11.30.2014

Thanksgiving "Break"

It all started about a month ago, when a girlfriend and I decided we wanted to spend Thanksgiving Day together.  After a long discussion, neither of us wanted to host it at our homes, rather we thought it would be much more fun if we held it in the Embassy pool area where the kids could swim until we were ready to eat, and we could leisurely hang out with a few families with whom we enjoyed spending time.

Of course, with two "Type A" personality girlies who love to entertain, it didn't take long for our casual poolside dinner, to turn into a full fledged affair, complete with moving our shindig into the Marine House, and inviting everyone from the Embassy to attend.

Honestly, we didn't think it would become nearly as big as it did.  But on Thanksgiving Day, we hosted over 80 people to an amazing dinner. 

Noticeably absent from the affair, was my dear husband.  Who instead of enjoying the feast, was stuck in the local emergency room, waiting for the orthopedic surgeon.  To re-set his mangled hand.  (As a side note, you never want to hear from your husband that he's waiting for "the setter" unless he's speaking about diamonds.)

You see, following our early morning boot camp, Matt and his fellow 'weekend warriors' set out to play a traditional Thanksgiving Day game of flag-football.  After 3 1/2 uneventful quarters, Matt's premonition of someone getting hurt proved true, as HE ended up fracturing and dislocating 3 of the 5 fingers on his left hand ... thus ending the game.  Despite his insanely swollen hand and fingers turned in directions you can't even fathom, Matt remarked the most painful part of this entire ordeal was having to call me and let me know he wouldn't be making it to dinner. 

In all seriousness, it's heartwarming to see that in a post this size, this many people chose to celebrate their special Thanksgiving Day together, as a de facto family.  I am thankful for many things this year;  Living together as a family overseas again, our immediate and extended families staying happy and healthy, and enjoying our new post and new friends.

Most importantly though, I am thankful that Matt broke his left hand.  Because "In Sickness and in Health" does not include wiping butts.


There is NOTHING sweeter than seeing the Marine Detachment play with and truly adore your son.  This group of young men are the epitome of class, and we are thankful to have them in our lives.

11.16.2014

What Does $15 Get You In El Salvador?

An entry into the Run El Salvador 5k Night Run ... along with a swag bag, t-shirt, time chip ... AND a slice of pizza and a beer after the race.

The start time was 9 pm, which was teetering a tad too close to my bedtime.  Even on a Saturday night.  Thankfully I was encouraged to rally by a gaggle of Embassy friends. 

Of course, it shouldn't have surprised me that when they said "Night Run", they course organizers TRULY meant, "you'll be running on the pothole-filled streets and highways in San Salvador in the absolute pitch black with zero street lights and few course markers, which you won't even be able to see because, did we mention ... no street lights?"

I didn't have a PR.  I didn't break an ankle.  We got the once in a Salvadorean lifetime opportunity to play a wicked game of "chicken" as we had to run across a BUSY road to get to our car ... AND we somehow managed to survive.

I'm calling last night's run a win.

 


11.09.2014

Marine Corps Ball ... aka Prom For Adults


Last night we attended the 239th birthday of the Marine Corps.  It was a beautiful event held outside at ILEA, the International Law Enforcement Academy here in San Salvador. 

It's been 7 years since Matt and I got this gussied up, and wow was it worth it!  This Marine Detachment is a special group of young men, who have enhanced our family's time here at post.  It was an honor to take part in their party, and share it not only with them, but with the dear friends we have made here in El Salvador. 

Of course, no fancy evening is complete without your maid seeing you in your bra and underwear as she helps tie, yank, pull, and bustle you into your dress ... as you pantomime and attempt to explain in your rudimentary Spanish, "mas apretado entonces mi pechugas no caer" ... which sadly translates into, "tighter so my chicken breasts no to fall." 

She got the point.


 "Cougar" Bootcamp ladies ... and our Bodies by Rene


 Our table mates ...
 Such a fantastic RSO office ...


 But wait ... lemme take a selfie!

 Thanks for the memories Marines!  Until next year ...

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