Thursday, November 18, 2010

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!!!

Lately as Christmas is fast approaching I find myself missing the good old Canadian winter.... Just a weee bit!! Call me crazy, but before you judge - hear me out.

I miss the snow. I mean, I miss the snow for the month of December, and no more. Now as a true Calgarian, I am well aware that one month of snow is impossible. We are situated minutes from the Rocky Mountains. Not gonna happen !!!!

Anything, and I mean anything more than that one month is toooo much for me. Weather and climate were the biggest reason I had for moving to Cancun with hubby. Seriously, if Calgary, or any city in Canada had the climate of Cancun I'd never have left.

I received a photo taken from my brother yesterday that made me miss the Canadian winter just a little bit more than usual. It's taken from his BlackBerry so sorry the picture is not of better quality. What do you think??? I don't think I'm insane for wanting one month of snow, and 11 months of sunshine and sand. Do you??? Well, it's one of the reasons I'm going to spend half the month of December in Canada...

You can't tell me this isn't beautiful!!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

A league of their own...

This past week Cancun was fortunate enough to host the CONCACEF women's soccer tournament. This wasn't just any old tournament either - these women were playing for two spots which would ensure their spot in next summer's FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Most of my readers are very aware of my love for sports, especially soccer. Sorry, I just can't call it futbol!!! So it will not come to any ones' surprise that I attended four matches. I'm going to take it when I can get it!

One of the main reasons I was looking forward to the event was that Canada was playing, and I knew they had a  real shot of qualifying. The other reason? The US women's team was there to compete as well. I had many people asking me "Why are you cheering for the US over Mexico"? I had one answer. They are the best. Arguably, they still are one of the best womens' teams in the world. Period. I used to idolize Mia Hamm, and wish that Canada would be more into women's sports. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I wasn't going to be happy for Mexico if they did well, but I do have my favourites for a reason.

I am very happy to report that the stadiums were full of cheering fans. The first game I watched was Canada vs. Costa Rica. Canada had to win this game to take 1 of the spots, and they did. They were the first team to qualify from CONCACEF. This was a huge moment for them. I had tears in my eyes when I saw them running around, congratulating each other...

The second match I watched was USA vs. Mexico. No surprise the Americans (and I) were outnumbered in the stands. Even the Canadians were cheering for them.... In fairness they didn't want to face USA in the final a few days later. That being said, I was a bit shocked that when the American flag was brought out the crowd starting booing. In all my years of attending these National matches, I've never heard a flag being booed. Players, yes, but countries, no. Wait - it gets worse. When the team came out of the locker room they were booed. Another thing? I'm pretty sure its' customary to stand for the singing of a National Anthem, even if it's not your own? Am I wrong??? Am I the only one who thinks this way?

Most of my friends were in agreement with me that this was wrong. Only one argued with me telling me that this type of behaviour is normal, and not meant to disrespect. Just healthy competition. I don't buy it. I find it to be rude, and ignorant. Obviously the majority of the people there were in agreement with him.

As the game continued the crowd was going crazy, the stadium was packed. The first whistle blew, and gooooal. Mexico scored within the first few moments of the game. As the game went on Mexico was really dominating the match, and the USA didn't look as though they even belonged there. Needless to say they were having a BAD day. Mexico won 2-1 and it was well deserved. I was very happy for the fans, and for their team. They were the second, and last, team to automatically qualify for the World Cup!

I know many people are already aware of who won the tournament and who didn't, but I will have to write a post about that next time as I have some pictures I would like to post with it.



Congratulations to both Canada and Mexico, and good luck to the USA in their upcoming matches!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Getting personal

For the most part I have kept my "real" personal life completely separate from the blog world. It's not that I don't trust most of my blog readers, but for me, and only me, there are just some things that I don't want people to know. I've always been this way, and think I always will. Heck - none of my family, nor friends from back home are even aware I have a blog!! I don't want to tell them, why? I can't explain it...I just don't.

Anyways, today I wanted to share something. I have no one to really talk about this with, but maybe all my friends who live here can give me their two cents? My friends who don't, well I'm sure you can give me an outsider's perspective.

I am married to a Mexican. Okay, well I'm pretty sure everyone already knew this. The part that you don't know? OMG....How hard it is to be married to someone when you share completely different cultural backgrounds, and beliefs. Don't get me wrong, it's also an added benefit at times. I love learning a new culture's way of life, but I still love my own.

Hubby lived in Canada with me for almost 6 years, and that is a long enough time that he was able to learn how life north of the border is. It is face paced, everyone stresses about everything, go, go, go, and do it all over again tomorrow. This is a life I thought I used to hate. A place where everything works, where the litter is taking over the streets, where laws are obeyed..albeit not by everyone, but most!

Hubby and his family are very close. Very, very, very, very, very, very, very close. To me, almost tooooo close. They speak on the phone every day maybe 5, 6, 7 times a day. I mean allll of them. They adore each other with love, and kisses, and such. Sounds nice, right? Well, what's wrong with me then? To me it's smothering, and I feel like a third wheel. Don't get me wrong, they love me, and I do love them, but let a man be a man and move on with his life...errr...wife!

It's gotten to the point where I don't go to his family's house as much anymore - hubby doesn't want to feel rushed to leave. Okay, I'm cool with that, but you go 4 or 5 times a week! There are only 7 days in a week.... For the record I do still go at least twice a week.

Okay, well I am going to stop there as this could go on forever.... Am I a terrible person? Is this all just me???