived:
- Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
- Chicago, Illinois
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Vienna, Virginia
- Colora, Maryland
Five Jobs I Have Had:
- art director at an ad agency
- graphic designer at the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago
- designer/software trainer at computer company
- hostess & server at a steakhouse
- cashier/prep cook at cheesesteak restaurant
Five People I Am Tagging:
Anyone who would like to play along. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
