update coming...

well, i know i know. it's been almost a month and my parents have come and gone and lots has happened since then and during our awesome trip together.

but know that an update will be coming soon.........

but not tonight :)

March! Finally, you are here.

Well, this is my first post as a 24 year old. Where has the time gone??

My roommate and friend, Yancee planned me a surprise party. I was very surprised and did not expect it. I told her I'd be home early from work that night not knowing she was inviting people over. But instead of early I was late and didn't get home until 8. hahahaha. So people were waiting for me for almost 2 hours. whoops..... But it was a blast.

Last night I went to a banquet honoring the Iraqi Gymnastics Federation who has been using our facilities here in Jordan to host a Gymnastics camp. They offered me a job...which I said "insha2allah". Which is another of way of basically graciously declining. This job would place me in the heart of Baghdad and would require a body guard and in all seriousness, the ability to avoid being kidnapped. Not sure my parents would be to excited bout that offer. But still nice to make connections in the sporting world.

My parents come in a week! With Camille my sister and Amelia!! Can't wait!!! Dad will be running a half marathon in Jerusalem!! Man. I hope he wins!!

i do not prefer organs, thank you

Today I ate a chicken's heart. and then his liver.

it was nasty.

tasted like chalk.

but when you visit someone they don't ask you if you want any. they just fix you a plate and boom. "harram" if you don't eat it!!!! (harram=not allowed).

so, out of politeness, i ate his heart.

EL ZARKA

Yesterday my team loaded up in a big charter bus and we drove 45 minutes out of Amman to a city know as Zarka. Here we put on a presentation promoting the sport of gymnastics at a Center for preforming arts. The Princess was there to give out gifts to all of those in gymnastics who have medaled at meets around the world. I didn't get to video record it. Had my roommate try. And although my roommate tried to pretend she could not see the Royal guards waving at her to turn the camera off...we still didn't get enough footage. Will try again next time so you can see the fruit of my labor!

pictures of a few of my rascals before the big show:

the Dragon Dance

Today I bought a tabla from the balad. it's pretty sweet. I like to drum it while Yancee strums her guitar.

And tonight, following a solid hour of crazy made up songs revolving Cats in Jordan (affectionally named the Cat Balad or otherwise "Let's make more of us"). Then our Chinese neighbor came over. In China, the major Spring Festival celebrating the New Year is happening, she's been especially lonely for home. So we looked up a few traditions for the holiday and decided to go with one to do for her. So Yancee played my tabla, while I, cloaked in a blanket, proceeded to be a dragon for her. It was awesome. And yes. I am twenty-three.

work work work

It's February. And while there is no snow outside (albeit it did snow some a few days ago) you can still see your breath with every exhale. and this is INSIDE your house. Oh what I would give for a fireplace!!! But I am so greatful for my little propane soba. Even if that little heater will kill me early with all that healthy gas....must.be.warm.

In a month and one week my parents will be here!!! Oh I cannot wait. Coming with them will be my best friend and sister, Camille. I can't wait to see you sissy!!!! it's been too long! Amelia, a best friend from childhood will also be joining us. I cannot wait to have her here as it will be her first time overseas! What a fun place to start! ....i hope.

Work today was tough. It was the first time I've had to talk to parents about the girls behavior. Granted, I love love love to play with them. But after play time we must work and get down to serious training. So needless to say I had some back talk which I do not put up with and I felt like I was back to teaching my 10th graders (who i loved by the way!) in Mississippi. Start Strick then ease up.

well, don't want to bore you. And i'm so tired after a day of teaching english, and then visiting with my ADORABLE chinese neighbor who makes authentic chinese food for me (so spicy that I can't tell if that is air from my mouth because it is cold inside or if I'm shooting fire), and then went to spend what energy I had left on my 25 little rascals....

all in all. a very productive day. but can't wait for my fam to be here!!!

so random fact of the day...found an equestrian park in sports city! who knew?!

and secondly, i hateeeeeeeee washing dishesssssss. oh to be in the land where dish washers are in every home!

and thirdly, i have the sweetest chinese neighbor! honestly. and i love eating her authentic chinese meals! yum yum.