Ignorance was Bliss

The other day I was "let in the know". Lupe told me that my family's clothes looked wrinkled and that I needed to start ironing. Since I come from the states and own a dryer, I normally only iron on special occassions. If something looks terrible coming out of the dryer, it is usually replaced easy enough. A few little wrinkles have never bothered me. Also, I use this handy-dandy wrinkle-release spray, and whatever job it can't handle, well, I usually don't wear that item to often.

I have been informed though that here in La Huacana, wrinkles bother everyone; that people are staring at us and thinking ill thoughts. This all came as sort of a shock. I ask my kids what they know. Molly confessed that someone had asked her if Americans iron their clothing. Had I been letting Mike go to school and teach classes everyday in clothing that would make him look ridiculous? Mike and I have been teaching the kids to adapt to the Mexican culture. They are frequently reminded that we are guests in someone else's country.It took days for that talk with Lupe to sink in. I decided to think on it awhile. She, afterall, was asking alot from a family of six all wearing adult-sized clothing. While "thinking on it", I started observing all the people around me. Sure enough, it was true. Every one's clothes were meticulously ironed. Not a wrinkle anywhere to be found. Even t-shirts get ironed. Oh, my goodness, this means life in Mexico was dramatically about to change.

Today, I ironed for atleast two hours, after ironing three yesterday. I am ironing silly t-shirts, basketball shorts, casual shorts, blouses, everything accept socks and underwear. I have to admit, I think Lupe and the rest of her country are right. The clothes look so much nicer. I can hardly believe we were walking around a wrinkled mess. The clothes line just doesn't cut it. For seven weeks I didn't iron and for the next seven, it will take time out of every day. This mama won't be able to do it all on her own. This week was declared "learn how to iron" week. I should have took the suttle hint way back when our translators dropped us off in December. Norma had told me that an iron and I would become best-friends.