Friday, June 30, 2006

Odds and Ends from Houston

Well, we made it without any problems to the good ole US of A. It feels great to be back. Can I just tell you what an experience it is to go to Walmart after being out of the country? I am always in a state of shock seeing the endless amount of options of every different type of product. Aisles of shampoos, soaps, crackers, canned beans, pool toys, salad dressings. I found a really nice toothpaste (Crest with tartar control AND Scope AND in this nifty little bottle instead of a tube) I had never seen before and some little Tootsie Roll bite things. Awesome!

As I left Latin America (well, sort-0f, I am just in Texas), it was as if all the progress I had made in becoming a true soccer fan just stayed there in Small Town. I was running through the mall, my head spinning with all of the Fourth of July sales, and I saw it: the Argentina vs. Germany game being shown on a kiosk television. I had totally forgotten about it. True to American form there were only 3 people gathered in front of the TV watching the overtime period and as I got closer I realized they weren't even Americans. They were Europeans.

So, congrats to No Cool Story; I know she is rooting for Germany. I have to say though, I will be cheering for Italy on Tuesday (that is if I remember to watch) and for Brazil for as long as they are in it.

Anyway, this little pre-vacation vacation is just what I needed after the stress of the last few weeks. I am staying with some great friends we made in Venezuela and they are taking such good care of us. And I got to hang out with Grammy for a bit today, and to meet Heather from One Woman's World for all of, hmmmm 2 1/2 minutes. She seemed just lovely.

And did I mention Walmart? I am going again first thing in the morning.

17 comments:

the lizness said...

Yay for USA Walmarts! glad you get to celebrate the 4th with us.

Millie said...

Me too, me too!

We have a lot of "old USSR" immigrants here... I remember hearing a story about one lady who went to one of our regular old supermarkets for the first time. The choices and the abundance were so overwhelming to her that she broke down in tears. It made me so grateful and so sorry for them at the same time, and so happy for all the little families who have finally made it here to the U.S.

Blackeyedsue said...

I will never walk down an isle in Walmart without thinking of you. We are awfully spoiled here, aren't we? Count our blessings.

Happy Independence Day to you!

Anonymous said...

I am counting the days until I once again get to explore Walmart USA! Have fun! Hope you catch the great fireworks in Houston.

Anonymous said...

Welcome to America!!! Have a great 4th

Super Happy Girl said...

¡Bienvenida a USA!
I was thinking about you today (in a very non-satlking way) wondering if you were out shopping at Target, enjoying the weekend sales :)

The first time I went inside an American store: I was asked to buy some bread; I stood there, looking at all the different brands you could buy, staring, thinking "which one?!?". It was an awesome moment.

Europeans watching soccer, rest of the world oblivious. Germany vs. Italy, may the cutest guys win ;-)

Enjoy your pre-vacation. Drink lots of good American milk!

Erickson Family said...

Congrats on making it back to the States! Just in time for the 4th which is a sad day to be in another country (it's just like any other day).

Wal-Mart is an American invention, but they are starting to spread. When I was in Merida, they had one there. It was huge. Had an underground parking garage.
!Imaginate!

Have a great vacation!

Nettie said...

Glad you arrived safely and are enjoying yourself!

We used to get newly immigrated Russian families in the apartments we managed during college days. My husband would take them grocery shopping because they wouldn't have a car. They always came back with all of his favorite brands, because they couldn't decide and would make him choose! We take so much for granted!

Gabriela said...

BOFF: yes, I am drinking LOTS of milk, and eating Frosted Mini Wheats until my heart's content.

Haven't hit Target yet, that's always big danger for my credit card. I am always afraid on these trips they are going to swipe it and it will intstantly burst into flames.

Handiemom: I have been to that Walmart and they are great for Mexico, but they still aren't the same as here.

Anonymous said...

Gabriela, the best part about Walmart is that you can feel satisfied just looking around and taking it all in. You don't need to feel pressured to take anything out of the store because it will still be there the next time you go. In fact, it might even be more fun to just take it all in like some kind of a free show, than to actually have the burden of carrying it out of the store. You can go back for free as many times as you want and look it all. What a country!

Gabriela said...

Fat chance Guapo! BTW, call me!

Deannna - Younique Presenter said...

The walmarts here in mexico are NOT the same. Selection here is an entire aisle of cooking oil, or tuna, but I still can't find brown sugar!!

So jealous you get to go to Target! I always bring a few extra suitcases to The US so I can bring stuff back.

I will think of you today while watching the game.

tell your hubby to fork over the credit card and go hog wild!!

momofalltrades said...

"left Latin America (well, sort-0f, I am just in Texas)"

ROFL

Wish you were closer, they have this place called "TARGET" where *gasp*, wouldn't you know it, row after row of EVEN MORE CHOICES! Ohhh, I know, SAM'S CLUB! That would blow your mind.....

LOL

I'm all done teasing you now. I've never been deprived of all our USA luxury and I still get excited over cool new toothpaste.

I just read Guapo's comment, and now I'm laughing even harder.

Have a great time! Relax, and enjoy your hubby's credit card! ;O)

Super Happy Girl said...

Guapo (hates his name) has some rather interesting views about what women-folk do at Wal-mart, like:
-getting satisfaction by just looking
-enjoying a free show (?)
-not burdening oneself by carying stuff out of the store
-going back to look at said stuff
Not so dear, not so.

Gabs, what happened to Brazil :(
Tuesday is going to be good.

Cheers with Frosted Mini Wheats!

Anonymous said...

I have never bee to USA ,
but you make it sound good
have a nice day :)

Erickson Family said...

Yes, it is true. There are many things in the USA that aren't available south of the border. Like rootbeer, Cherry Coke (what's up with that?), really good chocolate, etc. etc. (You can tell I crave all healthy things.)

And Guapo, come on! You have to buy it once you see it at Wal-Mart. Otherwise the next day it may be gone! Isn't that why they invented credit cards? :)

Grammy said...

You and Guapo crack me up. I remember the great "shopping extravaganza" trips we made when we lived down south. How many times can you buy "just 1 more suitcase" to take it all back home?

Have a GREAT vacation. It was wonderful to see you, even if only for a little while this time.