Am I really going to do the cliché thing with this Thanksgiving blog? Hell yes. That's how I roll. I love Thanksgiving. I am all about family, traditions, food, history, giving thanks and immigration; To me, these are the things Thanksgiving is all about.
Today at work we had a little pre-Thanksgiving barbeque. In true El Paso style we had carne asada, carnitas, tortillas and salsa. The event ended with everyone saying what they are thankful for, which is my favorite part of Thanksgiving. It was pretty much the consensus that what we are all most thankful is our jobs, and rightfully so. I feel more than certain that I work for one of the best companies out there. It was built by a family with hope and ethics and determination, like many. But what is rare is that it is still run with those same values, over 75 years later.
When I started my job search in El Paso, a few weeks prior to my impending move to Mexico, the first company I looked into randomly came to mind. This is a company who's corporate offices are in Arizona, so I was familiar with the name. My Dad had mentioned it on many occasions over the years since I had gotten into the industry, because they also have offices in El Salvador. When I think back to the day that I first looked at their website and saw they were hiring in El Paso, I always want to laugh. It seemed like it was fate that they were hiring for the exact position I was looking for. I was excited, to say the least. If I had even a slightest idea of what was in store for me, I would have cried myself to sleep with joy that evening.
I work with the best, most interesting, determined and hardworking people out there. The friendships I have made in the last year are those that some people can only dream of. I cannot even begin to explain how blessed I feel when I think about it all, and about my co-workers. Getting into line at the bridge every morning is discouraging, to say the least. This company, and these people make me excited to get in that line. And being that most of them are natives to the area, they seem to understand my struggle, and appreciate it. They make it all worth while. Waiting out my husband's ban doesn't seem like an impossible feat anymore. 2020 seems like it's right around the corner. Punto y fin.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Just for Fun
I know I am always saying I need to blog more, and surprise, surprise... I still need to blog more. I can't make excuses and say I'm super busy, because I honestly have time. I just lack inspiration most of the time. And so, here is a little questionnaire moving around the expat blog circuit. Tara, Jennifer, and Lisa brought it to my attention. Without further adieu, here is a bunch or random crap you may or may not know about me!
What was the first thing I noticed of my husband's when I met him?
His University of Texas baseball cap, and the fact that he was ignoring me. I like a challenge. I don't know why, but that hat really stuck out to me. It's funny to me years later because we live in an area full of Longhorns fans, I kind of think this was all meant to be.
Where would I like to go on a honeymoon?
I can't say I've ever thought about that. My dreams and fantasies generally revolve around us being together, legally, in the US... Maybe Spain? Or Costa Rica?
Do I consider myself an adventurous person?
Not at all. I am a creature of habit. Spontaneity scares me.
Do you have a secret you've never shared with anybody?
No. At this point, I think I have told my husband everything, even all the things he wishes I would keep to myself.
Beach or pool?
I love to swim, but I would rather be at the beach, even though I don't like to swim in the ocean. Staring at the vast horizon is so humbling and really puts life into perspective.
Summer or winter?
Winter! Hands down, no questions asked.
Kisses or hugs?
Hugs. And by the way, I am not very cariñosa.
Sweet or salty?
Both! Give me chocolate covered pretzels, bacon and ice cream, ham and pineapple... I could never choose!
Strawberry or chocolate?
Chocolate
Black or white?
It's usually grey.
Favorite color?
Black
Your favorite movie?
The Breakfast Club... "That's very clever sir, but what if there's a fire? I think violating fire codes and endangering the lives of children would be unwise at this juncture in your career, sir."
Your favorite table game?
Gin Rummy
What's your favorite drink?
Red wine
What is your favorite [alcoholic] beverage?
Ummm.... RED WINE.
Your favorite month?
December. I love the holidays, winter, spending time with family, eating, drinking and just generally being merry.
What's the first thing you think about when you wake up?
I've got to hurry so I can beat the crowds to the line!
Would you forgive infidelity on the part of your spouse?
Possibly. It would depend entirely on the circumstances. I do not personally (for me and my marriage) consider infidelity to be an "end-all" factor as I have made many mistakes with my husband in my immature "youth" and I know my love and intentions hoy en dia. I believe that people make mistakes that they may regret for a lifetime and I believe that people can change.
How many rings before you answer the phone?
1
Do you know how to keep secrets?
Yes
Do you tell your honest age?
Yes, although sometimes I forget how old I am. Last year my husband was reading an article about this blog in the newspaper and noticed that they had misquoted my age. Apparently I had given the wrong age in my interview... When I am asked my age it is pretty common that I think to myself, "Ummmm.... 2011 - 1984 = ?"
Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
I am almost always extroverted but I definitely have my moments when I feel extremely shy and self-conscious (i.e. Zumba with a bunch of strangers) and my moments when I am very quiet and just don't feel like socializing (i.e. early morning after waiting 2 frustratingly long hours to cross into the US.)
What's under your bed?
Carpet! I swear I still can't get over the fact that we have carpet in our house and that it is in pretty good condition. I wasn't expecting to have that in Mexico!
Have you missed school or work due to the weather?
Absolutely! Growing up in Kansas City we had our fair share of snow days. And just last year the international bridges were iced over and closed so I couldn't get to El Paso for work.
How long have you had this blog?
15 months
What was the first thing I noticed of my husband's when I met him?
His University of Texas baseball cap, and the fact that he was ignoring me. I like a challenge. I don't know why, but that hat really stuck out to me. It's funny to me years later because we live in an area full of Longhorns fans, I kind of think this was all meant to be.
Where would I like to go on a honeymoon?
I can't say I've ever thought about that. My dreams and fantasies generally revolve around us being together, legally, in the US... Maybe Spain? Or Costa Rica?
Do I consider myself an adventurous person?
Not at all. I am a creature of habit. Spontaneity scares me.
Do you have a secret you've never shared with anybody?
No. At this point, I think I have told my husband everything, even all the things he wishes I would keep to myself.
Beach or pool?
I love to swim, but I would rather be at the beach, even though I don't like to swim in the ocean. Staring at the vast horizon is so humbling and really puts life into perspective.
Summer or winter?
Winter! Hands down, no questions asked.
Kisses or hugs?
Hugs. And by the way, I am not very cariñosa.
Sweet or salty?
Both! Give me chocolate covered pretzels, bacon and ice cream, ham and pineapple... I could never choose!
Strawberry or chocolate?
Chocolate
Black or white?
It's usually grey.
Favorite color?
Black
Your favorite movie?
The Breakfast Club... "That's very clever sir, but what if there's a fire? I think violating fire codes and endangering the lives of children would be unwise at this juncture in your career, sir."
Your favorite table game?
Gin Rummy
What's your favorite drink?
Red wine
What is your favorite [alcoholic] beverage?
Ummm.... RED WINE.
Your favorite month?
December. I love the holidays, winter, spending time with family, eating, drinking and just generally being merry.
What's the first thing you think about when you wake up?
I've got to hurry so I can beat the crowds to the line!
Would you forgive infidelity on the part of your spouse?
Possibly. It would depend entirely on the circumstances. I do not personally (for me and my marriage) consider infidelity to be an "end-all" factor as I have made many mistakes with my husband in my immature "youth" and I know my love and intentions hoy en dia. I believe that people make mistakes that they may regret for a lifetime and I believe that people can change.
How many rings before you answer the phone?
1
Do you know how to keep secrets?
Yes
Do you tell your honest age?
Yes, although sometimes I forget how old I am. Last year my husband was reading an article about this blog in the newspaper and noticed that they had misquoted my age. Apparently I had given the wrong age in my interview... When I am asked my age it is pretty common that I think to myself, "Ummmm.... 2011 - 1984 = ?"
Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
I am almost always extroverted but I definitely have my moments when I feel extremely shy and self-conscious (i.e. Zumba with a bunch of strangers) and my moments when I am very quiet and just don't feel like socializing (i.e. early morning after waiting 2 frustratingly long hours to cross into the US.)
What's under your bed?
Carpet! I swear I still can't get over the fact that we have carpet in our house and that it is in pretty good condition. I wasn't expecting to have that in Mexico!
Have you missed school or work due to the weather?
Absolutely! Growing up in Kansas City we had our fair share of snow days. And just last year the international bridges were iced over and closed so I couldn't get to El Paso for work.
How long have you had this blog?
15 months
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