Well, yesterday marked the first day of the rest of my time here as a proud home-owner (or, rather, renter). I decided yesterday that I would start moving “suitcase by suitcase”, believing that within a few days I would be fully occupying the casita. However, things moved more quickly than anticipated and within 3 hours, with the help of a few young people, I was fully moved in! I realized at this point how little I actually had to fill a space of my own.

People, generous as always, facilitated the easy move. Rafalito built some extra shelves, hammered in a few nails to hang things, and cut down a branch to install as an extension rod with which to hang my clothes. Daisy donated a clothes hamper. Araselis gave me some shoeboxes to store things in. Jani helped me fashioned a bedside table out of an empty box.

After 3 different host families and 6 months of living with other people (and thus being constantly concerned about behavior/inconveniencing others), I FINALLY HAVE MY OWN SPACE! It feels wonderful. My little casita constantly has a beautiful cross-breeze and lots of light. When I woke up to go to the bathroom last night I didn’t have to worry about waking anyone! And, I could sleep as late as I wanted to without being disturbed! The only thing lacking is the garden at the new home. Not so bountiful. I think I will pay my old host-family a bit of money a week to steal some of their vegetables—small in the scheme of things.

Within a day I have also realized the necessity of having my own stove. The new house I am living at doesn’t consistently have gas for their stove (they use an open-fire outside to cook with instead). I originally thought I would hold off with buying a stove until the new house was built, but I don’t think I can last that long! I will start looking into pricing within the next week.

In other news, Florencia is getting fatter and bigger! She is lucky to be the only puppy; she gets all the milk!

I also tried to make banana cookies today. However, as has happened with the past 2 batches, the cookies have come out soupy and flat. What is going on?! However, yesterday I made the best chicken lettuce wraps! I made a simple sauce out of soy sauce, peanut butter, sugar and vinegar and stirfried cabbage, carrots, chicken and peanuts. Wrap it all up in some fresh lettuce. Delish.

Well, I’m currently in town buying a few more items for the casita and preparing for #8 english class. Wish me luck!