Hello people. Happy Lent (Are you supposed to "celebrate" Lent? Probably not, but let's just go with it)
I have been trying to figure out how to present this to my friends/family/strangers in BA and beyond for the past few days, but have been struggling. Basically, there is a guy in BA who is fighting metastasized colorectal cancer and is unable to pay his medical bills. His landlord (another expat, and clearly a consummate jerk) locked him out of the apartment, leaving him literally with just the clothes on his back and no access to his life-saving cancer drugs, small savings, or personal documents.
Rick founded Juanele AR, a really cool bilingual newsletter on the art scene in BA. I have never met him personally but have always admired his project. Once I heard about his plight - thanks to the connections of social media - his story stuck with me for days, leaving this dull ache and pain in my heart.
Contrary to what you might assume, Rick is not a "lucky" expat who can be treated in a nice private hospital here in BA. After using most of his savings to pay for an initial stay in a private clinic when first diagnosed, Rick has been cared for at two public hospitals here - the Rivadavia and now the Marie Curie. In the public health system, your stay is free, but you have to pay for things like soap, toilet paper, and other "amenities" we wouldn't normally think twice about. Incidentals like colostomy bags are also not covered. I have been in the Rivadavia and let me tell you, that place is just heartbreaking. Feral cats roam the halls and there is a general sense of malaise and sadness as you walk through. If you're from the US, you would be shocked to see the conditions. It's not a place I would want to go if I were really sick. It's not a place Rick (or anyone) should have to be, let alone when they're fighting an aggressive cancer.
Rick has a website - Rick Fights Cancer - detailing his struggle and providing updates on his now (more dire) situation. I am not completely familiar with the whole backstory, but all that matters in my mind is that some asshole kicked him out of his home, owes him about US$2,200 (which would make a huge difference in his treatment costs) and has left him high and dry in the most vulnerable of situations.
He is trying to raise money by the end of April to help offset his costs for an upcoming second surgery. If I could, I would donate hundreds. Unfortunately, I am on a very limited income and can't spare as much as I would like. But even US$10 would help .... as we always say in these situations, every little bit counts.
So if you feel like you want to start off this Lenten season by helping someone who could really use the kindness of a good Samaritan, please click on Rick's website - Read his story and see if you can manage to make a small donation.
Like I said, I don't even know him personally but something about him has struck a chord and I would love to know that I could make a teeny bit of difference in his situation.
22 February 2012
20 February 2012
More Argentina News
I used to post the link to a funny news roundup blog from the Argentina Independent's website. Haven't done that in a while. You're in for a ride ... make sure to read about what's been going on lately please.
Thoughts of a Foreigner - Weekly News Roundup
Highlights - Sean Penn in Argentina, taking sides with CFK on the Malvinas/Falklands issue, even though he should probably just butt out of the whole thing. The VP Amado Boudou is a completely infantile and unprofessional politican who was completely out of line when wearing a shirt that said "Clarín (daily newspaper) Lies" while performing at a concert. Pretty sure if Joe Biden wore some militant slogans on his clothes there would be backlash ... and here, nothing. Typical. And.... there is a mountain lion on the loose in the northern suburbs. Be sure to read!
Thoughts of a Foreigner - Weekly News Roundup
Highlights - Sean Penn in Argentina, taking sides with CFK on the Malvinas/Falklands issue, even though he should probably just butt out of the whole thing. The VP Amado Boudou is a completely infantile and unprofessional politican who was completely out of line when wearing a shirt that said "Clarín (daily newspaper) Lies" while performing at a concert. Pretty sure if Joe Biden wore some militant slogans on his clothes there would be backlash ... and here, nothing. Typical. And.... there is a mountain lion on the loose in the northern suburbs. Be sure to read!
Long Weekend
Happy President's Day/Mardi Gras/Carnaval to everyone! Today and Tuesday are holidays (still have to work tomorrow though, the news doesn't get a vacation) but it's been nice to take it easy and enjoy this cloudy weekend. Threats of storms and rain have hovered since Thursday but we've yet to have a downpour. I would love it - a perfect excuse to head to the movies and eat some ice cream.
Things are crazy as usual here. The school year is set to start this week but - surprise, surprise - the teachers' unions haven't been able to come to agreements with the government on their salaries. You think schoolteachers earn peanuts in the US? Here on average their salaries are AR$1,300 a month. Yep, that is about US$300. They are fighting for a base salary of AR$3,100 which is much more fair, though still frightfully low, given inflation and the crazy cost of living these days. It comes in a striking contrast to the news that legislators and Senators received a 100% RAISE on their salaries - from AR$15,000 to more than AR$30,000. Add up the extras they get (travel vouchers that, if not used, are given to them for cash value) and some of them could make up to AR$50,000 in a month.
Imported products are harder and harder to get .... Although we were surprised to see our grocery store's shelves stocked with Milky Ways, Snickers, and Starburst last night. A lot of merchants have been hoarding/stockpiling certain items - like blenders, irons, etc - and are now selling them at exorbitant prices because demand is high and supply is pathetically low. There is a shortage of cancer and AIDS drugs, repair parts for factory machinery, and many other items you encounter in daily life. Steps closer to Venezuela and Cuba ...
Yesterday was a double birthday - Deb & Redmere. I would have loved for all of us to be together celebrating, but alas .. Hopefully next year. I miss them.
I've been cooking up a storm lately and was so happy that my mom sent me a new cookbook to try out! I will keep you posted on my progress. Lately I've just been on a creative empanada kick, nothing too crazy. Given that we don't have a/c in the kitchen and standing over a hot stove in those conditions makes me less likely to take on a hardcore culinary project. Soon! Once things cool off...
I have an ant infestation in our garden/terraces. I have no idea where they're coming from but I'm about to launch a full-out attack on them. They're farming aphids and other weird bugs that are destroying our plants - this lovely tree we have, my hibiscus, the jasmine... even my succulent! I've been spraying the crap out of them with an insecticide but it's not working. I think I will just dump cornmeal or baby powder all over the place where I see them trekking along. Since we don't have a real yard, I can't really locate the actual nest. This is war.
That is all. Happy day off to everyone!
Things are crazy as usual here. The school year is set to start this week but - surprise, surprise - the teachers' unions haven't been able to come to agreements with the government on their salaries. You think schoolteachers earn peanuts in the US? Here on average their salaries are AR$1,300 a month. Yep, that is about US$300. They are fighting for a base salary of AR$3,100 which is much more fair, though still frightfully low, given inflation and the crazy cost of living these days. It comes in a striking contrast to the news that legislators and Senators received a 100% RAISE on their salaries - from AR$15,000 to more than AR$30,000. Add up the extras they get (travel vouchers that, if not used, are given to them for cash value) and some of them could make up to AR$50,000 in a month.
Imported products are harder and harder to get .... Although we were surprised to see our grocery store's shelves stocked with Milky Ways, Snickers, and Starburst last night. A lot of merchants have been hoarding/stockpiling certain items - like blenders, irons, etc - and are now selling them at exorbitant prices because demand is high and supply is pathetically low. There is a shortage of cancer and AIDS drugs, repair parts for factory machinery, and many other items you encounter in daily life. Steps closer to Venezuela and Cuba ...
Yesterday was a double birthday - Deb & Redmere. I would have loved for all of us to be together celebrating, but alas .. Hopefully next year. I miss them.
I've been cooking up a storm lately and was so happy that my mom sent me a new cookbook to try out! I will keep you posted on my progress. Lately I've just been on a creative empanada kick, nothing too crazy. Given that we don't have a/c in the kitchen and standing over a hot stove in those conditions makes me less likely to take on a hardcore culinary project. Soon! Once things cool off...
I have an ant infestation in our garden/terraces. I have no idea where they're coming from but I'm about to launch a full-out attack on them. They're farming aphids and other weird bugs that are destroying our plants - this lovely tree we have, my hibiscus, the jasmine... even my succulent! I've been spraying the crap out of them with an insecticide but it's not working. I think I will just dump cornmeal or baby powder all over the place where I see them trekking along. Since we don't have a real yard, I can't really locate the actual nest. This is war.
That is all. Happy day off to everyone!
16 February 2012
Lalala
Hello friends. Welcome to Thursday. How are you? I am sweating after having made the mistake of thinking that watering my plants at 8.45am would be a good idea. I think it's already 86 degrees outside.
Hmm ... let's see. Valentine's Day? Yes. I had a nice little dinner date with Josey and some beautiful tuberose (my favorites) waiting for me when I got home. Simple and sweet. I actually kind of have a bone to pick with people who feel the need to be in your face about how great their significant other is. I feel like it's almost this tacit contest (mostly among women) who feel the need to one-up each other with regard to their boyfriends or husbands. Like, "I sent him out for milk and he came home with a dozen cupcakes just for me!" or, "Honestly, he loves watching the Kardashian shows. It's one of his favorite shows" or something as obvious as "He just does all of those things that every other guy seems to avoid like the plague, like _________."
Listen folks. I am not bitter. I'm one of the biggest mushy-mush romantics out there. But I also believe in keeping certain personal details private - I have never liked sharing those kinds of weird anecdotes with people, even close friends or family - because it makes me uncomfortable for some reason. I'm married to Jose, so isn't it implied that he's everything I want (and more)? I don't know. I am always happy when two people come together and are a perfect match. I guess I just don't feel the need to have it waved in my face for effect.
Ok, rant ended.
We're just flying through 2012 aren't we? Mid-Feb. I love that it's a Leap Year. Makes me wish I had a friend who was born on the 29th of Feb so I could celebrate their 6th birthday or something fun.
I still realllllllllllllllly want a dog. As in, it's all I think about and occupies a good portion of my thoughts during the 24 hours that are in each day. I want a dachshund, a golden doodle, a corgi, a great dane, a mastiff, a pit bull, a standard poodle, a rottweiler .... I think I need to move to a farm and just have the pups run around all day. That would be so fun!
Ah, I feel that I need to keep you all abreast of the insanity that is Argentina these days. Expect a post soon about the latest follies of the CFK administration.
Hmm ... let's see. Valentine's Day? Yes. I had a nice little dinner date with Josey and some beautiful tuberose (my favorites) waiting for me when I got home. Simple and sweet. I actually kind of have a bone to pick with people who feel the need to be in your face about how great their significant other is. I feel like it's almost this tacit contest (mostly among women) who feel the need to one-up each other with regard to their boyfriends or husbands. Like, "I sent him out for milk and he came home with a dozen cupcakes just for me!" or, "Honestly, he loves watching the Kardashian shows. It's one of his favorite shows" or something as obvious as "He just does all of those things that every other guy seems to avoid like the plague, like _________."
Listen folks. I am not bitter. I'm one of the biggest mushy-mush romantics out there. But I also believe in keeping certain personal details private - I have never liked sharing those kinds of weird anecdotes with people, even close friends or family - because it makes me uncomfortable for some reason. I'm married to Jose, so isn't it implied that he's everything I want (and more)? I don't know. I am always happy when two people come together and are a perfect match. I guess I just don't feel the need to have it waved in my face for effect.
Ok, rant ended.
We're just flying through 2012 aren't we? Mid-Feb. I love that it's a Leap Year. Makes me wish I had a friend who was born on the 29th of Feb so I could celebrate their 6th birthday or something fun.
I still realllllllllllllllly want a dog. As in, it's all I think about and occupies a good portion of my thoughts during the 24 hours that are in each day. I want a dachshund, a golden doodle, a corgi, a great dane, a mastiff, a pit bull, a standard poodle, a rottweiler .... I think I need to move to a farm and just have the pups run around all day. That would be so fun!
Ah, I feel that I need to keep you all abreast of the insanity that is Argentina these days. Expect a post soon about the latest follies of the CFK administration.
14 February 2012
Paperless Post
Get on the e-card bandwagon, folks. Paperless Post is my favorite website for love notes, birthday cards and holiday greetings ... Here are some of my favorite Valentine's Day designs:
More Lovey Goodness
We had Pablo Neruda's Sonnet XVII read at the wedding in both English & in Spanish.
I don’t love you as if you were a rose of salt, topaz,
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as one loves certain obscure things,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that doesn’t bloom but carries
the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself,
and thanks to your love the tight aroma that arose
from the earth lives dimly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you directly without problems or pride:
I love you like this because I don’t know any other way to love,
except in this form in which I am not nor are you,
so close that your hand upon my chest is mine,
so close that your eyes close with my dreams.
----
No te amo como si fueras rosa de sal, topacio
o flecha de claveles que propagan el fuego:
te amo como se aman ciertas cosas oscuras,
secretamente, entre la sombra y el alma.
Te amo como la planta que no florece y lleva
dentro de sí, escondida, la luz de aquellas flores,
y gracias a tu amor vive oscuro en mi cuerpo
el apretado aroma que ascendió de la tierra.
Te amo sin saber cómo, ni cuándo, ni de dónde,
te amo directamente sin problemas ni orgullo:
así te amo porque no sé amar de otra manera,
sino así de este modo en que no soy ni eres,
tan cerca que tu mano sobre mi pecho es mía,
tan cerca que se cierran tus ojos con mi sueño.
o flecha de claveles que propagan el fuego:
te amo como se aman ciertas cosas oscuras,
secretamente, entre la sombra y el alma.
Te amo como la planta que no florece y lleva
dentro de sí, escondida, la luz de aquellas flores,
y gracias a tu amor vive oscuro en mi cuerpo
el apretado aroma que ascendió de la tierra.
Te amo sin saber cómo, ni cuándo, ni de dónde,
te amo directamente sin problemas ni orgullo:
así te amo porque no sé amar de otra manera,
sino así de este modo en que no soy ni eres,
tan cerca que tu mano sobre mi pecho es mía,
tan cerca que se cierran tus ojos con mi sueño.
Día de San Valentín
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Here in Arg it's usually called "Día de los Enamorados," implying that you can only celebrate if you're coupled-up. What I love(d) most about this holiday back home was making Valentine's for all of my friends and family ... it's a perfect excuse to remind someone that you care about them. For a little throwback, here is one of my favorite sonnets by Elizabeth Barret Browning (via Mrs. Mattingly's English class).
How do I love thee? Let me count
the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
03 February 2012
My Mom the Polar Bear
Last week Deb participated in a very good cause - the Polar Bear Plunge - which raised tons of money for the Special Olympics. Luckily it wasn't too cold out, but I don't think the Bay was anything like a big bathtub. She plunged with Eve Grimaldi, basically one of the coolest women alive, and had my Dad, my Aunt Joan and good friend Anne at the shore cheering them on!
It was a really cool event and I am glad she participated - it's always fun to do something you probably never imagined you'd do! And with clear, sunny day, even better.
I don't have any good shots of Deb running into the water, but here she is! Looking good.
It was a really cool event and I am glad she participated - it's always fun to do something you probably never imagined you'd do! And with clear, sunny day, even better.
I don't have any good shots of Deb running into the water, but here she is! Looking good.
The Rain Keeps On ...
It's like monsoon season over here ... This was at a Subway station in Palermo
02 February 2012
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