DISQUS

The same thing happened to me at a Mexican restaurant in California. I had just returned from 3 years living in Ecuador as a Peace Corps volunteer and I wanted to show off my newly acquired Spanish language skills. I asked for a lemonade in Spanish and the girl thought I had asked for a beer in English. I still can't figure out how she heard "beer" when I said "limonada" but after that I gave up trying to speak Spanish in Mexican restaurants in the States.

Dave Ramsey is the best! Thanks for the inspiration on this front as well as the exam.

Hi, I found your post interesting because here in Ecuador I face a similar situation.


I actually wrote a post about it a few months ago:



http://www.livinginloja.com/2008/12/being-polite.html

u could go to a craft store or if u have a babies r us.
References :

So interesting to read your experiences. I go through a bit of that even after 4 months away so I know it has to be so much worse after a year and half. Glad you settled in a bit by the end.
The efficiency of things like check out lines is always what I notice the most. :)

You just let it out whenever you need to. :) I'm so sorry to hear you are down. The job situation has to be stressful as well. Hang in there.


To be honest I'm really not looking forward to my trip back to Brazil next week because I know I am going to go through my down time. Sometimes I feel like this doesn't happen to all the happy ex-pats out there. Everyone seems to be so happy where they are I feel bad admitting when I'm down.



Ambivalent and nothing are perfect words. I typically feel that way about Brazil. Wish I didn't, but I do.

Such great photos. I love the one of Mundi and the pinecone. Too cute!!

Ooooh! I like the shoes as much as the dress. Super cute!

Sick bastards!

It's not just you... she is adorable. Looks like her mom! Okay, okay, like both of you, but a lot like mom!


Cutie Patootie!

What??? Where is the cream of potato soup?


I am happy french fries is #5 on your list... I am not a huge fan of fries, but do not turn them down when I am hungry.



Very profound post, Jason!

How sweet!! She reminds me of the girlie version of The Christmas Story, when the mom bundles up the younger son.


She seems to have a great disposition, considering she must feel a little constricted... we could all learn something from that!



Sweet, little, angel, pink, bundled, baby girl!

Great job this week Michele! Kids are too funny, aren't they? :)

Hey Michele... after that comment you left on Laura's blog... I feel like I have to say that I hope your team gains 10 lbs. this week LOL! (but not really!) Great to see you update your blog.. I've been watching too! :)

I like this, and will get one going... just wanted to add, that some of us are waiting for a pic of you with no glasses.


Also, gonna' send you a testimonial from a scolding you gave me (with nothing but love) and how it changed my life, but only with your permission.



Can we abuse comments like this? If not, just delete it!

Should Iowa be first in the nation? This is probably an unpopular opinion for an Iowan, but I don't think Iowa necessarily deserves to be first in the nation any more.

This election year was hailed as "record turnout" for Iowan caucuses--but this record turnout was only 18% of registered voters. Compare this to 60% of voters who turned out in New Hampshire.

Iowa gets plenty of benefits to being first in the nation. Massive amounts of money are spent in our states. Iowans get to see canidates up close and personal. There are news crews from all over the nation following every voter whim. However, I don't think most Iowans appreciate it. I did a number of campain calls this election season and over and over I heard "Oh I'm not going to caucus; it's too much trouble." If it is too much trouble, maybe the money and exposure should go to somewhere else.

I would propose a new system of determining who gets to go first. Let the state who gets the biggest voter turnout in the prior general election be the first the next time. Since it would be percentage of voter turnout, small states would still have an equal chance to compete, and Iowa could still be first--if Iowans really want it.

Laurel....
whew, I was with the rest of them, thought that you were leaving for good...whew!! You are such an encourager...
can't wait to see your new 'home!'
oh and
happy birthday...how cool, you share with your daddy! that is so neat!
best wishes,
lori

I pray things get better for you.

BUT, isn't he is the one who 'wanted' to hold your hand earlier this week??:)

gotta love em!!
good luck,
lori

He 'still' wanted to hold your hand..my seven year old still does 'sometimes' and you gave me such hope that he still will at 10!

Now I am thankful too!!:)

Heading over to check out the recipes..I am intrigued! :)
peace Laurel,
lori

Laurel,
I'm sure that you have heard this before and I certainly don't want to add to your 'overwhelming' week;) but you have such a gift for expressing what we all feel!!

We all do it, at one time or another...and it's stopping the snowball before we have a 6foot Frosty standing in front of us!

We KNOW, we LISTEN, we PRAY and still find ourselves in a bit of a tizzy...I am coming to the conclusion, (not fast enough:)) that when those feelings come upon me..I NEED to be still...STOP and SEEK that face of HIS...
yes, stopping and seeking...in the midst of that tizzy (or as the glass shatters:))is sometimes the hardest thing I have to do...except for perhaps blowing out ALL 40 candles on my cake!!:)
Thank you for posting, I did have a bit of a fear that NOONE would!!:)
You are a blessing to so many...your words are beautiful!
peace,
Lori

Laurel,
popped over and laughed..not AT you...but in the coincidence of it all..posted Thursday am that it had been a 'quiet' week...It all came crashing down on Thursday, one of mine is feeling frustration too...patience and prayer...
felt like that cat today too!!
YOU are not alone..thanks for the perspective.
lori

I was so interested to see what others had to say...you said it beautifully...
I too, drafted for a few days..
Thank you for hosting, its going to be a blessing!!
Peace today,
lori

what I wouldn't give to wake up and see that view.

Congratulations! My twins boy's will be 13 July 12th. How lucky for them they have such a wonderful aunt.