The after turkey activities of three homes

Well, we've sailed past Thanksgiving at an alarming pace, and I know what yuletide events are happening...

in Pennsylvania home:

>>>Mom is putting out all the decorations, complete with snowman singing "Santa Baby."

>>>Dad is making promises he can't keep about the date the Christmas card will go out.

*Said father would like to point out that he is the one that
puts up the star and angels earlier attributed to Mom.

>>>My brother will be bugging me any day now for the wish list I haven't yet given him.

>>>All prepare for my sister and I to return for the holiday.

in Massachusetts home:

>>>The students are all finding it more and more difficult to do homework, while simultaneously their homework load/holiday extracurriculars are increasing.

>>>The professors are piling on all those projects they meant to assign earlier but put off because they were being "nice."

And introducing... in Peru home:

>>>The cooking class at the church is decorating galletas de la Navidad (possibly more on that later).

>>>Exchange students are simultaneously dreading and eagerly anticipating their return to the states.

>>>Dani is study study studying for exams this week.

Okay, so I really only have papers and presentations, but 'tis enough, 'twill serve. Ask for me tomorrow....

Attempted rebellion from the Thanksgiving list

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I know the traditional thing to do here would be to list the things for which I'm most thankful. And believe me, I could. But I have to be honest, I feel almost redundant writing a list of things I'm thankful for on a blog I started sitting on my laptop computer, in my comfortable room, on a study abroad term, in Lima Peru.


Just the fact that I'm here, typing this right now, means I'm an extremely fortunate girl, and have opportunities most of the world only dreams about.



Just the fact that I can form these words and sentences in English in a very coherent manner with passable grammar means that I have had an education many break their backs to give their children.



Just the fact that I know that I'm writing to someone, family and friends new and old, means that I have a support system without which many fall into loneliness or despair.

Just the fact that I can see this screen, hear the little typity noises, and move my fingers ever-so-dexterously (or sometimes not) over the keys means I have skills that some people can't take for granted.

So no, I'm not going to make a list (wait....). I'm just going to thank God that I'm sitting right here, and then wish you all a day of wholesome turkey, safe houses, good company, and thankfulness. Even if you don't have a special day named after it.

And then I'm going to set to work on the first and probably only American Thanksgiving dinner I will ever assist with in Peru. It won't be disastrous, it won't be disastrous, it won't be disastrous....

Warning: this blog domain will be changing within the week to
http://fadingmarginsofdani.blogspot.com. So watch out for it!
Or subscribe, and then you won't have to.

Bring on the Peruvian blond jokes

Okay, I don´t know if those actually exist. But apparently if they did, I would be open game.

For all you non-Spanish speakers, literally: pelirroja=redhead, rubia=blond

My hair used to be a much lighter red, and I've since dyed it. A good move, in my completely objective opinion. (Sorry Mom...) I would still, however, give myself the distinguished title of redhead.

So I was a little thrown off when my Peruvian friends were like, ¨I saw that picture of you on facebook, and you used to be a pelirroja! But I like you as a rubia better."

Whaaat?

But I guess it does make some sense. Not too many people have lighter hair around here. Meh, just call 'em all one thing.

The perpetrating picture from an old family photo, which makes my hair look insanely red.

Luck and love to all you who are studying hard for exams!

PS. If you're Peruvian and can confirm or deny blond jokes, let me know in comments!