Flowers in your hair: Day 47

The house is empty--Z kids to music school, Mrs. Z. with them, Mr. Z. to a conference. I'm listening to the worship songs I'll be singing with the worship team tomorrow morning. I've washed the dishes, kept out of the cleaning lady's way, and now it's time to face the blog. Also, the fact that it's been three days since I blogged.

Bah. Unintended, sorry.

Highlights of the week:

• roller blading after work Thursday night--first time on the new SPIFFY blades, and F came with me. He patiently played the role of older brother while teaching me a new way to skate. I have to practice more... But the blades roll like a dream. I'm rather chuffed. :)
• lunch and ensuing discussions with my colleagues. Also, the fact alone that I have colleagues. Wednesday we talked about cultural differences, in particular pertaining to food/diet. Yesterday it was existentialism and nihilism, and other personal beliefs. Other times it is all about picking on someone, in affection. Love it.
• receiving an "urgent" project from "Pancho" (his nickname)--translating a document that he was going to fashion into a powerpoint for a presentation the next day or something. Yessir, you've got it. Stayed until I finished. It wasn't late.
• going back to help with Sonidos de Esperanza (music class in the villas) with M. We are practicing a song that will be the main feature of the presentation on a coming Sunday when the kids come to the church to celebrate the anniversary of Sonidos. Forever--Chris Tomlin--pero en castellano. :)
• small group discussion and ice cream outing last night. I love these guys. Please pray for their various struggles in the faith arena...so many situations and states of belief, and they are such fantastic people. Life is really tough in this neck of the woods. My hope is that they just grasp onto the hope and light God sheds over us in those times.
• wearing a shirt today that I have not yet worn. Seems so trivial, but really, it is lovely to finally be able to wear one article of clothing as of yet unworn these past weeks. I am certainly getting to know my wardrobe intimately. And, along with that, having to grow in the fashion creativity department.
• gorgeous cool, sunny weather. Rock on, Spring. Keep it comin'.

Any questions? I think it would be neat to know if there are any particular things you (few) followers are wondering about my time here.

Consider the floor open. Enjoy your Saturday, all!

Mundane doesn't exist: Day 43

Nothing should ever be allowed to be called "mundane", I have decided. Never let wherever you are, however long you have been there, permit you to ignore life's chiefest joys as they peer out from around street corners, or from behind the chocolate bar you purchase at the kiosco, or from behind the waving hand of a familiar local--whom you now call friend--as you head towards another friend's apartment. Notice the tourists throughout the day in the central downtown area, and appreciate along with them the novelty of the subte and of Plaza San Martin. Never let the bagpiper of the Plaza escape your ears' notice as you pass. Savor the first time in a long time you get to ride your favorite subte line--the one with the sublime warm wood smell. Never forget the fact that you have ice cream in the freezer left over from last night. The newness of the project at work. The fact that you know, and no longer fear, public transport at night. The knowledge of where is best to go for certain groceries. The giving of directions to someone, and moreover in Spanish. Having locals tell you they assumed you were just from another region of Argentina until you told them you're 100% US made. Your know roller skates.

Life is absolutely a treasure. And if you don't take care to choose to notice how God fills each day with joys, it almost imperceptibly zips away into history. Much like the "dientes de leon" seeds that fly through the Spring breeze in Buenos Aires--those that don't get caught in your braid and become a Spring pixie-like accessory, that is.

Content. :)

Treasures: Day 41

Worst part: the Sunday-night lonelies.

Best part: Ema's goodnight, after I sang him my Fernando Ortega lullabye: a little peck of a kiss on my cheek, followed by, "Hasta mañana."--"See you in the morning." That, my friends, is the definition of precious.




Good day. Marvelous day.


Sang in church, despite all odds, and hearing the songs for the first time midnight last night. Enjoyed lunch at V's house with the boys, A, E (chica from the youth who often hangs out with the older age group due to her sweetness, maturity, and solid faith that differ so much from the younger youth), and a new friend and her dad (visiting from Colombia). Went to the park after lunch. Played with the boys and A. Enjoyed E's little Spiderman suit. Bought the boys cotton candy. Went back to Vero's house, enjoyed bedtime prep with the boys. Sang to them, kissed them, received kisses--treasure kisses. Made it home, felt intensely lonely, called family and chatted Joshua.


Going to bed soon. :) Chao.

Work, and Ensuing Busyness: Day 40

Best part: being seated at my desk tikkering away at the keyboard while conversations go on around me; I flicker in and out of those, listen to the Argentines who have learned all the English swear words and love to use them, hear the "ping" of the chat from my work email (I have more friends!), get up to get some water or a coffee and pass the ball pit (where someday I'll do my work) and the hammocks (where you can have meetings or chill). Yeah. :)

Worst part: I have to go grocery shopping again?
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Thursday I woke up ready for yoga. I went to the gym at the time of the class (8:30), but there had been complications with the trains that morning, so the teacher couldn't make it. There was another class at 9:30, so I decided to work out until then. A little bike, a little elliptical, and a little strength training easily fills an hour. The yoga class was really an experience--I'll be learning all sorts of terms in Spanish, and also it's not like the College yoga classes. Not "tree pose" and then "boat pose"...it's just like stretching and stuff in a planned manner. Still, it felt good after a workout! Didn't participate in the chant at the end. Jesus is always here--we don't need to chant to get him to fill us. ;)
Pretty soon I was on my way to work, looking forward to another day of translating the ethical code and such. I went out to lunch with three other ladies in Communications, to a place called BreadPoint with really scrumptious sandwiches. Then I plugged away, translating. Joy of all joys!

What I must here explain is how fun it is to translate and why. I love to type in English while reading Spanish, not looking at the keyboard. I love to find phrases or stylistic differences in the Spanish version and learning their equivalent in English. I love those moments where I know what a Spanish word is saying and it makes sense, but I am stuck on the most accurate English word to stick in its place. I love that.

After work, I headed out to V's house--she is a single mom from the church with two fantastic boys (4 and 7ish, I believe, guessing) and had expressed an interest in learning some English. So once at her house, I met L, a Brasilian friend of hers and of the group that I go roller blading with. He is so talented. Oh my goodness. Started as a graphic designer, learned Spanish and English, studied medicine, and now is studying international relations. But his real passion is music. What a dude! He also made two yummy appetizers that basically served as dinner for us--both were ricotta cheese with various spices/sauces. Not much English was taught that evening, as you may have guessed, but we did all get massages from V and C (the other two ladies) and stand on the balcony to enjoy the wonderful breeze and stars for a while.

Friday morning, I woke up to go meet F, because with the way the health care system works here, if you need surgery, you must get two people to donate blood (of your type) in order to restock the bank, I suppose. Interesting, and problematic.
So we met his other friend, and she didn't have an ID document. Then they told me that I can't donate until a month after I finished Accutane. Rats. Sorry!
I came back home, and prepped for work. Then I was off.
I worked earlier yesterday--starting at noon instead of one--in order to allow time to get to M's house for the music class in the villas (Sonidos de Esperanza). I went to lunch with some fellow newbies to Globant that I met in the induction meeting Monday. We had hotdogs at a place that has frillions of sauces to put on them. Nice conversations.
Back to work (after an alfajor--kind of a cake-y, dulce de leche, chocolate covered dream come true), and continued translating. At some point in the afternoon M called to say that due to all the preparations for her neice's birthday party (today--I leave not too long from now), we'd postpone Sonidos until next week. So I continued to work.
Then I got on the subte for my guitar lesson, and that was nice. I really need to practice more!
After guitar I met up with A, moto man, and we headed back to my neck of the woods to meet up with F and friends to hang out. We left our bags in my apartment, and made orange juice while we waited. That fresh fruit juice thing will NEVER get old.
When we met up with the group, I was the only girl. But whatever, I can handle that. ;) It was A, F, J (F's good friend, from posts before), and a new J. Fun group. We went to a place that had insanely tasty pizza (parmesan, mozzarella, arugula, red peppers, and prosciutto like ham) and chilled and laughed and played with candles. Sigh. Boys.

Then it was bedtime, and I slept till noon. And now I must get ready and find a gift for S, the birthday princess! Chao and besos and abrazos to all!

Learning to use one of something until it's gone: Days 36-37

Best part of the last two days: STARTING WORK!

Worst part of the last two days: finishing the last cube of my giant Tres Suenos chocolate bar. But, in reality, that just means it's time to break out the cookies. (:
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Yesterday I was able to sleep in and wake up at a leisurely pace before work began. I arrived at the office on time, and without problem, and entered into the office.
The area in which I work is on the 9th floor of an office building right by the port here in Buenos Aires that is called Puerto Madero. Cool location, very cool. And the view is pretty spiffy, even though it is only 9 floors.
I kind of share a desk with a really sweet young lady, and all the Communications department is already welcoming me with open arms. The project they gave me to start is writing descriptions for the promotional YouTube videos that they have for Globant (the company).
After work, I came home and made dinner, and shared about my day with my family, and also all the friends here who have taken me into their concern.

This morning I went back to the gym, cleaned up, and headed out the door to work. I went earlier today (at noon, until four) to allow time for the music class in the villa that I love to help with.
Today I continued with my video description work, received my Globant ID card, and turned in paperwork. It was soooooooo fun! At one point, a lady the desk in front of me waved me down and asked me how to say the opposite of worthless. Valoroso? Valuable, of course. :) Love it love it love it!
Directly from work I went to the neighborhood of the church to go to music class. Unfortunately, by a combination of factors (including M making homemade ravioli today!) we were a bit too late to allow sufficient time for the class. So, we'll go Friday.
Instead, we went to pick up M's BEAUTIFUL son at the apartment of V, another church friend--a fantastic single mom with two boys who I am slowly but surely converting to best friends. :) We had mate, and snacks (bread with cream cheese, peach jam, and dulce de leche in various combinations) and it was lovely.
Then it was time for Bible study, and what a great time that was, as always. I love Mrs. Z's style of teaching and her presence in the classroom. And also, tonight there was a bit more discussion than usual, and I liked that a lot.
I made it home by myself on the subte, and had warmups for dinner. Then chocolate and cookies. Mala, but oh well. There's yoga at 8:30 tomorrow morning, and I'm going. :)

Shalom! xoxo

Days 34-35

Best part of the past two days: starting at Globant!

Worst part of the past two days: next to no sleep.
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Yesterday was the Argentine Mother's Day, which was fun to observe. The whole city befogged itself from the smoke of everybody's asados (gorgeous--and this is a veggie-head saying this--arrays of grilled meats) rising heavenwards. Mmmm.
I spent the afternoon with a very lively, large group from the church at the park in Palermo again, roller blading, eating cookies, admiring cute puppies, hoping for no rain, enjoying the friends. In the evening, we headed back to the neighborhood of the church (where they live) for dinner. What a fun time getting to eat Colombian food, learn a little more salsa, and love on some little boys (E and F). I also got to share my Bogota mission trip experience with someone who knows what Barrio Egipto is! THAT was cool. :) Also, balconies at night are fantastic.

This morning I went to a different Globant office than normal. It was hard to get to, because it's in an area not well-reachable by public transport. Once there, however, it was very fun! The other new employees in the "intro-to-the-company" meeting were all rather more or less impressed at my Spanish (SCORE) and my guts for doing an internship thing. Plus they still have those awesome coffee machines with zillions of types of coffee. (:
The rest of the day was slow--napping, getting laundry to the laundromat, practicing guitar. I'm headed to bed very soon; hooray!

Love to all. :)

Creative Title: Days 32-33

Best part of the last two days: playing Just Dance 2 (a Wii dance game) with the youth group, and trying out salsa and merengue (I think) with the same crowd. Hysterically fun. :)

Worst part of the last two days: the exhaustion that is hitting me like a wall. May have something to do with the dozens of galletitas (cookies, like variety pack) I ate when I was dying of hunger this afternoon. Poor choice. See that now. Still learning. (;
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Yesterday I had the chance to make a call to my PA cousins--what fun! It still boggles my mind that it's possible to communicate in (nearly) real time due to technology. Fantastic.
Then, I met up with F, a chica from that youth group that I enjoy so much, and we did a bit of shopping. We found just the right top and scarf to complete a "going out" outfit. Now let's see if I ever actually need said outfit. :) Vamos a ver.
Last night was small group at the Zs' house--but it really was only "small" in name! Everyone from the group except one girl I know of came, plus myself and three other US girls from Pepperdine, studying here. What a crazy evening. Soooo fun! Each personality makes it a group into which it's that much more fun to integrate myself. We talked about doubts, and how we see them, how God sees them, how we struggle to get out of them, how we view them in light of our Christian responsibilities and liberties. One of the Pepperdine girls shared her testimony. We talked about reasons why we believe in God's existence. We ate (lots of) pizza. We played Just Dance 2. I shamelessly tried to weasel several stand-by-and-watch types to participate; to, sadly, no avail other than laughter and smiley eyes and, "no, you go." I washed dishes, which I love to do to help out. I owe the Zs so much. I was the butt of jokes, I doled out jokes. We had some dancing lessons, and I took a turn with F and D (chicos) and E (chica). Then our group, at like two in the morning or something, started to head towards home. We walked as a group through the streets towards a bus stop, and waited forty-five minutes or so--chatting contentedly--for a bus that never showed. F and I took a taxi (the more reliable version of a taxi service--called Remis--rey-MEES) to our area, and the others headed to their area by another Remis. I slept; it being four in the morning and all.

When I woke up, it was gorgeous outside. What a sun, what a temperature, what an intermittent breeze. Magnifico.
Joshua and I tried our darndest to have a Skype call, but technology is incessantly frustrating, so it didn't work. A bit peeved at the faults of manmade things, I decided to try the outdoors for some of the God-made things. Much more glorious, and much more beautiful even though flawed (our bad).
After a bit of a walk (F--I remembered the whole way without looking at my GuiaT even once! :) ), I made it to the park and met up with the Zs. We enjoyed elastic/bouncy tight-ropes, bikes, cookies, mate, the breeze, and ice creams between the group of us.
A while later, we made for the car.

Now, I (the eldest Z kid, the only boy) has been trying for a while to ride a two-wheeler. For him, the ADHD inhibits balance in a very aggravating way, so it's been a real struggle. Today, on the way to the car, though, he did it.
Gracious me, the glory of that moment. Mama was tearing up, Dad was chuffed, I was trying to snap photos. What a conquest! "Lo hice! Lo hice! Lo HICE!" he shouted! ALELUYA. :)

Long car ride--as any is wont to be with tired, thirsty, hungry children--and a trip to McD's, and now we're nearly through the obstacle course of bedtime. I think I should try to sleep well tonight, for I have to be at church early tomorrow for singing rehearsal. Hopefully my memory serves me well for this--I heard these songs for the first time ever yesterday. All in Spanish. I'm a bit of an overachiever, don't ya know. (:

Well-contented. Full. Pleasantly tired. Quiet house. Twila Paris is playing for the kids as they fall asleep.
Lovin' life.
Chao!

Joy: Day 31

Best part of the day: YENGAAAAAAAAA. Also known as Jenga, with the crazies J and F and more friends tonight, and the moments where I lost and got buried beneath the falling blocks intermittently.
OR it was my first guitar lesson. OR it was news from the business. Just keep reading. :)

Worst part of the day: not making it to the gym. But what can you do. Hay viernes por eso.
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Since last night was a bit of a late night as well--though tonight is later--I slept in and missed out on my workout time. But it's kind of convenient to live in a city where if you have any sort of social life, you're getting your cardio by traveling to and fro. Perfecto.
I went to the church to help sort clothes again, and realized that we accomplished a lot in a shorter time. We have our system down, it seems. I like working with C, she's very similarly motivated and is a really funny person. We fit well.
Then I had my first guitar lesson through the music school a couple at church runs. Fantastically convenient for me, desirous of learning guitar not only in chords by themselves but in structure and WHY the chords are as they are.When I began to ask questions towards the end of technique learning versus just chords, he seemed very surprised and pleased. He said that's how he liked to learn, and prefers to teach, but that basically none of his students want to learn it that way. Que triste! But nice that we can help each other out now.


Did I mention he only speaks Spanish?  Yeah. I'm feeling like a total boss right now, learning all this in Espanol. It's two lessons in one, two passions in one. FANTASTICO. :)   <~~sonrisa muy muy grande


After that, I had to come home and chill a bit. And eat something, for I was hungry. Before long I was practicing my acordes, chords, on the guitar and enjoying every moment of it.
Then F came and we headed for the park. There are so many dogs here, everywhere! It's crazy, and really fun. Except for the poop part.
We met up with 3 other friends at the bar we went to last week, and had pizza and played Jenga several times. J and I returned to our usual antics of calling each other "anciano" (old man) and "niña" (little girl) respectively. Not respectfully, mind. However, I did give him the gift of a pack of Trident, which cannot be purchased here. I believe that is a more than ample apology. :)
Also in today's news (Anna news, that is): the company confirmed that I am STARTING MONDAY! I am still going to be paid, and they figured out how to do it without all the paperwork. I am so thrilled--praise God. He really is fiel, faithful. My hours after Monday will be 1 to 5, Monday through Friday. I have hours!! :D


So, that is pretty much it. Entonces, it's now time to sleep. I cannot wait for this weekend--call cousin, shop with a chica friend, and small group tomorrow; Saturday holds surprises yet unknown; singing for the first time in church Sunday, and more surprises. :) Barbaro. Chevere.    


Cool. 

Lemons Are Delicious: Day 29

Best part of the day: coffee, cookies, a blanket, and dulce de leche on the balcony tonight, in Joshua's sweatshirt, fresh from the laundromat.

Worst part of the day: really wasn't anything downer today. Worst I guess might be having an evening alone. I've been so blessed with company recently!
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Woke up ready to take on the world this morning. I had an agenda.

LAUNDRY PICK UP. HUZZAH! Mmm, love how that place smells. Couldn't be more convenient, either. It's less than a block away, on my own street. Perfecto, they call that.
Next up, the gimnasio. Again, super-conveniente, six-block walk, and I gave them my card and found the bike. Of course, for less than a dollar a day, the equipment's not muy impresionante, impressive, but it works and sure makes you feel the burn. You know, that burn that I enjoy SO much! :) I was very happy. Half an hour on the bike, half an hour on the eliptical, checking out the other machines around the whole time to pick what to do tomorrow. After I was done, I had to stretch. I picked a spot with space enough in between two unoccupied machines. Definitely, I had an audience. The guy using the leg machine across the room (few meters away), plus other guys in the general vicinity. Thing was, as I stretched, the guy stopped doing anything at all. Literally, he just watched. ?  So I'm flexible and bend in half, so I happen to be wearing tightly-fitting workout pants. No me mires, dude.
That moment of hilarity/depravity of the males in the gym brought me to think once again on how incredible the young men here are that can control themselves and maintain purity of mind and body. Namely, those that I know. :) They are in all senses of the word surrounded, bombarded by soft porn--magazines, movies, flyers, posters, even billboards. It is incredible that they can have a regular friendship with any woman ever. I am extremely impressed, guys. Keep it up. You are treasures in this world--glory to God. :)
After all that sweat, stretching, and thought, I got ready to head to the church. I sent the business the hiring form that they asked for, and we are still hoping that I start work on Monday!
On the subte, I did some homework for Bible study. It doesn't seem like the best place or moment for introspection, but in reality, it is. Everyone's so intent on where they are headed, on guarding their bags or other possessions from everyone else, on their texts/phone calls/iPod, that they have no time to worry themselves with what you're doing. Oh, yeah, they are always looking at you, but not really to find out anything; just looking to look.
Once at the church, I sorted donated clothing with C. I love organizing things, so this was a treat. We had to root through, and take out and trash the clothes that were too far gone, then fold the nice ones and place them in suitcases and bags for easy portability. It was fun! And what made it better was the occasional visitor who would come into the office for conversation. Every day of the week, that church is a hopping place. I love that.
On the way back to the subte station from the church this evening, I had my eyes peeled for J, another of the youth here I know through the church. On Sunday he told me he'd seen me walk past his work last week; he works in a mattress store. Today I was determined to see him--and I did! It was fun to be assimilated and accustomed enough to be able to greet a local while on my way to the subte. No big deal. :D
Subte ride home was uneventful. So was the walk from station to apartment. I then stopped by the produce shop on my way, and bought soup veggies. These are generally butternut squash cubes, onion slices, celery chunks, and whatever else they felt like grabbing before it went bad, chopping up, and refrigerating to sell for soup. That + beans + quinoa + chicken broth = tasty, warm dinner. I like to cook, I have decided. I look forward to having a more regular schedule so that I can actually do it on a more regular basis. I kind of find myself with people or at their houses during mealtimes, so I am rarely home for dinner. Not that I mind the social time...
I spent a little while on my balcony this chilly evening, enjoying my post-dinner coffee, cookies and dulce. The laundry I finally got back included novio's sweatshirt, which I decided it was time to wear. I do like to just sit, listen, watch people's interactions, and watch the motorcycles pass. The city never sleeps, and I am used to that now. It'll be weird to return to Wheaton; moreover, Winter Wheaton, when it's all even more muffled and silent. But I'm nowhere near ready to leave yet, so I will continue to enjoy the city life.

Hope you liked the photos! Make sure you check them out if you missed them. Chao! Un gran abrazo!

Photo Gallery!

My favorite type of rose, as seen at the park in Palermo: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/e80bbfc8-ea10-4a79-9145-9ada19186ce1/e80aa31f670d8746f57ad08c911d7732

Another rose photo, same--still my favorite: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/52ee8a9b-f4a2-47a6-924e-e23ecbfc4db3/0072df1d7fb2e4598efd37cda20ec472

F (he's Colombian): https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/2a2a3d8e-dba9-45ee-9034-5d2029eab640/23261ad8139e5bc00ae4df914acd1eb9
The one of he and I together came out unflattering of me, unfortunately, so I don't want to post it!

View from the city-center bridge at Tigre: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/0c14e69d-975b-4f3d-a44b-368b5f53bb64/10cc48bd512d7adda156acc132d0524d

A and I waiting for the boat back after lunch: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/70435789-ab3f-4909-9bc2-8c5dbceb2e34/3488fce7a9eaccc6b4ed59f50c8346c7

Me this afternoon by the river in Tigre: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/ab8cd05f-6f9a-4c98-9821-a465d1db043e/2550b5f7dd01cda8a108ec8e4b580e97

I love it here. Hope you enjoy seeing such a huge part of my life!

Shakira, crowds, trains, and a day off: Day 28

Best part of the day: a two-hour lunch right by the water in Tigre.

Worst part of the day: wishing really badly that I could have a slumber party with my sisters tonight.
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This morning A and I headed via subte and then train to Tigre. It was a holiday here, so there was a day off  work for everyone pretty much.
Tigre is a city to the north of Buenos Aires, about 45 minutes of travel, by train. The whole morning was cloudy with very rare moments of sunshine, and the whole day threatened rain. But it held off.
We arrived, found a boat tour, and got to see the area from the water for a while. It's kind of like Venice, in theory, because it is where the Rio de la Plata has its delta. But in appearance, it's much more verdant and rural. Lots of little houses on stilts, boats and jetskis and kayaks all around.
We were both quite hungry at this point, so when the boat stopped at Tres Bocas, a point on the island we'd been skirting, we got off and sat on the patio of the restaurant that overlooked and stood over the water. Spaghetti; red sauce for him, pesto for me. I do love pesto.
The thing with A is that he loves to talk. I am content to let him do so, and butt in pretty regularly with my own talkative inclination. It works out well! Except lunch becomes a two-hour affair! But that does not matter at all on a ferriado--a day off. :)
After lunch, we returned to the city center by boat. Once there, we sought out the Puerto de Frutos, a massive outdoor market of more or less everything. Very cool. Household decorations, jewelry, clothing, popcorn, fruit, furniture, pillows. All of it. Then, a bit tired, we sat down for a bit of a rest. Big plate of spaghetti leads to big post-lunch exhaustion! We proceeded to talk, about people, cultures, languages an goodness knows what else.
We headed back to the train station--there were so many people, I kept walking on them accidentally--and hopped on the train home. Our train car was one without seats, so people just sat on the floor. We had an interesting crowd, to be sure. Against the opposite wall from us sat a line of homosexual guys, dozing and resting heads on shoulders much as I was with A; for all of us, it was from exhaustion. What an odd sentiment it was to share that...but not exactly the same way.
We made the trip back safely, and took the subte to my area. Grabbed some coffee to refuel, and I came home. I keep eating dulce de leche. My gym days start tomorrow. No excuses. :)

I am going to attempt photo uploads! We shall see how this works...

Have a wonderful evening. :)

Beautiful Day: Day 27

Worst parts of the weekend: moments where you realize you have to grow, re- and re-wearing the same socks because all the others are at the laundromat, nearing the end of my favorite boots' life.

Best parts of the weekend: the pastor has returned to La Mision!, making the Z kids laugh, joining the church worship team, hearing from Globant that I'll most likely start work a week from tomorrow, realizing I can roller blade, receiving a personal prayer of blessing, getting to know Chileans and Colombians and Paraguayans as well as Argentines.

Yo tengo tanto, tanto, tanto para agradecer. So goes the song. :)
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Saturday I slept in, then joined a gym and got clothes to the laundromat. I had a pile roughly the size of my bedroom floor to take care of--long weekend or no. It had to get out. Now, the creation of outfits will soon become...interesting :)
A comforting realization for me has been that Buenos Aires fashion is really whatever you want to wear. Generally, it takes the form of leggings or skinny jeans, a top, a sweater or denim or leather jacket, and most likely combat boots. BUT, floor length summer dresses, occasional boot-cut jeans, mini skirts and tights, and always scarves are also acceptable. So I have many options.
Saturday afternoon I went to the church for the first worship team practice/meeting. It is going to be fun helping the church in this capacity, for I dooooo love to sing. And the team is full of even more cool, marvelous people. Stoked!
Then with I made the bus journey to the Zs' to spend the night. Said goodnight to the kids, ate some pizza, stole some Sprite, joined Mr. and Mrs. Z. for the unveiling of Netflix in Argentina with the movie Bounce. Good stuff!
Not much sleep that night, but I'm never good with priorities when loved ones are on facebook. Such is life. Asi soy yo.

This morning I awoke the the pitter-pattering of little fairy-like feet around, quasi-quietly talking back and forth about many things. Love waking up to the Z girls. Anytime!
Church was really lovely today--singing in Spanish is always a joy, plus so many babies (GORGEOUS, all), friends, laughs, and blessings. The aforementioned pastor returned this past week from his conference in NY, and gave a sermon about the actions of the Holy Spirit that rocked domes. :)
After church, the typical, beautiful conversation/blessing/greeting time mingling with all ages. Then A (moto man) organized an outing for the afternoon for anybody who wanted to, and he and I went to grab lunch while the others were getting their act in gear. What a joy it is to converse with people in Spanish. Moreover, what a joy it is to LISTEN to people talk in Spanish. :)
We then headed towards the park at Palermo to meet up with the rest of the group, and I got to see the Costa Negra (I think it's called--anyway, the coast of the Rio de Plata). Tan lindo. When we found the group at the park, there were a few of them roller blading, some sitting, some of them (the two little boys) running, biking, smacking each other with sticks. I talked with R--she's so dear!--about Chilean and US foods. I talked with E--SHE's so dear, too!--about her studies in family law and my aspirations for the internship and life in general. Then, I donned the roller blades myself, and took a turn around the lake...and then again! Ahora me encanta patinar. :) Hallelujah that my ankle has progressed to this point.
Eventually the kids were getting tired and it was getting dark, so they headed home. I got coffee with A and then headed home as well.

I am well ready to sleep, as usual. But I do so, after washing my feet (see "socks" comment above) and with great expectations for a full, fun week. :)

Pizza and Alfajores, Gordita?: Day 25

Best part of the day: finally finding THE gym that's really and truly going to work out. ;) (pun fully intended)

Worst part of the day: being on the sidelines as some rough stuff comes up in the youth group. I feel for them and care for them, and wish them growth and strong faith. They need those prayers.
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Today I surprised myself and slept in yet again; it is surprising how tired one gets switching body clocks, even three weeks (plus) in. I made breakfast, in which the main feature was orange juice that I prepared myself with the juicer machine. Oh. If only you all could have been here to taste it. :) Then I did a lot of thinking, reading, journalling for the Bible study and for my own personal study. Pretty soon I had that nauseous-from-being-full-and-doing-nothing feeling, I get that often these days. It means it's time to take a walk. So, I did some research on gyms, and found one to check out. I walked the 5ish blocks, saw it, and was immediately sold. It's a smaller scale gym than the other ones I was looking at. It still has enough machines to keep me happy. AND it has yoga classes. AND it's a quarter of the price of the other places. What more do I need? Nothing. :) I will sign up tomorrow.
Also, with the weather recently being rainy, I have had two fabulous hair days in a row. The curl I love and miss is returning! Huzzah!
I took a little nap between seven and eight tonight, and then F picked me up for dinner. We had pizza and grapefruit soda. Mmmmm. :) Then we walked around and enjoyed the city by night.
Now, I'm super tired again. I'll sleep well tonight. That is, if the lovely, vocal, drunk man on the street outside moves along soon. :)

One Must Enjoy Life: Day 24

Best of the past few days: friends and adventures with them. :)

Worst part of the past few days: still in the doldrums on the work process. They are going to call me when they know what our options are.
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The past couple days have been a wonderfully fast-passing time. I spent Monday running around and having F over. We wrote a song, chatted, compared families, and I shared my Amazing Ankle Adventure.
Tuesday, I slept in, and then went to help Mr. Z. at the church. They are continuing construction on a nursery. I spackled with the best of them. Then I spent some time that evening at their house, pretending to be the girls' car, and then airplane, as they were headed to Hawaii for some hula and some cleaning up. Once there, I hula'd, and they cleaned up. No idea why they started to clean up, but, it works. What a sweet time.
Wednesday I practiced guitar, went grocery shopping, and then went out to Bajo Flores to help M with her music class again. I was encouraged to find that this week, even more of them have started recognizing me and desiring to hold my hand. They all love to ask how to say their names in English, and how I pronounce United States, and how did I make my bracelets. Easy, I say; I made friends. The friends took it from there. :) As we dropped off kids afterwards, I felt very happy to be a little part of their lives, for however long. It's a gift. A--a young boy with a charming smile--handed M and I a flower as we left. It's the craziest looking, most intricate flower I have ever seen, and M and I both marveled at it. Needless to say, he enjoyed the reception of his gift!  M told me on the way home that she is grateful for my help, my accompanying her. But what do I do? She knows all their names, she knows what they want to do and balances it with what they ought to do, and she can keep the peace. I just come, hold hands, laugh at English pronunciations, share smiles, and attempt to keep up with conversations. For now, I suppose, that's good enough. I sure as heck enjoy it!
After that, hungry, I bought facturas (SWEEEEEET BREEEEEAAAD) and then went to Bible study. What a wonderful time; I love the people, and the discussion, and the growth that come. As I was walking with Mrs. Z, her friend, and A (with the motorcycle), he asked if I had plans. Being only me and having nothing to do, I said so. So, we headed for Rivadavia (a pretty big avenue) and went to dinner. Via moto, of course. :D
The place he took me was incredible to me--like a buffet, but of all the best best best food selections available. Spanish, Mexican, Italian pasta, fish, asado, salads, cold cuts, and...desserts. What a lovely time, for food and conversation. By the time we had talked our way through a few rounds (salad, pumpkin ravioli, asado, and fish), we were too late to get panqueques (crepes). SO sad. But, as he noted, it only means there must be a next time. I like those kinds of promises--those that involve desserts.
Yet another fabulous (and safe--both behelmeted) moto ride home. That will never get old.
This morning, I woke up to meet F and head out to see the rose garden in Palermo. When we got there, we found a bench by the gorgeous little lake, and kind of dozed. We talked, listened to music, fended off ducks and geese. He brought us some fresh fruit--strawberries and bananas. They're so good here! Apparently, we spent about three hours there. Time flies...when you're basically napping and you're with a really good friend. :) Then we saw the roses--exquisite, enchanting--and they even had my favorite variety! The smell of that sweet, Spring-fresh air was delightful.
I returned to the apartment to eat, clean up, and get ready to head out the door again. I was heading back to Rivadavia to meet with another friend from church, J. We (and by that I mean "I") had a bit of confusion meeting up, but eventually we found each other and he could stop worrying.

Interruptive thought. I really do receive a rather princess-like treatment here. I feel incredibly spoiled. But that doesn't mean I'd like for it to change. Lovely friends. :)

Aha, yes. Well, we went to McDonald's, which here are quite classy. They have a dessert ordering counter, and one for coffees, and one for the food. We got frappes, and talked for hours. Again, I shared my Amazing Ankle Adventure, again in Spanish. Me encanta decirlo, y poder hacerlo en castellano. :) Eventually, I had to head back so I didn't get stranded by the closing of the subte. It was kind of raining, and that explains the little more-than-usual ankle pain I'd been having. Made it home safely, cooked beans and rice, and here I sit.

Contemplating: dulce de leche, or no dulce de leche? and I smell someone's asado...yum. :)

Me Encanta: Day 20

Best part of the day: the trip home from Bajo Flores to my apartment with A on his motorcycle. I feel as though I got a better view of the city from a quasi-local's point of view in that half hour than in all other days so far. Beats the subte (which is closing now anyway) and bus (a likely potentially traumatizing experience tonight, due to exhaustion). Plus, it is a gorgeous, cool, spring night in Buenos Aires.

Worst part of the day: the hour and a half I ceased to understand the group with whom I was hanging and touring the mall. I straight up could no longer comprehend. They were using lots of Colombian colloquialisms and word plays my innocent school-learned Spanish doesn't permit me to enjoy. I'll get there, I'll get there.

Safe and Sound, All Around: Day 19

This morning I slept. It was lovely. Then I awoke and had to get clothes from the laundromat. It smells like heaven in there...
You may find me crazy, but I made a friend in the Immigrations line, remember? We toured part of the city together this afternoon, and had a blast. Plus, I got free ice cream. Gentlemanliness lives! Outside of the family of my boyfriend. Wow. :)
My next adventure was heading to the church for a night with the middle school youth. And cake and dinner with the my-age-and-up youth. And then farewells as they headed out clubbing. I was too tired tonight. But I love the group very, very much. I get to start coming to their small group meetings now, too. (:
So theoretically I'm going to sleep soon. Church in the morning. Sorry for a deluge of blogs today. Guess I had much to say. Read or skim or skip, as you see fit.

Buenas noches y dulces sueños. Nos vemos!

Bonus Blog: the thoughts with which you were previously threatened

My recent thoughts on mortality, and humans in general. Do not be discouraged by the overall downer tone of this post! Be informed, be moved, be aware, be grateful for what we have.

In the Recoleta cemetery: As I walk through the rows and rows of grandiose sepulchers, I wonder. Why bother so much after you're dead? Money is for those living life, in my mind, not to be used for self-glorification (ever), especially not when you're gone. I pull out a granola bar, another sure reminder of mortality. :) Look, that grave's door has all the glass broken. Despite our best efforts, nothing lasts.

On the streets: People without any shelter. People who lie there, faces covered, in silence from people, in roaring volume of the city. No wonder they're often mumbling--who else do they have to talk to?

In the villas: Oh boy. The girls and one of their mothers are telling a story, I'll tune in. They say that this morning (Friday), a tiny baby was found in the garbage heaps. They say that it was covered all over in blood, with a misshapen face. M says, oh, an abortion. All these girls--ages 4-12--were there, and are now telling the details of the story. Also, as we walked around picking up the children for class, one young man spent a good amount of time just looking at me. One point, as he walked past, I'm pretty sure he mumbled "F me." In English. Life is short, for him in that villa even more so. He'll take enjoyment any way he can.

In the subte station: I swipe my card, and head down the steps after some man. He's really running, and I cannot figure out why; no one's chasing him, there's no train to make down there yet. I'm drawing a blank. He seats himself on one of the benches, I seat myself a bit later on the other bench, farther away. As I watch, he turns away and fiddles in his backpack. Soon he bends forward over the seat next to him and I can see him inhale deeply. Then he arranges something again with a credit card, and inhales again. Then he is back to sitting up, and sniffling.

How sad, hopeless, awful, scarring, and bitter does life have to get before you're sitting in wait for the subte, getting high as you wait for the train to come?

Señora: Day 18.5

Best part of yesterday: sitting F and his (now my) friend J on a park bench at midnight or so, laughing myself silly at them and their shenanigans. Or maybe it was the whole fact that I had friends with whom to spend Friday night, period. Saturday morning, too, if you're being technical... :)

Worst part of yesterday: there were a couple sights and stories yesterday that made my heart cry out, and they certainly composed the worst part of the day. Read on!
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Yesterday, my first item of the day was Immigrations. I get up extra early--not gonna miss it. I walk, took the subte, walk, and eventually found it. I hop in line.
The man in front of me is from Bolivia, I gather. He's really kind and helpful; I thank God for putting kind people everywhere. When the door guard asks if I have my photos,  I say yes. Pull them out--oooh, they meant 4x4 cm, not inches. Why wouldn't they clarify? Why didn't I--it's my fault--I'll go to the subte and get little ones.
"Anna!" I hear. "I'll wait for you!" L calls to me in Spanish. Sweet. :)
Got the photos, made photocopies, fastwalk it back to Migraciones. There is L's mom at the door to the building. She rushes me inside, and shows me that L is at the head of the line, next to go up to the windows. I have friends in high places, it seems; or at least, in all the right ones.
First window, okay, you're set. Wait for the next. L and I wait in different buildings. I strike up another conversation--it's a lawyer this time. He's interested in the company I'll be working for, the fact that I'm from Chicago. Eventually his client's done, and I wait for "24" to appear on the screen.
I arise, check back to make sure I've grabbed it all, and head to the little cabina. Pull out all my documents and hope for the best.

Right off the bat, she tells me, "This background check doesn't cut it."


Okay,then. Few more weeks you've added to the time I can't work. Thank you, Government.
All my other documents, except one quick-fix issue, are in order. I finally get to leave.
At this point, I want to approach the company I will work for, and try the simplest option: working as an unpaid intern. I remember the Zs told me you get three months of living in Argentina without any formal process. And my flights line up to have arrived 13 September, and be leaving 12 December. Three months minus one day. Seems perfect to me!

But I'm not despairing. I'm not even worried. I just want to talk it out logically with my friends at the copmany on Monday--I know the Argentines (at least in the company) pretty well, now, and know that nothing except the worst of tragedies gets remedied on a Friday. Fine by me; it's just as well. I'd much rather get home, shower, and eat.

After doing the above, it was about one in the afternoon. I deem it naptime, but I have to call everyone to let them know what has happened (parents, Z parents, L from Immigrations, big bro F). Then I should take my laundry to the laundromat. Alright, NOW I sleep.
You know me, I cannot nap.
Pretty soon I was headed out to the villas again to help M with "Sonidos de Esperanza" (Sounds of Hope), the music class. Always a time of extremes: poverty, pain, glee, love, brokenness. See Bonus Blog.
I grab some facturas (sweet breads!) for the subte ride home. I think my favorites are the ones filled with dulce de leche. One of those, and one sort of like a croissant. Then I head to the station. See Bonus Blog.
I got home to have enough time to check in with family a tiny bit, get some veggies, and discover the laundromat to be closed. Hmmm. What on earth shall I wear tonight? We'll have to see.
Finding an outfit took a while, scrounging around in what was left to me. But I eventually find it. Then F comes to my apartment with his buddy J--they're both crazy--and we head for the concert. I'm shocked at how easily and fluidly the Spanish is slipping off my tongue now, even with the few tongue-twisted moments that make us all laugh.
We end up being early for the concert--a friend told the boys it started at eleven, but that's SO early for anything to be starting here. But she had insisted. So there we are, waiting around on a park bench outside the bar. Hungry. Watching the lights on the planetarium. Laughing. Hungry.
Thank goodness for the equivalent of hot dog stands. I had a "bondiola" (some kind of meat--the boys kept barking and telling me it came from my sandwich to tease me), same as F. J was insanely hungry, so he had both a choripan and a hamburger.
Eventually we met up with some more of their friends at a bar/restaurant at a really hoppin' plaza. We hang out, laugh, and watch as F and J throw peanuts.
We start walking home, and that is really fun. One by one, though, we drop each other off at bus stops.
In the end, F and I walk back to my apartment, talking. I assure him I had fun tonight with all his friends, and yawn. I decide he's the substitute for the older brother I never got to have. Hopefully he continues to be okay with that. :) (He'll read this, too, because his English is fabulous.)

Home. Late, or rather, early. Make some tea, have a spoonful of dulce de leche, make sure everybody's safely in for the night, go to sleep.