Friends, Family, and Food

Well, I officially have 2 more weeks left here in Mexico. It would have only been one, but luckily I was able to very cheaply change my flight so I could stay an extra week. Thanks to the research grant that I'm working on through Mizzou I have the money to stay for an extra week at my school and with my amazing family here. I thought about traveling that week, but most of my friends will be at the school and I'd really rather spend as much time with my friends and family as I can before I leave.

I have been spending the vast majority of my time latley with the family. Last week was Spring Break for a lot of my friends at UNINTER, so I didn't have Carla or my other guy friends to hang out with. I do not think I will ever be able to express to Judy how grateful I am for having me stay in the home that I am. I have really felt as if I am a part of the family and know that these feelings will not subside once I return to the States. They have taken me in as their own and have made my experience here one that has been life changing.

Last Saturday was my Dad, Guzno, 's 82nd birthday and the family had lovely celebration. My favorite part of living here is all of the family gatherings we have. I have become so close with all of them -- and have loved getting to know all of my 'cousins' and 'aunts and uncle's'. We had some great food and it was so wonderful wasting the afternoon away sipping on cold beverages and gorging ourselves on fantastic food and conversation.

Andrick, the grandson of the family I'm living with, is looking at colleges and has decided to come and visit Mizzou to look at the degrees they offer in Economics! Anne Deaton offered to have Andrick meet with her husband Brady (what an awesome opportunity -- the chancellor!!) to talk about the economics programs and what Mizzou has to offer. I'm checking with the international center to see what sorts of international student scholarships he could possibly receive. Helping the family with this really reminds me of my time searching for Universities! I am excited to see how it all turns out. But for now, I'm hoping to add another Tiger to the family!

I've started getting a little bit back into work for My Glass Slipper. Fred e-mailed me and wants me to do a little bit of research while I'm down there. We finally launched the new site about a month ago. It looks fantastic and we're already seeing great results which is awesome because it was a rough few months before the launch! Check out the new site: www.myglassslipper.com. 3 websites (Prom Shoes, Bridal Shoes and My Glass Slipper) all easily accessible from one page! I have been thanking God everyday for having this job. I am about 90% sure that I am going to sign on with him full-time. After reading the NYTimes this week and hearing that the unemployment rate is as high as it has been in 24 years is a little unsettling -- especially for a girl that is pretty burnt out on school and ready to move on to the next chapter in her life!

The students from Mizzou have also been keeping me busy with their market resarch questions. I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to do all of this research while I've been here. Dr. Ha-Brookshire was right -- I think I would have gotten bored if I only had my language school to do while I'm here. I have met some wonderful people and have learned so much about the retail industry here in Mexico. My passion is now running stronger than ever to support the textile and apparel industry in Latin America -- and now especially Mexico! Its going to be excited to watch their industry grow in the coming years.

I am ready to enjoy the next two weeks to the fullest. I feel a little traveling, a little shopping, and a lot of late nights ahead of me. I just can't believe reality has to slap me in the face in only two weeks. I know that I will be taking with me a new family, new love, and new friends. :o)