"It's not better, it's not worse, just different."

     I had a great day today. I woke up, did some skyping, and then received a phone call from my host mom saying that I needed to be at the school in an hour for a meeting. My first thoughts were great. My hair is wet, my face is red (from tears...no big deal..really), and I have no idea how to get to the school. We all know how I am with directions: pretty terrible. And not just compass directions but all directions. I can't make fudge without turning it into "hot fudge sauce." Merry Christmas to any of you who received a jar of that from us this year! :) Anyways. Me. Bad with directions. Me and my witty self pulled out a map. It was intimidating at first, but hey! I figured the thing out. Imagine that. If only I had a map when I was lost in downtown Canton at midnight last summer....So school! It went great. I had a meeting with the director of my class, the head of the English Department, and my tutor (also my history of Spain teacher). Three of the nicest ladies I have ever met. They made me feel so welcomed and calm. They just want me to learn the language and make friends...and try in school. That's sort of important. Haha. They already have a group of girls to help Natalie (the other exchange student in Pamplona from Memphis) and me. It's great. I also met Natalie in person today and I think we're going to be great friends. So school seems great other than the fact that I know have to take Economy. "Bummer," that's what my daddy would tell me.
      When I came home from school I got to skype with my mom and dad. It is so great to be able to talk to them. It helps me so much, but it also makes me cry. Not that I'm depressed or anything, it's just really hard because I am missing them all the time and then I know that I eventually have to say goodbye...we aren't just a phone call away right now...it's just too expensive. After my skype date I ate my lunch and then headed to the grocery store and super market with Merche. The grocery store reminded me so much of Aldi's! It was pretty similar. Then the super market reminded me so much of the Dominican's JUMBO! I was so excited. It felt like I was at home..a little bit. Anything Dominican makes me feel better. Just like the huge Dominican billboards advertising "Brugal, the rum of the Dominicans." I LOVE THIS BILLBOARD. Oh DR how I will miss you this year. But without the DR I probably wouldn't be here in spain right now. I mean it has influenced my entire life. For that I cannot thank you enough, Mom.
     Here's a little shout out to fans of "The Hangover": Men really do carry satchels. No joke. I mean it's funny, but I am not lying. If Brandi were with me we would have caused a scene. But since I was on my own, I bit my tongue. I mean it's not bad, it's just different. Just like everything. My life has completely flipped upside down. It's crazy. I mean I'm loving it, it's just the way I do everything is so different. I love seeing the differences...I am on a cultural exchange. The language is improving a lot. I feel like I can understand so much more, it's really great.
     This evening I went to the sports club with Maite for her martial arts practice and watched her. It was interesting. I made her a bracelet while I watched and then I caught the end of a hand ball game. Hand ball is sweet. I really enjoyed watching it.
     It's now time for me to do some reading and catch up on some sleep. This six hour time difference is killing me. I am still no where near used to it. Anyway, hugs and kisses for all. I'm gonna love here.