God bless America

Peppermint patties, everything bagels, and cheddar cheese, oh my! I should've hidden in the closet when it was time to go to the airport... It was such an amazing weekend! If anything, my time in Mexico has truly made me appreciate the little things that we take for granted in the U.S. The food is just the tip of the iceberg... Add to that the incredible sights, clean streets, beautiful waterways, endless fashion opportunities, and native English speakers, and you've pretty much got it made.

Despite all of this, I am looking forward to an authentic taco meal, seeing my kitty, and gossiping with mis chicas...

Good riddance?

Well I wouldn't quite say that... I lost my camera at a party this weekend which to be quite honest, I've been waiting to do for about 2 years now. You see I've had this camera for the past 5 years and I just couldn't legitimize purchasing a new one when the old one was still serving its intended purpose. This led me to many a' blurred photos, landscape shots (meant to capture items a mere 10 feet ahead), and in general, sharp-lacking still shots that just weren't pretty. Therefore, I have come to terms with the loss and am ready to move on to the highest level of optical zoom I can afford. Pardon the lack of original pictures for a wee bit...

Wedding Bliss

Liz and Brian eloped to Napa Valley on Wednesday, 09/09/09! Congratulations are in order. Can't wait to celebrate in Chicago in October! xoxo

Adios Champagne Supernova

It's official. I am no longer the proud owner of a Toyota Corolla. When my Dad asked me what kind of car I would get if I could get any car in the world, I said a Hybrid Toyota Corolla. And I was dead serious. Lucky for me, Toyota is currently working on a hybrid version of my car of choice... 2011?

Policia Corrupta

A lot party last weekend turned ugly when a friend and I decided to take a leak in the woods... When I say lot party, I mean just that. A vacant lot usually doesn't come equipped with baños and this was no exception. So you can imagine our shock when we are rudely interrupted (midstream I might add) by two Mexican cops who I presume had been waiting for just such unlawful behavior all night. The conversation goes something like this:

Us: Whoa! Shoot, sorry officers.

Them: What are you doing? We are going to take you to jail.

Us: What???! We were only peeing, we're really sorry, it wasn't malicious!

Them: Sorry, we are going to jail. You shouldn't be doing that here and you're breaking the law so we'll have to take you to jail now.

Us: Seriously?? This is crazy. Oh shit. Ok, can we call our friends? Is there anything we can do? We promise we will leave the party.

Them: Hmmm. OK, how much money do you have?

Us: $400 pesos.

Them: Done. Go back to the party.

Us (back at the party): Holy shit. What they say is true. Pay them off and you're in the clear.

Note to self: Do not carry large amounts of cash. Especially when attending fiestas sin baños.

Porque??

As if the lock change wasn't bad enough, my water has been out for the last 3 days (tank is full so don't know what the problem is). All I want is a nice long shower. Pero no puedo! The school is sending someone over today to check it out. Venga, por favor!

Welcome home

So I get to my apartment around midnight only to find that the outdoor lock has been changed! UGH. My house is actually 3 apartments in one, all occupied by fellow ASP teachers. My neighbors from last year have relocated, however, so I didn't know the new people when I got home. So I incessantly rang the door bells on my innocent new neighbors houses until they got up to let me in. Nice welcome, right? Whoopsie. Turns out the landlord's friends had a copy of the keys and busted into one of the new people's apartments the day after they moved in. Sketch. Not so mad about the lock change anymore...

Still Pinching Myself

Our final days in Playa were sad to say the least, but alas, responsibility calls and we had to say goodbye. The trip was amazing. Unfortunately, the end was sad for more reasons than simply having to go our separate ways. Charlotte was suffering from jellyfish stings all over her upper thighs which had grown into massive welts and Kelly was developing a severe sinus infection and ear ache from the water pressure of the scuba adventure. I, on the other hand, made out like a bandit and then some. When I got to the Cancun airport, they told me that they had overbooked the flight to Mexico City so I would have to wait for a seat assignment. As those with seats boarded, I realized that I was only 1 of 3 people without a seat. This could get ugly. So I came and left the front desk a few times to make sure they still remembered the seatless gringa. As I was settling back into my book for the 3rd time, the guy across me asks if I'm from Brazil? No, porque? Tus zapatos. O, claro! My Havianas have a Brazilian flag on them, pero no soy de Brazil. Y tu? Si, de Brazil. So I have a handsome Brazilian man on my hands. We chit chat for a bit, then his seat gets called (blasted seat holders!) and he wishes me well and hopes I get on the flight. I finally do, and a few minutes after the fasten seat belt sign turns off, I get a tap on the shoulder and some Brazilian pearly whites flashing at me. He's traveling with his dad and would I like to switch seats with him so that we can sit together? Porque no? So my new airplane bf and I talk the entire flight and at the end he actually suggests staying in Mexico for another week instead of heading back to Rio right then. Um, en serio? I pondered for a few seconds before I came to my senses and told him it was probably best for him to go back to Brazil...

Currently plotting my trip to Carnival 2010...teehee.

GRADUATED!

I'm finally done! Phew. Celebrated this weekend with friends & family and it feels good. My GMU friends and I had a party on Friday night followed by going out on U St. in DC... good times. The next morning, however, not so good. Especially when my anxiously awaiting family informed me that we would be going on our LONG bike ride on Saturday instead of Sunday; I wasn't that tired, right? No, ummm, just dehydrated... But it was all ok in the end. The beautiful Mount Vernon trail kept my legs pumping and spirits lifted.

Grass is greener on the other side of the border

Running in Alexandria has been amazing the past week and a half. Even with the protests of my shin splints I can't get enough. I have been craving a good run since moving to Pachuca where 90% of the landscape is brown dust. The grass is definitely greener on the other side. I ran a few times while in Pachuca but there are several reasons why it is more of a challenge~ both physically and mentally~ than in the U.S. The first is that the landscape looks like this.
Not ideal for a runner. The second is that people in Pachuca are not into the whole running thing... and that's putting it nicely. Stares are common and honks and yells are rather frequent as well. Just prepare to tune out and run. It actually becomes a driving force for faster running after a while. Another challenge to running in Pachuca is potholes. There are literally at least 10 on every street you go down. Twisted ankles threaten your every step. So you must be aware and take caution. I managed to map out a minimal pothole route after a few trial runs. Still, you can imagine my delight at running in Old Town Alexandria, a lush landscape of running and biking trails, fitness freaks, and smooth roads. aaaaaaah.

GMU Fast Train

I'm wrapping up my last class in graduate school and it feels great. It's been 2 years since I started the program taking online and summer courses. The program is designed for teachers who are abroad and unable to attend face to face classes throughout the school year. While it wasn't ideal (posting to blackboard became somewhat nauseating by the end...) I have learned a lot and am really proud of the work that I've done. Once our Action Research project is turned in next week I'll be a the mighty owner of an MEd! Wooop wooop! Find out more about the program here.

Cutest thing ever

Today was my last day of school since I have to get back to the U.S. for graduate school. When I left for a meeting, my students, unbeknownst to me, wrote me some of the cutest notes I've ever read... Here is my favorite: Keep in mind they are second language learners...

Miss M:

I will miss you a lot. This few weeks that you were my teacher I like you a lot because you are very fun. When I don't understand you explain me. You are the best teacher I have met. Thank you for all. I will miss you a lot. Bye Miss M, I hope you like us and I wish you lots of good things. I will remember you always. I will not forget you never.

I almost cried. This is why I do what I do!~ Hasta Augusto, ASP!

Michael Jackson

A post to commemorate the one and only Michael Jackson. He died today at the age of 50 after suffering from cardiac arrest. I don't think his music will ever go out of style... I've been listening to it all night and have found myself singing along and dancing in front of the mirror as a direct result. Remember old times with my favorite videos, Do You Remember the Time and Black or White.

Revelation

I recently realized that the majority of my exes have taken up with young ladies who they all seem to be considerably content with. I am oh so happy for them, don't get me wrong. What gets me in this discovery is my indifference... Shouldn't I be at least somewhat upset or unsettled? Many of my friends and acquaintances are on the road to seriousness in their relationships... and looking for it if they aren't. For some reason, though, I just don't feel there yet. I guess I am musing over this because I feel pressure to settle down, start a family, set my roots down, not only because it's what you're supposed to do but also because if I don't do it at the same time as my friends, will we still be good friends? It's weird. I am content but still slightly unfulfilled by my current state of being. Like I know that I'm happier being on this side of things but a part of me still wants to be on a predictable path.... too small a part to pursue, however.

Traveling in the past and being in Mexico for the past 6 months has given me a taste of what I want to do with the next few years of my life. In my opinion, it's too short to know and understand just one part of the world and its people. And furthermore, global awareness and sensitivity are becoming more and more of an essential quality for people to have with every passing day. Ok, ok. I'll end my preaching there.... Maybe I am just trying to make myself feel better. As a conclusion to this vent session I will just say that I am in a happy place right now. I don't know if I will grow tired of the lifestyle I am currently leading anytime soon, but for the time being I am comforted by these wise words... "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

~ Mark Twain

Battle of the Sexes 2009

Last weekend, the crew went out to the "country house" of one of our friends to commence Battle of the Sexes 2009, basically an excuse for us girls to relive our summer camp days and prove our "athletic" worthiness against the boys. The events included a water balloon toss, three-legged race, spoon race to fill a cup with water, toss the shoes, shaving cream and fruit loop toss, cinnamon & chili tongue endurance, flip cup, and of course, limbo. The difference between this battle and summer camp days was that chelas were being consumed throughout, an addition that made the competition all the more interesting. In the end it was 3-3, girls taking the water balloon toss, spoon race, and shoe toss, with limbo as the tiebreaker... We were neck and neck and I was the last girl standing... aaah. What sorrow it caused me to lose the final battle ~ those blasted Mexicans and their innate height advantage and impeccable flexibility! In the end, a flip cup round or two softened all remaining tensions and we officially began a night for the books- a round of sardines, dance offs, and twister included. Oh what a night!

The battleground.

The competition. Yes, they are wearing women's clothing.

The events.

Rematch 2010!

I love my President

To me, President Obama is the best thing that could have happened to the United States at this point. I am impressed every time I watch CNN AM Fix (which is every day) when I see what he is doing at home and around the world. He is so practical and sincere in his endeavors. Check out some of his Middle East speech here.  Incredible. I'm proud to be an American for the first time in 8 years!

Coldplay En Vivo

While I was back in the U.S. I went to a Coldplay concert at the Virginia Beach Ampitheater. It was an incredible show. I have seen many a' concerts in my day and this was one of the best live performances I have ever seen. The music was great but the props and videography were just as good. It really was a show, not just a concert. They played an amazing set and their signature crescendos kept the crowd mesmerized throughout. The best part was when they relocated to the lawn... I don't know exactly how they were so conspicuous about it but after a set break they miraculously appeared a mere 100 yards from the nosebleed seats that my friends and I were in. They sang a few acoustic versions of songs including a cover of the Beattle's "I'm a Believer" which was pretty amazing. Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure. VIVA Coldplay!!!

What's wrong with this picture?

No, its not that this UVA diploma is excessively large (as pretentious as we wahoos are, you should expect nothing less). Look just a little closer… around the edges. Yea, there you go. My ironic attempt at reframing my diploma after a trip to Office Max to size it down a bit for certification purposes. Maybe they shouldn’t have given me that degree after all…

The Electronics Market

Before coming to Mexico, I shoved every DVD I owned into a CD case and coveted them as much as my English reading material; all of which I assumed would have to last me for about 4 months. Turns out, though, that the pirating business is bustling here in Mexico and I feel like the #1 beneficiary. The walls of the central market are lined with electroniconistas ready to make a deal at the drop of a hat. They have the latest titles and dvd players to show you just how good the quality is and, of course, that they are in English, not dubbed with Spanish subtitles. I have run into a few lemons on my pirated dvd adventures but on the whole I give them rave reviews. My dvd collection is expanding at the bargain price of about $1.50 per title. It puts me at ease to know that if swine flu round two hits, I will be boarded up and enjoying my now extensive dvd collection! 

Escuela Mañana

I’m getting a wee bit anxious about going in to work tomorrow… Not because I don’t want to go or because I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it but more just because I don’t really know what to expect. To put it in perspective, we had 2 weeks of Spring break in the middle of April, classes for 1 week, the swine flu outbreak~ schools cancelled for 3 weeks~ and I have now missed the first official week back for my friend’s wedding in the U.S. So in reality, my sub this past week has had just as much face time with my students as I have. Eeeek! I’m afraid they’re not going to remember me or something. Add to it that this is the last month of school and surely you can empathize. Hopefully all will go according to plan. Worse comes to worst, I have a bucket of ring pops and a pile of homework passes and I’m not afraid to use ‘em!