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Just a few random observations:

-Joffre got angry with Nina for cleaning, saying, "my Mom do that!" And followed her around the house making new messes for the first few times she cleaned for us. We've mostly gotten him past that. When I explained that she worked here, that cleaning here is her job, he was silent and pensive for a good 20-30 seconds. He is now very curious about where she lives, how she gets here, why she isn't here all the time to clean up . . . I'm surprised at the depth of culture shock, if that's the expression that fits, a Canadian 3-year-old experiences when confronted with a maid for the first time.

-There are ads on TV for something in the Viagra category where the maid is perpetually embarrassed by walking in on the enthusiastic middle-aged couple - or finding evidence of their amorous activities throughout the house. Only in Latin America, say I.

-I got really spoiled having a dishwasher in Vancouver. There isn't one here, and I am ashamed to say I am hard pressed to get the dishes done on the days when Nina isn't here. I do try, though, to at least remove the slovenly evidence before she arrives on her work days.

-Taxi drivers are telling me I should get a nanny. Actually, now a couple of them are saying, "so, what's the status with the nanny? Hasn't the company lined one up for you yet? There are lots of good girls out there looking for nannying jobs."