Spent most of the fall studying like mad to for the Colombian citizenship exam. My friend (and professor) even recorded a series of lectures from the official study guide textbook so I could listen to lectures when I was driving, traveling or otherwise unable to have my nose buried in the book.. The test was on November 29th – so I moved Thanksgiving.. I don’t celebrate a lot of North American holidays because, well. I am trying to become Colombian – but Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday.. So I moved it to New Years Eve, so I wouldn’t be distracted.. and went on studying.

I Heart Radio podcast: Yo Soy Colombia

I even published my lectures to a podcast -(so they would be available where ever I went – on either phone/ computer/ internet. I made charts, I made quizzes, I took practice tests, I took copious notes, notes, notes – color-coded, even..

And I failed – by two grammar questions.. I passed Historia of the Patria, I passed Colombian Constitution, I passed Colombian Geography.. I answered questions about art, music, television, famous Colombian celebrities, Colombian architecture, and ingredients in national and regional dishes.. I learns about all of the regional festivals, parades, music and dance..

And I failed – by two grammar questions..

so, now I am back to studying – but it’s harder this time – because I don’t have a test date.. and since I have to re-take the entire test, I worry about forgetting or messing up sections that I previously passed..

And of course, in the middle of this – regular life continues.. I am in the midst of doing an 80 hour course for my job – and then there’s work… oh – and I am in the middle of writing a book, taking care of a farm……… short trips out and about..

I’m at the farm this week – studying, cleaning, studying some more…

I will say – that my Thankgiving-New Year’s was fantastic.. LOTS of family, at the farm – just like I like it..