/gwa-∂a-la-xá-ra/ /mé-xi-ko/

In exactly less than 5 days I will be in Mexico with la familia, but why does it seem like its still so far away!? I mean its this week! I'm catching the redeye into Guadalajara (GDL). Mother said either her or my Tío Chuy would be at the airport in the morning. Hopefully its mother, because quite frankly I can't really remember how my uncle looks. Last time I saw him I was an incoming senior in high school. Boy, it sure has been a really long time since I last went. I can't wait to go and be with the family. I wonder how the city has changed and my mom's town. Mom has mentioned that the last few times she's gone that the roads are in constant change and that the town itself is seeing itself being revitalized. So I'm excited to see this change.

I'm assuming we'll spend the weekend in the city, then go to her house on Monday or something. We'll be spending Christmas at my grandfather's house/my mom's house. When my abuelito passed away he left the house to my mom. I'm pretty sure the whole familia will be there. Most of my mom's family still lives in the same general area, which is nice because it makes visiting everyone really easy. 

Mother also said we are going to be taking a roadtrip over to Puerto Vallarta. My uncle just recently purchased a house there so we will be staying there for a few days to enjoy the beach, sun, and relaxation. At this point I really do need that relaxation because I've been so stressed this past semester. I also wouldnt mind getting a bit more color. I always feel like I'm too fair skinned for being Mexican. hehe. As Christian said last night, "Hand over your Latina card."

I just need to get through tonight and take my two finals tomorrow, then start my paper that's due Wednesday at midnight. I figure if I can get my quotes and research done tomorrow night then I'll be fine to write my paper on the flight home. No, this is not the first time I've done this, I used to do it quite frequently when I was in Europe. Do your work on flights. Also makes the flight go by faster. I can't wait, I'll be back in Cali on Wednesday afternoon!!! Just sucks that I have to be at the airport at 5am to catch an 8 am flight. Boo! Also, i need to call and schedule my Super Shuttle pickup. 

Twas the night before my CPS Final

Here I am sitting at a corner desk over looking the intersection of 37th & N Sts NW on a cold, stormy night. As I sit here studying for my first final tomorrow at 9am I am trying not to freak out about it. I've been studying/reviewing for the past couple of days. Its hard not to worry about my grade, then again all I need is a C to pass and graduate. I want to do well on this exam, because I have really enjoyed the last half of this course. Its been an interesting class. We've covered China, India, EU, US and British political systems. My favorite two systems have been post communist Russia and the Soviet Union. I'm not quite sure, but something about communism and post communist countries calls out to me. Maybe its the fact that its a regime that is not common or thought of in a positive light in the US. I will do well on this exam and I will not freak out about this final. I will hopefully get some sleep tonight. If not, I guess it means I can study more, right? 

Speaking of sleep, I was doing so well about two or three nights ago with sleeping early. Then last night, bam! I didn't fall asleep again until 4 am. *sigh* I need to get back on a normal sleep pattern. Maybe once I go to Mexico and put my brain on vacation mode I'll be able to sleep. I can't wait to spend break in Mexico. Mother says we are going to Puerto Vallarta for a few days. I can't wait to just lay on the beach and drink a pretty little drink, or even Tecate or Corona will do. I just need some sun in my life and relaxation. My little sister and I are uber excited about going together to Mexico with my mom. She wants to go to the Zoo and visit other places in Guadalajara. Meanwhile I want to visit the Cathedral and various sacred spaces. Big difference, huh? My little sister and I are like night and day, very different, but I love her to death. If anyone ever messes with her, then they gotta mess with me (and trust me, you don't want to mess with me!)

I just can't wait to eat all the yummy food!!! And spend Sundays en la plaza con mi familia. Go to the ranch, hopefully ride a horse! Go for a walk along the river/creek. Eat my aunt's yummy homemade tortillas. Go shopping for a new leather purse. :) and possibly new boots. Yay! Break is going to be a good one. One well spent with my family, I hope. Just sad that I'm going to miss my little brother's WInter Formal dance! He's on court!!! can you believe that!? He's on court!!!!! Woot!! I'm so proud of him. I'm very proud of both my younger siblings, they are so much more outgoing than I was in high school. I am also happy that my parents are allowing them to go out, because I was never allowed to do much in high school other than run and academics. Oh well, that's life. Gotta love life. Otherwise it becomes a dark, gloomy place.