Posts

Recreating myself and letting go

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I recently had an epiphany that has greatly altered how I see myself.  I am going to do my best to put into words that realization and what it means for me moving forward. After teaching in public schools in San Diego for 15 years as a math teacher, we made the choice to submit our leave of absences and move to Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico.  For many, the decision seemed abrupt and irrational but not for me.  After strugglng through Covid and watching politics invade public education, I knew the future was bleak, at least for me and my happiness.  People who know little about what happens in the classroom were on television making wild claims and accusations that were far from the truth.  It was too big of a battle for me and I knew I would be misearable moving forward.  While I am speaking for myself, my wife, Tracy, was sharing similar fears.  So our decision was very well vetted and thought out and our kids were also driving forces in the decision.  We packed our bags, sold almost ev

Our Experience with Public Schools in Bahia Asuncion, Mexico

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One of the most asked questions about our decision to move to Mexico was if we were going to homeschool Mikayla and Gabriel.  After all, Tracy and I have been successful teachers for many years.  Well, we decided to make a video and share our thoughts and experiences after a few years living here.  Gabriel also has some great perspectives as well.  I hope you enjoy!

Fish or Shrimp Tacos-Tacos Don Ramon delievers awesome tacos!

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 We recently had the opportunity to sit down with the founder of Tacos Don Ramon here in Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico.  He explained why he decided to open a taqueria selling fish in a village of fisherman.  Now after 14 years, he is as busy as ever.  Enjoy the interview

"Pro-tips" and Mexicali Desert Trail 30k Trail run with Gabriel

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Pro-tips are a fun way for us to share little nuggets of information with each other.  I decided on this trip to Mexicali to share some of my tips for driving on Baja Mexico Highway 1 with Gabriel.  He is now 15 and will be driving soon.  In fact, Grandpa Gary spent a great deal of time on his recent visit teaching both kids to drive. Now in no way am I saying that I am an expert or that my knowledge is supreme.  But I've been driving in Baja for 38 plus years.  And over the past three years, I've been making the trip north almost once a month.  So I figured, it was time to share some of my wisdom nuggets with Gabriel.  We thought it might be fun to make a video and share it with others as well.   I recently bought a Go Pro 12 as I've wanted to tell our story with more than just words and pictures.  I started a YouTube channel  The Adventures of Famila Bajaboy  years ago mainly as a repository for our family videos.  But at the urging of our good friend, Anita, I've dec

Morning walk around town after an evening of rain

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 One of my favorite ways to start the day is by taking a walk around town.  Tracy and I try and walk anywhere from 3 to 5 miles depending on our time constraints.  This morning we had time to walk around three miles. While our route varies, some things are always the same.   We can always count on mostly nice dogs along the way, a lot of waves and smiles from friends and strangers, and plenty of things to look at.  In addition, Tracy and I have good conversations during our walks.  In fact, we hatch up most of our crazy ideas while walking, hiking, riding, or running.   This morning was especially beautiful as we had a nice, steady rain last night.  The air was crisp but not cold and everything seemed relatively clean.  If all goes well, we might even get out for another walk after Tracy's first class of the day. In addition to writing about our adventures, I plan on posting more videos on our YouTube channel.  I hope you suscribe and follow us along on our journey.   https://www.y

Another brewtiful day!

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  I have been drinking craft beer for most of my adult life.  It was Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, still one of my favorites, or St. Stans IPA that started it for me almost 25 years ago.  I lived in Fresno, California back when I started drinking beer and back then the craft beer scene was non-existent.  But we did have some decent options at the liquor store.  Some of my early beers that I remember were Liberty Brewing, Russian River, and Stone Brewing. Over the years, I found myself gravitating towards pale ales and India Pale Ales.  I never considered myself a beer geek and still don't to this day.  I do love hanging out with friends and enjoying a good beer, though, whether it's at home, camping, at the beach, brewery, or dive bar.  Hands down, it's one of my favorite activities. So when we started seriously considering moving to Mexico full time, I knew that I needed to learn how to brew beer.  Now don't get me wrong, there is a thriving brewery scene happening in Mexico

Hello world!

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I have always enjoyed early morning hours but things are amplified in our village.  The roosters start the show followed soon after by the fishermen in their loud trucks and cars heading off to the boat launch.  Soon after, the sounds of seagulls, dogs, a passing motorcycle and kids heading off to school starts to fill the air.  It's loud but peaceful and welcoming.  The school bell rings and then it's time for me to head up to my office to begin my work. Most days, I sip my coffee and read emails.  I follow things up by getting math lessons ready for sessions I have with students later in the day.  I really don't like the feeling of being uprepared as it causes undue stress.  I'm trying to write more often and soon hope to make this a daily habit.   Before I know it, I need to head downstairs and get brunch started for Tracy and Gabriel.  It's a straight-forward and simple life but rich and rewarding.  Cheers to all the village voices each morning!