Friday, November 7, 2008

Ward Activities

Our ward is doing a service project and putting together hygiene kits. On Saturday morning we made and tied lots of quilts. I love the Relief Society. I love my ward. Sierra Madre single adults at Noche de Hogar Every Monday we go to Brother and Sister Morelias house for dinner, lesson and an acitivity. It is fun spending time with other members my age discussing gospel principles and lessons. Hermana is such a good cook and I have had the opportunity to try lots of Mexican Meals.
Sonya and me- I love her- she always says- no te vayas (dont leave).
We had a piñata on MOnday night and it was soo fun! and we got yummy candies.
Im SO thankful for my ward and to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true.

President of US: Obama

On November 4, 2008 United States Elected Senator Barack Obama as the 44th President. I think that it is a great mark in history for an African American to become president of such a great nation. Even though I am republican and conservative I think that Obama was the best choice for presidency for America right now. We are in an economic crisis and need help. Obviously change isnt going to be easy or happen quickly but I do think that Obama has a lot of supporters from other countries, which is really good for our country right now. He was also able to reach a lot of people that might not usually care about politics and this year more people voted than in the past like 40 years. I didnt get the chance to vote becuase I didnt apply for an absentee ballot, but I think I would have voted for Obama. I personally like the values of republicans better but at the same time I think democrats are more open-minded and can handle environment and economy better. We were almost out of debt when Clinton was in presidency, then with the war Bush has us now in so much debt. Even if laws change and people are allowed to make choices for themselves and there are more evil things available, we have agency and can choose to worship, honor and live how we want to, stay strong and make good choices. I am proud to be an American. No matter what your political views are, maybe you are upset or scared that Obama won but keep in mind the 12th article of faith- We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. It is important to be involved and know what is going on. I admit that I could definately be more informed but I am trying and learning.
That night I went to a restaurant called Manhattens with a lot of other American exchange students and Mexicans that are interested in politics. We watched the elections on tv. It was interesting talking politics and seeing peoples points of view.

Noche de Brujas! Quierremos Halloween!

I love Halloween!! So whoever thought Mexico doesnt celebrate Halloween they were mistaken. In the north of Mexico it is very popular. In stead of saying "Trick-or-Treat" the kids say Noche de brujas, quierremos halloween (Night of the witches, we want Halloween, aka its Halloween, we want candy) haha. Too bad I am too old to go trick-or-treating, but dance parties are better anyways. We parited all week of Halloween. It is so fun seeing eveyones creative costumes. Miia and I dressed as nurses. THank you Arheely for letting us borrow the costumes. On Wednesday night we went to a school dance with our school and the other University here- Tech. It was SO fun seeing friends I havent seen in a long time and making new friends. We talked and danced. The movie Mean Girls says it best- Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it. Devil, nurses, sexy flight attendants, cops. Fun girls=fun nightOn Friday- Halloween night I was planning on going to Barrio but I didnt feel very good about going so I called up my favorite friends from institute and we went to the stake Halloween dance. It was fun!The Mask was my favorite costume!

Driving around is something I miss and so it was lots of fun. We went out for tacos after and our bill was like $20 for all of us and we paid in all coins!

Eli and I had a sleepover after the institute dance and hanging out. Okay something funny- the next morning I had to take the bus back home cuz she lives freaking far so it would be too expensive to take a taxi- BUT i didnt think about what i would wear the next day... so I had to wear the only thing i had- my costume and high heels the next day on the bus ride home- how embarrassing. Lol.
Dia de Muertos is on November 2nd. And they celebrate that as well. It is a more popular holiday if you go farther south in Mexico. People go visit the cemetarties taking their dead ancestors flowers, a plate of thier favorite food, something that they liked to do. They also pray for them and put out alters. I live by two cemetaries so my street was PACKED with people, small kiosks selling stuff, and cars from the 31st to the 2nd. It is kinda like Memorial day but to visit all the dead and remember them.
They eat this YUMMY pan de muertos!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

i want to stay in mexico

No i didnt not die in case you are wondering why its been so long since I've posted. I have been super busy- Halloween week was full of parties which was fun and i need to add more pics. This week has been STRESSFUL with lots of tests, assignments, papers, presentations, and also work, and the realization that Im going home soon but i want to stay longer. I dont know who set up the stupid school system but we have all our tests and big projects due on the same week so i have had a lack of sleep every night for the past week. I LOVE my job and although I feel like its a lot to take the bus to work for 1 hour there and 1 hour back and think of new ideas and learn new things, I love it. I love the people I work with an Im so thankful for them. I have soo much more to learn about marketing. I hope i can keep in touch with all my awesome friends i have made in Mexico. I am coiming home in like 1 month! Can you believe it? I have a question though- I might change my flight and stay one week longer or something. I know i will see you guys when I get home and it'll be soo fun to spend time together and this is my chance to stay here cuz im already here. WHat do you think? Melinda and jessica yes this is directed to you- since you are pretty much the ones who look at my blog haha.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Fall is here and Wonderful

It is starting to get chilly here! and the smartie pants I am I only brought summer clothes. I have 2 light jackets, 1 hoodie and a pair of tennis shoes that im not going to wear daily. So if anyone wants to donate money so i can go shopping for warm shoes and clothes it would be appreciated haha.
We had our last class of rockclimbing on Wednesday. My teacher- Milton is soo freaking good.
Me and Miia at La Huasteca National Park where we climb. We are becoming professionals Lol.

Friday night I went to a club- Classico and it was a blast!! We danced and met lots of new fun friends. Me and Claire


On Saturday night I went with some friends from my institute class to the fair! We went on like 3 rides and then went to dinner. Juan carlos, Pancho and Eli


Eli and Pancho are HILARIOUS and never pay when they ride the buses- they just play music and people give them change. This is how they make money.

Sunday was a great day! We had the Primary Program in my ward and since Im a teacher I was up there singing with them and helping them. They are soo cute and did a great job! My ward is great. Then I ate dinner at the Cottrells house and got to call home. It was soo fun talking to you guys and I wish I could more often. Im thankful for the Cottrell Family. I love them!

That night I went to Santa Lucia and Parque Fundidora (a parkway) with Eli, Lazaro, Pancho and Juan Carlos. We heard some bands play, tried to dance mexican style but i suck too bad, went on a river walk, saw man made waterfalls, hung out, and saw fireworks!
It was a great weekend!! I love my job, school, friends, ward. Matt is doing great on his mission in Brazil- he sent me some pictures. I miss him!


Life is good!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Mexican Museums

Miia and I went to the Mexican history museum and the government history museum. It was really cool. I love Mexico!
It was a hot day so we decided to buy ice cream....

I dont know how it happened but mine fell right to the ground. I think it was God's sense of humor saying yes its okay to go to free Mexican museums on Suday but not to buy ice cream with sprinkles. haha.
There are lots of clown in the streets just doing small acts to entertain people and earn money and when these 2 blondes walk into a crowd of Mexicans of course they completely stop the show and say- Welcome! where are you guys from? And everyone turns to look at us and say hi. Haha a little embarassing but funny. Miia got a free balloon from the clown too. We werent allowed to take pictures inside...but here we are in front of the museum. and below is the government buliding.
I always wished i had stairs like this in my house. Sliding down the banner each morning- what a great way to start your day- right? Mexicans have lots of Nationalism and there are flags everywhere. Its cool.

Kanye West Concert

We are soo excited.... Miia, Liv, Denixe, Me, and Carolina.

waiting for the show
and here it is!! (I tried to add videos....but there was no sound so I dont know...lame)

We had SO much fun at Kanye West on Saturday night!! He sings Stronger, Gold Digger, American Boy, Touch the Sky, Flashing lights, more. I didnt know if i would love it becuase Im not worldest biggest hip-hop/rap fan- but he puts on such a good show and we just danced and went crazy and it was so fun!!

Before the concert Miia and I made blueberry pie! mmm mmm good. After the concert I went to Havana club with the Belgium girls and it was SOOO fun!!