Saturday, July 05, 2008
Querida Enemiga – Friday July 4, 2008 - Spy vs. Spy Pays Off
Happy 4th of July, everyone! We had an indoor “picnic” for some of our friends from Mexico, who have lived here less than two years. They enjoyed hamburgers cooked on the grill with cheese, tomatoes, the works, Boston baked beans (made from scratch), potato salad (also from scratch), tossed salad, and cake with ice cream. I am pretty sure they think this July 4th holiday thing is a good idea. (They also told us that many Mexicans, especially in rural areas, don’t celebrate their Independence Day the way we all do here, although there are some Mexicans—especially in the big cities, who celebrate more). I guess it was a cultural exchange.
Thanks again to JudyB who stepped in at the 11th hour last week. We have power back but there are some folks not far from here (less than 50 miles) who still are having problems, even though crews have come from other states to help.
And now for tonight’s feature!
Instant (not) replay from Thursday: Sara the computer wizard steals secret company information from a competitor’s computer with no password access whatsoever required. It takes her all of 29 seconds. So, to answer Snortensia’s question yesterday as to whether or not Sara can do industrial espionage, apparently yes.
Snortensia, who always flies first class, doesn’t like the menus Jaime has proposed because there’s no difference from the business class menus. Jaime patiently informs her the bottom line is at stake here. Better first class food, less profit. It’s simple, she tells him, be more creative and find better food for lower costs. Sara busts in [figuratively speaking] and blurts out that she has all the poop on the competition. Jaime can’t believe she stole their proposal and Snortensia is downright jubilant. They can develop a better proposal now that they have the competition’s. Jacqui plays dumb redhead. Whoops, she’s not playing. Snortensia tells them to get to work with what Sara’s brought. Sara gives Snortensia a high fructose smile.
Zulema and Company—two of her three hijos, [unbeknownst to her], plan menu items: Crema de Chícharro, Crema de Frijól, Chile Relleños…..the trio stops for a drool—great menu. They’re happy with the choices so far. Lorena hands her list to Zulema. “Crema de Calabaza, Arroz a la Mexicana, Puntas de Filete en Huajullo, Chayotes al Vapor y de Postre Capilodota. Zulema is exited—very tasty and well balanced—what, Lorena knows nutrition, too? More or less, Lorena smiles humbly. They tried to keep meals balanced and costs reasonable in the orphanage. Julián sees a lull and excuses himself to make a little snack, which would have occurred to me after they read menu list if I hadn’t celebrated Independence Day too much already.
Jaime and Sara plug away at the new numbers. Jaime’s worried about the costs of fish and shellfish, because theirs is higher than the competition’s. Sara tells him to quote them at cost (precio de costo - cost-price; a precio de coste - at cost price )and a little indignantly, Jaime tells her they’ve never done that before. She reminds him they’re talking millions here and they can make it up on other items. Jaime gives her an uneasy look.
At Zulema’s table, the menu-fest plays on. She stops and tells the hijos that they really need a bit of capital to get a good start—they need larger pots (ollas), some really good containers (recipientes) to keep foods, and others for deliveries. Julián offers his favorite solution for money—ask Dad. Zulema sighs—they live from paycheck to paycheck. Wait! She can get 5K pesos (5,000.00 MXN=483.802 USD) from the kitty (tanda – kitty or pool, there weren’t very good definitions in any of my 12 dictionaries for this so if anyone has a better idea, let us know). She’ll ask for an advance. Lorena changes the subject—she needs Monday off because of the test for the cooking school. Zulema would have loved to study there. She asks if it’s expensive. Yep, but with the scholarship, all I have to do is pass the test. Zulema is sure it’s a done deal and congratulates Lorena [calling her “hijita” and little does she know!] Lorena will be a premier chef for the business. Julián just nods in agreement so he won’t have to talk with his mouth full.
Rosi thinks it’s a great idea for Lorena to try and find out about her parents. Apparently she and Maruja are getting along better—Maruja even has her arm draped around Rosi. Lorena’s wanted to know ever since Sara found her family. [Ed. Note: The grammar of that last sentence is important, folks. Sara found HER family. Lorena’s. I’m just saying.] Rosi tosses off a minor insult about Sara and the witch (Snortensia) and Maruja reminds Lorena that she has a family – of the heart, anyway. Group hug, Maruja sandwich. Well, they hope Lorena gets a clue on her trip. So do we, a clue about Sara, that is. Lorena goes off to let Sara know she’s going to their hometown and Maruja and Rosi plop together on the sofa, arms around each other. That’s powerful therapy Don Toribio is doing.
Jaime’s eyes are crossing. He’s wiped out. He’s got visions of carrots and broccoli dancing in his head. Sara wants to keep working and Jaime tells her it can wait, but Snortensia comes in to join the party and they’re in for the long haul. They’ll finish if it takes till dawn, Sara assures her. Snortensia’s going home to rest, but she imagines he’ll stay with Sara? Jaime, the Good Son, tells her sure. Sara volunteers to save the day [okay, the night] and finish it. How can she think that? Snortensia tells her that Jaime has the experience, he’s staying. So, Jaime is committed. Once Big Mama is out the door, though, in less than 60 seconds Sara has him convinced to go sleep. He goes, and she takes over the computer, but gets interrupted right away by a call. From Lorena. She looks at who’s calling, sneers and ignores it.
Diana asks Julián to guess who she’s met at work? None other than Omar’s nephew, Vasco! Julián knows Vasco, too, from when they went bowling with Rosy—he’s a friend of Lorena’s. The siblings compare notes. They both think Vasco’s got good vibes. They both guess it might be sad for him to live in that family, and it might be better to say nothing to Vasco about what they know about his family. The topic turns to Bruno, who in turn turns our stomachs. What happened to the boyfriend? Nothing, there is no boyfriend. Julián says that’s probably better, because any guy who doesn’t want to know your family isn’t worth it. They say goodnight and Julián goes off to bed. Diana talks to the baby, caressing her stomach. What’s she going to do when folks begin to notice her tummy’s increasing?
Sara muses as she watches Jaime sleep that it’s better he sleeps now because he won’t sleep at all with her work tomorrow. The phone rings—it’s Lorena again—and Sara sneers. She’s not wasting her time with Lorena. All night Sara works, prints, tears up pages and tosses them, downloads pictures from the internet and compares to pictures in books….Finally she’s very pleased with herself as she holds a page with pie charts and figures in full living color.
Early the next day Alonso and Lorena head for San Martín. What a shame Lorena couldn’t get in touch with Sara to tell Sara they were going to the hometown. [Ed. Note: It’s a matter of perspective. Some of us think you are probably better off not getting in touch with her.] She can’t call again because there’s no signal where they are. Lorena is excited to see the nuns and the kids; it seems like a century since she left there. Alonso takes his hand off the wheel, reaches over and strokes her cheek [what’s that new research about distractions while driving? This one’s major—one hand on the wheels and eyes on Lorena. Tsk.] She thanks him for going with her and he thanks her for allowing him to share the trip. He wants to see every corner of where she grew up. They’ll take lots of photos—yep, with every one of the nuns.
Jaime wakes up, taken aback by how long he slept. Why didn’t she wake him up? He was sooooo tired. With a super syrupy smile and décolletage that will be diverting for Ferro, she advises Jaime she’s finished it. Does he want to take a look? She motions at the computer. The sun shines behind him in the window and folks are coming down the halls; he scolds her for letting him sleep so long and she just smiles sweetly and tells him to check it out. Astonished, he surveys the project over her shoulder. He has to acknowledge that she’s efficient. Any changes? Nope, it’s perfect. Concrete, precise and ready to present. Congrats! Jaime’s going for a bath and he’ll be back. He advises Sara to do the same. But no, she’s perfecting it a bit. More colors….illustrations (láminas). Okay, later. He goes and Sara tells the computer that even that idiot Jaime will be respecting her.
Alonso and Lorena are stopped for gas and an oil check. He wonders if she wants something from the convenience store. Sure, water, please. He goes for it and she gets a signal on the phone. Sara answers and tells Lorena she had a lot of work, that’s why she didn’t answer before. Lorena cheerfully tells her about the little trip to San Martín. She’s been thinking about what happened to Sara, and wants to learn about her family. Sara goes ballistic. Why is she wasting her time? Nobody knows ANYthing. Only Madre Asuncion knew and she’s dead! Lorena gently points out that everyone in the orphanage has an origin, a history. Someone will know something. Sara tells her not to go. Lorena is puzzled—why is Sara saying this? Does Sara know something about Lorena’s origin? Sara begins to look a little panicky. She moves the phone away.
Diana hops out of a taxi stopped in heavy traffic and notices Bruno in the car behind her. She calls his name. He ignores her and drives on—and we all know he heard her because his windows are wide open. She watches him drive away and swallows, with a sad face.
Lorena pushes Sara. What’s up with not wanting Lorena to go to the town? Sara doesn’t want her frustrated. She’ll be sad and won’t find anything. [For sure, since Sara has your file, Lorena, with the faked letter in it about you being found in the dumpster]. Well, they’re on the way, and Alonso is along. Too late to turn back. Sure, fine, glad he’s with you for when you get all depressed. Lorena points out that she’s excited to see the nuns and the kids, whom she misses. Fine, great, give them all my greetings. Silence. Lorena is stunned by Sara’s hissy. Sara curses and slaps down her phone. The door opens and Sara’s alter ego sits up straight and smiles at Aunty/Abuela Snortensia. What, she didn’t sleep? Nope, but looky here, it was worth the trouble! It’s done! And by the way, could we get a big screen (pantalla)? Snortensia sits to review the presentation. Snortensia wants gopher Jacqui to take care of the screen—the presentation is in an hour. Snortensia points out that Sara can’t present like that—wearing YESTERDAY’S clothes, for pity’s sake [okay, she didn’t say it exactly like that but it’s what she meant]. Sara has no time to change! No problem, Gopher Jacqui will give up her suit jacket for the cause. Me? Yes, you. You’re not making the presentation, Sara is. Sara gives Jacqui her best aspartame-infused smile and thanks her. She’ll take good care of the jacket. Sara goes to freshen up and Jacqui fumes.
Diana is at her desk in the reception area when Vasco arrives—she is uniformed, and he wears a goofy English t-shirt that advised the reader “Don’t Think Too Much” with a picture of a goat on it. Vasco greets Diana and notices her wiping tears off. What’s wrong? Can I help? She assures him it’s nothing and he presses. He doesn’t want to be indiscreet, but if she needs someone to unload on, he’s there for her. She appreciates it but wants to be alone. Vasco gently says his goodbye, very understanding, and leaves a miserable Diana to her own thoughts.
Sara does a lot of talking to herself. At least it’s not D. F. and country slang. Right now, she’s worrying into the ladies’ room mirror that it’s risky with Lorena going back to their hometown. Uh-oh, Chalo! [Ed. Note: Interesting how Jacqui’s jacket fits her so perfectly, even with an empire dress from yesterday.] Chalo is mellow, but mildly scolds because she never calls. Sara gives him the scoop—Lorena’s on the way and she wants the 411 about her family! Chalo chuckles. She tells him to be on the alert. Chalo wants to know why her knickers are in a knot—Madre Asunción is dead and no one else knows a thing. Yeah, yeah, but we don’t know for sure that there isn’t someone else with some of the info. Someone might know more than they’ve told. Sara fusses at him to glue himself to Lorena and the boyfriend to find out what he can.
Snortensia greets the potential client, Mr. Jones [captioned “John,”] and makes introductions. Sara says his name perfectly in English. He wonders about the snack—is it part of the menu her company is offering? No, it’s in his honor. He says it looks wonderful and Snortensia remarks that every good dish begins with a good look and ends with a good taste. Jacqui stands behind Snortensia looking very cold without a jacket. In fact, she’s the only one in the room with no jacket, which makes her NOT a businesswoman, of course. Jaime chimes in that if it’s accompanied with a good wine, it’s even better. They sit for the heavy stuff.
Vasco doesn’t give up. He finds Diana still glum, but since he’s behind her, he doesn’t notice and asks if she’s better. When he lived in London, he continues, it always made him less tense if he could walk and he lived near a park where he could walk. Diana has never left Mexico. What’s London like? Lovely. There are enormous parks all over the place. He describes all the things that happen in the parks, especially in summer. In one of the parks, there are lectures and that was where he heard about earth and climate issues. Diana smiles; it sounds lovely. Vasco loves her smile and wants to see her smile ALWAYS. She sadly remarks that she wishes she had his optimism, but sometimes things aren’t so simple. Is it something that has no solution? No-yes, it has one. Vasco questions her—but it won’t be easily reached? Diana doesn’t want to discuss it any more. Vasco sighs and shrugs.
Sara is in her element, showing her proposal with all its glorious colors and illustrations and numbers. The key is the quality of the ingredients. She explains the plan in first class, and business class, with imported wines, and a simpler, yet still gourmet menu in coach class, with domestic wines that are still good ones. Mr. Jones is impressed with the menu selections for his airline, plus the attractive prices. Snortensia cuts to the chase—when do we sign on the dotted line? Mr. Jones has to study the proposal of another company and will have an answer later in the afternoon. Sara gives him a binder with the proposal for his review. They say their farewells and Snortensia sighs in triumph as Mr. Jones leaves. Could her grin be any bigger? Could Jaime’s? Sara walks back to where she was presenting, and Snortensia exults—I think we have it! You did well, Sara, and impressed me! Why don’t you go rest and come back in the afternoon? Sara agrees, she didn’t sleep all night. Snortensia reminds her it was worth the trouble. Sara sneers at Jacqui on the way out, not even offering her jacket back to the poor thing. Jacqui gives her a saccharine half-smile/half-grimace. Snortensia congratulates Jaime on his teamwork with Sara and wonders if he doesn’t want to sleep, too. He assures her he’s fine – but doesn’t ‘fess up that he slept all night. Snortensia notices finally that he’s pretty fresh, not like he worked all night. Jaime smiles tightly. Snortensia notes that Sara works well under pressure and she’s a smart cookie. She tells Jacqui to take more care with her work. Jacqui, who has been busying herself with tidying up, spins around to stare as Snortensia points out that Sara could displace her any time now.
Lorena is excited to see the pretty little city again and points out things to Alonso—the tile roofs, the pretty street and houses. He’s glad to see her so excited. Lorena thinks the air is better here—it’s familiar. She tells him the directions as they drive through the quaint town. Then we hear her call out, and see her throw herself at a little nun who is coming into the orphanage with another nun. They are thrilled to see their Lorena there. How come she’s shown up without advance warning? She was dying to see them, she says apologetically. [Ed. Note: it’s not like they’ll be out of town on business or anything, and all those kids left with a sitter.] Lorena gives Alonso a little hug from the side, and Madre Trinidad notices Alonso. She gives him the once over. Close up. He introduces himself—Lorena has told him a lot about them. Madre Trinidad hopes Lorena’s spoken well of them. Way more than well. Lorena adores them and remembers them with such care, he tells them. No more than the nuns adore her! She left a huge hole in their hearts, only surpassed by the hole she left in their stomachs. Lorena laments that the Madre Asuncion has passed away, but Madre Trinidad is sure that she’s watching them from Heaven, and is just as happy as the nuns are that Lorena has come home. Lorena smiles shyly, holding Alonso’s arm, while Alonso watches her fondly.
Jaime and Snortensia are on tenterhooks, waiting for the reply from the airline. How could they be so long? Snortensia is convinced that when they compare the two proposals, her company’s is superior. Jaime points out that Sara stole the competition’s proposal. Whose side is he on, anyway? All’s fair in love and war. The phone rings. Snortensia snaps at the operator to pass the call and gets all silky for Mr. Jones. What’s their reply? Apparently it’s a yes, because she assures him he won’t be sorry and that the prestige of his airline will be complemented by the prestige of her company. Jaime beams. Snortensia says they’ll be glad to sign the contract whenever Mr. Jones says, and thanks him as they sign off. It’s all thanks to brilliant Sara, and please take note, she has my blood.
Lorena takes Alonso by the hand and drags him through the courtyard of the orphanage, showing him the play yard, and the trees she used to climb, while the nun notes that she climbed them but fell out, too. She was happy, Lorena assures them. Suddenly hand cover her eyes. Who is it? Guess! Lorena doesn’t know. Chalo lets her head go and she turns – doesn’t she remember him? Chalo. Lorena is not overly thrilled to be greeted with the guessing game, it seems. He gives her a giant hug, and the nuns exchange irritated looks, while Alonso looks downright alarmed as Chalo claims she cannot know how much he’s missed her.
Lorena asks how he’s been, and Chalo says he’s been missing her, this place isn’t the same. He looks her over and tells her she’s prettier than ever while Alonso looks like a thundercloud and the nuns wring their hands. Lorena, who wanted to come and get a clue, is still clueless. She thanks him and introduces Her Boyfriend. Chalo whistles and gives a knowing smile as he greets Alonso. Chalo assures Alonso she’s the prettiest one from the orphanage and they all adore her. He nods with Great Sincerity. The nuns think they hear his mother calling (doesn’t he have an errand to do?) . Nope, he did it and he has all the time in the world to hang out with Lorena here. Lorena watches him like he grew a third eye in the middle of his forehead, her arms crossed. The nuns interrupt this love-fest; they want to take Alonso around and have him meet the kidlets. Oh, yeah, Lorena forgot to tell them—Alonso is a doc! The tall nun (Madre Carmelita) describes a pain she gets every time….the other nun interrupts. Don’t take advantage! Alonso assures them it’s not a problem. Chalo hovers over Lorena and Alonso from behind. The short nun scolds—doesn’t he have anything to do? Nope, nothing more than hanging out with Lorena. He gives her a fond look, calculated to make Alonso’s left fist tight. The Madre tells him to get himself off to the kitchen and see if there isn’t some way he can make himself useful. He protests and Lorena protests to let him stay. The nuns sigh and lead on; Chalo claps his hands and grins, while Lorena grabs a now very irritated Alonso to follow. Chalo trails and Alonso looks back at him over his shoulder.
Snortensia declares that this contract – she taps on the desk at the papers she’s signing –is the best that she’s signed in the history of the company. Sara is SO glad to have collaborated. Snortensia tells her not to be so humble—it’s her work that got it. She needs a bonus (incentivo económico – economic incentive/bonus). Who, me? I wasn’t expecting it, Sara demurs. Snortensia says she’s giving credit where credit’s due and hands Sara a check that makes her eyes sparkle and her jaw drop. It’s not in vain her last name is Armendáriz. [Ed. Note: Not to put too fine a point on it, but her name is de la Cruz because she got dumped at an orphanage. But whatever.] She was doing what she could, Sara protests. Nonsense, let’s go celebrate, you won it. Jaime calls Barb to see if she’ll go, and Jacqui pops in to say if it’s okay, she’s out of there because poor Dario is all alone. Snortensia says too bad, we’re going to celebrate but if it’s not important to you…anyway, you didn’t have anything to do with this, anyway. [Ed. Note: Hear the loud slaaaap?] Sara, who has found a jacket, thanks Jacqui for the loan of hers and says it brought her luck. Does Jacqui want her to take it to the dry cleaners? (tintorería ) She holds it tightly to her and Jacqui grabs it away. Nope, no need. Excuse me. Jacqui sighs and gets out of Dodge with Sara smiling like a hyena. Snortensia asks what’s up with Barb, and Jaime tells her Barb isn’t answering—how strange. Sara smiles knowingly. It’s only a matter of time, folks, before she has poop on everyone in the family.
Diana checks her image in the mirror, blouse out and hand on her belly, while Julián sits on her bed behind her. He wants to know why women are always glued to the mirror. She tells him not to bother her. But, she wants to talk about Vasco. He’s really nice. Julián wonders if she’s in love with him now. Nah, they’re just friends. She doesn’t have eyes for anyone at the moment and it’d be mighty uncomfortable for Omar. Julián nods.
Bruno sits at his desk and recalls seeing Diana hopping out of the cab and calling his name while he drove right by her. Could he be feeling regret? Probably not. Valeria comes in, talking to her little daughter on her cell phone. She’ll help with the homework when she gets home. She gives Bruno Alonso’s patient charts. He asks what she thinks about having children. Valeria beams as she tells him it’s a gift from God. The best thing that can happen in one’s life. Sure, it’s a lot of responsibility, but that doesn’t take away the pleasure. Being a parent is the most marvelous thing that could happen. Bruno smiles hopefully for a second as she sparkles about parenthood, then frowns again as he thinks about his impending parenthood. So why the question? Oh, nothing, Bruno tells her. Valeria leaves. He tells himself he’s an idiot, and we all agree. He shouldn’t have turned his face away from her. And we all agree. She looked so pretty!
Jacqui is in a super-snit, slamming a plant down on a table and Dario wonders why the bad mood. It’s that Sara, the boss’s niece. She thinks she’s the model executive and she’s trying to rob me of my position. I am Fed Up with Her. Dario wants her to calm down, but Jacqui is Not Interested in Calming Down. Dario tries to comfort her, but Jacqui has a gut feeling—Sara is Evil. She yells about how Sara does everything right, Sara, Sara, Sara! Dario does what every macho male his age does, tells her work isn’t important and he prefers to see her stay here in his home, all prettied up and ready for action. Jacqui pouts pettily. That’s all that’s important to you, huh? She asks for his help with the old lady –help her think of something to win the old gal back. They caress each other. [Who’d have guessed that Dario would have a lovely tattoo under that business suit, like my hubby’s paratrooper tattoo]? Jacqui’s snit is short-lived once the caressing and kissing begins. In infants, we call this low maintenance. Their fussiness is easily re-directed with caresses, etc. Apparently, Jacqui is lower maintenance than we thought. It takes almost nothing to re-direct her. My guess is that Paula is high maintenance, and once her snits start, they take months to end, so that’s why Dario is with Jacqui. I’m just saying.
Snortensia, Jaime and Sara discuss the great success at a lovely restaurant with terrific ambiance. Or, better said, Snortensia discusses and the other two occasionally chime in. She’s pleased with Sara’s cleverness and computer skills. Sara learned them at the orphanage. Sara wants to study more to help her auntie with the business. Great idea. Jaime, what do you think? Sure, he tells Sara, it’d be very good for you to study. Sara says she could fill the hole that Vasco left. Silence and a hard stare from Snortensia.
Julián visits Rosy at home and tells her all about Lorena working with him and his Mami. He thinks it’s a swell idea, and so does his Mami. Rosy isn’t surprised, and Julian tells her that the craziest thing about it is the feeling that they’ve always known her. Rosy assures him Lorena is thrilled and by contrast, Rosy herself is suffering in that old witch’s place. She hopes Zulema’s business does well so she can go work with them. The kids think it’d be really cool to be together all the time. They’re the perfect couple. They almost pull off a kiss when the distinctive bellow of Maruja hits their ears. She comes in to remind Rosy of her Aunt’s mass. She stops dead in her tracks when she sees the night visitor. A greeting, Mom? Maruja grudgingly greets Julian. With a scowl. Julian offers to go, but Rosy isn’t going with Maruja, especially when Mami’s wearing that expression. [Ed. Note: On occasion, one has to muse at how curious it is that Maruja rhymes with bruja. I’m just saying. I like her, but sometimes that attitude…]. Maruja storms out and Julian comments on the look she gave him. He has to talk seriously with Maruja. Rosy says she’s just crazy….and maybe they should seize the moment in case she doesn’t come right back. She proceeds to plant a big one on Julian, who’s not fighting it.
The children at the orphanage want to hear about the city—is it true that it’s large? Oh, Lorena tells them, it’s enormous. She tells them and us why she runs into so many people who are all interconnected—she stays in one zone so she won’t get lost. There you have it, folks, the answer to our suspicious questions about the plot lines running together. A little girl wants to come and visit, and Lorena promises that when she has a house big enough to welcome them all, they’ll come to visit. They clap, and it’s time they were off to bed. Chalo is sitting up front and large as life, appearing rapt in Lorena’s story. The children get kisses and hugs from Lorena and Alonso, who tell them to behave and sleep like angels. Madre Carmelita takes the kids off and Madre Trinidad stays. She gives Chalo a pointed look—isn’t it about time he was going? He actually gets the point, and gives Lorena a kiss and tells her he hopes she rests. Alonso is not a happy camper. Lorena is bemused again by this new regard Chalo has. Madre Trinidad says he’s the last straw as he leaves, and she only let him stay because Lorena asked her to allow it. He’s always seemed overly self-confident (confianzudito). She comments on that kiss Chalo gave Lorena. Lorena shrugs in confusion and says she’s known him all her life. Madre Trinidad goes off and Lorena wonders why Alonso has the scowl. He’s fed up with Chalo, that’s why. Like the Madre, Alonso thinks he’s behaving too much like a creep (encajoso). Lorena defends Chalo, and changes the subject. She’s so pleased they are there together; she dreamed here that outside the walls was something beautiful waiting for her. And look, I’m here with you, my love. Alonso gives her a half smile in exchange for her broad one as she hugs him.
Sara can’t stand being in the dark, figuratively, so she goes off to call Chalo to find out what’s up in San Martín. Helllllo, my Queen! Chalo’s gotten as far as just outside the front door of the orphanage. He has Lorena well controlled. He didn’t let her out of his sight (no me despegada – she wasn’t unstuck from me – darned uncomfortable if you ask me). She didn’t understand a thing! He confesses he doesn’t understand much either, so why doesn’t Sara explain to him. Sara tells him Lorena’s boyfriend, that doc, is very perceptive and could suspect something and their plans would go awry then. It’s imperative to get Lorena away from him, distracted—he’s very jealous. If he thinks you’ve had something going with Lorena, that’ll be better. Chalo’s getting it now. Sara continues that she’s on tenterhooks that Lorena and Alonso might ask the nuns about stuff and find out something. She says has to suddenly hang up, but stands to ponder the situation a while.
Madre Trinidad has brought coffee for herself and Alonso. She asks where Al’s staying, wants to recommend one nearby, but gives him no time to answer, and invites him to breakfast for the next morning—pan de nata is on the menu. Madre Carmelita comes racing back from sending the kiddies off to bed; now he can check her pains out. Madre Trinidad scolds but Alonso is glad to help. He’ll give her a check-up. Madre Trinidad graciously thanks him and accepts help looking at the little girls, and the Sister, too. He asks if the pain is bad, but Madre Carm thinks it could wait until tomorrow. She gives a sidelong glance at the other nun. Well, Alonso is on his way. They kiss and say goodnight while the nuns giggle to each other. Madre Carm takes him to the door—pushes him, actually. Madre Trinidad is sooo excited, Alonso is such a good man. She was lucky to have found him! Lorena admits she is very enamored. Madre Trinidad asks about Sara. Well, she’s pleased with her family. What family????? She’s living with her grandmother, Abuela. She didn’t tell you that’s why she came to the D. F. The nun protests that Sara only said she was going to look for Lorena—nothing about a family. Lorena looks suspicious, bemused, and generally impactada.
Sara said nothing about her family, her grandmother? No, Madre Trinidad assures Lorena. Lorena recounts the story Sara told about Madre Asuncion’s deathbed confession. Nah, Madre Asuncion didn’t talk to a soul before she died. Well, could be what was said before she had the heart attack. There was that little thing about the accounts she was reviewing not adding up, though. They puzzle over what happened and why. Maybe the Madre asked that it stay just between the two of them. No, Madre Trinidad doesn’t think so. The matter seems very strange to her. Lorena nods.
Jaime comes down the stairs looking for Barbara. Nope, Matilde tells him, I doubt she’s coming back--she left and had a suitcase. She hands him a letter. Barbara’s gone off to Rio to have the liposuction. [Sheesh.] Sara comes in and asks what’s up, and Jaime fills her in that Barb’s gone off for her lipo on the spur of the moment. Matilde is scandalized that Barb’s gone to Rio alone. She could get herself in trouble! Jaime agrees, and Sara bites her lip and muses to herself –that’s what YOU think, Uncle.
Meanwhile, Barbara has made the world’s fastest air trip to Rio. Whoops, she’s apparently only made it as far as Ickturo’s bed. [Ed. Note: one wonders—is this a hotel where they keep meeting? Is it a little love nest they rent? Whose money pays for this every time they hang out together? Is it the liposuction nest egg here in the love nest? And are they in a separate zone of the D. F. so they’ll see a totally different bunch of telenovela characters? I’m just asking.] The pillow talk ensues along the lines of how nice it is not to have to worry about going home, and they need to plan more times together. Barb would love to leave it all behind and stay in that bed forever. Ickturo wonders if she’s proposing they live together. It’d be nice, but….her son wouldn’t understand because he adores his Papi and the witch aka mother-in-law would follow Barb to the ends of the earth to harass her. Ickturo, on the other hand, apparently does have to worry about getting home. Barb tries to get him to stay. He can’t fake a trip to Brazil, though. Barb sighs and calls Jaime. He tries to get the name of the clinic and other details and Barb tap dances around the questions. Tomorrow they’re operating first thing. [Ed. Note: And they’re going to do such a good job that he won’t even be able to tell where they operated when she gets home.] She tells him it’s easier to talk by cell phone and the anxiety creeps into her voice. He wonders why it occurred to her to go to another country for surgery, and ALONE, for Pete’s sake? Oh, heck, it’s just like a trip to the dentist. She’ll call him when it’s over. Barb hangs up in an act of abrupt editing, so quickly we didn’t even see it, and Ickturo is asking if Jaime bought it all. Barb points out snidely that Jaime is worried about her health, and she’s done this whole theatric for Ickturo. And he thinks to leave her. He invites her to shower with him. They don’t make it to the shower.
Madre Trinidad and Lorena continue their chat about this new puzzlement. She surmises that if the old gal lets Sara live in her home, it must be true. In the end it’s God’s will if one finds one’s family, and it’s not ours to question. She hopes Sara will be happy. Lorena doesn’t think Sara is happy, though. She explains that it hasn’t been easy for Sara to get that family on board—her grandmother doesn’t want anyone to know Sara’s the granddaughter and makes her say she’s a niece. That’s not good! Why lie? She shouldn’t accept that. Lorena points out she accepted it so she could win the old gal’s affection. Madre Trinidad points out that someone who abandoned a baby and denies her like that doesn’t really have a heart. She asks God to forgive her but that’s how she feels, looks at the ceiling and crosses herself. Lorena tells the Madre that she has thought about learning who she is, too. She asks the nun’s help. The nun says she doesn’t know anything. There’s a reason why the orphans’ origins are keep confidential. They might not like to know where they started out. Lorena wants to look in the files and needs the nun’s help. Only the Mother Superior has access. Lorena begs. The nun hesitates—but, since Lorena was knee-high to a grasshopper, she couldn’t ever deny Lorena anything so she’ll be the accomplice. May God forgive her. She gives Lorena a conspiratorial little smile and Lorena sighs with relief as she hugs her.
In the morning Alonso knocks on the orphanage door. Sara’s faithful watchdog bounces along, commenting on Alonso’s early arrival. Alonso responds in monosyllables. Is he here for Lorena? [No, stupid, he’s adopting.] Chalo wants to know how he got Lorena to fall for him. Alonso looks ready to deck him when Lorena pops out cheerful as always. Chalo cuts her off, greets her, goes to hug her and calls her his love with Alonso looking over his shoulder in back. Lorena gives him a mild glare and Chalo backs off, making like it’s a joke to Alonso. Alonso strides over to give Lorena a kiss, ignores Chalo’s infantile stuff, and asks her if they’re going now. Yup. Chalo tries to ingratiate himself on the tour of town, and Alonso tells him to bug off—he’s got the best tour guide in the city. Chalo mutters “enjoy yourselves” and other silky stuff as they walk away. He calls after them—“Take care of her for me here.” Alonso IS ready to deck him and spins around to go after Chalo, but Lorena grabs him and makes him move on. Chalo thinks he got that point.
Sara strides into the garden behind the house, ever-present cell phone in hand, and finds Vasco at work with papers laid out on a table. “Doing homework?” He explains that he’s reading research related to the capture and separation of carbon dioxide for a project he’s on. Sara schmoozes that she admires folks who stick to their ideals. Vasco takes the bait; that’s the only way he can be happy. He wants to know if she’s happy with what she’s doing. Sara says she is for the moment, but she wants to study more and get more professionally involved with the company. He asks what she’d study, and Sara replies that administration or marketing would be what she wants; Vasco suggests administration of gastronomic enterprises. She likes it. Vasco excuses himself.
Lorena leads Alonso through a wooded area and tells him tales of when she was young and played there. Alonso wants to know if they were always so united, Lorena and Sara. That’s the least of it. When we were nine, a couple wanted to adopt me and they were close to finalizing but I found out that would mean I wouldn’t have Sara with me –my heart was broken -- and I asked if they would adopt both of us….the ended up adopting another child and neither of us. Alonso is impressed by the huge sacrifice she made for Sara. Lorena doesn’t feel it was a sacrifice. When she says “Sara is my sister” it’s not just a trite phrase. He wonders if Sara would do the same for Lorena. She smiles and assures him Sara would. [Hah.] Alonso gently hugs her and caresses her hair.
Sara lights into Chalo at 25 cents a minute. She TOLD him not to let them out of his sight! That was all she asked! Chalo protests that they cut him off at the knees. Whatever it is that Sara has against Lorena isn’t normal. Why? What’s all the rancor? Sara tells the tale of the near miss adoption – Version 1.2. The couple saw her first and she was sure she was going to get adopted, then Lorena’s ball rolled up to them and they saw HER. So, from then it was only Lorena. But, Lorena didn’t get adopted. No, she got the stupid idea they should adopt both of us and they ended up adopting another child. Sara’s fury comes to the surface. Chalo murmurs what he imagines is a comforting phrase—“how ugly, Sara, how ugly.”
Vasco can’t get his mother’s cell phone—she’s out of range. [Ed. Note: There’s another of those goofy t-shirts in English. He must have been to the French Market in New Orleans. Or somewhere.] He asks Jaime what’s up with Mami. Jaime fills him in on the faux liposuction trip. Vasco wants to know how Papi could let her go off and do that alone. Do you think she asked my permission? Snortensia strolls in with her new shadow. What does Jaime think about this—Sara wants to study Administration of Gastronomic Enterprises. Really? Sara pipes in humbly that this seems the most appropriate thing (indicado – suitable). Snortensia looks at Sara, almost fondly, and tells her it’s perfect-they’d have someone totally trustworthy and a family person to work in the business. She turns back to Jaime—don’t you like it? Jaime is stone-faced, but Vasco gives Sara an affirming look and big grin. Sara grins back.
Madre Trinidad goes after the files and finds nothing. It’s not possible! Lorena comes in. Are those the documents? Yes, and fortunately the Mother Superior had to go out; we can look at them with calm. You arrived in 1986, right? Yes. Well, here are all the files from that year, the Madre whines. Can Lorena see them? There’s not reason to--and the Madre breaks the bad news—your file and Lorena’s are missing! Lorena is impactada.
Monday: Chalo reports that Lorena is VERY interested in the files at the orphanage, and Lorena confronts Sara about some of the info she discovered—or didn’t.
Vocabulary
Precio de costo - cost-price; a precio de coste, precio de costo - at cost price
Ollas – pots, pans
Recipientes – containers
Láminas - illustrations
Incentivo económico – economic incentive/bonus
Tintorería – dry cleaners
Confianzudito - overly self-confident
Encajoso - creep
No me despegada – she wasn’t unstuck from me – (darned uncomfortable if you ask me)
Indicado – suitable
Jeanne
Thanks again to JudyB who stepped in at the 11th hour last week. We have power back but there are some folks not far from here (less than 50 miles) who still are having problems, even though crews have come from other states to help.
And now for tonight’s feature!
Instant (not) replay from Thursday: Sara the computer wizard steals secret company information from a competitor’s computer with no password access whatsoever required. It takes her all of 29 seconds. So, to answer Snortensia’s question yesterday as to whether or not Sara can do industrial espionage, apparently yes.
Snortensia, who always flies first class, doesn’t like the menus Jaime has proposed because there’s no difference from the business class menus. Jaime patiently informs her the bottom line is at stake here. Better first class food, less profit. It’s simple, she tells him, be more creative and find better food for lower costs. Sara busts in [figuratively speaking] and blurts out that she has all the poop on the competition. Jaime can’t believe she stole their proposal and Snortensia is downright jubilant. They can develop a better proposal now that they have the competition’s. Jacqui plays dumb redhead. Whoops, she’s not playing. Snortensia tells them to get to work with what Sara’s brought. Sara gives Snortensia a high fructose smile.
Zulema and Company—two of her three hijos, [unbeknownst to her], plan menu items: Crema de Chícharro, Crema de Frijól, Chile Relleños…..the trio stops for a drool—great menu. They’re happy with the choices so far. Lorena hands her list to Zulema. “Crema de Calabaza, Arroz a la Mexicana, Puntas de Filete en Huajullo, Chayotes al Vapor y de Postre Capilodota. Zulema is exited—very tasty and well balanced—what, Lorena knows nutrition, too? More or less, Lorena smiles humbly. They tried to keep meals balanced and costs reasonable in the orphanage. Julián sees a lull and excuses himself to make a little snack, which would have occurred to me after they read menu list if I hadn’t celebrated Independence Day too much already.
Jaime and Sara plug away at the new numbers. Jaime’s worried about the costs of fish and shellfish, because theirs is higher than the competition’s. Sara tells him to quote them at cost (precio de costo - cost-price; a precio de coste - at cost price )and a little indignantly, Jaime tells her they’ve never done that before. She reminds him they’re talking millions here and they can make it up on other items. Jaime gives her an uneasy look.
At Zulema’s table, the menu-fest plays on. She stops and tells the hijos that they really need a bit of capital to get a good start—they need larger pots (ollas), some really good containers (recipientes) to keep foods, and others for deliveries. Julián offers his favorite solution for money—ask Dad. Zulema sighs—they live from paycheck to paycheck. Wait! She can get 5K pesos (5,000.00 MXN=483.802 USD) from the kitty (tanda – kitty or pool, there weren’t very good definitions in any of my 12 dictionaries for this so if anyone has a better idea, let us know). She’ll ask for an advance. Lorena changes the subject—she needs Monday off because of the test for the cooking school. Zulema would have loved to study there. She asks if it’s expensive. Yep, but with the scholarship, all I have to do is pass the test. Zulema is sure it’s a done deal and congratulates Lorena [calling her “hijita” and little does she know!] Lorena will be a premier chef for the business. Julián just nods in agreement so he won’t have to talk with his mouth full.
Rosi thinks it’s a great idea for Lorena to try and find out about her parents. Apparently she and Maruja are getting along better—Maruja even has her arm draped around Rosi. Lorena’s wanted to know ever since Sara found her family. [Ed. Note: The grammar of that last sentence is important, folks. Sara found HER family. Lorena’s. I’m just saying.] Rosi tosses off a minor insult about Sara and the witch (Snortensia) and Maruja reminds Lorena that she has a family – of the heart, anyway. Group hug, Maruja sandwich. Well, they hope Lorena gets a clue on her trip. So do we, a clue about Sara, that is. Lorena goes off to let Sara know she’s going to their hometown and Maruja and Rosi plop together on the sofa, arms around each other. That’s powerful therapy Don Toribio is doing.
Jaime’s eyes are crossing. He’s wiped out. He’s got visions of carrots and broccoli dancing in his head. Sara wants to keep working and Jaime tells her it can wait, but Snortensia comes in to join the party and they’re in for the long haul. They’ll finish if it takes till dawn, Sara assures her. Snortensia’s going home to rest, but she imagines he’ll stay with Sara? Jaime, the Good Son, tells her sure. Sara volunteers to save the day [okay, the night] and finish it. How can she think that? Snortensia tells her that Jaime has the experience, he’s staying. So, Jaime is committed. Once Big Mama is out the door, though, in less than 60 seconds Sara has him convinced to go sleep. He goes, and she takes over the computer, but gets interrupted right away by a call. From Lorena. She looks at who’s calling, sneers and ignores it.
Diana asks Julián to guess who she’s met at work? None other than Omar’s nephew, Vasco! Julián knows Vasco, too, from when they went bowling with Rosy—he’s a friend of Lorena’s. The siblings compare notes. They both think Vasco’s got good vibes. They both guess it might be sad for him to live in that family, and it might be better to say nothing to Vasco about what they know about his family. The topic turns to Bruno, who in turn turns our stomachs. What happened to the boyfriend? Nothing, there is no boyfriend. Julián says that’s probably better, because any guy who doesn’t want to know your family isn’t worth it. They say goodnight and Julián goes off to bed. Diana talks to the baby, caressing her stomach. What’s she going to do when folks begin to notice her tummy’s increasing?
Sara muses as she watches Jaime sleep that it’s better he sleeps now because he won’t sleep at all with her work tomorrow. The phone rings—it’s Lorena again—and Sara sneers. She’s not wasting her time with Lorena. All night Sara works, prints, tears up pages and tosses them, downloads pictures from the internet and compares to pictures in books….Finally she’s very pleased with herself as she holds a page with pie charts and figures in full living color.
Early the next day Alonso and Lorena head for San Martín. What a shame Lorena couldn’t get in touch with Sara to tell Sara they were going to the hometown. [Ed. Note: It’s a matter of perspective. Some of us think you are probably better off not getting in touch with her.] She can’t call again because there’s no signal where they are. Lorena is excited to see the nuns and the kids; it seems like a century since she left there. Alonso takes his hand off the wheel, reaches over and strokes her cheek [what’s that new research about distractions while driving? This one’s major—one hand on the wheels and eyes on Lorena. Tsk.] She thanks him for going with her and he thanks her for allowing him to share the trip. He wants to see every corner of where she grew up. They’ll take lots of photos—yep, with every one of the nuns.
Jaime wakes up, taken aback by how long he slept. Why didn’t she wake him up? He was sooooo tired. With a super syrupy smile and décolletage that will be diverting for Ferro, she advises Jaime she’s finished it. Does he want to take a look? She motions at the computer. The sun shines behind him in the window and folks are coming down the halls; he scolds her for letting him sleep so long and she just smiles sweetly and tells him to check it out. Astonished, he surveys the project over her shoulder. He has to acknowledge that she’s efficient. Any changes? Nope, it’s perfect. Concrete, precise and ready to present. Congrats! Jaime’s going for a bath and he’ll be back. He advises Sara to do the same. But no, she’s perfecting it a bit. More colors….illustrations (láminas). Okay, later. He goes and Sara tells the computer that even that idiot Jaime will be respecting her.
Alonso and Lorena are stopped for gas and an oil check. He wonders if she wants something from the convenience store. Sure, water, please. He goes for it and she gets a signal on the phone. Sara answers and tells Lorena she had a lot of work, that’s why she didn’t answer before. Lorena cheerfully tells her about the little trip to San Martín. She’s been thinking about what happened to Sara, and wants to learn about her family. Sara goes ballistic. Why is she wasting her time? Nobody knows ANYthing. Only Madre Asuncion knew and she’s dead! Lorena gently points out that everyone in the orphanage has an origin, a history. Someone will know something. Sara tells her not to go. Lorena is puzzled—why is Sara saying this? Does Sara know something about Lorena’s origin? Sara begins to look a little panicky. She moves the phone away.
Diana hops out of a taxi stopped in heavy traffic and notices Bruno in the car behind her. She calls his name. He ignores her and drives on—and we all know he heard her because his windows are wide open. She watches him drive away and swallows, with a sad face.
Lorena pushes Sara. What’s up with not wanting Lorena to go to the town? Sara doesn’t want her frustrated. She’ll be sad and won’t find anything. [For sure, since Sara has your file, Lorena, with the faked letter in it about you being found in the dumpster]. Well, they’re on the way, and Alonso is along. Too late to turn back. Sure, fine, glad he’s with you for when you get all depressed. Lorena points out that she’s excited to see the nuns and the kids, whom she misses. Fine, great, give them all my greetings. Silence. Lorena is stunned by Sara’s hissy. Sara curses and slaps down her phone. The door opens and Sara’s alter ego sits up straight and smiles at Aunty/Abuela Snortensia. What, she didn’t sleep? Nope, but looky here, it was worth the trouble! It’s done! And by the way, could we get a big screen (pantalla)? Snortensia sits to review the presentation. Snortensia wants gopher Jacqui to take care of the screen—the presentation is in an hour. Snortensia points out that Sara can’t present like that—wearing YESTERDAY’S clothes, for pity’s sake [okay, she didn’t say it exactly like that but it’s what she meant]. Sara has no time to change! No problem, Gopher Jacqui will give up her suit jacket for the cause. Me? Yes, you. You’re not making the presentation, Sara is. Sara gives Jacqui her best aspartame-infused smile and thanks her. She’ll take good care of the jacket. Sara goes to freshen up and Jacqui fumes.
Diana is at her desk in the reception area when Vasco arrives—she is uniformed, and he wears a goofy English t-shirt that advised the reader “Don’t Think Too Much” with a picture of a goat on it. Vasco greets Diana and notices her wiping tears off. What’s wrong? Can I help? She assures him it’s nothing and he presses. He doesn’t want to be indiscreet, but if she needs someone to unload on, he’s there for her. She appreciates it but wants to be alone. Vasco gently says his goodbye, very understanding, and leaves a miserable Diana to her own thoughts.
Sara does a lot of talking to herself. At least it’s not D. F. and country slang. Right now, she’s worrying into the ladies’ room mirror that it’s risky with Lorena going back to their hometown. Uh-oh, Chalo! [Ed. Note: Interesting how Jacqui’s jacket fits her so perfectly, even with an empire dress from yesterday.] Chalo is mellow, but mildly scolds because she never calls. Sara gives him the scoop—Lorena’s on the way and she wants the 411 about her family! Chalo chuckles. She tells him to be on the alert. Chalo wants to know why her knickers are in a knot—Madre Asunción is dead and no one else knows a thing. Yeah, yeah, but we don’t know for sure that there isn’t someone else with some of the info. Someone might know more than they’ve told. Sara fusses at him to glue himself to Lorena and the boyfriend to find out what he can.
Snortensia greets the potential client, Mr. Jones [captioned “John,”] and makes introductions. Sara says his name perfectly in English. He wonders about the snack—is it part of the menu her company is offering? No, it’s in his honor. He says it looks wonderful and Snortensia remarks that every good dish begins with a good look and ends with a good taste. Jacqui stands behind Snortensia looking very cold without a jacket. In fact, she’s the only one in the room with no jacket, which makes her NOT a businesswoman, of course. Jaime chimes in that if it’s accompanied with a good wine, it’s even better. They sit for the heavy stuff.
Vasco doesn’t give up. He finds Diana still glum, but since he’s behind her, he doesn’t notice and asks if she’s better. When he lived in London, he continues, it always made him less tense if he could walk and he lived near a park where he could walk. Diana has never left Mexico. What’s London like? Lovely. There are enormous parks all over the place. He describes all the things that happen in the parks, especially in summer. In one of the parks, there are lectures and that was where he heard about earth and climate issues. Diana smiles; it sounds lovely. Vasco loves her smile and wants to see her smile ALWAYS. She sadly remarks that she wishes she had his optimism, but sometimes things aren’t so simple. Is it something that has no solution? No-yes, it has one. Vasco questions her—but it won’t be easily reached? Diana doesn’t want to discuss it any more. Vasco sighs and shrugs.
Sara is in her element, showing her proposal with all its glorious colors and illustrations and numbers. The key is the quality of the ingredients. She explains the plan in first class, and business class, with imported wines, and a simpler, yet still gourmet menu in coach class, with domestic wines that are still good ones. Mr. Jones is impressed with the menu selections for his airline, plus the attractive prices. Snortensia cuts to the chase—when do we sign on the dotted line? Mr. Jones has to study the proposal of another company and will have an answer later in the afternoon. Sara gives him a binder with the proposal for his review. They say their farewells and Snortensia sighs in triumph as Mr. Jones leaves. Could her grin be any bigger? Could Jaime’s? Sara walks back to where she was presenting, and Snortensia exults—I think we have it! You did well, Sara, and impressed me! Why don’t you go rest and come back in the afternoon? Sara agrees, she didn’t sleep all night. Snortensia reminds her it was worth the trouble. Sara sneers at Jacqui on the way out, not even offering her jacket back to the poor thing. Jacqui gives her a saccharine half-smile/half-grimace. Snortensia congratulates Jaime on his teamwork with Sara and wonders if he doesn’t want to sleep, too. He assures her he’s fine – but doesn’t ‘fess up that he slept all night. Snortensia notices finally that he’s pretty fresh, not like he worked all night. Jaime smiles tightly. Snortensia notes that Sara works well under pressure and she’s a smart cookie. She tells Jacqui to take more care with her work. Jacqui, who has been busying herself with tidying up, spins around to stare as Snortensia points out that Sara could displace her any time now.
Lorena is excited to see the pretty little city again and points out things to Alonso—the tile roofs, the pretty street and houses. He’s glad to see her so excited. Lorena thinks the air is better here—it’s familiar. She tells him the directions as they drive through the quaint town. Then we hear her call out, and see her throw herself at a little nun who is coming into the orphanage with another nun. They are thrilled to see their Lorena there. How come she’s shown up without advance warning? She was dying to see them, she says apologetically. [Ed. Note: it’s not like they’ll be out of town on business or anything, and all those kids left with a sitter.] Lorena gives Alonso a little hug from the side, and Madre Trinidad notices Alonso. She gives him the once over. Close up. He introduces himself—Lorena has told him a lot about them. Madre Trinidad hopes Lorena’s spoken well of them. Way more than well. Lorena adores them and remembers them with such care, he tells them. No more than the nuns adore her! She left a huge hole in their hearts, only surpassed by the hole she left in their stomachs. Lorena laments that the Madre Asuncion has passed away, but Madre Trinidad is sure that she’s watching them from Heaven, and is just as happy as the nuns are that Lorena has come home. Lorena smiles shyly, holding Alonso’s arm, while Alonso watches her fondly.
Jaime and Snortensia are on tenterhooks, waiting for the reply from the airline. How could they be so long? Snortensia is convinced that when they compare the two proposals, her company’s is superior. Jaime points out that Sara stole the competition’s proposal. Whose side is he on, anyway? All’s fair in love and war. The phone rings. Snortensia snaps at the operator to pass the call and gets all silky for Mr. Jones. What’s their reply? Apparently it’s a yes, because she assures him he won’t be sorry and that the prestige of his airline will be complemented by the prestige of her company. Jaime beams. Snortensia says they’ll be glad to sign the contract whenever Mr. Jones says, and thanks him as they sign off. It’s all thanks to brilliant Sara, and please take note, she has my blood.
Lorena takes Alonso by the hand and drags him through the courtyard of the orphanage, showing him the play yard, and the trees she used to climb, while the nun notes that she climbed them but fell out, too. She was happy, Lorena assures them. Suddenly hand cover her eyes. Who is it? Guess! Lorena doesn’t know. Chalo lets her head go and she turns – doesn’t she remember him? Chalo. Lorena is not overly thrilled to be greeted with the guessing game, it seems. He gives her a giant hug, and the nuns exchange irritated looks, while Alonso looks downright alarmed as Chalo claims she cannot know how much he’s missed her.
Lorena asks how he’s been, and Chalo says he’s been missing her, this place isn’t the same. He looks her over and tells her she’s prettier than ever while Alonso looks like a thundercloud and the nuns wring their hands. Lorena, who wanted to come and get a clue, is still clueless. She thanks him and introduces Her Boyfriend. Chalo whistles and gives a knowing smile as he greets Alonso. Chalo assures Alonso she’s the prettiest one from the orphanage and they all adore her. He nods with Great Sincerity. The nuns think they hear his mother calling (doesn’t he have an errand to do?) . Nope, he did it and he has all the time in the world to hang out with Lorena here. Lorena watches him like he grew a third eye in the middle of his forehead, her arms crossed. The nuns interrupt this love-fest; they want to take Alonso around and have him meet the kidlets. Oh, yeah, Lorena forgot to tell them—Alonso is a doc! The tall nun (Madre Carmelita) describes a pain she gets every time….the other nun interrupts. Don’t take advantage! Alonso assures them it’s not a problem. Chalo hovers over Lorena and Alonso from behind. The short nun scolds—doesn’t he have anything to do? Nope, nothing more than hanging out with Lorena. He gives her a fond look, calculated to make Alonso’s left fist tight. The Madre tells him to get himself off to the kitchen and see if there isn’t some way he can make himself useful. He protests and Lorena protests to let him stay. The nuns sigh and lead on; Chalo claps his hands and grins, while Lorena grabs a now very irritated Alonso to follow. Chalo trails and Alonso looks back at him over his shoulder.
Snortensia declares that this contract – she taps on the desk at the papers she’s signing –is the best that she’s signed in the history of the company. Sara is SO glad to have collaborated. Snortensia tells her not to be so humble—it’s her work that got it. She needs a bonus (incentivo económico – economic incentive/bonus). Who, me? I wasn’t expecting it, Sara demurs. Snortensia says she’s giving credit where credit’s due and hands Sara a check that makes her eyes sparkle and her jaw drop. It’s not in vain her last name is Armendáriz. [Ed. Note: Not to put too fine a point on it, but her name is de la Cruz because she got dumped at an orphanage. But whatever.] She was doing what she could, Sara protests. Nonsense, let’s go celebrate, you won it. Jaime calls Barb to see if she’ll go, and Jacqui pops in to say if it’s okay, she’s out of there because poor Dario is all alone. Snortensia says too bad, we’re going to celebrate but if it’s not important to you…anyway, you didn’t have anything to do with this, anyway. [Ed. Note: Hear the loud slaaaap?] Sara, who has found a jacket, thanks Jacqui for the loan of hers and says it brought her luck. Does Jacqui want her to take it to the dry cleaners? (tintorería ) She holds it tightly to her and Jacqui grabs it away. Nope, no need. Excuse me. Jacqui sighs and gets out of Dodge with Sara smiling like a hyena. Snortensia asks what’s up with Barb, and Jaime tells her Barb isn’t answering—how strange. Sara smiles knowingly. It’s only a matter of time, folks, before she has poop on everyone in the family.
Diana checks her image in the mirror, blouse out and hand on her belly, while Julián sits on her bed behind her. He wants to know why women are always glued to the mirror. She tells him not to bother her. But, she wants to talk about Vasco. He’s really nice. Julián wonders if she’s in love with him now. Nah, they’re just friends. She doesn’t have eyes for anyone at the moment and it’d be mighty uncomfortable for Omar. Julián nods.
Bruno sits at his desk and recalls seeing Diana hopping out of the cab and calling his name while he drove right by her. Could he be feeling regret? Probably not. Valeria comes in, talking to her little daughter on her cell phone. She’ll help with the homework when she gets home. She gives Bruno Alonso’s patient charts. He asks what she thinks about having children. Valeria beams as she tells him it’s a gift from God. The best thing that can happen in one’s life. Sure, it’s a lot of responsibility, but that doesn’t take away the pleasure. Being a parent is the most marvelous thing that could happen. Bruno smiles hopefully for a second as she sparkles about parenthood, then frowns again as he thinks about his impending parenthood. So why the question? Oh, nothing, Bruno tells her. Valeria leaves. He tells himself he’s an idiot, and we all agree. He shouldn’t have turned his face away from her. And we all agree. She looked so pretty!
Jacqui is in a super-snit, slamming a plant down on a table and Dario wonders why the bad mood. It’s that Sara, the boss’s niece. She thinks she’s the model executive and she’s trying to rob me of my position. I am Fed Up with Her. Dario wants her to calm down, but Jacqui is Not Interested in Calming Down. Dario tries to comfort her, but Jacqui has a gut feeling—Sara is Evil. She yells about how Sara does everything right, Sara, Sara, Sara! Dario does what every macho male his age does, tells her work isn’t important and he prefers to see her stay here in his home, all prettied up and ready for action. Jacqui pouts pettily. That’s all that’s important to you, huh? She asks for his help with the old lady –help her think of something to win the old gal back. They caress each other. [Who’d have guessed that Dario would have a lovely tattoo under that business suit, like my hubby’s paratrooper tattoo]? Jacqui’s snit is short-lived once the caressing and kissing begins. In infants, we call this low maintenance. Their fussiness is easily re-directed with caresses, etc. Apparently, Jacqui is lower maintenance than we thought. It takes almost nothing to re-direct her. My guess is that Paula is high maintenance, and once her snits start, they take months to end, so that’s why Dario is with Jacqui. I’m just saying.
Snortensia, Jaime and Sara discuss the great success at a lovely restaurant with terrific ambiance. Or, better said, Snortensia discusses and the other two occasionally chime in. She’s pleased with Sara’s cleverness and computer skills. Sara learned them at the orphanage. Sara wants to study more to help her auntie with the business. Great idea. Jaime, what do you think? Sure, he tells Sara, it’d be very good for you to study. Sara says she could fill the hole that Vasco left. Silence and a hard stare from Snortensia.
Julián visits Rosy at home and tells her all about Lorena working with him and his Mami. He thinks it’s a swell idea, and so does his Mami. Rosy isn’t surprised, and Julian tells her that the craziest thing about it is the feeling that they’ve always known her. Rosy assures him Lorena is thrilled and by contrast, Rosy herself is suffering in that old witch’s place. She hopes Zulema’s business does well so she can go work with them. The kids think it’d be really cool to be together all the time. They’re the perfect couple. They almost pull off a kiss when the distinctive bellow of Maruja hits their ears. She comes in to remind Rosy of her Aunt’s mass. She stops dead in her tracks when she sees the night visitor. A greeting, Mom? Maruja grudgingly greets Julian. With a scowl. Julian offers to go, but Rosy isn’t going with Maruja, especially when Mami’s wearing that expression. [Ed. Note: On occasion, one has to muse at how curious it is that Maruja rhymes with bruja. I’m just saying. I like her, but sometimes that attitude…]. Maruja storms out and Julian comments on the look she gave him. He has to talk seriously with Maruja. Rosy says she’s just crazy….and maybe they should seize the moment in case she doesn’t come right back. She proceeds to plant a big one on Julian, who’s not fighting it.
The children at the orphanage want to hear about the city—is it true that it’s large? Oh, Lorena tells them, it’s enormous. She tells them and us why she runs into so many people who are all interconnected—she stays in one zone so she won’t get lost. There you have it, folks, the answer to our suspicious questions about the plot lines running together. A little girl wants to come and visit, and Lorena promises that when she has a house big enough to welcome them all, they’ll come to visit. They clap, and it’s time they were off to bed. Chalo is sitting up front and large as life, appearing rapt in Lorena’s story. The children get kisses and hugs from Lorena and Alonso, who tell them to behave and sleep like angels. Madre Carmelita takes the kids off and Madre Trinidad stays. She gives Chalo a pointed look—isn’t it about time he was going? He actually gets the point, and gives Lorena a kiss and tells her he hopes she rests. Alonso is not a happy camper. Lorena is bemused again by this new regard Chalo has. Madre Trinidad says he’s the last straw as he leaves, and she only let him stay because Lorena asked her to allow it. He’s always seemed overly self-confident (confianzudito). She comments on that kiss Chalo gave Lorena. Lorena shrugs in confusion and says she’s known him all her life. Madre Trinidad goes off and Lorena wonders why Alonso has the scowl. He’s fed up with Chalo, that’s why. Like the Madre, Alonso thinks he’s behaving too much like a creep (encajoso). Lorena defends Chalo, and changes the subject. She’s so pleased they are there together; she dreamed here that outside the walls was something beautiful waiting for her. And look, I’m here with you, my love. Alonso gives her a half smile in exchange for her broad one as she hugs him.
Sara can’t stand being in the dark, figuratively, so she goes off to call Chalo to find out what’s up in San Martín. Helllllo, my Queen! Chalo’s gotten as far as just outside the front door of the orphanage. He has Lorena well controlled. He didn’t let her out of his sight (no me despegada – she wasn’t unstuck from me – darned uncomfortable if you ask me). She didn’t understand a thing! He confesses he doesn’t understand much either, so why doesn’t Sara explain to him. Sara tells him Lorena’s boyfriend, that doc, is very perceptive and could suspect something and their plans would go awry then. It’s imperative to get Lorena away from him, distracted—he’s very jealous. If he thinks you’ve had something going with Lorena, that’ll be better. Chalo’s getting it now. Sara continues that she’s on tenterhooks that Lorena and Alonso might ask the nuns about stuff and find out something. She says has to suddenly hang up, but stands to ponder the situation a while.
Madre Trinidad has brought coffee for herself and Alonso. She asks where Al’s staying, wants to recommend one nearby, but gives him no time to answer, and invites him to breakfast for the next morning—pan de nata is on the menu. Madre Carmelita comes racing back from sending the kiddies off to bed; now he can check her pains out. Madre Trinidad scolds but Alonso is glad to help. He’ll give her a check-up. Madre Trinidad graciously thanks him and accepts help looking at the little girls, and the Sister, too. He asks if the pain is bad, but Madre Carm thinks it could wait until tomorrow. She gives a sidelong glance at the other nun. Well, Alonso is on his way. They kiss and say goodnight while the nuns giggle to each other. Madre Carm takes him to the door—pushes him, actually. Madre Trinidad is sooo excited, Alonso is such a good man. She was lucky to have found him! Lorena admits she is very enamored. Madre Trinidad asks about Sara. Well, she’s pleased with her family. What family????? She’s living with her grandmother, Abuela. She didn’t tell you that’s why she came to the D. F. The nun protests that Sara only said she was going to look for Lorena—nothing about a family. Lorena looks suspicious, bemused, and generally impactada.
Sara said nothing about her family, her grandmother? No, Madre Trinidad assures Lorena. Lorena recounts the story Sara told about Madre Asuncion’s deathbed confession. Nah, Madre Asuncion didn’t talk to a soul before she died. Well, could be what was said before she had the heart attack. There was that little thing about the accounts she was reviewing not adding up, though. They puzzle over what happened and why. Maybe the Madre asked that it stay just between the two of them. No, Madre Trinidad doesn’t think so. The matter seems very strange to her. Lorena nods.
Jaime comes down the stairs looking for Barbara. Nope, Matilde tells him, I doubt she’s coming back--she left and had a suitcase. She hands him a letter. Barbara’s gone off to Rio to have the liposuction. [Sheesh.] Sara comes in and asks what’s up, and Jaime fills her in that Barb’s gone off for her lipo on the spur of the moment. Matilde is scandalized that Barb’s gone to Rio alone. She could get herself in trouble! Jaime agrees, and Sara bites her lip and muses to herself –that’s what YOU think, Uncle.
Meanwhile, Barbara has made the world’s fastest air trip to Rio. Whoops, she’s apparently only made it as far as Ickturo’s bed. [Ed. Note: one wonders—is this a hotel where they keep meeting? Is it a little love nest they rent? Whose money pays for this every time they hang out together? Is it the liposuction nest egg here in the love nest? And are they in a separate zone of the D. F. so they’ll see a totally different bunch of telenovela characters? I’m just asking.] The pillow talk ensues along the lines of how nice it is not to have to worry about going home, and they need to plan more times together. Barb would love to leave it all behind and stay in that bed forever. Ickturo wonders if she’s proposing they live together. It’d be nice, but….her son wouldn’t understand because he adores his Papi and the witch aka mother-in-law would follow Barb to the ends of the earth to harass her. Ickturo, on the other hand, apparently does have to worry about getting home. Barb tries to get him to stay. He can’t fake a trip to Brazil, though. Barb sighs and calls Jaime. He tries to get the name of the clinic and other details and Barb tap dances around the questions. Tomorrow they’re operating first thing. [Ed. Note: And they’re going to do such a good job that he won’t even be able to tell where they operated when she gets home.] She tells him it’s easier to talk by cell phone and the anxiety creeps into her voice. He wonders why it occurred to her to go to another country for surgery, and ALONE, for Pete’s sake? Oh, heck, it’s just like a trip to the dentist. She’ll call him when it’s over. Barb hangs up in an act of abrupt editing, so quickly we didn’t even see it, and Ickturo is asking if Jaime bought it all. Barb points out snidely that Jaime is worried about her health, and she’s done this whole theatric for Ickturo. And he thinks to leave her. He invites her to shower with him. They don’t make it to the shower.
Madre Trinidad and Lorena continue their chat about this new puzzlement. She surmises that if the old gal lets Sara live in her home, it must be true. In the end it’s God’s will if one finds one’s family, and it’s not ours to question. She hopes Sara will be happy. Lorena doesn’t think Sara is happy, though. She explains that it hasn’t been easy for Sara to get that family on board—her grandmother doesn’t want anyone to know Sara’s the granddaughter and makes her say she’s a niece. That’s not good! Why lie? She shouldn’t accept that. Lorena points out she accepted it so she could win the old gal’s affection. Madre Trinidad points out that someone who abandoned a baby and denies her like that doesn’t really have a heart. She asks God to forgive her but that’s how she feels, looks at the ceiling and crosses herself. Lorena tells the Madre that she has thought about learning who she is, too. She asks the nun’s help. The nun says she doesn’t know anything. There’s a reason why the orphans’ origins are keep confidential. They might not like to know where they started out. Lorena wants to look in the files and needs the nun’s help. Only the Mother Superior has access. Lorena begs. The nun hesitates—but, since Lorena was knee-high to a grasshopper, she couldn’t ever deny Lorena anything so she’ll be the accomplice. May God forgive her. She gives Lorena a conspiratorial little smile and Lorena sighs with relief as she hugs her.
In the morning Alonso knocks on the orphanage door. Sara’s faithful watchdog bounces along, commenting on Alonso’s early arrival. Alonso responds in monosyllables. Is he here for Lorena? [No, stupid, he’s adopting.] Chalo wants to know how he got Lorena to fall for him. Alonso looks ready to deck him when Lorena pops out cheerful as always. Chalo cuts her off, greets her, goes to hug her and calls her his love with Alonso looking over his shoulder in back. Lorena gives him a mild glare and Chalo backs off, making like it’s a joke to Alonso. Alonso strides over to give Lorena a kiss, ignores Chalo’s infantile stuff, and asks her if they’re going now. Yup. Chalo tries to ingratiate himself on the tour of town, and Alonso tells him to bug off—he’s got the best tour guide in the city. Chalo mutters “enjoy yourselves” and other silky stuff as they walk away. He calls after them—“Take care of her for me here.” Alonso IS ready to deck him and spins around to go after Chalo, but Lorena grabs him and makes him move on. Chalo thinks he got that point.
Sara strides into the garden behind the house, ever-present cell phone in hand, and finds Vasco at work with papers laid out on a table. “Doing homework?” He explains that he’s reading research related to the capture and separation of carbon dioxide for a project he’s on. Sara schmoozes that she admires folks who stick to their ideals. Vasco takes the bait; that’s the only way he can be happy. He wants to know if she’s happy with what she’s doing. Sara says she is for the moment, but she wants to study more and get more professionally involved with the company. He asks what she’d study, and Sara replies that administration or marketing would be what she wants; Vasco suggests administration of gastronomic enterprises. She likes it. Vasco excuses himself.
Lorena leads Alonso through a wooded area and tells him tales of when she was young and played there. Alonso wants to know if they were always so united, Lorena and Sara. That’s the least of it. When we were nine, a couple wanted to adopt me and they were close to finalizing but I found out that would mean I wouldn’t have Sara with me –my heart was broken -- and I asked if they would adopt both of us….the ended up adopting another child and neither of us. Alonso is impressed by the huge sacrifice she made for Sara. Lorena doesn’t feel it was a sacrifice. When she says “Sara is my sister” it’s not just a trite phrase. He wonders if Sara would do the same for Lorena. She smiles and assures him Sara would. [Hah.] Alonso gently hugs her and caresses her hair.
Sara lights into Chalo at 25 cents a minute. She TOLD him not to let them out of his sight! That was all she asked! Chalo protests that they cut him off at the knees. Whatever it is that Sara has against Lorena isn’t normal. Why? What’s all the rancor? Sara tells the tale of the near miss adoption – Version 1.2. The couple saw her first and she was sure she was going to get adopted, then Lorena’s ball rolled up to them and they saw HER. So, from then it was only Lorena. But, Lorena didn’t get adopted. No, she got the stupid idea they should adopt both of us and they ended up adopting another child. Sara’s fury comes to the surface. Chalo murmurs what he imagines is a comforting phrase—“how ugly, Sara, how ugly.”
Vasco can’t get his mother’s cell phone—she’s out of range. [Ed. Note: There’s another of those goofy t-shirts in English. He must have been to the French Market in New Orleans. Or somewhere.] He asks Jaime what’s up with Mami. Jaime fills him in on the faux liposuction trip. Vasco wants to know how Papi could let her go off and do that alone. Do you think she asked my permission? Snortensia strolls in with her new shadow. What does Jaime think about this—Sara wants to study Administration of Gastronomic Enterprises. Really? Sara pipes in humbly that this seems the most appropriate thing (indicado – suitable). Snortensia looks at Sara, almost fondly, and tells her it’s perfect-they’d have someone totally trustworthy and a family person to work in the business. She turns back to Jaime—don’t you like it? Jaime is stone-faced, but Vasco gives Sara an affirming look and big grin. Sara grins back.
Madre Trinidad goes after the files and finds nothing. It’s not possible! Lorena comes in. Are those the documents? Yes, and fortunately the Mother Superior had to go out; we can look at them with calm. You arrived in 1986, right? Yes. Well, here are all the files from that year, the Madre whines. Can Lorena see them? There’s not reason to--and the Madre breaks the bad news—your file and Lorena’s are missing! Lorena is impactada.
Monday: Chalo reports that Lorena is VERY interested in the files at the orphanage, and Lorena confronts Sara about some of the info she discovered—or didn’t.
Vocabulary
Precio de costo - cost-price; a precio de coste, precio de costo - at cost price
Ollas – pots, pans
Recipientes – containers
Láminas - illustrations
Incentivo económico – economic incentive/bonus
Tintorería – dry cleaners
Confianzudito - overly self-confident
Encajoso - creep
No me despegada – she wasn’t unstuck from me – (darned uncomfortable if you ask me)
Indicado – suitable
Jeanne
Labels: enemiga
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Terrific recap, Schoolmarm! You had me laughing all the way through.
I dare say Alonso could use a few therapy session from dear old dad himself when it comes to this obsessive jealousy of his! Fooey!
As for Dario's tattoo, biceps never looked so good. Not that I'm that drawn to them, but somehow the tat emphasized that bicep --not to mention Dario-- to perfection. The only thing better would have been to see it on FC.
I dare say Alonso could use a few therapy session from dear old dad himself when it comes to this obsessive jealousy of his! Fooey!
As for Dario's tattoo, biceps never looked so good. Not that I'm that drawn to them, but somehow the tat emphasized that bicep --not to mention Dario-- to perfection. The only thing better would have been to see it on FC.
Thanks, Jardinera! You and I are on a sense-of-humor wavelength...warped...
;-)
Alonso better get a grip. Of course, if he does, this novela's over.
Yeah, Dario's tattoo would be phenomenal on FC. Oooh.
Jeanne
;-)
Alonso better get a grip. Of course, if he does, this novela's over.
Yeah, Dario's tattoo would be phenomenal on FC. Oooh.
Jeanne
Schoolmarm --
thanks for the excellent recap. your listing of the food menus actually made me drool.
according to my little dictionary (that I keep on hand by my computer), it says 'tanda' means group, or (when referred to obreros - workers) shift.
glad to know you have your power restored.
Happy belated Independence Day!
Jody :)
thanks for the excellent recap. your listing of the food menus actually made me drool.
according to my little dictionary (that I keep on hand by my computer), it says 'tanda' means group, or (when referred to obreros - workers) shift.
glad to know you have your power restored.
Happy belated Independence Day!
Jody :)
Thanks Schoolmarm for the great recap!
I like how all members of the family coming together not knowing that they are related. And how the blood is calling - they all feel sympathy to each other. And they all are soooo nice!
The "white is too white and black is too blck" apparently goes as the main line thru the whole show. I don't know, but sometimes for me too sweet is exactly what it is - too sweet.
The evil Sara apparently has one good quality - she is a hard worker. To pool out allniter and create something worth the biggest contract is not an easy task! Sometimes with all her meanniness and determination I really think that she has some blood relationship to Snortenzia - who knows!
Tomorrow should be good - Lorena's confrontation with Sara - I bet that Sara will make something up so Lorena will feel guilty about her doubts about her best friend.
I like how all members of the family coming together not knowing that they are related. And how the blood is calling - they all feel sympathy to each other. And they all are soooo nice!
The "white is too white and black is too blck" apparently goes as the main line thru the whole show. I don't know, but sometimes for me too sweet is exactly what it is - too sweet.
The evil Sara apparently has one good quality - she is a hard worker. To pool out allniter and create something worth the biggest contract is not an easy task! Sometimes with all her meanniness and determination I really think that she has some blood relationship to Snortenzia - who knows!
Tomorrow should be good - Lorena's confrontation with Sara - I bet that Sara will make something up so Lorena will feel guilty about her doubts about her best friend.
Permalink posted by 
: Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 11:38:00 AM EDT
: Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 11:38:00 AM EDT
Yep, that's what I like about Sara. She is good -so far- at everything she does. However, I like the way that she got a bit careless so soon in this novela. She refused to take Lorena's first call and things are going to start unravelling for her (and us) real soon. Nobody can control every outcome. Chaos theory rules and we get the pleasure of seeing how "deliciously" creative the writers in this one will become. They have certainly whet my appetite for Monday....... ; > ))
Thanks, Jody and Eve!
Jody, I did see "group, batch, bunch" as definitions for "tanda" and kept looking in my other dictionaries because they didn't seem to make sense in that context. So, maybe Maricruz can give us some clarity on what she meant. The bottom line, I suppose, is that she needs an advance to buy the bigger pots they need.
Thanks for your well-wishes on the electricity. We're glad it's back and are slowly cleaning up tree damage that we are thankful didn't damage any of the campus buildings.
Eve and Jardinera, those are great observations about how hard a worker Sara is, I remember thinking I couldn't even pull an all-nighter when I was that age, let alone now. Also, about things beginning to unravel. The clues are being noted by folks, but people rarely put two and two together when it's in front of them.
Jeanne
Jody, I did see "group, batch, bunch" as definitions for "tanda" and kept looking in my other dictionaries because they didn't seem to make sense in that context. So, maybe Maricruz can give us some clarity on what she meant. The bottom line, I suppose, is that she needs an advance to buy the bigger pots they need.
Thanks for your well-wishes on the electricity. We're glad it's back and are slowly cleaning up tree damage that we are thankful didn't damage any of the campus buildings.
Eve and Jardinera, those are great observations about how hard a worker Sara is, I remember thinking I couldn't even pull an all-nighter when I was that age, let alone now. Also, about things beginning to unravel. The clues are being noted by folks, but people rarely put two and two together when it's in front of them.
Jeanne
Thanks, Schoolmarm. Cakes ^^^''Nobody can control every outcome.'' I am writing that on a small piece of paper and putting it on my refrigerator...those are words to live by. ^^^Mad Buns Bess/Susanlynn, trying hard to control ANY outcome
Permalink posted by : Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 3:46:00 PM EDT
: Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 3:46:00 PM EDT
Hey Schoolmarm...was down in Charlotte over the fourth and my son forgot to record the show for me but I didn't worry...I knew you would fill in all the gaps.
Loved your "high fructose smile" followed by an "aspartamine smile" later on to Jacqui and loved your characterization of her as low-maintenance...easily distracted by caresses.
My dear ones in Charlotte are without power at the moment and my daughter relies on fans and other "white noise" machines to help her children sleep without being awakened by noise in the neighborhood (there is ALWAYS construction going on in Charlotte) so I'm praying that theirs gets back on pronto.
Anyway, loved the recap, loved the visit but am also enjoying being back home with out little cat.
Oooh...and the picnic sounded wonderful...I could use some made from scratch baked beans and potato salad right now. Subway on the road is no substitute!
Loved your "high fructose smile" followed by an "aspartamine smile" later on to Jacqui and loved your characterization of her as low-maintenance...easily distracted by caresses.
My dear ones in Charlotte are without power at the moment and my daughter relies on fans and other "white noise" machines to help her children sleep without being awakened by noise in the neighborhood (there is ALWAYS construction going on in Charlotte) so I'm praying that theirs gets back on pronto.
Anyway, loved the recap, loved the visit but am also enjoying being back home with out little cat.
Oooh...and the picnic sounded wonderful...I could use some made from scratch baked beans and potato salad right now. Subway on the road is no substitute!
At first I thought it meant "petty cash." But with the literal translation being so close to "group" or "shift," maybe it's some kind of collection that's taken up from all the workers? (No, I know that's not likely in this context either.)
Perhaps it's the family savings, or something like a Christmas Club.
Or something like a 401k that you normally can't touch, but can borrow against in very limited circumstances.
In any case, has to be less complicated than fake lipo money.
Perhaps it's the family savings, or something like a Christmas Club.
Or something like a 401k that you normally can't touch, but can borrow against in very limited circumstances.
In any case, has to be less complicated than fake lipo money.
Also, the other day Sara waited for 3 hours with nothing to do, just to steal the files. She's not lazy. She's not timid. In a way, she epitomizes what gets success in today's corporate world. But her lack of morals will eventually bring her down. This is more interesting to me than a lunatic villain, or one who just uses cruelty to get ahead. Sara really has felt hurt and jealous, and although she goes over the line in her response to it, we can identify more with her than with some villains. So it makes us think about some of our own choices (though, of course, not mine LOL!).
Hombre, that's a very thoughtful analysis of Sara. I think the best villains are ones that bring some human qualities into the mix. Of course we would NEVER do what they do, but if we can understand why they do things then they are much more itneresting.
Schoolmarm, I love your descriptions ofSara's "sweetness", high fructose (perfect!!!) and aspartame-infused smile. The actress must be having a gas with this role.
I remember the actor who plays Dario, he was the first Hugo in Duelo de Pasiones and was quite a hunk, always half-clad and hopping into bed with the evil babes.
What a wonderful recap. You captured the fabulous evilness that is Sara and your descriptions of Chalo inserting himself into Lorena and Alonso's business were quite vivid. Alonso is such a dolt, I wish there were a bit more to him as a hero, sigh.
Zulema's and Lorena's menu items sound delicious. I had some fun looking the stuff up online but I had a problem with Postre Capilodota. Any clue as to what that is? By the way, your menu sounded yummy too. What a fun way to spend the holiday, sharing traditional American fourth of July fare with visitors.
Thanks Schoolmarm, you rock! I'm so glad to hear that your life is starting to get back to normal after your extreme weather experience.
Schoolmarm, I love your descriptions ofSara's "sweetness", high fructose (perfect!!!) and aspartame-infused smile. The actress must be having a gas with this role.
I remember the actor who plays Dario, he was the first Hugo in Duelo de Pasiones and was quite a hunk, always half-clad and hopping into bed with the evil babes.
What a wonderful recap. You captured the fabulous evilness that is Sara and your descriptions of Chalo inserting himself into Lorena and Alonso's business were quite vivid. Alonso is such a dolt, I wish there were a bit more to him as a hero, sigh.
Zulema's and Lorena's menu items sound delicious. I had some fun looking the stuff up online but I had a problem with Postre Capilodota. Any clue as to what that is? By the way, your menu sounded yummy too. What a fun way to spend the holiday, sharing traditional American fourth of July fare with visitors.
Thanks Schoolmarm, you rock! I'm so glad to hear that your life is starting to get back to normal after your extreme weather experience.
The discussion on "tanda" is interesting. I didn't see the episode so have no idea but I did look up definitions in my Larousse (a last resort) and in addition to the ones you found, there are these....
1. trabajo que a de hacerse ("tengo una buena tanda de examenes a corregir"
So could she have been thinking with the money she made from the current job or job coming up she could get enough money to invest in new pots etc.
The other definition that was intriguing was this:
2. succesion de anuncios publicitarios que se intercalen en un programa telviso.
Don't see how that could possibly fit in your context but at least now we know what to call that long slew of ads we see in between every 10 minutes or so of plot development!
I do believe "tanda" is a culinary term no...like meaning a batch of cookies...but again, not sure how it fits in the context (wish my son had recorded the show...oh well)
But, as always, your recap is going to generate much thought and discussion, Schoolmarm.
1. trabajo que a de hacerse ("tengo una buena tanda de examenes a corregir"
So could she have been thinking with the money she made from the current job or job coming up she could get enough money to invest in new pots etc.
The other definition that was intriguing was this:
2. succesion de anuncios publicitarios que se intercalen en un programa telviso.
Don't see how that could possibly fit in your context but at least now we know what to call that long slew of ads we see in between every 10 minutes or so of plot development!
I do believe "tanda" is a culinary term no...like meaning a batch of cookies...but again, not sure how it fits in the context (wish my son had recorded the show...oh well)
But, as always, your recap is going to generate much thought and discussion, Schoolmarm.
Job... batch of cookies... I bet she must be planning to ask for an advance on her upcoming gig. Thus tanda=cooking gig (in this particular context).
What do you think, sirs? ;-)
What do you think, sirs? ;-)
Thanks, Sylvia, JudyB, and everyone for the great comments, etc.!
Julie, yes, the upcoming gig had also occurred to me and I think you're right, that one works best. Let's just make an executive decision--she's getting an advance on the next gig's profits. All in favor.....??
Jeanne
Julie, yes, the upcoming gig had also occurred to me and I think you're right, that one works best. Let's just make an executive decision--she's getting an advance on the next gig's profits. All in favor.....??
Jeanne
Sharkbait, I had forgotten about the first Hugo--he was so much better looking than the second Hugo/Gasca. Yes, he's a hunk, especially without the suit and tie.
Jeanne
Jeanne
Awesome recap schoolmarm ;) I'm a big fan of "indoor" picnics - all the yummy food, without those pesky bugs.
Re: "tanda" - I'm totally grasping here, but Zulema's been getting hired for "taquizas" (taco parties) by different groups for special events(christenings, family reunions, etc) so I'm guessing the "tanda" is a group that hired her, maybe an office party or a local union doing a function. They've probably pooled some money for the event, so she's going to ask for an advance on that.
Re: the dessert Zulema and Lorena spoke of - it's called "Capirotada" which is a sort of bread pudding (not really a custard though) with piloncillo syrup. I don't have a recipe 'cause I never cared for piloncillo, but there are a few recipes out there and the beauty of it is that it's almost impossible to screw up 'cause it's supposed to look strange anyway. It involves old bread (like any self-respecting bread pudding) that's toasted and buttered, piloncillo (Tastes like sugar and molasses - you can get it in bars or cones in the hispanic section of many grocery stores), and some recipes call for peanuts.
Take care ;)
Re: "tanda" - I'm totally grasping here, but Zulema's been getting hired for "taquizas" (taco parties) by different groups for special events(christenings, family reunions, etc) so I'm guessing the "tanda" is a group that hired her, maybe an office party or a local union doing a function. They've probably pooled some money for the event, so she's going to ask for an advance on that.
Re: the dessert Zulema and Lorena spoke of - it's called "Capirotada" which is a sort of bread pudding (not really a custard though) with piloncillo syrup. I don't have a recipe 'cause I never cared for piloncillo, but there are a few recipes out there and the beauty of it is that it's almost impossible to screw up 'cause it's supposed to look strange anyway. It involves old bread (like any self-respecting bread pudding) that's toasted and buttered, piloncillo (Tastes like sugar and molasses - you can get it in bars or cones in the hispanic section of many grocery stores), and some recipes call for peanuts.
Take care ;)
Margarita, thanks for the answer on Capirotada.
I googled "Tanda" and found this interesting site:
www.anthro.uci.edu/html/
Programs/Anthro_Money/Tandas.htm
Apparently the practice of tanda is deeply rooted in Mexican and Latin American culture. Fascinating! Another big thanks to Schoolmarm for taking note of it.
I googled "Tanda" and found this interesting site:
www.anthro.uci.edu/html/
Programs/Anthro_Money/Tandas.htm
Apparently the practice of tanda is deeply rooted in Mexican and Latin American culture. Fascinating! Another big thanks to Schoolmarm for taking note of it.
Thanks for the info on tandas Sylvia. I supposed it makes sense for someone starting a business to join a rotating credit group. Mystery solved, she's just moving up in the line. I was familiar with the term "vaca" (the concept of buying stuff as a group, not an actual cow) but never knew it could get to this magnitude. Here I thought I was clever by thinking of getting a BJs membership with a friend ;)
Wow, Margarita, thanks for the great info on the dessert! That sounds yummy! (I am especially fond of stuff with peanuts...). I was following the captions, so it was captioned wrong (big surprise, given how fast they were talking).
Sylvia, that information about the idea of "tanda" is truly fascinating. Thank you for finding that! No wonder it wasn't easy to define--it means so many things and context is all-important. For us newbies the deeper context can be elusive because we don't have the cultural background. Hooray for internet research!
Jeanne
Sylvia, that information about the idea of "tanda" is truly fascinating. Thank you for finding that! No wonder it wasn't easy to define--it means so many things and context is all-important. For us newbies the deeper context can be elusive because we don't have the cultural background. Hooray for internet research!
Jeanne
Hmmm...''tanda''---I start teaching two 6-week classes today , and I have a student from Homduras and one from Puerto Rico , so I will ask them for some insight into this word. Can you give me the whole sentence that it was used in since the context seems important here ?
Permalink posted by : Monday, July 7, 2008 at 7:58:00 AM EDT
: Monday, July 7, 2008 at 7:58:00 AM EDT
Mad Bess...just google "tanda" and you'll find exactly what you need to know as Sylvia indicated.
It's a fascinating account of tandas, other names for them, how they came to be, and how they work.
And the context was that Zulema needed money to purchase equipment to expand her business and I guess her "turn" wasn't coming up anytime soon (didn't see the show either) so she was going to see if she could move up in the rotation.
Anyway, the info Sylvia found was fascinating and a further reason why watching these often silly telenovelas results in very real learning, and not just of language.
Thanks Schoolmarm for highlighting the "tanda" word for us and Sylvia for finding some fascinating information on it.
Clearly Larousse and Oxford dictionaries need to add to their definitions.
In the meantime, thank goodness for the internet.
It's a fascinating account of tandas, other names for them, how they came to be, and how they work.
And the context was that Zulema needed money to purchase equipment to expand her business and I guess her "turn" wasn't coming up anytime soon (didn't see the show either) so she was going to see if she could move up in the rotation.
Anyway, the info Sylvia found was fascinating and a further reason why watching these often silly telenovelas results in very real learning, and not just of language.
Thanks Schoolmarm for highlighting the "tanda" word for us and Sylvia for finding some fascinating information on it.
Clearly Larousse and Oxford dictionaries need to add to their definitions.
In the meantime, thank goodness for the internet.
Susanlynn, the context that JudyB gave is exactly right, though I don't remember the exact sentence. That's the concept of the "tanda" - a source of an advance in funding that she can get to purchase the newer, larger pots and pans, and other equipment to get the business rolling.
Jeanne
Jeanne
I don't have much nice to say about my Oxford dictionary. It seldom has the words I need (granted I'm mostly looking up slang at this point) and some of the definitions are misleading. Ex.: for "ni modo" they have "no way." That is definitely incorrect. (I found a whole thread on a Word Reference forum about it!)
Julie, Julie, don't leave me hanging...if "no way" is incorrect for "ni modo", what IS the correct translation?
'Cause even in my Streetwise Spanish, they give "no way" as the translation for "ni modo".
I've been pretty happy with my Oxford but it will fall short on some things, especially as the meaning of words varies from country to country, and new meanings evolve everyday.
'Cause even in my Streetwise Spanish, they give "no way" as the translation for "ni modo".
I've been pretty happy with my Oxford but it will fall short on some things, especially as the meaning of words varies from country to country, and new meanings evolve everyday.
Howdy =)
Julie, "ni modo" does mean "no way." It's usually used as "ya ni modo" (literally: now no way) meaning there is nothing left to do, there is no remedy, no solution, nothing that can be done. They probably didn't elaborate, which probably just resulted in more confusion. The down side of slang and puns is that they're difficult to define and even harder to translate!
Hope that helps.
Julie, "ni modo" does mean "no way." It's usually used as "ya ni modo" (literally: now no way) meaning there is nothing left to do, there is no remedy, no solution, nothing that can be done. They probably didn't elaborate, which probably just resulted in more confusion. The down side of slang and puns is that they're difficult to define and even harder to translate!
Hope that helps.
Okay, I take it back, but only halfway:
If you say "Ni modo blah blah blah" it does mean "No way blah blah blah." However, I've never heard this used in a telenovela (I'm sure it does get used, I just don't notice). Instead I hear "de ninguna manera" for this.
I was looking up "ni modo" in the context of a standalone expression: "Blah blah blah. Ni modo." Which means "oh well" or "eh, nevermind," or "well, what are you going to do" in a dismissive/resigned manner. Like "Blah blah blah sucks. Oh well."
These are two very different usages. You would never say "no way" in English in the second case; unfortunately, Oxford doesn't acknowledge this usage at all. (I guess you could say "there's no way around it" instead, but since people rarely use this expression in English, I don't think it's a good translation.)
If you say "Ni modo blah blah blah" it does mean "No way blah blah blah." However, I've never heard this used in a telenovela (I'm sure it does get used, I just don't notice). Instead I hear "de ninguna manera" for this.
I was looking up "ni modo" in the context of a standalone expression: "Blah blah blah. Ni modo." Which means "oh well" or "eh, nevermind," or "well, what are you going to do" in a dismissive/resigned manner. Like "Blah blah blah sucks. Oh well."
These are two very different usages. You would never say "no way" in English in the second case; unfortunately, Oxford doesn't acknowledge this usage at all. (I guess you could say "there's no way around it" instead, but since people rarely use this expression in English, I don't think it's a good translation.)
I asked my 2 Spanish speaking students about the word ''tanda.'' The girl from Puerto Rico had no idea what it meant, but the girl from Honduras said that the Mexicans use it when several people pool their money for a joint venture [which she told me was a common practice in Mexico].
Permalink posted by : Monday, July 7, 2008 at 5:26:00 PM EDT
: Monday, July 7, 2008 at 5:26:00 PM EDT
"ni modo" in Reverso on-line dictionary says "no other alternative" as in "what else can one do?" and Wordreference discussion forums agree, adding that it's like "it cannot be helped and that's just the way it is."
OK-----so ''ni moda'' would be the equivalent of what people say in this area : ''Yeah, well'' [which is usually accompanied with a shrug of the shoulders and followed by a big sigh of resignation].
Permalink posted by : Monday, July 7, 2008 at 6:58:00 PM EDT
: Monday, July 7, 2008 at 6:58:00 PM EDT
Susanlynn, thanks so much for getting an update for us on the concept of a group pooling money--so "kitty" or "pool" was right, but it wasn't clear what they were pooling for and you've gotten us new info on that one! New cultural learning....
Jeanne
Jeanne
Hi, I've been off for a few days attending Mexican visitors and family visitors. Haven't seen these shows yet either, but I can weigh in on the comment discussion.
Yes, I'm in agreement with the tanda concept. Most especially if you are like a small or upstart side or home business person with no real assets. Credit (like from banks either through credit cards, or other loans)is not extended to just anyone in Mexico, and is no where near as easy to come by as here.
In fact, ironically we were talking about that this weekend and how my friend got a brand new '08 Camry here and though she put some money down from selling her previous car, she is only paying $200.00 a month for it.
My visitors explained there is no such gracious program in Mexico and it would simply not be possible to have a brand new car and only have to pay that little per month for it, money down or otherwise. The financing just doesn't exist that way. There are indeed some payment or financing programs, but they are nowhere near as consumer friendly or "easy on the pocketbook".
Anyway, which is an example of why tandas are popular because the majority of people have to "do for themselves", the banks don't even pay them any mind.
I know you've all seen in the novelas how excited characters get or impressed they are when someone gets or pays with a tarjeta de credito. (We laugh because we know how much trouble they can get you into, too.)
Well, that's a huge deal if you are extended that kind of revolving credit in Mexico. Slowly more people are getting to that point, or it's more common to at least have the ones that link to a bank account in lieu of cash (not really credit though), but it is still a huge measure of economic standing that an institution is willing to give you money to use without anything secured in return, essentially just on trust that you will pay it back monthly. We are kind of spoiled here in that regard, really.
On the modo front, yep I've seen all the uses. Ni modo, "nor mode" "neither mode" is ni modo (no way) will that happen, or it's done already, so ni modo "neither way" or "nor a way" gets you out of it or around it.
I'll have to watch the shows and look for these things. Thanks again schoolmarm for the recap!!
Yes, I'm in agreement with the tanda concept. Most especially if you are like a small or upstart side or home business person with no real assets. Credit (like from banks either through credit cards, or other loans)is not extended to just anyone in Mexico, and is no where near as easy to come by as here.
In fact, ironically we were talking about that this weekend and how my friend got a brand new '08 Camry here and though she put some money down from selling her previous car, she is only paying $200.00 a month for it.
My visitors explained there is no such gracious program in Mexico and it would simply not be possible to have a brand new car and only have to pay that little per month for it, money down or otherwise. The financing just doesn't exist that way. There are indeed some payment or financing programs, but they are nowhere near as consumer friendly or "easy on the pocketbook".
Anyway, which is an example of why tandas are popular because the majority of people have to "do for themselves", the banks don't even pay them any mind.
I know you've all seen in the novelas how excited characters get or impressed they are when someone gets or pays with a tarjeta de credito. (We laugh because we know how much trouble they can get you into, too.)
Well, that's a huge deal if you are extended that kind of revolving credit in Mexico. Slowly more people are getting to that point, or it's more common to at least have the ones that link to a bank account in lieu of cash (not really credit though), but it is still a huge measure of economic standing that an institution is willing to give you money to use without anything secured in return, essentially just on trust that you will pay it back monthly. We are kind of spoiled here in that regard, really.
On the modo front, yep I've seen all the uses. Ni modo, "nor mode" "neither mode" is ni modo (no way) will that happen, or it's done already, so ni modo "neither way" or "nor a way" gets you out of it or around it.
I'll have to watch the shows and look for these things. Thanks again schoolmarm for the recap!!
Thanks, Kris, for the new information on the tandas and credit in general. Wow, that answers some of my personal questions about a friend from Mexico who never pays on credit.
Jeanne
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