Fast-forward one whole year. Blog's got a new look and a new vibe. No longer surviving--just telling the tales of my daily aventuras. You've missed out on a ton in a whole year, I guess it can't be too entirely significant considering I never wrote about it..but here's the synopsis: Got hired and quit the dentistry within 2 months due to the fact I had zero Spanish speaking opportunities. Was hired at the hospital in November as a full time interpreter in the Women's Center. It's been phenomenal! Love my coworkers, the pay, the benefits, my own little desk and completely self-directed! The patients are all pretty great, except for the few who take advantage of the system and expect everybody else to be responsible for them. I visited Chile in the end of December and rang in the New Year beside the Pacific in good company. Fireworks, suspiro limeno, pleanty of seafood and the perfect get-away to Elqui Valley made for the most incredible two weeks of my life. Oh, did I mention I lost 30 pounds since August 2012? Thanks to Zumba, hot yoga, and My Fitness Pal calorie counter. Still working at the restaurant on Saturdays and Sundays. PLUS I just got hired as a dance instructor at the state's largest dance studio. I'll be teaching Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop all summer and will start the new season in September. Been racking up PTO at the hospital and just bought a ticket to Rome for this September! Meeting my best gal pal Sarah out there to take a Mediterranean cruise and explore the countries we have always dreamed of: Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Crete. Though it pains me to realize I won't be going to Chile this year (after having gone every year since 2008), I think it's time that I explore other cultures and enjoy other vistas! These last four months have flown by. I bet it's because I work so dang much but I am reaping the benefits for sure. Not too many people can say they own their own little red car with sunroof and leather interior, the most charming studio apartment downtown that was built in the 1920's and can pick any country to travel and explore annually. I am blessed beyond belief to have the support and love that surrounds me here. I adore my close gal pals who I see for bachelor/bachelorette nights, wine tasting, cocktail hour, ethnic cuisine and slumber parties. So nice to visit family and spend time over a nice meal, celebrating every holiday together and being able to squeeze my nephews!! If it's crossed your mind that I have settled, You mustn't worry. I still desire to live overseas and teach English one day but this new independent lifestyle is enough change to entertain my need for adventure for a while. I love my new little casita and all the memories hanging from the walls and sitting on the shelves. I wake up each day with nostalgia and enjoy my cup of coffee recollecting all of the places I've been and all the people I've shared each cup with. Life is good and I am grateful. Until next time...