Merry Christmas to All ~ Happy New Year

ACAPULCO, GUERRERO MEXICO

Well, here we are at years end already! What a year 2008 has been!

Many life changing events have transpired this year. A major move across country, acclimating to an entirely NEW environment filled with really DIFFERENT people that have a really funny accent. Different weather, Different stores, Different everything!
Getting used to all the DIFFERENT things has been one of the most stressful things I have had to do in a long, LONG time. The Eastcoast is not what I expected at all. Very 'back in time so to speak. I thought living in Arizona was a challenge and a big change from Washington State, however, North Carolina tops it all. I feel like a sore thumb here, that is always getting bumped. I haven't been called "Mam.."so many times in my entire life, as in ONE day in Fayetteville. Between the polite and formal military people everywhere, and the natural bred Carolinian's its been slightly weird. I feel like saying, ..."Iam NOT Maaaaam!!!" But, I have learned to try to not offend the 'natives.....

And, something my Dad always told me sticks in my head. He would say; "Val, when in Rome,do as the Romans do!"

(He always has the best, most practical advice, and I have found over the years, when I was much younger and thought I knew it all, that his logic has proven tried and true over and over and over. I guess that's what parents are for...aye?)

So, Julieanna having finished her Semester at School (pulling all A+) decided it was time to take a break, and she booked us all a Christmas vacation to ACAPULCO! (Chuys hometown).

Chuys boss, the big wig General Sup for SAUER gave Chuy the time off with a pat on the back, with only one request, that Chuy brings him back something from Mexico, namely Tequila.

(Go figure... how original)

Anyway, Julie went online and figured out a fantastic itinerary. We will have quite the planned adventure. Flying into Mexico City, renting a car, visiting Teotihuacan pyramids, the famous Museum at Mexico City, the Catholic Cathedrals, Cuernavaca, Tepotzlan, the silver mines in Taxco and finally arriving at Chuys house in Acapulco to visit all his family and friends, and of course to get some much needed SUN. Maybe a drive to Oaxaca to Huatilgo(sp?) to see his older brother and wife and new baby that they named after Chuy. (Jesus) Chuy says its very pretty down where his brother lives, and the beaches are fantastic there.

Its been over 6 years since Chuy has been back home, and I know he is going to have a great time seeing everyone and showing off his 'new' familia to everyone, and meeting all the new babies his sisters have produced. (two in all). This time I am taking my digital camera so I can actually post some pictures ..... yeah! huh!

(I promise Mom to post them as soon as I get back.)

All this planning sounds great but so many things to do to get ready, namely the panic of what to do with our little Chivas? I called the Vets, and its a ordeal to take her with us. A Veterinarian has to give an official Health certificate ($70.00) and up. Even though she is up to date on all shots etc. Then, we have to take her as a carry on in the airplane, ($150.00 one way) $300.00 r/t. And, the problem of taking her everywhere in Mexico...... it just doesn't sound feasible, and way to costly. I was quietly panicking until Chuy thought up a bright idea... (leave it to Chuy)...he suggested his sister could baby(dog) sit! Only problem is that she lives in Atlanta Georgia, and we are in Fayetteville North Carolina. This wasn't going to be the across town baby(dog) sitter thing like when my kids were little and we could drop off at Grammas house. However, a tank of gas was gonna be alot cheaper than the $370.00 plus expense to fly Chivas to Mexico with us....so off to Georgia we go. Its 399.25 miles and three states away. Another 399.25 miles back home. Another 399.25 + 399.25 = 798.50 to pick her back up when we get home. So, total it up. 1597.00 miles to get a baby (dog) sitter. ................. Ludicrous, YES. But, we justified it by reasoning we get to see Chuys sister. I guess that's ok? Its Christmas.... time to see the family...... havent seen um in a long time...... its not thaaaaaaaaaaaaat far........ lets try out the new tires............ gas prices are down............... its cheaper than a kennel.............. dont know any neighbors to ask to baby(dog)sit......we cant just keep Chivas in the garage for two weeks....on and on my worries continued. I cant beleive how much a little DOG can interupt your life at moments like this.

So, Friday night comes around, and after work Chuy and I head down the freeway towards Atlanta Georgia. It really wasn't that bad. The drive is pert near boring. The terrain is all about the same. Actually, from North Carolina to Atlanta, it really is just about all the same. Alot of pine trees, dead looking maples (all the leaves have turned brown and dropped a while ago), rolling hills, some meadows..... little rivers now and then. That's about it. Dead roadkill deers periodically, and opossums squished..ick!

It took us over 6 hours to arrive, but the way Chuy and I travel is very comfortable. We hit every other reststop, and a few stops for coffee, and just take our time.

We finally get to 'Sara's house. Chuy is happy to see his sister (of course) and we stayed the night. I fell to sleep listening to the hypnotizing sound of two people rambling on and on in a foreign language. I confess, I haven't learned my Espanol yet. (Shame on me). I pay the price though, cause sitting for hours and hours not knowing what in the heck everyone is saying is very boring after a while. You try to smile at the right time, you try to follow the conversation, but, I have learned to stop asking Chuy "What did she say?"after every other sentence, cause then after Chuy translates, the conversations just take longer. So, I just tune out......... and endure. (I am picking it up though, little by little).

So, I got some family photos (on a digital camera) for once. And, even though the pictures turned out horrible, I am putting them on here anyway. I blame it on the camera ....

The photos are of Chuys little niece Crystal, and his older sister Sara. I didn't get a picture of her husband, because he was sleeping when we got there, and left early for work the next morning.

Chuy wasn't actually this bored. It was just a bad photo!

Chuy, Crystal, and her mom Sara. Sara is Chuys older sister. She isn't mad, I just caught a serious look, even though I was kinda amazed at how quiet and serious his sister and niece were. Very different from the boisterous American family I came from!!! They sound like they are whispering when they talk. Very soft spoken people... and not what I thought a Mexican family was like. I always had the notion that Mexicans were loud and always whooping it up. Chuys family, being Aztecan Indians are so different than the Mexican sterotype I had of Mexicans growing up. I guess I am still in a learning curve at my age. I admire their sense of devotion to family. The attention paid to the kids, the importance they place on school, learning, homework, and devotion to parents. This little girl wouldn't think of back talking her parents, or sassing.... it just amazes me, and makes me think of a lost era of American culture. I think a long time ago, kids in America (USA) used to be more respectful and family minded, like the culture in Mexico. I admire them for that... Crystal is bi-lingual, gets straight A's in school, and is a fantastic artist already!

(Driving thru Georgia)

I tried to capture some of the landscape around Georgia. Not much to see from the freeway...... but you do see alot of roadsigns pointing the way to a lot of historical places.

I wish I had paid better attention in US history. The Civil War era never really interested me.... until now.

Georgia landscape. Somewhere between Atlanta and Agusta. A easy drive, fairly flat but slightly rolling freeway. Relaxing drive.

Lake OCONEE....sounds Indian.

Also, I think it was called Rock Eagle.

Kinda reminded me of Lake Goodwin in a way.

Chuys nose in Georgia.

And, then the funniest thing. You hit the southern border of North Carolina, and your instantly transported to "Mexico! Its a type of weird Mexican Disneyland or something...... really weird to find it here in N. Carolina. REALLY WEIRD.

Myrtle Beach? Where? We are in the heartland of the Carolina's?

And, by the way, WHO IS PEDRO?

PEDRO?

PEDRO?

MORE PEDRO!

Finally, the sign for home...........

Downtown Fayetteville. Coming North on I-95 you basically run right into Fayetteville. It was kinda late, so we didnt get out and walk around. I just pulled over to snap a couple photos (that didnt turn out very good).

We missed the annual Christmas Event held downtown, where everyone comes to the downtown square dressed like they did in the 1800's. Men wear big black Top Hats, and Women wear fur stoles around their necks and muffin mittens. They have horse drawn carriages giving rides, and everyone gathers and lights candles and sings Christmas Carols. Just like something out of an old Christmas movie. All that is needed is some snow, and its post card perfect, right out of history.

(Downtown Squre Exactly.)

There are some cute OLD 1800's stores and taverns and whatevers around this area. I think one old church dates back to the 1700's/ It was getting late, so we didn't linger long. I wish I had taken a few more pictures though. These pictures don't do it justice at all. It's very pretty downtown with all the lights up and festivities bringing downtown to life.

So folks. This was the latest little adventure for December. We will be gone until the New Year.

We wish you all a Very MERRY CHRISTMAS. And, of course a Happy New Year. May 2009 be a year of renewed hope and happiness and full of Gods Blessings to us all. We love you all very much, and miss you at this time of year. And, we dearly miss the ones not with us anymore (Gramma and Grandpa). I pray we all stay healthy and find contentment in this world, as crazy as it is. Never loose your hope.... Keep your chin up! Every new day is a day to live, and do our best. Love and be gentle with those you love. Give 100% and 100% will come back to you.

And, on that note, a quote that My Gramma Hazel always told me, and I found in her old Bible......

"Delight thyself also in the LORD, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" Psalms 37:4

Gods Blessings to you all, and to all, a Good Night.

All our love,

Valerie, Jesus and Julieanna (not forgetting the little stinkers Chivas and Cuidado)