I Speak American

I speak American and so do you. Really. I have an English class here and I am actually learning. British English is very different from American English I m beginning to realize. For example they spell organization "organisation" and they use different prepositions with certain phrases. It's very different, but I am learning none the less, which is the point.

I compiled a list of more random differences and interesting things about me:

1. A lady comes around to every classroom at school to collect attendance.
2. Not all the teachers have laptops or even computers.
3. The only thing on the brick walls in the classroom is a Cross.
4. The girls don't carry purses here during school. Issue for me.
5. I really think I am going to love History, Literature, and History of Art as soon as I can understand what is going on.
6. I get Spanish headaches from listening and concentrating all day. It's exhausting.
7. My feet are so clean! We always wear socks or slippers around the house. They do not go barefoot here. At home I go barefoot everywhere. Around my house and in the yard...
8. I am really craving some Biscuits and Sausage Gravy from The Sugar Shak. If you want a good breakfast go there and order that with a large orange juice. Yummy. They honestly sound like the most amazing thing right now. I really love B&G.
9. There are no such thing as hall passes. I learned my lesson yesterday not to drink an entire bottle of water on an empty stomach when you can't go to the bathroom. Gahh.
10. The mall here is amazing. That is where I saw the movie.
11. I really miss all of the posters in Mr. Locke's room.
12. I'm losing weight here. I don't eat as much and what I do eat is pretty healthy. I usually do sit ups and push ups before bed now.

I had a great day at school yesterday. I was just in a really great mood. Natalie and I kept talking about all the things we want to do and see in the little time that we have. We did a school days count down: 150. Not bad at all. Then she said something that really made me laugh. She was talking about how our insurance covered prosthetic limbs. She said she saw a store for them here in Pamplona and she said she wanted an arm. I was a little in shock, thinking "why would you want to lose you arm?!" And she told me that she didn't want to replace her arm, she just wanted another one because it would really come in "handy." No pun intended. HAHAHA. I laughed. After break I had Literature. In Lit they all take turns reading the novel for the class. The teacher asked if I wanted to and I was a little hesitant but they all encouraged me to read, so I did. I read in Spanish out loud in front of all native speakers! I was nervous but afterwards they all told me a did a great job and it made me feel so good. Lit was the last class of the day and after this I was asked by two different groups of girls to hang out this weekend. I can't go because I already have plans for tonight with the other exchangers, but this made me so happy!! I can't wait to be friends with all of them. They all seem so nice and fun.

When I arrived home from school I ate lunch and watched some TV. Then I headed to the post office to send another letter and check if my package had arrived yet. It has not :( There are cookies in there! Hurry up snail mail! I got a little lost on the way there because I thought I was taking the shortcut. Apparently not. I just asked someone for help and I was there in no time. I don't mid getting lost here. I never feel unsafe. All of the people are friendly and I only walk by myself when it's light outside. After the post office I made some bracelets and sent some emails. The plan was to go to the school dance, but I didn't know any of the details and it just got too confusing. Long story short, I stayed home. I skyped quite a bit last night because Merche and Maite were both out. Once they arrived home I helped Merche make dinner (salad) and set the table. After dinner I got to talk to Brandi. I needed to see her. It was one of the best hours of my week. I love her so much. She is my best friend. She makes me laugh when I talk to her which is exactly what I need.

Tonight I am going into town with the other exchangers to have a birthday dinner for Natalie (her birthday is tomorrow). I made her a little present. I'm sure you all can guess what it is. I'm then staying the night at her house so I can't blog tonight, but I'm sure Sunday night's blog will be a fun one. It's going to be a great day. We should start out each day with this attitude. We have the power control our attitudes in situations and make the best of everything. I'm off to a great start.

Have a great day America! I love you. Besos de Pamplona.