Seems like so much longer

So I feel like I have been here so much longer than I actually have. Entering week three we have had lots of sex talks and more shots and more Spanish. This past weekend was great it was my little sister’s birthday party very impressive. I felt like I was officially living here playing host to a bunch of strangers. Nonetheless very entertaining a clown, a magician, a princess, and Barney showed up. I ate a lot of sugar and then went dancing with some new friends. Much needed relaxation on Sundays. Planning on going for hikes and exploring my whereabouts more. I went to a Grupo 5 concert last night. They are this great band extremely popular here. Danced some more, smiled tons, and hung out with the locals on a Monday night. You guys should check out that band online. I find that I listen to a lot more music these days. Every Saturday I have a class at the University where I get to learn about gardening, composting, recycling, reforestation, and so much more. I am going to be an even bigger hippie upon my return. I am learning a large amount about a wide variety of things. I attend a yoga class on Monday, dance class on Tuesday, and am teaching yoga class on Wednesdays. I have spent the past few weeks testing just how brave or extroverted I could be. Attempting to interview over twenty people in a language I have yet to master about some complicated topics. I have accepted that no matter what I am a spectacle and need to use it to my advantage. Everything here is poco a poco or little by little. An excellent philosophy to adopt to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Keep on dancing ya´ll. And as a public service annocement please practice safe sex.

Stories hoorah!

So we had an hour long lecture about everything diarrhea. It was very educational in fact Liz I feel this is the reason we require sturdagens. They say that within the first year 70% of our group will poop our pants. I assume the study undies serve as a protective barrier to complete embarrassment and unbearable messiness. On the list of excitement I fell down the road that leads to my house. This adventure is revealing how truly clumsy I am. No injuries yet. My family is great our house was just painted my favorite color green. The inside will soon be light purple and lime green. Which will promote energy and happiness through a pleasant and bright environment. I realized hot showers are overrated. The food is so much better here. Street smarts are invaluable courtesy of Aurora. Pedestrians need to pay attention, dogs are mean, and rocks are great defense against mean dogs. I am officially back into race mode because I am always busy. Eight hours of class each day. Four hours Spanish and four hours of technical training. It is an incredible workload in preparation for an incredible and challenging journey.
On the weekend I explored a city nearby which was full of people, excitement, gorgeous artistry. From fountains to parks to statues that play music. There is a food mecca at the market, my head almost exploded out of excitement. That night I went to a four year old birthday party which made me question why we even have parties in the states. It was so fun and eventful and full of food and sugar. Super enjoyable. So far so good. I definitely need to explore some more and continue working my butt off if I hope to be effective in the future. Miss ya´ll please post comments about how you are all doing. XOXO

My New Reality

So I have been here for more or less a week. It has been a roller coaster of events, people, stress, excitement but largely change. I have moved into my new home with my host family. They are a mom, a four year old sister, a two year old brother, and my grandma. In many ways I feel it is very similar to the situation I was last living in Denver. Hey Sally and Scott. I am adapting as best I can to the new language, travel, friends, family, town, and bosses. The transportation is always fun and I almost got hit by a bus the first day. You truly have to pay attention when crossing a highway. I will keep that in mind. I can´t really chat now but I thought I would say hello. Thinking of you constantly. With love.

Safe and Sound

Hey ya'll I made it successfully in one piece with all my luggage. I am much calmer and feel very secure with my decision to do this. I am looking forward to the opportunity to improve my Spanish. Make new friends with the locals and live a new experience. I will miss you but know that I love you and will keep you updated as much as I can. I will be fairly busy over the course
of the next few weeks, so do not be concerned. Have fun, be safe, and as always live the dream.

Curses!

Yesterday I visited D.C. for the first time. I saw the White House,
Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. We toured the
Holocaust museum. It was so solemn and intense. Sadness
radiated from these materials that bore witness to such horrifying
events. I am a few showers and comfy beds away from the third world.

I have reached the point where my nerves are officially rattled.
I am in a hotel room in D.C. with my mother who is trying her best to
reassure me. She chooses to take the don't worry you have a beautiful
face route, people are nice to pretty people. Meanwhile I appear as though
I have turret's. I figure I better get all my profanities out before attempting
to become profound. I am excited, but getting fairly nervous. I do not like
the waiting process. Once I get on the adventure or my flight lands I will
regain my sense of serenity now. I will blog as soon as I can after I arrive
to let you all know I made it. Today I go to orientation more or less. I meet
the group of people that are my bosses, my coworkers, and my new companions.
This is the first day of my new job and the next chapter of my life. Welcome to adulthood...

Adios Pentucky!

So while it was of course lovely visiting my grams, I am certainly ready to get out of this town. I was walking in the boroughs and got royally lost because there is nothing but hills and windy roads. It was exhausting and amusing. I received my wedding rings which are gorgeous, intricate, and going into a safe for another two years. No worries not engaged, but forget the formality I am wearing them on my left hand this week since they are way too pretty to be anywhere other than my hand.

I think slowly but surely it is all sinking in that I am truly leaving. I do not feel anxiety at all which is completely out of character for me. It is so strange to know I will not see many people for years. But isn't this the nature of "growing up" in this country? Aren't we supposed to move away from our old lives in order to do something in our new lives? This is my current ponder, largely because once I figure it out I will have the decision made as to whether I should be returning to the US or staying abroad for many years to come. Boarding once again. Until the next flight.