ORGULLO



While I was waiting at the doctor's office this morning I was able to read this whole sign -- even the small print. Sometimes, the care of the parents is the best medicine. Although antibiotics are strong, they don't cure everything. Taking them when they're not needed can be bad for your children. Learn to protect your children. Know when they should take antibiotics. Talk to your doctor today. Pride is bad but I'm kind of pleased that I can still read Spanish -- even if it is written by the CDC. For six year-olds.

Strangely, I had no trouble getting in to see the doctor -- without an appointment no less -- to get a physical and the required letter of good health for the teacher training I want to take. I learnt today that Ghousia (the doctor) is from Hyderabhad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh. Just writing it makes me want some spicy Andhra food.










For some reason I did not have trouble getting in to see the mechanic, either. He quickly fixed the wierd ratting, which turned out to be nothing. Better yet -- he didn't charge me. Which of course has me worried.

(The photo was taken in the repair shop waiting room. I adore hand-painted holiday windows, and the late morning light was lovely).






Perhaps the morning went so well because of what I ate yesterday -- a traditional southern New Year's Day meal of Hoppin' John (black-eyed peas and rice) topped with cheese, tomatoes and scallions and a dollop of sour cream, plus greens (kale) and carrots. This snapshot was taken before I made vegan cornbread, which is meant to bring gold in the upcoming year. The idea behind Hoppin' John is that if you eat poor on the first of the year, you'll eat rich the rest of the year -- however, one can't help but think "eat the rich," ha ha ha. The greens of course symbolize money. I did not eat the cat. Must fatten him up a bit first.






This afternoon I walked through the alleys to the post office and saw plenty of landfill, which made me feel sad -- and that it is somehow connected to all of the polar bears dying.

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During the walk I noticed that there are both iGo and Zipcar automobile hubs near my house. Both companies lease cars for short periods of time, and call it car-sharing. iGo is the nonprofit one, although both have Civic hybrids in their fleets. It's good to know there's backup for when my vehicle really does fall apart.





When I finally got to the post office, it was locked. The sign on the door said they were closed due to federal observance of the death of former president Gerald Ford.

"God knows what they'll do when Bush dies," I said to the other guy who was trying to get in. We both snorted.

I told Sport Marty about this later, and he said,

"What are you thinking? There won't be any post office or anything else left when Bush finally goes."

Happy new year indeed.