criplomats

Both taxes and our employee evaluations (EERs) are due on April 15th, and John and I both are in good shape on both counts. Getting the EERs written is a slog, and we’re happy to have the worst of it behind us!

I think I mentioned that John was accepted to the distance learning two-year War College program a few weeks ago. He’s already getting materials for the class, so he’s starting to get excited! It will be a lot of work, but worth it!

This was a fairly routine week. I’ve been good about going to the gym before work although some mornings it sure is hard to get out of bed! I’m also trying to take a walk after lunch, too, so I can get my Fitbit steps in for the day. I went to the guards’ English class as usual on Wednesday night – we learned to tell time, so it’s fun to quiz them as I come in and out of the compound the rest of the week.

Esther sent me a couple of photos taken at the baptism last week, so I’ll share those, as well. (Um, someone asked John if we had adopted a baby, haha!)

The highlight of the week was Baby Ines’s baptism last night at a nearby church. She’s the youngest daughter of our downstairs neighbors, Mike and Esther. The church is old and beautiful and near the cathedral – and boy was it packed for Saturday night. As we entered the church, a quincinera was concluding – the 15-year-old girl was dressed in her finery. I always see these huge brightly colored dresses in dress shop windows, but had never seen one “in action” before – they are quite striking! We were seated in a side chapel (a transept chapel?). From there we first watched a wedding mass, then it was time for the five baptisms. As we exited the church, it was standing room only for the next wedding – lots going on!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we exited, we strolled through the plaza in front of the cathedral – it’s THE place to be on a Saturday night. It had a carnival atmosphere with all kinds of food vendors, vendors selling religious and other trinkets, music, and a clown performing for the kids who drew a huge crowd. Families were strolling and sitting on benches – it looked like a pretty nice way to pass the evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we got back to the apartment, Mike and Esther had a large dinner party in the club room downstairs. We enjoyed visiting with her mom and brother – we’ve met her mother several times and she’s a lot of fun. Esther had the room decked out beautifully, and just came upstairs to give us two of the centerpieces – quite lovely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was all a fun glimpse into a variety of family rituals in Mexico!

This week was pretty repetitive – gym in the morning, work, a walk at lunch, home, work on my employee evaluation, and watch “The Good Wife” – a good week but not necessarily exciting!

On Wednesday I went to the guards’ English class after work, as usual, and Friday we had a happy hour to welcome a new officer. We were outside on an upstairs balcony, which was really nice because the weather is just perfect right now.

John flew in last night and it’s good to have him at home again!

John flew to Arkansas this week to help his folks downsize, in preparation for their move into a retirement community. We had a four-day weekend to celebrate Easter; I used the time for a staycation and it’s been great! I’ve gotten a lot of mundane tasks accomplished, like filing insurance paperwork and writing my employee evaluation. Other than walking across the street for a pedicure and daily visits to the gym, I haven’t left the apartment! Other than missing John, it’s been great!

Last Sunday afternoon, John and I went to the finals of the Jalisco Tennis Open – we had a great time watching a close match. It’s a lovely venue and the weather was perfect. Afterward, John treated me to a steak dinner at La Matera.

Monday was another local holiday, so John and I had a relaxing day – we hit the gym and watched some TV.

I’ve been binge-watching “The Good Wife” – I’m up to Season Two. John and I have been watching “Bosch,” and are enjoying that as well.

John had good news this week – he was accepted into the Army War College distance learning program! Only six Department of State officers were selected to be a part of this two-year program, so it’s very competitive. The program is two years and he’ll end up with a Masters in Strategic Studies – congrats, John!

We went to a game night at El Gato last night with some non-State Department friends. We had a lot of fun. It’s near a church square that’s quite the place to be on Saturday night. When we arrived, a bride was just entering the church, there were vendors selling food, clothing, and jewelry, and lots of people were just hanging out. I snuck a peek at the wedding, then after gaming, John and I strolled through to see what was going on. I ate a delicious warm custard and bought a wool scarf from Chiapas – a lovely night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other highlights of the week include filling out my bracket for the NCAA college basketball tournament and watching “Spotlight” (great movie). I’m still watching the most recent season of “House of Cards” and John and I started watching “Bosch.” Fun!