Dec 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!

Although I wish the NBA hadn't started its 2011-2012 season today, I'm glad Christmas Day this year is a Sunday.  That, and the fact that I'm broke, so there were no gifts to go around, made me remember what exactly it is that the world celebrates today: the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Let us all remember:

Dec 18, 2011

Why December is so awesome

1. Except for last Friday (which wasn't that bad, really), it has rained every day, and the temperature is not high enough to make me consider suicide, or to sob non-stop.

2. Because of #1, I have been able to run in the rain a couple of times (it just doesn't stop raining all day).  It makes me feel like I'm in a musical or, at least, an episode of Glee with Gwyneth Paltrow.

3. Classes have ended, and I don't have to pull out my hair every day wondering how to make French interesting to a handful of hormonal teenagers.

4. People on the street are nicer ("I won't mug you today; my Christmas gift to you").

5. So many dinners and social events going on, I have already broken my healthy eating diet three times, and Christmas is still a week away.

6. Church starts an hour later on Christmas and New Year's Day.  Note: This does not necessarily imply an extra hour of sleep, but it does mean I can go to bed one hour later, with no remorse.

7. Even though I keep telling people I'm broke and I won't be giving away any presents this year (other than my unconditional love), I keep getting cute presents.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

Dec 11, 2011

Today I was reminded of a John Grisham's book

Can you imagine my excitement when I got this email this morning?

"This proposed settlement ("Settlement") is on behalf of a nationwide class of consumers (the "Class") who (1) purchased tickets on Ticketmaster's website, www.ticketmaster.com ("the Website") between October 21, 1999 and October 19, 2011 (the "Class Period"), (2) paid money to Defendant Ticketmaster for an Order Processing Fee ("OPF") that was not refunded, (3) did not and do not opt-out of the Class, and (4) were residents of one of the fifty United States at the time of their purchase".


At this point, I was angered I didn't buy more ticket shows through Ticketmaster.  What was I thinking, trying to get a discount for locals or students for quite expensive Vegas shows? I should have gone the traditional way, and use Ticketmaster at all times.  But then I read my "Summary of your legal rights and options":


"If you take no action (of course I will take no action), and the settlement is approved by the Court (I will be praying for that), you will automatically receive, via email at the most recent email address associated with your purchases on Ticketmaster.com, discount codes ("Codes") which can be used for future purchases for U.S. events (I'm getting credit?! C'mon, it can't get worse than this) from Ticketmaster's Website (except for events at venues owned or operated by AEG as set forth in the Settlement Agreement). For each transaction that you made during the Class Period, you will receive one code via email for a $1.50 discount (wow, what a fortune!), up to a maximum of 17 codes (I'm glad I only made 4 transactions with you, I wouldn't want all that money to go to my head)... The Codes may be combined up to a maximum of two credits ($3.00) that may be applied on future transactions as described above (seriously, Ticketmaster, what a great deal!).

Dec 4, 2011

New Directions?

I decided to start sharing some of my adventures in the love arena. As I started writing, I realized I have to let go of many inhibitions to do so. I am by nature a very private person, so I'll still keep stuff to myself, and I'll change names and circumstances when the privacy of other people needs to be respected.

Sadly, I think I need at least one more week to mull over the details before I start writing.

PS: If you feel like commenting on my blog, do so under your own name. There's nothing more pathetic than a rude (and inaccurate) comment under "Anonymous." Have some courage!

Nov 27, 2011

My Christmas wishlist

1. Everybody calling me doctor without me having to go through 5 more years of grad school. Haven't I done enough to deserve one of those honorary doctoral degrees they give to famous old people? I'll soon be old enough, it seems, and all my years of struggling with teenagers at Church, or teaching English to seriously learning-deficient people? C'mon, those ought to give me some credit hours.
2. A job where I can finally do what I love all day, like head karaoke singer.
3. A world where I could eat all the fried stuff with cheese I want, and not put on one single ounce of weight, or worry about my cholesterol level, diabetes risk or cancer threats. Millennium, maybe?
4. The final disappearance of stupid TV shows, like the Real Housewives and Jersey Shore.
5. A cute, smart guy asking me out with no stupid issues on the side. For references on what I mean, please see this 2-month old post.
6. All seasons of 'Lost' on DVD. Add to that, if you have the means, 'Alias', 'Doctor Who', and '24' (from what I hear, I still haven't watched it).
7. A Kindle. I'm humble enough, so I only need the cheapest one. I just want to be able to read my 600 ebooks on the go.
8. The new U2 Ipad. This applies to my (healthy) obsession with U2, and provides me with a lighter carrying option than my current 17-inch 5-pound laptop.
9. World peace.

Nov 13, 2011

Why the lists?

1. Even though my thoughts are a veritable mayhem, bullets and numbers give it a more organized look.
2. I'm an engineer. My brain has been professionally trained to think in numbers.
3. I can prioritize ideas.
4. I just realized this post is plain dumb. So I'll bow out with what little dignity I got left, and call it a night.

Nov 6, 2011

How can you tell you don't have a life

1. You have read 4 books in 5 days.
2. You have watched 3 looong movies and an entire season of your favorite sitcom in the same period of time.
3. Your mattress is now shaped exactly to your back.
4. Your idea of a wild Friday night is turning off the lights and listening to music on your iPhone.
5. You forgot what the ringtone in your phone sounds like.
6. You start referring to Netflix, Hulu, Twitter, and Facebook as your "best friends"
7. You squint your eyes when you step past the main entrance to your place.
8. You have personal cute names for your laptop, your bed, your TV...and the fridge.

Oct 16, 2011

What I'm really doing while I tell people I'm busy

1. Secretly planning my wedding.
2. Facebook stalking this cute guy I met at Church today.
3. Watching all seasons of Dancing with the Stars, The Biggest Loser, and The Office on Hulu.
4. Planning a global boycott of Netflix.
5. Blogging.
6. Playing solitaire on my iPhone.
7. Playing 'where the crap did you put my stuff?' with my baby niece.
8. Daydreaming.
9. Not playing Farmville, CityVille, Mafia Wars or anything related, I still have a life.
10. Updating my list of mortal enemies.

Oct 9, 2011

Why I like to be a graduate student

As I am in the process of applying for a PhD, I have been deeply pondering about the reasons that make me want to pursue this course of action:

1. I love sleeping 5 hours a day, and dreaming about all the papers I have to read and write once I wake up.
2. I have the pathological need to constantly say: "I don't have money for that."
3. I love the taste of ramen soup and, when I feel like splurging, generic mac and cheese.
4. I don't really think I need to have a social life.
5. Who needs facebook, when there's hundreds of journal articles you can read every day?
6. Carrying 10 books and a heavy laptop in my backpack all around campus really strengthens my core muscles.
7. I love the feeling of hope I get when I hear someone say: "Refreshments will be served"
8. I think the dark circles under my eyes give me a mysterious intriguing look.
9. I no longer live in the real world. My life is as cool as the Matrix.
10. In the end, I just want to be called 'Doctor.'

Sep 25, 2011

The attack of the gullible facebookers

"ANOTHER CHANGE IS COMING...On September 30th, 2011 Facebook will start charging you for your account. To avoid this, you MUST get NAKED, stand on your dining room table and do the Macarena, all the while singing ”I Will Survive”. After filming and posting it to your Facebook wall and YouTube, then, and only then, will Mark Zuckerberg come down your chimney to tell you that your account will stay free. Pass it on, it must be true because someone on Facebook posted it."   (All I have to say is 'Amen!')

Case in point:
"FACEBOOK JUST RELEASED THEIR PRICE GRID FOR MEMBERSHIP. $9.99 PER MONTH FOR GOLD MEMBER SERVICES, $6.99 PER MONTH FOR SILVER MEMBER SERVICES, $3.99 PER MONTH FOR BRONZE MEMBER SERVICES, FREE IF YOU COPY AND PASTE THIS MESSAGE BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. WHEN YOU SIGN ON TOMORROW MORNING YOU WILL BE PROMPTED FOR PAYMENT INFO...IT IS OFFICIAL IT WAS EVEN ON THE NEWS. FACEBOOK WILL START CHARGING DUE TO THE NEW PROFILE CHANGES. IF YOU COPY THIS ON YOUR WALL YOUR ICON WILL TURN BLUE AND FACEBOOK WILL BE FREE FOR YOU. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON IF NOT YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE DELETED"

Sep 18, 2011

I would date you, except for the fact that:

1. You declare your love through Facebook chat. Or send me a text message.
2. You call me and scream "I LOVE YOU!" in my ear, and immediately hang up.
3. You have kids. Worse, when they check their age box, it is scaringly close to mine.
4. Your idea of Church activity is showing up for activities where there is free food.
5. Grammar mistakes exist in your writing in such an amount that I lose count after the first couple of lines. For all that's holy, read a little! 
6. You bit the back of my neck once while walking behind me.
7. You claim to speak a second language, and then leave me a voicemail that I cannot even remotely understand, because it sounds like 5 different languages at the same time. Along the same lines, you should know that Google Translate is not 100% accurate.
8. You wait until I leave town -or the country- to ask me out. How exactly did you think that was going to work out?
9. You tell me I'm too intimidating for you. Well, that's flattering!
10. You want me to pick you up and drop you off on our first date. You live in the slums.

Sep 11, 2011

Not a white Latina

People keep telling me I'm the whitest latina they've ever met. While that may be so, it's probably because I don't really fill common stereotypes attributed to latinos. Here's my latest list.

Why I am not the stereotyped latina; or, stop generalizing!

1. First of all, which century do you live in to think that just because I'm from Central America, I live in the jungle? Heck no! I've always been a city girl. There's close to a million people where I lived. I was raised eating at Pizza Hut, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell and all that junk. I ate at Friday's whenever I felt like using my dad's credit card. No, I've never seen a cow up close, and have only seen horses at shows.

2. No, I don't like salsa, merengue, or bachata. Reggaeton makes me want to hurl. I enrolled in a salsa school (not so long ago, I may add) just so I could perform decently at dances. I can still shake my hips, and go through the motions, but no, no latin blood in these dancing veins.

3. No, people, I do not like warm humid weather. It destroys my expensive hairdo, keeps my face in a state of endless exfoliation, and prevents me from daily physical activity, since sweating all day is not my idea of a preferred lifestyle.

4. I do not like spicy food. Even excessive amounts of pepper send me on panicky races for the nearest water dispenser.

5. On that same note, I do not like greasy food. My mom became an extremist vegan when I reached my teens. So we were always eating a lot of vegetables, tofu, soy milk, barely any meat (maybe fish, chicken or lean meat a couple of times a week). She also decided salt was the incarnation of the devil, and totally flavorless meals became a part of my daily diet. So no, I don't know exactly what the typical Honduran eats.

6. Oh yeah, I'm also not a big fan of tortillas. If anything, we would sometimes eat our meals with regular white bread; that is, until Mom decided whole-grain bread was best.

7. I hate novelas. My dad forbade them in the house, labeling them as a stupid waste of time and brainwaves. I totally agree. I loved MTV.

8. Except for my dad, soccer was never a major event in our house. The only way we'd know Honduras was playing was when we heard the neighbors screaming at a missed goal or celebrating a victory. I remember my mom watching the final game of a World Cup once. Actually, the first time I watched a whole soccer game (and even that's debatable, I spent quite some time at the concession stands enjoying the variety of hot dog styles) was in Denver, about 6 years ago. My host thought I'd enjoy a soccer game, little did she know!

I need to get somewhere else right now. There might be a sequel to this post.


May 8, 2011

Happy? Mother's Day

Being a single LDS woman, I am a little cynical about this "holiday".  I am telling you, even if I was a mom or a grandmom, there are certain traditions that make me almost hate the day.  Let me explain further:
1. Why the flower pins?  Today at Church all the mothers resembled a flower vase, they were wearing at least 3 pins.  One sister offered me one; I kindly refused. She insisted, thinking I felt bad about not being a mother. She doesn't understand, I'm okay not looking like a blossoming tree in the middle of spring.
2. Mothers always say every day is Mother's Day, all the work they have to do, it never ends, it's so hard, blah, blah, blah (again, I'm very cynical about this, I know).  Then why insist on having a day for themselves, then?  Why do all the talks in Church have to revolve around motherhood? Wow, up until now I had not realized I was so bitter about this. Hum, I guess I am (shrugs shoulders and keeps going, that's how little I care).
3. In my personal experience, I wonder why don't we make as big a deal about Father's Day. Fathers are awesome.  I know I got the best dad in the world, and I resent the fact that we don't celebrate them as much.  Is that some sort of sexism?

Wow, this kinda turned into a sort of hate post.  I wonder why I'm so angry these days.  Well, I'm not really angry. These days are actually very exciting.  Forgive me, my avid readers.  I will be a ray of sunshine next week. Word.

May 1, 2011

Pay up, you little liar!

This is a hate post.  I know, not they best thing to do on Sunday, but I need to get it out of my system.  While on a road trip, this dude confessed that he had no money, and would I pay for him, and he would pay it all back to me next week.  Since he is an active Christian, I trusted him, and covered all his expenses.

I will not go into details, but a month later, he still has not paid me.  He comes up with the most pathetic excuses to explain why he has not paid, or maybe to inspire simpathy.  Sorry, I have none of that for liars.

I guess the story is not that juicy if I do not explain it carefully, but trust me, it has got me all worked up.  Also, thanks to a challenge posted by a friend not to use contractions today, this post has been more difficult to write than usual.

Apr 24, 2011

On foreign accents

Friday evening, my best friend and me are having dinner at a Denny's in Kingman, AZ.  As we get up to leave, the American couple sitting in the booth behind us, ask me: "Buenos Aires?" I answered: "No", then pointing to my friend, add: "But she is."  Then, they ask: "Where are you from?" I said: "Honduras".  To which they finish with: "How do you have that South American accent?"

Last Saturday, another friend went with me to a Festival on campus. As we were enjoying an Austrian lunch, a senior couple sits at the other end of the large table to have their own meal.  In the midst of my mixed (Spanish-English) conversation with my friend, I decided to be friendly, and asked the couple what they were eating.  After a while, we know that he is a Vietnam war veteran, and that they enjoy and know a lot about Turkish food.  He then says: "I heard you both speaking Spanish. Where are you from? (Then looking directly at me) Argentina?"  I laughed hard and corrected him, because he is like the 100th person this year to think I have an Argentinian accent.

What can I say? Accents really stick to me, which I guess is good, when trying to learn and speak new languages.  Maybe I should add Argentinian Castilian to my list.

Apr 17, 2011

Confessing how geeky I really was/am

When I was a teenager, I was a faithful reader of the Spanish version of Seventeen. It probably cost me half my allowance, but I bought every issue for a few years.  I sent the magazine a brief profile that they featured a few months later in their pen-pal section. And so it was that I got about 50 letters from girls all over the world (even one from an ex-Russian country). Some of those letters were in English and, because I had written in my profile that I collected currency from over the world, I got some weird-looking bills in the mail.  I answered most of those letters, got a few pictures, sent a few myself, and continued writing with a few of those girls for at least a few more months.  Then my laziness got the best of me, and communication drastically ended.  I wish I hadn't; maybe I'd have a friend on the other side of the Berlin wall.

Apr 10, 2011

Debunking myths about women

I'm not the observant type. But even I have noticed some untruth in a couple of general conceptions about us ladies.

First of all, women do not take longer than men to get ready.  I have two brothers, and I was always the first out the door on Sundays before Church.  Men are even more obsessed with hair than women are, judging by the amount of product they put on before leaving their house.  I mean, I forget to brush my hair most days, but since my hair always has that despeinada look, most people cannot tell.  How much longer would it take men if they had to wear makeup, wear pantyhose, or had long hair?  Seriously, guys, how long does it take to put on a tie? Or to find the best socks to match those black slacks? Note: the rule does apply to a Friday night out.  It takes us forever to figure out which outfit disguises best our imperfections, and don't get me started on accesories.

Second and last, men love gossip as much as, if not more, than women. I don't mean to sound discriminatory in any way, but Mexican women may be the only ones to who this formula applies. And what is the deal with novelas? Seriously, have you not anything better to do with your time? I mean, read a little something, take a walk around the neighborhood to shed off the fat you just had for dinner.  Sorry this just turned into a hate post, novelas have that effect on me.

Keep posted on a future post about debunking Latin myths :)

Apr 6, 2011

Have you ever driven in the rain/snow without windshield wipers?

I have. Crazy weekend in Utah it was.

Today, Sunday, April 10th, I want to elaborate a bit more.  As we were driving to Cedar Hills from SLC on Saturday evening, it started pouring. Suddenly, the left wiper breaks, and we're in the middle of the highway.  We get off, and into Ikea's parking lot (we went inside the store and bought some cholocate, we owed it to the store ;) and found out there was an Auto Zone not far from there, but we had to get on the highway again.  At one point, we stopped at a red light, and my driver friend decided he could wipe the windshield with a tissue while we waited. So he courageously took his left arm out the window, and cleared a whole square inch from the very bottom, which was of course, useless. Still, he felt he had been succesful, until the light turned green again.  Then, a stroke of genius hit me (yeah, those happen to me sometimes), and since the right wiper still worked, I kept giving him directions, until we finally got to the Auto Zone.

Through all of this near-death ordeal, our other friend was sleeping peacefully in the back.

Mar 27, 2011

Don't make me eat, please!

I remembered today a story from my childhood.  I didn't like to eat much, so my parents decided I would stay on the table until I had eaten everything on my plate. That resulted in a third of my first childhood years spent in the dining table, while other children played outside.  I even remembered falling asleep on the table several times, as I wasn't allowed to leave it, and being woken up abruptly by one of my parents to force food into my mouth (through my tears, may I add). They apparently thought I had to eat to stay alive. I know, right? Go figure.

As I reflected on that story, I think my parents did a good job, as nowadays you would probably have to beat me to stop me from eating.  As usual, I blame my parents from everything that is wrong with my life :P

Mar 20, 2011

A microphone was all that stood in the way of the best day of my life

If you've known me for more than a couple of minutes, you know that I love U2, and that I have the biggest crush on Bono. I'd do a lot of things to go to their concerts, really don't care how much tickets are worth, and have engaged in a lifelong journey to get all of their CDs. I saw them in their Vertigo tour in 2005, and I am actually driving to Denver in June to see them again in their postponed 360 degrees tour.

So imagine my excitement when I found out an impersonator band of the best band of all times was playing here in Vegas, at Fremont Street, and free!! I logged in to their website, saw a couple of videos, and noticed that Bono's impersonator looked, dressed, and sang a lot like the real thing. So I grabbed the first victim I could, and went to their concert last Thursday night (which was also St. Patrick's day, and so crowded it was difficult to walk). I was right below the stage, singing all the lyrics, screaming and jumping for 2 straight hours.

Again, imagine my deepest satisfaction when "Bono" came down the stage, stood in front of me, and put the microphone between his face and mine, as he was singing...I don't know, I wasn't paying attention to the song, but to his close presence.  He kept flirting with me for the rest of the concert, and I thought I was in heaven.  Even though I had to wake up early the next day, I couldn't sleep, as I had just had the best day of my life, and couldn't scream it out to the world. But at least I'm blogging about it :)

If the real Bono ever reads this, please, honey, make my day, and finish what your impersonator didn't last Thursday.

Mar 14, 2011

Au revoir, Canela!

I learned last week that our family dog, Canela, had passed away last month (judging by the speed with which these type of news get to me, you'd think we'd gone back to pre-email days).  Canela was a mix of Dalmatian and callejero (street dog), so she was kinda cute.  Aside from a pet tarantula, Emma, that I had to free into the wild a couple of days after I got her (my family refused to have her in the house, and/or to feed her while I was away in my frequent business trips), I have never had a pet, and neither have my brothers.  My family has never been into house animals.  In fact, Canela was not our pet, she was my grandma's, who lives in an apartment behind my mom's house. 

So Canela would not receive the usual pet treatment with us.  I'm ashamed to admit that we were a little mean to her, but nothing cruel, really (I mean, we're still human).  However, Canela was kept in total isolation from other animal life. And so it was that my brothers and I taught her to smile, in exchange for petting her a bit.  Now, have you ever seen a dog show you his/her teeth? Not exactly an enticing sight, but Canela had been programmed to think that "smiling" was a good thing. So whenever we had visitors, they would completely freak out by the statement that she wouldn't bite.

I even have a picture of her "smiling".  I'll look it up and post it.  I'll miss that freak dog.

Mar 6, 2011

Post-it, or, how obsessed do you think I am?

Sometime in the middle of my Institute class this week, someone opened the door, quickly placed a post-it in its corner, and left. Nobody caught a glance of who it was.

Intrigued, I walked to the door, and realized the post-it was from one of my students, who had to leave a couple of minutes before "the incident". Some of my other students curiously asked who it was from, and as I told them, they rapidly insinuated that this guy must like me, leaving notes and all that. They kept bugging me until I turned red (if you know my skin color, you know turning red is not an easy feat), and kept at it for a while.

It all takes me back to middle school. I wouldn't be surprised if next time they saw me, they start chanting Karla and So-and-So sitting on a tree... Seriously? Us LDS YSA need to get on with the program sometimes.

Feb 27, 2011

The awful, awful consequences of breaking a diet

As I said last week, I finished my diet on Friday, and yesterday I was to indulge in as many sinful meals as I could. As it turns out, I wasn't that hungry to begin with.
I had a meager lunch: a small bowl of fruits, a bit of chili soup, and some roast beef. Later yesterday, I had peanut butter with crackers, since my last gastronomical adventure has made all complex carbs disappear from my pantry; hence, no bread is to be found in the vicinity.
I went to bed, and was awoken an hour and a half later by what can only be described as pangs from hell. I had cramps that confirmed my decision on not ever getting pregnant. Seriously, if labor is anything or worse than what I felt last night, how can women do that to themselves? We really don't need to reproduce, and I'm sure Earth would be grateful to see humankind disappear.
By experiences too graphic to describe, I vomited every little thing I ate yesterday, and the day before. Was this my body complaining about the sudden change, and if so, when will I be able to eat like a human again? I'm eating cereal with skimmed milk as I write. What evil am I paying for?
The silver lining: I lost a pound and a half in my ordeal last night.

Feb 20, 2011

Food daydreaming

My self-imposed torture, aka diet, will happily end this Friday. In the meantime, I feel like I'm going to pass out any second. To further punish myself, I have created a list of all the things I'm going to indulge with come Satuday morning. These are my daydream meals lately:
1. A baleada
2. A buffet lunch, Vegas style
3. A falafel
4. Bags and bags of chocolate
5. The largest hamburger they have at Carl's Jr, with extra bacon and cheese
6. A large pizza with extra cheese
7. A Panda Feast
8. A German Chocolate cake all to myself
9. A stack of pancakes, with all sort of toppings to choose from, next to a few scoops of ice cream.
10. To sum it up, I would eat anything that does not contain vegetables.

And...to heck with calories!

Feb 13, 2011

On weird behavior at church

As a note on last week's post, I want to let the world know I broke my diet on Friday night. Oh, yes, I had half a huge bucket of popcorn, and a whole box of Twilight Valentine candies, which said something like "Bite Me" and things of the sort. Eating a piece of Edward like that alone, was very well worth it. Yesterday I repented and got back on track, although I have now vowed to cut my misery short by two and a half weeks. No way I'd keep torturing myself like this, and my blood needs chocolate.

So, today, a quick tour through not very saint-like behavior at church I've noticed lately. In order of strangeness:

1. This man, in his early forties maybe, skinny as a stick with hair, was crossing his legs, and not caring that his pants were at knee-length. I guess he didn't mind the rest of the congregation noticing his legs, not that there was much to show.
2. A teenage kid, son of the aforementioned man, who kept reading "The Heir of the Wizard" during all of sacrament meeting. Not once did he lift up his eyes from what I can tell, was a wonderful book. He must have read at least through half of it during that hour and 15 minutes.
3. A few ladies in different meetings, clipping their nails like they have no other care in the world...in the middle of the silence that sacrament sometimes is.
4. And now, for the winner, a girl in her mid-thirties (single, may I add), trimming her eyebrows in Relief Society...with her hand!! I can only imagine how long those things were if she was able to grasp them like that.
5. There was also this super cute girl who was visiting another ward, and kept looking around for weird behavior at church, instead of being reverent and learning at Church. Uhhh...

Feb 6, 2011

On dieting

I have never had enough willpower to do a diet. So, today, on the verge of a fifth day of dieting, all I can say is: How can people willingly do this to themselves? Exercise is definitely the best way to go.

However, in spite of my previous rationale, I have decided to go on with this insane program. I have a wager on how soon I will collapse, either by fainting or by succumbing to the tempting embrace of chocolate.

I'm starting to see flying hamburgers around my head. Maybe I'd better go now.

Jan 30, 2011

On having no free time

I don't have time to blog tonight. I am so worried about the length of my to-do list...I don't remember when was the last time I was SO overwhelmed with stuff. The worst part is that I don't foresee an end in the near future. This will go on for at least 2 more months.

So...goodbye now!

Jan 23, 2011

On going crazy

I realized this week that I have less than 2 months to finish my master's thesis, and while initially I freaked out, I have procrastinated it, as I usually do when faced with a task so much larger than life. I know that I'm going to regret my slacking off in a few weeks, and I hate myself in advance. In the meantime, I and fun me are having a great time. It's like school hasn't even started yet.

I need to buy a new laptop. Does anyone have good advice on the topic? Is Dell a good brand? Inbox me (hey, I may just have made up a new verb).

Jan 16, 2011

On New Year Resolutions

Yes, I have them every year, but I usually don't forget about them after a couple of months. I forget about them right away. Nothing like setting your mind on something, and then let something else take over. Anyway, I believe it's hard to foresee your life for the next 12 months; things change so quickly, and you'll always need to adapt. So these resolutions should be reviewed on a monthly basis - my humble opinion.

I'm private enough not to post my resolutions here. However, I came up with a list of cynical resolutions, which I am comfortable sharing with you. I hope I can inspire some of you.

Kat's 2011 Resolutions

1. Learn a stupid new word every week. For example, today I learned "paspar", which launched a laughter attack when I first heard it, but it's an actual South American expression (I checked) - the language is irrelevant -.
2. Laugh at myself frequently. Not a difficult task when you're as clumsy as I am.
3. Not watch TV for more than 7 hours at a time.
4. Decide to which foreign country I will be moving to by the end of this year or beginning of the next one. Any suggestions as to this issue are welcome.
5. Drool over at least 3 different hot guys every week. My sight needs to be refreshed every so often.
6. Not eat like a pig every time I finish a fast.
7. Take my vitamins every day.
8. Stop stalking people. Have less restraining orders issued than last year.
9. Quit the murder plans I have for a couple of guys I met last year. Settle for emotional blackmail.
10. Try and be less cynical.

Jan 9, 2011

On foreign accents

When I learned foreign languages as a little girl, my teachers always complimented my accent. They told me I have a very good American English accent, an awesome French accent, and an ok Italian accent (Italian is my fourth language, and definitely not my best; I don't quite like gesturing while speaking too loud, haha). I always thought it was a gift to assimilate the accent so quickly.

In my time in Vegas, I associate a lot (during weekends and breaks, almost daily) with my Argentinian friends. I have come to love their food, expressions, and culture. This week I have spent a lot of time with a friend from Honduras, though, and he keeps pointing out that I speak like a piba, and have almost lost my Honduran accent. My response is: "Better Argentinian than Mexican!", no offense intended.

So, a todos mis ches argentinos y uruguayos, que vivan las empanadas, el mate, y el dulce de leche. Que seamos pendejos por siempre! :D

Jan 2, 2011

Silence...Gods sleeping

In August last year, I went to Chicago. As part of the eclectic tour of town that I got, my friend decided to take me to an Indian temple in the vicinity of her house.

The first thrill of that trip was when the tour guide inside the temple told us to take our shoes off! As it was very hot, any excuse to remove pieces of clothing, even if only my shoes, was welcome.

As he gathered the group round about him, he proceeded to ask me from what part of India I was. As the Indians' English accent always baffles me, my only response was staring back, while my friend graciously answered for me, that I was, in fact, not an Indian citizen.

The temple was really cute. The detailed handiwork of the sculpted walls and ornaments was amazing. However, imagine my disappointment when walking downstairs to meet the gods and goddesses of the Indian people, and instead finding signs all over that said that they were taking a nap, and that we should come back in a couple of hours if we wanted to see them. Thinking about it, that was rude of us, to visit them during lunch hours.


PS: On a very spiritual note, may I just add that I'm glad my Heavenly Father, my God, never sleeps, and is always there for me.