At Long Last

After such a long time since my last post, here I am writing again. I was having some "first world problems." I was without a computer for a few months. It's amazing how such a little piece of technology can make you feel so connected to the world. I have yet to upload pictures onto my computer, so I'm sorry about this blog being picture free.

Since September, my knowledge of Spanish has increased rapidly. I have started to make jokes. However, other people have yet to understand them. Oh well, it's all a part of the process. Not very many people understand them in the English either, so I am not too hurt. I have been told a few times by Spanish speakers that they would never have guessed I am not a Mexican by my accent. This makes me feel a little more confident in the Spanish that I have learned. Unfortunately, with my Spanish increasing, I feel as though my English is decreasing. There are times when I remember the Spanish word, but not the English word for something.

With English being the worldwide language, many of the other exchange students here speak English as a second language. However, they learn British English. This is been the cause of quite a few laughs. Sometimes I find myself speaking more like a British person than an American person. 'Cheerio, mate' or something along those lines.

October:
Sometime in the beginning part of October my host-mom, host-grandmother, and I went to a flower shop owned by a family my host-mom has known for years. I believe this was the second time we had gone to the flower shop.  The first time we went, my host mom had said that I was an exchange student living at her house for the year. The moment we walked into the store I saw the owner of the store run into the back. He showed up a few moments later carrying a photo album. He then proceeded to show me the floral arrangements that he has done. I felt very honored that he took the time just to show the little Midwestern girl his accomplishments. You could tell he was happy to meet someone from the US. They were honestly some of the most beautiful flower arrangements I have seen.
One day I took Scotcheroos to school. Everyone loved them. Personally, I believe the US knows how to do baked-desserts better than Mexico. Granted, Mexico definitely has the upper hand in tacos.

On October 20th, the greatest woman I knew passed away. This put a hold on my exchange as I went back to the Midwest for a week to be with my family. I am honored to have had her for my grandmother, and honored to have the chance to have been home with loved ones.

When I came back to Mexico, life returned to 'normal:' Eating tacos, eating tortillas, riding my donkey to school, cleaning my sombrero, and eating quesadillas. If anyone else has any other stereotypes about Mexico they would like to throw in, right now would be a good time.

November:
Oh man, my birthday month. Talk about a different experience than the normal. During school, I was sung to about four or five times throughout the school day. It was the Mexican version of 'Happy Birthday.' They call it, 'Las Mañanitas.' After school was let out, they surprised me with a birthday cake. I also happened to get my face smashed into the cake, but accidents happen. Don't they?

Soon, I will post the rest of my adventures so everyone will be up to speed. But as of now I am a little tired out.