Back in the saddle

Wanted to share that the last few days have been better. Thank you so much for all of your encouraging comments and emails. Adventures like this aren't always pretty, so thank you for praying for and loving me.

Today was super productive (all things considered). I spent some time with Amy, my friend and team leader, and then went grocery shopping. I then went to the post office, which was an adventure just to find. I remember my first trip to the post office in Austin was stressful too, so it appears that most "firsts" are challenging no matter how comfortable you are with the language (the Austin post office I first went to is on Manchaca, pronounced Mancheck- ok, NOW who's speaking a different language.... but I digress. Austinites, you know what I am talking about). In my search for the post office I accidently entered this private bank. I think you are supposed to swipe a special card to enter, but, thinking it was the post office, I just piggy-backed behind someone else. THEN, I found myself trapped between the door I just entered, and the super-secure 2nd door which I could not enter. Oh, AND all surrounding walls were glass. Oh my gosh. I finally got out of the glass box and back onto the street, but it was a tense few minutes, there. Ok, so I finally find the post office. Of course, I 'push' instead of 'pull' the door open (this is happening a LOT lately. It's like the international symbol for "I don't belong here.") which always causes people to look up alarmed. And this is just what I want, too, for the ENTIRE french-speaking room to look up when I walk in :) But you know what? I got those packages mailed. And I bought stamps. And the ladies smiled at me when I left, which to someone who misses verbal interaction is as good as.... jalapeno ranch dressing at Chuy's. There, I said it, a kind gesture from a stranger is as good as Chuy's (almost). (Remember this when you see someone new to town who has no idea what they are doing. Smile. Talk to them, and then take them to Chuy's or something.)

So, a good day. I learned something new, and I made it back home. Tomorrow is market day so I am excited about that. It is wonderful and right outside our building. So many beautiful fresh veggies- I can't wait!

Oh, and for those of you following my culture-shock-induced regression, here is the latest. Word mixups. Just now at dinner I suggested to Clay that we "watch a game or play a movie" and then yesterday I asked him "What color is it?" Instead of "What time is it?" Sheesh!

Love to you all. Thanks for supporting me through the tough times.
P.S. Did you know that I found a recipe for Chuy's jalapeno ranch dressing? Someone make this and try it. I have ranch powder but don't want to use it unless this recipe is the real deal ;)

16 oz. (or 24, it matters little) sour cream or buttermilk
1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Mix powder
1 handful cilantro leaves (more or less to taste)
3/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices (more or less to taste)
Put the ingredients in a blender (or use a nifty hand blender) and blend until smooth. Eat immediately or, even better, chill for a few hours letting the flavors meld.