Barbeques in the sun

Some of the cool things about living in Mexico City is a fabulous climate when Europe is cold and rainy; flats with roofs (though mine lacks one) and regular barbeques. The last one sounds odd due to my dietary choices but all is possible with tofu, some tasty marinade and to make sure that the designated cook does not put my lovely animal free food next to burgers and ribs. Cross contamination and all that. And, also make sure that I at least get something. These bloody omnivores has some curiosity to see what some weirdy vegan eats and more to the point, they love it.

It was a barbeque marathon weekend. Three in the space of two days and a danger of barbeque overdose. Or at least, death by marinaded tofu kebab. Each one was different. One was at a guy from Couchsurfing and no, I'm not turning into a CS addict but it was good to get back into talking to new people. The one on Sunday afternoon was organisd by the other Senior Teacher for the ex Teaching Centre Manager who had since moved to China. I actually met him at a conference and my feeling was 'good networking' which could be important. Then, a friend from work who I manage too, birthday barbeque so it could be all out carnage.

Now, I'll probably get shot by other post hysterectomy patients but really who else can do it? The whole weekend involved lifting bags and perhaps more than I can carry. I'm not a fan of taxis as my Spanish is limited (unprofessionally speaking, it sucks) and also why be part of the problem this city has with the worship of the car. I'm against it. Also, walking is the only exercise I ever do..so it's a case of 'kill or cure'. Not the most responsible post major surgery attitude, I agree.

The barbeque at Carlos's place was actually enjoyable. I got talking to other people and it wasn't too painful. I happily shared my tofu. Then, my assumption of good weather and barbeque season was shattered. It began to piss it down and thankfully Roberto called who was lurking by my flat and wanted to drink beer with me followed by Andrew who also wanted to go out for a queer beer. Yes, my friends are clearly supporting me getting back to my old life. The rest of the evening was lovely. I like unplanned visits and I like queer beers and being educated on the differences between Shakira and Lady Gaga. I did decline Andrew's suggestion to go to Living. A night of dancing and possibly something illegal with beautiful people..well I know my parameters and limits.

I needed to be ready for a semi respectable barbeque and kind of prepare myself for perhaps something a bit more rock n'roll later. Again, I enjoyed myself though drank far too much and perhaps have ruined all networking opportunities. At least, the guests of honour were both pissed too so one has to be grateful for small mercies and anyone in ELT for the long term is bound to be a functional alcoholic. Now, I was way too hammered to make it to the birthday barbeque and realised that it was for the best. A weird thing is that with my drinking, I always know when it will be socially embarassing to be in a public place.

I got alcoholic neurosis mainly caused by guilt and anxiety by drinking too much on a Sunday. I am thinking was it the operation or just me being neurotic. Possibly the latter.

Here are my post hysterectomy boozing and partying tips...in case you like that sort of thing

1. Keep it close to home in case you get a bit wobbly
2. Make sure there's at least one person who you can trust
3. Talking about the operation in graphic detail is a great way to get rid of party bores quickly
4. Avoid clubbing
5. Concerts are probably not the best option right now
6. Try and make the baggy trousers look stylish with a funky top and shoes. Jeans are not an option
7. Don't be afraid to say no
8. Say yes if you're up for it...it's really good to get out and about
9. Maybe don't hook up with a stranger..scars internally and externally are not attractive
10. A few drinks does not do you any harm

More steps to being the Fishwick

Yes, it's been a while since I wrote but there's been a lot going on. More so with work and also back to having fun and getting up to no good. In a slightly restrained way but we're getting there.

Things that I've been doing are going to the weekly Couchsurfing meet up. Now, usually I avoid. The same people and the same questions. I'm a slight square peg in a round hole in many ways and have a strong aversion to small talk so not my usual way to spend an evening. Anyway, a girl from the USA messaged me and she sounded cool. Also, there's been some ruptures on Couchsurfing that the group is exclusive, all about meeting girls and they do the same things. I agree. A night at Lucha Libre doesn't inspire neither does a wander around Zocolo. A few of us were quite vocal including this young guy called Miguel so I wanted to meet him.

Once I got past the boring niceties, I engaged in conversation with Miguel or Hassam and it was enjoyable. Young and gay and some interesting ideas. Definite potential handbag here. Marie was fun too and also saw Roberto and Pedro who knew the full story and were happy to see me out. Naturally, it didn't take me long to flake out but at least it was all about getting out and meeting people.

Of course, this does have some consequences. Marie asked me to come out on Friday for drinks around Condessa. Usually, I'd be in like a shot (literally) but no..it was a struggle to get off the couch.

So that's how it is...I'm getting back to work and also back to having a life. Making belligerant comments, striving and thinking of how to improve an online community and talking to new people. Slowly and in a restrained manner...but nonetheless, getting there.

Nose to the grindstone

Or would it be more apt to say, nose to the desk when I keep on having a sneaky bit of shut eye at work. I was warned but going back to work is really quite tough. The first thing is work clothes. I'm not Ms Corporate Dresser but I am expected to wear something smarter than my uniform of leggings and the dreaded drawstrong trousers. I ended up graduating to tighter t-shirts but nothing could prepare me for the discomfort of work trousers and shirts. Then, I made the mistake of wearing jeans last night. I am still suffering now. Back to the drawstring trousers for a while then. At least outside office hours.

I am making merticulous to do lists and stare at them for a while but am trying to keep them short and with a product in sight at the end. Need to keep my motivation high or at least not wane. That would be a disaster. And trying to limit myself to 7 hours max at work. Not very well but the effort is there. My head is a complete fuzz and full of cotton wool but I'm doing surprisingly well as masquerading as an efficient middle manager. Everyone has commented on how well I look and how chirpy I seem...but I need to give gentle reminders that I'm still a way off. The new hairstyle is working wonders mind you..

Actually, I'm doing quite well at managing workloads but it still comes in. Things need to be done like a tender which has a one day deadline. Shite. But, I'm handling it..slowly but surely and hopefully all will be fine. I've got the perfect excuse if it isn't and I hope it works.

The thing that gets me is that I'm shattered yet can't settle at night. And I wake up early. Then am half asleep at work. Not the best combination but slow steps and some large tasks. Maybe I am getting there afterall.