We've put our car through a lot in the past month. We drove roughly 3000 miles across Mexico, including passing through the Sierra Madres three times, and have been playing taxi to guests at Ibis' hotel. She hasn't protested too much, just asks that we give her oil a little more than normal.
The tires have been problematic since last summer. We replaced a couple different parts having to do with the brakes (there's a more detailed explanation but I've made a point to not absorb it; if you need to know more, please ask my husband) and we thought everything was fine.
This past week the grinding/knocking sound it makes when we turn has gotten a little louder, and her whine has become more high-pitched. "Must be all the dust," I said. It hasn't rained since November and I remember my old Corrolla used to scream at me when her pieces got dry and dirty. I think I mentioned it to Ibis, but I honestly don't remember. He's been driving, too, so if it was that bad I figured he'd realize it on his own.
Well... yesterday we were leaving the beach and the grinding/knocking/screaming was so loud people on the sidewalk were staring. The majority of the cars in Mexico are falling apart so if you get a look you know you're in trouble. Ibis got out of the car to check the tires (both of us being so mechanically inclined) and discovered the brakes are gone. Not only that, the shoes are wearing down and starting to eat the metal on the wheel frame.
He thinks we need both brake pads and shoes. Fabulous! Looks like I'll be walking again till we get them replaced.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
How Mexico Has Changed Me - Part 2
I thought I should do a follow-up to my post the other day about ways that I've changed since moving here. While those things are all true, they make it look like my life is all palm trees and piña coladas. So here's the flip side.
I've Become a Rude Pedestrian
I'm generalizing here, but a lot of the locals here don't pay any attention to other people when walking on the sidewalk or down the middle of the street. There are also people who purposely put themselves in the way, actually take a step to the side so they are in your path and you are forced to get out of their way. After months of this happening (especially the young men & woman who try to nudge me off the sidewalk) I decided to fight back. I hold my ground while walking and make other people get out of my way. If people refuse to move (usually teenage girls) I make sure to say something. This may not sound like anything groundbreaking, but I try hard to be polite and I feel bad I've stooped to their level. I do get around much faster though.
My Body Has Weird Scars
I have a big one on my thigh that appeared overnight last spring, as well as a couple smaller ones near my knee. We think it may have been a jellyfish (long story) so that's the story I tell people. Recently a strange mark the size of a silver dollar has appeared on my side. It doesn't hurt but it's noticeable. I always have random bug bites, especially around my ankles, but there's a clump in the middle of my back that won't go away. Oh, and my toenail is still missing.
My Social Life is Nearly Non-Existent
I've always had a busy social life, whether going out to restaurants or dancing at night or playing sports during the day. Here we didn't make our first friends until November and I didn't find my first girlfriend until two months ago. I spent months and months sitting in front of the computer, reading, and watching movies. All pastimes I enjoy but I would have much rather been out having fun. Ibis and I would do things every now and then but we weren't earning any income at that time and it's tough to spend money on anything but necessities when you're in that situation. Now I've been going out a lot more and he thinks I'm trying to make up for lost time. Even so, I spend more days at home than I do out and about.
I No Longer Flinch at the Sound of Gunshots
Don't get me wrong, I still react, but now when I hear a gun fire in the neighborhood I merely turn my head to make sure nothing came through the window. Their frequency has lessened since the holidays passed, but around Christmas and New Years we heard at least 20 to 30 shots per day. New Years Eve I think each person with a gun personally fired that many. We just stay away from the windows and go about our business.
I No Longer Cry When I Hear a Dog Being Beaten
Sadly, this is another common occurrence. I do flinch when I hear the sudden cries of an animal but it no longer disrupts my day. I pause for several minutes and wish I could do something, but really, there's nothing to do. Animals are not viewed as they are in the US. The streets are filled with strays and kids learn early that it's ok to take a swing (or kick) at four-legged creatures.
I've Become a Rude Pedestrian
I'm generalizing here, but a lot of the locals here don't pay any attention to other people when walking on the sidewalk or down the middle of the street. There are also people who purposely put themselves in the way, actually take a step to the side so they are in your path and you are forced to get out of their way. After months of this happening (especially the young men & woman who try to nudge me off the sidewalk) I decided to fight back. I hold my ground while walking and make other people get out of my way. If people refuse to move (usually teenage girls) I make sure to say something. This may not sound like anything groundbreaking, but I try hard to be polite and I feel bad I've stooped to their level. I do get around much faster though.
My Body Has Weird Scars
I have a big one on my thigh that appeared overnight last spring, as well as a couple smaller ones near my knee. We think it may have been a jellyfish (long story) so that's the story I tell people. Recently a strange mark the size of a silver dollar has appeared on my side. It doesn't hurt but it's noticeable. I always have random bug bites, especially around my ankles, but there's a clump in the middle of my back that won't go away. Oh, and my toenail is still missing.
My Social Life is Nearly Non-Existent
I've always had a busy social life, whether going out to restaurants or dancing at night or playing sports during the day. Here we didn't make our first friends until November and I didn't find my first girlfriend until two months ago. I spent months and months sitting in front of the computer, reading, and watching movies. All pastimes I enjoy but I would have much rather been out having fun. Ibis and I would do things every now and then but we weren't earning any income at that time and it's tough to spend money on anything but necessities when you're in that situation. Now I've been going out a lot more and he thinks I'm trying to make up for lost time. Even so, I spend more days at home than I do out and about.
I No Longer Flinch at the Sound of Gunshots
Don't get me wrong, I still react, but now when I hear a gun fire in the neighborhood I merely turn my head to make sure nothing came through the window. Their frequency has lessened since the holidays passed, but around Christmas and New Years we heard at least 20 to 30 shots per day. New Years Eve I think each person with a gun personally fired that many. We just stay away from the windows and go about our business.
I No Longer Cry When I Hear a Dog Being Beaten
Sadly, this is another common occurrence. I do flinch when I hear the sudden cries of an animal but it no longer disrupts my day. I pause for several minutes and wish I could do something, but really, there's nothing to do. Animals are not viewed as they are in the US. The streets are filled with strays and kids learn early that it's ok to take a swing (or kick) at four-legged creatures.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Question for All the Writers Out There
I'm getting a little antsy and could use some advice.
I finished the first draft of my memoir in two and a half months, then spent the next couple months editing. I had a couple people critiquing for me and they made some suggestions that, in my opinion, strengthened the beginning. Problem is, one dropped out after a couple chapters and the other hasn't had as much free time.
I enlisted a new reader at the end of January, so now I'm back to two readers. I have another person lined up to edit once I incorporate the others' suggestions.
Here's the problem: it's taking forever to get my book back. I'm in more direct contact with one of the two but it still doesn't help me work on my book. I'm not criticizing or judging anyone for having a life and needing to focus on themselves. No one's getting paid for this so it's certainly understandable to step aside. Everyone has been honest with me and kept me somewhat in the loop about delays, but I can't help but get frustrated that it's been away from me for almost as long as it took me to write the thing.
Initially I'd hoped to start querying agents in the spring but it doesn't look like that's possible. I've thought about trying to find an additional reader but I don't know if that'll just make things more confusing.
To make sure I'm clear - I'm not mad at my readers and I try really hard not to pester them. I never asked how long this process would take and that's my fault. I've started my next project to keep myself moving forward, but I really want to get on with the query and synopsis.
My question(s) for you, dear reader, is what should I do? Am I just being a needy writer and need to calm down, or is there an understood amount of time that beta-ing should take?
Thank you in advance for your help.
I finished the first draft of my memoir in two and a half months, then spent the next couple months editing. I had a couple people critiquing for me and they made some suggestions that, in my opinion, strengthened the beginning. Problem is, one dropped out after a couple chapters and the other hasn't had as much free time.
I enlisted a new reader at the end of January, so now I'm back to two readers. I have another person lined up to edit once I incorporate the others' suggestions.
Here's the problem: it's taking forever to get my book back. I'm in more direct contact with one of the two but it still doesn't help me work on my book. I'm not criticizing or judging anyone for having a life and needing to focus on themselves. No one's getting paid for this so it's certainly understandable to step aside. Everyone has been honest with me and kept me somewhat in the loop about delays, but I can't help but get frustrated that it's been away from me for almost as long as it took me to write the thing.
Initially I'd hoped to start querying agents in the spring but it doesn't look like that's possible. I've thought about trying to find an additional reader but I don't know if that'll just make things more confusing.
To make sure I'm clear - I'm not mad at my readers and I try really hard not to pester them. I never asked how long this process would take and that's my fault. I've started my next project to keep myself moving forward, but I really want to get on with the query and synopsis.
My question(s) for you, dear reader, is what should I do? Am I just being a needy writer and need to calm down, or is there an understood amount of time that beta-ing should take?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
How Mexico Has Changed Me
Sorry for taking so long to post, this day has been non-stop. Overflowing the washing machine - and therefore flooding my three downstairs neighbors patios - is just a highlight. But here I am, as promised, with a sampling of how living in Mexico for the past year has changed me. Feel free to add to the list in comments if you think I've missed anything.
I Rarely Wear Makeup
I was never one to coat myself in makeup suitable for theater, but I rarely left home without the basics. After one summer in Mexico I've discovered why Mexican women wear so much eye makeup: it's the only thing that doesn't slide off your face. I don't own eyeliner, although I have been experimenting with darker shadows, so I tend to stay bare-faced.
I've Learned to Cook
I could cook before moving here but I didn't experiment very much. I could follow a recipe and not burn things but I didn't try things without knowing how they'd turn out, especially when cooking for someone else. Now I can cook several traditional Mexican dishes and don't even hesitate when dinner time rolls around and I need to whip something up. Perfect example: tonight I'm cooking fish in foil on the stove top. I've never tried it this way but I'm tired of fish tacos and the fish always falls apart if I just cook it in the skillet. It'll taste good, even if it looks scary.
I Can Drive Like a Mexican
Today I drove a few people to the airport and the traffic was particularly disorderly. I maneuvered through without batting an eye, talking to the people the entire time, when one of them commented I drive just like the locals. I think he meant it as a compliment because he also threw something in there about being aggressive. Go me.
I'm Much More Relaxed
Or so they say. You really can't be uptight and try to live here. Everything moves slower, takes longer, and sometimes can't be done till mañana. When I was home over Thanksgiving a friend commented that they've never seen me so calm. I'm not sure how they reflects my personality before, but I guess it's a good thing.
Oh Yeah! Spanish
I can function on my own in a Spanish speaking country. I still get tripped up on certain words but I can even understand the radio!
I Don't Mind Killing Bugs
Or ingesting the occasional ant (said as I pick an ant out of my water glass). This doesn't mean I like bugs, just that I don't scream and run when I see them. Today at the market I saw a mouse running through the produce, I pointed it out to the lady, and we shared a laugh over the ratón trying to eat the avocados. That's funny right? Please tell me that's funny. Anyway, not so scared, I just clean things extra well.
I've Become a Housewife/Taxi Driver
Every morning I sweep, put away whatever has been left out from the night before, and do endless amounts of dishes. Some days, like today, I spend hours doing laundry and mopping the floor. Although today I mopped because of the washer, but whatever. I know other people do this, too, I'm not claiming to be anything special, just pointing out how I've changed. The taxi driver bit... well, I've spent a lot of time ferrying hotel guests around town. Perhaps that's why my driving has improved.
I'm Talking Like a Canadian
This is a recent change, all thanks to my lovely girlfriend from Canada who says 'ay' every other sentence. I'm also saying 'sorry' with a long 'o'. Didn't think I'd pick up a Canadian accent in Mexico, but I did.
So, did I miss anything?
I Rarely Wear Makeup
I was never one to coat myself in makeup suitable for theater, but I rarely left home without the basics. After one summer in Mexico I've discovered why Mexican women wear so much eye makeup: it's the only thing that doesn't slide off your face. I don't own eyeliner, although I have been experimenting with darker shadows, so I tend to stay bare-faced.
I've Learned to Cook
I could cook before moving here but I didn't experiment very much. I could follow a recipe and not burn things but I didn't try things without knowing how they'd turn out, especially when cooking for someone else. Now I can cook several traditional Mexican dishes and don't even hesitate when dinner time rolls around and I need to whip something up. Perfect example: tonight I'm cooking fish in foil on the stove top. I've never tried it this way but I'm tired of fish tacos and the fish always falls apart if I just cook it in the skillet. It'll taste good, even if it looks scary.
I Can Drive Like a Mexican
Today I drove a few people to the airport and the traffic was particularly disorderly. I maneuvered through without batting an eye, talking to the people the entire time, when one of them commented I drive just like the locals. I think he meant it as a compliment because he also threw something in there about being aggressive. Go me.
I'm Much More Relaxed
Or so they say. You really can't be uptight and try to live here. Everything moves slower, takes longer, and sometimes can't be done till mañana. When I was home over Thanksgiving a friend commented that they've never seen me so calm. I'm not sure how they reflects my personality before, but I guess it's a good thing.
Oh Yeah! Spanish
I can function on my own in a Spanish speaking country. I still get tripped up on certain words but I can even understand the radio!
I Don't Mind Killing Bugs
Or ingesting the occasional ant (said as I pick an ant out of my water glass). This doesn't mean I like bugs, just that I don't scream and run when I see them. Today at the market I saw a mouse running through the produce, I pointed it out to the lady, and we shared a laugh over the ratón trying to eat the avocados. That's funny right? Please tell me that's funny. Anyway, not so scared, I just clean things extra well.
I've Become a Housewife/Taxi Driver
Every morning I sweep, put away whatever has been left out from the night before, and do endless amounts of dishes. Some days, like today, I spend hours doing laundry and mopping the floor. Although today I mopped because of the washer, but whatever. I know other people do this, too, I'm not claiming to be anything special, just pointing out how I've changed. The taxi driver bit... well, I've spent a lot of time ferrying hotel guests around town. Perhaps that's why my driving has improved.
I'm Talking Like a Canadian
This is a recent change, all thanks to my lovely girlfriend from Canada who says 'ay' every other sentence. I'm also saying 'sorry' with a long 'o'. Didn't think I'd pick up a Canadian accent in Mexico, but I did.
So, did I miss anything?
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Coming Soon...
This weekend has been a little hectic with friends in town and 10,000 tourists all over the place. We're going to the beach tomorrow with our neighbors, but after that I'll put up a regular post. Coming soon: How Mexico Has Changed Me.
Happy Easter or whatever this day means to you. :)
Happy Easter or whatever this day means to you. :)
Friday, March 21, 2008
What a Crybaby
Everyone throws a little pity party now and then. A quiet afternoon where you wallow in whatever misery has wronged you this time, a drunken night with friends to help you forget your sadness, a week in bed watching old Friends episodes (that Joey cracks me up every time). Some people may even write in a journal so they can get the icky feelings out and get on with their day.
But have you ever put all those mopey, waaaaaaaaa, my life sucks thoughts into an official document for the US government? Didn't think so.
Next month Ibis has to return to Ciudad Juarez for the second of two immigration appointments. The interview this month was all about him; this one will be all about me and why I'm better off living in the US. We've worked with our lawyer for several months, documenting every random thing I can think of that has made my life difficult. I don't get into a lot of those things in this blog, but there are plenty. I've sent her emails at all hours of the day, filled with one more obscure thing that came to me while sleeping. (The latest was that we don't have regular mail service and half the letters/cards people have sent never arrive.)
I consider myself an upbeat, optimistic person, and whenever I catch myself wallowing I try to remind myself that there are others much worse off than me. So to see all my gripes bulleted over nine pages almost made me laugh. "What a wimp!" I thought. "Is this what I've become?" I recognize that it's all true but still, who goes and writes their complaints in a list? Besides Heather Mills anyway.
The meeting isn't until April 17th so we still have plenty of anxious waiting ahead of us. In the meantime I finally made contact with my friends and made plans for several different things over the next week. Then I have another friend coming in three weeks. Lots of things to look forward to.
Ibis has tomorrow off and we're taking some hotel guests to the beach, then going to dinner with my friends, so I won't be posting tomorrow. For all of you buried in snow, I'm sorry. :) And Happy Good Friday.
But have you ever put all those mopey, waaaaaaaaa, my life sucks thoughts into an official document for the US government? Didn't think so.
Next month Ibis has to return to Ciudad Juarez for the second of two immigration appointments. The interview this month was all about him; this one will be all about me and why I'm better off living in the US. We've worked with our lawyer for several months, documenting every random thing I can think of that has made my life difficult. I don't get into a lot of those things in this blog, but there are plenty. I've sent her emails at all hours of the day, filled with one more obscure thing that came to me while sleeping. (The latest was that we don't have regular mail service and half the letters/cards people have sent never arrive.)
I consider myself an upbeat, optimistic person, and whenever I catch myself wallowing I try to remind myself that there are others much worse off than me. So to see all my gripes bulleted over nine pages almost made me laugh. "What a wimp!" I thought. "Is this what I've become?" I recognize that it's all true but still, who goes and writes their complaints in a list? Besides Heather Mills anyway.
The meeting isn't until April 17th so we still have plenty of anxious waiting ahead of us. In the meantime I finally made contact with my friends and made plans for several different things over the next week. Then I have another friend coming in three weeks. Lots of things to look forward to.
Ibis has tomorrow off and we're taking some hotel guests to the beach, then going to dinner with my friends, so I won't be posting tomorrow. For all of you buried in snow, I'm sorry. :) And Happy Good Friday.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Waiting for That Call
I'm sure you've all been there: you're waiting for a phone call, trying to keep yourself busy as the minutes, then hours, slowly tick by. "Why aren't they calling? Did they get in an accident? Are they just avoiding me? What's going on?"
You pace around the house looking for something, anything, to occupy your time. You finally settle in with a book and are just getting lost in the story when it hits you: the phone must not be working! You race to the phone to check for a dial tone and...
It works, right?
Not today, my friend. I can't tell you how many times I've checked for a dial tone and been disappointed to hear that familiar buzz. But now, when I'm waiting for a call from someone I haven't seen in fifteen years, my phone doesn't work.
I'm hoping it's just the cable since my internet connection is fine, but it doesn't help me right now. We use Skype to call family back home and since Ibis brings his computer to work I rang him till he messaged me back. Now he's trying to get a message to my friends so they at least know I'm not trying to avoid them.
As for why the phone doesn't work, I'll keep you posted.
You pace around the house looking for something, anything, to occupy your time. You finally settle in with a book and are just getting lost in the story when it hits you: the phone must not be working! You race to the phone to check for a dial tone and...
It works, right?
Not today, my friend. I can't tell you how many times I've checked for a dial tone and been disappointed to hear that familiar buzz. But now, when I'm waiting for a call from someone I haven't seen in fifteen years, my phone doesn't work.
I'm hoping it's just the cable since my internet connection is fine, but it doesn't help me right now. We use Skype to call family back home and since Ibis brings his computer to work I rang him till he messaged me back. Now he's trying to get a message to my friends so they at least know I'm not trying to avoid them.
As for why the phone doesn't work, I'll keep you posted.
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