Reflections and New Beginnings

One thing I am certain of is I am not perfect. We all know that none of us are. But the one New Year's resolution I want to make this year is to be more clear of my intentions and hope others can do the same. I will try my best to approach each new hurdle or situation with an open mind. Really a tough one for me.

I never really understand where somebody else is coming from at any given moment. I have unkind words or a horrible email from family, and immediately I get angry. But after a few days revisiting the issue over and over again, I realize that most of what makes me upset or hurt is not really about me, but more about them. This is the kind of stuff I know but seldom practice.

So I approach this new year with a new lesson. Take what I can get and leave the rest. Enjoy my friends and my accomplishments. Take it one day at a time and don't take life so seriously. All the crap will still be here tomorrow. Relax, enjoy and understand that we all have problems. Often when another person is unkind or judgmental, the best thing to do is to let go and let God.

That is my wisdom for 2015! Happy New Year. Feliz 2015!

Musings of the Day: 15 Years in Mexico

Our Godchild's Christening

My family

12 Things I have learned after living almost 15 years in Mexico

When at the grocery store meat counter, I know to order 200 or 300 grams of ham, not 200 or 300 kilos like I used to 15 years ago. (What a look of shock I saw on the women’s faces!)

I have learned how to pronounce “estacionamiento” (parking lot) and “impermeabilizante” (waterproofing … materials for our roof).

I know to order camarón (shrimp) con “un poco de ajo” (a little garlic), instead of “un poco de ojo” (a little eye).

Spanglish is okay; at least it is better than only speaking English.

I have learned to accept things the way they are, at least most of the time.

I no longer refer to the United States as my home.

I don’t mention anymore the way things are done in the states. Standard answer from my husband always was: “Where do you live? Not the USA.”

People from the states look too tall and pale.

If somebody doesn’t arrive for an appointment, just come back later.

Kissing and greeting people you barely know is acceptable behavior.

Forgiveness is a way of life.

Happiness abounds.

Baptism Joy

Moises and me with our precious Godchild

Moises and I were honored to be asked to be Godparents to Moises' niece nine month old baby. She was the oldest and biggest of the ten children being Baptized last Sunday at the Corpus Christi Church.

Godparents, parents and baby Isabella

Isabella's gown was made in Merida by hand. My sister-in-law, Karla, supervised and took care of the making of the gown. It was completely handmade and had different types of embroidery. She looked gorgeous in it!

Definitely a Gerber baby moment

Isabella took it all pretty much in stride. In fact, she was actually coming dow with a cold or was it from the cold water poured over her head again and again? She had enough when the below photo was taken, but for the most part, she was a perfect angel.

Isabella after the Baptismal water

The priest that officiated made the occassion very special. He is such a lovely and spiritual man. Thank you, Father!