Christmas Notes
Trip Start
Jun 26, 2006
1
29
50
Trip End
Aug 14, 2008
Naranjo,
Costa Rica
Friday, December 22, 2006
In the holiday spirit, my host mother pinned a
stocking on the front of my door. Father Christmas´ jolly face mocks
all entrants (in other words, me). Above him, in full glitter and
sequins, a single word of holiday cheer: JOJO. Now, least anyone think
I´ve gone and changed my name to JoJo, remember that in Spanish, the J
is pronounced as the English H. Jo-jo-jo and a merry Christmas.
I
have a bad case of pereza (in English, laziness). Very contagious
ailment. As I have discovered, it is a temperament only cured by lazing
about in bed for an extra half hour and lounging on the porch with a
book and glass of té frio. (iced tea)
While driving through town
last night, we noticed that our beloved dwelling was covered in smoke.
Or fog. Or something hazy, sinister, and definitely alien. If it WAS on
fire, then we needed to speed up. However, someone had the idea to open
the window. We were bowled over the mealy perfumes of fresh tamales.
Yup, it´s tamale time! Funny how the entire town decided to cook
tamales all at the same time. If not today, then tomorrow. People
exchange tamales like we do cookies. Although, I have to say I prefer
Christmas cookies. Tamales just don´t
cure a sweet tooth. So the
next time you see a corny haze wafting above houses, take a good whiff
before speeding off to the bomberos. (fire dpt)
Went to the
amusement park Tuesday. I was expecting something along the lines of
Six Flags. I should know better by now. It was maybe one step above
Sandy Lake Park (for those of you in the DFW area). Small park, 2
roller coasters, if they could be called so, and a variety of other
rides on the scale of a county fair. Although, there was a water raft
and water slide ride that were of decent size. You can buy an all
access pass or pay by the ride with free entrance, we went for all
access. We went on most everything more than once. The lines were short
(never waited more than 20 minutes). In some cases, you only had to hop
off and run back around to the line and clamber back in. We went a
little crazy with the bumper cars four times in a row. Recommendation:
save the money and go to the beach.
Host mom^s 60th birthday
Tuesday. Woke up early and make blackberry pancakes with a blackberry
sauce. It turned out pretty good. She was delighted with the placemat I
crocheted, too. That night, was a big party. Unfortunately, I had just
gotten back from the park, and was falling asleep on myself. However, I
won´t deny that it was entertaining watching my 34 year old host
brother dance like a rooster impersonating Elvis with my host parents.
I had a good laugh with the kids over that.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Comments
Feliz Navidad a ti!
Hola Kira! Es maravilloso que tu estes bien! Espero que tu tengas una buena Navidad.
Sorry I haven't written you in awhile, I have been so busy with EA, school, and St. Mark Lifeteen (I love those teens). Here's a quick recap of my semester...Brett and I dated for 3 months but decided we should go back to being friends. (Deja vu...I feel like we have done that before...like freshman year!) This time I know it is for real...we are still friends and all is good! In fact, he's kinda thinking about the priesthood. I think he would be a great one! That's not the exact reason for breaking up, but definitely part of it!
I get to work in the Speech and Hearing Clinic next semester and have 2 patients who I will be the main provider of therapy! VERY EXCITING! I am graduating a year early in August and am very excited about that. For now, however, I am going crazy as I apply to 4 different universities: UT, TCU, UNT, and UTD. Hopefully I will be accepted to all and can go where I am offered the most scholarship. FYI: I have not told anyone other than family that I am applying to UT...it's kinda on a whim and I am not sure if I will get accepted. (So feel the pride in knowing, but keep it on the down-low) ;) In all honesty, I just want to get away from Denton. I still love Denton, but I think it is time for a change. Denton is not the same anymore; it really stinks being the youngest of all your friends because they grow up before you do and then you are left all alone. Granted, there are several people still around...but I don't know, things do change...and change is not bad...just different. I have never been at a school for more than 4 years (and that was high school) before and I am ready/would be content to move on. We'll see where the Lord leads me.
I am working on my Honors Thesis and having a great time! I am doing it about the benefit of FM (like radio frequencies) systems to combat the presence of background noise for people who use cochlear implants. It's really fascinating and makes me want to work with people who have cochlear implants and are learning how to hear 'everyday noise' for the first time and learn how to speak. I already gave a poster presentation at the Board of Regents Dinner infront of the chancellor, provost, president, vps, regents, and deans of the university. It was an incredible opportunity and everyone seemed very impressed! My mentor and I submitted an application to present a similar poster at the international cochlear implant convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in April. I will know in January if we are accepted. EXCITING!
I know I am writing a book here, but I have one more thing to let you know! In March, for 15 days, I am going with Dr. Sovik and the College of Music to the Czech Republic! I am stoked! Not only will the trip be awesome, but the company is going to rock! Monique, Joe, and Caryn are going as well! It's practically a 'C' trip! And I turn 21 over spring break (when we will be there) and what better way to celebrate than to be able to drink a week before I am 21 because I will be in Europe! Hahaha!
I hope you continue to do well and enjoy 'la pura vida'!
Dios te bendiga y te amo!
-maria patricia :)
Amusement parks
That sounds like fun! They have amusement parks like that at Pakistan also. Except they don't have water rides. And going to the beach is different, too. People don't usually swim since the water is really dirty... so is the beach. Lol. The amusement park I went to there only had one roller coaster and it had a ride called the Ali Baba. And then you eat ice cream in the parking lot afterwards. =).
Happy Holidays!!
Samira
Happy New Year!
Hi Kira, sounds like you had a wonderful holiday. Hope you have a Happy New Year. Many blessings to you in 2007. I sure do miss you!!!! Hope to hear from you soon. All is well here. Babies and TJ are growing like weeds. Take care and God Bless!
Miss ya,
Dawn