Mystified

While waiting around for the appliances to be delivered this AM, a very nice man came to the door to offer his roof repair services. His card was in Spanish, but he spoke English to me (and I to him). We chatted briefly and then I thanked him and told him I'd pass his card along to my dad. He added, at the end, that if we had any questions his partner speaks English. First of all, his English was just fine and we didn't have any trouble communicating, but as he left I was reminded how shocked I always am that people decide, on site, to speak English to me (even IN Mexico and Spain). My hair is brownish, as are my eyes (though I insist on calling them hazel), I could honestly be almost any ethnicity. How do people make that split-second decision that I won't understand them if they speak Spanish to me? Hmmm. I guess I must do/be something that screams gringa.

Misery

So we got into Phoenix this afternoon (after an arduous drive) to find a less than ideal situation. Someone broke in and took the stove and put some holes in the walls looking for copper pipes (stealing one piece that my dad can probably replace fairly easily). There are also items in the backyard (mattress and children's toys) that should not be there - not to mention the INSANE stockpile of buckets of paint on the back patio (anyone want house paint?) indicating that someone seemed to feel comfortable using our yard for storage. But the main problem is that the a/c isn't working (just blows around the hot air). So until the man comes out tomorrow AM (because it was 113F here today our home warranty provider considers it an emergency - which is good, 'cause I do too!) to fix the stupid thing we can't do much over there. So tomorrow we have to get up at the crack of dawn to try to get a few things done (locks changed, curtains/blinds measured for, etc.) before it gets too hot (simultaneously crossing our fingers that the a/c man can get it working QUICKLY). Until then, we are stuck in Motel 6. To add to my own misery I have (on both arms, but worse on the left) the ragingly itchy sunburn/bumpy rash that my (literal) allergy to sunlight causes. Its torture! I also have 3 mosquito bites and the right shoulder of an 85 year old. I frequently feel like I'm still moving when I'm not, see the highway every time I shut my eyes, and I keep hearing the ringing of my bluetooth even though it's been out of my ear for hours now. And ... I'm totally suffering internet withdrawal (posting this from my Blackberry). But we're here and that's what counts! :)