The rain in Spain falls mainly on the Plain..

Or in Linares, but whatever... There has, however, been some sort of phenomenon that has produced rain in uncharacteristic proportions this winter--so much so--that I have been flirting with the temptation of purchasing some 5 Euro pink polka-dot rainboots... for anyone that knows me, has probably already registered the three discrepancies in the previous description.
1. Rainboots--not really my dig. I'd prefer some swamp trotting gum boots :)
2. Pink--not so much my color of choice.
3. Polka-dots.. i choose to leave those in the 50s where their claim to fame and eternal grip in the patterns of high fashion were cemented.
The only hope these boots have for ended up in my closet are the continued downpours and the mere 5 euros they cost due to rebajas (major after season sales--they are awesome!)

A little mental image for my visual learners...

But, anyhow, life is still wonderful here. I loved being home, but I have quickly settled back into life in Linares. Spanish is coming in leaps and bounds now. As I have become more familiar with the tenses, I am quickly becoming more capable of using them. I am still so far from fluent, but i am learning to communicate and express more deeply and even understand more than just the superficial layers of their language, which is so dictated by their culture. And as with almost anyone learning a language, I have some tales of misused language that i think all may be able to sympathize with and appreciate...

Here is a story just so:
So, I am becoming more confident with colloquial and casual language and I have this desire to use it to "fit in.." In America we say, "High Five.." Well, here the translation is "Chocalo", which literally means to "crash into it or collide hands"... well, I was at school, trying desperately to develop relationships with my students, conversing and joking around. I remembered the phrase I had recently learned, and in the excitement of the moment, I help up my hand and announced, "Chupalo!" with a raised chin and proud grin of accomplishment. "Chocalo"/ "Chupalo": Quite similar, right? The kid just stood there a bit confused and seemingly a little embarrassed. Well... too bad for me, this conjugation also means something: "Suck or lick it." to be precise. whoops... Welcome to my world. I, the American language teacher has just told my poor little 14-year old Spanish boy to suck my hand. yeah.. good move, i know. But, he was gracious and when I caught and corrected my error, we laughed it off together. Still through the halls when we pass one another, he and his posse will throw up their hands with giddy smiles that only 14-year old boys can produce and jokingly declare, "Maestra, chupalo, chupalo!" I get inquisitive looks from other professors sometimes, but other than that, even my shortcomings sometimes help to forge relationships that my words can not construct.

Well, I will leave you with that for now. I think I have once again sufficiently managed to draw unnecessary light to my errors, but it's a story worthy of telling and deserving of a chuckle! One last announcement before I sign off...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUBSTER!!!!!

And a very special shot-out today to Miss Aubrey Danei Lubojasky, my fabulously gorgeous sister who was born TWENTY-ONE years ago on 19 January 1987!! I love you and wish I could be there to celebrate with you. She is seriously one of the most tender-hearted people I know and every time we talk or I am blessed to spend time with her, I feel encouraged and uplifted and valued. She is so beautiful and I am so especially thankful for her today as she celebrates the turn of another year.

Next Post-- Spain is deciding if they will be re-writing their national anthem considering Madrid is in line to host the upcoming 2012 Olympics! UPDATES on their way!! Love you all; thanks for tuning in... *britt