Dear Blog,
Monty just spent 30 minutes burying a rawhide under his blanket, and I can still see it. I feel like I should help him out a bit and cover it up, but I don't want to interfere. He seems to think he's being secretive and sneaky, and I don't want to crush his dreams. I sat here and watced the whole thing go down. He methodically dug and dug at the blanket, dropped his chew down, and then he tried and tried to cover it by nudging his head over and over and over the rawhide.
And so it goes...in Mexico.
Love,
Jenny en la ciudad
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Dear Blog,
Let me just tell you about my day yesterday. We went to Cuernavaca to choose a hacienda for our wedding. So, we were all ready to go to Cuernavaca, but Juan was backing the car up and we got a flat tire. So, he changed the tire and put on the donut. We went to Cuernavaca anyway.
Of course, traffic was horrible. Cuernavaca shouldn't take more than an hour to get to, but it took us about three. We were hungry, so we stopped and ate, and it was my turn to drive. There is one hacienda we have liked, called San Gabriel de las Palmas, and you can see it from the interstate, but there is no way to get to it. It is right off a road that runs parrallel to 95, but there is no exit...nothing. We discovered this last time, and we figured out that the road it is on is 95 without the toll. This time, we did not take the toll road and just took the regular road. Big mistake. I now understand why you have to take the toll roads in Mexico. It added another two hours to our trip. Not only did the road wind through little towns, but there were surprise speedbumps all along the way. When I say surprise, I mean surprise. They were not painted yellow, and there were no signs. You didn't actually see the bumps until you were right there, so we had to slam the breaks, donut and all. By the time we got to the hacienda, it was too late to talk to anyone, but we did get to see a wedding in progress, although we didn't crash it.
Let me just tell you about my day yesterday. We went to Cuernavaca to choose a hacienda for our wedding. So, we were all ready to go to Cuernavaca, but Juan was backing the car up and we got a flat tire. So, he changed the tire and put on the donut. We went to Cuernavaca anyway.
Of course, traffic was horrible. Cuernavaca shouldn't take more than an hour to get to, but it took us about three. We were hungry, so we stopped and ate, and it was my turn to drive. There is one hacienda we have liked, called San Gabriel de las Palmas, and you can see it from the interstate, but there is no way to get to it. It is right off a road that runs parrallel to 95, but there is no exit...nothing. We discovered this last time, and we figured out that the road it is on is 95 without the toll. This time, we did not take the toll road and just took the regular road. Big mistake. I now understand why you have to take the toll roads in Mexico. It added another two hours to our trip. Not only did the road wind through little towns, but there were surprise speedbumps all along the way. When I say surprise, I mean surprise. They were not painted yellow, and there were no signs. You didn't actually see the bumps until you were right there, so we had to slam the breaks, donut and all. By the time we got to the hacienda, it was too late to talk to anyone, but we did get to see a wedding in progress, although we didn't crash it.
Well, we wanted to look at one more hacienda. We weren't exactly sure how to get there, so Juan called the office. They told us to go about 30 minutes further south, toward Acapulco. Well, we got all the way to the state that Acapulco is in, and we didn't see it; we decided to turn around and go back. As it turns out, we were going the wrong direction. We ended up at the hacienda, but we were too late for the salespeople again. What a mess. I guess it will have to wait another week or so.
Twelve hours later, we were back in the chaotic city, which we lovingly (and begrudgingly) call home. Poor Monty.
This morning, we got the tire fixed. After that, we made pancakes and eggs for breakfast and went to the store. Oh yeah, and we got an extra hour to sleep! I love fall back...
Love ya,
Jenny en la ciudad
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Hump Day
Dear Blog,
Let me tell you about my week so far. Monty and I have gone on our morning walk every day this week. I am teaching the little fellow to walk beside, not in front of me. He is getting better, but he get's a little distracted. I suppose that it doesn't help that he wants to eat every piece of trash he sees on the street. And let me tell you something about Mexico: there is a lot of trash on the street. From what I can tell, they have a problem with littering. I learned at my work today that they do actually fine people for littering, but it doesn't appear to be much of a deterrent. It doesn't help that Monty will pick up anything, and the more disgusting it is, the more he likes it.
Work has been pretty normal this week. The kids have been learning the parts of body, so we have been doing a lot of songs about the body. We have also been singing about Halloween. I like to add a little drama to all the songs--I guess I get it from my dad--and they seem to enjoy it. Maybe I'll take a page out of the Chris Mathews style of teaching and do the whole "Edgar Allan Poe popping out of a coffin" thing as a special Halloween treat for the kiddies.
I have some bad news: Monty chewed one of my Rainbow flip-flops--the ones little Johnson bought me for my birthday--in half. I'm so upset. I wear them every afternoon when I walk him. I guess I will have to get some new ones.
I'm gonna eat a tortilla now...and some cheese.
Love,
Jenny en la ciudad
Let me tell you about my week so far. Monty and I have gone on our morning walk every day this week. I am teaching the little fellow to walk beside, not in front of me. He is getting better, but he get's a little distracted. I suppose that it doesn't help that he wants to eat every piece of trash he sees on the street. And let me tell you something about Mexico: there is a lot of trash on the street. From what I can tell, they have a problem with littering. I learned at my work today that they do actually fine people for littering, but it doesn't appear to be much of a deterrent. It doesn't help that Monty will pick up anything, and the more disgusting it is, the more he likes it.
Work has been pretty normal this week. The kids have been learning the parts of body, so we have been doing a lot of songs about the body. We have also been singing about Halloween. I like to add a little drama to all the songs--I guess I get it from my dad--and they seem to enjoy it. Maybe I'll take a page out of the Chris Mathews style of teaching and do the whole "Edgar Allan Poe popping out of a coffin" thing as a special Halloween treat for the kiddies.
I have some bad news: Monty chewed one of my Rainbow flip-flops--the ones little Johnson bought me for my birthday--in half. I'm so upset. I wear them every afternoon when I walk him. I guess I will have to get some new ones.
I'm gonna eat a tortilla now...and some cheese.
Love,
Jenny en la ciudad
Sunday, October 19, 2008
A Good Weekend
Dear Blog,
I have had a nice, relaxing weekend. On Friday, I got up early and walked Monty. It had rained during the night, so the ground was still saturated. When it rains in Mexico City, everything becomes a wet, smoggy mess. Not to mention the fact that there is not very good drainage in this city. So when we got back, Monty's whole belly was all dirty and wet. This was no job for a few baby wipes, so the little guy had to get a bath. When I got home from work, we watched some t.v. and relaxed. I also got to talk to Gretchen over Skype, which was really fun. Gretchen even got to see Monty hump my leg, via the webcam. Technology is so cool.
Yesterday, Monty and I walked about a mile to the vet's office. Monty had to get another vaccine; plus, he needed to get his nails done. So, I left him at the vet's and walked around for a while.
First, I went to Woolworth's. I would like to note that I haven't been in or seen a Woolworth's since the one in the Asheville Mall. When I walked in, it was like going back in time. It was like a cross between the old Woolworth's, the Roses on Merrimon Ave, and the Brendle's behind the Innsbrook Mall. I was a little giddy about the whole thing, really. Before I left, I ate at the Woolworth's Cafe. I mean, it was no Ikea Cafe (mmm...meatballs) or Sam's Club Cafe (mmm...hot dogs), but it was decent. I had fried eggs and toast.
Next, I went to Liverpool, which is a bid department store down here. I bought some make-up and walked around for a while. I discovered a Krispy Kreme, a Gap, and a Nine West. I didn't buy anything, but I felt reassured just knowing they are there.
Then, I walked back to the vet's office, but Monty wasn't ready, so I got a Starbucks coffee and went and got a pedicure. It was my first pedicure in Mexico, and I was pleased to learn that they are way cheaper here (only about $14).
Finally, I went back to get my pooch, and as I approached, I heard the distinctive howl bark of my little Monty. He has a unique bark, which starts out like a howl but ends like a bark. He's so special. I love when he full-out howls, because it reminds of when the Deesh used to howl. Erin would be glad to know that I howl for Monty the same way we used to howl for the Deesh, in hopes that she would channel her inner-hound. I've even got Juan howling.
Well, Monty and I got to show off our pedicures on the walk home. When we finally got back, we took naps--we were tired. I ate some pizza for dinner and watched "The First Wives Club."
This morning, I woke up around 7:30. Right now, I am watching "Friends," the one where Jon Lovitz lights up a doobie. Ahhh...It's been a good weekend.
Love always,
Jenny en la ciudad
I have had a nice, relaxing weekend. On Friday, I got up early and walked Monty. It had rained during the night, so the ground was still saturated. When it rains in Mexico City, everything becomes a wet, smoggy mess. Not to mention the fact that there is not very good drainage in this city. So when we got back, Monty's whole belly was all dirty and wet. This was no job for a few baby wipes, so the little guy had to get a bath. When I got home from work, we watched some t.v. and relaxed. I also got to talk to Gretchen over Skype, which was really fun. Gretchen even got to see Monty hump my leg, via the webcam. Technology is so cool.
Yesterday, Monty and I walked about a mile to the vet's office. Monty had to get another vaccine; plus, he needed to get his nails done. So, I left him at the vet's and walked around for a while.
First, I went to Woolworth's. I would like to note that I haven't been in or seen a Woolworth's since the one in the Asheville Mall. When I walked in, it was like going back in time. It was like a cross between the old Woolworth's, the Roses on Merrimon Ave, and the Brendle's behind the Innsbrook Mall. I was a little giddy about the whole thing, really. Before I left, I ate at the Woolworth's Cafe. I mean, it was no Ikea Cafe (mmm...meatballs) or Sam's Club Cafe (mmm...hot dogs), but it was decent. I had fried eggs and toast.
Next, I went to Liverpool, which is a bid department store down here. I bought some make-up and walked around for a while. I discovered a Krispy Kreme, a Gap, and a Nine West. I didn't buy anything, but I felt reassured just knowing they are there.
Then, I walked back to the vet's office, but Monty wasn't ready, so I got a Starbucks coffee and went and got a pedicure. It was my first pedicure in Mexico, and I was pleased to learn that they are way cheaper here (only about $14).
Finally, I went back to get my pooch, and as I approached, I heard the distinctive howl bark of my little Monty. He has a unique bark, which starts out like a howl but ends like a bark. He's so special. I love when he full-out howls, because it reminds of when the Deesh used to howl. Erin would be glad to know that I howl for Monty the same way we used to howl for the Deesh, in hopes that she would channel her inner-hound. I've even got Juan howling.
Well, Monty and I got to show off our pedicures on the walk home. When we finally got back, we took naps--we were tired. I ate some pizza for dinner and watched "The First Wives Club."
This morning, I woke up around 7:30. Right now, I am watching "Friends," the one where Jon Lovitz lights up a doobie. Ahhh...It's been a good weekend.
Love always,
Jenny en la ciudad
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Ugh
Dear Blog,
I have had a long day so far. This morning, I had to take a cab to work, and the cab driver got lost. I explained exactly how to get to my school, and he did not follow my directions. We were close to my school, but I didn't know exactly where we were, so I couldn't even explain where to go. I was so late to work this morning, and I am never late! This was my first tardy all year...so lame.
At work, some of the kids were getting on my nerves. What can I say? It happens when you teach children. I love the little toddlers that I teach--they're so cute! I love singing with them and playing with them. I like the older children too, but a couple of them were trying my patience today. I have one little girl that is always trying to steal stuff from my room. It's just little stuff, like little plastic animals or collage materials, but it's the principle of the matter. The other teachers told me she does the same things in their rooms. She can be very sweet, but she can also be very sneaky. She will just lie to your face, and she doesn't seem to care sometimes. I am glad tomorrow is Friday!
Monty and I went on a long walk around our neighborhood when I got home. We saw some cute little houses that are hidden on the side streets around us. I've always loved looking at houses. It made me want to draw house plans.
I am tired, so I think I'll take a nap. I'll write to you soon, Blog!
Love,
Jenny en la ciudad
I have had a long day so far. This morning, I had to take a cab to work, and the cab driver got lost. I explained exactly how to get to my school, and he did not follow my directions. We were close to my school, but I didn't know exactly where we were, so I couldn't even explain where to go. I was so late to work this morning, and I am never late! This was my first tardy all year...so lame.
At work, some of the kids were getting on my nerves. What can I say? It happens when you teach children. I love the little toddlers that I teach--they're so cute! I love singing with them and playing with them. I like the older children too, but a couple of them were trying my patience today. I have one little girl that is always trying to steal stuff from my room. It's just little stuff, like little plastic animals or collage materials, but it's the principle of the matter. The other teachers told me she does the same things in their rooms. She can be very sweet, but she can also be very sneaky. She will just lie to your face, and she doesn't seem to care sometimes. I am glad tomorrow is Friday!
Monty and I went on a long walk around our neighborhood when I got home. We saw some cute little houses that are hidden on the side streets around us. I've always loved looking at houses. It made me want to draw house plans.
I am tired, so I think I'll take a nap. I'll write to you soon, Blog!
Love,
Jenny en la ciudad
Monday, October 13, 2008
My Week at a Glance
Dear Blog,
Let me update you on what has been going on since last Tuesday.
Wednesday:
I went to work, as per usual. After work, I went to dinner with Juan and some people he works with. I ate some larvae...mmm.
Thursday:
I went to work. I hung out with little Monty and little Juan.
Friday:
I went to work. I hung out with my boys.
Saturday:
I took Monty on a long walk (approximately 3 miles). I have decided to go on long walks with him every morning. This way, we both get a work out in, and he is tired before he has to go in his crate. I am also establishing my alpha dominance with him. I read that you are never supposed to allow your dogs to walk ahead of you because that makes them think they are the alpha. So, Monty and I pretty much struggled over who would lead our walk, but I won. I did have the leash, afterall. In the evening, Juan and I went to dinner, and then we went to Garibaldi, which is an open plaza where you can listen to mariachis.
Sunday:
Juan had a trainer in town, so we took him to the pyramids. I walked up the Pyramid of the Sun again (all 250+ steps). We actually counted, but as soon as we got in the car, we couldn't remember the exact number. Apparently, the Aztecs had a lot of things, but the wheel was not one of them. We kept talking about how life would've been easier for them if they had had the wheel. They had to carry all the rocks by hand, and they got the rocks from a volcano, which is not exactly close. If only they had thought to roll their calendars...
Monday:
I took Monty on his morning walk. I went to work. Unlike many of my fellow Americans, I had to go to work. They don't celebrate Columbus Day in Mexico. Now, I am watching Gilmore Girls. Later, I am gonna go to the store and get groceries!
Much love,
Jenny en la ciudad
Let me update you on what has been going on since last Tuesday.
Wednesday:
I went to work, as per usual. After work, I went to dinner with Juan and some people he works with. I ate some larvae...mmm.
Thursday:
I went to work. I hung out with little Monty and little Juan.
Friday:
I went to work. I hung out with my boys.
Saturday:
I took Monty on a long walk (approximately 3 miles). I have decided to go on long walks with him every morning. This way, we both get a work out in, and he is tired before he has to go in his crate. I am also establishing my alpha dominance with him. I read that you are never supposed to allow your dogs to walk ahead of you because that makes them think they are the alpha. So, Monty and I pretty much struggled over who would lead our walk, but I won. I did have the leash, afterall. In the evening, Juan and I went to dinner, and then we went to Garibaldi, which is an open plaza where you can listen to mariachis.
Sunday:
Juan had a trainer in town, so we took him to the pyramids. I walked up the Pyramid of the Sun again (all 250+ steps). We actually counted, but as soon as we got in the car, we couldn't remember the exact number. Apparently, the Aztecs had a lot of things, but the wheel was not one of them. We kept talking about how life would've been easier for them if they had had the wheel. They had to carry all the rocks by hand, and they got the rocks from a volcano, which is not exactly close. If only they had thought to roll their calendars...
Monday:
I took Monty on his morning walk. I went to work. Unlike many of my fellow Americans, I had to go to work. They don't celebrate Columbus Day in Mexico. Now, I am watching Gilmore Girls. Later, I am gonna go to the store and get groceries!
Much love,
Jenny en la ciudad
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Dear Blog,
On Sunday, Juan and I went to Cuernavaca and looked at some more haciendas for our wedding. We liked the haciendas we saw because they all had churches. I think we are probably gonna have the wedding at one of those haciendas, but I will keep you posted.
We took Monty with us, and he was such a drama queen in the car. Here is his routine in the car: he sticks his head out the window, he throws up, he tries to eat his vomit, he sticks his head back out the window, he sniffs, he throws up again, he tries to eat his puke, etc. You see the cycle, right?
Yesterday, I didn't do much. After work, I came home and found a note from Juan, saying he had to go to a funeral in Monterrey. A friend's father died, so he went up for the funeral. So, Monty and I just hung out. I made beans and rice for dinner, we watched some television, and we went to bed.
I am getting ready to watch the big debate! Juan got his absentee ballot in the mail today, but I did not receive mine. He was in charge of faxing in our forms, so I am starting to wonder if he's trying to sabotage me. He swears he's not, but I am not so sure.
TTYL,
Jenny en la ciudad
On Sunday, Juan and I went to Cuernavaca and looked at some more haciendas for our wedding. We liked the haciendas we saw because they all had churches. I think we are probably gonna have the wedding at one of those haciendas, but I will keep you posted.
We took Monty with us, and he was such a drama queen in the car. Here is his routine in the car: he sticks his head out the window, he throws up, he tries to eat his vomit, he sticks his head back out the window, he sniffs, he throws up again, he tries to eat his puke, etc. You see the cycle, right?
Yesterday, I didn't do much. After work, I came home and found a note from Juan, saying he had to go to a funeral in Monterrey. A friend's father died, so he went up for the funeral. So, Monty and I just hung out. I made beans and rice for dinner, we watched some television, and we went to bed.
I am getting ready to watch the big debate! Juan got his absentee ballot in the mail today, but I did not receive mine. He was in charge of faxing in our forms, so I am starting to wonder if he's trying to sabotage me. He swears he's not, but I am not so sure.
TTYL,
Jenny en la ciudad
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Yak!
Dear Blog,
Last night, Juan and I went to dinner with his accountant and his girlfriend. They took us to a traditional Mexican restaurant, Casa de Toño. The food was delicious and cheap! I ate pozole, which is a Mexican soup with corn and tomatoes and meat...yum.
After dinner, we went to a casino and played Yak. Yak is basically the Mexican version of Bingo. I know what you are thinking, it was the four of us and a bunch a senior citizens, but it's not like that in Mexico. I mean, when they told us it was popular to play Bingo in Mexico, I immediately thought of my days in GA's, volunteering at St. Ann's and helping the elderly cover their Bingo cards. Plus, they don't yell out Bingo, but they say, "Yak!" At first, I was a little overwhelmed because they were calling the numbers so fast in Spanish, but I caught on. Unfortunately, we didn't win, but it was fun.
When we came home, I took Monty out for a walk and the poor little guy was constipated. He tried to go number two, and he made a pitiful little cry because he couldn't. I felt so sorry for my little guy. So, Juan and I babied him--of course. We just can't help it--he's so cute, not to mention sweet!
Today, we are going to go to Cuernavaca. I will write you about it later!
Love,
Jenny en la ciudad
Last night, Juan and I went to dinner with his accountant and his girlfriend. They took us to a traditional Mexican restaurant, Casa de Toño. The food was delicious and cheap! I ate pozole, which is a Mexican soup with corn and tomatoes and meat...yum.
After dinner, we went to a casino and played Yak. Yak is basically the Mexican version of Bingo. I know what you are thinking, it was the four of us and a bunch a senior citizens, but it's not like that in Mexico. I mean, when they told us it was popular to play Bingo in Mexico, I immediately thought of my days in GA's, volunteering at St. Ann's and helping the elderly cover their Bingo cards. Plus, they don't yell out Bingo, but they say, "Yak!" At first, I was a little overwhelmed because they were calling the numbers so fast in Spanish, but I caught on. Unfortunately, we didn't win, but it was fun.
When we came home, I took Monty out for a walk and the poor little guy was constipated. He tried to go number two, and he made a pitiful little cry because he couldn't. I felt so sorry for my little guy. So, Juan and I babied him--of course. We just can't help it--he's so cute, not to mention sweet!
Today, we are going to go to Cuernavaca. I will write you about it later!
Love,
Jenny en la ciudad
Friday, October 3, 2008
Where's the spandex when you need it?
Dear Blog,
Well, I am sorry to report that not much has happened since I wrote to you on Tuesday. My week at work has seemed to fly by. It was my week to "work the door." I know it sounds like I have an exclusive list of names and stand behind a velvet rope, but it's not like that. My job is to simply help the kids out of the car and walk them inside the school. I enjoy this job, but it has been freezing in the mornings (we're talking in the forties)! When I moved to Mexico, I didn't realize that it would get so cold here. I thought that I left the days of layering behind me for a while, but I am now thinking that I might need to send for Elena's spandex again.
Yesterday, Juan and I went to the store and rushed home just in time to watch the vice presidential debate. I thought the debate was more interesting than the presidential debate because they covered more issues. Plus, there sure was a whole lotta winking going on, which was certainly lacking in the first debate.
I think that Juan and I are gonna go to Cuernavaca one day this weekend. Cuernavaca is a little colonial town about an hour south of Mexico City. I think it will be a nice little trip.
Much love,
Jenny en la ciudad
Well, I am sorry to report that not much has happened since I wrote to you on Tuesday. My week at work has seemed to fly by. It was my week to "work the door." I know it sounds like I have an exclusive list of names and stand behind a velvet rope, but it's not like that. My job is to simply help the kids out of the car and walk them inside the school. I enjoy this job, but it has been freezing in the mornings (we're talking in the forties)! When I moved to Mexico, I didn't realize that it would get so cold here. I thought that I left the days of layering behind me for a while, but I am now thinking that I might need to send for Elena's spandex again.
Yesterday, Juan and I went to the store and rushed home just in time to watch the vice presidential debate. I thought the debate was more interesting than the presidential debate because they covered more issues. Plus, there sure was a whole lotta winking going on, which was certainly lacking in the first debate.
I think that Juan and I are gonna go to Cuernavaca one day this weekend. Cuernavaca is a little colonial town about an hour south of Mexico City. I think it will be a nice little trip.
Much love,
Jenny en la ciudad
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