What I've Been Up To

"Cockadoodle!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Dios Mio...." I think "Ques horas son... it's gotta be at least 4am." And after I scramble for my watch... I see that no.... it's only1:30.
These roosters never stop. I guess I've grown a bit more accustomed to them- but still- without fail- cada noche- they're crowing away. It really isn't a morning ritual... unless they mean moUrning, as in the death of sleep.
Good thing when I finally do wake up aroun 6ish, my mornings are nice and realaxed. Maribel (my mom) usually has the coffee ready, I pour a cup and get back into bed for some reading. After a chapter or so, maybe a journal entry, and oftentimes some yoga, there's a tap on my door. "Laura, aqui esta la desayuna preparada." Aaaaah... how nice, breakfast's ready. Usually some form of rice, beans, eggs, papas, pasta, or green beans.... and always, ALWAYS, a tortilla.
Before leaving each morning, I prepare the census papers for that day, which takes a while. Then... the census. The longer I've done it, the harder it's gotten as I've had to treck farther and farther down winding paths into the abyss. I've gotten so lost. It amazes me how wll these people know each and every trail and exactly who lives where. It also makes me realize how sign dependent I am. My house is right off the main road right next to the Casa Comunal, the huge public office. But most homes are tucked away in the wilderness, it takes some a good hour or more to hike up or down to the main road. Well... at best, exercise is abundantly easy and obesity sure isn't a problem.
I usually census for 3-4 hours in the morning and 2-3 more in the afternoon. Lunch is always a cup of noodles with a tortilla. It's a good thing I didn't stock up on them in college, because I know I'm going to get sick of them. I bucket bath midday when it's hottest, it's actually quite refreshing, and I don't miss indoor plumbing as much as I thought I would.
For the hours in between "working" (if that's what you want to call it), I usually am reading or writing, flute playing, exercising, visiting the gente, dancing with my sisters, or watching a telenovela with fam and friends. Not a lot of houses have electricity, let alone a TV- we have both, so watching a favorite show becomes a public and bonding experience, the way I like to watch TV. Most of the shows are almost unwatchably awful, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy some of them... including the original Ugly Betty (Soy Betti La Fea) and another whose plot is similar to Trading Places (Nuevo Rico, Nuevo Pobre).
Dinner's usually at 7:30 ish and is similar to breakfast. I'm okay for now, but I know that some day I'll be pining for cereal and cold milk (the milk of choice here is powdered and warm).
And Bedtime. My mom and sisters usually crawl into bed pre-9pm. I can typically make it later, but not much. Save for the damn roosters- I do get a lot of sleep here. And yep... that sums up what a typical day has been like lately.
With a few exceptions...
Last Wednesday was the Dia de Las Madres Baile at the school. I felt, as usual here, very special... too special really. Don Marvin, the school principal and one of my counterparts made an announcement upon my arrival, and lead the crowd to receive me with applause. And when the dancing began- ¡Pu Chica! I just felt like the prettiest belle at the ball. I've never been fought over like that. Guys were literally lining up to dance with the blonde gringa in town. Which is certainly a nice change from the distant staring that they usually do.
It was too much attention. I'm not used to this. I left early, tired and overwhelmed. And while sometimes I do yearn for anonimity in a big crowd, most others I embrace and enjoy the celebrity I have here.
Today is Sulma (my Sis's) 12th birthday. I bought her a sketchbook and colored pencils (she's quite an artist). Tonight, we'll celebrate with Papusas (the National Salvadoran food, tortilla filled with beans, cheese, or carne) and cake (yes- cake). And I hope some dancing too.
Tomorrow, I've giving my Asamblea General, showing all the info I collected from the census. I'm excited, it's a chance to make a good impression more independantly in front of the community. But nervous too- giving a presentation entirely in Spanish in front of everyone about some delicate subject matter. I'm not quite sure how they'll react to the section showing their HIV/AIDS knowledge (or lack thereof). I don't want to offend anyone as the know-it-all American whose relishing in all of this poor town's problems.
¡Ba Pues! I'll just keep it simple, sweet, and hopefully funny... and keep my fingers crossed!