Well, as I told my friend the other day, I am slowly turning into the little grandma I’ve always wanted to be…that is, my crochet needles are getting practice, I spend many an afternoon chatting with the neighbors as they pass by,and our church’s average age is probably around seventy years old (and I’m being kind). Not to mention the fact that I’m also utterly elated to be able to wear my cozy cardigans and spend the afternoons sipping hot tea. I blame it on all this crisp air. Somehow I return to my grandparent’s expansive back yard and all I can think about is getting the leaf-pile big enough where you can get a decent splash jumping in. Maybe thinking about my sweet grandma, and perhaps hitting the grand old age of 24, has released my inner old-lady?
In any case, my birthday was utterly delightful. On the day itself I had to teach a class (mind you with fun twenty-somethings who are completely contented just laughing and chatting the whole hour), and I decided as a “present” to myself we’d do something fun. What does that mean for an English Language Learner’s classroom? That’s right, more songs. This particular day’s choice was “Stand By Me,” and I feel sorry for the workers nearby our room because we were--albeit, enthusiastic—not exactly a pleasant group to listen to singing cheesy Top 40 tunes. Ahh, the things we do in the noble work of learning…
We decided to celebrate-celebrate at the end of that week because Mr. Rhoades here fell ill. Luckily, by Friday poor Peter’s sinus pressure and sore throat turned into a constant faucet with dramatic blowing-the-nose fanfare--which I’m informed was an improvement. We were promised spicy food at a fancy Palermo restaurant (you know, clear out the sinuses)…Alas, and despite the chef’s personal warning to our table, the food was far from spicy, though a delicious change of pace from the Argentine trifecta of empanadas/pasta/pizza (we got papaya salad and pad thai!!). After, we discovered my all-time new favorite bar. Art of all mediums and colors, wallpaper from decades ago, random pots and pans, and plenty of unclassifiable odds and ends completely covered all of the walls; such that it created the effect of being perpetually lost just moving from room to room. Most importantly, they also have over fifty different kinds of board games just begging to accompany the fruit sundaes, milkshakes, or chocolate brownies listed on their handmade menus (apparently kitschy décor goes along well with American desserts..?). Check and check—one peach sundae and two games of Rummy later and I was in love with this place.
As a last birthday note, I want to say THANK YOU (!!!) to all of my amazing friends and family who sent me well-wishes. I love you all so much and it really made it special for me down here--muchisimas gracias!!
Well, that’s enough excitement for this old lady. With one crochet class under my belt, I’ve learned enough to keep me plenty occupied this weekend. So, if you’ll excuse me, I have a hot pad to make.
