Reflection on the U.S.

Okay...so a few words of reflection (remember, I'm a teacher and as my husband says, a person that will never stop taking classes!).

What do I miss the most about home?

1. ceiling fans--I miss the noise and just being able to turn them on when I'm hot!
2. an abundant supply of Coke--Most people here might drink one Coke a week...I do good to go one DAY without one!
3. high-speed internet and computers in classrooms--Yes, I'm spoiled...it's the district's fault for having us use technology so much in our classes! j/k :) Almost everything here is done on paper...they don't enter info into the computer and print out a receipt; they write out the receipt by hand! How long has it been since we had that at home?
   
4. paved roads and traffic lights--I forgot how nice it is to have almost all of the roads that you drive on paved. And oh how I miss everyone stopping at the light, only going on their turn! It's so chaotic without it!
5. mashed potatoes with gravy--I am a Texan, born and raised. But don't make any mistakes here - I only miss the HOMEMADE gravy, not the stuff from a packet! At least they still have potatoes here.
6. chocolate--I never realized how much chocolate we use in our desserts until coming here. It's rare to find a menu without at least one chocolate dessert, but here it is rare to find a menu with at least one chocolate dessert!
7. refills on drinks--You people in other areas of the States might not have it, but pretty much everywhere you go in Texas, if you order water, tea, or a soft drink in a restaurant, you have free refills. And my family knows how traumatized I was as a child in not being able to drink my juice at preschool!

What do I not miss about home?

1. 100+ temperatures--Even though it is rainy here, the temperatures are just right...I can wear short sleeves or three-quarter sleeves and be just fine without a jacket! Perfect!
2. "rush-rush" mentality--As Latin Americans are famous for, it's not a big deal if you are 10 minutes late to something. It's not uncommon for the teacher to be late to class!
3. pavement everywhere--Once you get outside of the big cities, everything is pretty much in a natural state. Even when they have buildings going up or new stores being built, a lot of natural elements are incorporated into the design.
   
4. pumping gas--They still have full-service only here in Paraguay (and most of South America I believe.) I know, Mama...how is that different from home? You have a really wonderful husband that does it for you. :)
   
5. closed windows--Here, they try to use as many natural things as possible, so instead of using a/c, they open a window or door. Instead of a paved pathway, they use rock or dirt. (It also saves money!)

I hope you learned something!