things that happen here

my feet are almost always dirty.
i can shower outside.
most people don't wear shirts or shoes and are still served.
dogs are welcome. and i haven't seen a service dog.
no one seems to have allergies.
buying feminine products at the corner store never seems embarrassing.
i can wear the same cloths for a week and no one treats me differently.
someone else can wear the same cloths for a week and i don't treat them differently.
unrefrigerated eggs are the only kind.
sweaty cheeks kisses happen more often than not.
i eat outside 99% of the time.
my friends tell me it's worth it to cross the boarder illegally to have more money for their family.
most 'street' dogs have homes.
i have seen more than 8 funeral processions in 9 months.
i have friends that want revenge for a murdered cousin. i hope he comes home.
kids play outside more than inside. sticks and sand are toys.
there are a lot of old people. most are men.
i don't see car seats.
people don't use seatbelts.
we drink in the street.
we J-walk.
we don't have 'walk' and 'don't walk' signs. and we are still alive.
there are no stop signs.
some of my friends have dirt floors in their houses, thatched roofs and outdoor kitchens.
people smile often.
people laugh before any other reaction.
pitbulls are kind.
some poodles are really mean.
i don't always pick up my dog's poop. and it's ok.
loud music is best shared with your neighbors.
roosters do not have an internal clock.
it is fun to sit on a street corner for no reason.
relaxing is encouraged.
when people work. they work very hard.
touching people is a given.
saying hello to everyone you see is normal.
walking seems to be the most effecient mode of transportation.
i shop everyday at a corner store for my meal(s).
street food has not made me sick. ceasar salad at a restaurant has.
news is sometimes broadcast from a stereo attached to the top of a car.
yoga taught in spanish is a lot like yoga taught in english.
there are lots of critters.

... off the grid

i haven't been writing. even though i have been grateful every day... i have not felt the need to record it. not sure if this is a phase and i will come back or... i'm done. time will tell.

all is well in mexico. after 6 months down here and a trip back home... i am where i am supposed to be. mexico fits.

love

i am thankful for april and her generous nature. tonight after pizza, wine and birthday mousse i got to see april's teenage son give her a hug goodnight. "night ma. i love you." "i love you, too." such a sweet sweet moment. i admire her parenting and friendship.

birthday

this year... my best gift was telling important people in my life, "i love you!" i am grateful for leslie, beth and all those that wished me a happy happy birthday. woo hoo!!! 37 is awesome!

taxes

i am thankful for taxes. it was a GREAT year!

party

thank you for all my portland peeps that came out to see me, while i was in town. i had a great time and am so thankful for all of you!!! (and spicey tots with bbq sauce)

out

got to have some really great mexican food here in portland. YUM! later that night met up with the girls and i am so thankful to have been sitting in that chair... when the music was playing... they were singing and dancing... and i got to be there.