Raise your hand if you feel like the calendar in January seems to go A LOT slower than February. Are there any takers besides me? Well, count me in the camp of people to whom it seems like the past two weeks have flown by. It is hard to believe that Valentine's Day has already come and gone! I'm also one of those people who loves a theme, so it makes sense to share a little update during the week when it's still appropriate to see cutesy heart shapes and bright colors everywhere you look. Here in Mexico, Valentine's Day is officially El Día del Amor y Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship). Overall, it comes with all the things you would expect: some flowers, a variety of chocolate, and a heavy sprinkle of capitalism. One thing that it doesn't have is cards! I realized this more profoundly as I planned to get a greeting card for my sweetheart, and then remembered that in Mexico, cards aren't really a thing. There are not entire aisles devoted to any sentiments on paper like they are at Walgreens or Hyvee at home. It makes me think of how in the US we use cards as a communication and presence tool, and sometimes as a proxy for saying words out loud. Additionally, and more practically, though, the lack of Hallmark's presence makes sense given that any sort of mail service here is widely unpredictable.
Speaking of unpredictability, the past two weeks have had both expected and unexpected moments from birthday party fun, spontaneous play dates at parks, running into a Carnaval (Mardi Gras) parade and heavy wind taking out electricity leaving us the whole afternoon without power. Like Forrest Gump says, it is like a box of (Valentine) chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get! Some other Dehner Family headlines:
Megan Enrolled in 1 Credit Hour at UIowa To continue being a student and a part of the Ph.D. program, I'm doing a little independent study with my advisor titled: “Observations & Reflections of Visual Art and Language Experiences and Opportunities in Mérida, Yucatán, México by An Artist, Educator, and Parent.” While a long title, I'm basically spending some time intentionally collecting data (short video clips, pictures, my own artwork, voice recordings, journaling) in the form of my own experiences while here. Then, I'll apply some fancy shmancy theories to try and explain it all. Based on my eclectic and intersecting interests, I hope it informs further research and inquiries. Fingers crossed!
Ryan Mayan: Language Lover Formally Starts His 4th Language
Because it is too fun not to say, Ryan has started taking a Mayan class on Wednesday afternoons. It is always good to be a beginner at something and with the Mayan language so pervasive, it has been fun to try and identify new patterns and words that are in the common vernacular. Our favorite so far that is used here is the word 'Tuuch.' Which literally means 'belly button' in English. However, it is used to describe things being in the middle among Spanish phrases. For example, "la Tuuch de la semana" or "the middle of the week" otherwise known as Wednesday.
Madeline & Reid Are Allowed to Kick and Punch Two Times a Week
Our apartment, even though there is enough space to live in, admittedly gets a little small. After some long afternoons of needing to get out of the house, we decided to start Taekwondo classes. Despite the rigid protocol and intensity, both kids are jumping and kicking right in. It is fun to watch them get comfortable being uncomfortable so to speak. I'm not sure if we will continue back in Iowa City, but it is a fitting activity for now.
As always, thanks for reading!
Another entertaining post Megan! 🩵🩷 The parade video (with BeeGees tunes) cracked me up! Fascinating that Valentines Day is so international…. I DNK😲
We enjoy your posts so much! What a wonderful experience!