My own little flood and crazy Chileans

I washed my clothes today. No biggie. Well I put the first load in and went upstairs to finishing cleaning my room. When I went downstairs again to change the load I noticed the floor was all wet. As I was investigating, I noticed the sink where the washer drains into had gotten clogged by a plastic bag that had been in the sink. Uh oh. Not only did it get the laundry room floor wet, the water went into the maid's room. We don't have a maid right now but there is stuff everywhere in that room. Samantha had managed to create some work for herself. I had to clean out the room in which I found about 5 different kitchen machinery items, from a George Foreman all the way to an ancient-looking food processor. Then there were clothes upon clothes upon clothes. Who seriously needs that much stuff? I know my mother is a packrat but my host mom is to the extreme. I really think she needs to get checked out. There were like 7 pillows just lying on the floor gathering dust and dirt. Who really needs that many pillows lying around. She already has ten on her bed. I am by no means a neat freak, my mother and roommates can attest to that. So when someone else's clutter starts to bother me, you know it's bad. I got everything out of the room and put it all to one side of the garage where it was dry. I then proceeded to sweep out the water. It was quite interesting what I found while I was sweeping. Years of dirt and grime and I think what was the remains of a dead mouse. Now I just have to wait for it to dry properly and attempt to put the mess back in. How can these people live like this??? ahhhhhh!

I also went to class this afternoon. As I entered the common area of the building I saw my classmates standing, watching something going on out front of the building. Here were some crazy Chileans throwing rocks at an armored truck of the Arican police. The armored truck would spray them with an intense beam of water. They were breaking the walls with rocks, to get other rocks. One person actually chucked a chair. They were yelling profanities, all the while I was thinking the cops in there are pry just kickin back, havin a snack, thinking you idiots, "You can throw as many rocks as you want. But at the end of the day, we've still got the armored truck." The students want the strike to continue. Unless something major happens, I don't see that flying at all.

Today was one of those days where you wake up and you're not in a very good mood. I can't really say what the reason is, it could be because I actually had to wake up before noon today, but whatever the case, something just wasn't sitting right. I was supposed to march in an anniversary parade with the kindergarten class that I teach. I walk to the school and on my way peoples stares and whistles were really getting to me. Most days I can blow them off as if they weren't there, but days like today I'm more sensitive to them. I don't feel like being the object of someone's whistle or suggestive gesture. I don't want to be stared at just because I'm obviously not Latina. It's days like this that really make me miss home. I showered before I went to the school and I realized I shouldn't have. Arica is so dirty. Every passing car seems to shower you with some sort of dirt or exhaust. Your shoes are never clean because everything is dirt or sand. What's more is that the city itself is like one big garbage dump. There's this huge, I guess you could call it a hole, where kids play soccer. I've seen people actually put their garbage bags next to it. The city workers go around with their brooms and sweep the dirt. Sweep the dirt? You know you're just moving it around right, you're not actually cleaning it. The idea of someone sweeping dirt or picking up any type of garbage in this city is ridiculous. I just miss Iowa's greeness and fresh air! I realize I am pretty much just complaining right now, I have to do it somewhere I guess. Well I need to go release some stress and go on a run. I'll just turn my music up really loud and keep my eyes forward to avoid the strange looks.

P.S. HOME IN T-31 DAYYYYSSS!!

Living with the Morales'

Today I was reminded of how lucky I am to be staying with such an amazing family. I told my host sister Yuli (the one in the middle of the picture) that I had never had a completo. A completo is the thing that looks like a hot dog, which it basically is. It's a hot dog, diced tomatoes, avocado, mayo and ketchup all in an oversized bun. It's a staple Chilean food. The subject came up at lunch and she made them for dinner. I was resting in my bed because I went out last night and my younger host sister and her friend Alessandra (the girl on the left) came up to my room and said they had a surprise for me and that I had to wait in my room until they told me to come out. Ok, that's fine, continuing to lay down doesn't require much effort. Well they came and got me and they were all dressed up in crazy clothes and they told me I had to close my eyes until they told me to open them. They lead me downstairs and into the kitchen. There I opened my eyes and there on the table were completos all set out nicely, some other goodies and a cake! They were calling it my pre-going away party. It was totally unexpected, and for them to do that for me really means something.

I truly feel at home here. I don't have a younger sister and my 8 year old Chilean sister Catalina is like my pseudo-sister. We goof around together, watch cartoons together, eat together and go places together. That little girl has touched my life more than she will ever know. My other Chilean sister Yuli has a heart of gold and is an amazing cook. She is always willing to help me with any little thing I want. She had Cata when she was 18 and I don't know the story but I can't help but think it wasn't planned. She is a great mom. And then there's my host mom Fatima. She's something else. A little crazy, thinks she knows everything and loves sweets just about as much as I do. When I got my wallet stolen in the first few weeks I was here we went all around the city going to the taxi stations because I thought I could have possibly left it in a taxi. We went around the campus asking people if they saw anything, she alerted the campus police. She did everything in her power to help me. I don't know where Yuli's or Cata's father is, but living in this house has really taught me something that I thought I already knew. It has shown me what it means to be a strong woman. You don't need a man to define who you are. I knew the concept, but I didn't fully understand it until now. I am truly blessed to have met and lived with this family.

I am missing my life in Iowa, but at the same time I don't want to leave! Of course I don't. It's like a vacation for me right now. I get to explore another part of the world which in turn, allows me to explore another part of myself. I get to meet so many new people that would have otherwise been just an aspiration. Part of me doesn't want to go back to my life in Iowa because I know what the next year, year and a half holds. It's my senior year. I'm going to graduate from college? Well, depending on what happens with my credits here, I should be able to get done with my classes and then have student teaching left, so about a year and a half. I really don't have many responsibilities here. The end of college?? What? I didn't think college would ever end. Ugh, I don't even want to think about getting out into the 'real world'. That can stay away for quite some time yet. Samantha's not ready for that transition. But are we ever really 'ready' for any big transition like that? I don't really think so. How could be? We can be ready for the mental scenarios we have in our head about how it's going to be, but no one actually knows what's going to happen. It's like that saying that goes:

At the end of the day faith is a funny thing. It turns up when
you don't really expect it. Its like one day you realize that the fairy tale
may be slightly different than you dreamed. The castle, well, it may not be
a castle. And its not so important happy ever after, just that its happy
right now. See once in a while, once in a blue moon, people will surprise
you , and once in a while people may even take your breath away.

I have been looking at all the flood coverage on KWWL and CNN. Wow. I can't grasp the magnitude of it all. I suppose no one else can either. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have your home underwater or your business. Your life...washed away. I am glad not that maybe people have died. One is still too many. First there was the tornado, now the flood. Iowa seems to be getting it's butt kicked right now. I pray for all the people who's homes, businesses, workplaces, lives have been affected by the flood. Stuff like this reminds me what it is we are all really doing on this planet. To love and care for one another. No matter what. Tragedy seems to connect us all. It's like a swift kick in the face that hey, you really are human and definitely not invincible. I pray the waters recede soon and people can get back on with their lives in the best way possible.

Viewing all the crap that's been going on around home makes me miss home even more. I miss my family...and my friends....my life! I realize where I am...what I am doing. I know I need to enjoy what I am doing here. And I definitely am. I am definitely making the most of everything. However, it's just human to miss what you love. I can't help it. I can't be a perpetual tower of strength that never flinches or never sheds a tear. I really miss my broha...and my mom and dad and grandma and grandpa....especially my grandpa and dad b/c yesterday was Father's Day. I wish I could have been there for that. I can't keep track of all the festivities that I am missing while I'm away. I have to focus on the positives. I have to focus on the fact that there are so many people that wish they could be doing what I am doing right now. I'm not sure people actually realize what it takes to study abroad. All the way from the planning and then actually getting on a plane and traveling to another country, usually continent. Then having to get by in a completely different country...you have to adapt to social normalities that may be way beyond your comprehension. All of this while you are thousands of miles away from what you know and love. It takes something special. And I am proud to say I have that something.

I miss you and love you all....you're what makes my world go 'round....

CrEaTiVe SpUrT....///...WoRk In PrOgReSs

Anyone who knows me, who really knows me,
knows that I tell it like it is.
They know I think I am pretty funny and
I laugh at my own jokes.  They
know I care deeply for others, and
despite my loud, sometimes obnoxious
exterior, I have a lot of love in me. 
They know how much I love to eat and
thoroughly enjoy sweets, especially
chocolate.  They should know they 
can talk to me; I've got a great ear. 
They should know I really try and
avoid conflict because it makes me
feel uncomfortable, which may seem
odd considering how brash I can be
at times.  They know I am not your
run of the mill girl.  They know how
independent I am.  They know how
open I am.  They know how much I love
to travel.  They know how much I
love to have a good time and throw my
head back and laugh.  They know
how much music is a part of my life, 
as well as writing and being creative.
They know how much I love to run and
be active.  They know how much
I enjoy the company of children.  Each
time I see one laugh or do something 
they’ve never done before, that little
flash of life sparks my own spirit and
ignites my hope in the future.  They know how
I try and look on the positive side
of everything.  They know how much
I love my life.  They know how much
my family means to me, especially
my grandma Norma.   And I hope they
know how much I care about them. 
My life has been brightened and
enlightened by so many and I have no words
to sufficiently thank everyone
for how they have touched my 
life.  

Running in South America: An Experience

I am training to run the half marathon with Andrea again this October. Not only that, I just enjoy running in general. I've always thought of it as my type of mediation. Minus the mmmmmmm. And sitting with your legs all crooked like that. As I alway do with running, I like to find a route and stick to it for the most part. I started running up a main street all the way down to the centro then making a big u and coming back up to my house on another main street. I mainly did this because I thought it would be safer. I didn't exactly feel comfortable running alone in Arica. Although mind you, I would be running so if someone would try and harass me, I could assumebly (I think I just made that word up, my English is becoming worse, but you get what I mean) just run away from them. However this is assuming the assaulter would be unarmed and with out locomotion. Whatever the hypothetical case would be, as I went on more and more daily runs, I realized the harassment would always be existent. I mean harassment in a very non-harming sense. I don't want to sound like I am going through battle each time I run. Doing exercise in public here is a very odd thing, and being a woman, alone, makes it three fold. I do it anyway. I changed my route to a more rural way. For the most part, I get less looks but I have a hard time dodging the body shops. Body shops seem to be the worst for bringing out yelps and hollers from the men folk. If there are say, five men working outside the body shop, when they see you come they will literally stop what they are doing, lean back on the cars, and just watch you run by. Talk about awkward. I thought people honked a lot in this country, especially when they were by me, I've now realized they are honking at me. And if I don't hear a whistle from a man's mouth again in this country, it will be too soon.

39 Daaaayyys...me falta poco tiempo

My brother sent me the picture on the left of our driveway. When I opened the email the first thing I said was, holy s***! I have seen it flood where it's a little questionable if I can get through there with my itty bitty Sunfire, but wow, never like that. I put the other because this is the most recent picture of me. While everyone in northeast Iowa is needing to construct an arc, here I am enjoying my free time during the strike in a very, very dry northern Chile. The picture was taken this past weekend at a Welcome Home party for a friend of friends. You will notice the very classy smoky element to the photo. It seems like everyone here smokes like South America has a tobacco shortage.

I have definitely been making the most of my free time since the strike has been going on. This past weekend was pretty crazy. To give you an idea of just how fun it was, I slept from 4 p.m. yesterday until 11:30 this morning. I'm not that sharp with numbers but I am going to say that's a good, almost 20 hours of some much needed Z's.

I have 39 days left in this country. I have to admit that I did make a countdown. I made it within the first month that I arrived. I can't deny that I am super excited to come home. I really miss everyone a lot more than I ever did in Spain. Sorry Mom and Dad, Spain was just too much fun, I didn't want to come home! It could have something to do with how close I have become with my parents in the past year, and even with my friends. But I know how incredibly blessed I am with the people I have in my life. They make up such an intricate part of my life, I'm missing everyone like caarazy!

The Good Life...

My past two weeks has consisted of doing nothing much at all. Since there's no school I spend most of my days sleeping in, running, spending time with my host family and just doing random things. I am hearing rumors that the strike is going to last longer so I think I definitely need to travel. This city is fun, but an entire month with nothing to do is maybe a little too much of a good thing!

My host sister's "Tata" is here for the weekend. Tata means grandfather but he's not actually her grandfather. He's known the family forever and plays an important role in their life. He brought Catalina a music player and this toy she wanted. She is so spoiled. Last night we were in the centro getting Cata's computer fixed and while we were in the store she went around and was like I want this, and this and this....which ended up being some headphones, games, speakers, webcam and a new mouse. Who needs that at eight...seriously. Did I mention she has her own cell phone too? He's actually a really cool guy, always joking around and very funny. He bought Catalina and I treats, can't help but like a guy who buys me chocolate:)

Today we went to a market called the Agro. It's a huge place and sells everything from fruit to washing machines. While we were in the food section my host mom stopped at this stand that sold herbal remedies for every ache and pain. I was reading the labels on the different herbs about what ailments they were for. Just about every one cured stomach pain and sore throats. All of the baggies were generally some sort of shade of green, gray or brown. Normal colors. One particular bag stuck out. It was pinkish red. I red the label and it said it was rose petals. Ok, I thought they were good for potpourri, I didn't know you could consume then. Ok so rose petals, what on earth could they help with? Gonorrhea. What!? Excuse me, but does that say it helps with gonorrhea. Wow, I mean all the other herb baggies were half way believable but really...rose petals...gonorrhea? Kind of ironic (don't know if that's the right word or not) but don't roses usually lead to things that cause gonorrhea...odd. I knew they were pulling my leg when I saw that one. They have a lot of stuff like that in this country. I am not sure if it's partly because the indigenous cultures still have such a big influence here or what. I do know that my host mom firmly believes you can catch a cold by walking around on cold floors barefoot. If only she knew what occurs at Adams Christmases! Family, you get the joke. But for everyone else, it's tradition in the Jack and Norma Household that on Christmas Day whoever has the urge runs around the house barefoot...in the snow. No one has died yet.

When we got to the car as we were leaving the Agro my host mom couldn't get into the car b/c the car next to us had parked too close. She had me back the car up and then she let me drive! Yes I know, how illegal...but what a rush! The car is your standard SUV automatic. No big deal. However we don't have roundabouts in America. At least not in Northeast Iowa. So that part was interesting. Mom, don't worry nothing happened, no tickets were written, I didn't even have any close calls! You'd be proud!

I am writing out of order today. You can tell where my head is at. So rewind to Friday. On Friday night I had a blind date with one of my host mom's coworkers. And I know, if you do remember I posted awhile back that I had a boyfriend down here. Boy was I wrong. To make a long story short, we weren't on the same page and I know that I don't deserve to just be an option...so for my own sake I broke it off (well if you can call it breaking up if we were never actually together). So anyway! I had a blind date. First one of my life. I was really, really nervous. The guy knows no English. This is going to be interesting. Well he was two hours late from when he said he'd be at my house. Strike one. He was dressed in two unmatching shirts, a fanny pack and white sneakers. I wish I could say that's a strike but I know guys don't always have the best sense of style, and it wasn't that bad. He could have a had a red mohawk and a ring through his nose like a sow. It's what's on the inside that count anyway. Within the first 15 minutes of meeting him he lit up a cigarette. Strike two. I will not date a guy who smokes. Period. We had some drinks at a pretty low key bar. There was good conversation, I was impressed with myself at how I could communicate in my second language. That was the best part about the night. Among the many cigarettes and my eyes burning from the smoke, I had to pinch myself to stay focused on the conversation. I also had to bite my lip at times to keep myself from laughing. Kate, if you are reading this right now I was thinking of you during that. All I could think about was how movie-esque this blind date was and how ridiculous it is. And then I just thought about what you would do if you could be watching me right now and I thought about your laugh and I had a hard time not busting out laughing in his face. He kept telling me how beautiful I was and how my host mom didn't inform him how beautiful was. It's nice to get compliments, but he was laying it on a little thick. His semi-inappropriate comments for a first date that followed gave me the feeling that we definitely weren't on the same page. If you get my drift. However, I kept my composure and avoided some awkward topics. He took me home and I said I'd call him on Saturday to let him know what my plans were, however that could have been a white lie. Yes, ok it definitely was. I don't want to make it sound like this was the date from hell b/c it wasn't by any means. He paid for everything, so that was nice. Haha. No but seriously, he was a nice guy, very personable but there just wasn't anything there. Not even a flicker.

So needless to say I am still on the search for Prince Charming. I think my dad will do as my Prince Charming for now:)