Three Things to Ask:

Before you say anything to anyone, ask yourself three questions: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? ~ The Buddha.


Sometimes we want to say things that aren't very kind.  


I am having one of those days right now, and it is taking some self control not to "be ugly" back to people.  I am doing my best by thinking, saying and doing positive things.  I am trying to remember that sometimes it's OK to just ignore and not be hateful or ugly.  


I learned a few years ago that some people enjoy drama and they must have it in their life just to survive. I chose to let that part of my life go, yes, with the help of a therapist.  Luckily, she taught me that we can't control other people or their actions or reactions.  She taught me not to give into it and that the people who were important in my life and effected my life directly were my husband and my children.  I have to say...I'm pretty damn lucky in that department.


So, this quote from The Buddha is meant for me to contemplate.  This is meant for me to always go back to when I want to respond to someones negativity or I feel like I want to be hateful.


That Buddha, he's got it goin' on!  He is on the right path to calm and enlightenment.  Wouldn't it be nice if we were all so lucky?  I have to say, I am kinda diggin' his theories.

Two Months in Mexico

Today is our "Mexican Anniversary".  We've been here two months and I am loving every single second of it so far.  The people I've met have been so beyond nice.  The food is amazing.   I could go on and on.
I never thought that I would fall in love with Mexico the way I have (although Italy will always be my 2nd home).
I never saw myself as one to enjoy living "overseas".  But, I can honestly say, even with the nightmare of a shipment we've had with our stuff and the "dangers" that come with living here, that I could possibly do this.  I understand why people choose to become part of the Foreign Service.  Learning about new cultures and their history is something that I could never even have thought I would enjoy.  This experience, has opened my eyes to so much.  Going to visit someplace is completely different than living there and immersing yourself in their culture.
I am so very humbled and so grateful that Brian followed his dream.

New Zealand Quake

As you all know...or most of you know...I am a self proclaimed "blog junkie".  I love me some blogs.  I can read them all. day. long.  I am especially fond of the blogs that many foreign service or their spouses write.  It's my glimpse into a life around the world.  I love hearing about the different lands in our small world.  

Today, I was reading one of the blogs that I follow Small Bits,  the author, who just happens to be associated with Mexico (just not where we are) gave some links to read about the earthquake in New Zealand, from a first hand account.  You can read about it here and here.

Being from Southern California, you'd think I would be used to earthquakes.  I remember so many major earthquakes of my childhood.  The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987, the Northridge earthquake in 1994, the Big Bear earthquake in 1992 and the Landers Earthquake in 1992.  I don't think you ever get used to earthquakes.  Especially the devastation they cause.  

Anyways, I just wanted to share this story from a Foreign Service perspective.  So, take some time to read about it.  Thankfully, these two are OK, but, I'll be thinking about the country of New Zealand and her people.  

My Baby is Growing Up

So, today we had to take Buddy to a birthday party.  Here is the conversation between Buddy & I as the four of us were driving to the party:

Buddy:  "Mom, when we get there, don't kiss me...OK?"
Buddy:  "OH!  And, no hugs either."
Mom:  "Well, can I give you a high five?"
Buddy:  "Um....I guess?"
Mom:  (as Buddy is thinking of an answer):  "What about knuckles?"
Buddy:  "Yeah!  Knuckles...that's better."

{{{insert BIG sigh here}}}

He'll be 8 years old in 44 days.  He has 3 more loose teeth...(he's lost 3)!
I was hoping I could give him hugs and kisses until he was 99!  But, I guess for now, I'll settle for knuckles.
Especially since he will still cuddle with me when it's just the 4 of us at home.

A Humbling Revelation

We all have our idea about what a family is.
Dad
Mom
Son
Daughter
Even our Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents.

But, what about our extended family?  What about those people we work with day in and day out?  What about the people you spend more time with in a day than you do your own "nuclear" family?

As all of you should know,  The United States lost an ICE Agent here in Mexico on Tuesday, 2/15/11.
Today was his Memorial.
Today we took about 30 minutes of our time to honor an American Hero.
I was at this service.
I cried with his colleagues when they played TAPS.
I laughed with his colleagues when they talked about his competition BBQ team.
I felt the loss of an American Hero.

I've never met this individual.
I've never met his family.
But, today, I was surrounded by individuals who called him friend and colleague.
People who called him family.

In this lifestyle, it is extremely apparent that it's not just the Military who give their lives every day and sacrifice.
It's people from all over the United States, called to public service.
There are so many different agencies located all over the world.
That you truly realize the definition of service to ones country.

The life I lived before this was that the military did what they did.
They were the ones who put their lives on the lines in foreign countries...
far away from home.
I mean, I'm not naive.  I know that other people work overseas, but didn't truly comprehend what these individuals do to keep Americans...The United States...safe.

So, while you are enjoying your freedoms
and the safety of your country.
Remember those (and their families) who are making sure you can do that.

Nuestra Nueva Casa (Our New Home)

OK...I suck...I know!
It's been a while since I posted a blog, but really, I don't have much to write about.
Yes, I did start running!
Yes, I did start taking Spanish!
Yes, I am still going to school!
Yes, our stuff is STILL in Milan!
So, there is life in a nutshell.  Kind of boring around here.

We had a great weekend.  We spent Saturday in Coyoacan and then headed over to Home Depot.  Yes, there is a Home Depot here and Brian is LOVING it.   Here are a few pictures of this cute little town that we go to.  Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures with any of us in them, but here are some of Coyoacan.

This is a "Ruta Bus" which we aren't allowed to
take.  But I HAD to take a pic.  This one had
SPINNERS!  LOL

Superbowl Sunday, we headed over to the kids school and watched the Marines play "flag" football against some of people from the Embassy.  Note I put flag in quotation marks.  It was hilarious.  There was lots of fun to be had!  You should've seen them all walking when they got to the Marine House for the Superbowl.  It was GREAT!  Hee Hee Hee!

ONE of the few "knee to the turf" plays

Both teams minus 2 on the other team.

3 Caballeros we saw on the way home.  

So, with that being said, we FINALLY got out of the "city center".  This past weekend we headed to Xochimilco's Floating Gardens.  SO MUCH FUN!  (Even if we did get ripped off because we were a bunch of guaros/guaras)  We did have a bunch of locals with us too, but oh well.  It was a FUN day!!!  If you come to visit we will be taking you here...hopefully!

Some of our group.

The "grinding" Mariachi.

Other Boats in the Canal.

More boats