Greetings...

from Guatemala! I'm taking the opportunity to write before it gets to crazy hot around the computer and I start melting on to the keys. I have so much going through my head right now. I've been in Guatemala a week now and I don't think I've felt this home sick before. I think it has to do with it being the holidays and things here aren't really the same as they are there. Luis and I were sitting outside and I heard a christmas song, Nsync to be exact, and I just kind of lost it. I'm torn between spending much needed time with the husband and the traditional christmas with family and friends. I think i finally kind of broke down last night after I stayed home all day while Luis was at work and I had too much time to think. I finished my book, listened to about all the music I could bare, cleaned, watched TV and of course sweat till I thought there was nothing left to sweat. I'm missing my brothers back from college, friends home for the holidays that I haven't seen in what seems forever, tree decorating, and the traditional gathering at the Leishmens...I could go on. I don't want it to feel like I'm ungrateful, because I am grateful. I'm glad I got to spend Luis' birthday with him and soon christmas and just the fact that we are together is a bonus. I just got a bad case of the should-of, would-of, could-of, and ifs and buts. I've been here 6 times. Still feels like the first when people just stare at you when you walk or ride by. I don't speak or understand spanish so it's kind of hard to talk to others and sometimes it's uncomfortable when things don't get explained to me. I get very self conscious and I have to stay on my toes when we go out. Even in the neighborhood I still have to be careful. Luis has some cute little cousins that live next door and they are fun to watch. I think we have been to the little...and when I say little...I mean it...mall...everyday just so I can get out of the heat. We did get to be a normal couple saw a movie in a real theater! Whoo! This morning we hired a Mariachi singer to come and sing this morning to Luis' mom Irma for her birthday. He was pretty good, didn't understand any of it. But it sounded good. Other than that, there's not much else going on. We are pretty much broke so we have to find things to do around the house or the mall. But we are together, so I'll survive. It's starting to get hot so I think I'm gonna get ready for the day. Did i mention that the shower water is cold...all the time...well it is...all the time...awesome...
Have a great Christmas!

I'd be happy with just a box of chocolates

It's true. Every year dad reminds us to have our christmas lists up before the end of thanksgiving. Fair enough. I can come up with a list of things that I would like to have, some seem more essential than just wants. The list is full of wishes, but I definitely would not be disappointed if I didn't get everything or even half on that list. I've been privileged enough to grow up in a home where every need of mine has been met and even most wants. Even now with my expensive trips to guatemala my parents have been a tremendous help even when they know I won't be able to pay them back right away or even in the next couple months. What patience and love that must take. I am truly blessed and thankful for my wonderful family.

Some info

So part of the process that we have to go through for Luis' immigration paperwork is a hardship process. Pretty much what we have to do is try and explain why it would be impossible for me to live in Guatemala and how Luis is such a great guy(which he is of course).The part where family and friends can help is writing a letter. So I guess I am asking, if you are willing, to write a letter in support of bringing Luis back to the United States. Here is a basic guideline:

[DATE]

NAME
ADDRESS

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is [NAME]. I am a [US CITIZEN? LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT?] of the United States. I make this statement in support of the immigration case of Luis Diaz Jr.
I have known Luis since [HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN HIM? HOW DID YOU MEET HIM?]
[INFORMATION ABOUT LUIS – HOW HE IS A GOOD PERSON, FROM A GOOD FAMILY, HARDWORKING, OR ANY OTHER GOOD STUFF.]
[INFORMATION ABOUT HOW DIFFICULT THINGS WOULD BE FOR BRITANY OF LUIS CANNOT RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES LEGALLY.]

Sincerely,
[SIGNATURE]
[NAME]

I know some haven't had the chance to meet Luis yet, and that makes it kind of difficult to write about him. The lawyers suggested to write as much as you know about him and maybe writing about what you have seen on my side without him here. The importance of family is a good factor to work in, meaning Luis and I as a family and me and my immediate (stott) family. Sending via email would be best but if you prefer the traditional way that is perfectly fine. If you have any questions just let me know! Thank you for all your support and help! It means the world to us!

My email-britanydiaz521@hotmail.com
Luis email-luisdiaz504@hotmail.com

Change of plans

So my last blog said I was going to the Carolina Liar concert...Not anymore. Bittersweet. More sweet than bitter. Ok a lot more sweet than bitter. I'm going to see the hubby and won't be around here to see them. Little sad about that. Was really looking forward to see them again but I'm much happier about seeing my husband. I'll be gone for Christmas...and it will be my first Christmas away from my family...and in another country. We'll see how it goes. Either way I am way excited to see Luis. It's long over due. Maybe this will be the last time I will have to travel to Guatemala to see him? Cross your fingers!

Homework, movies and concerts

I have been in no mood for homework. It's just the pits. I must have some kind of major case of writer's block. It doesn't help that I have two papers due and I can't come up with any ideas or any way to put my very minimal ideas onto paper. I have no motivation. None. There has got to be a way to get past this. It's just taking me an awfully long time to figure it out.
Other than the slue of homework I feel like a little school girl.
Why?
I read through the Twilight series...yet again...
I really just enjoy reading them...and I'm excited for the movie. Again, little school girl feelings. Can't help it. I'm on team edward. I feel like I'm the oldest person(not that I'm old...I've been told I'm still a baby...thank you for that...?) out there excited about the books and excited about the movie... But. I'm sure i'm not?
In concert news Carolina Liar and The Airborne Toxic Event are coming to portland on the 18th of December and I'm way excited. I saw Carolina Liar just a couple weeks ago and they were AMAZING and now I have to see them again. They are that awesome. I got to meet them after the concert and seriously...they were so nice. Tickets are only 12 bucks and it's at the Crystal Ball Room so if anyone is interested my friend Katie and I are going to go and if you need a concert buddy you are more than welcome to come too!
Here is one of their most known songs. I'm Not Over

a sumthin...

It's been a week or two so I thought I would update a little. And I mean little. Not much has gone on. No word on the paperwork but it doesn't worry me. I'm still working and going to school and homework is still kicking my butt. Oh buddy. I can't wait for the day to come that I won't have to do homework again! Luis is doing well. He still gets to work every once in a while and his mom is still making delicious cakes. He fell off his motorcycle the other day...something I am NOT happy about...his skinned his knee and his elbow just a little bit...and that's about it...but still...I was never happy about the whole motorcycle thing in the beginning...even if it is the easiest way of transportation down there...at least he's alive. I can be thankful for that.
Well besides that nothing really has been going down. The boys(my brothers) are coming home for thanksgiving and i'm excited to see them. I miss them more than they probably think! It will be fun to have them home even for the short while.
Well. I'm off to do more homework...highlight of my day ;)

My dad is amazing

My computer crashed. Got the blue screen of death...a couple times...not awesome. But somehow my amazing dad fixed it. I'm pretty sure he can do just about anything. and if he can't...he figures it out. It's just amazing how much he does for our family, like taking time to fix my silly little laptop. Yep. Dad is fan-freakin-tastic. Love him lots!