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The Focus On Mexico Newsletter Team

The “Out of Focus” Group, and How We Got That Way!

By Toni St. Martin

Editor’s Note: Our October 2008 Focus On Mexico group was a very unique group that we all enjoyed every much. They were the first group ever to come up with a special name. This is one participant’s story about how that came about.

Here’s is my version of how we came up with our name "out of focus." At least this is what I can remember.

I think it was Marie who had mentioned another group you had on your Focus on Mexico program that formed a special bond like our group did. They called themselves "full of mirth," representing their bond and representing the initials FOM for Focus on Mexico. (April 2007 program!) Marie had mentioned that we should come up with a name for our group since we had formed such close relationships and bonded so well together.

It all started on Sunday evening on our bus ride home from dinner. It was Karen that said we should all just go back to the hotel and get a good night’s sleep to get ready for our Focus on Mexico classes on Monday. I think it was that "twinkle" in her eye that made us all think…yeah right ! So off the bus we go into the hotel with Dave (St. Martin) leading the pack, and down to the bar we went for some "extra credit" as we like to call it.

We decided to have our own "University at the Bar" classes to get to know each other better. And that we did, telling stories that made us laugh so hard that our sides and faces hurt from laughing so much. We had some pretty good stories about our various experiences in life. These extra credit classes were the perfect opportunity and brought us together to form a very unique bond.

That’s when we decided we should come up with a special name for such a special group. For several evenings, we each threw out some names that we liked. And------one by one, it was nay, nah, umm, until one night Steve Meza blurted out, "how about Out of Focus?" Wow…unanimously we all agreed that would be the perfect name for us. Then Toni commented, “That's a very good name, because, given our ‘extra credit’ activities, we certainly aren't "in focus ! ! !" and then we laughed some more.

And, now you also know the ‘rest of the story’…why some of us were "yawning" at our morning Focus on Mexico classes. It was all those extra credit classes we were taking at night. It was all so worth it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


As you can see, this was a very entertaining group, and we will never forget you.


To see the memories of this group, click here...

How Not to Quit Smoking...

By Steve and Sally Meza

Would you associate quitting smoking with potatoes?? Well, Fred Peters of our Out of Focus group would.

One night at one of our "Out of Focus" at the bar sessions, which were held every night after that day's events, our group was talking about the wonderful food we'd eaten, the beautiful weather, and the Focus program in general, when the subject of smoking was brought up. This got everyone talking about their smoking habits and various attempts to quit

After several stories about failures and successes made the rounds, Wendy proceeded to tell the story of Fred's attempt to quit.

As the story goes, Fred decided to quit smoking. He paid a visit to his doctor who had read an article about patients being treated for depression who had successfully quit smoking. These patients were taking a drug called Wellbutrin. The doctor read that some of these patients were also able to quit smoking as a result of taking the drug.

He suggested to Fred that he start taking Wellbutrin to quit smoking. Well, Fred gave it a try, but noticed pretty early on that he was having some pretty bad symptoms, such as nightmares, anxiety and nervousness.

It all came to a head one night at dinner. Wendy and Fred were eating their meal, when Fred scooped up some small potatoes onto his fork and they promptly rolled off onto the floor. This triggered an emotional outburst from Fred, whereupon he burst out crying and asked Wendy, "Are you going to leave me?"

Wendy decided then and there that Fred should promptly stop taking Wellbutrin. By this point in the story, we were all practically rolling on the floor with laughter.

At our trip to the Ajijic tianguis later that week, Dave and Toni brilliantly decided to buy potatoes for all of us to present to Fred at our next dinner.

Dave handed us all potatoes when we arrived at Manix and when Fred and Wendy got up to dance, we filled his plate with potatoes. Upon returning to their seats, Fred saw that his plate was piled high with potatoes. Everybody again roared with laughter.And then if that wasn't enough, Wendy decided to use some of the potatoes to enhance some upper body parts.

YES WENDY, WE ALL HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE IT !!!

Everybody again roared with laughter.

I think I speak for all of us when I say, "I'll never look at potatoes the same way again."


To see more memories of this group, click here...

A Golden Day in Lake Chapala Mexico

by Kristina Morgan

Thursday, the day we spend with Lloyd Ajijic Real Estate, has become one of my favorite days on the Focus program. And our September program was no exception….but this time the experience exceeded even my expectations. What fun!

When we arrive at Omar O'Rourke's beautiful estate, everyone noticed what a gorgeous place it is and I'm sure we all thought we could tough it out and live there! Mela always decorates the tables so creatively and this time was no exception. This time, however, her napkins brought an unexpected element of fun to the day. Mela chose colorful bandanas and had then tucked in place with a clothespin.

After a margarita or two (who's counting?!) everyone was wearing Mela's napkins on their heads in a roguish fashion! Even Omar joined in the fun and we all looked a little like hippies, gypsies and pirates.

When Vivienne started to play the guitar and sing Proud Mary with the Mariachis group backing her up, many of us were on our feet and dancing and singing along. Vivienne, you did a great job on the guitar! If you hadn't told me it's been a while since you played, I would have never known. That was GREAT. This was such a fun group and that was the best time I've ever had at Omar's house.

Later that night, we went to dinner at La Tasca on the lake. They have a reputation for some of the best live music available in Lakeside and I am not just saying that because my husband, Joel, is in the TallBoys and plays there---well, maybe just a little bit but who could blame me? Anyway, that Thursday night was magical with Roberto Cerda and Jimmy Barto on vocals and trumpet. When Jimmy sings he does an excellent Jimmy Durante impression. Everyone was marveling that there was such world-class music right here in Ajijic. It sounded like we were enjoying famous musicians on Bourbon Street in New Orleans way back when. If you have the chance to hear Jimmy and Roberto play---don't miss it! (Kathy, we did get video of this so you can prove to your friends in Texas that we really do have it going on down here in "Podunk Town, Mexico!" J)

Those of you who were there that night saw Neill on the bongo drums and were duly impressed. Neill looked completely happy and in his element as a part of the band and a number of times when Neill stood up to stop playing Jimmy and the Roberto told him to sit back down and continue! Neill is an excellent drummer and fit right in. Neill, I think you have yourself a job! Ray even got up and sang the Sheik of Ajijic with Roberto and joined in on the fun with Neill on bongos. What a great night! *sigh* This is what makes my job so much fun---meeting people like all of you and sharing my Mexico! Thanks for dancing with me, Irene and Karen! All of you made it a very special day. Thank you!

The cherry on my "golden memory day" was Gustavo doing his gaucho-style bolas. Great balls of fire!---he even caught his chaps on fire. I will refrain from being too corny and saying anything about him "chapping his hide." ;) It was an excellent show, and an excellent day.

Come back and let's do this again!

I call that a Golden Memory Day.

Click here to see the memories and pictures of the September 13 thru 20, 2008 Program group..

Ana Gets her Just Desserts…

Okay…how many of you out there have been ‘mordida-ed’ by Ana? We’ve all had our share as any of you who have looked at the program pictures know. I’m sure there are participants who have come on our program and NOT let us know it was their birthday.

Well…we now have a movie of Ana’s birthday that will surprise and delight you. And the nice part about it, it made Ana laugh harder than anyone else. She just loved it. There are those of us who were just made for the Mexican way of life…mordida, confetti, piñatas and all!

Just in case there some of you out there who have not been fortunate enough to experience the mordida, Click here for our blog on the subject...

Just to give it to you briefly, however: At birthday celebrations, once assembled guests finish singing the lovely words of the traditional song, "Las Mananitas"…

Estas son Las manañitas
(These are the morning songs)

que cantaba el Rey David.
(that King David sang.)

Hoy por ser día de tu santo
(For today to be the day of your saint)

te las cantamos así.
(we sing to you like this.)

Despierta, mi bien, despierta!
(Wake up, my dear. Wake up!)

Mira que ya amaneció.
(See that it is already dawn...)

Qué linda está la mañana en que vengo a saludarte...
(How beautiful is the morning in which I come to greet you...)

…and the candles have been extinguished, the guests begin chanting "Mordida, Mordida, Mordida!" (Little bite, little bite, little bite!)

For NOBs (north of the border), unused to Mexican tradition, it's the unexpected "face in the cake" moment. The guest of honor is obliged to take the first bite of cake without using utensils or their hands---just leaning down to take a bite out of the cake. Then, usually, strategically positioned behind the honoree is someone else ready to slam their face into the cake when they lean down. It also usually means that is how big of a piece of cake you get to eat too...that part seems obvious to me! No, thank you...no face cake for me please!

Click here for the video of Ana getting her just desserts... Note: The movie may take a bit to download as we wanted you to enjoy the event. In addition, we would like to remind you that the movie is in a flash format. If you do not have the flash player, scroll down and get the player for free.

As you will see from the video, many people stood in line to “honor” Ana in her moment. And, I hate to say it, but you will see Bill add the final insult. It wasn’t until Ana saw the video, however, that she realized her niece was the first to jump into the fray. That was a funny moment!

Those of you who have experienced this wonderful event, please feel free to add your comment to this blog. I’m sure Ana will be happy to hear from you.

And, even if you haven’t, feel free to add a birthday wish or two for her. I’m sure she would love to hear from you.

Click here to see more pictures of Ana's Birthday party …


NOTE: These movies are in Flash Format, If you do not have a flash reader, click button below for a free copy of the reader:

I bit off more than I could chew (literally)

But I have a happy ending…

I love muffins and I have a wonderful “Alive” cookbook called “Fantastic Flax” where I found my favorite Muffin of all time “Flax Muffins with Chocolate Chips” (only I use Carob chips).

A few days ago I lovingly made myself a batch. This morning I poured myself a cup of green tea, got out a beautiful muffin and came up on the terrace to enjoy the view while I savored my treat. Two bites later I bit into my crown which had somehow come unglued.

It is 1 p.m. on Saturday and I race for the phone and call Dr. Haro, my dentist. The receptionist (who is also a dentist) tells me they close at 1 p.m. and Dr. Haro is just finishing with a patient, then he is driving back to Guadalajara.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m not really good at taking NO for an answer. So in my most persuasive tone I tell her that I am going to Ana’s birthday party in a couple of hours and I really must be wearing all my teeth. I said “I have my purse and keys in my hand and can be there in five minutes.” She tells me to wait while she checks with Dr. Haro and then tells me to rush right over.

In by 1:05; out by 1:30 p.m., my emergency appointment goes well. Instead of just re-cementing the tooth in place, they notice it is a little higher than the other teeth which would put extra stress on it so they filed it down to match and then gave me a quick cleaning and polish. Then they send my off to my party, all teeth back where they belong. Thank you Dr. Haro.
To drum up future business for Dr. Haro (for those of you that are here on the lakeside or when you visit or return), I’m going to share this favorite healthy muffin recipe with you.

Flax Muffins with Chocolate Chips
Muffins are an American mainstay, but here is a recipe with an Old World twist.

1/2 cup whole flax seeds
1-1/2 cups (375 ml) kefir or buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup flax meal
1/2 cup dried cane sugar, e.g., Sucanat or Rapadura
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 eggs
1/4 cup (60 ml) almond oil or melted butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Soak whole flax seeds in kefir for 2 hoursPreheat oven to 380 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix flour, flax meal, dried cane sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and combine with almond oil, vanilla and kefir-soaked flax seeds. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently stir until smooth. Finally, fold in chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into 16 medium muffin cups so that they are no more than 3/4 full, and bake for 20 minutes.

Let sit on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

NOTE: I have made a few changes to the recipe:
1) Instead of chocolate chips, I use carob chips
2) Instead of cane sugar, I use Agave Nectar and slightly reduce the quantity
3) I add a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
4) I also add 4 or 5 pieces of crystallized ginger cut in small pieces

Enjoy!
Marie Dwyer-Bullock

A Light Show to Die For!

During this past program, after dinner on Sunday, June 15, at La Tasca, we were treated to a spectacular light performance by a young man who certainly had a way with neon and leather! The fact that his artistry was accompanied by the wonderful classical guitar music of Robert Cerda made it a very special night indeed.

If you want to see his moves, click here... (Note: it may take a little bit to dowload and start playing)

Also, our own Paul Scherer immediately volunteered to help out during part of the show. He was pretty darn good. I'm sure if I had been doing what he was doing, someone would definitely have gotten hurt...probably me!

If you want to see that movie, click here... (Note: it may take a little bit to dowload and start playing)

Lastly, Paul showed some cool nerves as the young man knocked a cigarette right out of Paul's mouth.

Although it is a little dark (they wouldn't let me use a light), click here to see the daring action... (Note: it may take a little bit to dowload and start playing)

NOTE: These movies are in Flash Format, If you do not have a flash reader, click button below for a free copy of the reader:



Enjoy the movies!

Viva Tequila

That Julie Eihausen must have the inside scoop on what to order. While lunching at El Adobe in Tlaquepaque, she ordered a shot of tequila, and this is how it showed up.

The sphere of glass contains ice and water with a lime for decoration. The triangular glass Julie's holding comes full of tequila...that way the tequila is kept cold while you're drinking it.

You know…I’ve heard tequila should never be chilled, but here’s what others say:

Tequila is a fine and complex liquor and as such it must be sipped slowly. It should be served at room temperature, although some like it ice cold. Traditionally most people serve it in a "caballito", a 2 oz glass made exclusively for this purpose. Blanco and Reposado may be accompanied by "sangrita" made of tomato and orange juice with salt and chile. Añejo is preferably served in a snifter so that the aroma is fully appreciated. The tequila shot with lime and salt is Hollywood stuff and few people drink it that way. However, some people do put some lime juice in the tequila or bite the lime before sipping it. Life is, after all, a matter of taste.

There is no "right" way to drink tequila, but any spirit is best appreciated first on its own merits, without accompaniment.

Sip it. Forget about the lime and the salt and the margarita mix. Don't even add ice. If you want to taste it, drink it neat first, so you can savor it.

Some people like it served cold, especially the blanco variety. And, personally, I would only drink blanco cold. To me, blanco should only be used in a Margarita or drunk ice cold !It’s not what I would consider a sipping tequila at all…so I’m really surprised a tequila connoisseur would even suggest it!

With regard to reposado and añejo, sip the premium tequila slowly and gently, to enjoy the aroma, the body and the taste. Taste it as you would a fine wine. Life is really too short to miss out on enjoying it properly. I am a tequila-holic…I admit it!

And if you must do shooters, the proper order of the traditional method of drinking tequila is salt-tequila-lime: lick, sip, bite...

For the rest of the stoy click here ...

And for more pictures of this groups memories, click here...

Promoting Jalisco and our beautiful Chapala

TV Azteca, founded in 1993 is the second TV Company in Mexico behind Televisa. This company features Soap Operas, News, Sports, and Music and Entertaining. During the past few months, TV Azteca has been promoting the state of Jalisco following Televisa’s lead promoting Tequila, Guadalajara City and even Chapala, with its successful soap operas “Destilando Amor” and “Las Tontas no van al Cielo.” And this is why we’re having a lot of opportunities to see TV Azteca doing these kind of events throughout the state of Jalisco.

We also felt very proud to see that the Secretary of Public Education, along with the State Government of Jalisco, has a campaign running for adults who didn’t have a chance to finish school when they were young, to take their exams for free and get their school documents. The slogan was “Porque nunca es tarde para mejorar tu vida, termina tu primaria y secundaria” which means “Because it is never late to improve your life, come and finish your primary and secondary school.”

Besides, the government was also promoting free studies for adults who didn’t have a chance to attend school for any other reason.

There were a lot of people writing exams and filling forms to get their documents in order to have a chance to find better jobs and opportunities. Hurray for Jalisco’s Government, they always seem to look after the well-being of their people.

Celebrating a Happy Birthday at Hospicio Cabañas

One of our participants had a chance to share a Happy Birthday with a lovely girl who dressed up along with her mother and aunt to have her father take her some pictures for her 18th birthday. At first, we all thought these ladies were famous models or something, but at the end lovely Elia and her family were very happy to share this moment with us.
So, this was our tour of the Plaza Tapatía, I hope you have a chance to join us very soon.


For more pictures and memories of our April 19 thru 26, 2008 program, click here...