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“You know what the secret is? It's so simple. We love one another. We're nice to one another. Do you know how rare that is?" - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Carmen (America Ferrera)
My Kindle Cloud of four years contains 619 books I've read. Being a voracious reader for my entire life, I've always puzzled at my inability to find inspiration to pen my own stories.
I have finally discovered my muse(s) and inspiration - my wonderful teacher friends in Austin, Texas. We call ourselves the "Sistahs" and give each other "traveling pants names" as in the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. (I am currently "Builder Pants.") We have always emailed each other with funny teacher tales. When I changed my life around and retired, I kept emailing them with my new adventures. They responded so positively that I kept writing and am still at it. My Sistahs - My Muses!
My Kindle Cloud of four years contains 619 books I've read. Being a voracious reader for my entire life, I've always puzzled at my inability to find inspiration to pen my own stories.
I have finally discovered my muse(s) and inspiration - my wonderful teacher friends in Austin, Texas. We call ourselves the "Sistahs" and give each other "traveling pants names" as in the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. (I am currently "Builder Pants.") We have always emailed each other with funny teacher tales. When I changed my life around and retired, I kept emailing them with my new adventures. They responded so positively that I kept writing and am still at it. My Sistahs - My Muses!
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"Grab them and hug them and tell them that you love 'em. Tell them, 'If you need anything, come to me.' 'If you need somebody to talk to, come to me.' 'I'll give you the shoulder, I'll give you the hug. I'll feed you, I'll clothe you if you need it. That's how you start from this moment. When you leave this reunion today, you take that with you. - Madea's Family Reunion - Myrtle (Cicely Tyson)
My husband returned to my arms today. We had little reunion scene at the Montevideo Aeropuerto, as we cried, kissed, and hugged. Finally together at last - after spending 8 months out of the past 12 apart. My prayers have been answered.
I oversaw all the construction for our house while my husband returned to the States. When he left, there was only a foundation. Today he saw firsthand the walls, roof, and windows! I am so proud of myself for overseeing all of that. Mostly, though, I am honored that he placed so much trust in me.
Thank God for technology. We were able to communicate daily with Skype! I'm not sure how our house would have gotten built or how sane I would be without contact through technology. My heart is full!
I oversaw all the construction for our house while my husband returned to the States. When he left, there was only a foundation. Today he saw firsthand the walls, roof, and windows! I am so proud of myself for overseeing all of that. Mostly, though, I am honored that he placed so much trust in me.
Thank God for technology. We were able to communicate daily with Skype! I'm not sure how our house would have gotten built or how sane I would be without contact through technology. My heart is full!
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“I love those moments. I like to wave at them as they pass by." - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest - Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp)
2013 ~ It was a year of milestones; Mom reached her 100th year on Earth and I completed 34 years of teaching. It was a year of farewells - to careers, to Texas, to family and friends. It was a year of separation, as my husband and I spent only four months together and eight months on different continents. It was a year of reflecting on the love of family and friends. It was a year of new life, as our first grandchild was born. It was a year of adjustment, as we moved to a new home. It was a year of tears - for doubt, frustration, and joy. It was a year of trust - building a new home with no Home Depot! It was a year of wonder, as we asked ourselves, “Are we crazy?” It was a year of accomplishment, as we met more challenges to even list! It was a year of caring, as new friends and “old” provided help, dried tears, and gave hugs. Lastly, it was a year of faith, as we placed our lives, fears, and dreams in the hands of God and Universe.
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"Blast this Christmas music. It's joyful and triumphant." - How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Grinch
Uruguay suffers an identity crisis at Christmas. "Jingle Bells" plays through the sound system at Punta Shopping Mall. Not a version in Spanish, no - very high pitched children's voices singing in English with weird electronic/Euro techno music accompanying them. Not bad if you hear the song once, but it inspires wrist-slitting after hearing it on the 10 minute play loop they have.
Of course it's summertime here, making Christmas seem unreal, especially with beach balls and bikinis on one side of the store aisle - Christmas ornaments on the other. I always buy a new ornament every year to mark a special event. Even though I had no tree (in a box in the barn), I went on a search for an special ornament to commemorate my Christmas in Uruguay. Ja, Ja, Ja - every single ornament I found was made in China. My ornament quest lost its appeal very quickly. My enthusiasm suddenly returned when what to my wondering eyes did appear - Italian and German Christmas food! Yes, in the holiday food aisles of the stores were rows and rows of Italian panettone (sweet bread) and German stollen (cake).
It was my first Christmas ever to be alone - but not forgotten! There was one Uruguayan tradition that overwhelmed me with gratefulness - phone calls and text messages from new friends and neighbors, wishing me, "Feliz Navidad!" Uruguayans (native and new) are caring - now that's a tradition I can take to heart.
Uruguay suffers an identity crisis at Christmas. "Jingle Bells" plays through the sound system at Punta Shopping Mall. Not a version in Spanish, no - very high pitched children's voices singing in English with weird electronic/Euro techno music accompanying them. Not bad if you hear the song once, but it inspires wrist-slitting after hearing it on the 10 minute play loop they have.
Of course it's summertime here, making Christmas seem unreal, especially with beach balls and bikinis on one side of the store aisle - Christmas ornaments on the other. I always buy a new ornament every year to mark a special event. Even though I had no tree (in a box in the barn), I went on a search for an special ornament to commemorate my Christmas in Uruguay. Ja, Ja, Ja - every single ornament I found was made in China. My ornament quest lost its appeal very quickly. My enthusiasm suddenly returned when what to my wondering eyes did appear - Italian and German Christmas food! Yes, in the holiday food aisles of the stores were rows and rows of Italian panettone (sweet bread) and German stollen (cake).
It was my first Christmas ever to be alone - but not forgotten! There was one Uruguayan tradition that overwhelmed me with gratefulness - phone calls and text messages from new friends and neighbors, wishing me, "Feliz Navidad!" Uruguayans (native and new) are caring - now that's a tradition I can take to heart.
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"A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff." - George Carlin
Our new barn is jam-packed with all our "stuff." I've opened many boxes, but have topped out with no more room for things in our little house. So far, nothing from our shipment is damaged, which is a miracle.
The movers were not the professionals we expected; they were four 16 and 17 year-old street kids from the Montevideo port. One was homeless and none had eaten all day. We fed them and they did their best, but it was 95 degrees for the 7 hours it took to unload. They had no dolly, moving straps, or even a ramp for the truck.
Our wonderful Canadian friends stayed by my side the whole time. I have no idea what I would have done without them. At least everything made it here; that is a blessing. We will soon find a spot for things.
The movers were not the professionals we expected; they were four 16 and 17 year-old street kids from the Montevideo port. One was homeless and none had eaten all day. We fed them and they did their best, but it was 95 degrees for the 7 hours it took to unload. They had no dolly, moving straps, or even a ramp for the truck.
Our wonderful Canadian friends stayed by my side the whole time. I have no idea what I would have done without them. At least everything made it here; that is a blessing. We will soon find a spot for things.
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“Be excellent to each other.” - Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure - Rufus (George Carlin)
I went to my first Uruguayan wedding last night and it was fantastico! It was the wedding of Uruguayan friends. I'm guilty of being a true romantic, but it was honestly one of the nicest weddings I've ever attended.
The setting was outdoors at a chacra (a small farm), complete with peacocks, bougainvillea, bunnies, and a puppy! The food was out of this world. Dancing started at 9:00 and dinner was at 10:00 (Uruguayan style). My favorite appetizer was the seafood cocktail (ceviche style) and favorite beverage was champagne with crushed berries - yum.
I was told that it was not really a traditional Uruguayan wedding, however I did notice some unique traditions. The couple was married by an official who wore a Uruguayan flag sash. Many witnesses (family and friends) were called up during the ceremony and very formally signed a book. I love this one: instead of walking down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, friends and family went to the bride and groom for hugs and kisses!
I went to my first Uruguayan wedding last night and it was fantastico! It was the wedding of Uruguayan friends. I'm guilty of being a true romantic, but it was honestly one of the nicest weddings I've ever attended.
The setting was outdoors at a chacra (a small farm), complete with peacocks, bougainvillea, bunnies, and a puppy! The food was out of this world. Dancing started at 9:00 and dinner was at 10:00 (Uruguayan style). My favorite appetizer was the seafood cocktail (ceviche style) and favorite beverage was champagne with crushed berries - yum.
I was told that it was not really a traditional Uruguayan wedding, however I did notice some unique traditions. The couple was married by an official who wore a Uruguayan flag sash. Many witnesses (family and friends) were called up during the ceremony and very formally signed a book. I love this one: instead of walking down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, friends and family went to the bride and groom for hugs and kisses!
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"Laundry day is the only exciting day in the life of clothes. It is. No, think about it. The washing machine is the nightclub of clothes. You know, it's dark, there's bubbles happening, they're all kind of dancing around in there." The Seinfeld Chronicles - Jerry Seinfeld
Today we finally got the washing machine hooked up and the clothesline hung. Notice that I omitted the mention of a dryer! My husband has channeled back to his German childhood and clothes on the line, sweet smells and all that. All the washer directions are in Spanish of course, so I finally just put stuff in, cried a little, and pushed a lot of buttons. It washed! Then it started to rain, so no clothes on the line today....
Our German friend came over to give us a lesson in wood stoves and building fires. We are warm and cozy now. Who knew those big bags of things sold by the side of the highway and at fruit stands were pine cones? And we thought they were potatoes! You use them to get the fire going. Still no gas, so no way to cook other than the slow cooker. My stew was good and this is the last night of it, thank goodness.
Our builder is nice, but is quickly learning my school teacher habits. I make him an list of notes and a plan for each day - always the teacher, I guess. Our house is cozy and when I look out at the hills and the skies, it's totally worth waking up freezing every morning. The high today was only 45 degrees. I had on a t-shirt, camisole, sweater, and down jacket - in the mall!! Uruguay is NOT tropical, as many believe. The winter weather is damp and cold with winds coming from the Atlantic and Antarctica.
Doggies are fine; Gracie is curled up next to me by the fire. My hubby is on his way to the little village store (Almacen) for vino. Life is good!
Our German friend came over to give us a lesson in wood stoves and building fires. We are warm and cozy now. Who knew those big bags of things sold by the side of the highway and at fruit stands were pine cones? And we thought they were potatoes! You use them to get the fire going. Still no gas, so no way to cook other than the slow cooker. My stew was good and this is the last night of it, thank goodness.
Our builder is nice, but is quickly learning my school teacher habits. I make him an list of notes and a plan for each day - always the teacher, I guess. Our house is cozy and when I look out at the hills and the skies, it's totally worth waking up freezing every morning. The high today was only 45 degrees. I had on a t-shirt, camisole, sweater, and down jacket - in the mall!! Uruguay is NOT tropical, as many believe. The winter weather is damp and cold with winds coming from the Atlantic and Antarctica.
Doggies are fine; Gracie is curled up next to me by the fire. My hubby is on his way to the little village store (Almacen) for vino. Life is good!
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“Time marches on and sooner or later you realize it is marching across your face.” – Steel Magnolias - Truvy (Dolly Parton)
I had not planned on retiring from teaching for at least four more years, but life changes. Retirement is bittersweet - leaving my 3rd grade class, my educators, and my profession.
I love teaching AND I loathe it. How so? I taught every age from Kindergarden to adults. I enjoyed the laughter, the hugs, the "aha" moments, and even the tears. I loathed feeling I wasn't ever doing enough, feeling I was teaching the wrong things, and feeling I wasn't a good enough teacher. After years and years, I learned that nearly every good teacher I know has these feelings of inadequacy. Perhaps that's what keeps us strong and prepared - always trying to do more.
I will always be a teacher of some sort; I'm just too bossy not to be.
I had not planned on retiring from teaching for at least four more years, but life changes. Retirement is bittersweet - leaving my 3rd grade class, my educators, and my profession.
I love teaching AND I loathe it. How so? I taught every age from Kindergarden to adults. I enjoyed the laughter, the hugs, the "aha" moments, and even the tears. I loathed feeling I wasn't ever doing enough, feeling I was teaching the wrong things, and feeling I wasn't a good enough teacher. After years and years, I learned that nearly every good teacher I know has these feelings of inadequacy. Perhaps that's what keeps us strong and prepared - always trying to do more.
I will always be a teacher of some sort; I'm just too bossy not to be.
