Things I've Lost in Mexico
Things I've Found/Gained in Mexico
- Two digital cameras
- Two pairs of expensive sunglasses
- Innumerable pairs of cheap sunglasses
- The "now, now, now, I need it yesterday!" attitude of the big city
- Thirty pounds/thirteen kilos of excess flab
- My sense of cynicism and negativity
- My perky breasts
- The need for scarves and gloves and boots
- My dry, cracking, white Canadian skin
- An alcohol problem
- Dependence on anti-depressants
- My addiction to the telephone
- The ability to rock and roll all night and party every day
Things I've Found/Gained in Mexico
- Deep profound respect for family
- Patience
- Perma-tan/perma-tan lines
- A son and husband (not in that order)
- A love of teaching
- An appreciation of the planet outside of the first world, "What's in it for me?" way of life
- Innumerable pairs of cheap sunglasses
- A tattoo
- A climate I can jump up and down about
- A second language
- Scars, both physical and psychological
- Beach, beach, beach, ocean, ocean, ocean
- Oily skin, black heads and pimples (first time ever, I didn't even have them as a teenager!)
- Fabulous open minded friends, both "real" and "virtual"
- Confidence in myself as a writer
- Cooking and cleaning and other "señora" skills
- Hurricane survival skills
- The love of being a mother
13 comments:
Life is great there for you. I always talk about my friend Kelly. Can you email me mama? I have some questions for you about moving to mexico.
Kelly - it sounds like you gained a bounty and lost a lot of things that could have destroyed you. You are so fortunate to have "found yourself" and a wonderful life in Mexico. We should all be so lucky!
My lists are shorter, but then I've only been here less than 3 years.
Things I've Lost in Mexico
• My interest in TV. We only pay for cable now to keep our internet connection.
• Kitchen cabinet space. Mexican houses seem to come with the absolute minimum of storage, probably because they buy everything in small packages and use it up immediately.
• My former need to explain myself and justify myself all the time. It just takes too much energy.
• Tan lines on my feet. I go barefoot on the boat.
• The jazz choir I used to sing with back in CA. But the director was retiring anyway.
• Most if not all my fear of wild weather, big waves, macho Mexican men, speaking Spanish when I'm unsure of my vocabulary, and singing in public.
• The need to do everything perfectly.
What I've gained in Mexico:
• An understanding of Mexico time. There just isn't much if anything that absolutely has to happen ahorita.
• The ability to sew really large things.
• Close encounters with dolphins and whales that I wouldn't trade for anything.
• Some of the best friends I've ever had.
• The joys of blogging. I started my blog when we came here, to keep track of our travels at sea, and now it's become a daily thing even when I'm a lubber.
• Learning to sing in Spanish.
• A real appreciation of my mate's skills and courage, on and off the boat.
You've done well, CC!
That was a great blog. I loved reading that.
I think that you captured more than lost and found as an ex-pat in Mexico. You share so much with your readers about how your life has changed by moving to Mexico, marrying a local and most of all becoming a mother . Thanks for sharing your life with us.
If canada had beaches and no snow, you'd be set, lol! I know from all the countries I have lived and visited, I have always gained more than loss. I always return to the usa a better person than i was before i left.
-h
Great post. Since moving to Belize have lost some favorite food options from Kensington Market and China Town. I have gained an even bigger appreciation for life without Canadian winter if that is possible.
My3ros- I'll drop an email later today, or you can just email me the questions if you like, you've got the address. Sorry I haven't been around lately, hope it wasn't time sensitive!
Joanne- Mexico did indeed "save" me, although more likely it was Max that did the saving. But no Mexico, no Max, so they go hand in hand. I feel so much happier and healthier, I wish the same for all!
1st Mate- Great lists, thanks for sharing! Sounds like the experience has been one of growth for you as well. Felicidades!
Brice- I have done well indeed. :)
Heatherinparadise- Glad you liked it. I realized after I posted that it was a touch revealing, but hey, my "blog therapy" can't restrict me now, can it? :)
Jackie- Funny, sometimes I forget that someone is reading this, teehee, so much of what I write really is therapeutic. I am glad to know that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.
Heather- Oh man, if Canada had no snow and fab beaches, there would be no reason to leave, lol! I think living outside of your country of birth can ONLY make you a better person. I know you have done well in all your travels, you have a sense of adventure and an open mind that travel can bring. I know you will pass this on to your kids as well, they are very fortunate.
tacogirl- Oh man, you had to mention Kensington while I am hungry, lol! The cheese market...mmmmmmm. And I am with you, I don't miss those winters at all!
Oily skin and blackheads?? I have those already, so would that mean if I came there I would lose them.
It's just great to see people that move to a new place and actually like it.
culture queen- So, what's the secret to fighting the oily skin??? It's so new to me, I've tried a million products and can't find one that works the way I want it to! Coming from 30 some years of dry skin, I feel like a total amateur here! And yes indeedy do, I love where I live!
I use a lot of toner. You could just use witch hazel, but my favorite is the oil of loay toner. And do a facial mask once a week.I have one flat blackhead on my cheek and i don't know when I got it and it's the most stubborn one I have had. And if all else fails go get a facial from a pro. They suck it right off! Well, not the person, but the tools thay use.
You silly bunny- to me you are an amazing person no matter where you are! I mean, after all, you ARE the president of the cool cool cool cool club!
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