Stray musings of the week

Well, Man-Cub made his way back to M-boro with his new piercing. I have hacked and coughed non-stop since 1/1/08. Probably a sinus infection but I am trying to wait it out since I have no fever. Hubby ended up smuggling a friend back from SOB (South of the Border): Montezuma's Revenge. Yep, a sweet parasite, he has dropped significant weight, but now is on Xtreme antibiotics and starting to look human again.
Another week has ended and I am fascinated by the caucuses and primaries and all the jockeying for votes. Seems like this election has been going on forever. I really like the fact that the pundits got New Hampshire wrong. In the race to be first with information, they too often convince the public that the elections have already been sewn up, which in turn makes voters believe their vote won't matter and then they don't vote! Personally, I am leaning toward Obama. I am very ready for a change. I believe the old, fat, white men have had their turn and done a job on our country. I guess as a woman, most would expect me to be for Hillary. I don't hate her (as many do), but I see her as too much of an insider. That could be an asset, but I think the politicians are too far removed from our reality and have completely forgotten what it is like to really work to pay bills. I also believe our founding fathers (while complete sexist, but appropriate for their time) intended for us to truly govern ourselves. Not create career politicians. That is what I don't like about Edwards. He got elected to the Senate and has done nothing since except campaign to become president.
So in case any candidates happen upon my musings, here are the concerns of a middle-aged (but very HOT) wife, mother and designer (me):
1. The Environment: we need to protect our planet.
2. The Economy: the shrinking middle class should scare everyone. We are slowly becoming a nation of haves and have-nots.
3. The war in Iraq: bring the troops home, let them rest up, then send them to the Gulf to resurrect those cities, towns and communities damaged by Katrina. The lack of help in this disaster is a National Shame.
4. Peace. We are more alike than we are different. Let's find peaceful ways to resolve conflict.

Cliches for life

Al, Freddie and I were "advising" the Man-cub this morning in prep for his second semester. Freddie told the boy to focus all his waking hours on studying and working out, then be amazed at what happened. We got on a roll with advise, so here is a list of platitudes to inspire:
1. Diamonds are formed under pressure.
2. That which does not kill me makes me stronger.
3. The harder you work, the luckier you get.
4. This too, shall pass.
5. Give it time
6. Talent in cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work. Stephen King
7.In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. Bill Cosby
8. I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying.
Michael Jordan
9.When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.
Hunter S. Thompson
10.We adore chaos because we love to produce order. M. C. Escher
11. “Oh, God, why don’t I remember that a little chaos is good for the soul?” — Marilyn French
12. Get out there and try, what have you got to lose?
Just a gentle kick in the butt to get motivated!

Paying the piper

This is a very cheap brand of tequila available in the local markets in PV. It is the "Reposado" brand, but considering the picture on the label (and the fact it was both bottles together for about $4US), I thought it would translate to "Old Goat". I have found that it really means "reclined", " to take a rest" and (no surprise) "to be buried". Well, I feel bad enough for all three, but not from imbibing in cheap tequila. Oh, no, the reason for my discomfort had to come from breathing in the toxic recirculated air from the planes. Strange, I wasn't sick whilst prancing about the tropics in my swim suit and sandals. As soon as I get properly clothed and shod, I fall victim to a horrid malaise. I just was never meant for winter in at this latitude.

The Most Beautiful Beach

Yep, it is very remote! We arrived there in the back of a huge Mercedes 4WD truck, after climbing and descending many ancient cobblestone paths. We had stopped in a tiny village, El Colomo, to visit with the farmers of this valley. We had hiked through semi-evergreen rain forests (where the classic Schwarzenegger flick "Predator" was shot). We were hot, sweaty, dirty and had been drinking mas frio cervesas. Then, we made one last descent and landed here.
A small, crescent shaped beach, bordered by the rocky by-products of the local volcanoes. A delightful Mexican-grilled repast awaited us (steak, chicken, chorizo, arroz, tomatoes, cukes, homemade tortillas, and of course, the ubiquitous open bar). We wondered about, ate drank and rested.Paradise exists. We've been there.

Feliz Nuevo Ano!!!

We arrived back in the states yesterday at 5:49pm. We finally got through customs and back to the car at 8pm. Wow, we waited in line to return (as natural born citizens) longer than all the lines combined to get into and out of Mexico! Something is seriously wrong with that!
Enough griping about out bureucracy.

Yes, we survived our trip to Puerto Vallarta. This is a wild, hard-partying, rustic, remote, Paradise. The Sierra Madre range dips right into the Bahia de Banderas, the rainforest jungles are full of towering palms, parasitic ficus, vivid birds, volcanos and wonderful people. The Tequila they make here (this is the true HOME of Tequila) is a clear, smooth, insidious monster. It goes down too easily. First you start with a 2-figer shot, the next thing you know, you've lost 14 hours! Whew! Everywhere you go, there is an open bar and charming natives pouring and offering limes! We ventured on a Sierra Madre tour (open bar, all the tequila & cervesa you can drink), a whale-watching tour (open bar and bartender) and spent much time on the beach (many open bars, waiters come to you chaise to take your order) and in Puerto Vallarta (too many drink options to count). My man-cub seemed to enjoy himself greatly. He went out with a bunch of Canadians one night and ended up with a new piercing!
A great vacation, and fabulous way to spend the week between Christmas and New Years. More pictures and tales to come.