Today was pretty uneventful. It has been pouring rain all day. Our dog, who hates the rain and won't go outside when the sprinklers are on at home, is struggling with the constant moisture. I've discovered if you take him outside and bring 2 umbrellas (one for you and one for the dog), he'll get 'finished with his business' faster. [Have I crossed the Too Much Information line?]
Anyway - Greg received my bank cards at his office yesterday. His banker personally brought them by. After signing and thumb printing several documents, they let him have them.
It's interesting. They all have his name on it in large type with my little name underneath. See - I'm not allowed to work here. We've signed paperwork to the fact. Greg also signed paperwork where he legally committed to covering all of my expenses while I am in this country. So these are HIS cards that I have permission to use.
Really - I don't work anyway and don't plan on working. I ALWAYS use HIS money. I don't have any problem spending it. The thing is, at home it feels like "our" money; here it feels like "his". At no fault of his, mind you. Trust me, it won't stop me from spending it. I just don't really care for this "dependent" feeling that I have.
I am entirely dependent on him to communicate for me, to take me where I need to go, for money, for social contact - everything really. I love the man and don't doubt his ability to care for my every need, but I'd like to take a little bit off of him. He doesn't complain, but I know he is exhausted. Speaking in another language all day is tiring. Just listening to it wears me out. Getting used to this new version of his job is a lot. Taking care of me entirely just adds to that.
He's amazing and understanding and kind and never even acts frustrated. He's a good man. Thank goodness I have someone like him to depend on.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Things to Remember
What do you notice about our front door? This is a photo from the outside looking at our house:
No, not the bars on the window (or the dog peaking through the crack) - look closer:
Do you see it? Or rather - not see it? There is NO Doorknob. Yes, there is a pull handle, but no doorknob. You might be thinking, "so what?". Well there is a lot of so in that what...
In order to open the front door, you must have 2 separate keys. The only way to get in is to unlock the top lock, and then while turning the bottom key in the lock, it will trigger the little latch thing to open. This is how you get into the house.
No big right - Well, not usually.
Take a look at this:
Look even closer:
See the little key in the door? The one with the pink ribbon?
It is VITAL to know that when there is a key in this hole - you can not, under any circumstances open the front door. Key or no key.
It's advisable NOT TO SHUT THE DOOR when you go out front to take trash to the can. EVEN IF IT'S COLD and POURING RAIN and you THINK you might want to shut that door to preserve the warmth inside ---- DON'T. Even if you take a key... because you might have inadvertently left a key in the hole on the other side and if you've done that - you can't get in, no matter how hard you try. You just thank your lucky stars that someone is home and can let you in.
Don't ask me how I know that...
No, not the bars on the window (or the dog peaking through the crack) - look closer:
Do you see it? Or rather - not see it? There is NO Doorknob. Yes, there is a pull handle, but no doorknob. You might be thinking, "so what?". Well there is a lot of so in that what...
In order to open the front door, you must have 2 separate keys. The only way to get in is to unlock the top lock, and then while turning the bottom key in the lock, it will trigger the little latch thing to open. This is how you get into the house.
No big right - Well, not usually.
Take a look at this:
Look even closer:
See the little key in the door? The one with the pink ribbon?
It is VITAL to know that when there is a key in this hole - you can not, under any circumstances open the front door. Key or no key.
It's advisable NOT TO SHUT THE DOOR when you go out front to take trash to the can. EVEN IF IT'S COLD and POURING RAIN and you THINK you might want to shut that door to preserve the warmth inside ---- DON'T. Even if you take a key... because you might have inadvertently left a key in the hole on the other side and if you've done that - you can't get in, no matter how hard you try. You just thank your lucky stars that someone is home and can let you in.
Don't ask me how I know that...
Daily Adaptations
I've mentioned that I spend all day, every day preparing to cook, cooking, serving, cleaning up after cooking and repeating. No wonder Chileans spread their meals out. Eating breakfast early, waiting until 2pm to do lunch and 10pm for dinner allows a mom a little break in-between. We haven't adjusted to that eating schedule yet. So it's back-to-back meals for me in the meantime.
I guess it gives me something to do. It fills my days with meaning. I'm stranded at home with my non-spanish-speaking self for the next little bit. We're working on getting a spanish teacher to come to the home 3 days a week and teach the kids and I.
In the meantime, I adapt to my surroundings.
For example, I was THRILLED to find what looks like mac & cheese for the kids' lunch. They were as excited as I was to have something from home.
Well here's the thing:
See, I THINK I know how to make mac & cheese, but these pictures are confusing. Straining looks like step 1. Then step 2 is what? Add milk. Step 3 I've got, add the cheese powder, but what's the deal with step 4? Is that when I boil the noodles?
Luckily, upon further inspection, I can pick out 3 litros de agua and 11 a 13 minutos. I figure boil in 3 liters of water for 11 to 13 minutes. Got it. One problem: it takes like 30 minutes to get water to boil at this altitude. Thank goodness for my little friend:
This little plug in pot boils water in like 3 minutes. I filled her up and three minutes later it was at a full boil. I put that in my pot and within 3 minutes it was boiling again.
I AM A FREAKIN' GENIUS!
The rest of the cooking I just ad-libbed. I boiled, strained and then added some butter, milk and the cheese powder. It's actually delicious. Puts Kraft to shame. It should for $4USD a box.
After all that amazing mom-ness, Andrew decides he wants and avocado sandwich. He's addicted.
Whatever, Alex and I will enjoy our cheesy goodness :)
I guess it gives me something to do. It fills my days with meaning. I'm stranded at home with my non-spanish-speaking self for the next little bit. We're working on getting a spanish teacher to come to the home 3 days a week and teach the kids and I.
In the meantime, I adapt to my surroundings.
For example, I was THRILLED to find what looks like mac & cheese for the kids' lunch. They were as excited as I was to have something from home.
Well here's the thing:
See, I THINK I know how to make mac & cheese, but these pictures are confusing. Straining looks like step 1. Then step 2 is what? Add milk. Step 3 I've got, add the cheese powder, but what's the deal with step 4? Is that when I boil the noodles?
Luckily, upon further inspection, I can pick out 3 litros de agua and 11 a 13 minutos. I figure boil in 3 liters of water for 11 to 13 minutes. Got it. One problem: it takes like 30 minutes to get water to boil at this altitude. Thank goodness for my little friend:
This little plug in pot boils water in like 3 minutes. I filled her up and three minutes later it was at a full boil. I put that in my pot and within 3 minutes it was boiling again.
I AM A FREAKIN' GENIUS!
The rest of the cooking I just ad-libbed. I boiled, strained and then added some butter, milk and the cheese powder. It's actually delicious. Puts Kraft to shame. It should for $4USD a box.
After all that amazing mom-ness, Andrew decides he wants and avocado sandwich. He's addicted.
Whatever, Alex and I will enjoy our cheesy goodness :)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Traffic
The traffic here is atrocious. Absolutely horrific. I have no idea how or why anyone would run, ride a bicycle or motorcycle any where near the roads around here, but they do, and they do it often. Really, we should all be in tanks. That is the only way to guarantee your safety.
For example; there is a stop light near our home that is 3 lanes and 1 turn lane. When you get to the other side of that stop light, like across the intersection, it's only 2 lanes. So at the light you have 3 lanes of crazy people vying for a spot in those 2 lanes. That doesn't even count the people who sat in the "turning lane" only to dart in front of you at the last second because he was actually going straight but didn't want to wait behind everyone. Holy nightmare!
Motorcycles have an advantage in that they zoom between cars in-between the lanes (idiots). Lots of delivery people drive motorcycles, like this Dominos' guy:
It cracks us up when we see U.S. restaurants here. We have TGIFridays, McDonalds, Papa Johns, Domino's (apparently), Johnny Rockets, etc. We've yet to try one to see how it compares. I'll get back to you on that.
For example; there is a stop light near our home that is 3 lanes and 1 turn lane. When you get to the other side of that stop light, like across the intersection, it's only 2 lanes. So at the light you have 3 lanes of crazy people vying for a spot in those 2 lanes. That doesn't even count the people who sat in the "turning lane" only to dart in front of you at the last second because he was actually going straight but didn't want to wait behind everyone. Holy nightmare!
Motorcycles have an advantage in that they zoom between cars in-between the lanes (idiots). Lots of delivery people drive motorcycles, like this Dominos' guy:
It cracks us up when we see U.S. restaurants here. We have TGIFridays, McDonalds, Papa Johns, Domino's (apparently), Johnny Rockets, etc. We've yet to try one to see how it compares. I'll get back to you on that.
Pepino Melon
My family loves to try new foods. Many families spend their together time doing other things. We have friends that take long drives together. Other friends that take kids to the movies. Our family makes new recipes, tries new and interesting restaurants and ingredients. It's what we do. It is something we enjoy doing together.
This adventure in another country is feeding that culinary exploration. I am notoris for going to a supermarket and picking up the most interesting produce there and then we hunt for it online and read about how to prepare and eat said item. We've had great luck and mostly enjoyed what we've discovered (mostly).
I picked up one of these little beauties at the store this week:
I've put it next to an apple so that you can compare it's size.
We researched and discovered that it is what is called a "Sweet Cucumber" or Pepino Melon. We were unable to really find out a ton about it. We found that when ripe, the purple strips intensify - ours were pretty prominent. We also read that it was tastier when really ripe. So we waited a few days to cut it open.
It was a pleasantly mild tasting fruit that resembled a cross between a pear and honeydew. Very mild and not very sweet. The entire fruit is edible but the skin is tough so we tasted it and decided to peal it away and eat only the flesh and seeds. The seeds are sweeter than the flesh and really yummy. We'll be adding this little beauty to our rotation. It's nice to have something small enough that you can eat the whole thing in one meal.
We also cut into that AMAZING Peruvian Mango last night. The one that was almost as big as my head:
IT WAS TO DIE FOR!!! We'll be getting more of those this weekend at the farmer's market. Seriously the BEST mango I've ever eaten.
This adventure in another country is feeding that culinary exploration. I am notoris for going to a supermarket and picking up the most interesting produce there and then we hunt for it online and read about how to prepare and eat said item. We've had great luck and mostly enjoyed what we've discovered (mostly).
I picked up one of these little beauties at the store this week:
I've put it next to an apple so that you can compare it's size.
We researched and discovered that it is what is called a "Sweet Cucumber" or Pepino Melon. We were unable to really find out a ton about it. We found that when ripe, the purple strips intensify - ours were pretty prominent. We also read that it was tastier when really ripe. So we waited a few days to cut it open.
It was a pleasantly mild tasting fruit that resembled a cross between a pear and honeydew. Very mild and not very sweet. The entire fruit is edible but the skin is tough so we tasted it and decided to peal it away and eat only the flesh and seeds. The seeds are sweeter than the flesh and really yummy. We'll be adding this little beauty to our rotation. It's nice to have something small enough that you can eat the whole thing in one meal.
We also cut into that AMAZING Peruvian Mango last night. The one that was almost as big as my head:
IT WAS TO DIE FOR!!! We'll be getting more of those this weekend at the farmer's market. Seriously the BEST mango I've ever eaten.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Adventure to the BIG City with a SICK kid
Today we headed to downtown Santiago to apply for RUT numbers for the kids and I. RUT numbers are basically like a social security number. Everyone has one - and you typically get one at birth. The difference is that you are constantly asked for your RUT number and it is appropriate to give it.
If you pay for something with a credit card, you will sign the receipt and then write your RUT number on the line underneath. It's not something that will allow others to steal your identity - it's just your number.
We applied for Greg's RUT when we first arrived in April as he would need one to get back accounts set up. When you first apply, you are given a temporary number and then upon approval, your receive your permanent number. He got his permanent number last week and was able to open his bank accounts. With my new number today, I was allowed to be added to his account.
The whole banking thing here is completely different. He was given a leather box with his single box of checks. We have like 25 total checks. Apparently, you don't write checks very often and when you do, it's a major process. The checks are printed in such a way that it allows the holder of the check (regardless of who it is written to) to be able to cash it.
If you draw 2 lines down the left side of the check that means it is for deposit only. Then if you scribble out a few of the words in a couple different places, it will only allow the person whom the check is written to to be able to use it. Weird right? I guess you'll often have one of your underlings take your checks to the bank and deposit it on your behalf.
I take so many 'normal' things for granted. I just assume that the way we do it, is the way everyone does it. That couldn't be further from the truth. Now that I am added to the account, our banker will personally take my new cards to Greg's office within the next few days. That wouldn't happen at home.
But really how else would they get it to us? The mail? Uh no. The mailman comes every now and again and tosses our mail onto the ground somewhere near our front door. No mailbox. They also don't come every day. Needless to say, nothing of value can be sent via the mailman.
So our little adventure today was supposed to be an afternoon in the city, but our sweet Alex woke up very ill. It couldn't have been a worse time for him. He was sheet white and on the verge of losing it the whole cab ride down there. Poor baby. I get sick in the back of a cab - I can't even imagine trying to be there when you were already sick. Add the crazy cab ride to the smog and exhaust fumes from the other cars (and no - cabs never turn on the air around here, uses too much gas) and you have a recipe for disaster. But we had to get their RUT numbers applied for today. So the sweet boy trudged along.
We decided to take the subway (called the metro) to the bank. It is a much smoother ride than a taxi. This was the boys first real experience in a subway. They loved it. It was also not very busy at that time of the day.
Alex also had a little of his color back at this point:
By the time we got to the bank, Alex crashed. Poor kid!
We'll have to make another trip to downtown when everyone is up for walking around and enjoying the city. Alex is in bed now and we all hope we don't catch what he has. He's pretty sick.
If you pay for something with a credit card, you will sign the receipt and then write your RUT number on the line underneath. It's not something that will allow others to steal your identity - it's just your number.
We applied for Greg's RUT when we first arrived in April as he would need one to get back accounts set up. When you first apply, you are given a temporary number and then upon approval, your receive your permanent number. He got his permanent number last week and was able to open his bank accounts. With my new number today, I was allowed to be added to his account.
The whole banking thing here is completely different. He was given a leather box with his single box of checks. We have like 25 total checks. Apparently, you don't write checks very often and when you do, it's a major process. The checks are printed in such a way that it allows the holder of the check (regardless of who it is written to) to be able to cash it.
If you draw 2 lines down the left side of the check that means it is for deposit only. Then if you scribble out a few of the words in a couple different places, it will only allow the person whom the check is written to to be able to use it. Weird right? I guess you'll often have one of your underlings take your checks to the bank and deposit it on your behalf.
I take so many 'normal' things for granted. I just assume that the way we do it, is the way everyone does it. That couldn't be further from the truth. Now that I am added to the account, our banker will personally take my new cards to Greg's office within the next few days. That wouldn't happen at home.
But really how else would they get it to us? The mail? Uh no. The mailman comes every now and again and tosses our mail onto the ground somewhere near our front door. No mailbox. They also don't come every day. Needless to say, nothing of value can be sent via the mailman.
So our little adventure today was supposed to be an afternoon in the city, but our sweet Alex woke up very ill. It couldn't have been a worse time for him. He was sheet white and on the verge of losing it the whole cab ride down there. Poor baby. I get sick in the back of a cab - I can't even imagine trying to be there when you were already sick. Add the crazy cab ride to the smog and exhaust fumes from the other cars (and no - cabs never turn on the air around here, uses too much gas) and you have a recipe for disaster. But we had to get their RUT numbers applied for today. So the sweet boy trudged along.
We decided to take the subway (called the metro) to the bank. It is a much smoother ride than a taxi. This was the boys first real experience in a subway. They loved it. It was also not very busy at that time of the day.
Alex also had a little of his color back at this point:
By the time we got to the bank, Alex crashed. Poor kid!
We'll have to make another trip to downtown when everyone is up for walking around and enjoying the city. Alex is in bed now and we all hope we don't catch what he has. He's pretty sick.
Monday, June 25, 2012
A positive spin
So after showering, I feel lots better. I have much to be grateful for:
Being able to find the freshest ingredients to make Olivia Parry's delicious salsa (making us feel right at home):
Getting the oven to work long enough to make a batch of brownies (from a Duncan Hines mix):
The sweet man who gave me a free passion fruit at the farmer's market. I'd never had one. It was SO sour! I loved trying something new:
The fact that the kids have their own space to play video games all day long with friends & family online. It makes us feel closer and connected:
Being able to find things that really make us laugh. Like these "donuts" that we bought only to find out that they are crunchy cookies:
Discovering things we will absolutely miss when we leave here. Like these coconut cookies:
Yes, I may be feeding my feelings - but hey - the numbers on the scales are much lower in kilograms :)
Being able to find the freshest ingredients to make Olivia Parry's delicious salsa (making us feel right at home):
Getting the oven to work long enough to make a batch of brownies (from a Duncan Hines mix):
The sweet man who gave me a free passion fruit at the farmer's market. I'd never had one. It was SO sour! I loved trying something new:
The fact that the kids have their own space to play video games all day long with friends & family online. It makes us feel closer and connected:
Being able to find things that really make us laugh. Like these "donuts" that we bought only to find out that they are crunchy cookies:
Discovering things we will absolutely miss when we leave here. Like these coconut cookies:
Yes, I may be feeding my feelings - but hey - the numbers on the scales are much lower in kilograms :)
Easy is Better than Hard
It is daunting how quickly things become cluttered in this house. Maybe because it's smaller than I'm used to? Maybe it's because my family thinks that the nana lives here. Either way, I'm constantly picking up.
My new kitchen has beautiful black countertops and slate/grey tiles with floor to ceiling white enamel tiles. The house is completely hardwood floors except for the kid's bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms. Beautiful - when it's clean.
The wood floors and black/grey countertops and kitchen floors show every-single-crumb or piece of dirt. The white floor to ceiling tiles in the bathrooms and kitchen? You guessed it. Show every single water spot. I have more hair on the bathroom floor after my shower than a dog groomer has after a week. Gross!
I spend day and night cleaning and cooking. Cooking and cleaning. Right now, I need to sweep up that hair in the bathroom and clean a couple of toilets (the water here isn't super agreeable with someone).
The bathtubs are really high and narrow here. They are very 'bowled' at the bottom. The base of the tub is about 2 feet above the bathroom floor, so when you step over the edge to get into the shower you have to step over and up. This makes the shower curtain sit about 4 inches into the bottom of the shower. The drains are also pretty slow. So in our master bath, you stand in about 2 inches of water when you shower. And the curtain hangs into that 2 inches - and the tub is so narrow that the curtain touches you. I HATE that it touches me. All I can think about is how many other naked people have been touching this shower curtain. It completely grosses me out. I have to get a new one - and cut the bottom off the thing. I've considered one of those rounded rods, so that I would have more space in the shower, but then the curtain would hang over the toilet - even worse. Why the master bath is 1/3 of the size of the one for the kids is beyond me. I may start showering up there.
On Saturday I ironed everyone's church clothes. They were all a mess after having been packed. The iron is outside in that little area for the servant that houses the washer/dryer. Again, it's completely protected from the elements - but it's still outside. So when I need to iron, I first have to sweep up all the little dead gnat things that are all over the ground after it rains. I think they fall from the roof maybe? I also have to sweep before doing the laundry - or walking out there for that matter.
When I cook, I have to plan well in advance. Cooking in this house is not as easy as it is at home. The oven takes good hour to reach 350f. Plus I'm short on bowls and containers - I just don't have all of my "stuff". I'm learning and improvising.
I need to make a shopping list but I dread going to the store again. Besides not finding what I need, I have NO IDEA what I am spending. I know that milk is equivalent to about $10 for 1 1/2 gallons. We are easily going through 2 liters a day.
Greg sat down for several hours last night and sorted out our "budgets". We have bills here and bills in Arizona. We have money coming in here and coming in there. We have a HUGE amount on our credit card waiting for reimbursement from the move. (The $1,400 for extra baggage is just a drop in the bucket.)
I think I am just feeling out of control right now. I don't feel like I have a handle on shopping or cooking or cleaning. I don't feel like I have a handle on our budget in either place. My kids sit for HOURS playing video games day after day, but what else can they do? I can't take them anywhere. Sure, I could call a cab - but I couldn't ask for them to take us anyplace, or ask for someone to take us home. I can't pay for anything because I don't understand the whole peso thing. What would we do? Go see a movie? We don't understand spanish. So we take strolls in the neighborhood and I anxiously wait for Greg to come home...
The kids are content. Thrilled actually. They are playing with their friends online. They have plans to play soccer on Wednesday night, mutual on Thursday night and a service project visiting the elderly on Saturday (so much for our trip to the ocean - maybe next week).
Things aren't as bad as they sound. It's just hard, and easy is so much better than hard. I miss easy.
My new kitchen has beautiful black countertops and slate/grey tiles with floor to ceiling white enamel tiles. The house is completely hardwood floors except for the kid's bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms. Beautiful - when it's clean.
The wood floors and black/grey countertops and kitchen floors show every-single-crumb or piece of dirt. The white floor to ceiling tiles in the bathrooms and kitchen? You guessed it. Show every single water spot. I have more hair on the bathroom floor after my shower than a dog groomer has after a week. Gross!
I spend day and night cleaning and cooking. Cooking and cleaning. Right now, I need to sweep up that hair in the bathroom and clean a couple of toilets (the water here isn't super agreeable with someone).
The bathtubs are really high and narrow here. They are very 'bowled' at the bottom. The base of the tub is about 2 feet above the bathroom floor, so when you step over the edge to get into the shower you have to step over and up. This makes the shower curtain sit about 4 inches into the bottom of the shower. The drains are also pretty slow. So in our master bath, you stand in about 2 inches of water when you shower. And the curtain hangs into that 2 inches - and the tub is so narrow that the curtain touches you. I HATE that it touches me. All I can think about is how many other naked people have been touching this shower curtain. It completely grosses me out. I have to get a new one - and cut the bottom off the thing. I've considered one of those rounded rods, so that I would have more space in the shower, but then the curtain would hang over the toilet - even worse. Why the master bath is 1/3 of the size of the one for the kids is beyond me. I may start showering up there.
On Saturday I ironed everyone's church clothes. They were all a mess after having been packed. The iron is outside in that little area for the servant that houses the washer/dryer. Again, it's completely protected from the elements - but it's still outside. So when I need to iron, I first have to sweep up all the little dead gnat things that are all over the ground after it rains. I think they fall from the roof maybe? I also have to sweep before doing the laundry - or walking out there for that matter.
When I cook, I have to plan well in advance. Cooking in this house is not as easy as it is at home. The oven takes good hour to reach 350f. Plus I'm short on bowls and containers - I just don't have all of my "stuff". I'm learning and improvising.
I need to make a shopping list but I dread going to the store again. Besides not finding what I need, I have NO IDEA what I am spending. I know that milk is equivalent to about $10 for 1 1/2 gallons. We are easily going through 2 liters a day.
Greg sat down for several hours last night and sorted out our "budgets". We have bills here and bills in Arizona. We have money coming in here and coming in there. We have a HUGE amount on our credit card waiting for reimbursement from the move. (The $1,400 for extra baggage is just a drop in the bucket.)
I think I am just feeling out of control right now. I don't feel like I have a handle on shopping or cooking or cleaning. I don't feel like I have a handle on our budget in either place. My kids sit for HOURS playing video games day after day, but what else can they do? I can't take them anywhere. Sure, I could call a cab - but I couldn't ask for them to take us anyplace, or ask for someone to take us home. I can't pay for anything because I don't understand the whole peso thing. What would we do? Go see a movie? We don't understand spanish. So we take strolls in the neighborhood and I anxiously wait for Greg to come home...
The kids are content. Thrilled actually. They are playing with their friends online. They have plans to play soccer on Wednesday night, mutual on Thursday night and a service project visiting the elderly on Saturday (so much for our trip to the ocean - maybe next week).
Things aren't as bad as they sound. It's just hard, and easy is so much better than hard. I miss easy.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Church in Espanol
We made it! 3 hours of church in Spanish. I'll admit that the sweet, sweet man that translated for me (I think I was the only one with earphones) during sacrament meeting, really made my day! I owe him BIG!
I was a nervous wreck. The whole way there I kept thinking that I should have taken a freakin' Xanax... The kids were fine. Greg fine. Me - a basket case.
We were greeted by a few familiar faces and many others who had 'heard we were coming'. The family that moved out on Friday (the people we bought transformers & heaters from) gave everyone a head's up that we were here.
Typically, there are 4-5 other gringo families, but most are on holiday right now, so only a few gringo husbands remained (someone's got to work). We had met several people back in April when Greg and I were here house hunting and everyone remembered us and welcomed our little family with open arms.
The Young Women's (our group for teen girls) president and Relief Society (our women's group) president (both Chilean) came and introduced themselves to me right away. The YW president was disappointed that we didn't have any daughters as there are very few girls in our ward. The RS president brought her 4 teenage boys over to meet us. They were adorable and spoke English. They asked both of my boys to help pass the sacrament right out of the gate and I think that helped them immediately get acquainted.
I think Andrew was grateful they didn't ask him to bless the sacrament. He needs to learn that prayer in espanol. :)
All of the youth meet together for Sunday School and then all the boys meet together for 3rd hour Young Men (the group for teen boys). There are several boys who speak english and all were very friendly and welcoming. I guess the whole community (kids, adults, neighbors, etc) come together every Wednesday evening at the church for soccer. [They told my boys that they have a field. Come to find out, that "field" is a couple of soccer goals on the outdoor basketball court.] The boys are totally excited. Mutual is Thursday night and they have an outing planned for this Saturday where the boys will go and serve at a home for the elderly. They had a great first day.
Having the first meeting translated was a welcomed relief for me. The boys didn't take advantage of the service (maybe they're too cool for the headphones). The sweet lady that spoke today is moving next week to Tuscan, AZ. She is from the states, but previously lived in South Africa before coming to Chile 18 months ago. She talked about her desire to be able to speak to the people of this ward but her inability to really do so. The language still eludes her and she expressed her gratitude for the kindness shown to her. Crap. She didn't get it after 18 months? I only have 1 year... Her emotions were exactly what I felt. The isolation and desire. It was great for me to know that I am not alone in my feelings.
I tried to follow along during 2nd hour Sunday School. Greg sat with me and they asked him to read something right away. Thank goodness they didn't ask me. I'd hate to have to say no - but I wouldn't be able to do it. I eventually spaced out a little and watched the clock most of the time.
Third hour was a little intimidating. I had to go at it alone. Greg couldn't go with me to the class for women. Well maybe he could have, but that would have been weird (trust me, I thought about it).
They tried to introduce me at the beginning and I had no idea that they were talking about me for a minute. Finally I got the drift and told them my name. Tammy is hard for them to say. It's more "Tommy". They wrote it out on the white board for everyone to see "Tamy" I corrected them with my spectacular spanish "dos m". I really just repeated the sound they made for "m" and added a "dos" in front. Whatever, I impressed myself with that little tidbit.
I think they talked about visiting teaching reporting and that they wanted us to fill out some paper in the binder (yes, they have binders they pass around in Chile too). The lesson was from Jeffery R Holland 2012 conference talk. I'll have to print it out to re-read. They were looking up scriptures and the sweet newly baptized sister (who was confirmed just today) spoke a little english and helped me along. The two sisters who spoke a little english immediately flanked my sides today in class. They helped me along as much as they could. The teacher put the word "Mateo" on the board and I had NO IDEA where in the scriptures "Mateo" was. They helped me find "Matthew". I guess I should have known that.
I sat through the lesson and got a vague idea after reading from "Matthew". I tried to smile when others were laughing. The Chilean people are very animated in their gestures and I love that - it was interesting to watch.
At the end of the lesson, the RS president asked if I could follow along at all. I lied and said, "a little". From now on, know that whenever someone from another country moves in - NEVER believe them when they say that. We don't have a stinkin' clue what is going on.
I truly feel like the best way to be a part of a group is to serve them. Kris Olmstead always says that if she feels in a funk, she gets out and serves. Great advice. So I signed up for our family to clean the church and also to feed the missionaries. We'll be cleaning the church on the 21st of July and feeding the missionaries on July 4th! With 4 of the 5 missionaries from the US, it will be a great way to celebrate our holiday here in Chile.
They have also asked if I would lead the music in RS next week. No big deal right? Well, they do not have a piano in the RS room, so the person that led the music today sang the first line, counted to 3 and then everyone started singing together. YIKES! They will call me later this week with the song # so that I can practice. Not sure if that is the way it always goes, or if this is just a one time thing. I'll have to ask that - but will she understand me??? Crap. I've got to get this Spanish language thing under control. I'm too social not to be able to communicate. :)
I was a nervous wreck. The whole way there I kept thinking that I should have taken a freakin' Xanax... The kids were fine. Greg fine. Me - a basket case.
We were greeted by a few familiar faces and many others who had 'heard we were coming'. The family that moved out on Friday (the people we bought transformers & heaters from) gave everyone a head's up that we were here.
Typically, there are 4-5 other gringo families, but most are on holiday right now, so only a few gringo husbands remained (someone's got to work). We had met several people back in April when Greg and I were here house hunting and everyone remembered us and welcomed our little family with open arms.
The Young Women's (our group for teen girls) president and Relief Society (our women's group) president (both Chilean) came and introduced themselves to me right away. The YW president was disappointed that we didn't have any daughters as there are very few girls in our ward. The RS president brought her 4 teenage boys over to meet us. They were adorable and spoke English. They asked both of my boys to help pass the sacrament right out of the gate and I think that helped them immediately get acquainted.
I think Andrew was grateful they didn't ask him to bless the sacrament. He needs to learn that prayer in espanol. :)
All of the youth meet together for Sunday School and then all the boys meet together for 3rd hour Young Men (the group for teen boys). There are several boys who speak english and all were very friendly and welcoming. I guess the whole community (kids, adults, neighbors, etc) come together every Wednesday evening at the church for soccer. [They told my boys that they have a field. Come to find out, that "field" is a couple of soccer goals on the outdoor basketball court.] The boys are totally excited. Mutual is Thursday night and they have an outing planned for this Saturday where the boys will go and serve at a home for the elderly. They had a great first day.
Having the first meeting translated was a welcomed relief for me. The boys didn't take advantage of the service (maybe they're too cool for the headphones). The sweet lady that spoke today is moving next week to Tuscan, AZ. She is from the states, but previously lived in South Africa before coming to Chile 18 months ago. She talked about her desire to be able to speak to the people of this ward but her inability to really do so. The language still eludes her and she expressed her gratitude for the kindness shown to her. Crap. She didn't get it after 18 months? I only have 1 year... Her emotions were exactly what I felt. The isolation and desire. It was great for me to know that I am not alone in my feelings.
I tried to follow along during 2nd hour Sunday School. Greg sat with me and they asked him to read something right away. Thank goodness they didn't ask me. I'd hate to have to say no - but I wouldn't be able to do it. I eventually spaced out a little and watched the clock most of the time.
Third hour was a little intimidating. I had to go at it alone. Greg couldn't go with me to the class for women. Well maybe he could have, but that would have been weird (trust me, I thought about it).
They tried to introduce me at the beginning and I had no idea that they were talking about me for a minute. Finally I got the drift and told them my name. Tammy is hard for them to say. It's more "Tommy". They wrote it out on the white board for everyone to see "Tamy" I corrected them with my spectacular spanish "dos m". I really just repeated the sound they made for "m" and added a "dos" in front. Whatever, I impressed myself with that little tidbit.
I think they talked about visiting teaching reporting and that they wanted us to fill out some paper in the binder (yes, they have binders they pass around in Chile too). The lesson was from Jeffery R Holland 2012 conference talk. I'll have to print it out to re-read. They were looking up scriptures and the sweet newly baptized sister (who was confirmed just today) spoke a little english and helped me along. The two sisters who spoke a little english immediately flanked my sides today in class. They helped me along as much as they could. The teacher put the word "Mateo" on the board and I had NO IDEA where in the scriptures "Mateo" was. They helped me find "Matthew". I guess I should have known that.
I sat through the lesson and got a vague idea after reading from "Matthew". I tried to smile when others were laughing. The Chilean people are very animated in their gestures and I love that - it was interesting to watch.
At the end of the lesson, the RS president asked if I could follow along at all. I lied and said, "a little". From now on, know that whenever someone from another country moves in - NEVER believe them when they say that. We don't have a stinkin' clue what is going on.
I truly feel like the best way to be a part of a group is to serve them. Kris Olmstead always says that if she feels in a funk, she gets out and serves. Great advice. So I signed up for our family to clean the church and also to feed the missionaries. We'll be cleaning the church on the 21st of July and feeding the missionaries on July 4th! With 4 of the 5 missionaries from the US, it will be a great way to celebrate our holiday here in Chile.
They have also asked if I would lead the music in RS next week. No big deal right? Well, they do not have a piano in the RS room, so the person that led the music today sang the first line, counted to 3 and then everyone started singing together. YIKES! They will call me later this week with the song # so that I can practice. Not sure if that is the way it always goes, or if this is just a one time thing. I'll have to ask that - but will she understand me??? Crap. I've got to get this Spanish language thing under control. I'm too social not to be able to communicate. :)
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Farmers Market
Last night we took Andrew to Sushihanna as promised. It's THE BEST sushi Greg and I've have ever had. We didn't get any photos - because my kids would have been mortified if I whipped the camera out in the restaurant.
Alex isn't a fan of anything from the sea, but he enjoys a good cup of Miso soup and chicken fried rice. He's a great sport :)
Today we took the family out to the farmer's market at Los Dominicos. We gathered some delicious fresh produce: mandarin oranges that are out-of-this-world yummy, some fresh tomatoes, avocados (Andrew eats them like they're candy) and a mango from Peru. The mango is as big as my head!
It was a beautiful day. The boys didn't want to go in and out of all the artisan shops, but did enjoy seeing the pen with chickens, roosters, ducks, peacocks and all sorts of other "eatable" live animals. No - we didn't get anything. I like my chicken fresh from the freezer :)
We did stop in a little shop for lunch and had empanadas again (yum).
Alex and Greg tried the "sausage and cheese" version. It turned out to be a hotdog. Greg forgot that here they call hotdogs "sausages". They liked them. It was like a Chilean pig-in-a-blanket.
We're talking about heading to the beach next weekend. Yes it's cold. Yes winter started 2 days ago. Hey. I can't live THIS close to the beach and not get my feet in the sand.
I found a place about 2 hours from here where you can take a boat ride and see these little penguins. Alex is so excited. The one thing he wants to do in Chile: see penguins. I can't wait for that little adventure!
Tomorrow is church for the first time. We'll see how the kids do being TOTALLY immersed in Spanish. All 3 hours of meetings are in spanish and most of the US kids are home for break. We'll have to see how it goes. Wish us luck!
Alex isn't a fan of anything from the sea, but he enjoys a good cup of Miso soup and chicken fried rice. He's a great sport :)
Today we took the family out to the farmer's market at Los Dominicos. We gathered some delicious fresh produce: mandarin oranges that are out-of-this-world yummy, some fresh tomatoes, avocados (Andrew eats them like they're candy) and a mango from Peru. The mango is as big as my head!
It was a beautiful day. The boys didn't want to go in and out of all the artisan shops, but did enjoy seeing the pen with chickens, roosters, ducks, peacocks and all sorts of other "eatable" live animals. No - we didn't get anything. I like my chicken fresh from the freezer :)
We did stop in a little shop for lunch and had empanadas again (yum).
Alex and Greg tried the "sausage and cheese" version. It turned out to be a hotdog. Greg forgot that here they call hotdogs "sausages". They liked them. It was like a Chilean pig-in-a-blanket.
We're talking about heading to the beach next weekend. Yes it's cold. Yes winter started 2 days ago. Hey. I can't live THIS close to the beach and not get my feet in the sand.
I found a place about 2 hours from here where you can take a boat ride and see these little penguins. Alex is so excited. The one thing he wants to do in Chile: see penguins. I can't wait for that little adventure!
Tomorrow is church for the first time. We'll see how the kids do being TOTALLY immersed in Spanish. All 3 hours of meetings are in spanish and most of the US kids are home for break. We'll have to see how it goes. Wish us luck!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Exploring our Neighborhood
I forced the kids out of the house this afternoon for a little stroll around the neighborhood. It was a beautiful day! 62f and sunny! Jackets were optional :)
Once we were out, we had a great little stroll. It is a beautiful area. Lush and green due to the rainy winter with snow at the top of the Andes. It was nice to get out of the house for a little while.
Once we were out, we had a great little stroll. It is a beautiful area. Lush and green due to the rainy winter with snow at the top of the Andes. It was nice to get out of the house for a little while.
An Adventure For Sure!!!
We've always talked about this move to Chile as an Adventure. Man, we had NO IDEA!
Last night was an adventure for sure. We started with a delicious chili dinner "Chili on a Chilly night in Chile"
We headed out to church for the Thursday night mutual.
We were told that often things don't start on time here as "Chilean Time" makes "Mormon Standard Time look early" (for my Mormon friends). So when we arrived just before 7:30pm, we were not overly alarmed that the building was still dark and the gate to the parking lot was still locked up. At 7:45pm, we were told by the Camerons (police) that we were "parked bad" and that they would let us off this one time. Thank goodness - we didn't have our passport copies or international driver's license on us...
At 8pm, we called a 'gringo' from the ward and asked about how late is late. He said that his wife, the YW president, had left to return home as this is not something that typically happens. They were a little concerned about the YM president who should have been there to open up. As we were about to leave, we saw a car pull up and a man got out to open the gate - we assume the YM president. At this point, there was a car parked in front of the drive and we could not, with our borrowed truck, pull into the lot. We decided to head home. (The kids were getting a little freaked out as the church is in a "sketch" part of town) We'll try again next week.
Sounds like Adventure enough, right ---- OH NO... We're just getting started:
Apparently it is vital that you use your home alarm system in this country. Theft is a HUGE issue. We haven't really used it, because we're still figuring it out. We were taught how to use it properly so we decided to set it when we left for church. Well, we have a dog. A dog and these motion sensors don't play nice. So we put the dog in the kitchen (no motion sensors there), set the alarm and headed out for the night.
Upon return, we found everything safe and sound, disarmed the system and thought we were good to go.
Every time we disarm the system, someone from the alarm company calls to verify that we intended to disarm the system. We keep thinking we must be doing something wrong - we later learn that this is normal. They will always call.
The problem with this is the fact that they call in Spanish. Only 1 of us speak Spanish. So setting the alarm without Greg is not an option.
Anyway - back to the "Adventure". When the alarm company called last night, Greg gave them his name and password and we thought we were good to go. After a couple of minutes Greg and I headed back out to go to the store for a few things and to fill his truck with gas.
As we are getting out to head to the store, he gets a call from Andrew - Immediately I panic. Apparently, the police are at our house. Andrew has not opened the door as he is unsure what to do. We immediately rush back home to find the security people in our driveway.
They were really nice (I think - I couldn't understand what they were saying). Apparently, when Greg gave them his name and password, the lady on the phone from the alarm company "couldn't understand him". WHAT??? If they can't understand Greg - we're all screwed. HE's the one who speaks spanish!!!
We later realized that he gave them his name as "Greg Schick" and they have his information as "Gregory Schick". The language barrier kept them from understanding that Greg is short for Gregory. He asked if they have anyone on staff that speaks english and apparently they do. Our plan for the kids and I - we'll just say "No Hablo Espanol" and then give them our name and password (which is a Spanish word - let's hope we remember it!). My plan - forget the alarm. I'll take my chances with the bad guys.
Oh well - we wanted an Adventure...
Last night was an adventure for sure. We started with a delicious chili dinner "Chili on a Chilly night in Chile"
We headed out to church for the Thursday night mutual.
We were told that often things don't start on time here as "Chilean Time" makes "Mormon Standard Time look early" (for my Mormon friends). So when we arrived just before 7:30pm, we were not overly alarmed that the building was still dark and the gate to the parking lot was still locked up. At 7:45pm, we were told by the Camerons (police) that we were "parked bad" and that they would let us off this one time. Thank goodness - we didn't have our passport copies or international driver's license on us...
At 8pm, we called a 'gringo' from the ward and asked about how late is late. He said that his wife, the YW president, had left to return home as this is not something that typically happens. They were a little concerned about the YM president who should have been there to open up. As we were about to leave, we saw a car pull up and a man got out to open the gate - we assume the YM president. At this point, there was a car parked in front of the drive and we could not, with our borrowed truck, pull into the lot. We decided to head home. (The kids were getting a little freaked out as the church is in a "sketch" part of town) We'll try again next week.
Sounds like Adventure enough, right ---- OH NO... We're just getting started:
Apparently it is vital that you use your home alarm system in this country. Theft is a HUGE issue. We haven't really used it, because we're still figuring it out. We were taught how to use it properly so we decided to set it when we left for church. Well, we have a dog. A dog and these motion sensors don't play nice. So we put the dog in the kitchen (no motion sensors there), set the alarm and headed out for the night.
Upon return, we found everything safe and sound, disarmed the system and thought we were good to go.
Every time we disarm the system, someone from the alarm company calls to verify that we intended to disarm the system. We keep thinking we must be doing something wrong - we later learn that this is normal. They will always call.
The problem with this is the fact that they call in Spanish. Only 1 of us speak Spanish. So setting the alarm without Greg is not an option.
Anyway - back to the "Adventure". When the alarm company called last night, Greg gave them his name and password and we thought we were good to go. After a couple of minutes Greg and I headed back out to go to the store for a few things and to fill his truck with gas.
As we are getting out to head to the store, he gets a call from Andrew - Immediately I panic. Apparently, the police are at our house. Andrew has not opened the door as he is unsure what to do. We immediately rush back home to find the security people in our driveway.
They were really nice (I think - I couldn't understand what they were saying). Apparently, when Greg gave them his name and password, the lady on the phone from the alarm company "couldn't understand him". WHAT??? If they can't understand Greg - we're all screwed. HE's the one who speaks spanish!!!
We later realized that he gave them his name as "Greg Schick" and they have his information as "Gregory Schick". The language barrier kept them from understanding that Greg is short for Gregory. He asked if they have anyone on staff that speaks english and apparently they do. Our plan for the kids and I - we'll just say "No Hablo Espanol" and then give them our name and password (which is a Spanish word - let's hope we remember it!). My plan - forget the alarm. I'll take my chances with the bad guys.
Oh well - we wanted an Adventure...
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Success!
I have successfully completed chili in Chile! The sun is shining and it's 12.6c outside (54f) in the sun - "chilly" in my book! It's 4:15 and I am ahead of schedule. I had to improvise (by improvise I mean completely and totally, blindly guess) on the spices and came up with something pretty yummy.
I actually have black beans in the pressure cooker now for dinner tomorrow (chicken tacos). I may just get this whole Chile thing after all. I may even attempt to find ingredients for no-bake cookies.
Don't get me wrong a Nana still sounds like a good idea. Maybe just one day a week...
I actually have black beans in the pressure cooker now for dinner tomorrow (chicken tacos). I may just get this whole Chile thing after all. I may even attempt to find ingredients for no-bake cookies.
Don't get me wrong a Nana still sounds like a good idea. Maybe just one day a week...
Attempting to Cook
Alex has had his heart set on eating chili in Chile on a chilly day. So I really want to make some for him. Canned beans are not an option. So after soaking beans overnight, I am currently attempting to cook REAL beans in batches in the pressure cooker. Yes it is 15:17 here (I'm working on figuring out military time as that is what they use here. So I've switched my computer clock. 15:17 is 3:17pm for normal people.)
Last night was the first time I tried to cook a meal here. I'm fighting with the altitude, the new gas stove (I've only ever cooked on electric), the worlds smallest electric oven that reads in celsius, and lots of foreign ingredients. Yeah, it wasn't the greatest experience.
At about 2pm yesterday, I decided to make brownies. I intended to make chocolate chip cookies, but not only did they NOT have cookie sheets, but they don't have chocolate chips either. So I bought a Duncan Hines brownie mix. I mixed the brownies in the new mixing bowl that I purchased since the house did not have one, and turned on the oven.
To back track just a little, when we purchased the transformers and heaters from the family moving back to the states, they gave us a few other things. One of which was an oven thermometer. She told me that I would thank her for it later. She warned me not to trust what the oven temperature said. MAN, she was NOT kidding! What would I do without that little dude?
I turned the oven on around 2pm and at 7pm - yes, seven p-to the-m it finally reached the desired 170c (350f). We had to crank it up to "max" and let it sit for about 25 minutes before it started getting up there. And while were talking about this oven, let me just mention that the reason that there are no cookie sheets to buy is because a cookie sheet is waaaay to big for this little oven. It is only slightly taller than my microwave but about the same width. Cookies are not in our future. Once it got up to temp, the brownies cooked as usual. Greg sighed and said, "I guess no turkey for Thanksgiving..." Thanksgiving? Really? You're worried about Thanksgiving? I can't figure out what to cook for dinner...
So today I am attempting to make chili. I started around 13:00. The boys have church tonight at 7:30pm so I am hoping to have dinner ready by 6:30pm. If not, there is a McDonalds on the way there. Maybe a Nana isn't such a bad idea.
Last night was the first time I tried to cook a meal here. I'm fighting with the altitude, the new gas stove (I've only ever cooked on electric), the worlds smallest electric oven that reads in celsius, and lots of foreign ingredients. Yeah, it wasn't the greatest experience.
At about 2pm yesterday, I decided to make brownies. I intended to make chocolate chip cookies, but not only did they NOT have cookie sheets, but they don't have chocolate chips either. So I bought a Duncan Hines brownie mix. I mixed the brownies in the new mixing bowl that I purchased since the house did not have one, and turned on the oven.
To back track just a little, when we purchased the transformers and heaters from the family moving back to the states, they gave us a few other things. One of which was an oven thermometer. She told me that I would thank her for it later. She warned me not to trust what the oven temperature said. MAN, she was NOT kidding! What would I do without that little dude?
I turned the oven on around 2pm and at 7pm - yes, seven p-to the-m it finally reached the desired 170c (350f). We had to crank it up to "max" and let it sit for about 25 minutes before it started getting up there. And while were talking about this oven, let me just mention that the reason that there are no cookie sheets to buy is because a cookie sheet is waaaay to big for this little oven. It is only slightly taller than my microwave but about the same width. Cookies are not in our future. Once it got up to temp, the brownies cooked as usual. Greg sighed and said, "I guess no turkey for Thanksgiving..." Thanksgiving? Really? You're worried about Thanksgiving? I can't figure out what to cook for dinner...
So today I am attempting to make chili. I started around 13:00. The boys have church tonight at 7:30pm so I am hoping to have dinner ready by 6:30pm. If not, there is a McDonalds on the way there. Maybe a Nana isn't such a bad idea.
THE Shopping Trip
On Tuesday we finally had time to head to the mall for our big shopping trip. You see in Chile, the grocery stores are inside of the malls - always. They have these escalator things going from the stores to the underground parking that are flat and magnetic. That allows you to push your cart onto the "escalator" and ride down with your groceries to your car. Interesting but totally convenient.
As I went through unpacking and sorting down the kitchen, I kept a list of things we needed to get. Rugs (to help with the warmth and echo), groceries, shelves, hangers, cookie sheet, etc. It was quite a list. I knew it would take a few hours.
The big grocery here in Chile is the Jumbo. It vaguely resembles a Walmart. It has some housewares, a few clothing items and lots of groceries. Perfect! There are two malls within 10 minutes of us (heaven!) and the 'fancier' of the two, Portal something or other, houses the Jumbo. We headed that way and decided to peruse the stores before heading to Jumbo. We need an additional external hard-drive and thought we'd explore some of the rugs at the stores that resemble a Macy's or Nordstroms. We found lots of things - for lots of money. HOLY COW! I had been told that things were double the price here, but to see the reality of it caused a little sticker shock. We decided to head to the Jumbo hoping for more reasonably priced options. I don't want to spend $400 on a runner rug for a rental house.
As we began searching and searching through the cookware at Jumbo for a cookie sheet, it dawns on Greg that we need to get visa photos for the kids and myself that day so that he could take them downtown first thing in the morning with our relocation lady. We tried to get them in the states but the 3cmX2cm photos with our full name and passport numbers were something that Walgreens couldn't handle. So at the start of my major shopping excursion, Greg begins to panic. This HAS to be done today. I suggested grabbing a few needed items and coming back later and he was insistent we go through with this shopping experience.
Needless to say - it was a nightmare. I can't find half of the things that I am looking for. Greg has to translate every single thing because it all is packaged differently. Minute style rice - nope. Canned beans - nope. Paper plates - nada.
Greg was practically sprinting through the store as I tried to keep up with him and the cart. I tried to take the cart and push it myself, but he'd wedge his way back in and take it. I think he thought we'd move faster if he pushed the cart faster. It was a freakin' nightmare. I don't know why I didn't just insist that we go another time.
I need a trip where we can casually go through aisle by aisle and figure out what things are available here. I will be changing my cooking style and need to have a better idea about things. We'll have to do that at some point.
We got the necessities and headed back home in time to grab the kids and head back to the mall for photos. All was well in the end.
As I went through unpacking and sorting down the kitchen, I kept a list of things we needed to get. Rugs (to help with the warmth and echo), groceries, shelves, hangers, cookie sheet, etc. It was quite a list. I knew it would take a few hours.
The big grocery here in Chile is the Jumbo. It vaguely resembles a Walmart. It has some housewares, a few clothing items and lots of groceries. Perfect! There are two malls within 10 minutes of us (heaven!) and the 'fancier' of the two, Portal something or other, houses the Jumbo. We headed that way and decided to peruse the stores before heading to Jumbo. We need an additional external hard-drive and thought we'd explore some of the rugs at the stores that resemble a Macy's or Nordstroms. We found lots of things - for lots of money. HOLY COW! I had been told that things were double the price here, but to see the reality of it caused a little sticker shock. We decided to head to the Jumbo hoping for more reasonably priced options. I don't want to spend $400 on a runner rug for a rental house.
As we began searching and searching through the cookware at Jumbo for a cookie sheet, it dawns on Greg that we need to get visa photos for the kids and myself that day so that he could take them downtown first thing in the morning with our relocation lady. We tried to get them in the states but the 3cmX2cm photos with our full name and passport numbers were something that Walgreens couldn't handle. So at the start of my major shopping excursion, Greg begins to panic. This HAS to be done today. I suggested grabbing a few needed items and coming back later and he was insistent we go through with this shopping experience.
Needless to say - it was a nightmare. I can't find half of the things that I am looking for. Greg has to translate every single thing because it all is packaged differently. Minute style rice - nope. Canned beans - nope. Paper plates - nada.
Greg was practically sprinting through the store as I tried to keep up with him and the cart. I tried to take the cart and push it myself, but he'd wedge his way back in and take it. I think he thought we'd move faster if he pushed the cart faster. It was a freakin' nightmare. I don't know why I didn't just insist that we go another time.
I need a trip where we can casually go through aisle by aisle and figure out what things are available here. I will be changing my cooking style and need to have a better idea about things. We'll have to do that at some point.
We got the necessities and headed back home in time to grab the kids and head back to the mall for photos. All was well in the end.
Getting Established
We've been grocery shopping in Chile before. At our first outing, back in May, we were accompanied by Christan. He and his wife 'showed us the ropes'. There are a few things you must know. First, there is a station in the middle of the produce and bread areas where store employees weigh and sticker your items before you get to the checkout. You also must soak produce in a soapy substance before eating. Important to know. It is also customary to buy fresh bread. You can find the bagged kind, but the selection is very limited.
Chileans shop every day or so and store very limited number of things. Therefore the kitchens are quite small and the storage is even smaller. Most homes didn't even have full sized refrigerators. Luckily, ours does.
The second shopping trip occurred on Sunday after our arrival. We met Jose Raul for lunch around 2pm and he then took us to the grocery. We just bought necessities. I felt like we needed to rush through the store as both times, people were waiting on us. Cereal, lunchmeat - TOILET PAPER - if you've read my previous post, you'll laugh to know that upon arrival to the new house, I had to - you know - use the facilities. Apparently all 3 other members of my family had also 'used the facilities' but because they are boys, didn't notice that there was not one single piece of toilet paper in the house. So here I sit AGAIN without anything. You'd think I'd learn. So I have to holler at Greg - with all these people in the house. TOTALLY humiliating. I had him bring my purse where I just happened to (thankfully) have 1 single tissue left after the trip... Needless to say, I bought a jumbo pack of TP.
We purchased cereal, lunch meat, fresh (yummy) bread and milk to get us by until the next day. The thing is around here, milk isn't refrigerated. At all. I was a little taken aback by the eggs just stacked in an aisle, but when you buy it from a farmer it's not cold, so I could wrap my head around that. But when I asked for milk and Jose Raul took us down an aisle and I saw boxes, I thought no, I want COW'S milk. This IS cow's milk. In a box. On the self. Not cold. I'm not a fan of milk to begin with, so this warm looking milk made me gag just a little. Greg assured me that it was ok to drink. Here is a carton of milk (yum!):
We also needed some jam for toast (notice the Walmart branded jam?), mayo for sandwiches (which comes in a pouch) and of course pineapple juice: 
Shopping is hard. I don't speak/read Spanish - or Metric for that matter. I needed a large amount of time to go up and down the aisles to wrap my head around what it was we'd need. That trip would happen on Tuesday, or so I'd hoped...
Chileans shop every day or so and store very limited number of things. Therefore the kitchens are quite small and the storage is even smaller. Most homes didn't even have full sized refrigerators. Luckily, ours does.
The second shopping trip occurred on Sunday after our arrival. We met Jose Raul for lunch around 2pm and he then took us to the grocery. We just bought necessities. I felt like we needed to rush through the store as both times, people were waiting on us. Cereal, lunchmeat - TOILET PAPER - if you've read my previous post, you'll laugh to know that upon arrival to the new house, I had to - you know - use the facilities. Apparently all 3 other members of my family had also 'used the facilities' but because they are boys, didn't notice that there was not one single piece of toilet paper in the house. So here I sit AGAIN without anything. You'd think I'd learn. So I have to holler at Greg - with all these people in the house. TOTALLY humiliating. I had him bring my purse where I just happened to (thankfully) have 1 single tissue left after the trip... Needless to say, I bought a jumbo pack of TP.
We purchased cereal, lunch meat, fresh (yummy) bread and milk to get us by until the next day. The thing is around here, milk isn't refrigerated. At all. I was a little taken aback by the eggs just stacked in an aisle, but when you buy it from a farmer it's not cold, so I could wrap my head around that. But when I asked for milk and Jose Raul took us down an aisle and I saw boxes, I thought no, I want COW'S milk. This IS cow's milk. In a box. On the self. Not cold. I'm not a fan of milk to begin with, so this warm looking milk made me gag just a little. Greg assured me that it was ok to drink. Here is a carton of milk (yum!):
We also needed some jam for toast (notice the Walmart branded jam?), mayo for sandwiches (which comes in a pouch) and of course pineapple juice: 
Shopping is hard. I don't speak/read Spanish - or Metric for that matter. I needed a large amount of time to go up and down the aisles to wrap my head around what it was we'd need. That trip would happen on Tuesday, or so I'd hoped...
Arriving in Santiago
The L-O-N-G flight from Atlanta to Santiago is supposed to be made easier by being overnight. MOST people sleep. Alex covered his head and was out like a light.
Like father like son. Those two can sleep anywhere. Andrew and I didn't sleep much. Morning came and the beauty brought anticipation.
All of our luggage arrived and we made it through customs fairly quickly (even with the dog). Greg had arranged for 2 friends from work to be there to haul us and our stuff to our new home. It was, of course, raining upon arrival. So we loaded and hauled in the rain. Luckily, Christian brought a tarp to cover our things in the back of the truck. Most of it stayed dry.
Our amazing relocation specialist, Paz has been a gem. She worked diligently to have the house ready for us when we got here. She was here with the house open when we arrived. She had the foresight to have fruit and bottled water ready for us. She has been a lifesaver. We had about an hour of paperwork and instruction about the alarm, heater, etc and then everyone left and we had the house to ourselves.
We began sorting and hauling things to each room and began unloading. The house was FREEZING! The damp, cold winter air was more than us Arizonians could handle. We have radiant in-floor heating here. It takes a while to get it warm but is supposed to be very efficient once it's going. Gas is VERY expensive - like $8 a quart expensive - so most people supplement with plug-in electric heaters. We were lucky enough to purchase some used ones from a family at church that is heading back to the states on Friday. We bought heaters and transformers for a very reasonable price.
When we arrived, Paz showed ME how to work the heater. When everyone left, I showed Greg who decided to change things. After about 4 hours of FREEZING - and by freezing I mean it was 10 degrees celsius INSIDE our house - I put everything back the way that Paz showed me and the heat started rising ever so slowly.
The house has 2 floors. Upstairs is the kids domain. There are 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, nursery and loft with TV and comfy sofa. We're using the small little nursery as a storage area at this point. Downstairs is the master bedroom & bath, an office, kitchen, open dining/living area, servant's room & bath and an interesting outdoor laundry/storage area that is completely covered from the elements with a locking gate/door to the front.
Here in Chile it is customary to have a Nana. She takes care of the kids when they are young and also maintains the home and makes meals. When the kids are young, she'll live with the family during the week. As they age, if the family desires, she will stay during the daytime hours only. I've been anti-Nana for months, but after attempting our first meal here last night. I may have changed my mind. But that is another post...
Like father like son. Those two can sleep anywhere. Andrew and I didn't sleep much. Morning came and the beauty brought anticipation.
All of our luggage arrived and we made it through customs fairly quickly (even with the dog). Greg had arranged for 2 friends from work to be there to haul us and our stuff to our new home. It was, of course, raining upon arrival. So we loaded and hauled in the rain. Luckily, Christian brought a tarp to cover our things in the back of the truck. Most of it stayed dry.
Our amazing relocation specialist, Paz has been a gem. She worked diligently to have the house ready for us when we got here. She was here with the house open when we arrived. She had the foresight to have fruit and bottled water ready for us. She has been a lifesaver. We had about an hour of paperwork and instruction about the alarm, heater, etc and then everyone left and we had the house to ourselves.
We began sorting and hauling things to each room and began unloading. The house was FREEZING! The damp, cold winter air was more than us Arizonians could handle. We have radiant in-floor heating here. It takes a while to get it warm but is supposed to be very efficient once it's going. Gas is VERY expensive - like $8 a quart expensive - so most people supplement with plug-in electric heaters. We were lucky enough to purchase some used ones from a family at church that is heading back to the states on Friday. We bought heaters and transformers for a very reasonable price.
When we arrived, Paz showed ME how to work the heater. When everyone left, I showed Greg who decided to change things. After about 4 hours of FREEZING - and by freezing I mean it was 10 degrees celsius INSIDE our house - I put everything back the way that Paz showed me and the heat started rising ever so slowly.
The house has 2 floors. Upstairs is the kids domain. There are 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, nursery and loft with TV and comfy sofa. We're using the small little nursery as a storage area at this point. Downstairs is the master bedroom & bath, an office, kitchen, open dining/living area, servant's room & bath and an interesting outdoor laundry/storage area that is completely covered from the elements with a locking gate/door to the front.
Here in Chile it is customary to have a Nana. She takes care of the kids when they are young and also maintains the home and makes meals. When the kids are young, she'll live with the family during the week. As they age, if the family desires, she will stay during the daytime hours only. I've been anti-Nana for months, but after attempting our first meal here last night. I may have changed my mind. But that is another post...
Emotions Run High
The week before brought various emotions for all of us. Alex was the only consistent. He's been indifferent from the beginning. We get the occasional bought of excitement and he is constantly practicing his Spanish but other than that, he remains indifferent. I ask him if he's nervous or excited and he just shrugs and says "not really". He's good either way. Really, his brother and dog are his world and as long as they are both with him - he's good. Andrew struggled. He is a socialite. His friends really mean a lot to him - and they are all great kids. They threw him a surprise going away party on Wednesday, then on Thursday they all met and went out on the lake for a birthday wake boarding trip, then they all met for treats and a movie on Friday afternoon for the "final good-bye". Friday night he got together with Enoch Olmstead for a little Enoch fix before he left. Enoch and Andrew are two peas in a pod. They balance each other perfectly and have been friends since nursery. We'll all miss Enoch. The emotions were raw for Andrew. It was almost more than I could take. He knows and I know he'll be ok, but the sadness about leaving was great. The final text messages in the airport in Atlanta before we boarded were emotional for him, but he was courageous. He was not outwardly bitter or resentful - just sad.
Watching your children go through that is tough, so needless to say, I struggled along with him. For the most part Greg and I were too busy to feel anything but stress. Saturday morning arrived and our dear friends came in two vans to help us get to the airport. Shiela Jarvis offered a beautiful prayer for our peace and safety just before we departed and that became an emotional moment for all of us. I finally had a moment to process the whole thing. The fear of the unknown was overwhelming but luckily the excitement for the new adventure prevailed.
We made it through checkin with our mound of luggage smoothly. After paying almost $1,000 for our "over-weight, over-sized, excessive amount" of luggage, we were ready to board - dog and all. It was a ton easier to move around without all that extra baggage. We carried on a guitar, the dog, backpacks for me and the kids and briefcase for dad.
I sat in first class for both legs of the flight while the kids and Greg sat in the cheap seats. I'm a spoiled brat like that. Greg always gets upgraded due to his Diamond level status - so he gave me his seat and sat in the back as a good husband should. I do love that man. He worried about my back.
On the way to Atlanta from Phoenix, he and the kids were all in middle seats. We're not sure how that happened. We booked through the travel agent he always uses way back in February. So they were not even sitting together. I worried a little just because Andrew was upset and Alex is so shy - but everyone did fine. It ended up being a blessing because Andrew sat next to a grandma who talked his ear off. I think she sensed that he was upset (maybe it was the red rings around his eyes) so she went on and on about how exciting of an adventure this would be for him. She showed him pictures of her grandkids and pictures of clouds that she had taken (apparently she likes to take photos of clouds) and gave him her address to have her mail him a postcard from here. She was a little angel from heaven. I will forever be indebted to the sweet grandma in the window seat.
Atlanta was a breath of fresh air. The excitement of riding on the subway train to get through the airport ignited the excitement for the adventure ahead. This was a first for my boys and I saw a genuine smile from Andrew for the first time in days. Things were looking up.
We grabbed some dinner for the boys (I'd eat a 4 course meal in Business Class), took the dog to the dog park to stretch his legs and recharged our electronics in preparation for the 9 1/2 hour flight ahead.
Andrew said his final goodbyes via text messages, wiped his eyes and plowed ahead. Showing passports at the gate was the first time that the boys have used theirs and this brought a note of excitement back into the air. As we boarded the plane, a sense of eagerness for what was to come took over.
Watching your children go through that is tough, so needless to say, I struggled along with him. For the most part Greg and I were too busy to feel anything but stress. Saturday morning arrived and our dear friends came in two vans to help us get to the airport. Shiela Jarvis offered a beautiful prayer for our peace and safety just before we departed and that became an emotional moment for all of us. I finally had a moment to process the whole thing. The fear of the unknown was overwhelming but luckily the excitement for the new adventure prevailed.
We made it through checkin with our mound of luggage smoothly. After paying almost $1,000 for our "over-weight, over-sized, excessive amount" of luggage, we were ready to board - dog and all. It was a ton easier to move around without all that extra baggage. We carried on a guitar, the dog, backpacks for me and the kids and briefcase for dad.
I sat in first class for both legs of the flight while the kids and Greg sat in the cheap seats. I'm a spoiled brat like that. Greg always gets upgraded due to his Diamond level status - so he gave me his seat and sat in the back as a good husband should. I do love that man. He worried about my back.
On the way to Atlanta from Phoenix, he and the kids were all in middle seats. We're not sure how that happened. We booked through the travel agent he always uses way back in February. So they were not even sitting together. I worried a little just because Andrew was upset and Alex is so shy - but everyone did fine. It ended up being a blessing because Andrew sat next to a grandma who talked his ear off. I think she sensed that he was upset (maybe it was the red rings around his eyes) so she went on and on about how exciting of an adventure this would be for him. She showed him pictures of her grandkids and pictures of clouds that she had taken (apparently she likes to take photos of clouds) and gave him her address to have her mail him a postcard from here. She was a little angel from heaven. I will forever be indebted to the sweet grandma in the window seat.
Atlanta was a breath of fresh air. The excitement of riding on the subway train to get through the airport ignited the excitement for the adventure ahead. This was a first for my boys and I saw a genuine smile from Andrew for the first time in days. Things were looking up.
We grabbed some dinner for the boys (I'd eat a 4 course meal in Business Class), took the dog to the dog park to stretch his legs and recharged our electronics in preparation for the 9 1/2 hour flight ahead.
Andrew said his final goodbyes via text messages, wiped his eyes and plowed ahead. Showing passports at the gate was the first time that the boys have used theirs and this brought a note of excitement back into the air. As we boarded the plane, a sense of eagerness for what was to come took over.
The Whirlwind!
What a Whirlwind!
School got out and I headed to Girls Camp at church (of which I was the assistant director). The very next day the kids and I flew to Missouri to visit family for 6 days. We arrived home on Sunday and had the week to pack up and prepare for our move to Chile the following Saturday morning.
Needless to say, it was a little stressful. I'd get things packed and my husband, whom I adore, would unpack and repack - then unpack and repack again... The poor guy. He's the type that will turn around and drive back home after a few minutes because he needs to make sure he shut the garage. Before leaving on a trip, he'll go through the house "just one more time" to be sure things are locked up. He's very thorough. It's why he's good at what he does. I'll be honest, I wasn't as patient with him as I should have been. There might have been a little tiny bit of tension those last few days. It's funny really. I have been in panic mode for the past 3 months - his panic mode didn't set in until 2 days before - at which point, I was pretty zen about the whole thing. I had my list and things were going as planned. It ended up being a good balance. He was calm during my crazy and I was (somewhat) calm during his. :)
By Friday night we both could breathe again. We had 15 pieces of oversized checked luggage in a stack in the living room. The house had been cleaned (thanks to the amazing housekeeper) and our carryon bags were ready to go on the table. Trust me, there was a lot of pacing and recalculating and double-checking of lists, but we were ready.
School got out and I headed to Girls Camp at church (of which I was the assistant director). The very next day the kids and I flew to Missouri to visit family for 6 days. We arrived home on Sunday and had the week to pack up and prepare for our move to Chile the following Saturday morning.
Needless to say, it was a little stressful. I'd get things packed and my husband, whom I adore, would unpack and repack - then unpack and repack again... The poor guy. He's the type that will turn around and drive back home after a few minutes because he needs to make sure he shut the garage. Before leaving on a trip, he'll go through the house "just one more time" to be sure things are locked up. He's very thorough. It's why he's good at what he does. I'll be honest, I wasn't as patient with him as I should have been. There might have been a little tiny bit of tension those last few days. It's funny really. I have been in panic mode for the past 3 months - his panic mode didn't set in until 2 days before - at which point, I was pretty zen about the whole thing. I had my list and things were going as planned. It ended up being a good balance. He was calm during my crazy and I was (somewhat) calm during his. :)
By Friday night we both could breathe again. We had 15 pieces of oversized checked luggage in a stack in the living room. The house had been cleaned (thanks to the amazing housekeeper) and our carryon bags were ready to go on the table. Trust me, there was a lot of pacing and recalculating and double-checking of lists, but we were ready.
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