Weather: Sunny, hot, and 80 but feels like 86

Today is a day of many things and many emotions. Today was the last day of my Political Ecology class so we met at 9am with Dani for a discussion on our small research projects, and then we celebrated with some chocolate cake made by Josanna (who owns Fresco). It was nice to finally have everything turned in, but it was crazy to see another module come and go. It made me realize that I only have 2 classes left here after Spring break which equates to 6 weeks. Judging by how fast the past two classes went, May will be here in no time, so I am soaking everything up. As far as the past couple of days go, nothing major or interesting has been happening. I have just been going with Steph and Nicola a lot to work on papers and projects that will let us finish out this module. We usually end up at either Sabor which is the bread shop down the street from my house, or Calypso which is one of the two pizza places on the island. Yesterday Conor, Thomas, and I went and interviewed Josanna and how she sees plastics affecting the island which was an interesting interview. She doesn't use any plastic in her restaurant or at home. This marked our final interview for our discussion that took place today. Overall, it went well and was super relaxed which was great.

When I said today was a day of many things, a year ago today Nana passed away. It's hard to believe it has been a whole year. It feels like yesterday that I was sitting at the hospital with Mom. It's something that I wish I could erase from my mind, but obviously that experience will stick with me forever. I've made it a point to remember her mannerisms today. I remember she would always say "if you stick your lips out any further I'll put knick knacks on them," whenever I would be pouting about something. I thought about how she was probably the easiest person to make laugh, and just tried my best to remember the fun times we had together for 20 years.

Today, Dad got surgery on his knee and everything went well. He is at home resting which made me very relieved, and according to Mum he is already watching Jerry Springer. Today is also the day before we all leave for Spring break. I am beyond excited to see more of the Galapagos. I have been fortunate enough to see Espanola and Lobos already. They each had really cool nesting sites and I am ready to see the other animals on Isabela, Floreana, and Santa Cruz. Isabela has penguins and flamingos, from what I know we are snorkeling with them and I couldn't be happier. Tania washed all my clothes so I can pack later tonight and be ready to go for the boat at 7am tomorrow.

This morning after the discussions I went with Lucy to Fresco for some eggs on toast with some fried tomatoes and it was absolutely delectable and possible the best eggs I've ever had. While we were eating we got into some deep discussions about the mindset of Americans and how jobs are put first before family which creates a very stressful environment. It seems like everywhere else in the world puts family before work, which is the way life should be. Lucy is more enlightened to this idea than I as she has traveled by herself to Spain and Italy. She also spent three weeks in China with a class. We've both met people that have up and quit their jobs to travel. They figure out work as they go and when they settle in a new place. In the states, this attitude is almost looked down upon. Last week, I heard from Shawna who was my flight buddy from Miami to Quito. She told me that her and her boyfriend are moving to Colombia so he can teach English and she plans on learning Spanish. She is only 30 but feels weird and scared about the whole thing. All her friends are married with kids (the American way). She was describing there is a side of her that feels like a failure. I assured her she was not, she is a pharmacist and has worked really hard to get where she is. When I met her she was flying to Quito to help people that couldn't afford medications. She's done amazing things and doesn't need to be married or kids to be successful. Anyways...rant over. Taking all of this into consideration, if I want to travel, or quit a job I am miserable in on a day to day basis, I am going to do it. I guess the lesson learned is that not everything is a set path and not everything is about where you work. Another lesson is that success is different for everyone, and if you're not married with kids by 30 you're not a failure; you're simply following your own path.