Wednesday, July 11, 2007

1 More Day!! Can't Wait!

My last day.... I must do so much stuff. My flight leaves at 8am tomorrow. I cannot wait... as usual filled with anxiousness and anticipation. I want to leave already.
Today the day will be filled with cleaning, packing, last min. errands and tonight I have class. Last night I was at least able to sleep 7 hours since it has finally cooled off here.

Alright.... I will try to update while in the RD but no guarantees.

Monday, July 09, 2007

Annnnnnnnnnnoying!!!!

I find it annoying that people (many of them) when I talk about the Dominican Republic a few , days, weeks, emails, conversations, mins, etc. later ask me a follow up conversation about Costa Rica.... what is the deal? I do not get it. They do not even sound alike... are in very (well kind-of) different locations.... WTF. Today it happened twice.... when are you going to Costa Rica again??? or whatever.... UMMMMM.... an hour from NEVER. I have never been to Costa Rica.... nor any other coutry that has two words that rhymes with Costa Rica. Is CR soooooo much more well known then DR??? Help me out on this one..... GRRRRRRRRRRRR!

AND what about PUERTO RICO.... at least that is much closer in spelling.... Its not like it say PR and they say CR..... no.....DR sounds very different people. Get with it!!

:/

Friday, July 06, 2007

5.5 days left....

I leave on Thursday morning... and will be in Santiago, DR by dinner time. I would be there early if American Airlines had more daily flights to STI instead of SDQ... but no.... apparently that's not possible. I have about a 4.5 hour layover in Miami.... but that's ok as we know i love to people watch... especially 'latino people watch'!! ;)
It is really hot in Mpls this week.... supposed to get hotter over the weekend... they say 95. So, I have officially 'moved' over to my parents air conditioned house.... so, as not to suffer in my apt. that is so HOT HOT HOT.
I couldn't figure out what to bring for a few people... so, I decided that I will make a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and some brownies as a yummy gift.
I am trying to find a hat or something baseball related for W but since I am cheap and poor... Target is not really meeting my needs on this one. I'll check the prices at the mall over the weekend. Besides that I am all set for gifts... I cleaned out some stuff and am bring several zip-lock bags of make-up and other randoms stuff that I have that I never used.
Tomorrow morning I think we all (my fam, my aunt's fam and grandma) for breakfast at the Original Pancake House. Tomorrow night I will probably go out with L.... to the movie 'Knocked Up'.... fun fun fun.

Alright... enough babbling... Chau!!!

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Not Malaria... thank GOD!

I do not have Malaria. I have hepatitis A.... :( Which sucks as it just has to run its course and no medication that I can take for it. Though she offered to prescribe me some nausea medicine. She thinks that I would have contracted it in the DR.... which is quit possible. So, for now I'm just here.... getting thru. it. I leave next Thursday morning.... only 1 more week until the madness and until I get to see W. Though he said he was going to skip work to pick me up at the airport I told him 'NOOOO'.... we'll see if he listens. By the time that I get to the neighborhood, he would be getting home anyway.

I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July....

Chau!!

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Malaria?!?!

I've been sick for weeks now.... I thought it might be one thing but it has been confirmed over and over again that it is not that. I have been getting sicker but only for half of each day..... I have been trying to ignore it. I thought I may be loosing my mind. Something normal is not going on. Some symtoms are getting more severe... and not good. I thought it was the temp changes, the food change, lovesickness, etc.... but I cannot rationalize what is going on in my body anymore. I need to see a Dr. as if it is what I suspect it is either malaria or some sort-of paracite... it needs to be treated NOW as it is serious and I am supposed to leave in 9 short days and need to be stable, health wise or I think my parents would committ me to ensure I don't set foot on a airplane now. Hopefully I am ok... and can see a dr. today.... and I don't loose too much dinero in the process. At this moment I do not have health insurance... I will see what I can get from the state as I have 'no income' and won't technically until late Dec.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Boringness

I've been feeling down the last few days.... probably because I don't have too much to do right now. I go back to RD on the 12th.... so, I am not so paitiently counting the days. I have been talking too much on the phone to W. About every other day... sometimes everyday. Yikes!

There is really nothing going on in life.... I am taking my grammar class.... my mid-term is due tomorrow at 5pm... and as I am sure you can guess. I haven't even started it yet. I have slept a lot this weekend. Last night I went to a friends house and we watch my Sanky Panky DVD.... which is always interesting.

Besides that.... I have no big plans for the next 10 days. Just cleaning, hanging out, finishing up class and walking around the lakes to stay tan. Maybe we'll go to LPB next Fri, or Sat if we're up to it.

Alright... that's all.... CHAU!!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

mis pensamientos...

It's almost 1am.... I went to the movie 'Mr. Brook's' earlier this evening with some friends and was terrified beyond my comfort level. I was supposed to go out to night for a friend of a friend's bday bar-hopping kind-of thing... but i decided to clean.... yeah... so, i'm sure you can guess how i feel about this person if i choose to clean my apt. over them. Actually they aren't that bad... just someother chicks that were going to be there drive nuts... well, more than usual.

I am tired.... should prob. go to bed.... but just keep listening to music and cleaning... beleive this is not my natural behavior. I usually do every thing in my power to avoid cleaning/organizing/etc.

I have been doing lots of thinking about life lately. So, many people are stuck in the status quo or trying to fulfill it. They don't want to (CANNOT) go against the grain and do something that is not 'ok' with the publics idea of 'ok'. I am thinking about some things.... some decisions that I have made or am going to have to make it the weeks to come. Generally... I think way too much. I think about shit and never do it.... mostly because I am scared of what will happen but I'm sick of being one of my own victims and letting my fears and doubts take control of me and what I do with my life... because i want to 'be normal'. Though I have known for years that there is no such thing as 'normal' and that there is no reason should want to be like everyone else. So.... I will continue to think... though a certain individual close to me says that it is ok to think but i need to let some of my thoughts out and talk about them.... or i will go crazy. I agree.... i do need to talk about some issues and stop doubting the things that are going on around me and that i am seeing, feeling and experiencing as it is cutting into my life in a negative way.

Ok... must stop babbling.
Buenas noches....

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Quick Update on La Vida

Sorry for not updating.... I've been busy... very very busy!! ;)

Life right now is good. I'm taking a short summer course on English Grammar (sooooo much fun.... NOT!) and then I'm headed back to the DR. Santiago (the 2nd city) for the 6.5 weeks... should be interesting!!! Oh... and I have to give props to Amity... I will be visiting her in Cabrera. AND CARO??? & KARLA??? Any chance you will be en la tierra caliente this summer??

I have been having problems with my stomach lately (more than usual) and now have headaches because my lack of caffeine. It has been hot here and the lack of air conditioning in my apt and car has been a bit overwhelming at times. At least today it is a little cooler.

I am now 'officially' in a relationship. As opposed to unofficially..! :/ We will call him 'W'..... but he is in no way related to GW Bush the 43rd nor can he vote for him as he is a dominicano.

That's about all that's going in life. I am counting the days until I go back and that's about it.

I start student teaching in the Minneapolis schools on Aug 27.... and will be officially done with it and license will be pending with the state on Dec. 14th. I teach 12 weeks at a diverse urban high school on the South side and then will be places 3/4 weeks at a Spanish Immersion elementary school. AND then I am DOOOONNNNEEE!!!! And maybe headed to the DR to work!?!? Right, Amity?

Next week, I get to (read: was forced to) chaperon one of the two AFS buses to D-day. Yes... another year of AFSers has finished their year as exchange students and have to go home. So, I get on the bus 9pm on Monday... we get to Chicago early AM and then I volunteer all day and the bus leave Chicago for Minneapolis Tues at 4pm. It will be fun.... more than 700 kids going home.... there will be a lot of emotions flying... I remember what it was like to go home... I did not want to go... I couldn't even imagine going back.... and when I did arrive 18 hrs later days and months of major reverse culture shock followed. I do not think I ever recovered fully!! ;)

Alright... that's it for now. I'm headed off to dinner with Lena... we found a Colombian/Peruvian Res. en el barrio.... and we have to discuss the possibility of attending a Juagares (w/ secret guest Juanes) concert on July 1st. Oh... and I must remember to purchase a ticket to my future president's campaign kick-off on the 29th... yes, Barack Obama.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

La vida...

I'll be in the DR until June 6th-ish.... I will try to update but no garentees that I'll have internet access or electricity in the 'barrio fino'.... (i.e. da hood, the ghetto, etc)

Besides that everything is good... a little high strees as all the loose ends weren't tied up but hey.... I will be back in less than a month and can attend to things then.

Chaucito y besos a todos!

Monday, April 30, 2007

Chain Smoking Neighbor

The chick that lives below me is a chain smoker... up until last Friday she just smoked cigarettes... but on Friday night when I arrived home early (before bar time). I walked into the building to the smell of pot... I thought maybe I was just really out of it but as I enter into my apt... which is above hers, with shared vents I was bombarded with the certain odor of marijuana. Lovely. What is really funny about it is... she and whoever she was with got silent when I got home and didn't talk for a long time... like a half hour... I think they were scared... Muuuuahaha...!! But being the nice neighbor I am... I didn't really care and was exhausted and drunkish... so, I was about to pass out anyway.

Now tonight she is standing on the front step... outside this time smoking cigs... which is annoying.... but again... I just shut the window. Hopefully, when I have friends over again at 3 or 4am... she won't come up and pound on my door and scream like crazy.... like last time. It was actually comical as she apologized to me a few days later.... but imagine dealing with Brazilian guys, that just yell at her and say... 'she just needs a good f##k' and to go away. Again... funny.

Alright... I have some work to do... and later some international phone calls to make via skype!! Yay.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Sleeping In

I can never get enough sleep on week days... its like pulling teeth to get out of bed. I push the snooze button and struggle imensely.
On weekends... at least the last two Saturdays.... I cannot sleep. This week I woke up at 6am and couldn't go back to sleep. :( Which is annoying as I wanted to sleep in... but nooooooooo. So, I guess I'll go walk around Lake Calhoun now... and get some exercise before it gets really busy over there.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Domestic Violence

I watched Dr. Phil today. It is about a husband who stalks his wife.
He holds hostage of this woman... mental, monetary and physical hostage.
It is crazy. He taps phone lines, reads her email, threatens her, follows her, ETC ETC ETC.

I worked in DV. I do not understand why people stay in these situations. Most DV advocates say that you cannot change a person until they are ready. You could tell them to leave 1 million times but until they are ready nothing you say or do will change. I cannot imagine how low this woman's self-esteem maybe that she just takes this shit and doesn't leave.

DV happens in so may forms and is not just physical. Victims must know that it is not their fault and that they deserve better and they can get out. There is a better life. If they are here illegally they can go to the police, they can get legal help to protect their children and regain control of life.

Life

The week was almost over... I do not have any big plans for the weekend. I have to write all aspects of a curriculm unit for my class.... that's about it. Oh... and teach Spanish on Sunday which means I cannot drink too much Saturday night... which is fine at my local Saturday Latin night spot is closed this Saturday.

I am getting excited... less than 3 weeks until SD.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Virginia Tech Shooting

Another school shooting. What is wrong with people? I do not understand how and why someone could do this. Nothing is worth killing so many innocent people. An individual would have to be entirely mentally unstable to do this. As everyone else is, I'm interested to find out the motive of this situation. Though the initial shooting seemed to have a domestic focus, I wonder if the later shooting was at a planned, premeditated location. I hear that most the deaths happened in a 1st German class. Which is scary. As a teacher... anything that has to do with violence in the schools scares me. Also, another thought... schools should have doors that lock on the inside. Most doors can only be lock via keys on the outside. Though this may not have much influence, it could save lives in the future.

Please pray and think positive thoughts for the people in the Virginia Tech Community and their families.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

My life is so... BLAH!

Procrastination filled weekend... I had good intentions... but yeah... nothing has happened yet in the studying/doing projects/lesson plans department yet.

I am however going to R's birthday party... that is promised to be very interesting. Imagine a whole bunch of angry women that are still in love with him in the same room. I think L and I will be the only ones that have never hooked up with him before... hopefully some hot new Brazilians I have ever seen before show up...

Alright... back to doing nothing.... my damn ipod froze... so, I'm listening to music on my compu and ponder life, men and friendship as usual.

Chaucito! Mando besos a todos.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

I PASSSSSSSED....

On March 3rd, I took the PRAXIS II Test which is required to be a Spanish teacher. It went ok... but was a really weird situation and everyone else that was testing had already failed several times. It was half oral and half written... for the oral part I had to speak into a tape recorder which is fine... but the problem was 3 other people answering the same exact question at the same exaxt time into their tape recorders. The questions were open ended, narratives, restatements, arguments, etc... and we had 2-3 mins to record our answers for each questions. There was no going back... just time to talk....
After getting a little thrown off on the first question... because I am SOOOOO easily distracted... and I could hear everyone around me saying things that I was about to say, or should have said, etc....I decided that I was going to pass this test and I didn't care who I took down in the process. So, my strategy for the rest of the oral test was to cover my ears and speak loudly.... yeah, I may have caused others to fail... but I got my results in the mail today and I passed on my first try. YAY!!!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Update

Let's see... I'm utterly exhausted... I haven't felt this run down in a while. I have been sleeping for almost 3 days straight... I wake up for a few hours... and then go back to sleep... I feel like I am just weighed down by this virus... not fun.

I did make to my families Easter festivities for less than two hours today. Had a little food... chatted with a some cousins and aunts then left.

At the moment, I am waiting for a calll about the show tonight... hopefully my friend forgot or died or something so I don't have to go... but I have never known him to pass up a party. Especially since I agreed to pay cover. AND I don't care how sick I am if there are dominicans (which there will be)... I am going.

I called my friend yesterday in DR... she started her pasantia... in La Vega last Monday... shit is tough... they moved from their apt., her husband doesn't have a job. There is something about the people in DR... at least the people that I know. They seem to have so little, have have many hardships, or constant hardships but yet they take each day as it is and seem to be happy and can enjoy things that people in my country cannot. They enjoy the little things in life; food, music, dominoes, rum... etc... and they get thru. it... So, when I think I have it rough and want to complain I need to reflect and realize that I am just being dramatic once again.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Sick, Sadness and Procrastination

I'm sick with the flu or something wonderful. I has been coming on slowly since last Monday but didn't hit until late Thursday night... when I tried to go so sleep after dancing until 2:30am... I just keep coughing myself awake... then I spent the majority of Friday sleeping on my futon or feeling sorry for myself... and I woke up almost without a voice.

I'm sad because I talked to a friend in the DR last night and he told me that his wife had a problem during her pregnancy last week and their baby was born alive (only 20-21 weeks) and later died. My friend is trying to be strong and logical about it... thinking about it as a doctor (which he is)... what should have been done that wasn't and what can they change so the next baby makes it thru. the pregnancy. This is tragic... very sad and to make it worse I already gave them a baby gift.... what an idiot. I should have waited until it was born. I told him that they will learn from this experience and need to be strong and go forward... Sometimes it sucks to be soo far away from people that you care about as you can't just reach out and give them a hug when they need it.

Procrastinating... as you all know I'm an expert at this... I am actually not procrastinating at the moment. Working on some stuff for my online class.... but I really should be working on a lesson I need to present to my colleagues on Tuesday evening... as, I am going out tomorrow night and have family stuff during the day.... oh well.... if need be...I'll be sick Monday...

I'm going out tonight... I'm going the non-Latin route... as of the moment... Though things may change. I went out to 1st Ave Thursday night with R and some of his friends.... I had a great time.... and a group of Mexicana's want to hangout with me again soon... because I am so cool... and I am more Latina than them... ;)

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Sick and Procrastination

I'm sick... it's good I am pretty much not working this week... only 1-3 hours a day.

I need to study and getting working on stuff for grad school... but as usual I am not doing that... just avoiding it and getting overwhelmed thinking about it... I sure am crazy... but at least I can admit it.

We are preparing our Spanish classes for the end of the year show/presentation/recital.... mine are doing well... but most of the 1st graders (especially the ninos) think they are tooooo cool to sing. Though singing really isn't my preferred method of teaching, it is really the only thing that works (read: is aloud) for the show. Only a few more weeks. On a good note, at my private lessons at the really wealthy families house the two youngest girls are begging their mom to have me come at least once more each week. Tonight, when my time with the 3rd grader was ending she said to me...'how 'bout we make the lesson longer tonight.... can you stay until 10?'... I say no...'tengo q ir a mi casa' and she said...'pllllllease... how about until 9pm then'.... nice, right?!

Ok... must go do something that is not important at all...

Sunday, April 01, 2007

This is what I will be going after eating a nice Easter feast.....

Xtreme at Karma, next Sunday night.....


Thursday, March 29, 2007

Nothing much...

I alive... trying to figure things out. Nothing too new and exciting is happening. Not much work for the next 11 days. Which is awesome... just one or two hours a day.

I just got back from Happy Hour at Brits.... and I am headed out in a little bit again.

I want to paint my bedroom. I am just trying to figure out how I will do it. Lots of ideas.

That's it for now. Chau... y besos a todos.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

G

I'm sad. Having issues. Just when I think I forget... that I have moved on... it all comes crashing back. I do not think I am meant to move on until this is resolved.
AND now... when I made semi-permenant decisions nothing really can be resolved until late December... no, not possible new news...

I'm sick to my stomach and so confused. How have I let this happen again? It better be worth it.

Brain Clarity and BSing....

Most people who know me well, know that I have a tendency to be good at BSing. Now... this has come in handy over the years. I know what people what to hear (especially professors) and can lay it on thick when necessary. Well... that time has come... after several coffees and mates my brain has suddenly gotten into BS-turbo mode and I am flying (ok... exaggeration... moving faster than a turtle) at this portfolio justifications and evidence now. Who knew my bachelors in BS would come in so handy today. These education professors won't know what hit them.

Back to writing and caffeinated drink land....

Astrology

Am I a freak that I follow astrology and the min. I make a new friend I have to read up on their sign and see what they are like. I also read about aquarius' (my sign) and now recently I have been learning more about Chinese astrology... I was born in the year of the dog... two days before the year of the pig.... and then reading on what it means to be an aquarius dog. This might be a little strange but it helps me confirm some things about my personality and mind that I already know. Regarding friends... I get a bit freaked out when I read something about their sign... say 'they like books' and then out of no where a few days later the new friend announces that they really like books.

It is all made up or real?!? I am a believer.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Update...

This week the universe was watching over me. Maybe because I have been doing positive things in life lately... except for the usual procrastination. I was supposed to present at pre-student-teaching portfolio to some grad school professors at Friday at 4pm. I had a whopping nothing done as of Wednesday evening... I was starting to freak out in my usual ways... multiple visits to the refrigerator... when I got an email. My professor has been double booked and needed to reschedule. Yes! My stars where lined up, and the meeting was moved until Tuesday at 8am. I have dedicated the weekend to working on it... which is fine... though I found myself cleaning instead of doing what I was supposed to. I can't believe my extreme avoidance tactics.

Besides that.... nothing too much new. I may be getting together with some people from my past in the up coming weeks because of my 'new' approach to people. Yes.... instead of just thinking and not doing... I do and think later. It has proved to work thus far.

I want to go on vacation.... but no money at the moment. Next week... after Tues at 8am, I will start working on drumming up people from Spanish lessons for this summer. And then depending on how that goes I may make some sort of decision.

Monday, March 19, 2007

I'm Here...

Sorry for not blogging lately... I've been busy with life... but now I am procrastinating.... so here I am... doing what I am not supposed to be doing.

This are going well... a bit weird... but I am sure life will sort itself out sooner, rather than later. But then I see a full moon, listen to a certain song and have a nervous episoid... that makes me question all of my recent decisions and think that I am just running away... but from what exactly? I don't know.

I need to write a paper up and cook dinner before my peeps come over for a viewing of 'Borat'.

Tchau! Y beijos a tudos.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

randomness

I spent the day painting my apt... and putting things in their new places. There doesn't appear to be any hot water... which is not good. I painted my walls... a really bright blue... I'm going to get in trouble. OH WELL!!! If I cannot be somewhere by the ocean... I will bring it to me.

I'm a little sad about some decisions I made... but I need to get over it and grow-up I guess. I should be happy but as usual about a million...'what if's' are running thru. my head... and making me crazier than usual.

Now... I have to get the 'rents at the airport. They are coming in the Barbados.Their flight better be on time... or they are going to have to walk home.

Then I am going out for the evening.... it should prove to be interesting.... I hope. ;)

And then I have to turn the clock an hour forward... and get my ass to my private Spanish lesson with the extreamly rich people at 11am... yikes! AND without a handover this time... I hope.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Ho Hum...

Overwhelmed as usual... not sure why.
The snow is melting quickly. Yay!!
I'm excited for tomorrow night...
Tired of avoiding some of my commitments.
Changes. Many Changes... is all part of the fun.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

my mind won't stop....
it's spinning....
too much input...
not enough output...
why do i do this to myself?

Listening to Aventura and trying to distract myself...

Necesiiiiiiiiito CAFE! Ya.

It's Tuesday... I slept 2.5 hours... I think. I'm tired and not very prepared for the day. Maybe I will feel better after my daily dominican... coffee... not men folks.

Alright.... I will try to be productive... though it is 6am... and I am confused getting more confused by the moment.

Mando besos y saludos a todos!! =)

Monday, March 05, 2007

I Hate Monday's....

I don't want to work today. I just want to stay in bed. I don't have patience to work with the children I work with. Not today. Maybe after a little caffiene, I'll be a little nicer but that is going to ask a lot. I will go to Dunn Bros. instead of Caribou this morning... I need something extra strong. I don't want to deal with 1st graders or middle schoolers today.

I'm having a little pity party for myself....

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Issues...

i have issues...
major issues...
some of which include...
changing my mind constantly...
the inability to make a decision...
making a decision and then deciding I want to do something else...
than throw in some constant obsessing...
some crazy fantasizing...
some more mind changing...
poooooooor dios...

Monday, February 26, 2007

The Shades of Perception...

It is amazing how each person sees the same situation so differently and responds according to their perception... even if parts of this same situation are agreed upon by both people... the way they interpret the remainder is amazing.

Ideas confirmed and reevaluated in every moment...
with every breath...
with every thought...
and conversation...

my perception continues to change... gracias a la ayuda de unos amigos!

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Que tiempo hace hoy??

Es domingo y esta nevando, nublado y hace frrrrio!!

I snowed more than a foot in less than 24 hours. My shoveled twice... my back and arms hurt. Before it snowed it rained/slushed for about 4 hours... so... it is slushy, heavy, slippry slop that is out there.... yuck!!

Nothing is happening here... I went on an online shopping spree in the last week... I am out of control. I now need to start saving my money and not spending it on fun things I find online that I can use in my classes.

My parents lest on vacation yesterday... for a two week Caribbean adventure... in St. Lucia and Barbados... but then they got stranded in Dallas yesterday... and I am assuming they made it to St. Lucia today as I did not get any complaining phone calls from them.

Ok... me voy!

paz y amor

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Oh no she didn't....

So.... I have some theories about latino men.... some of my theories dictate how I approach relationships and latino men. I don't like men with really big cocky egos or attitudes (which is common in some groups)... and so, when latino men that I interact with get a bit crazy/cocky/egolicious....I be sure to to keep them in check.... not let the ego get toooo big.... Yes, people... this white girl has atttttttitude!! Daaaaaayyyyyuumm.

Wellll.... apparently I offended someone.... opps! But I think he was just offended because his ego was a little toooo big for me and I brought back down to normal size. I didn't offend him enough to not want to get coffee and go dancing.... ;) better luck next time!

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Somedays I just get so frusterated.

I think I need to make a change. NOW!!!

Friday, February 16, 2007

Hice una decision... POR FIN!!!

Es confirmado con un boleto de avion... voy a estar en Rep. Dom., el 2 de mayo hasta el 26 de agosto. Dicidi que no iba a hacer mi pasantia (student teaching) en Costa Rica.... iba a ser muy costoso... y la verdad es no tengo interes en este pais. Lo que dicidi es voy a hacer todo aqui en Minneapolis y empieza el 27 de agosto y termina en diciembre, la semana antes de vacaciones de invierno. Fue una decision medio facil, medio dificil... pero todo esta bien ahora... estoy contenta y tengo menos de 11 semanas hasta que voy a SD.

Bueno... ademas que eso no hay mucho pasando en la vida. Hoy tengo que ir al Mall of America con mi colegio (donde trabajo). Los estudiantes de sexto grado estan haciendo un proyecto de fisica... y tengo que acompanar los chicos auticos en las montana rusas y todo.

Esta noche voy al 'Carnaval Brasiliero' aqui en Minneapolis. Va a ser buenisimo... y ojala que hay hombres... brasilenos bellos alli. Vamos a tomar caiparihnas y bailar samba... y no se que mas.

Es un fin de semana larga... no hay clase lunes... por el ferido 'dia de presidentes' aqui en EE.UU. entocnes tengo mas tiempo hacer... NADA!!

Ok Srtas y Srs... me voy.... chau! Mando saludos, besos y paz a todos!

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Sick but Excited for Carnaval 2007 this Friday

I'm sick... I need to get better.... I'm going to Brazilian Carnaval this Friday evening... it should be great.... well, not as good as being in Salvador for Carnaval but the 2nd best thing ;)

Here is a link to the festivities... anyone out there in MPLS... I hope to see you there.

Beijos
>jcg

Friday, February 09, 2007

What do I need??

I was tagged by Amity...

So, here is what I need....

1. Janet needs 500 more tiles (should I be re-doing a bathroom or something?)
2. Janet needs help (who doesn't)
3. Janet needs to do the damn thing (I need to do many damn things)
4. Janet needs to be terminated (somedays I think so ;)
5. Janet needs access to my science webpage (no I don't)
6. Janet needs to stop being so proud (oh hell no!)
7. Janet needs another cat (NOOO, I hate cats)
8. Janet needs to raise the bar (could be)
9. Janet needs to try to explain (what??)
10. Janet needs to fire her publicist (I didn't know I had one!)

So... about half of mine had to do with Janet Jackson... I guess I'm not the only famous Janet in the world.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Republica Dominicana



4am- airport - flights - no working cajero - 20 mph on freeway -celebrating national beisbol championships by tying large chunks of scrap metal to back to cars, driving around, honking and yelling -brahma -police riads for underage club goers - long drive - Haitian border - tierra de nadie - Haitian witch doctor 'curring' the NY dominicanos - Haitian homebrewed Whiskey - dehydration - poverty - new born twins - huge gallo (rooster) fight - extreme poverty - happy faces - front row seat - fueding brothers - one agressive, lo mejor y otro no - bachata - brahma - merengue - brahma - merengue - dancin' (manly) dragqueens - locked in house - boys outside waiting - no beach or river - la gua gua had a problem - doctor's daughter - playing - dancing - a child's sadness of separated parents - brahma - aimless drives around the 'hood - visiting the dr's paitients - dra xiomara - Yenny's engagment - sick sister - waiting to see drs - getting the transmition fixed - family favors - more visits and tests for sick sister - a entire day en the taller - no logic - 29 mil pesos!! - more family favors and connections payoff - more visits to paitients - neighborhood salon - chicken bones - playing with nariz - cell phone fiasco - stomach ache - museo del hombre dominicano - malecon - early morning - muchos carros - turtle - Promed outting to Constanza - rum - dominos - karokee - rum- mama juana - river swimming - rum - mosquitos - rum - drunkeness - dizziness - passing out - - missed my set up with abogado's nephew - mosquitos - packing -breaking open the piggy bank - brahma - shopping - brahma - puertoriquena?? - CD's - brahma - lunch - fotos - speed dating dominican style - crazy packing - brahma - bachata -barely making it to the airport in time - delayed flights - intense airconditioning - 2am- HOME

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Breathe

I think I may have an anxiety attack... i keep having to remind myself to breathe... breathe... breathe girl. I feel overwhelmed (which seems to be a common thing at the moment).... I don't really know why... I know why I have anxiety... I feel out of control... like I'm going into the unknown... without clear knowledge of the outcome... I just have to be brave. Go with the flow... don't shut down... don't run away... I have to face the beast...

Fight or flight?? I must fight. I cannot run away because of fear... or do something stupid because I do not like to feel venerable. I am also freakin' 24 years old... it's about time I stand up and be a strong women (the crowd cheers)... do what I need to.

I am walking through a dark tunnel and do not know what is on the other side... although I am anticipating the other side. I am also nervous. I just need to stay clam (yeah, right!!) and breathe.

Things are going to happen.... my world is going to change in the next two weeks.

Princesa

I am currently listening to this song on repeat and counting the days.... no hours until my trip... less than 4 days. My flight leaves Friday at 6am.... I can't wait.


Letras de 'Princesa' de Frank Reyes...

te recuerdo como una niña aquella de la escuela
la que se creia la reina del salon
la de ojitos saltones y Mirada traviesa
la que dejo en mi alma la primera illusion
te recuerdo como la niña aquella de las trenzas
la que me acortejaba a espaldas del professor
la que siempre supo encantar con su presencia
la que no paraba de escribir mi nombre en el pisarron,
hoy recuerdo la niña aquella la que pasaba todas las materias
la que mitad de quinto se fue y nunca mas volvio..
yo te veo y no me lo creo mira que bien te ha tratado el tiempo
y al mirate me dan deseos de hacerte reina de mi reino...
te ves perfecta me ha dejado alusionado tu belleza
tu Corazon no tiene dueño no me mientas no me quieras causar esa tristeza,
te ves perfecta me ha dejado alusionado tu belleza
tu Corazon no tiene dueño no me mientas no me quieras causar esa tristeza
princesa dime si aun quieres ser mi reina
dime si aun quieres ser mi reina(oh oh oh)
dime si aun quieres ser mi reina(princesa)
dime si aun quieres ser mi reina(princesaa)
dime si aun quieres ser mi reina(oh oh oh)
yo te veo y no me lo creo mira que biente ha tratado el tiempo
y al mirate me dan deseos de hacerte reina de mi reino...
te ves perfecta me ha dejado alusionado tu belleza
tu Corazon no tiene dueño no me mientas no me quieras causar esa tristeza
te ves perfecta me ha dejado alusionado tu belleza
tu Corazon no tiene dueño no me mientas no me quieras causar esa tristeza
princesa dime si aun quieres ser mi reina
dime si aun quieres ser mi reina
dime si aun quieres ser mi reina
dime si aun quieres ser mi reina
dime si aun quieres ser mi reina………..

Friday, January 19, 2007

Would you......

want to push your friend around (and around and around) the Mall of America in a wheel chair?? When in a wheel chair, with a non-permanent injury who would be like... 'hey, best friend... lets go shopping.... oh, by the way... you are going to push my ass around since I broke my leg!!'

I took a little trip to the Mall of America this evening and in the duration of 30 mins. I saw more than 5 people pushing their friends and loved ones around in wheel chairs. All people appeared to have non-permanent injuries... and almost all of the people that were doing pushing looked tired, mad and deep-in thought (probably about think about why they agreed to go).

So... note to the wise if you broke your leg... arm... torso... tailbone...etc... go to the MOA in a few weeks... OR you may loose a friend.

Chau!

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

21 Bajo Cero

21 Bajo Cero fue la tempertatura cuando levante..... estoy muriendo de frrrrrio. Por suerte estare en un lugar donde hace calor en pocos dias.

Nada nuevo esta pasando.... trabajo, trabajo, voy al gimnasio, trabajo, duermo, como, trabajo, etc. etc. etc.... asi es la vida aburrida.

Que mas les puedo contar?? Realmente nada. Desde el 2 de mayo hasta el 2 (o 3 ) de septiembre estare afuera de los estados unidos... Estare en Costa Rica haciendo mi pasantia en despues en antes... creo que ire a Republica Dominicana.... CREO.

En un poco menos de un mes cumplo anhos! No quiero tener 24 anhos... pero ya llegan. Tan rapido paso mi 23 anho en el mundo pero lo 24 sera mejor... ya lo se.

Bueno... eso es todo para ahora... Chaucito... Y mado saludos y besotes a todos.

paz y amor

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Long Lazy Weekend

No school Monday... it's MKL Jr. Day....

Today, I got up early and went to breakfast with my mom, aunt and grandma at the 'Original Pancake House'. It was good I ate tooooo much. I am going to BACHATA class in a little bit... to polish up my techniques! ;) Later I will go shopping... that's all I have planned.

I need to call a few friends... here and abroad. Monday I have a dentist appt.... that's about it. I guess I will just be working out... and hanging out this weekend.

I want to see the movie... 'Freedom Writers'...

Alright... off on the bachata goodness... !!

Chau!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Where has the Week Gone??

It's Wednesday... I think... only two more days left of the work week! Yay!

I am avoiding making a decision regarding my masters program... tomorrow I will decide something... i guess.

I'm tired... and counting the days until my vacation.... 16 days...!!

Ok... Chaucito.

paz y amor

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Stuff

I am in the process of buying gifts for my trip to the DR. I am buying several. I asked my friend... the female doctor and newly wed, if she would like anything in particular as a gift. Or if she needed anything. I got an unexpected response... a fork, spoon and knife. I think she means like a serving spoon and fork.... but maybe I'll just buy a whole set. I guess I will have to price that. Besides that I am buying a few other things for her and her dr. husband. And a few other people... if they are nice to me... they will get a gift if not!! Hell no!! ;)

What else? That's about it at the moment. I'm tired... and attempting to psych myself up for 15 first graders at 8am. And a two-hour tutoring session tomorrow night. Kill me now.

Besides that I am trying to get ready for a really difficult semester... but then I will be done. Forever!! ;)

Saturday, January 06, 2007

My Craziness

I am mentally and physically tired.... my mind is racing I cannot stop stopping about two things. Two topics... two themes... that bare great influence on my life and how I feel and how things are and will be. I am just being obsessive... I cannot know nor predict with exact certainly thus I must (apparently) think about it non-stop until I can figure out the answer to at least of the things. I have 19 days until I will know... that scares me.

The other thing is something that must be determined from within... I must have to make a decision. Stop fearing things and just be. Be Strong and not give in.

Ok... enough babbling for now.

Chau!

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Costa Rica and More

This morning I had my 'interview' with the director of my master's program. I was approved to do global student teaching. I also got my dates today from the coordinator of that so.... May 28 thru. August 17 I will be student teaching in San Jose, Costa Rica... well, actually to be more exact some where called Tres Rios... but I am told it is part of San Jose. Now I just have to save money for the plane ticket.... but I must worry about one trip at a time.

So... I guess I will be spending the summer in Central America.... some where I really had not anticipated going. Then I get to come back and do 6 weeks of student teaching for Spanish and 6 weeks for ESL.... and by December 1, 2007... I will be licensed to teach K-12 Spanish and ESL!

That's it for now... I am exhausted. I started going to 'body sculpting' class yesterday. I was in major pain today and then went again this afternoon and then do two more classes tomorrow. Maybe I will rest Saturday.

Chau!!

Monday, January 01, 2007

New Years in Chicago

Some more pics.... of my somewhat interesting weekend.

Fotos de mi fin de semana en Chicago. Chicago fue lindo... pero las chicas (menos Lena) fueron horrible, estupidas, innocentes, conservitas que no tiene que ir a una cuidad otra vez en la vida porq tienen miedo y no son bien educados en sus maneras de ser... Quizas notaste... no disfrute mucho... :/


Chinatown- Chicago
pissed (cara que mata... yo estaba enojadisima)
Waiting for the L
Esperando el tren.
No dejamos de tomar.
Can someone who is from Chicago explain this sign to me??
It says 'I see Black People'

We're Cute.
Hotties! Lena and I. Fabulous as usual.
Que sexy que somos. Lena y yo.

Las insoportables... :(
Borrachas buscando comida.

Borrachas en Walgreens.


Pase mi fin de ansiosa y enojada! Pero hable con un venezolano en el tren..... y un moreno me compro bebidas toda la noche. Las cosas que hombres hacen para una mujer. ;)
Ojala que paso el resto del ano con mejor compania, feliz... y bien fabulosa como siempre!
BESOS!!
Feliz ANO Nuevo!!

X-mas - Navidad 2006

Here are some random fotos of x-mas....
J-Fabulous.... otherwise known as me! ;)

Scary Singing X-mas Tree
Cantando Arbolito de Navidad

J-Money (my bro)
Mi hermano.

Two Cousins
Dos Primos.... parecen contentos, no?
Me and the Boys. All the Cousins
Soy la unica prima. Todos mis primos.

Taking a Bath... he was not happy.

El perro banando... no estaba contento.

Feliz Navidad! Merry X-Mas!