acontecimientos

In no particular order….some recent happenings and reflections.

THE HALF MARATHON: The most major event of my life this month other than the daily routine of studying passed without any mention on this blog—my first ½ marathon (13.1 miles, or 21km) last Sunday morning, which I completed in just over 3 hours. It wasn’t as fast as I was hoping for, but considering a late October foot injury, I’m just glad I finished. I learned important things about myself—namely, that I can do things I never imagined I would ever do—but also, that I should be certain of the reasons for which I pursue any goal or activity. The truth is, I love to run. I’ve been running for the better part of a year, and even though I have never been an athlete (and still don’t look like one), I have discovered the running makes me happy (hasta cierto punto—after 6 miles, not so much).

PEOPLE: While I was in San Antonio, I also took my sister out for her birthday, hung out with the rest of my family, saw some old friends from Trinity and met part of my good Venezuelan friend Daniel’s family. Daniel is part of my Latin American Studies program and we carpooled down together for the weekend (which turned out to be a huge blessing, because after the marathon Sunday, I was in no shape to drive anywhere. I was exhausted.)

PAPERS: One of the papers I am writing this semester comparing U.S. and Cuban feminism (1965-1975) was accepted for UT’s student conference in February. My first academic paper presentation ever! My U.S.-Cuban relations class has been the most interesting of the 4 this semester, especially because it is being taught by a Cuban professor, and also because there is so much I just never knew about Cuba before.