Catching Up

I think it's safe to say that having two jobs is not really fun. And it's not exactly like I'm racking in the money because I make about $2.50/hour here in Chile. Yup. You read that correctly. So I'm currently working like a dog and racking in around $300 a month. But I also get to eat lunch on the beach everyday, so...

Is it inappropriate to talk about money on a blog?

Anyway, life sure isn't all bad. Pepa (the money-racker-in-er of the family) and I recently went camping with two of our favorite people near Pisco Elqui in the north of Chile. We ate lots of chocolate, baked in the blazing hot sun and swam in a freezing river (snow melt). And it was great. Way too great, because we didn't want to go home.

Maybe it was because we were so hungry, but this pastel de choclo quickly became one of my favorite things in the whole world. Oh, and the watermelon juice. Oh. My. God.

frozen watermelon juice, ensalada chilena and a pastel de choclo. sooo very yummy.

As I mentioned, the river was freezing, but the sun was so strong that taking a little dip every once in a while was absolutely necessary to survive. Yeah. it's that extreme. YEAH.

And then we came back to a short work week. Gotta love those short work weeks.

So here we are back in our little seaside town, looking for a new apartment.
Big updates, people.

not so clean

And Pepa/Pedro is in the process of selling his business and will have to stay here in Chile for 5 years. 5 whole years. So... we're currently considering BUYING an apartment. Did I ever think I'd say that at 23 years old? No, siree. But we're dreaming about our options and we'll see what we can find. But, ahem, we did just happen to take a look at some apartments that are being built down the road from us and we fell in love. Oh and did I mention it's at the top of our budget? Every night before we go to bed Pedro and I look at the booklet that they gave us as torture. We have fallen hard.

Also, due to the whole five years thing, I've decided to apply to medical school in Vina.
I'll keep you all updated on how our plans go.

I told you it was big.

Wish me luck!

It is so HOT in Vina today. And with all this summer weather, this Northern Hemisphere girl is very confused. Spring in September? I don't think so.

So while I've been trying to stop myself from obsessing over all things fall, I got two jobs. two.
I didn't want to share until I knew for sure, but today I found out that I got both of the jobs that I applied for.

My life is about to get a whole lot more complicated.

Our bike ride this weekend

Happy fall/spring!

Now that X Factor finally premiered last night I can let the cat out of the bag.

Please look out for my beautiful and talented cousin, Kelsey Johnson during the Dallas auditions.

She is an amazing singer and one of the best people I know.

I still haven't been able to watch the episode for myself because it arrives later here in Chile (and I can't find it online!), but please watch it for me and cheer her on!

In the meantime, here's one of her songs that I love the most.

Isn't she cute?

Pedro and I have been out of town with family for the holidays, but here's something for you to chew on in the meantime:

Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, “This is what I need.” It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment—not discouragement—you will find the strength is there. Any disaster that you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow. Then, when looking back at your life, you will see that the moments which seemed to be great failures followed by wreckage were the incidents that shaped the life you have now. You’ll see that this is really true. Nothing can happen to you that is not positive. Even though it looks and feels at the moment like a negative crisis, it is not. The crisis throws you back, and when you are required to exhibit strength, it comes.
- Joseph Campbell

Hope you're all having a good week!

Wow. Where did the time go?

While I've been preparing for the feast that will go down in just a few days here in Chile, there seems to be not enough hours in the day. Oh my gaaaah.

Anyway, as a distraction from my sojourn into insanity let's focus on some beautiful things that are making me excited for summer!

I've just come across a lovely blog (rockstar diaries) that make me want to completely rethink my wardrobe. I especially love Taza's (and her husband and baby's) style.

For instance, I'd love to be rocking this swimsuit and scarf combo on the beach (all photos from her blog):

Her hair has me wishing I still had my long locks (and did I mention her bright collection of lipsticks? oh my my):

Also, what would summer be without an arsenal of fresh recipes?

I am looking forward to making some:

Source: ?

Accompanied with some of this:

Source: Mrs. Lilien

Hello, Summer. I think I like you.

Signs of Spring:

1. A little sweet-smellng jasmine flower in my hair all day long (please excuse the big ole' bags under my eyes - it was a long night)

2. A beach picnic with my girl, Ale, despite the crazy wind and long hike. But it was worth it. Especially to eat the jaiba empanadas that we brought along with us. Mmm empanadas.

3. Trips into the beautiful woods full of pines and eucalyptus

4. BBQ's with new and old friends. 

September is a big month in Chile because Sept 18 is the Dia de la Independencia. So really, we celebrate all month long.

5. And last but not least!! New patas! woooo! For all those bike rides along the coast and in the sun (!!)

That's it, folks. Along with lots of ice cream, brightly-painted toes, and warm night air. I love this time of year.

Glickr

Hope you all had a wonderful Monday!

Spring!

I know that this is probably old news to some, but I just recently came across the blog, elephantine, and I can't stop looking at all of the beautiful images and videos that she posts. I am especially loving this video that Rachel posted about her recipe for mojitos, salsa and chips.


mojitos, chips, and salsa from rachelchew on Vimeo.


I'm thinking that if I make some mojitos Spring will finally decide to stick around for more than a few days here in Chile.

Have a good weekend!