Happy 1 Year

I have officially been in Guatemala for 1 year. YEA I MADE IT!!!!

This is a compliation of things I have learned, enjoyed and would never do again...

1. Teaching English, it was fun and I would do it again - but not here
2. The rainy season, means rain. Rain boots - great invention. Learned this a year too late. :)
3. I honestly don't know the language as well as I was hoping to know it...still a work in progress
4. Reevaluate my wardrobe before moving. What the heck was I thinking bringing some of that crap
5. Some of the cheapest meals have been fresh fruits and veggies
6. Make sure you have a little extra cash, retail therapy really does work
7. Never buy movies....download, download, download
8. I am not as strong as I thought I was
9. Some good friends visited me when they had the chance - great times, would never take that away. I learned so much from them while they were here
10. I am still a control freak
11. I had my parents and grandmother come - the best time of the year for sure!!!
12. I am spoiled, but I would like to think I am changing my ways
13. It took me almost 6 months to be able to eat rice (I had a really bad experience)
14. Dreaded my hair - love it.
15. I will never wash my clothes by hand again, NEVER.
16. I never learned how to cook rice. For some reason I can not get the concept down. Sucked it up and bought a rice maker!
17. Walking on cobblestone streets can really mess up your hip and sciatic nerve. Never hurt your sciatic nerve, pain you don't want to feel.
18. I wished I visited more places - good thing I am not leaving yet. :)
19. Met some of the coolest people. I hope to stay in touch
20. I am no longer scared of dogs! Thanks to the random street dogs, I have conquered my fear.
21. I have hiked 2 Volcanoes thus far...and counting
22. I have celebrated my 27th birthday here, and about to celebrate my 28th! Sushi night is in order!!!
23. Speaking of celebrations, I have see/participated in way more celebrations/parties here in 1 year than I ever did in the states throughout my life!!