What Was I Thinking??

Why did I wait so long to hire a maid???

Our maid started this morning! Our house has NEVER looked better! She was WELL worth the money!!! And, despite paying her more than others have reported, I felt like I didn't pay her enough! She arrived a little after 9:20 am and left around 4:30 pm. She worked nonstop, cleaning all four bathrooms, sweeping the floor, mopping the floors, polishing the floors, washing the windows (no streaks!) and tidying up the kitchen a bit!

She is coming back next Saturday!

While I definitely don't need a live-in maid and/or nanny...I am very happy to have a maid one day a week! And, Mike was certainly glad to have someone else do the mopping!

Flooded Parking Garage Update

I spoke to a neighbor yesterday, who told me what happened to our building while we were in the U.S.

Apparently, we had torrential downpour, even a bit of hail, and the water settled in the underground parking garage...and didn't drain.

She said the power was out for several days, along with the gas and water. They lasted for a few days, then checked into a hotel for a few more days.

She has also been told that our building was the only one in Polanco with a flooded parking garage. Perhaps the engineers here have some work to do! Almost everyone has an underground garage...but no one else's Honda CRV had soaking wet floors and had to go in the shop!

There is a clear watermark on the walls of the garage, showing that the water was standing over three feet high.

Next time we go away, we'll be leaving our car key with a neighbor!

Still not sure who pays for the repairs to the car... my husband's company, as it is their car? Or, is the building negligent due to the fact that the draining system failed?

Sam's Club vs. Costco

In Mexico City, we have both Sam's Club and Costco.

Sam's Club is close to our "department" (apartment). So, we got a membership there.

However, everyone at playgroup goes to Costco. They say it is nicer than Sam's Club. Truthfully, the Sam's in Polanco is a bit run down looking...a little older. The Sam's in Santa Fe (about 35 minutes away) is nice though!

The women at playgroup are often talking about what they've just found and purchased at Costco. And, they are recommending their new finds to everyone.

One woman belongs to both. She says both memberships are necessary, which I find fascinating.

I am going to keep my Sam's membership, as it is just too convenient. But, I may trek to Costco (about a 15-20 minute walk) one day with someone from playgroup...just to see if Costco is that much nicer here in Mexico.

But even if it is...a 30 second walk back from Sam's certainly beats a 20 minute walk from Costco, with Annabelle and a stroller full of items!

Credit Card and Debit Card Issues

While I was back in the U.S., I cut up my previous credit card. Then, called the number on the newly issued card and activated it.

We used it a few times, at O'Hare airport, then at the grocery in Mexico, etc last Sunday.

When I went to Sam's Club Monday morning...my card was declined at checkout. Lovely, especially with the language barrier between myself and the checkout person.

So, I left the line and called the international number on the back of my credit card. I got disconnected twice (lovely when you are paying 59 cents a minute for the calls), then got ahold of someone on the third call. He told me that my card was never activated. WHAT? How could it not be activated, yet four transactions had already gone thru on it?? Regardless, he "activated" it and I got back in line, successfully paying for my stroller full of items.

Then, today, I went to a Banamex ATM (remember Banamex = Citibank) to use my debit card and take out pesos, so that I had enough to pay my cleaning woman tomorrow! My debit card wouldn't let me take any money out!! It let me see my balance...but wouldn't allow me to take any denomination of money out.

Very frustrating! I should be able to go to Banamex here, hand them my ATM card and photo identification and get the pesos out....but, I am hesitant to try because my debit card has my maiden name imprinted on it (even though the account is now in my married name)...and my photo ID is all in my married name.

I feel like I have made things more difficult on myself than necessary. Perhaps, when I got married, I should have changed everything over immediately...rather than gradually doing so throughout the years. Perhaps then, my debit card would have my married name on it!

Maid... Starts Tomorrow!

We have hired a maid.

She'll be working every Saturday, starting at 9 am. 300 pesos for the day.

300 pesos is a bit expensive, as we have heard reports of people paying less. However, this woman comes highly recommended, as she works for our neighbor upstairs. And, she'll do everything we need on Saturdays.

We are going to start with her cleaning the floors and bathrooms. Doesn't sound like much. But, there are four bathrooms and there is no carpet. She'll have to mop and dry the interior floors, as well as our outside patio/walkway.

I don't feel the need for her to do laundry. I can do that! And, with only four plates and bowls, our dishes will be minimal. So, I will probably not leave any of those for her.

Floors and bathrooms for now! We'll see how it goes!!

www.USTVNow.com

For over six weeks, we have not had a tv, or access to U.S. television shows... or so we thought.

Right before we left for the U.S. a few weeks ago, Mike discovered www.ustvnow.com.

It is free. You create a log-in username and password. Then, you can watch U.S. television thru your computer, iPad, iPhone, etc.

If you want to be able to record a show and watch it later, you have the option to pay for that. Otherwise it is completely free.

We caught the end of American Idol the other night. The website froze a few times, which we were disappointed in, as it hadn't frozen at all the first time we tried watching shows.

But, we'll keep giving it a shot!

Dormimundo - Mattress Chain in Mexico

In preparation for our first visitors next week, Annabelle and I walked to Dormimundo yesterday to order a mattress for the guest room.

First of all, I elected not to take our stroller, as Annabelle has been wanting to walk everywhere. All her walking apparently caught up to her. No less than a half block into our walk, she wanted to be carried. Needless to say, I got more of a workout than intended!

When we got to Dormimundo, I asked if the women spoke English. No. So, with my limited Spanish, I tried to tell them I needed a cheap mattress and boxspring (sorry future guests!). She directed me to a $9,000 peso Serta Beautyrest set. Clearly...she didn't understand "cheap"!

So, I said "menos", at which time she directed me upstairs to the cheap(er) mattresses. She quoted a price of one, I pulled out my iPhone, did a little division to translate it into dollars, said "bien"...and headed downstairs to do the paperwork.

All in all, it was an easy transaction. Speaking Spanish fluently would have made it easier. But, I feel like I did alright...and that the new mattress set will arrive as scheduled!

Street Performers

Last night we walked to California Pizza Kitchen (and Yogurtland!)... While we were waiting for our pizza outside, a street performer showed up and started dancing. After watching for a minute, I decided he was worthy of an iPhone video.

It was probably the best street performance that I have seen thus far. You'll see people playing the accordion, guitar, clowns miming, etc. But, so far, this performance has been the only memorable one.

The guy, and his two puppets surrounding him, danced to several songs. Then, of course, his friend came around and collected money!

Welcome Back to Mexico...

We were pretty excited leaving the Mexico City airport and heading back to Polanco this afternoon. We had the dog, the luggage, the baby...everything fit in the 15 passenger van! Life was looking good!

Then, we got back to our condo!

The house was filthy, which was to be expected. We always have a lot of dirt traveling in, due to the building's layout and construction.

But, the next door neighbor's front door, which is glass, like ours, had shattered...leaving glass around our front door.

Then, we learned the parking garage (one floor under our condo) had flooded while we were gone. So, while Mike started cleaning, I went down to check the car. I opened the door, felt the seat...it was dry. Felt the floor...soaking wet. Started the car. Everything was fine. Turned it off, got out, heard a dripping...went to the back of the car, where water was streaming out of the tailpipe. Got back in the car, turned it on, drove around the parking garage...all seems fine. We'll see if Mike gets to work alright in the morning!

Once back in the unit, I was doing laundry. Started washing our comforter. Apparently I had the water level too high, as we had water pouring out the top, all down the sides and behind the washing machine. Super!

Add in a toddler that wants lots of attention, toys, food, and more attention, bathing the dog, being the bucket runner while Mike cleaned floors, unpacking (with a toddler who kept putting her toys back in the bags I was trying to unpack), and needing to get to the store on Easter Sunday...having no clue what time it would close... it was a hectic afternoon!

...And, I must mention that due to the flooding, the elevators are out of order. So, now whenever Annie and I leave in her stroller, we'll have to inconvenience the security guard and ask him to help me carry the stroller up the stairs.

What's next?

Dog to Mexico

Today we returned to Mexico City for our official move. No return flights to the U.S. in our near future, which meant it was time to bring our dog to Mexico.

We have been dreading bringing her to Mexico, anticipating that the experience would be ridiculous and complicated. It didn't help that the relocation company gave us a quote for them to ship her down to us for over $3,000...closer to $4,000 if we wanted that company to pick her up and deliver her from the airport(s). Said company also said they don't recommend you taking your dog thru customs without them. But, since my husband's employer wasn't footing the bill...we thought we'd take our chances and try and save a couple grand!

Prior to our departure, I called American Airlines three times and checked their website a couple more times. The website ended up being the most helpful, as it seems that is what the AA check-in people were using to guide them. But, calling was also imperative as the people on the phone were able to tell me what Mexico's customs would require.

In the end, I was told I needed a health certificate (not issued more than five days before departure), a rabies vaccination certificate, a certificate showing the dog is free from ECTO and ENDO, and then a letter from the vet stating the dog can fly if the weather is below 45 degrees.

In other departure city or arrival city, the temperature is not supposed to be below 45 degrees or above 85 for the dog to fly. I was very concerned about this, until I saw the information on getting a letter. Then, I became worried because Mexico City has been having very warm weather - mid 80's!

I was also told the cost would be $175, payable at the check-in, via credit card. And, food must be taped to the crate, with water and food dishes inside. The crate must also be a certain size, allowing the dog to stand up and turn around. PLUS, the dog and crate together can weigh no more than 100 pounds.

So...the day before our flight, my husband and our dog went to the vet. $400 later, with some Heartworm meds and allergy pills, we had the rabies vaccination and health certificate. Apparently everything but the rabies shot verification is on the "international health certificate". Very handy...and costly!

Regardless of how prepared we thought we were, we headed to the airport early. My brother drove us and we had him park and help us carry everything inside. Good thing, as he was instrumental in helping wrangle the dog, the baby, the luggage, and the crate!

The check-in line was very short...until we got up there. We caused a bit of a backup, since it took the AA attendants over an hour to check us (mainly the dog) in. They had no idea what was needed. I'm not sure if they'd ever checked a dog in before. So, they kept looking everything up on their computers. Then...they broke out the tape measure. The tape measure, or how the woman was choosing to measure the crate, almost ended Molly's journey.

She said the crate was over the allotted size and that it wouldn't fit into the plane. She told us we would board the plane and if Molly didn't fit, we would be taken off the plane and would miss our flight. A bit stressful.

In the end, the crate was NOT oversized. When measuring height, the tape measure should go straight up...not follow the curves of the crate. So, the crate was the last piece of luggage loaded onto the plane and the first thing off, to Annie's delight! Annie was sitting with me on a window seat, with a perfect view of them unloading the baggage. "Molly's crate! I see Molly's crate!"

Once we cleared immigration and got our bags, I set out to find someone with scissors, who could cut the zip tie that AA put on the crate door. Four people later, Molly was cut loose and walking thru the airport... until someone quickly told us dogs are not permitted to be out of their crates in the airport. So, she had to go back in, while we waited almost an hour for Mexico's animal customs to clear us...during which, at some point, she peed in her crate, as there are no designated places to let your dog go outside and find some grass.

In the end, the process for bringing the dog to Mexico City was long and tedious, adding several hours to our time in the airport(s). Would we do it again? Yes. But, will we take her every time we travel back and forth to the U.S.? NO!! ...especially when I have just learned of a dog kennel in Mexico City that comes highly recommended and that will pick-up and drop-off your dog, bathing her before the drop off!

Back in the US

Shortly after arriving back in the U.S., I left Annie with my parents and headed out to pick up a fountain diet coke...and a pizza. The fountain diet coke (FDC) was a must have! I am addicted. And, the FDC's must come from McDonald's. They are just better from McDonald's!

I was gone for about 20 minutes. I realized that that 20 minutes was the longest I had been away from Annabelle for over a month. In Mexico, she is always with me. Never leave home without her!! In that month, I had left her twice. Once to go to 7-Eleven, four doors down from my building...I was gone about 5 minutes (and Annie was sleeping...Mike too). They didn't even know I was gone. The second time I ventured out on my own was to run down to the market to talk to a vendor. I was gone about 15 minutes.

Anyways, the 20 minutes I took to get the pizza and coveted diet coke was very liberating!... It was also the first time I drove a car in over a month. So, that was nice too! Especially driving a car with a radio that works! In a town where the citizens obey traffic laws!...

Although now when sitting at a red light in the U.S., at a time when there are no other cars around, I think "I should just go. In Mexico, I wouldn't be sitting here. I would look around and gun it thru the intersection". But, I feel compelled to be like the masses and obey the laws in the U.S., like a good citizen!

Also, as soon as I got back to Chicago, I started catching up on American Idol and some other shows, via OnDemand. In Mexico, I had gone a month without tv and didn't miss it. But, I quickly fell back into my previous routine upon re-entry! Certainly moving to Mexico is getting me out of my former comfort zone and routines. So, I am very excited to now be back in Mexico to continue learning, growing and questioning my self and my actions, such as tv watching... You can be certain though, one thing I won't be questioning or changing is my FDC addiction! Looking forward to returning to the U.S. in a few months for a McDonald's FDC!!...among other reasons!

Flight Back to the US

About two weeks ago, Annabelle and I flew to Chicago without Mike. If you read my previous post, you know I was nervous about documentation (or lack thereof). In the end, I had Mike bring home a letter on his company's letterhead. It wasn't notorized, but I had a copy of his FM3 visa and passport. So, I was hoping I would be okay.

The airport could have cared less that I was taking Annabelle out of Mexico without her father. At no point was I asked for any documentation.

So, I worried and stressed for nothing!

The flight went very smoothly. Luckily, the flight attendants were able to move people around so that Annie and I had a row to ourselves! And, I only brought one carry on, with limited toys and diapers. I did bring my secret weapon...the iPad! It keeps Annie occupied with digital books, a piano, memory game, farm animal noise app, and episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Dora the Explorer! Plus, she loves to look at the family photos and videos on it! It's a must have for traveling, in my opinion!

Chapultepec Park, Mexico City

A few weeks ago, we spent a Sunday morning walking around Chapultepec Park in Polanco. We had a great time, especially letting Annabelle get out and run around.

I would compare Chapultepec Park to New York City's Central Park.

Chapultepec Park is HUGE. There is an area where all the street vendors gather and try and sell you the same stuff. There is a pond/lake where you can rent paddle boats. You can walk up the hill and go to the Chapultepec Castle. There are fountains and statues of important people in Mexico's history. The zoo is within Chapultepec Park. You can take a tour of the park on a little tram.

And, there are areas away from the masses where you can take different paths and walk in the shade.

Our venture to Chapultepec Park, from the timewe left our house to the time we returned, was a little over three hours. Walking nonstop, we figure we walked about nine miles and saw no where near all of the park.

So, for all my future visitors...you better bring your walking shoes, because we'll be exploring Chapultepec Park. It's a must do in Polanco (and Mexico City).

Teotihuacan - Ruins Outside Mexico City

Back in October, when we initially came to see Mexico City, we hired a tour service, found on Trip Advisor, and went to see Teotihuacan.

It was neat to see the pyramids and fascinating in many ways.

The fact that you can climb them is mind boggling to me. Especially when you add in the fact that the stairs are VERY steep and there is nothing to hold on to, aside from a single rope in sections.

In the U.S., there would be police and paramedics all over the place. In Mexico...you get a single rope to hold onto...and you better not fall, because if you do, you'll die...and take dozens of people down with you, as there is no order or staff to see to the safety of the visitors.

We happened to go to Teotihuacan on a Sunday. Like many things in Mexico, Teotihuacan is free to Mexican citizens on Sundays...which means it was EXTREMELY crowded! I highly recommend paying the small charge and going on a different day, if you want to take your time and enjoy climbing the pyramids without everyone, their parents and their grandparents!

All in all, we were glad we saw Teotihuacan. We probably won't go back, unless we have visitors that are dying to see it! And, we certainly wouldn't let our two year old climb up and down the pyramids...as so many other parents let their children do! The vision still makes me cringe, and I can't believe there haven't been injuries or deaths.

A Maid...A Mexico Must Have.

I think I am getting a maid.

Everyone has one. It's the thing to do!

In actuality, it hasn't been an easy decision, nor have we taken the thought lightly. And, I don't particularly want a maid.

But, what I want less is me down on my hands and knees cleaning 1,800 square feet of wood laminate flooring every week. I don't find that fun and enjoyable.

Right now, Mike does the floor cleaning. It has always been his chore. Wasn't a big deal in the U.S. We had very little flooring that wasn't carpet. And, the suburbs of Chicago aren't as dusty as Mexico. Dust and dirt are EVERYWHERE here, especially with my building still under construction.

With Mike working 70+ hours a week (or so it seems), he has had enough of his chore! Plus, all his co-workers tell him he needs a maid, and they smile at the mere thought of going home to their perfectly immaculate homes!

In Mexico, the options for a maid are abundant. You can have a live in maid...which we could do, as we have maids quarters upstairs, on the roof of our building. You can have a maid five days a week, that doesn't live in. Or you can do a few hours a day, as many days as you want.

I've gotten leads on two maids. One would only be available about 4 hours, one day a week. The other...I am not sure of her availability. I need to get someone to translate for me when I call her!

I personally like the idea of a maid once a week, for three or four hours to clean the bathrooms, the floors and the windows/glass walls. Beyond that, what do I need a maid for? I don't mind the laundry and dishes. We are picky eaters, so we don't need or want anyone to cook for us.

Mike likes the idea of having a less-busy maid. Someone who can work longer, if ever necessary.

For three or four hours a day, we would pay a maid less than $250 pesos or $21 USD. I can deal with that!

I'm not sure what I'll do while the maid is here...aside from feeling bad that I am too lazy to do the work myself!

But, I think we are going to pull the trigger and get a maid. It is part of the Mexico experience! Certainly once we go back to the U.S... I won't have a maid!

Talking to all the women at playgroup about their maids is interesting. Some maids take care of the children almost solely. Some maids aren't very interested in the kids, and veer more towards doing all the cooking and cleaning. Some maids eat with the family at night. Others will/do not. Some maids do all the grocery shopping, take the kids to the park, and take care of the dog(s). In Mexico, babysitters are VERY rare. That's what maids are for...or so we are told.

And, the maids are of a variety of ages. I have heard of one maid who is 16 years old. When I think of a sixteen year old, I think "why isn't she in school?". Here, her family needs her to work, to help pay for their home. So, she lives with and works for a family 6 days a week, then takes her paycheck home with her on her day off. School was never in the cards for her. The family she works for is doing her a favor by hiring her and giving her a good home to live in.

It is a different way of living and thinking here in Mexico.

Traveling within Mexico

We have begun booking trips!

Out of the blue last week, we found a great deal on a hotel in Cabo ("Los Cabos" as they call it here in Mexico). So, we booked it! 50% off starting in May!

So, we got online looking for airline tickets. We decided to use Interjet, which is like Southwest Airlines in the U.S.

I found tickets at a great price - about $400 round trip for the whole family! I put in all my information, first trying to use my U.S. address (which wouldn't work, since Illinois was not an option for a U.S. state - only Florida and Texas). Then, I tried to use my Mexico address. That worked...until the end, when my credit card was denied, because my billing address was incorrect...since my bills are still sent to my U.S. address!!

Frustrated, I looked up Interjet's offices and found their nearest location is about 8 blocks away at La Antera - the local mall!

So, the next day, we went to Interjet and booked our flights to Los Cabos. It was a tad difficult as the Interjet agent didn't speak any English. And when we said "Mayo" (the month of May)...he started pricing out the same days in Abril (April)...which was twice as expensive, thank goodness, and made us question why the internet price was so different from the price he was quoting us!

Luckily, swiping my credit card worked better than manually inputting the information... at least for the trip to Los Cabos.

Since we were at Interjet, we went ahead and booked our flights to Cancun/Riviera Maya in June. My brother is getting married in Riviera Maya then, which we are super excited about!

After again struggling through Spanish with the agent, he swiped my card again...this time getting a failure notice. So, we used a diffferent card and went on our way. When I called my credit card company later, they told me the Interjet agent used the wrong expiration date for the second charge. To my relief!

Now, we are looking forward to our trip to Cabo in May, our trip to Riviera Maya in June, and trying to figure out when to go to Ixtapa, Cuernavaca and Puerta Vallarta! Might as well see as much of Mexico while we're here!!

Traveling Alone with a Minor Internationally

Next week, Annabelle and I are headed back the U.S. a few days before Mike.

I am a little nervous about flying alone with Annabelle. She is well traveled, I would say, having flown over 8 round trips in her short little life! But, this is our first time traveling without Mike.

I have talked to the airline and some women from the playgroup. The airline suggested a notarized letter of consent. The playgroup women that do this on a fairly regular basis said they have letters from their husband, but they aren't dated or notarized. They said they've never had any issue.

Still, I am nervous that with a non-notarized letter, a copy of Mike's flight itinerary for a few days later, and a copy of his FM3 visa, I will be asked to have some additional documentation.

...My letter is not notarized, because to get it notarized at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, you have to have an appointment on a weekday between 2 and 4. Since Mike has been getting home from work anytime between 6:30 pm and 1:45 am...we would never have made it to an appointment there. Aside from the embassy, I'm not sure where to get the letter notarized. We considered Banamex, but after my DMV-like experience there the other day, I am not confident that we'd be able to get it done, especially in a timely manner!

So, I will take my chances next week with my non-notarized documentation, download a couple of new episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Dora onto the iPad, and head to the airport, crossing my fingers!

Montezuma...It's Inevitable

Montezuma's Revenge.

Unfortunately, getting it is inevitable in Mexico.

When we came to visit, for the first time, in October 2010, we weren't cautious. We brushed our teeth with water from the faucet. Quickly, Mike got a severe case of Montezuma and I a mild case. Mike's severe case included a fever, chills, body aches, and having to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes or so. Within 4 days, he lost 10 pounds.

Since that happened, we have been pretty cautious. Mike has been here since January, with no problems. We cook with bottled water, brush our teeth with bottled water, and ONLY drink bottled beverages at restaurants and at home.

However, this past Sunday, we went to El Bajio, a Mexican restaurant here in Polanco. The food was good, well priced, good atmosphere...and the HOTTEST salsa I have ever had in my life. My mouth was on fire for a good five minutes after having a bite. My Coca-Cola Light and botelo de agua didn't help at all. I got hot flashes and teary eyed waiting for my mouth to stop burning! Apparently...I also got montezuma.

Racking my brain since I got sick on Tuesday evening, the salsa is the only thing I can think of that I have eaten that was not cooked. Luckily, another mild case for me. The worst part was having to go the immigration office on Wednesday morning to pick up our FM3 cards. We walked about 10 blocks to get there, talked to the attorney, sat down for a minute, then walked up to sign, get fingerprinted, and get our cards. As I was signing my third document, I started losing my hearing and vision, on the verge of fainting. I quickly excused myself and sat down for a few minutes, which made a HUGE difference, luckily...since I had to walk 10 blocks to get back in bed!

Luckily, Annabelle is a picky eater. Thus, we have not had to deal with her getting Montezuma, which will most likely dehydrate her and put her in the hospital. So, for now, I am not pushing her to eat more foods!

Safety in Mexico City

Before coming to Mexico, we did a lot of research on the safety in Mexico. After spending some time in Mexico City, we felt cautious, but confident in our decision to take the assignment here.

After living in Mexico City for the past three weeks, we feel very comfortable here and very safe. We feel as safe in Mexico City, as we do in the U.S.

Originally we thought, we'll be fine as long as we don't leave the house after dark, and don't venture far from our condo.

Now, we don't think twice about leaving after dark, nor do we feel insecure anywhere in Polanco.

Granted Polanco is one of the nicest parts of Mexico City.

Every condo/apartment building has 24/7 security. Every store has security guards. And, every restaurant has valet parking attendants galore! Additionally, the "policia" are very visible.

There are people everywhere, at all hours of the day. I feel very comfortable every time I leave my building, whether it is with or without Mike. Annie and I leave daily, strolling to the park, the store, a playgroup...or our favorite place...Yogurtland!

Granted, there is still petty crime, as in every city. So, I don't flash my iPhone around while walking, nor do I leave the diaper bag and my credit card unattended. But, I feel like if something does eventually get stolen, it's probably going to be my fault for not paying attention.

We have talked to one of our neighbors. The wife is Italian. She says that Mexico City is just like Naples, Italy and she feels right at home, with the great food and great people! Meanwhile, Mike and I have been comparing the feel of Mexico City to Miami, where you can get out and walk, as we do constantly on weekends and weeknights!

At this time, we are hoping our assignment gets extended!

And, we encourage everyone we know to think positively of Mexico and to visit Mexico...as long as you stay away from the drug wars and the border cities that are plagued with drug war violence!

Renting Furniture vs. Buying

After weeks of window shopping, a woman in our playgroup told us about www.novorenta.com, where we can rent furniture!! This company will rent you everything from furniture to appliances to dishes and cutlery.

After doing the math, it works out much cheaper to rent a couch, chairs, and a desk. In all, for 8 months, that will cost us much less than buying a semi-decent couch!

So, we are excited to get the furniture this Thursday! Mike especially is looking forward to no longer sitting on the floor!

We still need to get to one of the street markets this weekend to purchase a tv stand, bedside table and little table for Annabelle!

But, as we are expecting our air shipment by the 14th, the condo is coming together!

Single Family Living to Condo Living

Adjusting to living in a condo building is going well, but different that expected.

I think the problem is is that I didn't give the adjustment much thought, beyond figuring out what I would need on a day to day basis.

Mike and I didn't consider that the front walkway isn't conducive to a stroller. Every time we take the stroller out, we get in the elevator, go down to the garage, then walk up the car ramp. Luckily, we haven't gone up or down the ramp at the same time as a car...yet.

Also, we didn't have any clue that the majority of buildings in Mexico do NOT have heat or air conditioning. We don't need either, due to the amazing weather. However, both the furnace and a/c generate noise. Noise that cancels out your neighbor's dog barking, door slamming, car honking (as Mexicans LOVE to do), and the noise of cars on the ramp entering and exiting the building.

There is no insulation. The exterior doors are thin. The exterior walls are single pane glass. Sounds travel!

It is also a bit frustrating because when Annabelle cries or is yelling, I know everyone in the building can hear her! So, when I am trying not to give into her, or am making her cry herself to sleep, I feel guilty that everyone can hear her...and I feel like a bad parent!

In all, I adore my building. The unit is spacious and nice. We love the floor plan. It is just a lot louder than life in the suburbs of Chicago, in a single family house! We could use some white noise and noise reduction measures!!

Banking at Banamex

Banamex is one of Mexico's largest banks. It is owned by Citibank.

Today, Annabelle and I went to our local Banamex branch, in Polanco, to see if we could get pesos out of our U.S. Citibank account.

It was an interesting experience.

First, when you walk in...it's like going to the DMV in the U.S. You immediately take a ticket, then go sit down in the rows of chairs, until your number is called.

There must have been 30 people waiting, with more coming in the door behind me! I wanted to take a picture...but in the U.S. for security reasons, that is generally not allowed. So, I figured I shouldn't take a photo in Mexico...

Apparently you can pay utility bills at Banamex, which is probably what the majority of people were doing.

I ended up just paying my gas bill, as I wasn't able to take funds out of my U.S. checking out. However, they were very nice about getting someone to speak English with me and tell me what I need to do to get a Banamex Mexico checking account! -- documents needed include my FM3 visa, passport and a utility bill with my name on it!

Child Endangerment...Or Life in Mexico?

A few weeks ago, we walked to the attorney's office for Mike's company, to get help filling out immigration forms in Spanish. Upon completing the forms, the attorney told us she had called us a cab and her colleague was going to go across town with us to get our immigration photos taken.

She spoke English pretty well, but there was a disconnect as we told her that we didn't have a car seat for Annabelle, and that we would walk across town and meet her colleague there.

She was insistent on us taking the cab, and that the stroller would go in the trunk.

So, after looking at each other, Mike and I went with it. We got in the cab, holding onto Annabelle, as we went across town.

In the end, it was fine. No big deal.

However, in the U.S., I would NEVER have considered getting into a car without a car seat.

I'm not sure what a U.S. cop would say or ticket me for there...but here in Mexico...anything goes!