Dear Journal:
Sorry for not writing much this week, but it’s been a whirlwind of activity. I worked every day, including two days of overtime (yay tips and time-and-a-half!). It gave me a chance to “bone up on my Spanish” (my dad’s words) in advance of our trip. I had several opportunities to speak it with clients and our porter, Jesus, who shows up at the end of the day to clean the machinery. Dad seems to think that with Spanish 2 under my belt, I’ll be able to act as interpreter. That ain’t happening. But at least I feel prepared for something other than dropping my pencil in the library.
In between shifts, I’ve been scrambling to pack. Fortunately, Mom knew about the trip long before I did, so when we went clothes shopping a couple of months back, most of what she helped me pick out is perfect. (Grungy sweats and hoodies would NOT have been appropriate for Mexico in July.) I did purchase some new sunglasses and a wide-brimmed straw sunhat with my tip money, but that’s about it.
I’ve decided not to bring my journal. It would be too risky, especially sharing a cabin with my sister. The way she sniffed out my Easter candy makes me think that tucking it under a mattress or burying it beneath clothes won't be enough. And if she found it? Ay caramba! I’d have a better chance of survival being kidnapped by a drug cartel.
I’ll be too busy having fun to write in it anyway. I’m sure there will be drama—being in such close proximity to my sister virtually assures it—but it’ll have to wait until we get back.
See you in two weeks!
--Jessie