Life Abroad Archives -

Battle of the wills

My doggo has a sense of smell that cannot be beat. I assume hers is top notch because of the time we spend around certain light poles… patterns she exhibits that let me know she has specific others on her pee-mail list, and she’s looking out for messages from them. She is also looking outContinue reading “Battle of the wills”

Identity

Last Sunday, Transgender Day of Visibility, of all the days, my friend was found dead in her home. There are many things about this that are heartbreaking… but in these first days following her death, I think the most heartbreaking thing for me, as strange as it sounds, is that she’s finally at peace. ItContinue reading “Identity”

Snapshot

Receiving a heavy dose of vitamin D at my fave Sunday hangout, enjoying a glass of wine and reading Braving The Wilderness again. I like to re-read books, particularly self-helpy, philosophy-ish kinds of books. I’ve read some books 3 or 4 times. We are often drawn to these types of books in moments of difficultyContinue reading “Snapshot”

Mostly Sonny

I’ve always felt that it’s good for me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I truly believe that the best things happen when you’re just a little more open, not so set in routine; life is that much more unique and personal when you’re pushed a little off-kilter. We have the most genuine experience whenContinue reading “Mostly Sonny”

You’re already good enough

A couple of weeks ago I was craving the special beans from the tienda by my old place, so we made a trip to our old neighborhood. I noticed they also have the cheese I like, the pale yellow kind that melts the best and makes the best quesadillas. So I asked for the cheeseContinue reading “You’re already good enough”

One long story

This morning I was walking in town and someone stopped me to ask if my name is Emily. This used to freak me out, but it gets less weird as time goes on. I’m not totally sure if this is a function of a small town, or the ubiquity of Facebook. I think it’s aContinue reading “One long story”

Pay it forward

A few weeks ago there was an issue at my place and I needed to turn the water off to the whole lower half of the building while I sorted it. I did not know how to do this myself, sent messages to the landlord of course, but realized quickly that time was of theContinue reading “Pay it forward”

Germany Jokes

The other day I was walking with Ruby on the isla by my house. There is a dog who lives on the isla named Pancho, who is a friend of Ruby’s, but as with most dog friendships, the quality of said association is more a matter of who is Top Dog on that particular day.Continue reading “Germany Jokes”

Practice Makes Progress

I moved abroad a few years ago. A few years ago at this time I was still nesting in my friends place, trying to get my bearings. Realizing already that I was in way over my head, but also seeing ways I could be more “in” with the locals. “I gotta learn the language. FindContinue reading “Practice Makes Progress”

Champagne is my spirit animal

Mornings in Vallarta are my favorite time. The air is fresh and the mood is calm as we get our coffee and wake our bodies up gently. It seems like it’s always the same cast of characters: the guy with the Chihuahua who does the funny windmill-ish exercises, the couple who is always walking together,Continue reading “Champagne is my spirit animal”