The Good, The Bad, & The Awesome

So which would yall like first? How bout we get the bad out of the way… it’s short. So here goes:

THE BAD:

Carmen the housekeeper was fired and replaced today. SAD DAY. But, honestly, it wasn’t unwarranted. She didn’t show up for work on Monday or yesterday, never called, and apparently this isn’t the first time. Marianna’s aunt said that it is common among “domestic help” to not show on Mondays, since they get paid on Fridays. As sad as it is, with Marianna’s condition, she HAS to have someone reliable. She says she never could cook to begin with, but her sickness has made it almost impossible. When Carmen didn’t show on Monday, Marianna tried to cook us lunch while we were at salsa class. Bless her heart, she tried so hard, broke her blender, and ended up with the saltiest soup Rosa and I have ever tasted. I don’t think we’ve ever eaten salt water that fast before… if it wasn’t for the broccoli chunks in it, it probably would’ve gone down in one polite gulp. She’s been joking about it ever since. She did make us some shrimp in white wine, which was actually really good, so the meal was recovered! This new lady, Isabel, is nice… we don’t know her quite as well yet, but it’s okay. She cooked lunch today, and it was pretty good, but we will certainly miss Carmen’s lunches. Lord bless her wherever she is…

THE GOOD: My credit and debit cards are in and fully operable!!! I’ve tested them both. HUGE relief! In fact, I bought myself my souvenir of the trip. I bought… get ready for this… cowboy boots! Yaaay! In case you didn’t know, not only is Guadalajara/ Jalisco (the state) famous for inventing mariachi music and tequila, but also the Charro! Or Mexican Cowboy. I thought it was a pretty nifty souvenir! They’re made here, and super cute! Several other kiddos bought a pair, too… My friend Ross got a cobra skin pair, my other friend Schley bought some bull neck (??) boots. Mine are just straight leather. Pictures will come soon! Haha…

I also bought a new bag. A big one, with bright colors – determined NOT to be left on the bus. It’s very Mexican and I like it! Kell… prepare yourself… you’re gonna hate it, haha.

Also, I had my first test today! I think it went well. Ya never know for sure, but I’m pretty confident. I should get my grade back tomorrow! I’ll let ya’ll know how it goes. If you read this before 10:30 tomorrow morning, I have my midterm for my second class around then, so please say a prayer for me! We just never know what to expect from these professors. But after that comes….

THE AWESOME!!!: And I’m sure you can all guess what it is. I’M GOING TO PUERTO VALLARTA!!!! And I don’t think I’ve been this excited since my first trip to Disneyworld. Oh my goodness, it’s going to be amazing! There’s about 10 of us going down a day earlier than the big group, and we’ll be hopping on the bus around 2:00 tomorrow afternoon. We’re staying at the beautiful NH Krystal Resort, and it’s going to be 3.5 days of beaches, pools, awesome food, dancing, hanging, and maybe one or two other exciting little excursions that I’ll save blogging about until after I get back, which will be late Sunday evening. Please pray for everyone’s safety and responsible use of sunscreen and alcoholic beverages, por favor! Everyone has been looking forward to this excursion since we arrived, and I would hate for someone’s to be ruined by a visit to la hospital. If anyone has been and has some last minute advice to shoot me, please comment!!!

However… I have to say that I will miss being in the States for the glorious 4th of July. Daddy and PD, I’m sorry I’m missing out on the fireworks shopping this year. Bryan and Lisa, I’m sorry I’m not bringing in Daddy and PD to the tent to buy those previously mentioned fireworks. It’ll be my first July 4th without Momma’s homemade icecream, Daddy’s grilled something amazing, or my favorite chance to satisfy my inner pyro. I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing, delicious, mosquito-free holiday celebrating the freedom we all enjoy so much! We’ll break into at least one rendition of God Bless the USA on the beach Friday, I promise!

Miss you all and love you more! Tune in for the Vallarta Fun Report on Monday!!! Woo hoo!