I haven't been in much of a blogging mood lately. Not because I haven't been doing anything but I have just gotten into a somewhat normal routine (or as normal as you can get here). There are a few things going on or coming up in the future that I am excited about so let me share.

1. Spring is here! I don't know if I would say the weather is warm yet but it is warmer. We still have cold, rainy days, but they are mixed in more and more with warm, sunny days and I am thrilled. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is the real deal here and because of the new changes that is starting to fade and the excitement of a new season and new life is here. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, people are coming out of hibernation and I try to spend as much time outside as I can. I am excited for Spring and then summer!

2. I have been attending a yoga class once a week to get me out among new people and doing something healthy. It is a little different than yoga in the US but I am really starting to get used to it and enjoy it. Some of the other students are regulars so I am slowly getting to know them and my teacher is just thrilled to have an extrajera in her class. I am excited for yoga class!

3. This weekend is Chilean Independence Day weekend. Sept. 18 is the actual day but the festivities begin Friday and go till Monday. I have a party with my neighbors, a party with friends and I plan on going to the city wide party as well. Chileans LOVE Dieciocho and really get into it with performing the national dance, decorating anything possible (cars, streets, stores, parks, etc.). This will be my first Deiciocho so I am excited to soak in all the culture and time with friends.

4. My parents are coming in 12 days! That's right the padres will be visiting me here in Chile for the first time ever and we are all (me, them and my teammates) excited. It is going to be so fun to finally get to involve them in my life here in person by showing them where I live, what I eat, where I shop, and what I do. We are going to do normal daily activities around the neighborhood and city but also going to do some tourist stuff that I have yet to do. I am excited to see my parents very soon as it has been about 8 months since I have seen them.

Lot's of exciting things are happening here in Conce and I will keep you up-to-date as they occur!