Dipping in.

Dueling pianos with only 80s numbers. That's where the cheap drinks are in downtown Minneapolis on a Wednesday night. Introduction into Miami Ad School apparently includes a Pop-Rock shot courtesy of some seasoned art directors in the program. There shouldn't be too many questions why this field is so exciting.

Classes are kicking off well. The structure of the program is completely new to me. The classes are taught by professionals in the ad industry. So, it was first time since my freshman year philosophy class that I'd heard a teacher curse in class and have them call you by their first name. It feels good to be in a learning environment again, especially a more creative one.

Classes carry on throughout the weekend, so my only true 'day off' so to speak is Thursdays. Which will be a self proclaimed "laundry-food shopping" day.

I scored myself a free bike for a few months while I'm here. The people I'm living with are well connected, so it seems. The ride to school is about 3.2 miles through the nice and lovely industrial warehouse strip along the clap filled Mississippi river. Although, the summer heat isn't nearly as intense at Texas, but biking at least six-and-a-half miles each day is going to have me looking real hot. and sweaty. So I'll be keeping a dark chocolate bar and bottle of wine at my hands for nightly tuck-in. that or a cold beer.

I've decided that I'll probably end up explaining to people for the rest of my life exactly what it is that I do. I work in advertising. Then I suppose people can make there assumptions from there. Because when I start to explain account planning people automatically think numbers. And let's all be honest, I like to claim my fame to a lot of things, but numbers is a the bottom of that list.

So I'm not sure how much I will actually be blogging. Considering I've attempted to start writing an entry for almost a week now, I'm guessing not much. But maybe every once and a while you'll get a sentence. Statement and verification of my livelihood. maybe.

Alright folks.

E.

packed. de nuevo.

Packing for three months is much easier than packing for a year. Especially when the hemisphere is the same. I'm excited. I'm starting something amazing and new and from here on out it's the talent and passion I have that will drive me. Of course, the recession will be right there to remind me of reality when I'm looking a for a job in three months. Until then I will sharpen my pencils and take notes diligently. 'Cause I'm back in school. And in an entirely new territory. I dig it. bring it.

Ohhhh, I hope I can watch Fargo on my netflix online.

Elise

Moving On. Again.

The American soil has seeped back into the soles of my shoes. The sweltering Texas heat has broken my sweat. The wonders of the English language have re-filled in my brain. I'm adjusting back to this american life. The first few days were like walking through a sand box with your eyes closed. Then, I opened up my eyes and started laughing again. And driving like the irresponsible driver I am. Sometimes a wave will come over me. Thinking about those delicious empanadas, you ask? oh you know it. Especially that fugazetta. Besides food, there are certain things, even things I love, I'll have to leave behind. And time will make that easier. that is just life, isn't it?

Update:
As you may have noticed I changed up the format. The content will be changing, as well. I'm currently in San Antonio, after a weekend of visiting old friends in Denton and Fort Worth, but only for two more weeks. I take off for Miami Ad School....which let's all remember the misleading confusion that it is actually in Minneapolis. Either way, I get to say chau to 100-degree summer days here in Texas and give the north a chance to show me it 'warm' side.

My blog will document my adventure through this Account Planning Bootcamp, running from July 6- September 20. After the program is over I will be taking a short trip to Chicago and New York to visit agencies and friends. Once this course is over I think I'll be ready to pack up my suitcases for a while. Where? Quien sabe?

Warning: These entries will not contain as much adventuresome stories as the past year in Argentina, but I will do my best to hide great cynicism.

Don't cry for me, Argentina.

We've come full circle. One year later. I've got all kinds of emotions running through my body so I should not write an elaborate entry right now. But, I am home. I am missing certain people. Certain things. Nothing that I could put in my suitcase, though. So, I'll take a deep breath and look at the fancy things I just found today at Super Target.

I just need to settle my brain. my body. I'm in Texas. I'm in Texas.

That's all.

Elise

Bebé de comida

I just ate my weight in Argentine beef. and it was so deli(cious). My housemates and I went to a tenedor libre, which literally means "open fork," but what it really is a wonderful all-you-can-eat meat heaven. There was a nice salad bar with fresh beats and all, then you get to choose which and however much of the meat as you want. Of course, you have to start with the steak then work your way down. By the time I got to the sausage I was meated out, with a food baby named carne. Don't worry I topped all that off with some helado (ice cream).

I could give you a play-by-play of what I've been doing since Sunday, but really it would just be descriptions of the different food I've been eating, and good company as a side order. My mind doesn't really go around thinking, this is the last time you'll be able to do this, but apparently my stomach has caught on to the fact that I'm leaving and it's taking me for a ride.

I'm going to miss so many things about this city, but one of the things I have to most shame to admit that I'm going to miss is the dirty old men that stare at you on the street. Men are trained from a young age to stare and whistle at woman, and most of the time it's harmless. About 90% of the time it just makes me laugh at how ridiculous they are about it, and obvious. Today this old man stopped me in the street to ask me something and when I couldn't make out the first time what he had said, upon his repetition of his question I could only make out one word between his slurs with four teeth, "beso." and I kept on walking.

This time next week I will have gone from Fall to Summer, moved back two hours, eaten Tex-Mex and possibly driven a car for the first time in a year. que raro.

-E.

-E.

Mi última semana.

So my favorite bus let me down tonight. The 59. It's given me so many great memories and I swear when that bus driver looked at me tonight as I was running toward the stop in a breathless manner, he smirked at me as he hit the gas. Smirked. at me. Well. I'll show him. Yeah. I waited 25 minutes for the next one.

Tonight was my last class with the family I've been teaching English to on weekends since August. They made me a cake that said "Bye, Bye" on it and called it my Bye Bye Cake. There were even little white hearts written in icing on it. I was very touched. Then i started making jokes and singing "Bye, Bye, Bye" from NSYNC, including hand gestures. I'm always in for a laugh.

We're on the home stretch. Literally. I've had so many emotions since arriving here, and now I really can't feel any of the ones that see fit. All I'm feeling is the my life moving and the way I feel about being in it. The only things I want to plan for this week are eating and drinking. And a little snuggle time, since the weather is getting cold.

I'm going to be annoying and try and write a play-by-play of my last days. Well, see how many days go by before I realize I'm sitting in my bed in Texas connected to the internet and no longer able to walk across the street and buy bread and milk. Hmm. Strange.

-E.

montage

I've decided that banana-chocolate chip pancakes and Jamie Lidell are a wonderful way to begin your Friday morning slash afternoon. Especially when you have nothing but a care in the world. I realize that my extreme happiness in this world is probably stabbing you with a spoon. I also realize I'm a much better writer when I'm bitter and cynical, but I tried those emotions and they just don't work right now. Maybe it's the company I keep. Just so damn wonderful. This happiness has become so infectious that I've begun singing on the street and slightly skipping to the beat under my headphones.

I don't have departure on my mind. I've come to the conclusion that it's better to leave all that emotional baggage for the taxi driver to the airport. What a wonderful experience for him that will be. But my housemate was telling me that they don't let crazies on planes, so I'll have to compose myself before take off.

I'm officially finished teaching English. Thank god. I wasn't doing a disservice to this world or anything, it's not like I was shaping young minds, but I was simply dissolving in boredom. Now, in just a few months I will enter into a career that I couldn't be more excited about. I love chemicals that make your water taste like orange drink, and I want to sell it to you for breakfast. Mmm. Drink it up.

Lots of besos.

-E.