Grady came home from class this morning, flung open the door and said, "Good morning my little pooper trooper!" How sweet.
I'm laying on the couch, still sick. It's now been eight days of stomach cramps, nausea and severe diarrhea. After consulting with one of his professors, Grady told me the consensus is that I have an amoeba (amoebic dysentery), probably from consuming contaminated vegetables or water. Grady's comment: "You reap what you sow" (referring to my eating of vegetables). Ha!
Moral of the story here: if I would just eat ketchup and bologna sandwiches like Grady, I wouldn't be in this predicament. :-)
Grady purchased metronidazole (you don't need a precription here to buy medicine) and I should be feeling better in a few days.
Grady is absolutely incredible and has taken such good care of me. He is going to make a wonderful doctor!
Thank you for your prayers regarding my health.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Five days later...
and still sick. As stated in my most recent blog, I became very ill Sunday evening. It is now Friday and I still feel terrible. I have not left the apartment, cleaned the apartment or even brushed my hair in five days. This is the worst stomach illness I have EVER had. I lay in bed most of the day with severe stomach cramping and nausea. Grady comes home for lunch, brings me dry toast and gatorade and then goes back to class. Yesterday evening, he was able to buy cypro (an antibiotic - no prescription needed here). I started taking that and hope that will cure whatever this is.
Meanwhile, I have a paper due to UCLA at 6 p.m. today so I better get started. Ugh.
Meanwhile, I have a paper due to UCLA at 6 p.m. today so I better get started. Ugh.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ugh!
I apologize for not posting a blog in the past several days. I became very ill Sunday evening, I think from eating bad food. It has been three days of nausea, stomach cramps, the works.
I haven't gotten out of bed, the apartment is a disaster, Grady is now eating cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has even had to iron his own clothes (which, by the way, he is doing such a good job at ironing, I may have to put him on permanent duty).
I made the mistake of trying to eat something yesterday. Since then, I have reverted back to my water and cracker diet. Yummy!
On the bright side, being sick has forced me to slow down (well actually, my life has come to a screeching halt). I have been able to do a lot of reading and studying. Grady has been so wonderful. It is so nice to be married and be able to take care of one another when we are sick.
Well, I hope to be up and at it tomorrow!
I haven't gotten out of bed, the apartment is a disaster, Grady is now eating cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has even had to iron his own clothes (which, by the way, he is doing such a good job at ironing, I may have to put him on permanent duty).
I made the mistake of trying to eat something yesterday. Since then, I have reverted back to my water and cracker diet. Yummy!
On the bright side, being sick has forced me to slow down (well actually, my life has come to a screeching halt). I have been able to do a lot of reading and studying. Grady has been so wonderful. It is so nice to be married and be able to take care of one another when we are sick.
Well, I hope to be up and at it tomorrow!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Just when I thought there was nothing to blog about...
Things have been kinda quiet lately and I was beginning to wonder what I would blog about...then the hail storm came. Grady and I were walking home yesterday evening when all of a sudden (really, all of a sudden) it started raining heavily. The winds picked up and then it started to hail BIG pieces of ice. I have never seen a hail storm like this before. Had I been inside watching it from the comfort of my home, I would have enjoyed it. However, Grady and I were about a mile from our apartment. With no shelter to take cover, we got soaked. We were so wet, our clothes were barely hanging on. We started running but since we had just eaten, Grady said he couldn't run or his stomach would ache. Moments later the hail came down in bigger pieces and with greater frequency and we were running whether we wanted to or not. Hail covered the streets. Tree branches were snapping and crashing to the ground. I got pegged in the face, head and arm with hail. We were able to briefly take cover under an awning but then the wind changed direction and we were getting hit by rain and hail again. We ran the rest of the way home. Once inside, we realized we had left the windows open (there's no such thing as air condition here) and water had poured inside. With the electricity being out from the storm, we fumbled around in the dark for clean clothes to wear and towels to clean up all the water. What a weekend to remember!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thursday's Medley
So what's new this week?
Grady and I are now taking medication for worms. Don't panic...we don't have worms...yet. The produce is poor quality and apparently, getting intestinal worms from the produce is common here in Guadalajara. We are taking the medication once every six months as a preventative measure.
As if Grady needs one more reason not to eat his fruits and vegetables right?
Speaking of produce, I created quite an commotion at the grocery store last week. I was leisurely shopping in the produce section when I looked down and saw a HUGE insect-like bug on my forearm. I let out a conservative shriek and quickly brushed the bug off. The bug landed on a lady next to me, who then also screamed. Next thing you know, there was an uproar in the produce section over this one bug. It was quite a scene. I told Grady about it when he got home. His only comment was, "Why am I not surprised?"
Do you remember our "washer" and dryer"? Well, I am putting it to good use these days. We had been using a laundry service that is near our apartment. Ramon would pick up our clothes every Tuesday, wash, dry, fold and return them the same day. We are charged by weight for the laundry. We had noticed the price steadily increase week by week as our clothes seem to weigh more now. Interesting. So now I wash what I can by hand in the sink. It's not so bad.
Next week, I may have the opportunity to tutor students after school...for pay! Finding legal employment here is nearly impossible if you are a foreigner. I am grateful for this opportunity and hope it will turn out. I'll keep you posted!
Grady and I are now taking medication for worms. Don't panic...we don't have worms...yet. The produce is poor quality and apparently, getting intestinal worms from the produce is common here in Guadalajara. We are taking the medication once every six months as a preventative measure.
As if Grady needs one more reason not to eat his fruits and vegetables right?
Speaking of produce, I created quite an commotion at the grocery store last week. I was leisurely shopping in the produce section when I looked down and saw a HUGE insect-like bug on my forearm. I let out a conservative shriek and quickly brushed the bug off. The bug landed on a lady next to me, who then also screamed. Next thing you know, there was an uproar in the produce section over this one bug. It was quite a scene. I told Grady about it when he got home. His only comment was, "Why am I not surprised?"
Do you remember our "washer" and dryer"? Well, I am putting it to good use these days. We had been using a laundry service that is near our apartment. Ramon would pick up our clothes every Tuesday, wash, dry, fold and return them the same day. We are charged by weight for the laundry. We had noticed the price steadily increase week by week as our clothes seem to weigh more now. Interesting. So now I wash what I can by hand in the sink. It's not so bad.
Next week, I may have the opportunity to tutor students after school...for pay! Finding legal employment here is nearly impossible if you are a foreigner. I am grateful for this opportunity and hope it will turn out. I'll keep you posted!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Today, Grady and I have been married two years. It has been two years of growth, discovery, thinking together and then thinking alike. It has been wonderful. Happy anniversary Grady! I look forward to each year ahead - the challenges, the opportunities and growing closer and more in love with you.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
night out on the town
Yesterday, Grady finally got his anatomy exam grade. He made a B (there were no As given; Grady had one of the highest scores in the class; many people failed). Grady, like most medical students, had been feeling stressed this week. The good news of his exam grade provided such relief. We decided to celebrate with a "night out on the town".
We had dinner at a taco hut a few blocks from our apartment (I use the term "hut" literally). Although the waitress tried to entice us with pig tongue or cow brain tacos, Grady and I settled for beef (as least that's what we think it was). We made a pact to eat light in case we got sick. This morning we woke up feeling fine so I guess we're in the clear. Our meal was $3 each and very good.
On our walk home from the taco hut, we were chased down the street by a group of adorable school children with improvised musical instruments (one boy had a basketball and stick that was his drum set). They offered to play a song for us. Wise to their scheme, I asked how much it would cost. We agreed on one peso (about a dime). They played their instruments and sang La Bamba while Grady and I clapped and smiled. We gave them TWO pesos for such a good job. They thanked us profusely and ran off to find someone else to play for.
What a night!
We had dinner at a taco hut a few blocks from our apartment (I use the term "hut" literally). Although the waitress tried to entice us with pig tongue or cow brain tacos, Grady and I settled for beef (as least that's what we think it was). We made a pact to eat light in case we got sick. This morning we woke up feeling fine so I guess we're in the clear. Our meal was $3 each and very good.
On our walk home from the taco hut, we were chased down the street by a group of adorable school children with improvised musical instruments (one boy had a basketball and stick that was his drum set). They offered to play a song for us. Wise to their scheme, I asked how much it would cost. We agreed on one peso (about a dime). They played their instruments and sang La Bamba while Grady and I clapped and smiled. We gave them TWO pesos for such a good job. They thanked us profusely and ran off to find someone else to play for.
What a night!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Negrito
This is a picture of the side of a vending machine that is common in Guadalajara. I believe the advertisement is for some sort of chocolate cupcake.Tasty? You bet! Politically correct? not so much.
at the grocery store with grady
These are some of the more interesting products that we have found at the grocery store.
Isn't Zuky the Zebra cute? This cereal provides the necessary sugar rush your child needs to start the day (azucar means sugar in Spanish).
This is a common household cleaner. Everytime I get the bottle out from under the sink, Grady (in his animated sportscaster voice) yells, "MR. MUSCULO!!!"
quote from Grady: "Apparently obese children in superhero outfits really help to sell cookies here in Mexico."The luchador does seem to be quite popular here. We once walked down an aisle at the grocery store and a young man was handing out free samples of a sports beverage...wearing a luchador mask.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Quote
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain
History Lesson
The following is a summary of the history of Mexican Independence Day. Why am I posting this? Grady and I will celebrate our 2nd anniversary on September 16th - Mexican Independence Day!
The Grito de Dolores:
In the early hours of September 16th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the small town of Dolores, rang the church bell to gather the townspeople. He called for the people of Mexico to rise up against the Spanish Crown, thus initiating Mexico's War of Independence. The country did not achieve independence until 1821, but it is this event, known as the Grito de Dolores which is commemorated every year with the Grito in town squares across Mexico.
Independence Day Celebrations:
The largest Independence Day celebration takes place in Mexico City's Zocalo, which is decorated from the beginning of September with red, white and green lights and flags. On the 15th, at 11 pm the President of the Republic goes out onto the central balcony of the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), rings the bell (the same bell Hidalgo rang in 1810) and shouts to the people gathered in the square below: Viva Mexico! The crowd responds: Viva! Fireworks light up the sky as the crowd cheers.
The celebrations continue on the 16th with civic ceremonies and parades - the largest taking place in Mexico City, but perhaps the most touching festivities are those in small communities in which school children of all ages participate.
Independence Day foods:
Like most festivities, certain foods are considered representative of Independence Day. A favorite is pozole, a soup made of hominy and pork. Other foods have the colors of the Mexican flag - red white and green, like chiles en nogada.
The Grito de Dolores:
In the early hours of September 16th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the small town of Dolores, rang the church bell to gather the townspeople. He called for the people of Mexico to rise up against the Spanish Crown, thus initiating Mexico's War of Independence. The country did not achieve independence until 1821, but it is this event, known as the Grito de Dolores which is commemorated every year with the Grito in town squares across Mexico.
Independence Day Celebrations:
The largest Independence Day celebration takes place in Mexico City's Zocalo, which is decorated from the beginning of September with red, white and green lights and flags. On the 15th, at 11 pm the President of the Republic goes out onto the central balcony of the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), rings the bell (the same bell Hidalgo rang in 1810) and shouts to the people gathered in the square below: Viva Mexico! The crowd responds: Viva! Fireworks light up the sky as the crowd cheers.
The celebrations continue on the 16th with civic ceremonies and parades - the largest taking place in Mexico City, but perhaps the most touching festivities are those in small communities in which school children of all ages participate.
Independence Day foods:
Like most festivities, certain foods are considered representative of Independence Day. A favorite is pozole, a soup made of hominy and pork. Other foods have the colors of the Mexican flag - red white and green, like chiles en nogada.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Potpourri
Today's blog is a potpourri of stories and news.
- Grady took an anatomy quiz yesterday afternoon. He had to label various muscles, bones, etc. of a real cadaver. Personally, I prefer to take my quizzes the pencil and paper method. Grady passed his quiz so now we're 3 for 3!
- Grady got a haircut this morning. He asked me to go with him to translate. I told the lady to "trim around the ears, back of the neck, short on the sides...and give him a new style...something modern". Grady had no idea what I had said to the lady but was surprised when she spun him around in the chair and Grady came face to face with himself in the mirror...with a miniature mohawk. Apparently that word modern has a whole new meaning in Mexico. His hair was still wet so I quickly matted it down to look a little less "modern". We paid and left. Once we got home, I did a little "damage control" to his new style and it actually looks pretty good now.
- We are spending the weekend preparing for Grady's anatomy test. Grady is reviewing old exams while I am putting together note cards to quiz him with. He's going to do great!
- On three separate occassions this week, I've been stopped and asked for directions. Since I do a lot of walking, I know my way around pretty good and was able to give accurate directions all three times. I then tell the people asking for directions that I've only been in the country for a month. They look shocked. Grady was with me and wonders why people don't ask him for directions. Poor Grady!
- Grady and I went to the dentist...just a routine cleaning and check up. After receiving numerous recommedations, we made an appointment to see Doctora Tavizon (she is Mexican but went to school and worked in the U.S. and speaks fairly good English). I went first while Grady waited nervously in the waiting room. Doctora Tavizon was very friendly and did a better job than any dentist I had ever been to in the U.S. (she also charges a lot less). She gave me some nitrous oxide to relax me and said she'd be back in a minute. A few minutes later my arms got really heavy and I couldn't stop laughing. Doctora Tavizon re-entered the room and said, "Ay, Racquel, I've given you too much wine!" and turns down the NO. She finished the cleaning and didn't charge me anything! (Grady has a few funny stories that involve me and nitrous oxide).
- Obtaining legal work in Mexico is nearly impossible. According to the Mexican government, a foreigner has to prove that the job he/she is applying for, a Mexican cannot do. This doesn't leave many job prospects. I have had a few interviews for teaching English but the schools are across town (two or three bus rides), pay very little, offer only a few hours of work each week, and pay "under the table". It's been a little depressing. I am just used to working (sometimes two and three jobs at once - I guess it's my personality). After talking with Grady, we decided that if I cannot obtain work here, I should go back to school! It has been a goal of mine for quite some time to earn a masters degree and eventually a PhD. I am currently enrolled for two courses with UCLA. In the meantime, I am applying to the masters program with Fielding Graduate University in California. This is a great opportunity. More on that later.
- What else? Just the usual. In Mexico, every day is an adventure.
- Grady took an anatomy quiz yesterday afternoon. He had to label various muscles, bones, etc. of a real cadaver. Personally, I prefer to take my quizzes the pencil and paper method. Grady passed his quiz so now we're 3 for 3!
- Grady got a haircut this morning. He asked me to go with him to translate. I told the lady to "trim around the ears, back of the neck, short on the sides...and give him a new style...something modern". Grady had no idea what I had said to the lady but was surprised when she spun him around in the chair and Grady came face to face with himself in the mirror...with a miniature mohawk. Apparently that word modern has a whole new meaning in Mexico. His hair was still wet so I quickly matted it down to look a little less "modern". We paid and left. Once we got home, I did a little "damage control" to his new style and it actually looks pretty good now.
- We are spending the weekend preparing for Grady's anatomy test. Grady is reviewing old exams while I am putting together note cards to quiz him with. He's going to do great!
- On three separate occassions this week, I've been stopped and asked for directions. Since I do a lot of walking, I know my way around pretty good and was able to give accurate directions all three times. I then tell the people asking for directions that I've only been in the country for a month. They look shocked. Grady was with me and wonders why people don't ask him for directions. Poor Grady!
- Grady and I went to the dentist...just a routine cleaning and check up. After receiving numerous recommedations, we made an appointment to see Doctora Tavizon (she is Mexican but went to school and worked in the U.S. and speaks fairly good English). I went first while Grady waited nervously in the waiting room. Doctora Tavizon was very friendly and did a better job than any dentist I had ever been to in the U.S. (she also charges a lot less). She gave me some nitrous oxide to relax me and said she'd be back in a minute. A few minutes later my arms got really heavy and I couldn't stop laughing. Doctora Tavizon re-entered the room and said, "Ay, Racquel, I've given you too much wine!" and turns down the NO. She finished the cleaning and didn't charge me anything! (Grady has a few funny stories that involve me and nitrous oxide).
- Obtaining legal work in Mexico is nearly impossible. According to the Mexican government, a foreigner has to prove that the job he/she is applying for, a Mexican cannot do. This doesn't leave many job prospects. I have had a few interviews for teaching English but the schools are across town (two or three bus rides), pay very little, offer only a few hours of work each week, and pay "under the table". It's been a little depressing. I am just used to working (sometimes two and three jobs at once - I guess it's my personality). After talking with Grady, we decided that if I cannot obtain work here, I should go back to school! It has been a goal of mine for quite some time to earn a masters degree and eventually a PhD. I am currently enrolled for two courses with UCLA. In the meantime, I am applying to the masters program with Fielding Graduate University in California. This is a great opportunity. More on that later.
- What else? Just the usual. In Mexico, every day is an adventure.
Aqueduct
Grady and I wanted to share pictures of the aqueduct that is near our apartment. Someone told us the aqueduct is still working today but we are not certain about that. It is beautiful and adds artistic form to our neighborhood.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Fashion Statement
I had accidentally left my sunglasses in a friend's car last week. Not knowing when I would see her again and not wanting to go without sunglasses, I bought another pair at the dollar store. I didn't want to pay a lot for them and there wasn't much selection so I settled on a pair I thought would provide functionality at a fair price. The sunglasses were black and green and had lenses so big that when I smiled, my cheek touched the bottom of the rims. I think the sunglasses with the big lenses must be in style now. Personally, I think they make one look like a fly. But... they were comfortable and shaded my eyes from the sun and so I was content. As I walked home from the store, thankful for the sunglasses, I met Grady at the front gate to our apartment (he was just coming home from class). "Hi sweetheart", he replied. "What happened to your eyes? I didn't know you had an eye doctor appointment today. How can you see to walk with your pupils dilated?" I hadn't a clue what he was talking about at first but then realized he thought my sunglasses were the big dark glasses one has to wear after seeing the eye doctor. I still wear the sunglasses.Meanwhile, Grady has decided that his brown loafers go just fine with his black athletic socks and gym shorts. We had to run a quick errand the other day and because Grady's gym shoes were dirty, he decided to wear his loafers. Wow! We spent the rest of the afternoon wondering if the people we passed on the street were giggling about Grady's outfit or his perseverance to speak Spanish with his limited proficiency (do they sell el dr. pepper-o at the 7-eleven?).
Needless to say, I don't think the fashion shows of New York and Paris will be calling to invite Grady and I anytime soon. Whew...one less thing to worry about.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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