Good freaking morning :)

So today I was woken up by one of those stupid advertisement trucks! Haha.. Here, they have trucks that drive around that play these advertisements really loud so that everyone can hear them.

I am still sick but mom gave me some medicine to help. A lot of people at school are sick with the same thing I have… I guess it is because they share everything. It is nice that I like Pepsi because that means less people are going to try to drink mine.

Yesterday, I worked on the float at school. I guess there are only 6 days left to work on it. Everyone is working so hard. Some people are working all night and staying at the school. After six or seven hours, I a sick of working. I feel bad but the float is different for me. Everyone working on it has a passion for it… they put a lot of time into it because it means something to them. Getting second or even fourth place is special to them. They spend over a month preparing a float… As I sit back and reflect.. I say to myself wow that is a special tradition. I mean, they have the queens of the each school talk about their school’s float on the radio. I love it how they have so much pride in preparing the float to only show it a few days. It is not meaningful like that to me. So, it is hard for me to work on it and not complain about how boring it is… but, it is still better than classes because I can socialize with people and get a better understanding of the Argentine people and their culture. In the US, people would not make everything like we do here… they would definitely try to find a shorter way and just buy it. It is either time or money. The sad thing is… when it is money, you do not have the bonding experience that people have with time. Since here we are using time, I have been able to get closer with people. I feel honored to be part of this special tradition. I cannot wait to post pictures of it when it is finished. I hope the pictures do justice for how amazing it will be in person!

Well… now I know why Mama and Papa told me to wash off the fruit before I ate it. I always wondered why my Papa washed the outside of the orange off. I mean at home, in the US, I would wash vegetables off but hardly ever fruit. Anyways, I went with my brother to get vegetables. We went to this place that sold vegetables and fruit outside. The place was probably half the size of my bedroom in the US. It had boxes piled up of different fruits and vegetables. They were sitting out in the open… and this dark skinned lady who was probably 4’10 waited on the customers. She picked the vegetables and fruits out of the box with her dirty hands and put them in a bag to weigh them. The bananas here are small… and you buy them already yellow with bruises. It makes me laugh because I know people would not buy bananas like that in the US for full price.

Dora… the maid… was talking to me yesterday. I found out that she has been working in my house for a year. She told me that before I came she found out I was from the United States. She was telling me how she thought that I was going to be stuck up. She laughs about it now because she said I am not. She made homemade french fries yesterday… they were good. They are not healthy for you but I do not care. They remind me of the ones my parents deep fry back at home.

My brother had another birthday party. He had about eight friends come over to eat and socialize. When I first saw a picture of my house here in Argentina, my mom thought that in the right corner, there was a chicken pen. I do not know if she was kidding or not. But anyways, I found out that is where they cook food… like BBQ. Yesterday, we cooked sausage out there and it only had salt on it. I guess when the meat is so good, you do not need any other seasoning.

So… I kind of have this guy friend… He lives like twenty minutes from the house back in the states. I know I will not see him for over 200 days but I am definitely looking forward to it. I hope we are still talking by the time that comes along. At my age, you never know… ha. Honestly, I mean, 4 days ago I thought my world was going to end. Now, I have a guy that I could not have ever even dreamed about. He makes me smile like no other and he motivates me through school since I know that I can go home and talk to him. DC<3

God, thank you for the numerous blessings you have placed in my life.
Today, I remember all of the victims and heroes that lost their lives 9-11-01.
This day is always tough and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.
I know they are with you, God, and no other place could be better!

BIRTHDAY!

Well... where do I start?!

I had a boyfriend then we broke up before I went abroad. Then, when I arrived home, I thought, we were going to get back together. I guess not... haha, for my birthday gift from him, he told me he has another girl. I only wish him the best. I pray that God will someday send me a soulmate. I cannot find any man better than my daddy! well anyways...

My sister made me a Happy Birthday sign and took a picture of it. She then posted it on facebook. Her and Maggie sang to me and also put it on facebook. That was a great start to my birthday!

I woke up and the maid gave me a present. She got me a necklace and earrings. They are different but I like them!

I went to school and the girls suprised me with a huge pink sign. It said Happy Birthday. We love you. They also got me a cake. It was a good start to the day. I got so many hugs and kisses. I also got my ears squeezed... I guess it is common hear to pull your ears...one time for each year.

I then went to the Rotary meeting. They had a pink cake for me. My friend, from
Germany, gave me a mug filled with chocolate! It was very nice.Our orientation is in a few weeks! After the meeting my family took me out to dinner.

They asked me where I wanted to go. We went to a BBQ place. It was only me, my mom and two of my brothers. Everyone else was not home. Well... they had a salad bar. For dressing we used vinegar, salt, and oil. It is really good... then, the waitor brought all these kinds of meats. I tried random parts of cows and pork. They cook it and only put salt on it. But, it is so juicy and tastes like there is so much seasoning on it.

When I got home, we ate icecream cake. The icecream cake even had cake on the bottom of it. My family put blue candles on it.. a 1 and an 8. They told me I had three wishes. It took me awhile to think of three since I usually only have one! Then, I got a gift from my family. They gave me pijamas... they are pink with flowers. Mama says i needed them since I am always cold.

I think I have a sinus infection.

I miss Deidre and wish we went to the same school.
Ten years from now, I cannot wait to read the letters we got on the plane from the crazy dude. I would love to fly back together.

Anyways, I should be getting to bed.
Thanks everyone for the birtday wishes!
I miss and love you all!

Vernon... you're in my prayers for a fast recovery!!!

no phone yet...

I went to go get my phone tonight and the guy working there did not know the cost of termination fees! I was like... why not? He works here! haha... so anyways, the cheapest phone is 209 pesos. I will probably get that one. It does not have a camera but I do not care. I guess it is better to have a bill each month than putting money on a phone because the minutes and texts are cheaper. The bill cannot be in my name because I am foreign. I am going back tomorrow when another person is there and will know the cost of termination fees.

While we were in central, my brother, Jose, showed me some places. He took me to get icecream. I got a waffle cone with vanilla, strawberry, and rainbow. The rainbow reminded me of superman icecream that I always got when I was younger. It tasted the bubblegum. So next time, I will know to get chocolate instead.

School went well. I paper mached these boxes! After awhile, I got sick of doing it so I went and sat outside. Outside, some people were working on the car in Toy Story 3. They were spray painting it. Then they had to go buy some more spray paint. So I was sitting there with another kid… then three more guys came over. They were asking me so many questions. They asked if I liked Argentina and I said sometimes. Then, of course, they asked why… and I said it is different. Ha… change is good but hard to adjust to.

Here, guys have short hair but have a long piece in the back like a rat tail. I tell all the guys how I do not like it. One boy, Augestine, let me cut his off today! It made my day! haha

Well, MY BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW! I think I am going to the night club this weekend with my friends to celebrate my birthday!

ARGGGentia!

Happy Birthday Alex!!! Love you buddy. Happy Birthday to Alayna and Nikayla too!

Yesterday was an okay day at school. I am getting bored with the float but it is better than classes. So… I was cutting paper and a girl switched me scissors. She gave me a pair that did not work.But… I am making friends. Like six boys were talking to me and asking me questions and a girl told them to get back to work. She said I was distracting them. Oh yeah… I was asked if there are horses in the United States. Crazy?!

Ha… I get a phone tonight. My host parents gave me money to get a basic one. I am probably going to put money on my phone so I do not have to pay a monthly bill.

I start swimming next week! That will definitely be a stress reliever.

The maid here is so sweet. She knows I do not like egg. So, whenever she makes a type of food that has egg in it, she leaves part of it without egg. She is like family here. Yesterday she reminded me how much I need to pluck my eyebrows. I am getting used to my clothes being air dried… they are A LOT stiffer than being dried in a dryer. But, Dora takes the dirty ones from my room and then I find the clean ones neatly folded on my bed. On my bed, which she makes practically everyday, but not on Sunday since she does not come that day.

Today, I woke up and the cat was sleeping in my bed. It made me feel more at home since my two cats, in the US, sleep with me!

MY BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW! I’M VERY EXCITED.
I hope it is a good day… I am going to try to stay positive!

my weekendddd

Since I have been in Argentina, I have noticed some things… like when a Catholic person passes the church, they do the sign of the cross and kiss their fingers… like how stop lights do not go from red to green but from red to yellow to green… like how so many wild dogs break open the bags of garage people set outside for the garbage man. The other day, I saw a dog carrying a bag of garbage. It was funny and I wish I had my camera. I also saw a nomb looking man with a peter pan hat juggling in front of cars and asking for donations… and a man, at the stop light, asking if you would like your windows washed and obviously he wanted paid for it. Haha… people do whatever they can here to make money.

Friday, at school, there was a girl that had a puppy inside a box. At first I did not see the dog but when I did… it scared me. Then, my friend, Camii was holding a white one. I took a picture and I will post it later. I guess Camii’s friend found 5 puppies in the street and they were looking for homes for the puppies.
My friend, Virr was tired and didn’t come to school in the morning so I did not go to her house for lunch. Instead, I went with my brother, Ignacio, and our friend Nico. We got pizza and it had eggs onto of it. I do not like eggs so I tried to pick them off. My brother is so nice and got Pepsi instead of Coke because he knows I like it better.

On Friday was the first time I rode in a taxi here. I went with Camii and Mayra to get Camii’s costume. They wouldn’t let me help pay for the taxi and they bought Quaker Oates cookies and shared them with me. I got ready for the party with them and our other friends. One girl curled my hair and she told me that she loves my hair. I was like…. Ew, it is gross. All of my friends here have straight, silky hair… I do not see how she could like mine. She also put eyeliner on my top eyelid. My sister would understand… I always make her do that for me.

But the party was for the Queen Election. They had about 10 girls lined up with numbers and a panel of 5 judges vote. The girls are dressed up and wave like they are real princesses. Then, they choose a queen, 1st princess, and 2nd princess and the rest are like honorees. After that, some guys were dressed like girls and they picked a queen out of them. In the US, we would never be allowed to do that! Someone would definitely sue. It was so funny and girls, dressed like men, escorted them. Oh I forgot to say… I rode in the principal’s car with my friend, Virr, on Friday. We went to rent a wig for her boyfriend. Virr won for being the best looking man and her boyfriend run for being the best looking female. Then, the people dressed in costumes were judged… I won for having the best costume. I won a green scarf and a necklace that has silver and green beads. I think they just felt bad for me… just kidding. Ha… Virr, picked out my costume so I think she knew it would win. So… afterwards, everyone danced in the gym.

Dancing here is different… people move back and word and move their arms. I guess there are many types of songs… and each type requires a different dance. It is crazy… everyone here dances and they love it… ALL THE TIME! Haha
A lot of people smoke here… like I swear, almost everyone at my school. Surprisingly, my three friends do not. They smoke in the school too! They definitely do not know how bad it is for their body.

The dance was until 4 in the morning! I changed my clothes at around 1… I was so tired since I had been at the school since 9 a.m. ha, crazy! So I left around 2 but my brother stayed until 6 working on the float. On Saturday, I laid around and read a book by the fire. Ignacio went back to work on the float but I did not want to go. Instead, I went with my friend, Sophia, who is an exchange student from Germany.

We went to her school’s Queen Election. These Queen Elections are something else… it is like Miss America haha but Miss Argentina (of the school). They have reporters there and photographers. But, I had fun even though theirs was totally outside and it was cold.

So… the float is coming along nice but it takes so much time. I was frustrated the other day because you sew the cardboard then it isn’t tight enough or it gets ruined by the fire from the boys.

For the parade, the queen, 1st princess, and 2nd princess ride on the float. But they are not the same queen and princess from the Queen Election. I think the Queen Election is for the younger girls. At my school, it seems like the girls who are in the running for the queen or princess, that ride on the float, all have the same hairstyle. It is super long and they curl only the ends of their hair. It sure is interesting.

Oh Monday… I am going to the school that has swimming! My brother, Jose, is going to talk to the coach about me swimming there for sure!!! but anyways, I better get some sleep! Chau

:(... :)

I was sad at school today… I miss my family and friends a lot. But, my friends at school tried to make it better. I was having one of those days where EVERYTHING annoyed me… my sister would understand. I decided to help my friend paper mache the car on Toy Story 3. The paste smelt like some kind of food I had back in the US. Then, I found out it was flour and water! Anyways, we ate hotdogs at school. They cooked them in hot water. Everyone was putting mayonnaise on it! I guess they put mayo, ketchup, and mayo on it.That is the classic hotgod. Ha, I thought it was very different. My friend, Maudie, was boiling water for mate so he made me tea. I have drunk so much hot tea… every time I drink it, I think of my grandma. She always made it for me when I went to her house. I am getting more use to the cheek touch with the kissing sound. But, some people really kiss your cheek… mostly guys ha go figure. I talked to my friend today about appearances… it is so strange that here there is a different picture of beautiful. She showed me the people that we thought of to be beautiful at her school. I totally thought of other people as beautiful. Then, I explained to her what a “butter face” is… hahaahha. If you do not know what that means, ask my sister. So tomorrow, I am going to school in the morning then going to my friend’s house for lunch! She invited me over and then I will decide what pair of her boots to wear to the costume party! I hope it is fun… we will see. Zack, yesterday I wore the sweatshirt you got for me! I told people it was my boyfriend’s school. Ha! Well, Chau for now!

school school school

Never in my life did I think that I would be firing metal together, using a box cutter and sewing cardboard together at school. Yes! I did that all yesterday while working on the float. My host brother showed me how to hold a mask and fire the metal together. The sparks really scared me because I thought that they would burn through materials. The school does not buy toilet paper and soap for everyone... so, they is not any in the bathroom. The float makers have their own. It was a good day. My friend, Veronica… I still do not know how to spell her name… well, she took me costume shopping. I am renting a “can can” outfit for the costume party on Friday. It is a red corset with a matching skit that also has black in it. Then, she is letting me borrow her boots. I have not spent a lot of money yet… which is a good thing. But, I did buy 10 little cookies the other day. They were like chips ahoy or whatever but in Spanish. I have never enjoyed a cookie so much in my life. I miss swimming… but then I am constantly reminded of it. Unlike at home, my shower here does not suck the water down. When I swam on the swimteam, on the pool deck, we used a pusher thing to put the excess water from the pool back into the drain. In my shower, I have to do the same thing. I use that “pusher thing” and put the water down the drain. Definitely very different… but I do not mind it at all. Yesterday, I also went to the Rotary meeting. It was good… I met a girl from Germany that is also an exchange student. Sunday, I will meet the three other exchange students that live near me! Well, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUAN! 25! Woo hoo. My birthday is in less than a week. I have been having weird dreams... like one about the Jonas Brothers. I had a dream about little Alex who is like 9... In my dream, he was taking a freshman class. In the class there were like seniors! Chau for now… I decided I shall go to school for the day!