A FANTASTIC MONTH

Hello my friends!

I hope you all are doing great! Are you ready for a super long post? I apologize for the big delay in updating, this month has been really crazy. Really fun, and fantastic, but also very busy.

Okay, let's start. April 20th was Thunder over Louisville, the biggest firework show of North America. Incredible, isn't it? I really enjoyed it, I went with my friends Kate, Rachel, Abby, and then Eileen, Brian, and Pat (my host brother) and his friends. After it, I went to Kelsey's house (one of my friends) because they were having a fire. It was pretty awesome, I liked them so much!

Powder Puff Girls

April 21st was Powder Puff (American Football for Girls) and I played! It was Juniors versus Seniors. Seniors won, but it's fine. I had so much fun playing with my friends! Next year I am sure that Seniors (the ones that now are Juniors) are going to win.

Meredith giving me my Senior Ring

April 24th was the Ring Ceremony. What is the Ring Ceremony? It is when Juniors become Seniors. The Seniors give us our Class Ring in a Ceremony in the Cathedral of Louisville, and we become Seniors in a not-official way. When Meredith gave me my Ring, I almost cried, it was so moving. I did cry when they sang the Alma Mater of Presentation Academy. Pres, I am going to miss you so much... The sense of belonging to you is awesome, and I do not want to lose it. Remember: Once a Pres Girl, always a Pres Girl. After the Ring Ceremony, I was hanging around with my friends. It was so fun!

Sarah, Kate, I, Sarah, and Erin

Eileen, Brian, and I

Before Prom

April 26th was my birthday, but I did not celebrate it because it was... PROM! The Graduation Dance! Awesome! I was so sad it was over... It was the best Dance ever! We all looked so pretty with our dresses, that it was fantastic! I danced a lot and had a lot of fun with my friends. I went to dinner with several friends before Prom. We had a great time!

The horses runing

April 27th I went to Churchill Downs, where the horses run for the Kentucky Derby. It was not the Derby yet, but we went to some races. I bet some money, and I won! Beginner's luck! I had a really good time with Brian, Eileen, Pat, and his friends. I also blew out the candles for my birthday's cake, that was so pretty: Spain and a Cardinal, representing Louisville. Today it was kind of a celebration for both my birthday and Eileen's, because hers was April 25th, just one day before mine. I had a lot of fun watching the horses run!

I with my project

April 30th it was the History and Art Showcase, where all the students of History and History-related and Art and Art-related classes (like World Civilizations or Photography) show their work and their projects. I participated in both, because I am in United States History and in Photography. It was really nice, watching my projects exposed. My History Project was the Stonewall Riots, the start of the Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement.

Cumberland Lake
Isn't it pretty?

May 2nd was the Interact Picnic. Interact is the volunteer work club, and we did a picnic to celebrate the end of the year. It is hard to believe that the year is already ending! Most of the members of the club ate together and had fun for a couple of hours, and I enjoyed a lot spending time with my friends. What a shame that I am not going to be able to continue in Interact the following year!



I am really glad of having participated in this club, helping others made me very happy and proud of myself. When I go back to Spain, I am going to continue to participate in Boanoite, a project with the Franciscan Fathers. If I can and I have enough time, I also want to join other social justice activities, to help others to achieve a better life.

I, fishing

May 3rd we went to Cumberland Lake, in Southern Kentucky. I went there with Eileen, Brian, Donna, Jeff, Jenna, Dayna, Tula, and several friends. I had so much fun! That Friday we did not do much, just arrived there, but on Saturday we went to the Lake to go fishing (here I am posting a picture!) and I bathed in the Lake! It was pretty cold, around 55 degrees Fahrenheit outside (13 Celsius), but I am kind of used to Atlantic Ocean waters, that was not hot, but almost! I had fun, really. It was also the... Kentucky Derby! And my horse (Orb) won! I won almost a hundred dollars! On Sunday we returned home.

Creative Writing Class

May 7th was the Spring Concert, with my dearest Pres Girls. It was really nice, they all sound so pretty together! It was less formal than the Christmas Concert, but I enjoyed it a lot! They sang different songs, like Queen, for example. And Mr. House (Social Studies teacher) went to the stage dressed up as Freddie Mercury! Can you believe that? It was really funny. Things like that make my days!

Math Class

May 9th was Kiss the Seniors Good Bye, an event that Pres organizes where we give letters and candy to the Seniors that are leaving, because it was also their last day of school. I was part of the Committee, and I really liked organizing it. It was awesome! I cried so much at lunch while taking pictures to the Seniors and all that... My dear Seniors, I am going to miss you so much! You are great people and great friends, and I wish you all the best of the lucks in College and in Life.

I, Riley, and Bernadette
before Prom

May 10th it was the Honors Day, where we honor the students that stood out during the year. Most of the awards went to the Seniors, but some of them went to the Juniors and Sophomores (Freshmen do not receive awards). I received two: Foreign Exchange Student Recognition and Math Team Award. I am really glad of belonging to Pres and to its clubs, and I absolutely loved belonging to the Math Team, led by Mr. Armstrong. He is one of the best teachers ever! For dinner we went to Habana Blues, where I ate Galician Stew (Caldo Galego)! Can you believe that? Eating Galician Stew in a Cuban Restaurant in Indiana, United States. Sounds pretty weird, doesn't it?

At Prom

Yesterday I went shopping for a while with Brian, and then we went golfing Brian, Eileen, and I. Sincerely, I am just a beginner, so I was pretty bad. Well, I can learn and be better with time! Today I was going to go to the mall with my friends, but since it is Mother's Day (in Spain it was last Sunday, but in America is the second Sunday of May) I decided to stay at home with Eileen. I gave her my present and Brian gave his, and  I had a great, chilling out day. Awesome!


After this long, long post, I just have to say goodbye. My friends, this month was really great, and I enjoyed it greatly. I cannot believe that this year is almost gone, but I wait with excitement for what the future holds for me.

My dear friends, I will see you next Sunday! Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers in the World!

Bye Bye!

BACK IN THE U.S.

Hello to everybody!

Icía, I, Elena, and Sergio

I hope you all are doing great! At first, I have to apologize I have not updated last week: I was in Madrid and I was too tired by then, and during the week it has been a crazy one.

Icía, I, Elena, and Raquel

Last week, while I was in Spain, I hanged out with my friends and went to the school and several other places (like my English Academy) that I wanted to go. Here I am posting a picture with my friends. I was so happy of seeing them again, really. I missed them. I also went to dinner with my parents, siblings and godfather, and I was extremely happy of seeing him again.

With my family at a restaurant

On Friday I went to Madrid with my father to do the interviews and exams of the United World Colleges. I did not get the scholarship, but I am glad of having experienced it. I have made a lot of friends and we are going to stay in touch. That is good. I am going to study the International Baccalaureate in Spain during the next two years, so that is nice. And I am going to stay at home, and that is very nice too. I still follow and respect the values of United World Colleges, and I will try to live following them. I already do, in fact.

On Saturday they were the interviews and on Sunday I was in Madrid with my dad. I really had fun with him, it was a great time. On Monday I returned to the U.S. and, after a six-hour delay in Chicago, I arrived to Louisville. By the way, the University of Louisville won the National Collegiate Athletic Association. I am really happy for them, I think (and I know pretty much nothing about basketball) that they played great.

I was very glad of seeing Brian, Eileen and Tula again. I missed them, I really feel like home when I am with them, they make me feel loved. They are fantastic, and I am sure that these two months with them are going to be great.

On Tuesday and Wednesday I did not go to school, since I was not feeling well: jet lag, no sleeping, headaches... On Thursday I went to school. I was really glad of seeing my friends and teachers again, I was excited about that.

Do you see our Paellas?

On Friday Brian, Eileen, Pat, and I went to the Spanish restaurant De La Torre, where we ate cured meats (embutidos), Spanish cheeses, and Paella (Spanish rice, one of the most typical dishes of Spain). All of them were really delicious, and Bri, Ei and Pat liked them a lot. Here I am leaving a picture of us at the restaurant.


On Saturday morning I went to a volunteer service project with Pres' Interact Club at the Kentucky Refugee Ministries. We were tidying donations and purchases and putting them in order, so the refugees (people that come from other countries mostly because of political, religious or war reasons) have something to start their new lives in the U.S. with. I met great people there and I had fun helping them.

On Saturday afternoon I went with my friend Ke to the mall, because we had to buy dresses for the Ring Ceremony (when the Juniors receive their Senior Rings) and just have fun. Ke is a Chinese exchange student that is also studying at Pres, she is so nice! I really like her, she is a very good friend.

Peyton and I

Today morning I did mostly homework and things that needed to be done and during the afternoon we went to dinner at... the University of Louisville! I met the athletes that play in the University team, and it was fantastic. Here I am leaving a picture with Peyton Siva, one of the greatest basketball players in the United States at the moment, and another with Brea Smith and Courtney, two great athletes too. I also have pictures with Luke Hancock and Sarah Hammond. They all were

Brea, Courtney, and I

really nice, showing that they are not only wonderful athletes
(basketball, football, soccer, tennis...) but also great people. We went to dinner there because of the fund raiser of the Fellowship Christian Athletes, and I am really glad that I went, I had a great time and met so many athletes. Some of them (Peyton, Luke) are pretty much the equivalent of Iker Casillas or Pau Gasol in Spain, perhaps a little less, but people here adore them. I am so happy I got to meet them!


I have other new: I already have the results of the last Math Team exam, and the final cumulative. I was fourth but just for a tiny little bit. Here I am leaving the link, it is this one. There you can see the cumulative (I am in grade 11th), if you go to the different dates you will see how I did in each one of the different exams. I am happy I was fourth, though. I did as well as I could, I know that.

Finally, I have to say that I really enjoyed being with my family in Spain, but I am glad of being back. I have been here already eight months, and it seems like if I had arrived yesterday. I have learned to love America and its people, and I know that I am going to miss it so much. I am ready to enjoy my last two months here.

See you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

FROM SPAIN WITH LOVE

Hello to everybody!

I hope you all are great! I am in Spain! I arrived yesterday after almost thirty hours of travelling!

During the week I made my luggage and did a lot of homework. On Thursday it was the last day of school! I had so much fun talking with my friends. We had a Liturgy that was so pretty, really.

My family and I

On Friday it was the first day of holidays and I got up at five thirty to go to the airport in Louisville. From there I flew to Cleveland, Ohio, and Newark, New Jersey. I stayed in Newark during seven hours and then we flew to Madrid, Spain. From there I went to Coruña, the city where I live in Spain. My parents and siblings were there, it was so moving!

All this was already yesterday, on Saturday. We had lunch at my grandmother's (it was a big surprise because she did not know that I was going, and my grandad did not either). I really enjoyed spending time with my family, since I hadn't seen them for so many months.

Today we went to my grandfather's house during the afternoon, and it was a surprise for them too. I have also been practicing during the whole weekend and while I was flying to do my interviews and exams for the United World Colleges. I am excited, really. My finals are on Saturday and, if I pass, on Sunday. Wish me good luck!

My dear Readers, I am glad of being in Spain. I love, absolutely love, America and its people, and I would not change this year there at all. I missed my family, but being in America with my friends is fantastic. I learnt so much about its culture and had so many new and wonderful experiences that it is great.

See you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

SHOPPING, PICTURES, AND SPAIN

Hello to everybody!

I hope you all are doing fantastically! This week has been so busy! I am very happy with Eileen, Brian and Tula, really. They are great, and we are getting along very well.

On Thursday I did not go to school because I was sick, but now I feel better. On Friday I had a History test, so I had to go. I enjoy learning History, I think it is very interesting. As Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, said: "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it." I agree with him, I think that knowing our past is the best way to deal with our future, to avoid repeating mistakes and to make of the world a better place.




I want to share with you some pictures I took in my Photography class. I enjoy it so much, I think it is very useful and interesting. I learned so many things!





During this week Eileen, Brian, and I watched three movies together: Life of Pi (I really liked it, I think it had amazing special effects), Red Dawn (I believe it was a very interesting movie) and The Master (I liked the main character, he was a good actor, in my opinion). I enjoy so much being with them, we always have fun together.

Eileen and I went shopping all Saturday and part of Sunday to get things to me to go to Spain. I am really excited about it, but also a bit nervous. I get to see my family again, and that is so nice. We are going to give a surprise to my grandmother, I told everyone to keep it a secret so she can be surprised.


My dear friends, next Sunday, when I update, I will be already in Spain. Wish me a good flight and good luck this week with my tests and projects!

See you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

AT JENNA'S AND RETREAT

Hello to everybody!

I hope you are doing great! Okay, at first let's tell you about my week. Then... RETREAT!

On Tuesday it was the last Math Team exam. They are going to post the results soon, when they post them I will put the link. Until now, knowing the results of the last three exams, I am third in the Cumulative! I am so excited!

On Monday and Wednesday I spent pretty much all the days after school doing homework and projects. I am happy they are done, but now I have new ones.

On Thursday and Friday... Retreat! I absolutely loved it. We went to CrossRoads Ministry, a place where retreats take place, and we met Randy and Sam, our two Retreat Leaders. They were fantastic!

My friend Wilda and I

At first, we went to a place where poor elderly people where to spend there the day. I met Wilda, Beverly, Peggy... All of them were fantastic, I enjoyed so much talking to them, sharing our experiences... I was sad when we had to leave. We had lunch there, and then we went to a day care to help with the kids. They were so cute! I met Kaleigh, Kaden, Terry, Madeline... It was fun playing with them like if I was four again.

To have dinner we went to Casa Latina, a place where Latino people can stay and get together to do workshops and know other people. The dinner was awesome, and I finally got to speak Spanish again! We were taking care of the kids while the women were in a workshop to know how to avoid physical and sexual abuse in their children. I am thinking about volunteering there, I already gave them my mail so they can send me the schedules and everything else. I am sure it will be a great opportunity to help others, know what they need and what their problems are. I felt so happy being with Gladis, Isis, María, Fernanda... All of them were really nice, and I am sure we are going to get along even better when I start volunteering there.

Emily, Momo, I, Kenny, and Emily

We spent the night at CrossRoads (I had so much fun with all my friends!) and on Friday morning we went to a place where mentally disabled people are. I was dancing with them, listening to them, knowing what was going on, if they needed anything... I feel happy they were in that fantastic place, where they were being cared so much. Kenny, Carmen... all of them were people like you and me, with feelings and needs that also need to be fulfilled.

The last place we went to is the Soup Kitchen next to the Cathedral of Louisville, where people that do not have money to eat can have lunch and dinner. I was so sad there. I mean, I met two wonderful people: Saphera and Chester, who are from Wisconsin but came to Kentucky looking for somewhere to live after the farm they were living in was foreclosed by the bank. I was sad of hearing their stories, but also glad that they had someone to tell them to.

Just after that, we said bye bye and returned to school. After finishing telling you all what I did this week, I want to continue talking about the Retreat with you, at the end of this post.

On Friday we went to a Fish Fry, since it was Lent and we could not eat meat. It was nice, I love fish. On Saturday I did absolutely nothing. Well, that is not true. I did my homework, but I was so tired because of the Retreat, that I did not hang out with my friends or anything like that. Well, next weekend I will, don't worry.

On Sunday we went to Church (Happy St. Patrick's Day!) and then I returned to Eileen and Brian' house, my home. They came from New York. While they did not arrive (their flight was delayed) I was talking to Pat, their oldest son. I am really happy that I got to meet him during that time, he is really fantastic. We talked about a lot of things: he showed me on his computer the project he is working on for his thesis in Biochemistry, we talked about economy, languages, travelling, his college, my school... I am glad that we talked so much and met each other.

When Eileen and Brian arrived, it was so nice. They were really exhausted because of their trip, so we had dinner (that Pat cooked) and then went to bed. They got me two very pretty presents from New York: a key chain and several bracelets. They are so beautiful! I am really glad they are home.

I, Donna, Jenna, Dayna, and Jeff

Being with Jeff, Donna, Jenna, Dayna, and Fluffy was awesome, we got to know each other and be friends. I really enjoy making friends, know people I can talk to and have fun with. I am very thankful with them because of giving me the opportunity to know them and allow me to be part of their family, even if they were just ten days. Now, when we go to the lake (they have with Eileen and Brian a house in the South of Kentucky, next to a lake) we are going to already know each other. Thank you so much for everything.

Our Retreat group: my friends

The last thing I want to say in this really long post is that the Retreat was fantastic. Yes, I know I already said that so many times, but I am not going to get tired of repeating it. All the people we met were awesome, and I will remember them as my friends. My friend Wilda, my friend Kenny, my friend Isis... sharing our stories and meeting each other was great, and I am so glad I was part of this Retreat.


I believe that we can achieve a world in peace through knowing the problems that other people have, so we can understand and befriend them. Educating ourselves in a multicultural culture, as well as knowing the problems that some parts of society have, is essential, in my opinion, to make real the dream of having a peaceful, understanding, respectful society.

Now, I have to say bye. See you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

CHANGES AND BBALL

Hello to everybody!

I hope you all are doing great! I have to say that this week with Eileen, Brian and Tula has been fantastic, I really like them. We got along very well, I think.

On Friday Eileen and Brian were leaving to go to New York for a week, so I am staying with my friend Jenna, whose parents are family friends with Eileen and Brian. Jenna goes to Pres with me, and she is a very good friend. They are Donna (the mother), Jeff (the father), Jenna (my friend, the oldest daughter), Dayna (the youngest daughter, she is so cute!) and Fluffy (the cat, she is soft!) That day we went to a Fish Fry, since it is Lent and we are supposed to not eat meat. It was nice, I like eating fish. I believe that Galicia has the best fish in the world!

On Saturday I went to a basketball game with Donna. It was my first American (well, and Spanish too) basketball game that I saw being played, and it was awesome! It was University of Louisville against Notre Dame, in Indiana. We (UofL) won! It was played at the Yum! Center, sponsored by KFC. It is very nice! I really felt like in one of those movies that are about sports, and winning is so important! I took in only two hours six hundred pictures! What do you think of that?


On Sunday I went to a concert of St. Mary's College and the Prezettes of Pres. It was so nice! I love hear singing choirs, I believe that their voices are very powerful, and it is fantastic. I also studied and did homework pretty much the whole weekend, because it is the end of the Quarter and we have so many things to do!



On Thursday I will be going on the Junior Retreat with my Theology class at Pres. It is focused on volunteering services, and I am really excited about it. I love helping other people, it makes me feel happy. The Retreat is a surprise, so I do not know what kind of service we are going to do, but I am sure it will be good and helpful for our Community.

See you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

UWC

Hello to everybody!

I know it is weird that I am updating on Monday, but... I have a fantastic new I absolutely have to tell you!

I got pre-chosen to go to an United World College for the next two years! During the Spring Break I am going to Spain, to do the exams and interviews. I am really excited! I believe that we have to accept each other's differences and respect everyone as human beings. Understanding the issues and difficulties that each community deals with will help us to know the best way of helping them, making of the world a better, more peaceful and fair place.

The UWC, dear Readers, is an organization that believes that we can achieve a society of peace through diversity and a multicultural education. I am really glad I am given the opportunity to try to go to a UWC.

Thank you for reading me! See you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

CHANGING

Hello to everybody!

Yesterday I changed my host family! During the week I was packing everything to move over here, and (although it was a little bit hard at some points) I made it. On Friday I went out to dinner with Lynne, Don, Mere, and Paul, and on Saturday morning I had a volunteering activity of the National Honor Society. Right after that, I finished packing and I came to my new house.

Of course, I cried. Saying goodbye is always hard. Saying goodbye to your family, is even harder. Meresie, Lynne and Don are part of my family, and I am going to miss them. We are going to do things together, though. I am extremely thankful for sharing all those fantastic moments with them. I love them.

At dinner on Saturday: Brian, Pat, Eileen, and I

I have been living with Eileen, Brian and Tula for a day and a half, and it has been wonderful. They made me feel very welcomed, and I am sure that these three and a half months are going to be amazing. I was nervous at first, but now I feel I know them. They have been fantastic with me, and (even if today I had to unpack everything) I had fun.



On Saturday we went out to dinner in Louisville, in a very pretty restaurant. Pat (Eileen and Brian's oldest son) came with us, and he also spent the whole day today here at home. He is a really nice guy, he is extremely intelligent. Today I was talking to him and I enjoyed it a lot.

Summarizing, I believe that the months that are coming are going to be very exciting, as much as the six last months were. I am really thankful with Eileen and Brian (and Tula!) for hosting me, and allowing me to be a part of their family. This is an opportunity to make new lifelong family and friends, and I am going to enjoy it as much as I can. Eileen, Brian, Tula... Thank you.

I will see you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

AMAZING WEEKEND

Hello to everybody!


I have so many things I have to tell you! Last Friday it was the Diversity Day. We wore the typical outfits of our countries! I did not have the Spanish outfit, so I wore red and yellow (like the Spanish flag). Here I am posting a picture with one of my friends, Joyce, from Sudan. Aren't we pretty? I really loved the Diversity Day! After school that day, I met Eileen, my new host mother. She is very nice, I think I will enjoy a lot the time I will spend with them, as I enjoyed the time I spent with Mere, Lynne, and Don.

On Saturday I went to a lot of places with Lynne and Don. Mere was at a retreat, so she could not come, but I had so much fun. We went to Bernheim Forest. Here I am leaving a picture of the Snake Hollow, a sculpture made out of natural elements.




Then, we went to the Jim Beam Distillery (did you know that a 95% of the Bourbon Whiskey made in the world is made in Kentucky?!) and to the Old Kentucky Home. The official song of Kentucky, "My Old Kentucky Home," was written there by Stephen Foster. It was a pretty house, and the visit taught me so many things! We also went to the Abbey of Gethsemani, but the visits and the gift shop were already finished. If I can, I will go again eventually. It was a very busy Saturday, but I had lots of fun!



On Sunday I went to see my new house, and I met Brian, Pat (Eileen and Brian's son) and Tula. Tula is such a pretty, sweet dog! She is fantastic! The house was gorgeous, really. I was talking to Eileen, Brian, Cindy (my local coordinator) and Tula for an hour and we saw the different rooms in the house. I am excited for living with them. I am going to miss Mere, Lynne and Don, but I am happy that my new host family is so nice. They seem really fantastic people!

My Sunday School Class

Before visiting their house, I went to Sunday School at Mere and Don's Church, like every Sunday. Since today was my last day there, I asked them to take a picture all together, as a class. Here it is!




After visiting their house, I went with Don to two museums. I enjoyed them, one was 21C, a museum-hotel, and the other was the Science Museum of Louisville. I think that museums are great, they show so many things just in one place. I never regret going to them. At the Science Museum, there was a super interesting exposition about the human body. They were real bodies that had been donated to the science and treated to make the exposition. It was really nice, the human body is absolutely amazing.

Now I am watching the Oscars. Wow! The magic of the Cinema. They are making it so spectacular, I am enjoying watching them. I have seen several of the movies that are nominated to some Oscars, such as "Lincoln" and "Les Misérables." Even if I do not do it very often, I enjoy watching movies.

Next Sunday, when I write you again, I will be in my new house, with my new host family. I am a bit nervous, but really excited. See you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

NEW HOST FAMILY

Hello to everybody!

I hope you all are doing great! It is weird that I update my blog on a Thursday, but there is a reason:

I know who my new host family are! I am going to meet my new host mother tomorrow after school. I am really excited! I am going to miss Mere, Lynne, and Don so much, and also Zeke and Kitty, because I love them all very much and I am really thankful with them.

Tula! So sweet!

My new host family are friends of a fantastic teacher at Pres and also of the parents of my friend Jenna. I am a bit nervous and very excited! They have a super pretty dog called Tula, here I leave you a photo that they sent to me.

Tomorrow I am sure everything is going to be great, that I will like them very much and that they will like me too.

See you on Sunday!

Bye Bye!

ST. VALENTINE'S DAY AND WINTER DANCE

Hello to everybody!

I am sorry I am updating on Monday, but yesterday was the Winter Dance and I wanted to talk about it. Well, let's see. I am going to talk about a whole lot of things I did last week and about a (in my opinion) interesting thought that I have had just after the dance.

Well, on Tuesday I had a Math Team exam! It was so hard! I was really happy because in the last exam I was first, but in this one... I do not know in which position I am going to be. Perhaps fourth or fift. I am really glad of belonging to the Pres Math Team, though. I love Math and I enjoy participating on the exams.

On Wednesday I went to... the Opera! We saw Don Giovanni. It was absolutely fantastic. We went there with the Language Club, and I have to say that it was wonderful. The voices of the singers were so powerful! The show was in Italian, but they had subtitles. I think it is a shame that we are not going to go to any more operas with the Language Club!

Do you remember what happened February 14th? Yes, you are right! Saint Valentine's Day! It was soooo fun! We gave balloons to our friends with heart-shaped cards. I gave and received a lot of them! Later, at home, Don and I went to see the movie "Warm Bodies." It was about a zombie that falls in love with a human. I enjoyed it, it was nice.

On Saturday I had the Regional Competition of Math. I did as well as I could, and I am happy for it. I already know the result: I did not make it to the State Competition. However, do you know what? It is fine, I am really proud of myself because I made it first to the Regionals!

Winter Dance! It was fantastic! Great! On Sunday I went with some of my friends to have dinner at the Waffle House and then we went to the Dance. We danced during the whole three hours! I really, really, really loved it! After the Dance was over, I went to a sleepover at my friend Bernadette's house. I am always saying that my friends are wonderful, they are fantastic! I am going to post a picture of the Dance when I finally get them (they are in Shelby's camera).

Here it is my thought: Do you remember that I told you that I have been feeling like a true American girl during the past months? Now, I feel it even more! After my first American Dance, I believe that being a teenager in America is not like in the movies, but even better! Don't think about High School Musical, because that is not the way how it is here, but I like it very much! Right now I am talking with my friend Jiachen, one student from China, and she was saying that she enjoyed the Dance so much too! You know, American Dances are popular all over the world!

Now, something I want to tell you all: Lynne (my host mother) has mononucleosis. I feel so sorry for her, I hope that she recovers soon. Cindy, my Local Coordinator, says that I have to move to other host family to not get sick. I know it is an opportunity to meet other people, but I am going to miss Mere, Lynne, and Don so much. I am very thankful with them and I love them a lot.

Well, people, see you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

SPIRIT WEEK

I am Harry Potter!

Hello to everybody!

This week was the Spirit Week! During the Spirit Week all the students that want to get dressed as something different everyday. On Monday we did not have a theme because we had to wear our dress uniform (the formal uniform: I almost freeze with my skirt!). On Tuesday it was our "Favorite Character Day!" I got dressed as Harry Potter. There were a lot of different costumes: One Direction, Perry the Platypus, Luna Lovegood... It was so fun!

With Brittany (Mardi Gras)

On Wednesday it was our "Favorite Holiday Day." I got dressed as Christmas. On Thursday it was the "Pajama Day." This day was the most comfortable one. I believe that we should be allowed to go in our pajamas to school! Really, it was fantastic! I was wearing pink and white Hello Kitty pajamas, so imagine me! Normally I do not wear pink, people were surprised!

Bernie (St. Patrick's Day) and I

On Friday it was the "Spirit Day," and we had to wear Pres clothes. I wore the Spirit Shirt and a Spirit sweater. We even had a Pep Rally! On Pep Rallies we see the cheerleaders and the dance team dance, some girls act, and everyone has fun! They called me twice! At first because I belong to the Math Team (I won the last competition! I was first!) and then because I won in the Governor's Cup District Competition in Math. They even gave me a diploma and a medal!

On Saturday I went out to have dinner with Lynne, Don and Mere, and today I had to... do my homework. You know, the hard life of the student and all that stuff (I am just being sarcastic!)

Next Friday we do not have school, and on Saturday I have the Regional Competition of the Governor's Cup. Wish me good luck! This Tuesday I also have a Math Team exam. This is going to be a busy week!

Well, I have to go. See you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

ENCOURAGEMENT

Hello to everybody!

The back of our house

Here I am again! Do you know what happened? We were supposed to have our Winter Dance yesterday, but it was snowing and we finally could not. We do not have to be sad, though, because what can seem bad at one point can be good later. Now not having the Winter Dance can seem awful, but they are going to reschedule it, so no problem.

It was snowing so much! I like snow (even if it is so cold!), I think that the landscapes are very pretty. Here I am posting a photo of the back of our house with the snow. I really like it!

I want to talk to you about something: here in America, they know how to encourage people to do whatever they want us to do. I really admire them. For example, when some months ago we had the Walk-a-thon, we could donate money to the school, so they could give more scholarships to girls. Well, they had several awards: for the person that brought more money, the second, the third... You know, they also had "If you bring more than (let's say $300) you get a day out of school" or "you jump for cash", or different prizes of that kind. I think that they knew how to motivate people really well. I am glad of learning different ways of leading a team so we can achieve a goal, encourage people and encourage myself to try to achieve want we want, always respecting others' points of view.

"If you get good grades, you will have an ice-cream pass in the cafeteria". Well, we try to have good grades not just because of that (most of us) but it is always very nice to have an award for our effort. I believe that it motivates us to continue making efforts and trying to do always our best.

"If you do your chores, I will give you your allowance". That is what my friends told me that a lot of American parents tell to their children. They are learning since they are little that they have to do something, that they can get good things for doing it (money, toys, cheers...) In my opinion it is a lesson we have to value: we  do not get things "just because" or without even making an effort to get them, but trying to do what we are supposed to and making people happy.

Well, Dear Readers, I have to go. I will see you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

SLEEPOVER AND GOVERNOR'S CUP

Hello to everybody!

Bernie, I, Serena, and Serena's siblings

I went to a sleepover! That was eight days ago. I had so much fun! The reason for the sleepover was that my dear friend Serena is going to Australia, as an exchange student. I am going to miss her a lot, she is very nice.

I met a lot of new people in the sleepover, and they were great! The day after it, on Sunday, we went to Church with Serena´s family, and then we returned home. Here I am leaving one picture of the party. I hope you like it!

President Obama

On Monday it was the Inauguration of President Obama, and it was also Dr. Martin Luther King's Day, so we did not have school. I really liked watching the President's speech with Mere, Lynne, and Don, I felt very very American. I also think that it was a very powerful speech, that the things he said and the way he said them were really energetic and emphatic.





Do you know what I did yesterday? An exam! Why is that exam so special, Laura?, you would ask. Because it was the Mathematics exam of the Governor's Cup! I explain. The Governor's Cup is a competition that takes place in Kentucky where students of Elementary, Middle, and High School compete on numerous subjects that form the Written Assessments: Math, Language, Social Studies, Composition, Arts and Humanities, and Science. There are also two more parts: Future Problem Solving and Quick Recall.

I participated in the Math exam and in Quick Recall. In the Math exam... I won! First place! I am really happy. Our team lost in Quick Recall, but we did well anyway. Presentation won the first place as a team! I am glad that I was able to participate and to help making Pres be the first. Mr. Armstrong, my Math and Physics teacher at Pres, said that he was going to help me with the problems I did not understand, so for the following championship I know how to do them. I really like him, he is a great teacher!


This was the District Competition, now I have to go to the Regional Championship. If I win, I will go to the State Championship. Wish me good luck, Dear Readers!



Here I am leaving the link to find out more information about the Governor's Cup: GOVERNOR'S CUP

I have to study now, I have several tests this week! See you next Sunday!

Bye Bye!

SUMMARIZING 2012

Hello to everybody!

Here I am again! How was your week? Mine was pretty busy, going again to school and adjusting again to get up early (that is always the worst part!) Yesterday I went with Riley to the cinema, to watch Les Misérables, the musical. It was a great movie, seriously! And Riley was so nice, that she picked me up at home and then brought me home afterwards. You know, I do not know how to drive, and I could not do it anyway with this program. After the movie was over, we went to eat to a Chinese restaurant. I love Riley, she is such a wonderful friend!

As I promised last Sunday, here there is a reflection about my year. The good and the bad sides. The happy moments (most of them) and the not-so-happy moments (just a few). It was not perfect, but almost.

Ele, I, and Raque

I do not really remember what was going on from January to April. Well, I do remember that in Carnival I went with my friends in Spain dressed up in our pajamas! That was so great, I still remember that afternoon. You had a snake, didn't you, Ser? Ele, Raque, Ici, Ser, Sara, Lari, Xini. My friends.





I was in a new class, all with new people. I mean, I knew them before, but not really. This year I realized that Amara, Marta, Xiang, Kimberly, Patri, Emma, Alex... You all are not the people that go to the class next to mine, but friends. I am glad I got to know you.

I, Raque, Ele, Ici

I also remember how happy I was when I knew that I was going to come here, to the U.S. (Thank you, Barrié and Amancio Ortega Foundations! Thank you again!)

In April I had a wonderful weekend in my birthday. Raquel, Elena, Icía. You all are great friends. I miss you. Even if we had some problems after my birthday, I believe that friendship sometimes is hard. I love you, girls. I hope you are having a great time.

I, Lula, María, Marta, Oihane, Irene

From May... I just remember how stressed I was because of the final exams and all the projects. We should not have so many (well, yes. We are students. Anyway, I would like to not have so many!) I remember that then, at some point, I hanged out with my friends that I met in France: Lula, Irene, Oihane, Marta, María, Alexandra... You are great!

In Salou!

Then in June, Salou! Those were very nice holidays! (I am always saying that my friends are wonderful. That time with you was great!) I was very glad that I had more time with my family. Mami, papi, Vito, Al. I love you.

My family

Lari, Ici, Ser, Raque, Ele

Friends

July happened so quickly... I spent that time in Vigo with my family and hanging out with the people that were coming with me to the U.S. (not to the same state). I made great friends there. Nico, Raquel, Mariña, Aitana, Rocío, Yeneva, María, Lauras... I miss you, people. I know that you are having a great time each one of you with your new families, schools, friends... That is fantastic!




Suddenly, it was August. What? August already? Really? The 29th of July (Mere's birthday) was the first time I talked to my new family. Two days in New York and twelve hours of flying later, I arrived to Kentucky. I could not believe what was going on. Even now, if I think about it, I am a bit overwhelmed. I barely remember my first days here. They are kind of blurry in my head. I was so nervous!

Exchange students

My family

September, October, November, December... The first time I saw Mere, Lynne, Don. The first time I went to Pres, a football game, or to the mall. The Fall Break, Halloween, Thanksgiving. Cinema, restaurants, conversations. Friends, family, my new sister. Midterms, Christmas and New Year. Summarizing my first months here, that's it. I cannot say how much I love and treasure all of the special moments that I had with my family and friends. There were not good, but all of them were unique. We had our arguments and little problems, but in general we knew how to get along really well.

Hannah, Riley, and I

Bailey, Serena, I, and Bernie

After thinking for a long time in a word that could summarize my 2012, the best option that I have is "Thank you". Thank you to my two families for being who they are, my friends for supporting me, the Barrié and Amancio Ortega Foundations for making my dream real... Thank you.

It will be difficult that 2013 is as great as 2012 was, but I am sure it would be even more fantastic. Now, I hope that you all have a super great 2013!

See you soon!

Bye Bye!