I'll spare you photos on this one...
I needed some eye cream. I guess I've left mine at home. While at the grocery store, the one that resembles a Walmart, I picked some up. Most of the options listed caffeine as the star ingredient. Apparently it helps with dark circles/puffiness. I don't really have those issues, just starting to get a few little lines that I want to keep at bay. I decided to go with a brand I recognized, Garnier. Seemed harmless enough.
Yesterday morning, before church I dabbed just a tiny bit under my eyes, then applied my regular face lotion. Within a few minutes, I noticed that my checks and forehead were a little flush. I thought maybe it was too steamy in my bathroom. I also thought that I may have caught the strep that Alex had. His tell-tell was the flush/rash on his upper torso, shoulders and neck. Great.
Whatever. Luckily I had also bought a small concealer stick (I don't use foundation). So I dabbed that concealer on my flushed forehead and cheeks and finished getting ready. No big.
Fast forward to this morning. I went to put on the eye cream again and a little more squirted out of the tube than I had intended, but whatever, I'll just rub it all around my eyes (I'm not wasting $25 lotion). HUGE mistake. After applying the eye cream, I put on my face lotion. Within seconds my face is on fire and it looks like I've stuck it in a boiling pot of water. OUCH!!! Now it itches so badly I could scream.
I am now google translating the ingredients so that I know NOT to get anything like that again...Stupid eye cream.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Skiing Again!
My 3 guys would spend their lives on the mountain if they could. They all three went snowboarding/skiing on Monday (a Chilean holiday) and then planned to go again on Saturday. Alex had to bail due to a bout of strep throat, but he sent the other two off with well wishes.
They had a blast. They met some friends up there and spent the afternoon.
Andrew had a little run-in at the end of the day with a certain ski lift/pull. Apparently using this type of lift with a snowboard isn't easy. It's more of a moving rope with a little disk to sit on. They tried to explain it to me. To the best of my understanding the story went something like this:
You're supposed to sit on this disk with both legs around it, as you would a disk swing on a swing set. When you're on skis it's easy. Strapped into a board - not so much. Greg gets on first with Andrew behind him. Andrew gets about 1/3 of the way up the hill and loses it. At which point he rolls, slides and tumbles down the slope in the middle of everyone else on the ski pull thing. They have to stop it until he can get out of the way. Greg can't get off at this point and figures Andrew will just meet them at the bottom of the hill.
Oh no. Andrew was determined not to let this thing beat him. So he gets back in line and the guy running the thing lets him in front of the line and tries to explain to him how to hold on when you have a snowboard. Well, the guy speaks spanish and Andrew does not. Then the guy behind Andrew is trying to explain it to him as well. When they realize he doesn't speak spanish, the guy behind him starts explaining in english. So Andrew gives it a go - again.
This new friend of his, the english speaker, is on the lift behind him. Andrew says he's going pretty good for a while then his board clips something and he starts twisting off again. The guy behind him tells him to hang on. So he does. And he is dragged for quite a while until someone else falls off and the thing stops for a few minutes. So he tries to re-situate and doesn't get very far before it takes off again.
Apparently, he was basically being dragged the entire length of the lift supporting himself entirely with his arms. Needless to say he's a little sore today. He says the muscles in his neck hurt so bad he can't swallow.
Snowboarding is so much fun!
They had a blast. They met some friends up there and spent the afternoon.
Andrew had a little run-in at the end of the day with a certain ski lift/pull. Apparently using this type of lift with a snowboard isn't easy. It's more of a moving rope with a little disk to sit on. They tried to explain it to me. To the best of my understanding the story went something like this:
You're supposed to sit on this disk with both legs around it, as you would a disk swing on a swing set. When you're on skis it's easy. Strapped into a board - not so much. Greg gets on first with Andrew behind him. Andrew gets about 1/3 of the way up the hill and loses it. At which point he rolls, slides and tumbles down the slope in the middle of everyone else on the ski pull thing. They have to stop it until he can get out of the way. Greg can't get off at this point and figures Andrew will just meet them at the bottom of the hill.
Oh no. Andrew was determined not to let this thing beat him. So he gets back in line and the guy running the thing lets him in front of the line and tries to explain to him how to hold on when you have a snowboard. Well, the guy speaks spanish and Andrew does not. Then the guy behind Andrew is trying to explain it to him as well. When they realize he doesn't speak spanish, the guy behind him starts explaining in english. So Andrew gives it a go - again.
This new friend of his, the english speaker, is on the lift behind him. Andrew says he's going pretty good for a while then his board clips something and he starts twisting off again. The guy behind him tells him to hang on. So he does. And he is dragged for quite a while until someone else falls off and the thing stops for a few minutes. So he tries to re-situate and doesn't get very far before it takes off again.
Apparently, he was basically being dragged the entire length of the lift supporting himself entirely with his arms. Needless to say he's a little sore today. He says the muscles in his neck hurt so bad he can't swallow.
Snowboarding is so much fun!
The Good Things
Sometimes moving to another country is so overwhelming. I find it easier if I stop and verbally count the "Good Things" that are happening.
Here are a few (in no particular order):
-I saw someone I know at the grocery store! I actually have a friend here who recognized me, acknowledged me and made small talk with me. Someone I could communicate with (her english is pretty good, good enough for pleasantries). It was a pretty big deal in my little world.
-I found a little shop that sells yarn in the parking garage of the mall that houses my favorite grocery store. Greg and I stopped in to try to buy some yarn and knitting needles and come to find out the lady speaks amazing english!!! She even showed me a fun new yarn and how to make an easy little scarf.
-They have THE WORLD's BEST Sushi here. Greg and I try and get there once a week. I just found out that they deliver!
-Took the kids to Johnny Rocket's on Friday night for some killer shakes. The staff stops what they are doing when "The Twist" plays and does a little Chilean rendition of the twist. I LOVED IT!
-Andrew was asked to play Aladdin in the upcoming church youth musical. Each ward is a different Disney movie (from what I can gather) and they'll all come together for a fun performance in about a month. Alex is hoping they'll ask him to be the monkey.
-The sun was shinning today and the warmth was invigorating. There were even a few butterflies visiting the flowers in the back yard.
-Greg has put his engineering mind to work on figuring out my oven. That means I'll soon know how to make it work. He can fix anything. If not, it will officially be declared 'broken' and the owners will have to replace it. *yeah for renting!
That's a brief overview for today. I'll admit to dropping into a little bit of a sad place on Friday evening. It wasn't anything that a husband's listening ear and family outing for shakes couldn't fix.
Sometimes simple things are just hard - and as I've said before, I like easy. Counting my blessings really helps keep it in perspective.
Here are a few (in no particular order):
-I saw someone I know at the grocery store! I actually have a friend here who recognized me, acknowledged me and made small talk with me. Someone I could communicate with (her english is pretty good, good enough for pleasantries). It was a pretty big deal in my little world.
-I found a little shop that sells yarn in the parking garage of the mall that houses my favorite grocery store. Greg and I stopped in to try to buy some yarn and knitting needles and come to find out the lady speaks amazing english!!! She even showed me a fun new yarn and how to make an easy little scarf.
-They have THE WORLD's BEST Sushi here. Greg and I try and get there once a week. I just found out that they deliver!
-Took the kids to Johnny Rocket's on Friday night for some killer shakes. The staff stops what they are doing when "The Twist" plays and does a little Chilean rendition of the twist. I LOVED IT!
-Andrew was asked to play Aladdin in the upcoming church youth musical. Each ward is a different Disney movie (from what I can gather) and they'll all come together for a fun performance in about a month. Alex is hoping they'll ask him to be the monkey.
-The sun was shinning today and the warmth was invigorating. There were even a few butterflies visiting the flowers in the back yard.
-Greg has put his engineering mind to work on figuring out my oven. That means I'll soon know how to make it work. He can fix anything. If not, it will officially be declared 'broken' and the owners will have to replace it. *yeah for renting!
That's a brief overview for today. I'll admit to dropping into a little bit of a sad place on Friday evening. It wasn't anything that a husband's listening ear and family outing for shakes couldn't fix.
Sometimes simple things are just hard - and as I've said before, I like easy. Counting my blessings really helps keep it in perspective.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Hacer Pan
"Making Bread"
Last night I conquered two BIG firsts:
1. My first time driving in this country.
2. My first time venturing out alone.
Thanks to the sweet English speaking sister who translated for me last week briefly during church, I was made aware of the Relief Society Meeting last night where they were going to make bread.
I bounced between extreme emotions. I went from excitement to dread and everything in-between. Greg came home and told me that I didn't have to go if I didn't want to. Strangely, that gave me the courage to go. When he put it into perspective - I had the choice and the choice was mine to make, I knew I needed to go. I have to "get out there" if I ever want to have a relationship with these people. So after much anxiety and reservations (and maybe a few tears - only a few) I gathered up my flour, oregano, set my GPS and headed out into the Chilean night.
Thank goodness there were only a few cars on the road the whole way there. Thank goodness that upon arrival to the church, the gate was unlocked and doors open. Thank heaven for the sweet sister that was on her phone near the door that pointed me in the right direction. She led me all the way to the kitchen. THANK YOU for those small blessings that allowed me to confidently (well as confidently as I could) walk into a room full of women that I don't know and immediately feel loved.
These women squeal when they see someone they know. When you walk into the room they greet you with open arms and a kiss on the cheek. They talk a hundred miles an hour and I have no idea what they are saying, but they seemed genuinely excited to see me.
I managed to follow along with the help of a few sisters and one of their husbands who spoke a little english. It was a great night. Once our bread was made and in the oven, they pulled out the teacups and saucers and put herbal teas on the table with a teakettle. Not something that I have EVER seen happen before in the states. Maybe the fact that there is not heat in the building motivates this ritual, but I loved it!
Someone made some delicious cake and we ate that with the tea. There was a demonstration showing how to make this amazingly delicious vegetarian patty thing with bulgar (or bulgur) wheat, garlic, onions, breadcrumbs & cilantro that they fried up and it looked similar to a crab cake once done. It was yum-o! I am definitely going to try that.
So we drank our hot tea, ate bulgar wheat cakes, sweet cake, sopapillas and warm bread. I had to roll myself out of there. We laughed. They talked to me in their broken english and I tried to interject a few spanish words, we had an amazing time sitting together and just enjoying each other. I am so grateful that I went.
My first homemade Chilean pan (pronounced "p-ah-n"):
These ladies knead and knead and knead this bread. My arms were about to fall off before I was done! It's very dense. We were supposed to bring something like olives to add to the bread if we wanted, I am not a fan of olives, so I brought oregano. It was yummy! I can't wait for next month's activity!
Last night I conquered two BIG firsts:
1. My first time driving in this country.
2. My first time venturing out alone.
Thanks to the sweet English speaking sister who translated for me last week briefly during church, I was made aware of the Relief Society Meeting last night where they were going to make bread.
I bounced between extreme emotions. I went from excitement to dread and everything in-between. Greg came home and told me that I didn't have to go if I didn't want to. Strangely, that gave me the courage to go. When he put it into perspective - I had the choice and the choice was mine to make, I knew I needed to go. I have to "get out there" if I ever want to have a relationship with these people. So after much anxiety and reservations (and maybe a few tears - only a few) I gathered up my flour, oregano, set my GPS and headed out into the Chilean night.
Thank goodness there were only a few cars on the road the whole way there. Thank goodness that upon arrival to the church, the gate was unlocked and doors open. Thank heaven for the sweet sister that was on her phone near the door that pointed me in the right direction. She led me all the way to the kitchen. THANK YOU for those small blessings that allowed me to confidently (well as confidently as I could) walk into a room full of women that I don't know and immediately feel loved.
These women squeal when they see someone they know. When you walk into the room they greet you with open arms and a kiss on the cheek. They talk a hundred miles an hour and I have no idea what they are saying, but they seemed genuinely excited to see me.
I managed to follow along with the help of a few sisters and one of their husbands who spoke a little english. It was a great night. Once our bread was made and in the oven, they pulled out the teacups and saucers and put herbal teas on the table with a teakettle. Not something that I have EVER seen happen before in the states. Maybe the fact that there is not heat in the building motivates this ritual, but I loved it!
Someone made some delicious cake and we ate that with the tea. There was a demonstration showing how to make this amazingly delicious vegetarian patty thing with bulgar (or bulgur) wheat, garlic, onions, breadcrumbs & cilantro that they fried up and it looked similar to a crab cake once done. It was yum-o! I am definitely going to try that.
So we drank our hot tea, ate bulgar wheat cakes, sweet cake, sopapillas and warm bread. I had to roll myself out of there. We laughed. They talked to me in their broken english and I tried to interject a few spanish words, we had an amazing time sitting together and just enjoying each other. I am so grateful that I went.
My first homemade Chilean pan (pronounced "p-ah-n"):
These ladies knead and knead and knead this bread. My arms were about to fall off before I was done! It's very dense. We were supposed to bring something like olives to add to the bread if we wanted, I am not a fan of olives, so I brought oregano. It was yummy! I can't wait for next month's activity!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Bringing "Redneck" to Chile for the 4th!
They say a photo is worth 1,000 words, so here it is: Redneck in Chile...
Greg would die! Being NOT a redneck and all. You have to know the whole story.
I had my heart set on grilling burgers, and the missionaries that we were feeding had their hearts set on eating those grilled burgers. The day started out a little dismal, with the temperature at 1.4 degrees celsius,
But I would not be defeated. It was a clear day - so we didn't think pollution warnings would stop us. Honestly, we decided not to even check. We opted for the whole, "Do now ask for forgiveness later" train of thought.
I wanted Andrew to start the grill around 4pm. At 3:55 - it began to hail. YES HAIL! Dang it! It subsided and turned to a light rain at about 4:15, so we forged ahead.
The charcoal is the old school type with random sized chunks and not uniform briquettes. The lighter fluid is the texture of hair gel, but Andrew got it going. When the rain started picking up. He and I moved the pool umbrella over the coals. [enter our redneck upbringing]
THE RAIN COULD NOT STOP US!
Greg eventually came home from work and finished up in the freezing weather. I had the house decorated the best I could with what I could find.
The tacky blue plastic forks actually helped me tie in the whole red, white and blue theme.
The missionaries arrived and devoured our little treats almost instantaneously.
In the crazy that began once these amazing 5 20-somethings arrived in our house with excitement and a combination of english and spanish, I didn't get one single photo. But dinner was delish and the company was even better. I love these missionaries. 19 year olds that will take 2 years out of their lives to serve the Lord are always a pleasure to be around. They eat and breathe service and that spirit is something that is unmatched. It was great to share our holiday with them. They gave my boys some great advice and encouragement. It was truly a special night.
Plus the burgers tasted just like home!
Greg would die! Being NOT a redneck and all. You have to know the whole story.
I had my heart set on grilling burgers, and the missionaries that we were feeding had their hearts set on eating those grilled burgers. The day started out a little dismal, with the temperature at 1.4 degrees celsius,
But I would not be defeated. It was a clear day - so we didn't think pollution warnings would stop us. Honestly, we decided not to even check. We opted for the whole, "Do now ask for forgiveness later" train of thought.
I wanted Andrew to start the grill around 4pm. At 3:55 - it began to hail. YES HAIL! Dang it! It subsided and turned to a light rain at about 4:15, so we forged ahead.
The charcoal is the old school type with random sized chunks and not uniform briquettes. The lighter fluid is the texture of hair gel, but Andrew got it going. When the rain started picking up. He and I moved the pool umbrella over the coals. [enter our redneck upbringing]
THE RAIN COULD NOT STOP US!
Greg eventually came home from work and finished up in the freezing weather. I had the house decorated the best I could with what I could find.
The tacky blue plastic forks actually helped me tie in the whole red, white and blue theme.
The missionaries arrived and devoured our little treats almost instantaneously.
In the crazy that began once these amazing 5 20-somethings arrived in our house with excitement and a combination of english and spanish, I didn't get one single photo. But dinner was delish and the company was even better. I love these missionaries. 19 year olds that will take 2 years out of their lives to serve the Lord are always a pleasure to be around. They eat and breathe service and that spirit is something that is unmatched. It was great to share our holiday with them. They gave my boys some great advice and encouragement. It was truly a special night.
Plus the burgers tasted just like home!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
McDonalds!
Greg and I wanted to surprise the kids with something from home, so we stopped by the drive-thru at McDonalds! (The fact that mom has been cooking ALL STINKING DAY in preparations for tomorrow's holiday dinner may have motivated that decision.)
The menu was a little limited:
But they do have a Snickers McFlurry! I'll have to remember that for the future when it's not freezing outside.
I think I was most excited for a fountain drink. It just tastes better from the fountain (and I don't even drink soda)!
The kids were super excited!
They were a little miffed that the sodas were so small - but they didn't give us any options. One size only.
We decided to go with the "McNifica" sounded yummy and looked like the Big and Tasty. We were right!
Yeah McDonalds!
The menu was a little limited:
But they do have a Snickers McFlurry! I'll have to remember that for the future when it's not freezing outside.
I think I was most excited for a fountain drink. It just tastes better from the fountain (and I don't even drink soda)!
The kids were super excited!
They were a little miffed that the sodas were so small - but they didn't give us any options. One size only.
We decided to go with the "McNifica" sounded yummy and looked like the Big and Tasty. We were right!
Yeah McDonalds!
Snow Adventure
The boys finally got up to the slopes to enjoy the REAL reason we came to Chile - snowboarding (and skiing for dad)!
They went up to Valle Nevado which ended up being about 1 1/2 hour drive due to the snowy conditions. There is a police check point on your way up, where they make sure you have chains in your car (which can be rented below). At one point, when the roads start getting "sketch" as Andrew described it, there are people there to put the chains on your tires for you for a small fee. Traffic on this road is only 1 way. From morning until 2pm you are only allowed to go up. After 2pm, you're only allowed to go down. THANK GOODNESS!
It was a beautiful day for them. It was right at about 0 degrees celsius, so not overly cold. The sun was shining because they were above the cloud layer that was dumping rain on the valley (and their mom). I think the clouds are beautiful from above.
They all three had an amazing day and enjoyed their new boards/skis immensely.
Andrew shot some fun footage with the Go Pro camera. I love that thing! It makes me feel like I was really there (without all the cold and falling).
They went up to Valle Nevado which ended up being about 1 1/2 hour drive due to the snowy conditions. There is a police check point on your way up, where they make sure you have chains in your car (which can be rented below). At one point, when the roads start getting "sketch" as Andrew described it, there are people there to put the chains on your tires for you for a small fee. Traffic on this road is only 1 way. From morning until 2pm you are only allowed to go up. After 2pm, you're only allowed to go down. THANK GOODNESS!
It was a beautiful day for them. It was right at about 0 degrees celsius, so not overly cold. The sun was shining because they were above the cloud layer that was dumping rain on the valley (and their mom). I think the clouds are beautiful from above.
They all three had an amazing day and enjoyed their new boards/skis immensely.
Andrew shot some fun footage with the Go Pro camera. I love that thing! It makes me feel like I was really there (without all the cold and falling).
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