the adventures of dos tortas

The master key to your success is to keep moving in the direction of your dream. Things are going to happen to trip you up. There will be long dry spells where nothing appears to be taking place. Stay focused on your dream ~ even in the midst of all of the disappointments, setbacks, and rejections. Keep falling for…ward. The universe will align itself and respond to your efforts and your energy.

There will be times when you may feel…”I just can’t do anything else…I’m tired and exhausted.” Stay focused on your dream. Dig down deep, and know that you will get a second wind. Doors will open you did not see. Keep the faith. Believe in yourself, and hold on to your dream!!! ~Les Brown

I have never had a urinary track infection (UTI) in my life, but by lunchtime on day one in Bacalar, I knew something was very wrong. I was peeing frequently and it hurt and was getting worse. We had seen what appeared to be a clinic not far from our casita. The red cross and ambulance parked outside were the clue. So off we went to experience first hand the Mexican health-care system. Going up to a window, I announced, “quiero ver un doctor“, and they handed me the usual clipboard. Not being Mexican, having a local address or phone did not seem to be a problemo. We sat in a waiting room filled mostly with moms and little ones. It could have been a pediatric clinic for all I knew. After about 20 minutes I saw a doctor who asked me all the questions you would expect, symptoms, how long, etc. while he poked and prodded my abdomen. Since I understood him and responded in Spanish, he did not speak to me in English so I don’t know his English-speaking abilities. He prescribed antibiotics and looked at me curiously when I suggested that maybe I should, “pee in a cup?” His response was a bit of a chuckle and “why? it’s obviously an infection,” shook my hand and moved on. I couldn’t argue with his logic, especially when I had almost total relief in less than 24 hours. The entire experience lasted about 45 minutes and cost me $15 which included two medications they handed me before I left. The encounter was very different from any ER visit I’ve been subject to in the US. While basic, it did not feel like, “cover your butt” medicine that tests for every possible ill. I left feeling confident that I’ll get adequate health care at the hands of the Mexican medical system.

Damos gracias for a three-day weekend to move along the preparation for the move to Bacalar, Mexico. Major things have happened and continue to happen, even though people have said, “but you’re not leaving until July!” We know better. There’s much to do and time is short. This month we purchased a 6×10 cargo trailer and moved it to the driveway in front of our house. It serves as a storage unit for garage sale items as we clean out closets, drawers and rooms. We also made a trip to Target and purchased 20, 30-gallon plastic tubs for $6 each. Score! It makes sorting that much easier.

Our catch-all room, the “computer room” which served as massage studio, office, yarn/craft room and bicycle-gear storage room had been slated for painting this month. I’m happy to say that the room is empty and Lisa is texturing and prepping the walls for painting as I write. This is HUGE! The room was our nemesis. Much of its contents are stacked in our living room to be gone through nightly while watching TV…photos, diplomas, books, knitting patterns, tax returns, old love letters, geesh. Years of not being responsible certainly can bite one in the tush.

Another milestone is that Lisa got new pictures to renew her passport. We also have an appointment on Tuesday to meet with a Title Company to talk about self-selling our house. You can see that there are many things that must be considered. Cleaning up 20 years of our lives has certainly been an emotional process. What to do with the toys I keep for my grandson to play with when he visits? If I give them to him they will disappear in his electronic playland. Sigh. Good thing we’re prepping for the biggest adventure of our lives. Stay tuned dear readers. February is right around the corner and believe me there’s more to do.