This weekend has been all about Birthdays!! Mine, Ester's, Ramfis', and Gladys'. Lots of fun, and lots of work!! We had a blast, though. There was wine, there was cake, there was pizza, there were balloons, there was pink, there were fireworks, there were paper crowns, there were police (see fireworks above) ;), there was laughter, there was chocolate, and lots and lots of chicken!! The day before and of the Quinceanera, I and all of the other women, were killing, plucking, cleaning, and cooking 80 chickens. Then, there was the cleaning, the decorating, cooking and preparing for rice and salad, for tortillas, ice for soft drinks, etc. Needless to say, we didn't sleep much, and we were pooped!! Ester looked beautiful, though...and everything went smoothly. They had a small church service where they focus on her, and then the lunch and cake and presents down at our house. She seemed happy. Then, Ramfis, Gladys, Armando and I left for the beach to have some fun in the sun and do some relaxing and chatting. It was so great!! Then, on Sunday I had planned a surprise party for Ramfis, and that went perfectly!! He was totally surprised, and loved it! Plus, we got the pizzzas for free because they came late...how cool is that??! I made a chocolate cake, and we had the house all decorated. His friends are amazing...they really helped out a lot, and it's evident how much they care for him. Then, tonight is another suprise party for Gladys. More eating...mmm, this is why I'm getting fat, I guess. :)

So, these have been crazy and fun days that I wish I could repeat tomorrow, but back to the real world of beans and eggs!! hahaha. I like it though. Hopefully this week will be productive. In the meantime, Happy Birthday to all of the August Peeps!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! Hahahaha...that´s ´right...I´m now a whopping 27 years old. It´s hard to believe, I know. :) Anyway, I´d just like to take this time to thank God and my family and friends for making these years fun, adventurous, valuable, and beautiful. I´m truly blessed, and I thank God for allowing me to know so much beauty in my 27 years. Also, to show me sadness and misery so that I can truly appreciate His blessings.

In addition to another year of vida, Ramfis and I just had our 1 year of being a couple. We went to a fair and had a nice dinner...it was fun, and I can´t believe it´s been a year already!! Then again, it seems like longer. I´m truly blessed to have him in my life as well...not only as a super fun partner in crime (hahaha) j/k, but as an example of how I´d like to be. In this life, we cross paths with many people, and some truly make an impact and are worth getting to know. I´m thankful that I´ve trapped the heart of one of those people.

Disgusting how blessed I am!!! ;)

So, I just got back from an amazing trip to Antigua, Guatemala. It´s soooo beautiful there! And it surprised me how distinct it is from El Salvador, just 4 hours away. An invisible line draws a great cultural difference. For instance, in Guatemala they still have tons of native dialects and languages. I was fortunate enough to overhear several indigenous speaking in their own tongue, and it fascinated me! In addition, they still wear their typical dress (even the young people). They aren´t ashamed of their heritage, their culture, or their past. There are so many colors in every corner, proudly boasting their ability in the arts. I´m not sad to be in El Salvador, but it just saddens me that they don´t have the same. The history of the country has created a country ashamed of its own people, own color, and own culture. They are "igualados" for the most part, trying to be "American" instead of "Salvadoran". However, part of it isn´t their own fault. Masacres and wars and mistreatment of the natives left for little to tell the story, or teach their way of life and lingo. There are still parts in Santa Ana that have salvaged some heritage, but it just hit me hard on my trip the scarcity of culture in this Latin American country. To some, this is the most developed country because it´s model is the USA, 100%. However, I don´t think true development is denying your past and identity. Not much they can do now, except tell their story. Hopefully soon the heroes of the nation will be those that gave their lives, not those who took them.

Well, that was way too much information!! But, anyway, the trip was fantastic! I got to eat cookies, Thai food, drink really good lattes and wine, see art, etc. It´s a great place to visit...you should go. And, while you´re there, hop on over to see me and beautiful ES as well!!! xoxoxo Until next time!!