school days and walking home

Sometimes I really enjoy the questions that the students ask me in class... The other day I was asked how old I was. 23. Then one of the boys raises his hand and asks: "Are you boyfriend?" No...I am not boyfriend... Had to review how to ask the question, and then answered that no, I do not have a boyfriend. "Are you asking for you or for your friend?" The professor teased him. "For him, for him!" I told one of my other coworkers about it and we had a good laugh imagining me going on a date with this high school boy (who has to be 7-8 years my junior) and him getting carded when trying to buy a drink. Anyway, I've made plenty of much sillier blunders in Spanish, but they are always kind of fun to hear.Also, yesterday I was asked by some of the students if I smoked. I took the opportunity (speaking in Spanish, which I try never to do in class, so they could actually understand me) to say that no, I definitely do not smoke. Smoking is sooo common here, and kids start really young. I explained, too, that I was an athlete, and smoking and sports don't mix. "What sports to you play?" I wished I could have said futbol, because that would have been more impressive to them, but whatever. "I run and play ultimate frisbee (time-out while I explain what "ultimate" is) and climb." Then they all proceeded to tell me that they don't smoke either, which I don't entirely believe, but I hope is true. Or that maybe, just maybe, they might be sliiiightly influenced by me and other people who do not smoke? Anway, it made me feel good to be able to talk about it in a non-lecture format.

And, because it was a day of funny expressions, apprently, while walking home a guy (older) passing me on the street made the comment, "Muy rubia!" um, what? Okay, I get "rubia!" and "hola, guapa!" from time-to-time, meaning "blonde/light person!" or "hey there, beautiful" but... "very blonde?" that was new. Yes, I am very blonde.

Also this bank's holiday message made me laugh. "Happy urban year"? and the other side of the building said, "Happy urban Xmas." So there you have it... Happy urban year, ya'll!