Hallelujah! A Brand New Maid

Big step: Hired a maid! And she's HOT! 

NOT ; )

She's a sweet Mormon. 49 years old and just had a baby two years ago! es un milagro (miracle)

The First Supper: We sat down for lunch (KFC) and she insisted on saying Grace. We both prayed as she blessed the house, my kids etc. At one point she re-marked "Jesus Is-Alive" to which I nodded in agreement ; ) She will cook dinner twice a week, starting with Ceviche! Hope my diet improves. Also, she will buy fresh flowers every week...anything BUT Red Roses for reasons some of my readers would understand ; | 

The Budget: $20 a day / twice a week. Her references check-out. I can trust her, but keep her away from temptation, Amen.

Averting Economic Crisis

Gov't revenues have tanked with the fall of oil prices.

And so, as of this weekend, duties on a wide range of imports are going up 30% to 40%. The specific items include:

Perfumes, alcoholic beverages, biscuits, toys, disposable diapers, pencils, notebooks, markers, cosmetics, cellular phones, shoes, clothing, car parts, fruits and creams and, of course, sanitary napkins.

But, this is great news for our company as we are the top distributor of domestic alcohols. Takes the pressure off my cigarette sales ; ) Let's see how it goes......

Tear Gas Hangover

I am a bit overwhelmed right now.

To begin with, I have a massive Jaegermeister hang-over which is only exascerbated by the foggy memories of being subjected to a tear-gas "attack". I don't know the facts. All I recall was that I was drunk at a nightclub around 3am. A fight broke out. I didn't pay much attention, as that happens all the time, right. This girl I was trying to practice Spanish with started having a coughing fit. Being a gentleman (of course) I got her some water, but soon realized that everyone was coughing. My throat was sore, but I thought that was just the Marlboros. I turned to a buddy and asked, "Tear-Gas?" and he replied "Yup" as though it was no big deal. He too was super drunk so at the end of the day, not sure what it was. My theopry is that it may have been a way to disperse the fight.

I ended up in another club later, dancing Salsa to club music and got home around 530 am. (I'll have to censor some of the other crazy details!!!)

At 9 am, throat parched with a major chuchaquee (hang-over in Ecuadorian Spanish) my door-bell rings. A huge truck with all my furniture from Japan arrived. Then I spent the next 4 hours or so directing the unpacking. My 2nd move in the last 6 months!! Now, everything is out of the boxes and my place is a disaster zone. I gotta start making a home again....

Note: I am at an internet cafe as my connection at home is down. I am getting visa photos for Brasil even though I don't know if I can get a visa on-time. Work is nuts. My burger just had saran-wrap in it. I need a maid. One of my toilets doesn't flush, the bath water is a bit brown but........I will persevere ; ) Nothing seems to faze me anymore....

Black Out

This was my day:

- The entire country had a black out for hours. Don't know why cuz I can't watch Spanish news. Someone told me lightning struck. But how could that be?

- Someone else told me that it could be a revolution against the government who just announced preliminary plans to ban a whole category of imports to protect the fledging economy. From Shampoo, sports equipment, drinks (yes, liquor), cars etc etc. My colleagues were flocking to the supermarket to stock up on Gatorade and Granola Bars. What kind of government can dictate what you can and can not buy? 

- I am supposed to be in Sao Paolo next Wednesday. Found out I need a Yellow Fever certificate, a Visa (yes for US citizens) but my passport is with Ecuadorian authorities to get the latest work permit (my third visa since I arrived)!

Japanese Junk Food Dinners

My dinners so far this week back in Ecuador:

• Sunday: Instant 赤い (RED) Kitsune Udon
• Monday: Instant チャーハン (Fried Rice) Powder in Microwave Rice
• Tuesday: KFC
• Wednesday: Instant 明太子 (Cod Roe) Spaghetti with Salad Pretz for dessert
• Thursday: Hope it gets better??

My excuse: Late nights, busy at work, learning to juggle...but enjoying.  

I need a maid and a plumber really soon!

Now and Salsa

Just arrived back in Ecuador. Am jet-lagged and overwhelmed. Spanish lessons right away was not a good idea. Need to catch-up. My furniture arrives on Saturday. Time to build a home.

I love this pick! Found a place for Salsa. Will start soon :)