no news is good news

I don't always want to talk about work related things, but it's what is on my mind at the moment. This morning I got a phone call from the language school that is related to the University here (at least I think that's correct). They wanted to offer me a position to teach classes there from 2pm to 3:30 or something close to that. My other position requires me to leave at 4 to get there on time because what teacher likes to waltz in at the starting time and not have everything ready? Not this one.

When the woman first began the conversation, she asked if I would prefer to speak in English so I of course said yes, but I guess she didn't hear me (not likely). Anyway, I guess the gist of the whole thing is that I turned it down. Not because I don't want to work or because I'm lazy, I just prefer to give 100% or nothing at all and with my already existing commitment, I just don't think that I'm ready to add something else when I've only just started the year two weeks ago. Maybe I should have agreed to meet with them or something or just said yes, but I honestly don't want a life or schedule that stresses me out. Maybe lazy or egoist, but it's the truth. I am more than grateful for the opportunity to work in a country in the midst of a real crisis, but I don't want to take on more than I have to- as I've said before, I've other things to focus on at the moment.

I had another good Spanish speaking experience, at least from my perspective, this weekend. A friend of Rubén's came over for a barbeque with his girlfriend and I really enjoyed her company. Of course, I had to use what limited skills I have in Spanish to converse with her, but I think that I made an honest effort and didn't make too much of an ass of myself. It might seem like small potatoes, but it's a big deal for me with all the shyness crap. So yeah, I can honestly say that I've made a little more progress this year than last year with actually using it. My Spanish class that I go to after work once a week is going pretty well too and I really like the teacher and the other students so here's hoping that 2012 is going to be much easier for me.

One thing I'm really looking forward to is Christmas at home in the States. Last year I was here and so we are going to try to alternate years so that our families have equal time if we can. This year we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends here, so that should be a fun experience (if I can manage to not ruin the turkey). My cooking is kind of hit or miss. Sometimes something turns out great and other times not so much. I mean, not to the point of being inedible, but just not quite as good. I really like making things like baba ganouj or hummus... it's a lot easier in my mind that a roasted turkey. Actually, I just don't really like touching raw meat of any kind. I'm not sure what things I will be able to make here due to lack of availability, but I will certainly try to make it authentic. Of course, we will be adding Spanish things as well.

I guess this isn't much of an update, but if you like hummus that isn't lumpy I suggest that you try this recipe out...just go easy on the garlic- it's more than good.

http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=18020.0