Taking Stock

A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog post called Taking Stock.  I thought it was especially interesting to reflect on the sites and sounds around me while living in Latin America.  I hope that you find it interesting to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between Nicaragua and the place that you find yourself.  I wrote this back in February and hadn’t had a chance to publish it until now.

Making: Yesterday I finished a “Mexican Quilt” for my newly born niece, Ivy.  Completing this project, motivated me to get a “Triangle Quilt” started for Estela.  My sewing skills are nothing special and I still haven’t figured out how to back and bind a quilt, luckily my mom is still willing to help me with these tasks!

Cooking:  A lot of tostones, which are twice fried green plantains.  Kevin invented a special mustard/hot sauce which makes them even more delicious!

Drinking: Ice-cold water as Managua is heating up.  I am also enjoying gin and tonics with lime and rosemary from our potted plant.

Reading: In paperback, Raising Nuestros Niños by Gloria Rodriguez.  On kindle, Landline by Rainbow Rowell.  I have several other books on my kindle that are going to expire soon from the library, not sure if I am going to get to them.

Wanting: To finalize our adoption.  Two to three months has now turned into six.

Looking: At our beautiful little girl and still cannot believe that I get to do life with her.

Playing: Legos, trains, babies, farm animals, baseball, the list goes on.

Wishing: We could have a little air-conditioning in our lives.

Enjoying: Visits from amazing friends and family.  It is seriously sooo special that these individuals have taken the time and resources to come and visit us.

Liking: Living next door to our friends Gretel and Pedro, we are back and forth all day long.

Loving: Dark chocolate with ginger.

Hoping: That the Zika virus does not spread rampantly in Nicaragua and that our neighboring countries can find ways to prevent this from spreading.  The following photo is taken from our bedroom window during a fumigation spray.

Marveling: At the fact that we have been in Nicaragua since 2011.  At times I feel like I could live here forever and at other times I am ready to be back in Minnesota.

Needing: To purchase plane tickets.  If all goes as planned, Estela will ride on seven planes this year. 

Smelling: The nasty, non-functioning sewer system that seeps up in our guest bathroom.  It seriously makes me gag and there don’t seem to be any solutions.  Ick!

Wearing: A lot of yoga pants and tank-tops.

Following: The podcast Latino USA.  They recently released an episode called There and Back, which was an excellent analysis on what is happening in Central America.  It covered themes of migrants seeking asylum, the history of U.S. involvement as well as the impact of gangs on society.  I highly recommend it! 

Noticing: That I need to start getting to bed earlier.  2am is not okay.

Knowing: That time passes quickly.  I want to soak up each and every day with my amazing family in this amazing place.

Thinking: About my progress in Spanish acquisition while realizing that I still have a ways to go.  I continue to study on a regular basis as well as meet with my Spanish tutor and friend, Mayela.

Feeling: Content and grateful with life right now and excited for what is next.

Bookmarking: This essay about this woman’s experience of sexual harassment in Djibouti.  It gives me the courage to keep running despite the verbal and sometimes physical harassment.

Opening: My door and inviting friends and neighbors into our home.

Giggling: At how ugly my current haircut is.  I asked for the stylist to trim the ends and left with over six inches cut off.  It is awful, and when haircuts cost less than $2.00, I should really go and get it redone.