Money Doesn't Grow on Trees . . . However, Limes Do!!!

We've been under almost UNBEARABLE living conditions the past month. Not in the sense of "thing" i.e. roof overhead, health, etc. But Ben hasn't had a steady job, my income hasn't been enough to cover all our bills and Ben has been so stressed out and physically sick that the atmosphere at home has been REALLY tense!!! I found out on Saturday, however, that September and January are the 2 most difficult financial months in Mexico. I felt better knowing that, hoping that there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I lived on $8 for 3 days. It's very degrading when you have to call your parents and ask for money. We usually ask Ben's brothers, but things are just as tight for them right now.

Ben got let go from the Hotel about 2 months ago and we've been trying to get him into SSA Mexico, which is the biggest Port Company here in Mexico and the States. BUT . . . in order for him to get into the gates, he has to go at 5:45am every morning, see if his name is on the list and if not, wait in a line, hoping that there is enough work for him to push his way through the gate.

As for the limes, I have a neighbor that has a HUGE lime tree and has given me bags full. I made Snickerdoodles and took them a plate. It's fun getting to know my neighbors. It's a slow process, but getting better!!!

The Little Things . . .

In my Coversation Class the other day, we were talking about personalities and what makes us happy, angry, etc. As each person answered the questions, I thought about myself. One of the questions was if we were content with who we are. I've thought often about this question over the past 2 years and I can honestly say I am. It's taken a lot of heartache, stupid mistakes and hatred of myself and the world to get here, but I have. I thought back to the way I was in high school and up until my early 20s. I was a COMPLETELY different person than I am today. I am SO glad that I am. I am genuinely happy with who I am and proud of who I have become!!! I never thought I would like myself, I hated who I was for so long that I didn't think I would ever get out of that frame of mind. I am complete in myself.

Another one of the questions I asked was "What makes you happy?" It's interesting that the things that make you happy depend on where you are in your life. When I lived in the States, the BIG things made me happy, expensive classy clothes, having a beautiful big yard, being able to go to any sports game I wanted whenever I wanted, go to a big shopping mall whenever I wanted, etc. Now, it's the little things!! My son's laugh, my husband's unbelievable ability to be a fabulous father, the fact that I have a patio (a miracle here in Mexico), the fact that I have a roof over my head that doesn't leak, the sound of waves, coke, when I have enough money to go to a movie, that I don't have to wash my clothes by hand: I can rent a washing machine, the fact that I actually have a job, walking and jumping in the puddles of water from the crazy downpour 30 minutes ago and the amazing people that I have met here in Mexico that are so selfless and loving and willing to do anything for us. Yes, those are the little things that make me genuinely happy.

I hope all of you have found content in who you are and where you are at in this life!! Believe me, it's possible to get there!!!