In the words of the great T.I....I'M BAAACK!!

Well...the countdown is down to 1 DAY!!

I really can't believe it's already time to go home for Christmas.

Don't get me wrong...sometimes it seemed to last forever, but now...it's here. 

Someone told Megan today that she read our blogs and reassured her that Mexico wasn't so terrible. If I have come across in a way that I portray Mexico as being a terrible place and that I'm miserable here, that is in NO WAY TRUE!! I love Mexico. I love living here. Being able to live 10 minutes from Yuyo and living with Meggie this semester has been the bomb.com!! 

This semester I have been struggling a lot with my job and the transition from college to being a grown up, but in no way am I displeased with Mexico. I love my life here, just not always my job. It has definitely been a learning experience though. I have discovered many things about myself through this huuuge change I'm undergoing. I've learned that I like being a student because that what I know how to do. I've learned that I'm not completely sure that teaching elementary school is for me, but maybe older kids. I've learned that sometimes, even when I want to be mad at them, my kids make me laugh when I shouldn't. And really hard. I've learned how to turn on a gas stove. I've learned how to drive in Mexico (which actually is no different than Atlanta). I've learned to talk people down at the market. I've learned how to tell a taxi driver EXACTLY where I want to go. I've learned that I love my family a whooole lot. I've learned to like electronic music. I've learned that I actually do like Mole Poblano. I've learned that I love Yuyo as much as I thought I did. And TONS more. It would take a lot of time to write everything.

So...yeah. Just wanted to clear that up. I will be home in approximately 38 hours!! (But who's counting?) Can't wait to see the WHOLE family and give all of my presents. I'm really excited about that this year. I had a lot of fun buying now that I make a steady income! :)

Thank you for ALL of your prayers and support this semester. Many ways I will never know, but I definitely felt the love here South of the border...maybe that's why I was so homesick! ha. Anyways, I really do wish you and yours the very best this Christmas and New Year. Spend time with the fam, eat a lot, and enjoy every moment with the ones who love you most this season! I pray that each of you has a lovely holiday! 

My last *besos* of 2010!! <3 And as always...thanks for reading.

P.S.-I didn't forget the pictures in the last post...I tried again, and they wouldn't upload. Gotta figure out what the deal is...

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas (only on the weekends and at night...)

I'm sitting here in my newly decorated house (thanks to Non and Dud) and all I can think about is how much I want to be at home right now. Now, don't get me wrong. I love Mexico. Looove living here, the job...well it's alright. But...I long to be at home for the Christmas season. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. No school, cold weather, fire in the fireplace, Dud's chili, ABC Family's 25 days of Christmas, Lifetime Christmas movies, Christmas parties, making cookies with Non, sleeping late, cold room and a warm bed, wrapping presents, heaters, Hay Hay looking like a homeless dog because his hair is long, possible snow, indoor heating, Christmas lights, Christmas music on the radio, Andrew Peterson's Christmas concert at the Ryman (if you haven't heard his Christmas CD "Behold the Lamb of God", it  is THE BEST Christmas CD ever!), Strat and Sar's Christmas programs, C.S. Lewis advent devotionals, White Christmas, Miracle of 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Christmas CD, even Christmas Shoes and Mary Did You Know?...I miss all of that. And, because I get home only 2 days before Christmas Eve, I will miss all of it. It kind of stinks.

There was a rumor apparently only through the English teachers (because our coordinator told us) that we might get out on the 17th...well naturally, pretty much all of the other schools in Puebla are getting out then, ohhh but notttt the American School. They decided to not stay longer in July, we'd just go until the 21st...but that week, there won't be any kids at school, and Tuesday the 21st, we're only going a half day. So it's awesome that I have to be here for a day and a half and miss out on 5 more days at home with my family. Thanks. ha.

Anywayssss...it's almost here. 6.5 more working days so I just need to get over it. I can't wait to be home. Having the fam here (Dud, Non, Tar, and Joy) for Thanksgiving week was probably the best week of the semester! We just hung out. Straight up. That week I had my Civil Ceremony with my kids. They did a little poem about Thanksgiving. It was actually really good. I was proud of them. Non and Joy got to come watch the morning performance and got to meet some of my kids. My class thought it was so cool that my mom and cousin came to Mexico "just for their Civil Ceremony". Like 4 of them asked me later "Did they go back to Atlanta after they watched us?" I took Thursday and Friday off that week of Thanksgiving and we shopped, fixed up my house, played LOTS of Apples to Apples and Imagine If, Non and Dud cooked twice for us, and lots of just hanging out and talking.


Dud cooked his spaghetti one night. Now...if you've never had Dud's spaghetti, you are seriously missing out. It is the best spaghetti I've ever tasted...and most people would agree. It has like 4 kinds of meat, it's chunky, he only uses angel hair pasta, and there is ALWAYS garlic bread to accompany. Sooo delish. Later that week, we also had hamburgers, baked potatoes, taco salad, and some funfetti cupcakes. It was straight up summer cookout food. And it was awesome. We also enjoyed a late night Burger King run one night while we sat around the table of the hostal and talked with each other. Random, but delicious.

The first weekend they were in town, we went to one of the major archaeological sites in Mexico, Teotihuacan. Surprisingly, Yuyo had never been either, so he couldn't give us any kind of tour. Ha. In spite of no tour guide, it was a great day. We got to spend time together in a huuuge, ancient city of Mexico. Who can say they've done that. We also climbed to the top of the Temple of the Sun. HUGE. Not even kidding.

My family also got to meet Querubin. They loved him! Of course, the person he did crude, boyish dog things to first was Dud. Of course. But, he loooved Dud. Dud used his magical powers and every time QB was psycho, Dud would just start massaging his temples and QB would collapse into his lap and go to sleep. It is really funny to watch him interact with people he's not used to. He really loves people. It'll be nice when he stops teething so he won't bite their shoelaces, hands, and pant legs constantly. He's precious though.

I'm proud to say, that while I was at work on Wednesday, Dud, Non, Jo and Tar walked to Cholula all by themselves!! They walked up to the church on top of an ancient pyramid in Cholula and after, they walked around and shopped a bit. I was very proud. On their way to the church, they were stopped (probably happily, it's a very steep grade) by massive groups of high schoolers who were on a field trip to interview native English speakers. Naturally, because they looked American (?) the masses swarmed around them and started reading off of their papers a slew of awkwardly worded questions to each of the native speakers. I wish I could have seen it. haha. Yuyo also took them to Fayuca, the black market. Both Joy and Charlie bought some cute things...I wish I could've gone with them!! I took Joy back later to buy some movies!! ;) 5 X 50 pesos...can't beat it.

On Thursday, Non and Dud went to El Pozo, the campus ministry near the college, to help them cook for the Thanksgiving feast for the students. They made turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, veggies, pineapple casserole, green beans, and corn casserole. It was delicious. Anddd believe it or not, Joy only used one plate, even thought ALL OF HER FOOD WAS TOUCHING!!! hahaha. We were very proud!! Later, after most people had left, I was sitting on the tree swing outside of the campus house, and Joy came over to sit down and TOTALLY flipped us over to our backs on the ground. She slammed her head on the bricks below...it was gross. And really embarrassing. hahahaha. Like really. We were like crying we were laughing so hard. Supposedly it happens to everyone, but I've never seen it happen. ha. Good times.

To end out the week, Non and Dud hung some pics and mirrors in my room, they fixed up our living room/dining room downstairs, hung pictures and little window treatments. It looks muuuch more homey now. They spent time and money helping us feel more at home and I am very very thankful. We also went to some markets in Puebla on Saturday and shopped around and ate at El Paisa for the "last supper". It was great. All in all, I could not have asked for a better week. It was a great, relaxing family visit. Seriously, if they could be here all the time, I really think my job would not be as bad because I would know I have my family to come home to every afternoon. Out of everything I've learned so far this semester, one of the main things is that I know I want to be close to my family in the long run. Life's too short to be away from them. It's hard to find people that truly truly love you for who you are, good and bad. But I know I have that in them. And it's nice to know that. I pray all of you can find that in your family and/or friendships.

Special shout out thank you to Yuyo too. He helped take the fam around in his free time and planned EVERYTHING for our day trip to Teotihuacan. It was great. Thanks Yuyito. Eres mi favorito!! (You're my favorite!!).

Oh, and Lisa, if you're reading, we are going to TEAR UP some TCBY self serve. Nooo way. My plane lands at 11:30 on Wed, the 22nd, so let's say meet at 1 pm??

So, in the words of Dolly and Kenny "I'll be home with bells on....I'll be home with bells on....Trim the tree and wrap the presents, turn the Christmas music on, this Christmas I'll be home with bells onnnn!!!" Thanks for your prayers. I need them  now more than ever!! Merry Christmas everybody!!

(My internet is not letting me upload pictures right now...I proooomise this post will be revised with pictures...picture-less posts are boring!)

A Bday and a Bulldog

Happy Birthday to meeee,

Happy Birthday to meeee,

Happy Birthday dear Brittan,

Happy Birthday to meeee!!

Yes...I am aware that it is not my birthday anymore...and I'm not one of those people who has a countdown to my birthday and lets everyone know OK PEOPLE...TODAY IS MY BDAY!!! But, I  haven't written a blog since Charlie's birthday, so I thought it was fitting! haha. ;)

My birthday was absolutely chill and wonderful!! Amanda Cooper, the superwoman of all women, organized a surprise birthday party for me on Sunday, November 7th at her house. Although she has a family consisting of 3 kids and a husband, she found time to cook me homemade fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, fried okra, biscuits,  and deviled eggs, among other things. It was a FEAST!! She is seriously the best thing ever. After we ate, we played a trivia game about yours truly and we visited. Courtney Wilson (another one of my friends) made me the infamous Butterfinger Candy Cake. It was delish!! And Karen Cooper made chocolate chip cookies!!! I was seriously so fat and full when I left that house. Everyone that helped and/or made/bought something for the partay...thank you kindly. It was a fuuuun night!

And...as if Amanda didn't have enough to do...she made 30 vanilla cupcakes with chocolate icing for my class and brought them to school. My kids were THRILLED. I only gave them to one class because I have 47 students, and luckily I had my favorite class in the morning that week, so I was able to give them the cupcakes without any hurt feelings from the others. ha. My whole class was like "Thank you Brittan's friend Amanda!!" They love her and they don't even know her. Amanda has been some of my saving grace here when I've thought that I can't do it anymore. She's been helping me try to come up with a plan of action with my talkative and somewhat disrespectful students...here's hoping we can pull it together. I love her though, seriously.

On my actual birthday, Yuyo, Megan, Isa, Oscar, and I went out to dinner at Monchi's (a delicious, cheap place by Yuyo's house). It was nice and totally chill...literally and figuratively...it was sooo cold that night!! After dinner, we went back to Yuyo's and just talked and visited. Megan left early from Yuyo's and when I arrived home, it was like 12 am. Now, if any of you know Megan Killen, you know that she has the sleeping habits of a grandma (no offense Mimi!). She goes to bed at like 10 pm to be ready for the day. When I got home at like 12, I noticed music coming from the downstairs and the lights were still on...I was thinking "Am I at the right house?" But I opened the door, and she was PAINTING OUR LIVING ROOM!!! It's soooo cute! I will post pictures later, because I haven't taken any yet. It's a burnt orange and a turquoise-ish color. It looks amazing. She said Yuyo was supposed to keep me at his house longer so she could finish. haha. Yuyo was passed out asleep when I left!! ha. Yuyo bought me tickets to see Harry Potter 7 this weekend. He also went to Dallas last weekend and bought me a sweater-ish vest thing and a scarf. I looove both of them. Both winter white...and I love me some winter white. Overall, it was a very lovely birthday.

Now I'm 24...when did that happen??

In other news...

YUYO GOT A PUPPY!!!!!!

Little QB sleeping like a baby

These pics are of sleeping QB, but he's a total beast when he's awake.

Like when he tries to rip earrings out of my ears...

Yes...you read that right. Yuyo Zorrilla got an English Bulldog puppy. His name is Querubin (pronounced Care-oo-bean). It means "cherub" in English. For short, we call him QB. He is SERIOUSLY precious. Yuyo came to pick me up one day, and he said "Be careful with what's in the front seat", so I looked and it was him. The precious little being. Now...Yuyo had been talking for about a month about buying a bulldog and I didn't believe him. After all, it was YUYO...talking about buying a DOG. I laughed it off, and then it actually happened. I couldn't believe it. 

The first time we took him to the vet, QB, not Yuyo (haha), Yuyo said something about him being an English Bulldog, and the vet said "A bulldog?!" with a genuinely surprised look on his face. Yuyo was like..."Yeah...? What does he look like to you?" and the vet said "A boxer." hahahaha. So, we were kind of undecided for awhile on what exactly QB is. Yuyo's roommate Luis' girlfriend Isa and I always like to ask Querubin what he is..."Que eres Querubin?" (What are you Querubin?) haha. And Isa came up with a perfect answer to that question: "Eres un bebe!!!" (You are a baby!!). Sweet little thing. Right now he is biting EVERYTHING.  He ripped a hole in my jeans last week. I was mad.

So anyways, he's like the new child here in this house, and we just watch him 24/7 like a first child to see what he'll do next. I have like 20 videos and 50 pictures of him already. Like I said earlier, Yuyo went out of town last weekend to Dallas and I was in charge of QB. My friend Courtney's birthday was on Friday, so i went to her party on Friday night. When I came to Yuyo's house to spend the night, I came in the door and usually QB runs up to his barrier and makes noise and wants to get out and see whoever is there. Well...he didn't run up, bark, cry, anything. I looked over in the kitchen (where he stays) and noticed that he had thrown up in his bed 2 times. So obviously I assumed he was a sick puppy to throw up where he sleeps twice. I went and put my stuff down and said a little prayer that he wouldn't be dead outside. So I called him and he walked up really slow and i picked him up and he was just sick. I cleaned up his bed and everything outside and texted Yuyo's roomie Luis to ask him if he'd had anything different to eat or just something different in his routine and he told me no...so naturally I started worrying. I called Yuyo, but his phone was off and I couldn't get in touch with him. I had the vet's number, but I didn't know if I could call him that late. By this time it was 3 am, so I set my alarm for 6 am and decided I'd call the vet in the morning at like 7. I slept for about 3 hours and when I woke up, he had thrown up again. Before we'd gone to sleep I made him drink a little water, because I read that puppies can get dehydrated and die relatively quickly. He threw up everything that was in his stomach. So...the next morning at like 8, Luis called the vet and he came over to look at QB. I really like our vet a lot. He makes house calls, he's not expensive, and he really loves animals. He took a look at QB and told us, if he throws up again, call me and I'll come get him. Right as the words were coming out of his mouth, QB threw up again...and then proceeded to (if you have a weak stomach, don't read any further) poop white poop. It was horrible. I've never seen anything like it. I read online later, that if you have white poop and brown pee, your liver is shutting down...but everything other than the poop and the vomiting was normal, his pee was yellow, so I ruled that out. Anyways, the vet took him away in a cooler on his moped and he has been staying at the vet's HOUSE since Saturday morning. He ran some blood tests and found out that he has a really bad bacterial infection in his stomach and intestines. Since Saturday, he's been giving him IVs, and now he's started him on vitamins. We went and saw him yesterday, and it's just so sad. He's so sick. He hasn't really eaten anything in 3 days and he keeps throwing up everything. He's so skinny now and he sleeps all the time, he's really lethargic. He's not like himself at all. It's really awful to see him like that. The vet is doing all he can...QB is staying in his house/room and he's monitoring him basically 24/7. He told Yuyo and I yesterday that he gives him a 70-30 chance of living right now...the 2 most common things puppies die from is not eating (anemia) and dehydration...so he's trying to keep vitamins and fluids in him so he won't be dehydrated, and is starting him on a bland diet so he can keep the food down. Yuyo and I keep saying...if QB can make it through this, he can make it through anything!!

So I know that was a looong story, and not about me, which is what this blog is kind of about, but I really do love him. I love him a lot. Not near as much as Hayden, but it's just really sad because he's so helpless and I want to just make him better and make him eat and be okay...but I can't do that. It's awful. So basically, at the end of this week, he'll either be better or probably gone. It's really hard and awful to think about, especially since he's so little and sweet. It's like he didn't even have a chance. Anyways, if you think God cares about puppies (which I really hope he does...), could you please take like 10 seconds and pray for this little baby boy? I know it seems kind of silly, but we love him, and don't want to lose him. :(

Haha. He always opens his mouth when you pick him up. 

So at school, the whole 3rd grade is working on something called Civil Ceremony where the grade level presents a ceremony about the month's holidays in Mexico and in the United States. Because we have November, all of the Spanish teachers are presenting the Mexican Revolution (which is on November 20th and it's the 100th year of the revolution this year) and the English teachers are presenting Thanksgiving. My homeroom class has the history of Thanksgiving. We didn't have much time to prepare for Ceremony, so it's been kind of a crazy week. In fact, we haven't done any schoolwork because we've been focusing on ceremony for November 23rd (next Tuesday). My class is doing a short prologue about the history and then a poem entitled "Thanksgiving at Plymouth". It's really simple and pretty cute. I really hope they pull it together. 

Also...we had a Halloween celebration at school where the kids wore their costumes and we had a parade, pizza party, and a lot of candy. Basically, I let them do whatever they wanted all day...there was no reeling in 25 kids with sugar highs and costumes. Here are some pics to narrate the event:

Group 3F. Notice Mario and Monsters, Inc. Oh...and MJ in the front

I asked the kid on the left if he was Edward Scissorhands and he looked at me weird

One of my little faves. Always does what she's supposed to.

Some of my girls

Little joker. 

RIP MJ

Shopping bags...so cute!

Mario and Michael Jackson. Standing side by side...

The vampire queen!

Yeah...he was def dressed as Hitler and it was not a big deal.
Nazi patch and all...I was seriously disturbed.

Me=football player, Megan=Nerd (Ms. Megan...why didn't you dress up?!),
Colleen=Barbie. Sooo fitting.

It's the SAME FACE

Where else can you find a skeleton, rocker girl, widow, and death in the same picture??

Soo presh.

I know...he doesn't look Mexican, right?

hahahahha. I think this is my favorite picture of the day.
I don't really know why.

So there it is...a new post...and it was a long, meaty one too!! This week is only a 3 day week (thank GOODNESSS!) because the Revolution started in Puebla, and as a gift to the state, the governor gave us Thursday and Friday off instead of yesterday. Yesss gov'na. I love him. On Saturday...Non, Dud, Tar, and Jo are coming!!!!!!!!! I am BEYOND excited. It's gonna be so great, and this is Jo's first (of many) international trips!!!!! I'm so privileged that it's to visit me in Puebla. I'm taking off Thursday and Friday of next week too to be with the fam, so I have 2 short weeks in a row. Then...3 more weeks until Christmas Break!!!

Ok people/friends/family reading this loong post (first of all thanks for reading!) and second of all, don't forget to pray for my little QB. I was so mad at him for ripping a hole in my jeans last week, but now if he would just get better, I would let him rip holes in whatever he wants to. He's so precious and I hope one day you all get to meet him!!

Thanks for reading. I love you all. And...see you SUPER soon!! <3 from Mexico.

BDAYYY TIME!!

Happy Birthday Tar!!!!


Today is my "little" bro's birthday...and I wish I was there to hang out with him and the fam. They went to Houston's for lunch (I'm seriously jealous) and then he did homework all day...not soooo cool. And...Dud called from PNG on some phone in the jungle. haha.


So, here's to you, Charlie Boynton for being awesome and cool and unique and one of the most fun people I've ever had the pleasure of being around. Seriously.

Latest photo of us together in San Antonio bringing home my car!

Sooooo....
after 20 hours of traveling and about 16 hours of driving...we arrived to Puebla at about 12:30 am this morning!!...and then slept until about 11 pm.


The trip was loooooong and somewhat tedious, but after all was said and done, I'm glad it is done!! hahaha. The weekend was amazing and I didn't want to leave. But here I am!

There are more details to follow about the trip, but everything went pretty smooth, only a few minor issues, and we're here safe with our bodies and a car with all of the stuff, so overall, it was a success.

Thanks Dud, Non, and Tar for spending time to make sure I am comfortable down here in Puebla. I love you. Non sent a bunch of Halloween and Fall-ish stuff...and clothes...and shoes...and MY HEATERRRR! It was awesome today looking through all of the boxes. Ohhh and a whole jar of Candy Corn and peanuts mixture. Megan, Colleen, and I are super psyched about that one!! Thank you!! More post to follow...

Short trip

So I arrived to Houston last night at about 10 pm...not a bad flight at all. When I got the airport, I called Dad and Charlie and told them I had landed and they said they'd meet me at baggage claim. So I get through customs smooth as butter, I walk through the completely deserted airport (seriously, it was dead and coming from Atlanta, it's pretty bizarre), and out to the ground transport to find that the Houston airport is completely confusing. Apparently the whole city is confusing and Ridge Boynton will never recommend going to Houston to anyone. Charlie said they drove around for and hour and a half looking for the airport because the signs and highways are not foreign-driver friendly. Anyways...I went outside to call them and what do you know? The credit on my phone ran out...with them nowhere in sight. So, being the insightful and intelligent college graduate that I am, I looked at my surroundings and noticed that another building to the right said "Baggage Claim", but I was located in the international terminal...so I thought "Brittan, since Dad told you they'd meet you in baggage claim (which there wasn't one in the international terminal), they're probably down there...". I proceeded to walk over to look in the building and saw them! I was waving my arms and yelling their names, but they didn't see me. I climbed over the wall, ran down the rocky hill and they started going down an escalator...I screamed louder and ran faster, ran in the building, went down the escalator and finally met them!!! We had a group hug and left the airport. There was lots of talking and laughing...mostly at Dad and at things that he said. We ate at (where else...) Waffle House!!! And then went back to the hotel to sleep.

Let me just say, I loooove showers in the United States. Especially in hotels because there is ALWAYS hot water...even if you want to take a shower that lasts an hour. And they usually have awesome shower heads...with pulsating water. And I could even drink the water if I wanted to, I didn't, but I totally could have. We got ready and headed out to San Anton. The drive wasn't bad at all. Probably 2.5 hours with one rest stop. I got to talk to Non for like an hour and a half on the phone which made the drive seem shorter. We got a text from Yuyo that he had made it to San Antonio and he needed to know where to take a shuttle bus, the problem was, we were just arriving to the city! haha. He made it before us. So...we went to the airport to pick him up and SQUEEEEEZED into the car. Me and Yuyo and a bunch of stuff were crammed in the backseat. It was funny. I wish I'd had a picture. We seriously drove around downtown (which is really pretty...I wish we had more time here) for 2 hours looking for a hotel and trying to decide what to do. So there must be something going on this weekend that we didn't know about because every hotel we checked, there were no rooms. So weird! We checked 6 different hotels. Finally, we decided to get out, get something to eat and walk around the city for awhile before we drove back out to the airport to find a room. Some pics of the afternoon...

Tar at the rest stop just reading USA Today

Dud at the rest stop, just checking the car

Awesome sign. I bet they're total Guids.

We remembered the Alamo, but didn't want to pay to get in...

Dud had a full rack of ribs, fries, and slaw...and then it was gone.
haha. He's a beast!

After we checked in at a lovely hotel near the airport and watched the results of the Alabama vs. South Carolina game, Yuyo and I went to TARGETTTTT!! It was like a long-lost reunion. We were there for 2 hours. It was wonderful. Yuyo bought some stuff...and I bought some stuff. And by some stuff, I mean a good bit of stuff! haha. It was wonderful. Annnd I got a non-fat pumpkin spice latte. The only Starbuck's drink that is worthy in my book. Now we are straight up chillin' in the room watching the LSU vs. UF game. Ohhh the US of A...I DO NOT want to go back...but tomorrow morning at 4:15 am will come, and I will leave once again...and I will be emo. But, there are only like 3 weeks until we go to Isla and then 3 weeks after that until Thanksgiving and then 3 weeks after that is Christmas break. I think  I can do that. I have to do it...then it's another whole semester...but I can't think about that right now.

So yeah, it was a wonderful weekend and I wish I could rewind it. I love being with Dud and Tar and Yuyo (and Non and Hay), and I hate leaving, ugh. Oh well. I just pray that everything goes smoothly crossing the border tomorrow. I have all of my paperwork and everything in line, so hopefully they won't unpack everything in the car, because it was artfully and strategically packed by Dud himself. I have the best family ever. Seriously. No wonder I miss them so much. Ok that's it, I don't want to get emo. If you are praying, you can pray that our journey tomorrow goes well and that we make it to Puebla no problem. I'll definitely get to see lots of Mexico! That will be nice. Even though everything on the news is negative, it really is a beautiful country. So much of it is natural and untouched. You can imagine how the Spaniards found it when they landed there. You can also pray for Dad and Charlie as they travel from San Antonio to Atlanta tomorrow. I hope they can get on the first flight. Their wake up call is 3:30 am...that would stink if they didn't get on the first flight. And also for me feeling homesick. I knew this was going to spark it again. I'm sooo glad I got to hang out though.

Ok...that is all!! Until next time...besos from America!! Thanks for reading and I love you guys!

Dreams of Target and Beaches

I KNOW I haven't posted in forever!! I'm really bad at this blogging thing...but just wanted to say that I am meeting Charlie and Dad in Houston on Friday night!!! Yuyo is meeting us Saturday in San Antonio...I am so so so excited.

One word: TARGETTTTT!!!!!


I am SO pumped about that. I've already made a list like 2 pages long of things I want. I cannot wait to hang out with Tar and Dud and just shop all day Saturday. We might try to go and see the Alamo too...who knows.

I know I promised pictures of Mexican Independence Day...but I'm not quite there yet...I need to upload some more photos on my computer and stuff. I don't have any new ones on here...I have about 300 from Mexico City, but I haven't sorted them out yet. It will take forever. Here are some teasers...nevermind because I just tried and it took like 5 minutes to upload one picture...you'll have to wait!!

I'm still trying what to decide to do for our vacation for Day of the Dead...the original plan was to go to Isla Mujeres (off the coast of Cancun...) but it's kind of expensive and Megan and Colleen, who were going with me, don't think the money situation will be possible...stinksss. Mom, Aunt Cindy and Lisa are talking about coming down though...hopefully that will work out because it would be ohhhh so amazing. Who knows though. All I know is that something is going to happen, and it's going to be super fun. I can't wait.

So...that's all I have for right now. I think I'm going to take a nap. I am not a huge nap person, but now that I have to wake up everyday at 7 am, a 1.5 hour daily nap is like a dream come true.
I love you guys...thanks for reading, and sorry I don't post as much as I should. Pics coming soon...I cross my heart! Besos. <3 

Just a little....Cheesy side note!!

So...just like the title states, this is just a little cheesy sidenote. In Spanish, cursi means cheesy. It's a funny word! ha.

Today, Yuyo and I celebrated 3 YEARS of being together!! It's crazy how fast time flies. I must have said that a million times in this blog. But seriously, I feel like the past 3 years have flown by. Most of our relationship, we've been apart, but it was really good. I really liked being in a long distance relationship because I really got to know Yuyo. Because all we could do was talk on the phone and on the internet, I feel like I know him in a different way than most people know their significant other. He is really my best friend and someone that I feel like I can tell anything to and share anything with without fear. We went to Chili's (fine dining, right?!-actually we went there because they have TVs so he could watch the 49ers game...) and then went to see a movie. It was a great night. This is our first "anniversary" (I hate that word...haha) of actually being together, so it was a great, chill night.

Here's to you, Juan Manuel Pablo Zorrilla Lechuga...you've made my life and my family's lives so much more fun and interesting! I love you!

Ok...done being cheesy. And I will post about Independence Day soon...but not right now. Off to bed for me.

Our first pic together in 2007!!

One of my favorite pics of all time (courtesy of Megan).

2008 in Veracruz

haha. 2009 in Guanajuato

Mexico vs. USA game 2009

Independence Day 2010

Mexico City 2010

Early Fridays...the best thing ever

DISCLAIMER: Half of this post was written on Tuesday afternoon and half this morning. That's why I say that today (Tuesday) is my Friday...so sad it's already over...

Just to let everyone know...I am actually in computer class with my kids right now. We have a weird computer time where we have to go to computer with them, so I check gmail and update my blog...so weird. Anyways...

I have made it through another week!! I say that because...today is my Friday!

Little known fact: Mexican Independence Day is not actually 5 de Mayo. For all of you who didn´t know that...now you know! El día de la independencia is celebrated all through the night of September 15th and into the morning of the 16th. Into the morning=literally ALL morning. It will be a party to remember because this year Mexico is celebrating it´s 200th year of Independence. I remember saying like 2 years ago in 2008, Yuyo...if I move to Mexico when I graduate, I will be here for the 200th Independence celebration...and now it´s here...it´s so weird how fast time flies.

Another little known fact: one of my faves, Robert (his name is Roberto, but he wants me to call him Robert) informed me that the BEGINNING of the independence was in 1810, and Mexico actually gained independence from Spain in 1821...so in 11 years, I´m sure Mexico will have another huge party. It´s also super weird to think my kiddies will be in their 2nd year of college in 11 years...I don´t like to think about that! haha.

Every week at school, we have something called a Saludo on Monday. It´s basically like a really formal pledge to the flag where 6 students march the flag around the blacktop and all of us are standing in 2 lines (boys and girls), one behind the other, saluting the flag and being really quiet...or at least me threatening all the bad boys so they´ll be quiet...it´s really cool though. We sing the national anthem and get announcements, it lasts about 20 minutes. Anyways, we didn´t have that this week because today we had a general ceremony where all the kids from the primary, secondary, and prepa came here for a grand flag ceremony. Pictures will definitely follow. Needless to say...this morning was a big celebration with the grito "¡Viva México!", men riding horses in Mariachi uniforms, Mariachis, typical dancing...basically Mexican overload, but in the best way ever. I loved it. Besides the fact that everything was very disorganized and I had no clue what to do...it was great. But...that was expected honestly. I´ve learned that I just have to go with the flow here, because most of the time, I don´t know what I´m doing, and a lot of either people don´t either. My kids are pretty good with it though. I´ll give them credit.

Charros (Mexican cowboys) performed the Saludo

One of my classes.
On Tuesday, they could come dressed in typical
Mexican clothes, or as a Independence hero, apparently...

Robert as a Charro and Claudio as a Mariachi

My sweet girls and Robert

hahahahaha.

Small Mariachi singer.
Apparently he goes to the school and has some CDs.
I asked the kids about him and they were like...
"His voice is not good..." haha. It wasn't.

Um...yeah. haha.

Yuyo says I look like one of them.

The Grito happens every year at midnight on the 15th. It's when the president says all of these different things like "Viva Hidalgo. Viva Allende. Viva la revolución. Viva la independencia. Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe...[and finally] Viva Mexico. Viva Mexico. Viva Mexico." But after every "Viva whatever", the crowd shouts "VIVA!" So, the superintendent said all of the vivas, and the kids shouted back. It was awesome. (I'm trying to add the video of it, but it won't let me...I'll try again later.)

I seriously got like 5 presents yesterday, a chocolate sucker, a small hand woven purse, red/white/green beaded earrings to wear today, a Mexico slap bracelet, drawings, the list is just neverending. Haha. They really do love me. It´s kinda weird. But it´s good I guess. Some of them really are cute and always do what they´re supposed to...others...not so much. Because this week was a holiday week too, they were insane today and yesterday. 

Last week, I survived my first field trip. We were supposed to be at the museum at like 10 am, and of course we didn't even leave the school until about 9:50 (and the parents that were supposed to go with me, weren't even there yet...). So we leave 20 minutes late only to arrive to the museum  only to wait in the courtyard area for an hour and a half. Luckily the museum was a fort that was completely walled in, so the kids literally ran around the whole time. Finally it was time to go in the museum...it was boring. haha. The parents that were supposed to come had already been there for like 30 minutes when we got there because the security guards at the school mistakingly told them to follow the other class's bus that left 30 minutes before us...I felt bad, but I'm glad they were there. Overall, it really wasn't that bad, just very unorganized, and at this school, that is to be expected. 

Pretty much sums up my class

The bus ride...

...Ohhhh the bus ride...

Last weekend, Yuyo and I went to Mexico City (also known as DF or simply Mexico to the Mexicans) partly because he had a football game on Sunday there and partly because I wanted to go to this huge market they have on the weekends there. His sister, Pilar, lives in a neighborhood of DF called Chapultepec. It's SUCH a cool part of town. If I lived in that huge city, that is where I'd want to live. It has a real artsy vibe...it's actually a lot like Little 5 Points, except a lot bigger and a lot more unique. There are all kinds of people living there and the markets and restaurants are great. There are small, independently owned coffee shops and cute little restaurants and book stores. I love it. We also went with Yuyo's cousin Gabriel and his soon-to-be wife in like a week because she had to go pick up her wedding dress in the center of town. Oh. My. Goodness. The centro was seriously insane. It wasn't even time for the Independence Day celebration (in which 1 million people were expected to attend) and there were thousands of people...I am NOT exaggerating...walking on the sidewalks, in the streets of these tiny, one-way roads around the zocalo. SIDE NOTE: For those of you who don't know, pretty much every Mexican town has a zocalo. It's basically like the town square. It's a big open square, usually with lots of greenery and benches and restaurants and cafes lining the outside. It seriously took us an hour to go around the block. AN HOUR. It should have taken 5 minutes, tops...and to make matters even worse, I was hungry. Haha. We alllll know how I get when I'm hungry...But on Saturday, we went to the market...I bought a purse and some sunglasses...and on Sunday, which happened to be Pilar's birthday, we went to watch Yuyo play football (she's such a good sister watching her bro play football, after a night out, on her birthday...). Of course, he was the star of the game. 3 TDs, 1 interception, 2 extra points, and the list goes on. haha. No...but seriously, he played really well...I even have a jersey with his number on it!! He loves it.

Numero 84!!

TD!

Yuyo and Pily

I love the guys on the right side of the picture.
This is Palacio de Bellas Artes in DF.
It's where all the fine arts go down.

This is Pily's new dog, Luna.
She cried. All night. So did I.

Yuyo's head after his game.
This can't be good for the brain cells...

This was me at 7 am after Luna cried
all night and I slept for 2 hours...

Oh you know...just a car with a killer stache...

And finally, this awesome dog I see sometimes
walking around the neighborhood.
His eyes and face are amazing.

I still need to write about going to Mexico City for the Independence celebration. It was unbelievable. I want to post tons of videos and pictures, but I don't think it will be possible to post everything I want to post, so some of them will have to wait until Christmas...bummer.

Thanks for reading, and sorry it's been so long. Tar has been bugging me about not posting enough. I really am going to try to be better about posting!! Thanks for all of your continued prayers and support. It really does help. I'm completely sure of that! Besos! <3