Entertaining

After a 12 hour bus ride you are certain to desire to stretch out the legs. I take a moment to thank God again that I am 26, even if I am beginning to deteriorate a little at the joints (exagerrating). There was no hurry, so to the bathroom, to the tourist info desk, a 20 minute walk to the hostel.

Again, early, so I read a little and checked email before getting the room key. Talked with the woman at the desk for info on what my friend Kathryn and I can do for our short 2.5 days in Mendoza. I could have gone on a mini excursion if I wanted to, but noticed that I would be coming back way past Kathryn's scheduled arrival. It's probably best I stay here, I thought to myself. Well.. be here, versus stay here.

Map in hand, I went to the local central square, surprisingly, not named after St. Martin. From there to one of the largest parks in South America. Snapped some photos, don't you worry, but also just moseyed.. thinking about my favorite quote from the first LOTR's book, "All who wander are not lost." Indeed, it can be fun to wander.

The park is beautiful, and it was encouraging to see so many runners and bike riders, and when I passed by a pool, intense swimmers as well. :)

I took a moment to think about what it takes to entertain me. Long walks on the beach is actually a legitimate option for me, no matter how much we poke fun at it as what we want to write in those online profiles. I had stopped a couple of times to read.. I just observed people..

And I was.. am content.

Are you able to just hang out? Or do you need to do something extreme to be satisfied?

I personally like NOT spending money. I like getting to know a person, and am thinking of a most recent friend named Paloma, for example. I am excited that yes, Kathryn and I will be doing some intense activities during our time in Argentina together, but I am also quite happy that we will have a lot of chat time. That I will get to share with her my new culture (well, I suppose you could call me a half breed), funky ways to flush a toilet and all! hehe

Oh, and I come armed with my uke!!

until next time, Chau!

Laughing, singing, dancing, grinning, morons!*

On skype with Janna, I had to reiterate the fact that I'm not a kid person. Yes, the joke is on me with how much work I am involved with in Argentina that includes kids.

"Usually it's the other way around," she says. "People don't like teenagers but love kids."

"Yep. I'm the unusual one."

And then I went to the institute today.. back up. I have a little cold that was contracted in the middle of the night Tuesday. I have a feeling getting caught in the rain yesterday (after a brilliant hangout with Marisol + gang, as well as the Iriartes) didn't help either. The morning was spent swimming a mile, cleaning the house and preparing for the visit. Thankfully a nice conversation with Janna, as mentioned, in there. However, I was tired.

And it's hot.

I arrived with very little energy, and the Lord was aware! The girls were watching a movie, so we finished that and played some cards. Very chill. At one point, Luciano wakes up from his nap and peers out just enough to see what's going on.

He sees me, exclaims "Sorosho!!!" and runs to give me a hug and sit on my lap.

I'm not a kid person, honestly, but sometimes things like this happens and it makes me a little bit softer. Is this what is meant in 1 Corinthians about seeking the greater gifts? Being flexible (one of my theme words) to serve in many capacities, even in ones you're not accustom to..

Chau!

*lyrics from a song. don't judge!!! haha

I present to you..

Yep. I caved and went to see it. Bueno, it was also part of a deal I had made with Flor to finish the saga because we had both been manipulated into the storyline in the first place.

And when I say manipulated I obviously just mean that curiosity got the best of me last November (2011), and like pringles, once you pop, you just can't stop. That is the phrase, right? haha

It's happened to me before where I have been disappointed. I finally got into Lost after the final season came out, and when I arrived to the last episodes I was left wanting. "REALLY?!" I remember shouting at the screen.

Don't get me wrong, the first three seasons were spectacular. Same goes for the first 2.5 of Grey's Anatomy, and even 2.5ish of The O.C.

But I digress.. part of me is just surprised at myself, for getting caught up in storylines that should be left alone after a few chapters. Cough, cough, these days, How I Met Your Mother, cough cough..

All this to say, surprisingly... NOT disappointed by Breaking Dawn part 2. Maybe because it's the kind of story that makes you laugh when you're least expecting it. Yeah, yeah, it had some explicit moments between husband and wife which honestly should be left to husband and wife, if you ask me (Hollywood never does). And Taylor Lautner just might be the new Matthew McConaughey in the sense that he can't keep his shirt on..

But it was good. Cheesy. Ridiculous. But a good way to end the tale. Still not interested in reading the books, but I recommend the movie. And especially in theaters because there is nothing like the sense of community in response to a few of the scenes. As Flor and I walked home we found ourselves laughing multiple times over everything that had happened.

Chau!

Look at chew

This morning, I had the privilege of serving teammate Laura with her end-of-the-year party in Las Violetas. She is a child therapist, and meets with children individually throughout the week in our good ole el Refugio to help them improve their learning and social skills.

I had heard stories about most of these kids (there are 7), so I was intrigued to be able to put a face to some of the names. All I had to do was show up and set up a few board games, encouraging the kids as they entered to play. Easy. In Argentina lingo--Chan.

Basically, I watched as she loved these kids, giving the special attention that they need; I watched as she clearly gave the group game instructions and each child (as well as one parent, or if no parent was present, a sibling) played with giant smiles on their faces.

Andrea gave a short Word, and then served snacks. The moms then made the effort to thank Laura for the changes they have seen in their child over the year. I don't know if I'm becoming a softy, but it definitely brought a little tear to my eyes to hear about these improvements. I felt so proud of Laurita!!!

Additionally, the women of Las Violetas had gathered beforehand to meet with Eva. They are making these really awesome handbags out of.. well.. I guess you would call it tshirt cloth (so cotton?) that has been made into string. Here, a picture will help my ill attempt at description:

Pretty beautiful, no? And there's more where that came from!!

Any way, I am also very proud of Eva who has helped create a brand for these bags, and for the past couple of weeks has even set up a stand to sell them in the cultural center we own. The women of OM are definitely in need of some butter, because they are on a roll!!!! hehe

All that to say, the blog won't always be about me, I like to look at chew (or others) every once and awhile.

In addition, look forward to a brief post about Breaking Dawn. Yes. You heard me. :P

Chau!