remiendos

I had dinner (ok, a lot of wine at a restaurant) with a lovely friend this past Friday evening and was yet again surprised to hear the shockingly common misconstruction most have regarding my future "homeland." Yes, it iS that skinny country in South America; NO, it's not pronounced like the awesome bean and meat dish we eat during Sunday Football...AND YES, they do have paved roads AND internet. Chee-lay is, believe it or not, the first south american country to become a part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD is a group comprised of the world's 30 richest democracies. Like all countries, you'll find the good...the bad...and the very bad (think jean shorts and mullets) So yes, Kat - there are plenty of dirt roads with random chickens running the streets - but you'll find that in Georgia, more specifically around the corner from your own house in Grant Park.

Thanks to the recent election, Chile is now presided over by the billionaire and "right of center" Pinera...once again proving it really helps to have dolla dolla bills in your wallet. However, the left leaning leaders of the past two decades deserve full credit for reducing poverty faster than any of the region's counterparts and for showing the world that there is such a thing as a modern, globalized, financially responsible "left" in Latin America. As many of south america's other countries have spent the majority of their export income on politically driven cash subsidies, Chile has bucked the trend and created and invested in various funds that will not only boost their long-term development but will help give them a competitive edge in our global economy. One of the most impressive being the $6 billion dollar education fund which developed and funds the teaching position i accepted under the Univeridad de Catolica's EduaCA program.

enough already, i know. essentially - everyone stop worrying about me (ahhhem, KIT). i am NOT moving to the bush, i will NOT come home pregnant (i mean COME ON, do you KNOW me?) and though trevor and matt already have a pool on how much i'll be purchased for, i do not plan on being sold into any form of prostitution ring. i simply want to play with llamas and eat empanadas.

speaking of llamas...sadly, customs forbids Patches to accompany me on my journeys - SO, i would like to introduce you, Melissa, to my new friend at the top of the page. While he may not posses the resplendent canvas for braiding and crimping (i mean, nothing trumps patches' mane), his fur is quite soft and fun to pet. he's exceptionally regal and enjoys woven blankets and colored ribbons. This one's for you, Mel ;)

byebye baby k...11 days and counting

EVEN though my Chilean adventures have yet to commence, the reality of them finally sunk in. I said goodbye to a special gal today and while i shall see her again soon, the finality of our ATL run together made my own impending goodbyes really sock me in the fiz-ace.

the first time i ever really spoke (not sure if i actually expressed audible words) to KBro, i was a hot mess of a heartbroken loser. I needed to tell someone, ANYONE, that i was leaving the office to go sob at home...BOYS and the things they do to us. For some reason, i chose her and it was from that thoughtful moment our friendship spawned..err...began. Anyone that knows me, KNOWS i believe everything happens for a reason. i truly credit her for helping to bring me back into my own again. I had changed as a person, as many do in relationships, and i was lost and empty. so i just want to say thank you, K - for bringing me back home. You hate to share your food with me, but i still love you and KNOW i will always be your favorite beard plucker extraordinaire.

countdown is 11 days...no plane ticket...not a single box packed...no visa either...but that's just my style and the only way i plan to go out. however, i can confirm that i am AIDS free and that my state of GA background check is 100% clean; thankfully i was able to get the automatic weapons charged expunged.

BIG shout out to Kara, Gretchen and Leigh for living the dream. SO proud of you ladies and pumped to be in such wanderlust company :)

K - i am so proud of you and you will rock Chi-town's chilly ass off. remember, if anyone ever accuses you of driving drunk...just accuse their ass right back. xoxo.

i'd like to add that my bro called and told me he loved me...it's a good day in the neighborhood.