Poor (but-possibly-true) Excuse

I was just thinking about all the internships and forms I should be filling out for various things, and all of the things they are for are great opportunities. But I struggle so much to get it done.

So I was thinking, that I honestly believe it's because it's on the computer.

And if these forms were papers in front of me I would visualize them much better,

and do them much sooner.

I think I am an extremely visual person.

Just saying.

Gimme the paper copies.

Updates through pictures...

On Friday Riley and I are leaving (somewhere). Told my landlord Thursday would be my last night here. So before I move I figured I'd post pictures of where I've been living this past month. This first picture looks out my bedroom door at the DINING ROOM/KITCHEN AREA. There is a metal staircase that goes to a bridge above where people hang towels and walk to more bedrooms, and above that is a terazza, which lets in beautiful light. In the dining room area people have written and drawn all over the walls.

MY LOVELY SOCK CREATURE FAMILY (the ones I brought to Buenos Aires).

MIRROR NEXT TO MY DESK, where I hang up all of my jewelry and accessories. To the right is a drawing my last housemate Kerstin drew for me. And on the mirror I have the WRC reminding me I am beautiful (as is anyone who reads it).

MIRROR, DESK, GUITAR, AND MAKE UP THINGS... On the other side of the green door is the bedroom next to me, to the left is another green door which is mine. Green Green Green.

My LARGE AWESOME BED with pictures of loved ones next to it. If I love you there is a chance you are there. Every morning when I wake up I reach my lazy arm over, open the window, and push the shutters to the side and the light floods in.

MY GIANT ARMOIRE AND MY FACE.

3.5 Weeks left. Nuts. A lot of people are taking off to travel, and I need to be attentive because some of them will still be gone when I leave. Which is strange. I am looking forward to being in California beyond belief. However, I wish I could choose to walk outside and walk downtown Buenos Aires whenever, and I won't be able to. Yesterday I was thinking about how I won't be able to walk outside and wander down the streets of San Telmo downtown... and my breathing felt heavy and a struggle. And it's strange. I have no doubt California is going to be absolutely amazing, but it's still strange.

It has been so hot here. Right now its only 72, which is perfect, but the past week its been in the 80s and 90s leaving me no choice but to wear dresses on the daily. It's lovely but it's been so hot and dresses aren't quite naked feeling enough, but I suppose it's the closest I'll get. Yesterday however, it was a bit more overcast and I was really excited to wear pants...

Today I am hoping John will return from the countryside so that I can go with him and climb up on the very top of the terazza, where there are buildings upon buildings and it is impresionante.

love.love.love. (you)

Updates through drawings...

Today I was sitting up on the terazza and I decided to try drawing the view. I've been drawing so many people I thought it might be good to try something else and not be intimidated about it. (I find perspective especially intimidating at times.) I spent a while just drawing the metal railing in front, and was so focused on that. Suddenly I decided to continue the rest of the drawing and I saw how many buildings there really were. Everywhere. It was so interesting to see all these little details everywhere, like the water tanks on the roofs and the broken windows on a far away building. I was drawing one wall when a cat jumped down on it, and next to it I saw a family in a doorway of an even farther building. It was like looking out at a stage, with life performing.

I drew this for Javi's birthday a couple of weeks ago. Tute, Javi, Paul, and John.

This was a while ago at the Casa Convivial, Patrizio sitting with a Quilmes next to him. We drink so many quilmes, all day e'ry day.

This is Riley looking over the canyon we walked to see in Cordoba. El parque nacional quebrada del conodorito. It was a two hour walk through countryside, resulting in many many sunburns. At the end we ate a quick lunch and sat trying to spot Condors, I'm not sure if we were successful...but I think so.

New House/Dad/Gay Pride/Cooking

I can't believe it's November 9th. (I know I just stated this, but please refrain from reminding me.)

Okay so I've been in a new place for the past 10 days. I'm really glad I moved... I have complete freedom here, as I feel like I should. My room is much bigger here, and it's really cozy and lovely. There are three girls from France, a guy from Germany, and a guy from Spain. It's funny how the only native Spanish speaker is the one from Spain, but all communication takes place in Spanish. I really am so proud of myself for improving my Spanish so much while being here, I love love love speaking Spanish.

My dad got here last Thursday, he is here on a house exchange for three weeks. It's nice to be able to hang out with him as a person, not just a father. He lives a few blocks from me. Friday night him and I along with my friend Patrizio went to this DELICIOUS asado that my dad's friends invited us to. It was so gourmet and classy. The best wine and dessert and coffe, but the meat (the asado itself) was so fantastic. Honestly I can't remember the last time I had meat that great. It was cooked perfectly and I cannot express how nom nom nommy it was.

Saturday was a march for Gay Pride. SO CROWDED. Apparently it's one of the biggest gay pride festivals in...the world? I mean it was definitley pretty packed so I may believe that. I put a roll of film in my camera as I walked over with some of my housemates and thus commenced my second roll of film here in Argentina. The people gathered in Plaza de Mayo, of course. This is where people always get together in Buenos Aires. What I really like is that there are constantly protests from all sectors of society, and anyone can get out and speak. It's always empowering to be around it.

I need to pick a day sometime to describe a "typical day" because honestly every day is so packed of awesome happenings, I never know what to pick and choose. So far today I woke up with the lovely Riley by my side and we made delicious scrambled eggs with tomato and basil and avacado. This brings me to my next topic:

COOKING:

I've been doing a ton of cooking in Argentina, due to the fact that I live on my own and do NOT have any sort of meal plan (the idea of having a meal plan feels distant and absurd). I've gotten pretty good at making basic things, and making them taste good. Last night Riley and I made a yummy soup with a chicken broth base, terragon, potatoes, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and terragon. We offered it to a few of my housemates who were full, but as soon as one tried it the rest wanted some too. We felt very proud of ourselves. Last time Riley was here we made two delicious pizzas, one of which we offered to our friends when they came over to chat and drink wine/beer with us. I've also made empanadas a few time with John. Milanesas (like thinly cut meat) are so so cheap and delicious... Making real mash potatoes... Rice dishes... Fancy pasta sauces... I've realized I love cooking. I think it's somewhat therapeutic for me, because if I'm doing a lot of work or just bored, I look forward to taking a break to cook a meal...and I always feel relaxed and happy while doing so. I'm excited because next semester I know I am going to cook all. the. time. (Also look forward to cooking a lot for my family over break.)

This weekend I am going to Cordoba, as paid for by BC. It's the second largest city in Argentina, and we're going to spend a lot of time in a national park, which means NATURE. I really miss nature a whole lot, and it's going to be so fantastic to get out of the city for a weekend. I plan on taking lotsa lotsa pictures.

I've realized that I basically have sketches of all of my closest friends here (still have some to go) and that makes me happy.

Tute

Gavin

This weekend: Cordoba

Next weekend: MICHAEL KOLHEDE AND KAYLA MAY GOGARTY arrive

Next next weekend: Two finals will be over with, and if all goes well I'll be on my way to Patagonia/wwoof

we tigers we tigers woop.

besos,

love.love.love.