Post-summer to the Present

There are times when I think about what matters. What makes life worthwhile? I have been away from the classroom since July and although I miss that part of my life, I still love where I am at now. The first month and a half I spent in Columbia with my family, then I decided to head to Corozal to meet my aunt who needed help with her baby. I got to my grandparent's house in the night and since the town people were having activities to celebrate Independence Day, my uncle decided to carry us out. I enjoyed watching and listening, especially the fireworks. I also went to the parade the day after, then later on in the day my aunt and I flew over to San Pedro. It had been a few years since I was there last, so I was glad to be there again. The only thing I didn't like about it were the mosquitoes, those little suckers are no good. Anyway, time went by and I got used to my new routine; which was sweep, do the dishes, give Amber her bath, put her to sleep, read a book, and knead flour few times during the week. Mid-October was graduation time and I got to go to Cayo again but only for a few days. I was glad to see my family again. After grad., I went back to my aunt's, still enjoying the time I had to do something to help her family. When the time came for me to leave in early December, I found it hard to do because I had already formed a bond with Amber. She is such a sweet child. It broke my heart to hear her crying for me as I was leaving. I wish I could have brought her with me, but that wasn't possible. I made my way over again to San Ignacio and stayed a few days. I don't know why I just can't seem to leave that town!!! Anyway, I have been in Columbia since early December and it has been great. I have helped my mom in the house, done a lot of cleaning, and also farming along with my dad. I have never really liked the feeling of being surrounded by walls with a few windows so I am glad to spend time outdoors. When my dad said he needed help planting beans, I was very happy to go along. If my grandmom was still here to see me going to the farm, she would be just as happy as I am for she was a hard-working woman!!!! Dad taught me how to measure the distance each hole should be made and how many seeds to drop in the hole. I enjoyed doing it even though it doesn't seem like fun to poke a stick in the ground and bend over to drop some seeds. Other than the that, the weeks and days go by with almost nothing interesting to do. X-mas came and gone and there was almost no festive spirit in me. Then for New Year's, my parents decided to renew their wedding vows, since it was their 25th anniversary. We killed a pig and there was a lot of good food. I forgot that the week before, my aunt from Corozal made what we call 'choch' or 'blood pudding'. There was something about it that made me want more and more [i didn't use to eat it when my grandmother gave us]. It was until later that I learned that it wasn't done the right way. It doesn't matter to me, I liked the new way and I will eat it no other way. So, ever since the year started, the family has been going to the Cacao farm in San Antonio at least once a week. My dad finally realized that he has been making the pods go to waste. I love going there because it is shady and cool under the trees and we spend our time laughing and talking, something that never lacks in my family. There is always a lot to be happy about. During the time that I am not at the farm, I do my chores in the house or the laundry sometime during the week. Other than that, I sometimes tend to my flowers and some of the herbs/spices that I've planted. There are a few days when I tell mom to let me takeover in the kitchen. I'm glad I haven't heard any criticisms!!! That's something good because my mom and dad's taste buds are usually hard to please. Moving on, I have also been doing some other small stuff to occupy my time. I have picked up my embroidery threads, cloth and hoop again. The last time I did one was in high school. It all comes back and i keep adding on so I don't keep doing the same thing for too long. Besides that, I also work with a sewing machine. My dad said he would get an electric one, but I told him that could wait since I don't use it much. Speaking of which, I have to do a 'camisa'[cultural wear] for a little girl soon. I don't know where to start but I will get it done. Other than that, I have also started working with wire. I don't have the right type of wire but I wanted to use up more of my time so I grabbed dad's tools and his tying wire. They still look pretty and I hope to continue with it. I'm just glad I haven't developed any blisters. Back to where I started, I am just happy with what I have for now - a worry-free life. Although I know I will have to end it soon.