Viva La Vida

Fresh Start

2009-01-30T22:48:00.002+01:00

I have this feeling that things are changing in life, in my life and in the life of Joan and I as a couple. Hopefully for the better. I want to change up my writing style and have more fun with this blog so in the future check this one: http://www.lifethroughblueyes.blogspot.com/ it will be continuation of this one.
I may come back to this one but who knows! save the new address in your blog roll!

thanks peeps

I'm baaack

2009-01-29T15:29:00.002+01:00

Back to work and back to life in Spain. Suprisingly I'm not as depressed as I thought I would be. Maybe its because I had such a great time and soaked up every minute with my friends and family. You would think that would mean I would be really sad and depressed but It's not that bad. I'm more sad and depressed about work. Things are crazy and seemed to fall apart while I was gone. I'm here now trying to pick up all the pieces and get the job done which isnt easy if you know the people I work with!
As for the trip I have a ton of photos that I will probably post when I can. Joan's laptop has been cold and dead for a couple weeks now and we may get a new one this weekend if the budget allows....I so hope it does. Right now Joan is at the Univesity studying for his exam that he has tonight, I told him I was jealous and he told me I was crazy. I need to finish school for goodness sake! I want to start at Dublin University Online this fall but if I want to have a wedding in Jan 2010 I don't know if I can unless the boss decides to give us a raise, which we both really really need. After returning from America I'm just so ready to move or do something else, my friends joke because Ive never stayed more than a year and a half someplace and they are so right. I'll have to wait and see what the next couple of months have in store for me before I make any rash decisions.
Back to work and I promise to upload pics and tell you the stories of the vacation asap!

Not Much Time

2009-01-19T01:12:00.003+01:00

Ive finally managed to sneak away and grab some computer time, but I don't have much to work with. The house is full and I have people to spend time with, however I ama dedicated blogger and don't want to get to far behind. I need to fill you in on the plane ride (10 hours) and everything since Thursday but that post will need some serious concentration and like I said, I don't have much time.

I would like to say I love America,my family and my wonderful friends. Time is flying by far to quickly and before I know it I will be back in Spain once again. It's incredible the difference a year makes. My life is there now, I'm with Joan, all my cousins are so big now; deeper voices, driving, girls. My little brother is capable of having gerat conversation, Madison is so grown up at 4 and my friends are almost through with school. We're all growing up.
Another thing that-s overwhelming is all the options. America is much bigger than I remember. Even going to the grocery store today, I was overhwhelmed by all my options. 35 different kinds of cereal, 18 choices of maple syrup, 23 types of bread. I'm not used to that anymore and I can't decide if thats good or bad.

So far I've been to Olive Garden, Chilis, Corner Cafe, Starbucks and The Cheesecake Factory-I'm loving the food! Tonight we're going to dinner but not sure where. I promise to give all the details soon, maybe next week if I have time.

Hope all is well!

Ciao

The Question

2009-01-14T15:28:00.002+01:00

Work has moved at a fair pace today due to the mass amount of work I have and am trying to complete before I leave.
When my "manager" gets back from lunch we're going over my course and I'm going to give her all the details I have, should be interesting.

I'm all packed, minus a couple things I will add before I leave Girona tonight to go to Lloret. I've done my online check in, emailed some friends and will call the family tonight before bed. Everything is falling into place. I am going to miss Joan so much. He has been so sweet to me the last few days, especially when he PROPOSED. He took me to the top of the Cathedral in Girona, a place that is so beautiful, with views of the river and the scenery is amazing. He told me how much he loves me, how he wants to spend every minute of his life with me and he got down on one knee and said, "Will you Marry Me?" He told me that this moment doesnt matter half as much as all the moments that will combine to make up our life together. He said that this moment is just a beginning to what's to come. All I could say was " Now?" "Right now?" I was so shocked. He gave me the ring, it's lovely, but is a bit to big so it will be resized. I am wearing another ring now that he gave me before in it's place. I told Joan yes, obviously, and its a night I wont ever forget. He wanted to propose before I went to the states so that I could tell everyone ¨I'M ENGAGED!" Which I will do of course.

I can't wait to see you all!

Tuesday, Tuesday

2009-01-13T09:14:00.002+01:00

I came to work a bit earlier this morning so I could write this. Joans laptop died a few days ago so the only access to the internet I have is through the mini screen on his ipod so not to great for blogging. I have a great big to do list, at work and at home. Since I'm leaving on Thursday I'm leaving my collegues with my course. I need to try to get as much done today and tomorrow as humanly possible. I currently I have 25 things on my to do list. ugh.
At home, I have to get the house cleaned up, finish some laundry, take my coat to the dry cleaners, paint the nails, get the eyebrows done, PACK, make some frozen lunches for Joan, run my last minute errands, get my itinerary, passport etc all in order, call everyone to finalize plans etc etc. Again, ugh.

I am going to be more excited on Wednesday night when everything is done. Today is just crazy. Tonight I am trying to get together with the Crew, Elizabeth, Alex and Rod. Rod is leaving for Australia on the 20th. I'm going to miss him, he's a good guy and Joan got along well with him too. I'm worried for Alex as he will be the only Australian left in Girona. I'm trying to learn some Aussie terms to make him feel more at home, it's a bit difficult and I have to keep from laughing when I use the terms.

Well, it's time for me to start working. I will talk to you all soon and see some of you very soon!
:D

An Incredibly Long, Very Cold Trip

2009-01-10T10:14:00.002+01:00

I first want to say what a success 16 things has been. Thanks to his lady, my cousin, my long lost sorority sister and bf and my south beach friend have also included the fun post to their blogs! Awesome!
Now, I will tell you all about my whereabouts over the last few days. Joan and I were assigned to go to Bratislava to start the training course there for Cabin Crews. This was work I was excited about but dreading at the same time. We left Girona in the early morning hours and were in Milan by lunch. Originally we planned to see the city, seeing as we had six hours to kill in an airport but, plans, as always changed. When we saw the massive amount of snow on the streets we had second thoughts. What if the bus was stuck in the city because of the ice or snow and missed our flight to Bratislava? We couldn't risk it. Besides, I had the beginnings of a serious cold and didn't want to make it worse. We did go outside the airport so I could officially say I was in Italy. We took pictures in the snow and hurried back inside for some Italian food. Joan asked a cabin crew where the best place in the airport was to eat, there weren't many places so we found the restaraunt easy.
"Bonjourno!" the waitress asked us and I told her the same in my best Italian accent. "What can I..do you want?" she said in her best English. "Pasta alla Pesto" with a Coke. Joan spoke up and said, "Pasta Bolognesa" "Pasta lasange" said the waitress, "Pardon me if I'm wrong but on the sign there it says Pasta Bolognesa". "pasta lasange" she said again. "Ok, ok...I guess I'll have the pasta lasange then, with coke." "Pasta lasange" she said again and walked away. Note that we were also sitting with strangers as the seating was limited and everyone kind of crammed together. The group with us had ordered coffee's and orange juice-their bill was 16.00€-Italy is expensive I guess. The waitress came up to our table after the other group had left us alone and said "Few minutes for hot dishes." and two minutes later the hot dishes appeared. Mine was excellent, even pasta pesto in an airport in Italy is great. Joan also loved his pasta lasange more than he thought. Win win.

After a great lunch we wanted to sit and rest somewhere, not possible in a small airport with hardly anychairs. We manged to find some but they were situated in front of the doors so every two minutes someone would walk in and we would get a blast of cold air. The rest of the airport trip went like this, sitting in random chairs, the floor, abandoned check in desks, luggage carts etc until we decided to get a coffee. A delicious, creamy, perfectly foamy cup of delicious hot love. You haven't had coffee until you've had one in Italy.

Our plane ended up being dealyed two hours, we had already passed through security and everything was closing in the airport. Joan bought us two cans of Pringles, four different kinds of Italian chocolate, water and a coke. We now had rations. I watched two episodes of The Office on our Ipod touch, I had already seen them but "Frame Toby" and "Business Trip" were still hilaroious. I slept and played four games of air hockey via the ipod with Joan and won three of the matches. go me.

Our plane left to Bratislava a few hours later and luckily Joan was able to call the hotel and they were going to pick us up from the airport. We got into the plane, sat in the same seats we always do and watched gleefully has passanger after passenger skipped our row. It wasn't until the last minute when a father and his small child sat next to Joan. The baby was a little less than a year old and cried a lot. Poor Joan.

We landed at 11:30 on Tuesday evening, greeted by a sign that read "Mr.Planet". Stepping out into Bratislava was exciting for me, but it was masked by the frigid temperatures, minus 11. At this point my cold was at an all time high, watery eyes, congested, headaches. There was no medicine in the airport and I needed some bad. We asked our ride to stop by a pharmacy but he didnt know which one was open and sure enough the one on the way was closed. We decided to just go to the hotel, I thought some sleep would cure me instead. Our one bedroom apartment was great. It was in the old part of the city, close to restaraunts, clubs, bars and the U.S. Embassy! We slept great that night but awoke to six alarms the next morning at 6 a.m. We got ready, reluctantly and made our way to the city center to find a pharmacy. We found one and we found a McDonalds. This was the only place open that served breakfast and boy was I thrilled when I saw they had hashbrowns. They don't serve those here in Spain and that has always been my favorite thing at McDonalds. I had two with Orange Juice and was ready for the day.

We met the guy from the Personnel Agency, the one helping organize the training course for us in front of the Bratislava National Theatre. He was somewhat tall, dark hair, thin, your normal Eastern European guy I suppose. We arrived to the training center which was being held in an old communist building, ugly and cold. Martin helped me up the icy stairs when I slipped and slided due to my heels. (bad idea). We set up everything and I felt prepared, my cold medicine had started to work and I was in good spirits.

Forward to a few hours later:::::::::miserable city. The pills were wearing off and in the middle of speaking with a student I had to leave, my eyes were watering so bad I couldnt see, my nose had this burning sensation like I had to sneeze and I had a coughing attack. In front of 40 people. great, right? Joan was able to take over while I collected myself in the bathroom. A cold is not flattering, my hair was a mess, my make-up dissolved into thin air it seemed, my lips were bright red and my skin was dry. I did what I could and finished the day, luckily it was almost lunch time but we first had to stop in and say hello to the owner of the building, a Joseph something or other. He told Joan and I he wasn an old communist and showed him his memorabilia etc. He then offered us "The Slovak Special" of shots of some type of alcohol. We insited no and told him we had to eat first. "Maybe next time" he said in rough English. Creepy. We had lunch at a local pizza parlor, where a whole pizza set us back 5€. Just a few days before the Slovakian currency, the Koronas, switched to euros. Everything was so cheap. I had a pasta dish that was only 3€. Joan and I ate with Martin (luckily because the menu was in Slovak and the waiter didnt speak English) and the whole bill was 21€ including beer. Amazing!

At the end of the night, Martin took us back to our hotel where we changed and then met up with him and the Ryanair Instructor, Cristopher, a over thirty rock star wannabe who also is the base supervisor in Italy. We met them at this bar called The Dubliner, a really cool place. We talked about all sorts of things, mainly work until the Ryanair Direct Instructor arrived. She flew in from Dublin to teach the first two days of the course to the students. Of all places we go she said, we picked the Irish pub. Martin had been drinking so Joan drove all of us to the UFO in Bratislava. A very upscale bar, restraunt and club. It was incredibly gorgeous. To see Bratislava at night is unbelieveable. We had wine at the bar, overlooking the city. Warm candles glowed from around the room and light music played in the background. The whole place was very chic. Joan, the Irish Instructor and I had Slovakian Red Wine, the Italian instructor and Marin had Sambuka. We stayed an hour there, talking and discussing work. It was an out of body experience in a way because for a moment, I saw myself from the outside looking in-watching this 21 year old girl from Florida sitting in this very posh place in Bratislava, Slovakia-a place I never dreamed I would go-talking business with high-up people, people who have worked in the company for years. It was my first business outing. I think I aged even more in that hour I was there.

Joan and I made it back to the hotel later and despretley needed to eat something. We found a Mexican/Asian restraunt and tried our luck there. If a Mexican restaraunt, like Chipotle and A Chinese restaraunt like Panda Express had a baby, this would be it. It was decorated appropriately but had all kinds of things on the menu. Joan and I had cokes, nachos and salsa, spinach and cheese quesadillas and he got a baked potato with four chicken skewers with thai sauce. It was amazingly good.

I can say this about Bratislava, it suprised me. The city is beautiful, at least the old town which is being renovated and is similar to the one where we live in Girona. The buildings are gorgous but you can definetly see the Communist influence. I wish we would have had more time but it is a place we will definetly visit again-either for work or pleasure. From there we can go to Budapest and Vienna. Also, we really want to go to Prague. I believe Joan and I will accomplish all that this year and more.

We worked Friday and it was a very busy/stressful day. I'm glad it's the weekend. I only have tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday left and then I'm off to America! I still have to pack but Joan and I are going to be hitting up the sales tomorrow at H&M!

Thanks for reading my incredibly long post!
As they say in Slovakian...Ciao Ciao.

Back in Spain

2009-01-09T15:24:00.003+01:00

Well, I'm finally back in Spain after flying all over Europe with Joan. We were in three cities in one day..or four in two days. However you want to look at it, we were busy.

I'll update you guys this weekend but for now I just wanted to remind you that

NEXT WEEK I'LL BE GRACING AMERICA WITH MY PRESENCE.

Only a few more days!

No Blues Today

2009-01-04T18:49:00.002+01:00

I mentioned a few posts back that I often got a case of the Sunday Blues, well, I didn't get them today. Joan and I woke up EARLY this morning to meet his parents and Sergi at the airport to see them off before they went to Paris. Ooo la la, right? I'm envious of course but I know I'll get to go again soon. After leaving the airport we decided to go to the mall to look at puppies. Always breaks my heart but I can't help it. We picked out one we wanted, a French Bulldog puppy, all black and a face that could even melt the heart of the Wicked Witch of the West. I silently named him Kujo and then we left.
It was a great trip because Joan finally found button downs that actually fit him. H&M is great. We're going back next Sunday for saaaales! I found some great, thick black tights for the cold trip to Bratislava and Kansas City as well as a black Tous belt which I was very happy to receive. We had cafés and doughnuts and promptly made our way back home for some much needed R&R.

Now we're at the library, Joan has been studying for the last hour for his accounting exam and I've been researching hundreds of internships across the country as well as applying for scholarships and grants for school. Even though I have internet at home, I'm always more productive here.
I'm going to head home now, have dinner and prepare for the week ahead. We will be going to Bratislava as well as Stansted and Milan! So busy! Soon, I'll be posting about packing for the states! I cannot contain my excitement!

Ciao

Inspired

2009-01-02T14:02:00.003+01:00

A fellow blogger wrote in her blog 16 random things about herself. I am inspired by her post and will do the same in my personal blogosphere. Her and I have a lot in common and perhaps after reading mine (and hers too!) you will be inspired to do the same and who knows maybe a giant chain of "16 Things" will spread like a California Willdfire (too soon?) and we'll be famous. Here goes.

1.I like to clean. A lot. I'm not an OCD case or anything but I don't think it's that weird that I need the house to be generally clean before bed, before studying or well just about anything. I like a clean space and if anyone needed to eat off my floor, they probably could without catching any major germs.

2. However, just because I like to clean a lot doesn't mean I love showering. Yes, I do it because I'd be considered gross and smelly and well the boy probably wouldn't like it. It's such a hassle to me. Sometimes I will admit it's refreshing after a run, a workout or long day; but other than that I really loathe shower time. I must have had a trauma as a child.

3.I'm addicted to coffee or hot chocolate. In America I never drank coffee, or not real coffee, just Starbucks blends and shiz. Now I always order a café amb llet or café con leche for all you Spanish speaking folks out there. During the months of December-February I drink Hot Chocolate a lot. Not that Chocolate pudding stuff Spain has but the real Hot Chocolate sent from the states. With marshmallows, of course. I always work better and it's how I get excited about going to work, I know if I go, I'll get a cup of coffee. I must have been so easy to appease as a kid.

4.I'm on the same wave length as jo, When Harry Met Sally is my all time favorite movie and I'm stoked for the day when I go to NYC again and sit in the diner where Sally had her "famous scene" I think you know which one I mean. I'm glad I found my Harry, in form of a Spaniard named Joan but well, it works.

5. I don't LOVE scary movies but I'll watch them with a group of friends on occasion. I know it's a movie but when scary movies are based on events that are realistic they stay in my mind for days, if not weeks. Joan's little brother played Black Christmas yesterday and even though I KNOW that an inbred psycho isn't going to escape and come to my apartment because she used to live there and now wants to eat my eyes-I still thought about that scenario and what I would do if that were to occur.Who's going to be the prepared one when crazy stuff starts happening? ME.

6.I love Reeses. I also love peanut butter M&Ms but I heard they're not being sold anymore? Not sure but either way I love them. Peanut Butter on it's own isn't so appetizing but when mixed with Chocolate, I can't for the life of me think of anything better than that. I once had one of Joan's friends bring me back some when he went to Vegas but I guess he was confused or never heard of them because he brought me back Peanut M&Ms even though he knows those are sold here and very easy to get. I was sad.

7. I love to watch movies as well. It saddens me greatly because theaters only show movies in Spanish and I hate watching George Clooney's mouth move one direction and his words go another. Ruins the beauty of a film for me. I now have to resort to downloading shoddy films where every ten minutes or so I see a shadow of a person get up and move down the aisle to go to the bathroom. When I go home to America I want to see a movie everyday.

8.I love reading. I'm an addict, books are my drug. It's an expensive habit because I can't find the books I want here, in English. I have to order them or when I go to London for work, buy them there. I love owning books. I'm preparing for my future mansion's future library. I have over forty books which is a great start but depresses Joan when he thinks of all the money that goes into my habit. I don't care, they are wonderful and I want more of them. You can often find me on the barnes&noble website, foaming at the mouth.

9.I can never find my socks. When I lived in FL I never had any because I wore flip flops 24/7. I had about five pairs when I moved to KC and now that I'm here and wear boots almost everyday I can never find my socks. Joan has half a ton so I usually have to wear his which are way to big and kind of ugly. I need to buy some socks.

10.I love to go on walks. But I hate walking if I'm forced. I walk to work each day and its the longest walk ever, especially when it's cold. I like to wander around Girona or Barcelona or anywhere and could do so for hours. Especially around lakes. In 30 minutes I have to walk back to work-the walk I hate the most.

11.I love Disney movies. Secretly until about now. Aladdin was on the other night and I really wanted to watch it but of course Joan didn't and he told me he would just download it for me sometime. I swear I'm not a freak about this but they're the kind of films you can just enjoy and relax and sing a long too. I don't deny myself this that make me smile, especially not cute monkeys named Abu and genie's that grant wishes in a fun musical way.

12. I don't like pigeons. I have come to call groups of elderly people pigeons. There are lots of pigeons in Barcelona, both varieties and they both sit in parks. Only in Paris do they feed each other. They constantly coo and if you've ever watched them try to eat something, it makes me frustrated and I just want to shout" your beak is small! can't you open your mouth?" or "That's a rock! You'll never be able to it so just stop pecking at it!"

13. One of my best friends here is an 80 year old woman named Pilar. She is the secretary at work and she only speaks Spanish/Catalan so it forces me to practice the language skills. She makes me soup when I'm sick at work or baked apples during the holidays. When I tell her I'm going out with Joan after work for a date or something, she sprays me with her Lowe perfume that she says is "very sophisticated" and the same people annoy her that annoy me so it gives us fun gossip time. She's great.

14.I used to dance a lot. I did ballet and jazz and hip hop for a lot of years. I miss it a lot. I used to act too, just a bit but it could have been a calling. I could have worked with Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt. If only...If only.

15.I was an only child for a long time until my little brother was born. He's my half brother but all the same. I'm 21 and he's 9. I miss him a ton since I've been here but we'll pick up right where we left off when I see him in two weeks. I'm still the only girl so that's just as good as being an only child pretty much.

16. I live in Spain and like some others I am elitist about it and only those of you who have lived in Europe will understand. We're better than you and we can say it in another language to prove it.

Fine As Wine In 2009

2009-01-02T00:06:00.002+01:00

At this time yesterday morning (is that how it goes?) I was ringing in the New Year with Carlos and Gemma. It was a fun, laid back New Years with Joan and our friends. A friend told me that where you are at midnight dictates how the rest of the year will be, if that's so then that's perfect for me. Whether that's a myth or not, it does hold some kind of truth. Last year I rang in 08 in the Casino of Barcelona and the rest of 2008 I went to more parties than I did in school.

Joan and I arrived at Carlos and Gemma's around 10. I made Caesar Pasta Salad and we had lots of little snacks and drinks. They have an adorable dog, Rocky. I fell in love and I think the same happened to him. He was at my side, practically trying to hold my hand all night. I'll be sure to post pictures this week. At midnight we all ate our 12 grapes as the little pacman people ate the grapes on t.v. with us, at the sound of each chime of the clock. I managed to eat all 12 but mine were already peeled and seedless so I cheated a bit.

At 1:00 we left Girona and drove to Lloret where we met up with Xevi and Albert at El Tunel and then headed to Shabir's for the festivities. I finally met his father which was a surreal experience. We stayed at his house knockin back the Moet until three when we finally left for the disco. I actually had a really nice time with Ana even if the place wasn't the best. Albert disappeared at some point, Xevi stayed at Hollywood while we walked to BurgerKing to grab a New Years snack. My first meal of the year always comes from there, last year Joan and I went to the same place, weird. Anyway, we finally made it home at 6 and I found myself in his parents kitchen throwing sugar down Joan's throat cause he caught the hiccups. Hilarious as it was we almost woke everyone up.

The afternoon was great, we slept in and Joan's mom made Arroz y Bogavante. My favorite meal. It will be our last family lunch until next month because this Sunday they go to Paris and when they get back it will be a Sunday evening and I leave right after to the states! This month will fly by. The first day has already, at a frightening pace. Joan and I did talk about our future and typical NYE things. Now it's 12:20 on Jan 2nd, I'm not sticking to my plan of going to bed early and neither is Joan, oh well this year I'm going to do what I want, get what I want and hopefully make a ton of money!

A little shout out to Joan, for being so sweet and celebrating our second New Years together.You made it wonderful as always, I'm so happy to be by your side to give you besos at the stroke of midnight. I Love you.

Twelve Things

2008-12-30T20:52:00.019+01:00

I have put together twelve photos to sum up the year 2008 & my time here in Spain. It's cool looking back at everything that I've done/accomplished/experienced in these 12 months.

1.DUBLIN-My first Guinness and my first 30 days consecutively with the boyfriend. Crazy, huh?

2.First New Years with Joan-Having a great night out and meeting all of Joan's best friends.

3. Joan's Family. Without them living abroad would be so much harder. They are my family now I love them so much!

4.The day Joan and I "signed the papers" so that I could work in Spain! That changed our life in so many ways. I could stay here and live and have this incredible experience!

5.My grandmothers first visit to Europe! it was so incredible to show her Spain and for her to experience life on the other side of the world. It's an experience I hope she can have more than once!

6. My first trip to PARIS! This was an experience that left me speechless. To be in a city that I heard about all my life and wished to go to for so long-incredibly amazing. Joan did a great job surprising me with this trip!

7. My 21st Birthday and My friend's visit to Spain! August was a great month, busy, but great. I had a fantastic birthday and it was wonderful having girl time after so many months! 8.Living in Lloret. Joan and I were so fortunate to have a beautiful flat with incredible views. That was our first place together and we will never forget all the great times there.

9.Barney. Our first pet together. We saved him from being Rabbit Stew and eventually we set him free in the wild (Joan's property in Lloret) to live and have little Barney's of his own. He was a good guy.

10.The nights out with Joan and his friends have been some of the best nights I've ever had. So many laughs and great Spanish lessons! Joan is so lucky to have such great people around him. I guess I am lucky now too. :) And a shout out to Kindra,( pictured below) one of the sweetest and funniest girls I met thanks to Spanish classes in Girona.

11.The Cuisine. I've eaten more Lobster this year than ever in my life. Paella, Gambas, Calamaris, Champagne, Cava, Vino. I've dined like a Queen in Spain-love it! I've also learned how to cook many new dishes, from mi suegra and from cooking dinner for Joan and I each night. I can say I've become quite a chef!

12.Barcelona. I'm pictured below with a "King" one of the three for the festivities Jan 6th here in Spain. Barcelona has been such a great place, I have so many memories there. It's brought me together with Alison, my grandmother, my friends, Joan, Maribel, friends here in Spain, and numerous others. I've spent New Years there, my 21st birthday, weekends with the boyfriend, shopping. It's a wonderful city that has been a major part of my life here in Spain.However, I do need to include Girona. Joan and I live here now and it is definetly a place to call home. Pictures is the bridge Joan and I take each day when we go to work. Girona is a small but metropolitan city that we really love.

Any Nou

2008-12-28T10:59:00.003+01:00

Instead of making a list of New Years Resolutions I'm going to make a list of good intentions. Because, how many people actually keep their resolutions more than a month or two after the strike of midnight? This year has gone by in a flash. I remember the first day I arrived here and the other hundred and five things that happened in 08 like it were yesterday. And soon it will be over. All the more reason to make my good intentions last until this time next year.

You may be wondering what Any Nou is. It's pronounced, Ann- No more or less, and it's Catalan for New Year. Catalan is part of my list of good intentions.

- I want to focus a little more on Catalan instead of Spanish. Both are important to me in different ways but I feel I can really be successful in this language if I study it a bit more.

-To travel more if the budget allows. I'm off to go a good start by going to Bratislava for two days and then to the states for eleven. I love being in Europe and the places I most want to visit is Italy, Germany, Norway and Greece.

-Get back on track with school. This one is more of a must than an intention but all the same something I need to do. Taking a year off has been what I needed and I've had really great experiences because of it. In the fall of 09 I'd love to be enrolled in school. In the spring I want to get my TEFL certificate online.

-To cook more. I made dinner for thirteen people for Christmas. If I can do that, I can cook more dinners in the evening. Again, if the budget allows, I'd love to experiment with recipes and expand my knowledge of cooking.

-Keep in touch with my friends and family better. I did OK given the circumstances but I forgot a lot of birthdays, didn't write or call when I said I would and was just lazy. Part of me doesn't like to call because it's never the same, sometimes there can be akward moments and most of all it makes me incredibly sad that I'm not there. Usually I am very busy and the time difference doesn't help but my good intention is to send more emails and make more calls.

-Achieve. I worked incredibly hard, as did Joan, to get to where we are now. We have a long way to go but I want us to get there sooner. I must work harder, apply for more scholarships, grants, volunteer, teach more English, earn degrees and make more money.

Quite a list of intentions, isn't it? I don't feel pressure though, because they're just that-intentions.

I hope you all have a wonderfully happy any nou and have a list of your own to follow.

Cebado

2008-12-27T14:40:00.002+01:00

This morning I had a hair appointment at Cebado. My boss suggested I go to Yatz, the lady that does her hair. I walked in at 10:45, they took my coat, gave me a black silk type robe to put on over me and I waited 10 minutes before Yatz came over to check out my hair. She told me my color was beautiful than the last time she saw it (when I went in for the consulation). She worked wonders with my hair, it's cut to my collar and has layers. My bangs are a bit shorter and well, it's hot. Then she colored my hair. We decided on a shade darker than it was and that turned out great as well. I was told to come back in two months, she would cut my hair again and color it a second time so that I would get the best color for my hair. I agree and I will go back.

I also met a nice girl, Natalia. She is the daughter of one of the hairdressers. She speaks English and was in to get her hair cut today as well. We exchanged numbers and hopefully we'll meet soon.

Overall the experience was great. Three hours of relaxation, scalp massages and a new look. At the end, Yatz had them to my make up. What wonders a little blush, well placed eyeliner and lipgloss can do! I will be ready for New Years thats for sure! A day which we still don't have plans.

Now that I am home, I think I'll make a cup of Hot Cocoa, grab Hemingway's "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and keep up this relaxing day.

Christmas Day Part II

2008-12-26T21:58:00.002+01:00

Today was Sant Esteve day as I have mentioned before and it went very well! I overslept this morning and we didn't get to the parents house until 11 but the Turkey was already done so I just had to make the rest. Green Bean Casserole, Candied Yams, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce--the works. At 2:30 everyone had arrived and we ate. I was more nervous than I've ever been but after everyone tried everything and everyone liked it, the weight was lifted off my shoulders. It was my first time making any of this stuff and it went so well. Makes me think I could be a chef.

We opened presents, drank cava and around 5 I took an hour nap in Joan's old bedroom. I missed the Caga Tio (the hitting of the log until it poos) oh well, It will happen again next year.

At 9 everyone left and so did we. We're now at home enjoying our presents (our new slippers from Zara Home, the mass amount of Turon we got and the joy of having internet. Tomorrow I go to Cebado to get my "new look". I'll post pics if it's not a disaster.

I'm off to enjoy the rest of the night and the weekend before it's time to go to work again.

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T23:32:00.002+01:00

Christmas Day was wonderful. Much more relaxed (for me) than last year. Such a 360. Last year I had been in Spain less than a week before I was meeting his entire family. I didn't speak any Spanish or Catalan, the food was strange etc but this time around...I understand Catalan, I speak more Spanish, I love the food and I love his family!

We went to the grandparents around 2:30 after a wonderful morning of baking with Maribel. We made sugar cookies and party mix. It was a lot of fun and Ari even helped out, I love when her and I are able to talk. We opened presents before going over for lunch. I got Ari some earplugs since her boyfriend started learning how to play the guitar...

Joan's grandfather loves to record. Actually, he's a techie. He has three different DVD players that all do different things, top of the line digital cameras, camcorders, CD players; the works. Each Christmas he videotapes everything. It is pretty adorable to be honest and fun to watch during the next years dinner. Joan and I are watching our spending so we made something instead this year. We burned the new Josh Groban CD to give to everyone. Joan's techie grandfather (He's 80 by the way) loves Christmas Music and has more American artists than even I've heard of-he doesn't understand a word of it but loves it all the same. We put on the music and his grandmother started crying, she loved it so much. His grandfather said he liked Groban better than the Sinatra CD. That's saying something. It's incredible to me that something as simple as that can change the atmosphere of Christmas.
Even the sugar cookies gave a good reaction. Joan's family had always seen people eating them in movies but had never tried them. They loved them.

For a moment during the dinner, when Ave Maria was playing in the background, I took a moment to just watch everyone. Ariandna and Sergi were laughing and joking together. Joan was enjoying his Christmas soup, Maribel and Tony were laughing about something Montse had said. Joan's grandfather was recording his wife bringing out the next course and it was just such a wonderful sight. I was sad I wasn't with my family for Christmas but these people ARE my family. I have two and they are both so wonderful. I am very lucky.

Tomorrow is round II of the festivities. Maribel's brothers and sisters are coming over-everyone on her side that is and I am preparing the American Meal. Candied Yams, Stuffing, Mashed Potatos with Gravy, Cranberries, Brownies, Chex Mix, Lemon and Thyme Roasted Turkey, Green Bean Casserole, Hot Chocolate, Cheesecake and Christmas Punch. I am nervous and excited at the same time. An American Christmas like they have always seen on t.v. LIVE in their home.

It is midnight here and Christmas Day is officially over. Joan and I are in our new robes we got from his Aunt, he is making a "midnight snack" and then we should be tucking in for a goodnights sleep. Tomorrow is sure to be a very fun and long day.

I hope your Christmas was everything you wanted it to be and more.

And So It Continues

2008-12-24T12:22:00.001+01:00

I suppose I'm just a junkie that needs more than one fix.
I have started another blog. The other is about anything other than my life. Thoughts, articles, current events, food, fashion-anything under the sun.

Please read and enjoy at:

www.thedailycafe.wordpress.com

Bon Nadal

2008-12-23T15:35:00.002+01:00

Happy Holidays Everyone.

With Love-

Time with the Girls

2008-12-22T15:05:00.002+01:00

Sunday, during the lunch, Ariana was especially late. This is normal, she tends to always be late but Sunday we were already eating dessert by the time she arrived. Turns out she didn't get much sleep the night before because she and her girlfriends had a sleepover. I guess one can never be told old for those. It sounded like she had a lot of fun, I got to reminicing about nights in the chapter room, sleepovers in Roberta Hall and even sleepovers from birthday parties years ago. I miss those. a lot. I'm thinking that when I go to KC, my friends and I should have one.

" Heather Rose darling, what do you think?"

My time there is short, I only have saturday, but perhaps since the space is limited and everyone goes to bed early it would probably be OK for me to stay over with a friend. Perhaps we could then go to church the next morning and then I will go back to my family's home. Yes, good solid plan. Because one day with my friends just isn't enough at all.

I only have 3 weeks left until the big departure, although it feels like I have months. I think I will get more excited when the day arrives. I feel I have so much to do before then. This Saturday I'm going to the salon to update the hairdo, I need to get a few gifties for the aunties and I really need to get everything at work accomplished and organized before I leave, luckily Joan should have my email set up by then so I will be able to check up on things from my home in the states.

What's everyones plan for New Years? I still don't have one. Last year was amazing and this year Joan and I aren't even going to try to top it. I'm sure we will end up having dinner at home, renting a classic and then we will probably meet up with friends before midnight to ring in the new year. Where? No idea. There ia great cocktail bar near our home, maybe we can go there if it isn't to packed. There is always so much emphasis on this night, all I care about is being with Joan, our close friends and having fun. Besides, my party will start the 15th of of the New Year and that's perfectly fine with me!

The Sunday Blues

2008-12-21T12:46:00.002+01:00

I don't know about you all but sometimes I get the blues on Sunday. Not right away in the morning of course. Not when I'm snuggled under the covers, the sunlight peeking through the window and Joan in some crazy position next to me-I like that. Not in the afternoons when we're walking in Girona, having a café on the river or at his parents for lunch. I like that a lot too. Not when we are lazy and decide not to cook so we order take out or McDonalds instead, that's my favorite. It's probably when I get home, it's dark out and I start preparing things for Monday. Ugh Mondays. In my life I learned that it's better to have something special planned for Mondays because it's a hard day, at lesat for me. Especially when Joan has to go out of town and doesn't come back until late.
Tomorrow (the dreaded Monday) I've been given the task to take the girls from the School of Hostesses to the pool outside of town. They have to practice and beat 2:30 in order to get their TCP certificate. The girls are fun and all but it's a bit crazy. Not to mention that I'm supposed to teach Pablo and Carlos and I don't know how I'll do both. Oh Mondays. The good thing is though, is that Tuesday night is the Company Dinner, Wednesday is Christmas Eve, Thursday is Christmas Day and Friday is Sant Esteva Day here, St.Stephen in English and Saint Etienne in France. The bible says that Stephen was tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11) and speaking against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13-14) and was stoned to death by an angry mob that was encouraged by Saul of Tarsus, the future Saint Paul. Stephen's final speech is presentred as making an accusation against the Jews of continuing to persecute prophets who spoke out against their sins. (Thanks Wikipedia for the 411)

So there you have it, and on Saint Stephen's Day I will be in charge of cooking the turkey, the casserole, the stuffing, the salads, the desserts and the beverages. Joan's abuela told me she wanted "An Ameican Christmas like in the movies." I'll do whatever it takes to give her one.

Happy Holidays and I hope you don't have a case of the Sunday Blues.

The Year of A Life Time

2008-12-19T15:08:00.006+01:00

Fa la la la la la la one year!

Yesterday marked ONE YEAR that I've been living abroad in Spain. This time last year I was in Dublin, Ireland with Joan and about to board a plane to meet his family for the first time. I'll never forget the first moments in the city of Dublin, my first cocktail in Hard Rock Cafe and certainly not the first words my new family said to me, "Welcome to your home".

The first days with Joan's family were difficult. I'm sure any girlfriend meeting the parents is an experience but not speaking the same language and in a whole new country, well it makes the stakes a little higher.

Since living here, I've learned so much. Someone asked me the other day, how I would describe my experience here. All I could think to say was "across the board" Any emotion you can think of, I've probably felt it and then some. Overall-it has been incredible. I see people that have now become my friends and think that if I never would have met Joan or even decided to come here, I wouldn't have ever known about these people and their lives. I look at Joan's friends who have treated me with nothing but kindness and I wonder how I could have gone my life without meeting them. Not to disregard the wonderful people I met at Northwest. I know when I go to visit them next month I will feel that same way all over again. I see Joan's mother, how she has treated me like her own daughter, she and Joan's dad have learned English for me! They have progressed so much in fact I'm embarassed my Spanish isn't any better by now! And Joan's sister, a year ago, even two months ago we were still strangers. Ever since our trip to Granada she has become like a sister-n-law and I hope we can continue to grow closer as the months continue.
I've also learned so much about culture, for obvious reasons. Traveling to many new countries, not only for pleasure but for business as well. Learning firsthand about International Relations and Business has been more beneficial than anything in a classroom would. My job has given me a chance to stay here with Joan. If it wasn't for this job, I wouldn't be able to use my English and I'm not sure if I even would have found a real job to begin with. Teaching English has been a great experience as well. I've met wonderfully amazing people and have learned so much about the English language along the way. When I began I taught Rosa, the Public Relations professor and her husband Jordi. I met a wonderful family through teaching Pablo and Carlos, I've met a talented surgeon through Antoni and wonderful girls who are aspiring flight attendants through the Hostess School. Wonderful people who in small ways have changed my life. Even my boss, who I taught Business English lessons to today. She is an extraordinary woman who took a chance on hiring me just because of where I was from and didn't care that I hadn't finished my studies yet. Now I'm working on my own courses, doing a great job I might add and Joan has been promoted to Managing Director. We've come so far in a year.

Not only career wise but financially as well. We still aren't rolling in dough, but we're far better off than when I arrived and we're still improving. We're living in a gorgeous flat in the historic and posh neighborhood in Girona. We have a warm home to come to at the end of each day, food to eat each night and clothes to wear, most of all we have each other; something we didn't have for almost two years.

My grandmother told me the other day a great truth, she said, "You are doing what you've always wanted to do, travel Europe!" She is absolutley right. I always dreamed of this and now it's happening. It's true God doesn't always answer your prayers in the way you might expect. I always wanted to be rich and travel the world, I'm not rich yet and I haven't conquered the world but-I'm so much closer than before and I'm working hard for it too which says something.

Next month I'm going to Bratislava for work with Joan. We'll be staying over two nights. Slovakia has a bad rep but we're booked in a very nice hotel in the city center so while we will be very busy, we will also have time to see the sights. We're also going to have a layover in Milan for six hours so who knows, I may get to see a little bit of Italy too!

All in all, Spain has changed me; for the better. I'm working in a successfull company at 21, full time and starting school in the fall, I'm independent and also learning two new languages. I never would have thought I'd be at this point, this early. But I'm glad for it. If you want to be successfull in life you have to work for it and there's no better way than starting early.

I don't know what 2009 has in store for me or Joan but I can only hope it will be as fun and exciting as this year has been. I'm looking forward to seeing my friends and family next month-something that is long overdue. I miss you all very much.

Best Wishes for the Holiday Season

-Love Always-

All Sorts Of Calling Going On

2008-12-17T14:20:00.009+01:00

I started off with a phone similar to this one; nothing special at all. A basic phone so I could call Joan and feel safe when I walked around the strange new town I now lived in.

Then I had this one, the Prada touch screen. Very feminine yet as I told Joan, acceptable for a metro male to carry around, especially for business purposes which he later did when I bought me the next phone instead:

All my life I wanted a Blackberry, something about it screams business woman, doesn't it? I'm very happy with it so far and wouldn't trade it for anything-except maybe the phone Joan is supposed to recieve in the mail today: This one:

The new and very popular Blackberry Bold, I don't know if the same exists in America, under a different name but I can tell you Joan couldn't be more excited. Since he recieved a promotion he also is recieving this nice little gift. So he'll have this and this:

I've had Sprint, Verizon, Nextel and now I have Vodafone and Joan will have Orange. Eh, phone companies. I don't know why the kick on phones today but it's all I've been hearing about from Joan lately, who can blame him? He hasn't been this excited since he got this in August: Yes, an IPOD Touch, and he says he never gets anything good. He got me didn't he?

Anyway, for those of you with Blackberry's we can email each other anytime and it's free Blackberry to Blackberry! So let me know!

European Wines

2008-12-16T15:21:00.003+01:00

In the states I never drank wine, unless it came from a box and was hidden in Heather Rose's purse as we walked around the AG parties. Now, being in Europe I have become an aficionado of wines, at first, against my will. It started out with Lambrusco. This is a sparkling wine,quite inexpensive and at one point was very successful in the U.S.

The next was Marenco Scrapona Moscato D'Asti Marenco Scrapona Moscato D' Asti. This is a very aromatic white wine with fruit flovers, including melonand honeyed overtones. This is best served with dessert, in my opinion.

The love affair with wine continued and while I cannot remember all the names of the wines I've tasted, I do know that I will never go back to boxed wine. Joan has really opened me up to the world of wine which is quite easy here. Across from my home is a wine bar, down the street is a winery with a cellar, stone walls and a very informative genteman who is willing to tell you anything from the history of the wine to how to pour it and in which glass.

On Sundays, we often have a glass of wine with lunch, during the week, Joan may pick up a bottle after work and we enjoy a glass with dinner. When a friend comes over to visit-they are rarely without a bottle of wine. It's the way of life here and I've grown accustomed to reading the wine menu before deciding what to have for dinner. I'm learning which cheeses go with which wines and which ones definetly don't. I'm far from being knowledgeable about the subject but I have learned that a glass a day will keep the doctor away. Wine is heart healthy and I promote it highly.

Another beverage that I've grown fond of is Moet & Chandon, a Champagne, a delicious champagne that I will continue to drink the rest of my life. It's a pity it's so darn expensive! But, as I say, you get what you pay for in these circumstances.

Europe is indeed a class apart in these categories, Italy is known for the Chianti, the Marsala, the Soave and the Valpolicella. The Marsala for example, is quite popular and is normally served after dinner with postres because of it's sweet taste. Asti Spumante is a sparkling wine and the world's choice after champagne of course.

When living here, even for as short a time as I have, wine becomes entwined in daily life and even in special circumstances. People cook with wine,drink wine, bathe in wine and even have wine massages. There are wine academies and schools in which one can learn about European wines. Joan and I plan to have a wine cellar in our future home because he loves it so much.

So tonight, if you are able, have a glass of wine tonight with dinner or dessert. Kick back and relax and enjoy a bit of the European way of life!

By the way HRF, we are going to hit up Better Cheddar and pick up a bottle ;) for old times.

Back In The Swing

2008-12-15T15:20:00.004+01:00

Yesterday a good time was had by all as Ariana, Maribel and I went to La Roca Village. For Christmas, Maribel bought me a glamourous black coat from Bimba & Lola, a shop I never heard of before but it's Montse's favorite. It's a pretty fun website if you take a look. Anyway, I love it but was told to forget about it until Christmas Eve. Ari and I continued to bond and we have come a long way from a year ago. Sunday evening after lunch, Joan and I rented The Dark Knight-finally. I really missed renting movies so we did it for old times, I'm going to encourage that more.

This week is a little bit crazy as Christmas is approaching, I am teaching Pablo and Carlos tonight, the Doctor tomorrow and Norma and Cristina Wednesday. I'm giving exams so I still have to make those.

It's a fairly calm day at the office, Joan and I are the only ones here aside from Pilar. I like it-I'm getting so much more work done without all the interuptions.

Speaking of which....hope your day is going well.

Ciao

It's Sinking In...

2008-12-13T16:51:00.003+01:00

I found out yesterday I would be coming home to visit and I am still beyond excited. However, the reality of the situation has set in. First, I have a lot to plan. Seeing family and friends spread out over two states won't be an easy task. Especially when the first full day in the states will be spent driving to Orlando and then flying to Kansas City, possibly with a layover in between. I will be there for three days, one day devoted to friends-an event that is already being planned. The other two days will be spent with family, Aunt Missy, Aunt Kelli and the uncles. Grandma will be there as well in the mix and it will be so hard to devote quality time with everyone! Woe is me.

The following week I am soaking up everything in America, other than the people and the English. I'm talking about Taco Bell, Wendys, Target, Chilis, Red Lobster and Olive Garden. Delicious! And oh the stores! American Eagle, Express, J.Crew and Victorias Secret! I think Joan will start worrying as soon as he reads this....How much damage can I do in 10 days?

Anyway, I'm excited,nervous,scared....it has been one year exactly since I've been home. So many things happen in one year...but that's a whole other post.

Today we're in Lloret, Joan slept in after our dinner with the boss. We didn't get home until 2 a.m! A 5 hour business dinner! It was fun, informative and we are both feeling very positive about the future, I'll leave it at that for now. I'll just say I absolutley love my boss and I can safely say she feels the same about me. If I just do my job well-good things will happen!

Tomorrow I'm going to La Roca Shopping Village with Maribel and Ariana. I'm thinking some new pieces for my work wardrobe, black is always safe, right? Tonight Joan wants to go to Shabir's to watch the futbol match, I'm not so inclined. I would love to rent some movies and watch them with mi suegra but I'm not sure of her plans either.

Hope your weekend is splendid as mine has been so far!

A Great Suprise

2008-12-12T17:15:00.003+01:00

Joan and I were leaving work to go home for lunch, as usual we were leaving late; 1:10, 1:15, then he comes into my office and tells me we have to drop off an envelope somewhere. This is a common occurance so I think nothing of it and we go.

We stop in front of a parking garage and he tells me this is the place and hands me the envelope. I'm confused. I look down into the dark alley of the parking garage and ask, "Here?" He looks at me, eyebrows raised and tells me to open the envelope. I pull out the contents and the first thing I see is Delta and my name.

Thursday, Jan 15th 2009 I leave for the states! I am beyond thrilled! Only a month away! I'm sad Joan can't go with me but he wants to come for Thanksgiving next November so that's super great news! The boss already gave us the OK for vacation time so even better!

This will be a very busy trip, I'm even flying to KC for three days to see my friends and family and then it's back to FL. When I used to visit FL from KC I tried so hard to see everyone and go everywhere. This time however, I won't have time. I'll have my grandmothers car but I definetly don't want to be driving all over the state. So, if anyone wants to see me they can come to my town.

There are so many things I want to do, so much food I want to eat and shopping! Also I am more than ready to see my little brother.

Tonight is the big dinner with the boss and her husband! I think it will be very good, informative and fun! I'll let you know...

Fa la la la la la la la la.

2008-12-11T14:07:00.002+01:00

Tis the season for madness, isn't that right? Things are crazy in the office right now. I'm trying to get references sent before the holidays approach and it's proving to be quite difficult. Tonight I will be dealing with the students when they come to the office after their class ends at 6:00. I just want all the paperwork to be perfect!

In other news I recieved the package from my grandmother yesterday. The box smelled like my home in Florida Joan said; A mixture of vanilla,cinnamon and detergent. I started to cry when I sprayed the Cinnamon Home Scent from Bath and Body Works-my family uses that at home and it just made me so homesick. She sent me lotions and creams, scented oils and the Josh Groban Christmas CD. She also sent me a lot of boxes for baking, brownies and bluberry muffins, marshmellows,Stuffing Mix and so much more. It made my week! It's beginning to feel like Christmas.

This weekend I am going to La Roca Village with Maribel and Ariana, Joan might come along as well. A good dose of shopping at the Mango store and Burberry is greatly needed. I still want to get things for Maribel and Arianna as well. Oh the holidays.

Seasons Greetings!

Blog Blogger Blogging Blogged

2008-12-04T14:31:00.003+01:00

I wish my friends would blog. Or blog more. I know one other person that keeps one and frankly that isn't enough to feed my hunger. I scour the internet for blogs that are interesting and fun and while I do find many; I would much rather read about the lives of my friends. It does take time, not that much, depending on how long your post is of course. It's a fantastic way to keep in touch and really is very thearaputic. I don't care if strangers read it-I'm not spilling any secrets. Besides, I doubt very many people are interested in my thoughts as this blog really isn't that riveting. So, friends and family, if you're reading this and have ever put any thought into creating a blog-just do it. It's easy and a great way to document life if you hate taking pictures and have a bad memory. I love that I can look back at any post and have a great story about all my adventures I've had here in Europe. I love that five or ten years from now I can look back and remember how I felt on the first day I arrived here.
Anyway, I'm all for blogs and if you check out "Blogs of Note" on the Blogger Dashboard you're sure to find some good ones.

Take A Breather

2008-12-02T14:19:00.003+01:00

I just arrived back at the office from collecting paperwork from the students of the course all morning. I have a TON of work but writing helps me relax and it is something I definetly need to do.
Yesterday was insane as well, I spent the work day preparing everything for today; I taught Carlos and Pablo and after I did a favor for Xavi. He came over to the house and interviewed me about the U.S. Elections for his Journalism class. After the first 25 minutes he found out it never recorded so we did it again. At 10:00 I was finally eating dinner and then managed to stay up for a bit of CSI and head to bed. At 7:30 this morning Joan realized he forgot to give the keys to the Ryanair Interviewer, ( at 10 last night he was supposed to come by the office and drop of the keys to Lazlo and he forgot) so this morning he was a wreck, we dropped by the hotel we supposed Lazlo would go to and the company paid, then went straight to set up, give the presentation and collect paperwork. Now I am the only one here as Joan is still with the students at the Uniform Fitting and everyone else went to lunch. I still have to prepare my two hour english lesson for the doctor tonight while filing and recording the four binders of documents and I only have three days to get it all done.

I'm not complaining mind you, I really do like this job and I'm so thankful to even have one! Joan and I both said that by 10:00 tonight we will be sleeping and hopefully tomorrow will be a bit less stressful. For those of you that read the blog (Iknow who you are. I think) I want to write you/call you but today is not the day. I have a million things to do and not enough time to do them and I still don't have internet at home nor a calling card.

I hope the holidays were wonderful and I will be getting in touch with you all soon, (KT, Heather, Aunt Missy etc) ok? Love you guys.

Ciao

Let's Make This A Real EuroTrip

2008-11-28T14:17:00.006+01:00

Joan and I want to take full advantage of the perks of working for a major airline company. Beginning in Janurary of 2009 we are going to try our hardest to visit all the cities/countries Ryanair flies to. This includes Gothenburg City, Fes, Stockholm, The United Kingdom,Marrakesch,Brussles,Prague,Paris,Frankfurt,Dusseldorf,Budapest,Bari,Florence,

Pisa,Rome,Cork,Shannon,Dublin,Venice,Verona,Malta,Eindhoven,Bratislava,Ibiza,Alicante,Madrid,

Malaga,Glasgow,Edinburgh and tons more. The first few months our budget will be quite small as I'm planning to go to the states for two weeks and I know I will need money. Hopefully we can squeeze a budget trip sometime in Feburary for our Anniversary/Valentines and after March begin our weekend expeditions. Although Oslo is one of the places I'd love to go first while the powder is fresh on the ground (pictured above).

Work is always getting busier but I have more responsibilities now as does Joan so let's hope better pay goes along with it. I am very lucky to have a job now, we both are. Times are tough and a lot of people are out of work. A few of my friends here don't have jobs because they aren't EU Citizens. I thank God everyday for the blessing of work. Elizabeth reminds me of this often. So, whichever job you have hold on to it!

Anyway, traveling is a big goal I have for this year as well as many others but I won't get ahead of myself, I will need a New Years Post after all.

This weekend I'll be "traveling" to Lloret for Joan's mother's birthday festivities and will probably spend time with Shabir and Albert. Poor guy is going through a lot right now, more than any person should have to deal with: and I haven't seen him in quite awhile so that will be nice.

Kind Regards to all of you in the states

Ciao Bellas

photos courtesy of visitoslo.com and ryanair.com

Internet

2008-11-27T10:50:00.003+01:00

Joan and I have been waiting almost a month for our internet to be installed. I long for the days of sitting on the couch with the laptop and researching things like, how to bake apple pie, celeb gossip, news in the states or searching blogs. It's a love hate relationship though. I would love to have internet to surf the web, use skype to talk with friends, check my email at night etc but also I hate having it because either Joan or I are glued to it. Since we haven't had it, I read more, we do more around the house or we go out of the house. Besides, being on a computer all day at work doesn't exactly make me want to jump one another once I'm at home. However, I would be able to upload all my photos from the last month if I had internet-I'm way behind. I also wouldnn't have to write quick blogs inbetween my work during the day, I really do hate having to steal seconds to check my email and well, write this post.
If Joan's calculations are correct, we will have internet sometime next week. I will try to set boundaries on time alloted to blogging, surfing and facebooking but I realize in the beginning I will be like a moth to the flourescent light of a bug zapper. Blogging is like breathing, I've heard another wise blogger state, I feel that same way. It is my relaxing moment in a not so relaxing day.

Ciao

Me Encanta

2008-11-24T15:53:00.003+01:00

GRACIAS
DeNADA

was wonderful. I learned a lot, drank some of the best wine in the south, walked all over the city, shopped in the best boutiques in the city, spent quality time with my sister-in-law, relaxed in the Arab baths, visited the Alhambra and had experiences to last a lifetime.

More to come.

Granada...Flamenco...Fiesta

2008-11-19T13:56:00.006+01:00

This weekend I am going to Granada. I don't think I could be more excited. Maribel, Pepi, Adriana and I are going to have a wonderful time. The first night we will land late so we will just have dinner, walk around the city and get our rest because tomorrow night is the fiesta.

We will go shopping at the markets for most of the day, see the sites and go out for lunch. For dinner we will go to a Flamenco show and after out for drinks. Saturday night will be a late night. Pepi is from Andalucia and loves to party. She is crazy, hilarious and loves to have fun. Sunday we will (try) to wake up early to see the Alhambra. We already have our tickets so everything is ready. I arrive a bit late but Joan promised he would have the house clean, laundry done so I could just go straight to bed although I have a feeling I will be up all night telling him everything that happened. I will take as many pictures as Maribel allows....and post them when I can!

Ciao

Rockstars

2008-11-17T14:16:00.003+01:00

Saturday evening Xevi stopped by to see the apartment. The Montessori School that Xevi, Shabir, Lain and Joan went to were having a dinner at The River Cafe near our home. So, Xevi came by and hung out for awhile. Joan and I weren't going to the dinner because Shabir was coming over to have dinner with us. Pizza, we decided. So, around 9:30 we met at the Lion's Ass in Girona and showed Shabir our place of residence while the rest of the Montessori alums got personal. Shabir loved our place (who doesn't?) and we ordered Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut was terrible. Nothing even close to the states at all. I'm sticking with Telepizza or Dolce Vita. Anyway, it was quite a scene. Shabir, Joan and I on the couch in our reasonably posh piso, eating pizza and drinking Moet & Chandon. Shabir said it perfectly, "We're like junkie rockstars eating pizza and drinking Moet."

After dinner we walked to The River Café and joined Xevi and Lain for the festivities. I even made a couple friends that actually Joan didn't even know. Virginia and MariaRosa. Virginia goes to Lloret on the weekends so we might meet up one day, very nice girl and great English which is a plus for me. After the River we went to a club, the name escapes me at the moment but it was huge and packed. I remember having a good time. I also remember asking Xevi to walk me down the aisle should I ever have a wedding in Spain. He was honored and agreed on the spot.

It was a great weekend that ended with Joan and I having a great lunch with his parents in Lloret on Sunday. It was Adriana's 26th birthday so we had a mini celebration for her as well.

I can happily say things are going well. Besides Joan and I not feeling 100% lately, being incredibly busy and often tired-life is good.

A Scoop of London

2008-11-16T13:17:00.002+01:00

The last few days have been pretty crazy but Friday was amazing. Joan and I woke up at 3 a.m. to drive to the airport and catch our flight which was at 6:25. We were able to board the plane first-very V.I.P and we chose the first row of seats, the best ones I think. So, we were sitting the plane, I was looking forward to buying my books and drinking my Starbucks when Joan asked the flight attendent if he could buy tickets for the STN Express. "Are we going to London?" "Yes" I started crying immediatly. I've been wanting to go to London my entire life and now I would be. I was laughing and crying and kissing Joan and giving him hugs. It was such a nice moment. For Joan too, he actually suprised me and I had no idea it was coming. Except for this morning when he told me to bring the camera for "taking pictures in the airport." I was a bit suspicious but only for a second and I brushed it off, we couldn't be going to London, right?

After going through security we went to see Tom, the Supervisor for the IDs we make. I got my Security Pass and we went through the employee tunnel, underneath the airport to not have to go through Security. We arrive and Joan's pass is "parked" as they call it. Deactivated. He hasn't used it in awhile and that's what happens. So, we walked back to the office which is a few meters away from the airport. We waited and waited until Tom activated it and we took the tunnel back to the airport. Getting through security in the employee area is exhausting. They checked everything. They even turned on my camera. I was felt up by a woman and Joan was scrutinized as well. After 15 minutes of that nonsense, we could finally get through to Tom's office, have him sign the papers and our work was done. We had to go back to the ID office to return my pass. Joan warned me to make sure it was with me because if I lost it and we were in the restricted area-the police would come. The police in the airport walk around with machine guns. Scary.

Finally we were boarding the train to go to London. Arriving to Liverpool Street Station was an incredible feeling. We took the metro straight to Westminister Abbey. As soon as we stepped out I saw Big Ben. Not as big as I thought honestly. It was beautiful though. I saw the London Eye as well. The weather was amazing not cold at all and incredibly sunny. We walked over to Buckingham Palace and watched the changing of the guards. We practically ran across the way to the gate when we noticed they were doing it. We took pictures by the fountain, walked through St.Jame's Park and dreamed of owning a nice flat overlooking the park. We only had four hours so we took a taxi to Piccadilly Circus. Once out of the cab I saw Dolce and Gabbana, Chanel, everything. We had to eat so we found this posh restaraunt next to Starbucks and enjoyed a great meal. I actually had a proper cesar salad and cranberry juice! I miss cranberry juice. After we walked around a bit, I went to Cinnabon as well and we just enjoyed it. We soaked everything up and Joan promised we would return one day very soon. He told me, "Think of today like a scoop of London-just a taste before you decide if you want the whole sundae." We decided we want the sundae. London was brilliant and we will return soon and for the weekend.

We made it back to the airport with plenty of time so I bought two books, "Second Glance" by Jodi Piccoult and "The Book Thief " by Markus Zusak, I believe. I'm almost through with The Book Thief and it is an incredibly amazing book. I also bought a Good Housekeeping Mag that came with a recipie book for the holidays-I'm in love. Before we boarded the plane, Joan got me a Gingerbread Latté, the perfect ending to the perfect day.

I will always remember our four hours in London. Our little scoop of British life.

Oh Shucks

2008-11-13T13:32:00.002+01:00

Have you ever heard someone under 85 use that expression? I don't think I have and I really don't recall ever using that in my life. However that's what came out of my mouth this morning when I slipped on the bridge on the way to work. "Oh Shucks." I then quickly threw in a Spanish curse word to make myself feel better but really? Where did that come from? At least no one was around like the last time I let a "Golly" slip out. I think I may be possessed by a 90 year old woman at times like that. That can only explain the lingo from 1940s and my falling on the bridge this morning. A man on a bicycle gave a very enthusiastic "oh whoa whoa" as I was mid-fall. He kept on going. I then called Joan and woke him up and told him my new boots sans heels still weren't good enough for slippery bridges in the morning-so the hunt continues. I also spilled my coffee this morning once I arrived to the office, I did manage to squeak out a decent "whoops" which I think anyone can say as long as it doesn't have "a daisy" attached. My new obsession with words is growing as I'm teaching new vocabulary to my students and each week they pick up the things I say. I feel responsible for choosing the best words before sending them out into the English Speaking world. So, phrasel verbs have been my life lately.

Tomorrow I am going to Stanstead with Joan for work. We're only on English soil for a few hours and then we're heading back in the evening. I hope to find a couple more books for my Jodi Piccoult collection and get a Mocha Frapp from Starbucks. Ah, simple dreams.

Sundays are Fundays

2008-11-09T17:41:00.002+01:00

Today was a really wonderful day. Joan and I were up early enough to give the piso a good clean and to go to mass at St.Feliu church. I understood only a bit as it was in Catalan but being a Catholic church, it translates. At 1:30 his parents and brother came from Lloret to see our place and then we went to a great place for lunch. The dishes were very catalan but delicious. I had a mousse of eggplant with four cheese sauce. I thought I would hate it but it was like nothing I've ever had-delicious. We had dessert, wine and lots of laughs. Joan's mom loved the area, the gardens and all the little shops. She plans to come again one Saturday so I can show her more of Girona as she is more familiar with Barcelona.

Sergi's birthday was yesterday so we had a mini celebration at our place after lunch. I loved that his parents came today, they were so excited to see our place and for us it was a nice change to lunch in lloret at the house. We had a feeling that his parents were very proud of us. We're living in the city, in a very modern,very posh area in a beautiful apartment, working hard and just doing well. We did work hard to get to this point. Anyone can see that we've come along way from last December when I arrived. With only 1000 euros in my account, we didn't have jobs or a place to stay and look at us now. In 10 months we'ce grown a lot.

Tomorrow will be a busy day as usual, I'm working and teaching three English classes. Tonight I want to relax with a glass of wine and watch a movie with my sweetie. It's going to be a long week.

Hope all is well where you are.

Ciao

Why Friday Is Great

2008-11-07T12:56:00.002+01:00

Here's the scoop:

1.I found out I'm going to Madrid with Moises on November 20th for Recruitment-yes!
2.The girls in my English class are doing very well and one of them wants private lessons
3.The boss and I are getting along well and she told me I would be doing Recruitment and IDs from now on which is great news
4.I'm doing a bit of shopping today which is a long time coming! My extra money from Acadomia really helps!
5. My grandmother is sending me Christmas things from home, bath and body works scents, baking goods, music and I'm thrilled!
6.Joan and I are getting our new plasma t.v. today from the man that designed our piso!

Hope you are having a great Friday as well!

Back to the Blog

2008-11-06T12:31:00.002+01:00

I'm currently in the library at the School of Languages here in Girona, my class was cancelled until tomorrow so I am making use of my time to catch up on my correspondance.

First, OBAMA! I woke up at 7 a.m. on November 4th, ran downstairs, turned on the news and I saw the best thing to happen to the white house since JFK! A young, open-minded leader full of hope to change our country for the better. Every station was covering the news, the newspapers today all have pictures of Obama and his family, polls, just about everything and anything to do with the election. People may not realize that the rest of the world (Spain specifically) was also waiting anxiously for the results. Right now, the states and Spain do not have good relations since the President of Spain decided to pull out the troops in the war and Bush disagreed. Obama wants to ( I have to say it) change that and that is something people here really care about.
I don't want to talk politics anymore so...

Joan and I are settling better into our new home. There have been some surprises such has the power going out when we turn on the oven, building my closet (this was quite and adventure that involved Joan borrowing the truck from the furniture store to bring back the what they gave us because it was wrong and then getting home to realize only two pieces were the wrong color and we could have fit them in the car) moving furniture, getting into a routine and getting organized, as well as getting locked out of our house last Friday.
We are so close to having everything in its place. What we really need though is a desk. I am teaching six english classes a week and need a place for all my lessons etc. I'm still in Spanish class and would love a place tp study. Hopefully this weekend we can search around.

Next week Joan has to drive from here to Reus which is almost two hours with Casandra and then take a plane to Santander for Recruitment. He will be going overnight which means take-out and movie night for me! We will also be going to Stanstead next week as well. I will have to meet the Ryanair people, learn my way around the airport so next time I can go by myself. I wish we had time (and money) to go to London, sometimes being so close is worse than not going at all. Although I do love buying books in English, eating "more American" like foods including Dr.Pepper and Joan and I always stop at Starbucks. It isn't a bad time at all.

All in all things are going well. I am always busy but I am working full time at Cavok and teaching, I will be obtaining my TEFL certificate through a accredited online course so I can be more informed about grammar, lesson planning etc and be able to get a better job teaching English as a second language if I want to in the future. Early next year I also plan to finish my degree through a distance course with Dublin University. After all that happens, Joan and I want to move back to the states. I've said this before but after two or two and a half years here we may want to give New York a try or perhaps in Kansas City. Time will tell.

Joan ordered our internet package today and they say it could take up to 30 days for them to install everything. I will have to resort to short time periods at the library to blog and check my emails.

Until next time-

A moment to spare

2008-11-05T17:48:00.003+01:00

We still don't have internet. After work Joan and I will go start the process of getting Internet a landline and digital t.v. in our new home. I am forced to check everything at work and don't have much time to do so!

I look forward to speaking with all of you soon! I will definetly have more stories to tell!
Ciao

------So happy that Barack Obama will be President-----

One Moment of Bad Luck equals 50 euros

2008-11-02T16:04:00.005+01:00

I've never believed much in "luck" bad or good but lately I have been wondering if it is possible. Yesterday, Joan and I had an extremely long day. We slept in our old place the night before so we could get up early and pack the car; as I stated in my previous post. Well, after a few hours of walking up and down 5 flights of stairs carrying heavy things we were finally done. We drove his father's truck to our place, Elizabeth came to see the place and to keep an eye on the apartment while we carried everything in and out. We also had to make a trip to the furniture store to buy a big closet for my clothes, our place came with a very small one; perfect for Joan, not me. After that, Joan had to drive the truck back to Lloret so I stayed home and unpacked everything. Stress was high as I was overwhelmed, Joan was in a mood and later we were supposed to meet Carlos and Gemma to go to los firas and watch the castells that were taking place in front of the Cathedral. Something I had been waiting years to see. The castells were taking place 5 minutes walking from our home at 9:00 so everything was perfect.

8:15 that night Joan was just entering Girona. 8:25 he had parked and was walking from our parking to our place, a good 30 minute walk on a normal day. Last night was one of the biggest nights of Los Firas so there were tons of people and a bit of rain. So, 45 mintues later he was home. Tired and wet but jumped in the shower for us to make it there on time.

At 9:05 I recieved a text saying that the castells had started and we were going to miss it if we didn't hurry. At 9:10 I walked out the door, 9:11 Joan shut the door and at 9:11 and three seconds we realized we were locked out.

Rewinding back to 8:45 when Joan had arrived and I had unlocked the door for him-the keys were left in the door. We didn't think anything of it afterwards. When Joan closed the door at 9:11:03 he realized when he check the lock that he couldn't turn the key. I remembered my keys on the other side and that was that. We borrowed a guide book from the neighbor, I cried and eventually we found the number for a locksmith. We missed the castells, it was raining, and once the locksmith came we would be out 50 euros. We tried and tried to open the door by sliding a piece of plastic through, anything but it took the locksmith two seconds to open our door. He had a special piece of plastic, thinner than a credit card and much stronger. Our single moment of bad luck was very expensive.

Carlos and Gemma arrived a bit before the locksmith had and waited with us outside. We showed them the flat, which they loved and we went to get a bite to eat. It was the end of a very long day.

Now it's Sunday and we just finished lunch with Joan's parents. We have to go to our old place and clean up. Thankfully we have Monday and Tuesday off.

Hope all is well and remember to check the doors before you leave.

Crazy Turn Of Events

2008-11-01T08:53:00.002+01:00

It is officially official, Joan and I are moved in to our new place! However, I am at our old place this morning. We moved in Thursday evening after work, first stopping by the IMO to get the keys and sign the contract. Joan read through it as if he were a lawyer and asked a few questions to our realtor, Joanna. In the end, everything seemed fine and we were in a hurry so we signed and that was all. As this was happening, Joanna told us that the washer wasn't exactly finished and if Joan could just attach the tube "muy facil" she said. Joan shot back with a, "If I can't do I'm not touching it because then it's my fault and you'll charge me for it." 1 point for Joan. Then she said that legally they didn't have to attach the accessories, the toilet paper holder and the wrack for the towels. Other than that, everything was ready. So, with that in mind, we left the IMO wondering what we would find.

It was a little after seven when we arrived to our piso. It really is a beautiful place. Hardwood floors, completely new kitchen; gorgeous. Upstairs we noticed the bed still wasn't made, the plastic was still on the mattresses (two twins pushed together by the way) so Joan got busy working on that. After a couple hours we walked three minutes to our favorite restaurant Konig. Joan, the wonderful guy that he is, suprised me by taking me to the festival that is in Girona now. I didn't think we would be able to go until this Sunday so it was a great surprise. Los Firas have games, great food, not- so- great-but-delicious-food, lots of white tents with different drinks and even castanyas or chestnuts. Roasted Chestnuts! Joan walked me over to the Ferris Wheel and we went on a ten minute ride and from the top we could see all Girona, the Cathedral and St.Feliu, really romantic and amazing. We walked around the fair, ate chestnuts and people-watched. It was so much fun after a long day of work and moving. So, thank you again Joan for the wonderful surprise!

Friday we had to work but it's only a 20 minute walk from the piso which saves us so much time! The hours d r a g g e d on as we worked and waited to get to our flat again. In the end we decided to stay in Lloret since our piso, at the moment, has no television, radio, or anything-it's too quiet. We relaxed a bit at the piso and Joan then decided to try the oven. As soon as it was on, the power went out. We did it again, power went out again. Everything is so new that it is normal that there are some problems. Joan called Joanna and let her know of the new situation. We have free days next week and are hoping and praying that the telefonica man, the man with the t.v. and the man to fix the oven and washing machine will be able to come one of those days. Que lio!

That brings me back to now, Joan is at work and it is pouring! It has been windy and rainy since last night. Which is terrible because today we were going to move the rest of the things from this piso and go to buy another closet for our place. Now, we're not sure what to do. Elizabeth is coming over to see the piso at 3:30 and I had hoped to be there before but now I don't know what is going on. Joan is very stressed which is completely normal. The poor guy doesn't need any more stress. We did have this picture-perfect idea that we would move in, with sunny weather, everything working and it would be so easy. Life is never that easy, is it?

I feel good about everything though because we fought so hard to get this place. Saving the money, making all the arrangements, getting my job, etc. So, I know we can do it-we can fight our way through any situation.

Speaking of "getting my job" I do have some great news on that. Here, they are big on contracts. You have a contract for 1 year, 6 months etc. This means you have this job and it is harder for the boss to fire you, basically she can't unless there is a major reason. Anyway, it is good to have a long contract, you can quit if you want but it means the boss wants to keep you for as long as she can. I have had two month contracts that have been renewed a few times, a three month contract and now-an indefinite contract. How wonderful is that? I'm so happy, I don't have to be a waitress or work in a department store, I get to work for Ryanair making good money and I get to be with Joan, travel and live in Girona. I know it won't be forever but for the next couple years I will stay and just soak up this great experience.

I miss the states so much of course and I do want to go back but it's so much more complicated than just picking up and moving. Jobs, money, the economy, a place to live, bank accounts, a car, Joan's paperwork for him to live there and be able to work-many things. We have to decide where we would want to move as well!

Anyway, it is only 9:30 a.m. here, still raining hard, but all the same I should start packing and be ready for when Joan arrives!

I hope you have a lovely day wherever you live

Ciao

Tomorrow's The Day

2008-10-29T10:36:00.003+01:00

Joan and I are moving tomorrow!

A fun day of packing is ahead of us.....

Wish us luck!

Ooobama

2008-10-24T21:37:00.002+02:00

Lou Reed was on television last night, I quote:

"Obama, Obama,Obama,Obama,We need to vote for Obama. If you can't vote for Obama. We all just need to move to Barcelona."

Abeja Occupada

2008-10-20T23:42:00.006+02:00

Yes, Joan and I are busy bees. At least I am. At least I feel like one. Luckily Joan and I had a day off last Friday and a few days coming up at the end of this month and the beginning of the next. Unfortunately we won't be flying off to France. We will be moving those days but the festival of St.Narcis will be going on for 10 days so I hope we will have time to enjoy it. I will post more about that once I experience it all first hand. It is Girona's most famous festival, one known world-wide!

Until then, I'm working five days a week at Cavok, two days a week teaching English, also making time to study the presentation for work, Spanish lessons, and be the amazing woman I am by preparing dinner, keeping the house clean, packing each night for the big move and making time to call the family. I suppose it is better to be busy than bored!

My main focus is Oct 30th, the day Joan and I move in. I will be up all night unpacking. Luckily for me I will just have to unpack clothes, books, movies and a few dishes. Everything else is ready! Joan will unpack the electronics and get the speaker system set up. So by the 31st we can enjoy the festival and our new piso!

It is midnight here already, my goal was to be in bed by this time so I should probably go. I've done well up to this point.

Hope all is well and I hope to update with some exciting news soon!

I'll leave you with a picture of us. Me in my new glasses and Joan being guapo as always! ha!

Barcelona Will Never Get Old

2008-10-18T10:09:00.006+02:00

Yesterday I went to Barcelona to see Alison. She came to visit David and since America's Health care System is absolutely terrible get her medicines as well. Joan and I arrived at 1:00 and went to see Xevi at his office and then met David and Alison for lunch at this amazing Japanese Restaurant near La Ramblas. I want to go again soon, they had section where your food could be cooked on the wok or a la plancha, as well as sushi, salads and desserts. After lunch Ali and I walked with Xevi back to La Rambla and David and Joan went and did their own thing for a few hours. It started raining so we ducked inside a nearby Starbucks and had our cafés and talked about everything possible. I love to just soak up the time with her and the city of Barcelona, there is always something new to see. We made it into H&M and Mango, drooled over all the amazing clothes and felt terrible about ourselves while seeing the beautiful Spanish girls pull off any look so effortlessly while the same shirts on us made us look pregnant. We walked in and out of shops, went to the top of La Pedrera and had a coffee at another Starbucks later.

The boys were supposed to meet us at 6:30, well, Joan called and said they were on the way. At 7:00 they were still with their friends across town. At 7:30 they still weren't on the way. So, we decided to walk to them.

Asking the woman at La Pedrera, "Donde esta Callé Arago?" "GOING DOWN" she replied. First of all, thanks for the great directions, secondly, if we asked you in Spanish please don't insult us by speaking in English. whatever. So, we made our way down and decided to do an experiment and ask random people and see if they responded in Spanish. The rest of them did. An old man in a suit said "bajo" A well dressed Spanish woman at a bank didn't know but spoke Spanish with us and finally a very nice woman pointed us in the right direction, spoke in spanish, slowly and wished us luck. And who says the Spanish aren't nice? We called Joan and told him were by the big Burberry store on Callé Aragon and were on the way, Ali talked to David and he told her to take a taxi. We didn't want to spend the money so we started walking.

Fifteen minutes later we get a call and the boys are at Burberry! Seriously? So, after they told us to take a taxi (which we could have and would have had to pay for) they walked to where we were instead. We finally made it to them and hopped in the car to go to see the fountains of Montjuiic.

The fountains weren't working last night. Just our luck. So, we called it a night and dropped Alison and David off at his home. I hate saying goodbye to her so much but I also love that I get to because that means I was able to see her again and she was able to visit Barcelona, a city she loves. I have no doubt one day she will live here. She would appreciate every second of it.

Here are some photos of Ali and I in Barcelona.

Daily Schedule

2008-10-15T23:05:00.004+02:00

My Schedule

Wake up at 7:00 a.m. get ready to go to work
Joan and I leave the house and are in the car at 8:05
We arrive in our parking garage at 8:55 almost exactly
By 9:05 we are in our favorite cafe to have breakfast which is a great start to the day
We're in the office by 9:25
I leave for Spanish class at 11:30 and return to the office at 1:45 when class is over
At 2:00 Joan and I go to lunch and spend 30 minutes to an hour on our break
At 6:00 we leave the office
If it's a Monday or Tuesday I teach English after work from 6:30-7:30 or 8:30 depending.
If it happens to be a Wednesday or Friday Joan and I head home or do something fun around town
Thursday he has class at the University so I do other things until 8:30 when he's done and we go home.
Once I'm at home ( any night of the week) I make dinner, do laundry, clean a bit, try to study Spanish, prepare lessons for the English classes, work on my other things such as researching universities, call the family in the states or watch our favorite shows via computer downloads.

The weekends can be pretty busy as well but Sundays are reserved for a long lunch with his family and relaxing afternoons.

Some of you ( my family in particular) have been asking about a "normal day" for me, well there's an example of a normal week. My resolution, Our resolution, (forget waiting for December 31) is to spice up our life. Sure we have responsibilities and such but everyone can get stuck in the monotony of everyday existence. I've been looking into Salsa classes, if we can manage to fit it into the schedule somewhere. I also want to find a good church to go too, I know I won't find anything like what I'm used to in the states but if I can find a place where I feel comfortable that would be a great blessing.

It is true though, you have time for what you make time for. It's about prioritizing and organizing my life in the way I need or want it to be. I know once we are living in Girona it will be easier to work with the time, the hours I would be spending in the car driving to and from work, can be spent on important things.

Only two weeks until the big move!

El Niño Con El Pijama De Rayas

2008-10-12T23:12:00.002+02:00

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Cargado por coolvibesinfo

I'm sure that this film came out in the states ages ago as Spain gets the movies almost always five months later for some reason but incase you haven't seen it. Stop reading my blog, check the movie times and make plans to see it. I read the book before, actually I read the book in two days. I couldn't put it down. I suppose that's why I could watch the movie dubbed in Spanish and understand almost everything.

Without giving anything away I must say how powerful and moving this movie is. Seeing the Holocaust through the perspective of a child is incredibly heartbreaking. I've read numerous books with the child being the protagonist but never telling such a tale as this. Without a doubt the book is much much better so perhaps I should be urging you stop reading my blog and go to your nearest bookstore and read this tale instead. Perhaps you should. The book takes you through the thoughts as Bruno, it weaves you into his life and captures your thoughts so that you feel as if you are right there with him. The book has won two Irish Book Awards, The Bisto Book Of The Year and The Qué Leer Award in Spain.

Check out the trailer and then go see for yourself whether in the cinema or between the pages of John Boyne's novel.

Una Habitación Nueva y otras cosas

2008-10-11T20:24:00.006+02:00

I have a few pictures of the new flat but I will just post four. The place isn't finished yet so the other pictures aren't that great anyway. Besides I want you all to see the finished product once Joan and I have moved in. The first picture is looking down from the loft into the living room. The second photo is of the sofa in the living room that also serves as a bed if we need it to. The living room looks small in the photo and not that it's big but it definetly is more spacious than the picture shows. My favorite part is the different textures, the stone, the brick and the hardwood floors. The third is of the main window in the living room. The last one is of the sink and mirror area in the bedroom. You can see the shower is to the right of the mirror and to the left is the bathroom which isn't in the picture. Nothing much to see, just a toilet surrounded by mosaic tile, nice but a boring photo. Those are the only pictures for now but like I said, I'll add more in a month or so after we've moved in!

In other news, I drove today. This is a big deal because I haven't been behind the wheel in 10 months! I don't know why I never took the car out before but we never had time or we did other things...but today Joan made me basically. We went to his parents to see his brother and pick up a few things. I ended up driving the quad around the property for awhile and it felt so good driving again, driving something. Joan asked if I wanted to take the Volkswagen around the property a bit, so I did, I felt comfortable so we drove around Lloret and to Fenals Beach to have a coffee. I was so nervous, I almost hit a cop on a motorbike ( he didn't notice but I sure did) went through the crazy roundabouts and managed to park fairly well. I used to be so confident, I've always been a great driver but I had to get back into that mindset. Joan's mom was happy I finally took the car out and said I could anytime. Now that Adriana has her new car, I'll have more opportunity to take it out if I need/want to. Joan will call the consulate Monday to see about my license and if it's valid here as well. I hope so, if I have to take the test that will be a major drag. First of all the written test will be in Spanish and the driving test will be with a manuel car and it will be 1200 euros or something ridiculous. I think I'd rather drive illegally. Kinda.

Tonight Albert is coming over for a bit and when Shabir gets home we're going to go out for alittle while with him. He will be returning from the Paris Auto Show so I'm expecting a lot of car talk.

Tomorrow Joan's uncles and cousins will be there for lunch so I'm pretty excited about that. It's nice to have big family gatherings. I also have a lot to do tomorrow, study for Spanish a bit, prepare the lessons for my class Monday with Pablo and Carlos, pack and do laundry. Hopefully I can get everything done. Today was such a lazy day, I slept in until 12 then laid around the couch for an hour and after watched an episode of Prison Break with Joan. I didn't even leave the house until 5:30 today. Lazy Saturdays are good now and then.

I better end this post and get ready for tonight. Hope all is well in the states, as well as it can be right now.

Ciao

History Old and New

2008-10-08T20:51:00.010+02:00

Joan and I will be moving to Girona in a few months and some of you have been asking what it's like and so on so I found some great articles on Lonley Planet about Girona for you to read.

"A walk in Gerona's exceptionally well-preserved old town, or Barri Vell, is like a vivid retelling of long-past events by the city's streets and buildings.

While there's little trace of the ancient settlement called Gerunda, visitors can still follow the path of Via Augusta, the Roman highway that passed by that Iberian city - just by walking down Carrer de la Força in the old town.

From Gerona's impressive defensive towers and walls - lovingly restored following demolition in the name of 19th-century progress - it is easy to picture the relentless attacks and occupations that shaped the history of this city.

The Romans had a fortress here long before the city wall protected Gerona. Visigoths also held the ancient city until it was captured by Muslims in AD 714. Twice the Moors were driven out by Charlemagne - the second and last time in 797.

Charlemagne made Gerona a countship of Catalonia and, in the 9th century, the alarmingly named Wilfred the Hairy, Count of Barcelona, ruled Gerona as capital of one of his counties.

Wilfred's time is sometimes said to be the wellspring of Catalonia's distinctive, proud spirit and its desire for political and cultural autonomy. But Catalan's early independence was dealt a blow by a royal wedding in 1469 - Isabella of Castile to Ferdinand II of Aragon. The match all but made Spain into one powerful kingdom and, from that time, Catalonia's prized self-government slowly trickled away.

The cobbled streets around Carrer de la Força tell another story from this time. El Call, the Jewish quarter, made Gerona Catalonia's second most important medieval Jewish community after Barcelona. The people stayed until 1492, when all Jews were expelled from Spain. The neighbourhood was famous for its cabbalistic school - one of Europe's foremost.

The old town's historic buildings speak of Gerona's medieval prosperity and themselves sit on long-destroyed ancient structures. The cathedral sits on the site of another, once used by Moors as a mosque. Climb the current cathedral's 86 steps and pass through its majestic facade and you'll discover a history of building and rebuilding in successive Romanesque and Gothic styles. It's no surprise, after 25 attacks and seven successful invasions, that many of the old town's buildings are a pastiche of architectural periods. What does surprise is the old town's almost complete survival.

Gerona rocketed into the modern era, becoming industrialized along with the rest of Catalonia. The region's capital, Barcelona, is an Art-Nouveau wonderland; Gerona's own Rafael Masó did his best to modernise the city with a host of fantastically decorative buildings that are well-preserved today.

Politically, Catalonia was a hothouse. In the fiercely independent region that's claimed Gerona since the 8th century, socialists, anarchists and Catalan nationalists waged their struggles.

Two revered Catalan presidents of the 1930s, Lluís Companys and Francesc Macià, fought to make the region a nation. They fought with armed revolts as well as elections, and gained and lost autonomy of varying shades. Complete independence was elusive.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-39) crushed hopes of a seperate state. Catalonia opposed General Francisco Franco and the region was brutally punished when the dictator came to power. Franco quashed Catalonia's political autonomy and suppressed its culture; use of the Catalan language was forbidden in public life.

Catalonia suffered for forty years until Franco's death in 1975 freed the region to seek independence once more. Autonomous again, and with an elected parliament, Catalonia was on the path to nationhood.

Recent History

Today, the city feels like a busy and prosperous centre - although 'human sized' as its local government boasts. New parks and historical reconstructions grace Gerona, which is surrounded by a still-industrial region producing paper, chemicals, food and machinery.

Tourism has become significant for Gerona and visitors flock to the beautifully preserved old town. This tourist precinct's charming streets - easily explored on foot - are also lively with students from the local university, who make the town's nightlife."

-LonleyPlanet.com

Joan and I will be living in the Barri Vell and I will take photos and video of our "neighborhood" when we get a chance. Next week will make two weeks until we move in. We're not completely packed but we have a lot done. I will be sad to leave our place but I'm positive we will feel the same about the new place. Below are some photos of Girona that I've taken over the last few months.

Visit us soon!

HIGHlights from Shabir's Party

2008-10-06T22:12:00.005+02:00

This isn't normal.

Amigos

Shabir, his Father and Joan

Go Barça!

Barcelona Duet de Guitarra

2008-10-05T21:33:00.003+02:00

Joan surprised me last night with tickets to see The Barcelona Guitar Duo. Xenia Axelroud & Joan Benejam have played together at the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, one of the most famous concert halls in the world. Here is a link to a webpage I found of the duo. You can listen to their music by clicking the red box under thie photo. They were absolutely amazing, they played Operas and compositions meant for an entire orchestra on just two guitars. The concert was held in the church in Lloret, it was peaceful, beautiful and something I hope everyone has a chance to experience. At the end of the concert, they played a last song on one guitar. Xenia sat on her stool, Joan stood behind and they both played the same guitar. It was amazing. Joan and I would love to see them again but next week Lloret is having another group of Spanish guitar players so we will probably go to that concert as well. It was really refreshing going out on Saturday night to do something else other than go to dinner or go out with Joan's friends.

Tomorrow is a big day, I meet the two children I'm teaching English to and giving the presentation to the boss. I need to be reviewing it and memorizing what I need to know but I can't bring myself to read through it all again. Wish me well, I am very nervous!

I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

-Hoping everyone has a great Monday.

Explicaré todo

2008-10-04T11:27:00.003+02:00

Joan and I are going through a lot of changes, we've been very busy and I just haven't made time to blog. I missed it though so I will try to post every other day if I can ( or if I have something blog-worthy to write about) and keep you updated on mi vida.

Joan and I put the deposit down on our new piso in Girona. It's beautiful and exactly what we were looking for. We will move in at the end of the month and we just couldn't be more excited about it. It is a duplex, which in Spain means two stories. The second story has our bedroom and a bathroom and overlooks the living room. A loft, I suppose is what you could call it. It's spacious and has a very nice, modern kitchen. This was the deciding factor for me because not only is it bigger than the kitchen I have now, it has a four top stove, an oven, and a washer and dryer. The piso isn't finished yet, they still have to put in the appliances, but that should be done before we move. I can't stop dreaming up the fab dinners I'll make for Joan and our friends. The only issue we have is closest space. There is one closet and a small one at that. We will have to go to IKEA-no complaint there-to find a solution. The hard part now is packing. I'm planning to start today but need Joan to get boxes. We really will have to downsize as I don't want to fill up the place with random junk. I will miss our views. Even now, I'm sitting at the dining room table, writing this and looking at the sea and the mountains. It is beautiful day. In the new flat, we are on the first floor and our window faces a street, so not nearly as much sun, no balcony, no views. We get instead, the city. Two minutes walk and we are right in the heart of the Barri Vell (The Old City or Jewish Quarter) of Girona. St.Feliu is only meters away as is Elizabeth and Liza.

Also, I am working full time now. I'm new and learning everything now but Joan and I have faith that this job will be great for us and really give us the financial help we need. With me working, some of the pressure will be off of Joan to be the provider and the sole income and I can feel like I am contributing something to the household financially as well. I also have another job, a side job, teaching English. I signed up with this company, Acadomia, in Girona. This company provides teachers in all subjects to people and sends them to the student's home. So, this Monday I am teaching English to 5 year old Pablo and 7 year old Carlos. Joan and I will call the parents this afternoon so I can find out a bit about the boys. I'm a bit nervous as I am the one who plans the lessons and I'm not sure how to teach a 5 and 7 year old English, but I have found a lot of great resources online on the subject and am feeling quite confident about it.

As far as school goes, I really want to go back. I miss it so much. However, I know that now I cannot do it. Not realistically. I did come across Dublin City University and found out that they have a distance program for obtaining a BA in Journalism. It isn't nearly as expensive as the states and I would just have to fly to Dublin to take the exams at the end of the course. I need to speak with them but it is something I would love to do when I can pay off Northwest and obtain my transcripts. Possibly next year, in the spring, I will start school again.

I suppose that's all for now, I really need to get the house cleaned up and begin the day.
I hope all is well where you are. For those of you that read regularly and asked what happened to the blog, I appreciate it. Feel free to leave comments, I didn't know I had so many readers!

Ciao bellas

Change

2008-10-02T14:47:00.000+02:00

I'm back. I've been gone for awhile but things are returning to normal.

I'll be writing more, updating each day, and taking you on this new journey that's about to start.

Old Friends New Decisions

2008-09-17T00:15:00.008+02:00

It hit me today how long I've actually been gone. Looking at the pictures of my friends, so much has changed in what I thought was a short time. I spoke with my friend Heather tonight, we were inseparable at Northwest. Really a wonderful friend. She has a new boyfriend now, I've never met him and I wish I could. She is so happy with her life now and I want to be there to experience that with her, when I left she was getting over a long relationship with a horrible guy. I wish I could see her happy and excited about this new life she has in Kansas City.

I talked with Jessica tonight for a bit. She was walking to the subway in NYC to go to her yoga class. We grew up together and this is the longest we've been apart and it is so much harder than I thought it would be. Joan and I are thinking about a big move to NYC, but Heather made Kansas City sound great too. Besides my family and a lot of my friends are there....but NY is so glam and exciting and it is a place Joan and I both have always wanted to experience. We have been looking for jobs and apartments there and are having quite a bit of luck. So maybe it's a good idea?

Tonight I was looking at my old roommates facebook. Her and I were best friends freshman year of college. We had the best room on the 3rd floor, so much in common, yet very different people. We had some really great times. Sophmore year she found a great boyfriend after a rocky relationship with her ex. (Which by the way the same situation happened with her, heather and nikki, weird huh?) I was so happy for her but hated the fact that I was always alone in our room and my best friend was never there. I was in a long distance relationship with Joan and it just wasn't easy to watch. I ended up finding more reasons not to like St.Leo, the money being one of them, and transfered to Northwest.

Have you ever looked at pictures of an old friend, someone who you had amazing times with but grew apart, and your stomach turned? You felt sick? That's the only way I can describe it. Maybe it's this overwhelming sadness mixed with disappointment and regret with a dash of nostalgia. You see the person in the picture, the same person you saw everyday, laughed with, cried with, fought with and it boggles your mind how that same person is with a different friend in that picture-the friend you thought you would be forever. I've tried to stay in touch but no matter what, whether I was a city away or a country away, drifting apart is the same I guess. Same with a lot of my friends at St.Leo. I remember those days like yesterday but if I really sit and think about it, I don't even remember myself back then. I've changed so much.

Now I have friends here (Joan's friends) and I love spending time with them but it's not the same. Joan and I are deciding our next step now and if we have the money I know it has to be the states. Maybe NYC or Florida, I'm not sure yet but at least I'll be so much closer to all the people I love and miss so much.

I told Heather tonight, just as I couldn't do long distance with my boyfriend, I cannot do long distance with my friends. Maybe I'll go back and I won't have a lot of the same friends as I use to, that's ok. The one's that matter will still be there.

Jessica Silanskas, Heather Rose, Heather De Ronde to name a few.

I love Spain and I will miss Joan's family and everyone we've met but I really really miss my girlfriends, my best friends.

Sick Day

2008-09-15T12:08:00.003+02:00

I'm home today. I haven't been feeling well the last couple days and I wasn't sure why but last night/this morning made it clear that I was definetly not a well person and needed to be home. I think it's a combination of not eating the way I usually do, with stress and the like.

I don't even know what I'll do today. Maybe look up flight tickets, that is something that needs to be done.

Nothing else to report yet, when Joan and I decide on a course of action for the next few months I'll be sure to let you know. :)

Now for my lunch of white rice and water. delicious.

Life or something like it

2008-09-13T09:29:00.002+02:00

Joan and I are going to Girona today so keep the apartment hunting going. Yesterday we made appointments to see 8 flats next week. Three on Monday, Three on Wednesday and Two on Thursday. One is especially promising but maybe a bit to expensive. Other than that we'll be having lunch here and then heading out. Hopefully I will get a few great pictures and get to see Kindra and Roderick.

I am so glad it is the weekend after work this week. Stress to the max. I feel like the parents of 35 children. The students of this course are so disorganized. Two weeks left and I'll be done and will be ready to look for a new job!

More talk are in place about the future, Joan is itching to go to the states more than me I think. It's funny, one day life seems perfect and we have all our plans in order. The next day we don't know what we want to do and have a million decisions to make. It is incredible to see how much the mind changes in a two day span. There are talks of going to the states for a year or so but the location isn't definite nor is the time we will move but it will be mid 2009 (as of right now). I know it's best to keep something a secret until there is more information, more knowledge about said subject but I've never been the type to harbor my thoughts, the world knows all my ideas as they spill out five at a time.

Sidenote: If you're in Lloret you will notice the seagulls are in quite a mood today. Earlier a whole swarm (what is a group of seagulls called?) of them were flying at my window and at the last second swooped up over the roof. I wish my camera was ready, it would have been a great photo. Now they are just all picking up and flying in the same direction. Away from the coast, someone told me once that was a bad sign. I guess I have to google it now.

Highlights from Nikki and Eryn's Visit

2008-09-07T14:50:00.008+02:00

Beach Day in Lloret

Santa Cristina

In Tossa

Lloret Beach

Xevi's Flat before Shoko

Port Vell

Tossa de Mar

I can't think of a creative title for this post

2008-09-06T20:50:00.002+02:00

Things have been pretty crazy around here lately, a mix of a lot of different things have been giving Joan and I both a lot of things to do. Decisions have been flying at us from every direction and we can't seem to agree on any of them. Lately we have been looking at flats, we found a few great ones (also expensive) we've been deciding on which part of Girona to live in, when to move, where I should work, when we should go on vacation and even what we want for dinner on any given night. All those seem to be giving us a headache. But no worries, we aren't arguing over anything, Joan and I are very compatible. We just both like to take time and make sure every aspect is right.

ANYWAY last night I spent the evening with Liz and Kindra, we had a great time sitting and talking. We ended up at this bar called Lateral, very very close to where Joan and I are considering renting a flat. It was really a fun night. I just wish I lived there now so I didn't have to go home so early! I have plans to meet with Kindra a lot next week and well, pretty much as often as we can before she leaves for Madrid. Although I'm planning to go see her on Thanksgiving Day. I think it will be good, two Americanas in Madrid, trying to find mashed potatoes and turkey. It'll be hard but, we'll see what we can do.

I also got a sweet new phone today, a bit of a surprise since Joan was the one that was supposed to get a new one. He cashed in his points with Vodafone and got me a Blackberry Pearl. It's really nice, a bit hard to figure out at the moment, but that will pass. Joan now has my old phone until he find one he really likes. Such a sweet guy!

Joan is in the kitch making paella for dinner ( the only thing I let him cook because it's Spanish and so is he, ha!) and watching Scrubs so I'm going to join him.

Hope everything is well where you are!

Sleep

2008-09-04T22:55:00.002+02:00

Sleep is what I want to do, what I should do, but what I'm going to do after I finish this post. It's 11 p.m. and I am incredibly tired. However, I need to discuss (mm...write) about the day.

Joan was supposed to go to London for work today. His flight was leaving at 6 a.m. so he left the house at 3:30 to go to the office,pick up some papers and then go to the airport. At 5:30 a.m. I call him because I wake up and can't get back to sleep. It really stinks but when I know Joan is gone, I wake up and there's nothing that I can do about it. Anyway, at 5:30 he tells me the plane is delayed. At 6:30 he tells me it is still delayed and won't leave for 6 hours so he is coming back home and will go to London tomorrow. So at 8 a.m. we leave Lloret and go to work, work all day (stressful day by the way) and go to see a piso!

This one is in the BEST location in Girona. Right in the Barri Vell. We went to check it out and I have mixed feelings about it. It's small, much smaller than ours now but right in the city center. Right near where Elizabeth lives, very close to some of my favorite places. In total it is 60m2 but seems way smaller. It is brand new and has an elevator. We are going to see it again in 15 days when it is finished. (The owner is going to get some furniture from Ikea and he still has to put in the appliances). I will try to take pictures if I can. I love it but we are going to take the next 15 days to look around and see more places.

Tomorrow I may see Elizabeth and Kindra. It depends if I wait in Girona for Joan to get back from London or not. I'm to indecisive. w-ever as Joan says. Tomorrow is going to be busy at work but at least I'm working; more on that issue later.

All for now, hopefully in the next couple weeks I will be telling you all about the new pad.
I'm more than ready to start our new adventure.

Ciao

Pisos y mas

2008-09-01T23:10:00.002+02:00

I'm basically giving up on posting about Nikki and Eryn's visit but I will post pictures...eventually.

I have to keep up what is going on in the present, so here we go.

Today Joan and I found the flat of our dreams, a duplex with a walk in closet, an office, spacious bedroom,two bathrooms (one had a shower and a bath) a terrace, washer and dryer, awesome kitchen (actually the same building as the previous post with same furniture,floors,kitchen etc) but it is a bit out of our price range. If Joan and I were making the same amount, we could do it no problem, but we aren't. We looked at another one in that building, very small. A one bedroom. There is no place to go. no place! Joan and I would murder each other if we lived in that small space. So, the search continues. We found some pretty good places online so we will call tomorrow and make appointments for next week.

Work went well today, tomorrow I will be calling England, Spain, Argentina, trying to get references for all the students. After work Joan will study and I'll meet up with Kindra.

It's late and after pasta and searching flats, Joan and I are very tired.

Bona nit

Moving

2008-08-30T09:55:00.003+02:00

Reasons Joan and I might move to Girona

1.I am so sick of Lloret and so is Joan
If I have to be here another summer to witness drunk tourists roaming the streets and releasing their bodily fluids while I try to enjoy my one day at the beach, I think I'll be sick.

2.Nothing else to do
Joan and I have gone to every restaurant, every beach, every club, and it's getting to the point where we go to Girona anyway just to try something new. I understand you can't move everytime you get bored, but enough is enough.

3.The drive to work could be improved
Joan has to wake up by 7 (I have to get up at 6:45) so we can leave at 7:45 to drive to Girona so he can find a parking space. After work, we really have to plan what we do in town because we could have a 30 minute to an hour drive home and I would like to relax a bit before I have to clean,cook,whatever.

4. Girona is better for other reasons
There are new apartments, in good locations,with a ton of new restaurants,shops and parks. My friend Liz lives there, so do Alex and Rod so that's a plus. Our friends Carles and Gemma live there so we could see them more too.

5.Bigger cities offer more
Girona has a free theatre everynight in the summer, so I will get to see my favorite plays (and some new ones) at no cost! There are more trains and buses to Barcelona and other towns than in Lloret.

6.More Culture
I can go to mass at the Cathedral in Girona, I'll walk down streets thousands of years old,I can see the sunrise on the river onyar and learn my way around a great city.

Now for a few cons

1.No Beach
Lloret is probably the closest beach, which is ok because Joan and I rarely make it to the beach during the week anyway and for sure we will be in Lloret on the weekends to see his family and friends here.

2.We will have to leave our amazing view
While I won't miss climbing five flights of stairs everyday, I will miss our great view. I have a hundred pictures of it and I know we can always come back, but leaving it will be hard. Leaving our flat in general will be hard because we have so many memories here. It's our first place together. But no one stays in their first place, do they?

3. I will miss Pepi and Bernard
Pepi and Bernard are THE BEST neighbors. They never complain, they aren't loud, Pepi brings us desserts, she lets me borrow her clothes. They are so nice and kind and hilarious. I know we can do dinners together on the weekends,we may have to. Joan and I will miss them so much.

4.Our rent will be slighly higher
But we won't be using as much gas a month and if you live in Girona the government gives you 200€ a month. So, that will help us pay it.

Overall, I think it is a great idea to move. Below are pictures of a flat we are going to look at on Monday. We already saw one yesterday in the same building but it was a two story. We love that one so much more but the rent is almost two hundred more than we can pay. This one is only a one bedroom not two and doesn't have an office, which would be nice to have. Joan and I are going to talk with the man on Monday and decide. We have a few more flats to look at it in the meantime, but this one is in a perfect location and has an oven. Also, we will be the first people to live there!

What do you think?

Adios! Adeu! Aurvoir!

2008-08-26T12:43:00.002+02:00

The girls are gone. We successfully made it to the airport two and a half hours before their flight. I am so glad.
I'm also happy to not have to hear anymore jokes about setting "10 alarms" or "waking up on time, this time."
When we arrived in Lloret we had to go to the Police Station to get my Spanish I.D. That took about two hours. Waiting in a small room with 20 other foreigners wasn't our idea of a nice morning but we got it done and my official I.D. will be here in 45 days. We were told this after the old police officer asked if I was related to Karl Malone. Is he really still popular?

We stopped over at El Romani for some bravas and now we're home, enjoying the quiet peacefulness of our house. Joan is reading his Aviation magazine and I wanted to take the time to begin updating my blog more frequently. We only have today and tomorrow left of vacations but it might as well be just today. Tomorrow I need to make sure the house is clean, laundry done and stuff, Joan will need to refresh my memory on making IDs for Cavok since I will start Thursday with him and we will have to make a budget for September and figure out which bills to pay. We also need to get our flight tickets for December, get all my paperwork from my doctors in the states, contact Northwest (again) about my transcripts and probably a hundred more things I haven't realized it.

I promise to update with highlights from the trip with the girls and upload pictures too.

Adios

Barcelona and Back Again

2008-08-24T09:47:00.007+02:00

Things have been very busy the last couple weeks so I haven't had time to write. I would tell you all about the days with my friends but first I'll tell you about Friday and Saturday.

Friday night we went to dinner at El Tunel with Shabir. We ordered patatas bravas and sat in the lounge chairs and had wine and champagne. When dinner was ordered we moved to the table where Shabir ordered more champagne. Our dinner arrived and it was delicious. Paella of just rice with Lobster. It was delicious! Shabir ordered more and more champagne. Ridiculous, especially at 80€ a bottle, if not more. Then we had dessert and when it was time to pay, Shabir told us he took care of it. So incredibly nice! After we went to this bar called Soda and Nikki,Eryn and I had a Caprisoka, a drink with strawberries. (Don't worry family I wasn't drunk at all!)

We came home around two and everyone but Nikki and I went to bed. We wanted to stay up since we had to wake up at 5:30to get ready to go to the airport. Well, at 5:00 I was so so tired and fell asleep. Nikki did too and we woke up at 7! We didn't hear my alarm, Joan didn't hear his alarms either. We packed fast and made it to the airport but missed the plane by 15 minutes.

After being stressed, mad, upset and devastated we decided to get the tickets for Tuesday. The girls had mixed emotions but basically were sad that they couldn't get back.

It was so strange though because ALL week whatever we talked about, happened. For example, we had a conversation about how dangerous cheerleading and tattoos are. Then, on the news that night were two specials on "How Cheerleading is the most dangerous sport" and "What to be prepared for before your next tattoo". Another night, over dinner, we talked about storms and Joan said Spain never gets any bad storms, ever. We talked about hurricanes and heavy rains. Not 30 minutes after we went to bed, we heard thunder,lightning and a monsoon hit the flat. We couldn't see out of the windows. Joan woke up with a start when I told him water was pouring into our room, the kitchen was flooded even though all the windows were sealed. Water was coming in through every corner. Then, it stopped. Coincidences like that kept happening all week. The day before Nikki and Eryn left they talked about how they didn't want to leave, how maybe they could just stay a couple extra days. Look what happened. Joan, who ALWAYS hears his alarm and wakes up, didn't. Weird things.

It is Monday, my friends leave tomorrow. (for sure) and Joan and I can get back to our normal schedule. However, Joan's last day of vacation is Wednesday and then both of us are going to work. I FINALLY get to work! My papers came in at the same time Montse told Joan she needed me there. I also start my Spanish courses, so I will be a busy bee. I'm excited though!

Today we're going to the beach and watching movies. Dinner tonight and then waking up EARLY tomorrow.

Ciao Bellas.

Friends, Fun and Shoko

2008-08-17T14:36:00.003+02:00

My friends and here everything is going very well. I apologize for not writing in so long but we have been very busy! When I get a moment to upload some pictures I will start from the beginning and fill you in on each of the days with my friends. It really is so nice having them here!

Yesterday we got home late and Joan and Eryn went straight to bed. Nikki and I stayed up and talked for awhile and realized the sun would be up soon and she wanted to see the sunrise so we sat on the terrace and waited. We talked about everything; friends, family, travel. I'm pretty sure she wants to move to Spain now too! We didn't go to bed until 8 a.m.! I'm glad though because we were able to get some one on one time and enjoy each others company. I'm really thrilled they are both here because it is a 360 degree change from what they are used too. For example, last night we had a dinner at Shoko in Barcelona. I will tell you about it more in depth in another post but let's say it blew their minds. These are two girls from the Midwest, Omaha and Kansas City. Shoko was a very modern, very beautiful place. Our table was on the terrace,right next to the beach. Behind us were tall pillars of Bamboo and candles laying in the sand. Our food was DELICIOUS and everyone's new favorite.

It is Day 5 and we're going to the beach and lunch at Fenals for Paella. Although it is almost three and Nikki and Eryn are both still sleeping. I suppose I should wake them up, I'm starving!

I hope you all have a wonderful day, hug your friends, hug your family and spend it doing something fun!

Two Days

2008-08-11T12:26:00.004+02:00

As you can see, I did get the haircut, but not the blonde. I decided not to because it was going to take more than an hour to do, a lot more than I expected and I would rather have Judit do it but I didn't make an appointment in time. So, maybe in a few months I will give it a shot. But, do you like the haircut?

Since it is now Monday, I have two days to accomplish everything I need to do. I've already made my list and as soon as the last word is written on this post, I will have to start cleaning.
Joan has been a big help and I know he will try his best not to make a mess Tuesday night. I know we will both be excited, I don't know if I will even be able to sleep. I can't wait to show them my life here, why I decided to stay and to fill them in on my plans for the upcoming months.

The itinerary is almost complete, there are just a few tweaks and my actual birthday to plan. Joan and I still have to get groceries, find a present for Xevi and a couple hundred more things.

All for now, gotta get to work.

Hope all is well where you are!

Another Change Perhaps?

2008-08-08T00:51:00.007+02:00

Sometimes people like to go mix things up a bit, buy a new outfit they wouldn't normally wear, try a different restaurant, drive another way home from work. These changes aren't usually very often but after someone has been in a routine or a funk for awhile. I can always tell when I've been doing the same thing for to long because I immediately want to dye my hair. Thinking about that, it's a change within a constant routine ( routine + change = dying hair = routine) but I digress. Since I really shouldn't move anywhere else, like I tend to do from time to time, I have already gone shopping, I go to different restaurants on occasion and I don't drive-this is a quick fix.I'm thinking of going blonde. What do you think? Something like this maybe. Hairstyle and all.

I realize maybe that is a bit to blonde for me so I could go a bit darker. I would like to give it a try and Joan has already told me he would LOVE it. If this happens, it will happen Saturday. Hairdressers of the blogosphere, grandmother, Heather, give me your input, unless you think it's a bad idea of course. ;)

Get Ready España

2008-08-05T17:42:00.004+02:00

It's only a few more days until I'm on my way to Barcelona to pick up Nikki and Eryn. Looking back, time has flown by since the first day they told me they were coming. I've started my very thorough cleaning of the house but I'm sure I will be doing everything all over again this weekend. I spent an hour and fifteen minutes cleaning one bathroom. I can now see my reflection in the bathtub.

Timi is here now and it is going ok. Yesterday I showed her around the town, the views, how to get around and such. She treated me to lunch so that was cool. I cooked dinner last night for everyone and we watched The Beach with Leo DiCaprio. Joan visited that same Island when he went to Thailand but of course now it is full of tourists.

When Joan gets home I hope he wants to get take out or go to Panxos, I know we shouldn't but I really don't feel like cooking again. Besides, Timi's sister is coming sometime tonight and that would mean possibly making dinner for four people which equals a lot of dishes, a big mess and time on my part which I don't feel like spending SINCE I will be doing this all again with Nikki and Eryn.

It's not like I mind cooking for Timi and her sister, Timi is super nice and although I don't know her well, I know she has a good heart and is very genuine. She brought Joan and I a poster from the Cannes Film Festival which rocks and for me she brought bath salts from France so that made my day.

I'm still trying to plan my itinerary for when my friends arrive but it's actually a bit difficult trying to find a place and time for everything I want them to do and see. Especially considering money and how tired everyone will be.

It's almost 6 and Joan will be calling soon. I need to get myself cleaned up and ready but not overly so that he thinks I've been scheming to get out of cooking all day. Gotta find the balance.

Hope everything is good there, sorry for the boring updates but in a few days there will be more than enough stories and photos to fill up my blog for the rest of the month.

Adios Alvaro

2008-08-04T00:30:00.007+02:00

Alvaro and Joan at DH

This weekend Alvaro was in town to say goodbye to everyone before he leaves for Argentina.
Even though he'll only be gone a month or two, he still wanted a party, it's Spain; it's normal.
So, the night started with Joan and I meeting Alvaro, David and Shabir at Georgio's after they had eaten. We had one glass of wine and then accompanied Shabir in a taxi to Abacco in Blanes.
It was a funny ride because Shabir was already a bit drunk and was telling the driver jokes, only the second one he told got him a smile. We finally arrived and I hadn't eaten so Joan took me next door so I could get some fries, which helped more than I thought, and we made our way back to Abacco. Alvaro kept hitting on Joan all night sin embargo he says he's not gay. However there are just to many gay innuendos for him to just be joking. Oh well, it was entertaining for the rest of us and Joan was a pretty good sport about it.

Alvaro and I at Abacco

After we went to DH but Joan and I left after being there 10 minutes. We were tired and not really in a party mood, well, I wasn't at least. I'm sure Joan would have stayed.

Shabir and I at Abacco

Oh Shabir...

Today we slept in until 1:45, woke up just in time to get ready and make it to his parents by 2:00 for lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent laying out by the pool and swimming with Ari and Sergi. I rode Sergi's quad this afternoon as well, I was a bit scared in the beginning by how fast it went but by the second time around I was flying through the forest but Joan said I was a bit scary and wasn't sure if I should drive it anymore.

Xevi called us around 6 and said he was stopping in Lloret to visit us and would be here in an hour so we rushed home to get ready and then met him in town. We went to Il Cappriccio on the "strip of Lloret" and sat at the table right int he front facing the street, great for people watching. It was really a nice night, we had a long dinner and even after we payed the bill we stayed and talked, watched the crazy tourists go by. The best one though was this very lame guy in zip up windbreakers, with a farmers tan, shaved head and shades. He pulled up to the side of the street ( in the taxi lane) in front of the restaurant. He drove a low rider car, with mismatched red and gray paint and house music was blaring from the speakers. Things got really interesting when he got out, went to his trunk, took out a sandwich and a dirty rag for a napkin, sat in the passenger side of his car and called out to the girls on the street. He danced to the music and sat awhile hoping girls would flock to him, none did.

We left the restaurant, walked around a bit, saw more tourists in strange outfits (I wish I had pictures of some of these people) and around 11:30 called it a night. It was really nice to have a relaxing night with Xevi and not worrying about going out to big dinners or parties. He just had Lasik Eye Surgery so we were the first to see him sin glasses. His eyes were still bloodshot from the surgery but his vision was perfect. I even had to help him with the eye drops during the night. Next weekend he is going to Prague with German. Lucky guy. I know Joan and I will be able to go one day soon, so I'm not to sad we missed this trip.

Tomorrow Joan's friend from Hungry will be here with her sister so I will have to play guiá. Fun, I know. I have many things I'd like to do so I hope they want to just go off to the beach on their own.

I have a bit more cleaning to do tonight before I go to bed. Joan is already fast asleep.

Bona nit.

Joan and Cynthia's Bed and Breakfast

2008-08-02T10:29:00.003+02:00

With the visitors we are having this summer season, I decided it would be wise to start charging overnight fees.

Overnight stay: 50€ (per person)

Breakfast in the morning: 10€

Wake up call: Gratis ( I won't be evil)

Adam was here a month ago and he really was the perfect guest. He was hardly ever here and when he was, he was happy sitting around chatting with us. I made him dinner one night and was happy to do it. When he left, he took off all the sheets, even the mattress cover and folded everything up, ready to wash. so nice! I didn't even mind calling him a cab so he wouldn't have to walk to the bus station.

Monday, Joan's other friend from Hungry is arriving. She is coming with her friend. She really is a very nice girl, although I've only spent time with her a couple times while in Dublin with Joan. They are staying with us 5 days. I am really not up to play tourguide because that next Saturday I will need to get everything ready for the arrival of my friends so I can play tour guide with them.

There still is so much I have to do. From cleaning the windows, mopping the floors, organizing the kitchen,planning the meals I will make so I can buy everything I need ahead of time, planning the ten day itinerary, budgeting of course and getting Joan to clean his car.

Even with my long list I'm unmotivated to do anything. Joan wants to go to the pool today and that is fine with me. Although I do have a headache and am just not in the mood to be laying in the sun all day, I may go anyway. My wisdom tooth is also killing me, I sure hope that it stops in a couple days. I've been taking ibuprofen and that helps a great deal.

Last night Joan and I went out to dinner with Shabir and Albert to this new restaurant by our house called El Rondo. It was really a very nice place. The best part is that it is right next door to Hotel Selva Mar so it isn't to far from our house.

Tonight we are going out with Shabir, Albert and Alvaro, remember him from my other posts? The one that hit on Joan? Yes, he will be in town because he is going to Argentina for a few months and wanted to see everyone before he left. So, Joan will want to go out tonight, which is fine but I may decide to stay home and watch movies. That sounds much better to me. I just know that in a bit over a week I'll be taking Nikki and Eryn out almost every night (for free, thanks to Shabir) but still, I need to save my energy.

All for now I suppose. I should get out of bed and get ready for the day.

Hope all is well where you are

Ciao.

Over and Out

2008-07-30T23:04:00.003+02:00

My Spanish class ended Tuesday and I'm actually handling it better than I thought. I got my exam back and did very well on it. It also helps knowing I will see Elizabeth, Kindra, Roderick and Alex again.

Monday after class I spent the afternoon with Ralph since he was staying in Girona for the party that night. We talked a lot, he actually was quite opinionated and actually we got into debates a couple times but he had his moments when he was very funny and very nice. He told me all about his girlfriend, his parents, his life in Holland; it really was a nice afternoon.
After, we met Kindra later at her home, which is amazing, and stayed there until 7:30 when Joan joined us and we walked to meet Alex and Elizabeth at her flat.

This is Elizabeth and I with her fans from the funeral home in Illinois

We talked, laughed, Alex had a HUGE beer and then we left her flat to go to Plaza Independencia. We went to the Japanese Restaurant again and it was even better this time around. Kindra, who was already a bit drunk by that point, had three shots of Sake and didn't eat much so....

Around 10 we left and Ralph,Kindra, Joan and I went to Café Irelandes due to Kindra's insistence. She was hysterical and I really am so glad I met her. ANYWAY, 20 minutes later it we all realized we better get her home so we did. Her flat is so near the city center, so it was easy to do. We said goodbye and Joan, Ralph and I left. Ralph lives in the town before Lloret so we dropped him off with his host family and were home in bed by 12:30. Not to shabby.

The next day was the last day of class, Kindra didn't make it but she really didn't miss anything. After Joan and I had lunch, I met Kindra at the bus station and we went to the mall. It was a lot of fun to go shopping with a girlfriend instead of Joan, not that I don't love shopping with him, because I do, but having a girls opinion was so...refreshing. Kindra and I talked a lot, I felt comfortable enough with her to talk about my family and other things with her and she did the same. We took the bus back into town ( an air conditioned one. finally) and said our goodbyes. She is only going to Madrid in October so I have two solid months to visit. Elizabeth said she wanted to visit Lloret so one day I will plan something for her. As for Alex and Roderick, I hope they can make it as well, or to my birthday party in August.

Speaking of, I still have to plan that. I have it narrowed down to 4 restaurants and 5 potential places to go afterward. I will send the choices to Xevi once I have it down to 3 and 3. He said he didn't care at all but he knows the places better than I do. I just want to make it great incase we decide to do a joint party again, I want him to want to do that, I think it will actually be pretty great.

Today Joan had the day off so we slept in and then went to his parents pool for the afternoon. We even got a few errands done and cleaned his parents house for them. I hope it was a nice surprise for Maribel.

Hope everything is good where you are!

The Weekenders

2008-07-26T10:34:00.002+02:00

Friday turned out to be really great, Nicole came to visit and we had a really great time. It was so nice to have one of my sorority sisters here and to just catch up about everything that had happened this last year. We went to Cala Banys (of course) lunch at Hotel Marisol where we met a Spanish waiter named Kilian, attacked by flies, walked along the beach, met Joan's mom, sat on my terrace and talked, went to an early dinner with Joan at this Italian place we found. Then it was time for her to go. I have to remember to write her and thank her again for coming to see me, she had a three hour travel to get here from where she was staying with her boyfriend so not exactly a quick trip.

It's about 10:30 a.m. here on Saturday morning and I'm still in my pajamas even though I know I have a lot of things to do. Joan is at work with his dad now and when he gets back we have to go to the city hall and register me as a member of this town! Pretty exciting. After that, it's off to the grocery store to pick up some food (since our fridge is practically empty) and at 2 Sergi is coming over for lunch. I'm making Mexican, his favorite.

Later tonight, Xevi, Albert and I are going to Girona to a Japanese Restaraunt. I checked it out last Thursday with Elizabeth so I could scope out the menu and the place so I would know what to expect and what to wear, also important. It's a really nice place and it's right on the river Onyar so I know we will have good views. After that we're going to a town, that I can't figure out how to spell, and meeting up with some of Joan's other friends. As always, I'll be sure to take photos.

Sunday is lunch with Joan's family and studying for my Spanish test that I have Monday. eek!

Hope all is well in the states.

This Girl Rocks My Spanish Socks

2008-07-24T20:31:00.003+02:00

I love this girl!

If you see her on the street in Vegas give her a hug for me, and if you're a good-looking guy give her a big KISS and money for her to gamble with! She'll love you for it and so will I!

Thank you Heather for being a wonderful friend and keeping in touch with me so good like you always do!

Love and Miss you a ton!

Tengo Hambre!

2008-07-23T17:45:00.018+02:00

My posts have been serious lately so I thought I would spice things up a bit with some photos of all the delicious foods I've had while here in Spain. Some of them I cooked myself, others were from restaurants here or in other countries. Enjoy!

Waffle with Cream in Paris

Pasta with Parmesan and Four Cheese Sauce

Croissants, Café and Orange Juice in Paris

Salmon Spinach and Potatoes in Portugal

Pastry from the Argentinian Bakery

Pastries from Barcelona

Chocolate Mousse with Ice Cream at Vegetús

Paella with Lobster at El Túnel

Onion Rings and "Sticks" de Mozzarella from Panxos

Alfredo Pasta with Shrimp

Paella at Mas Romeu

Calamari at Mas Romeu

On that note, I'm going to start making dinner.

Feeling the Pressure

2008-07-22T17:26:00.002+02:00

July, incredibly, is almost over. It is amazing how fast this month has gone by. This morning, Joan asked me what the day was and he really was amazed at not only how fast this month as gone by but the year as well!

My Spanish class is almost over and I feel like I have learned a lot. I want to sign up for the September course as well if I can. Next month I will have two weeks of Spanish with Clara and then Nikki and Eryn will be here! I really want the next few weeks to move at a turtle's pace because once August is here, that month to will fly by.

For the last few hours I've been contemplating my next move. I'm trying to enroll in school as soon as possible. I have found a few today that Joan and I will call and check out in the next couple weeks. In order to get my transcripts, I have to pay $2,700.00 to Northwest. Lucky for me that's only 1,757.98 € in Spain. Still a lot, but definetly better. I am thinking about enrolling as a new student, a freshman and then changing my status later when I can get my transcripts. First, I must see if this is even possible.

Another thing on my to-do list is FIND A JOB! It seems so impossible. I really want to take an online course in September to get my degree in teaching English to foreigners and then try to find a job with that. I hope to start school a.s.a.p in order to stop having to pay my loans each month but I may not be able to start until Janurary. And then, once I start, How do I let all my loans know I'm back in school? I don't even know how many I have or how to find out! My goodness.

I am very lucky to have Joan who loves me, my family that supports me and friends who are there to listen. I know everything will work out, somehow or another it always does.

In other news, my sorority sister Nicole is in Spain now visiting one of her friends. She is only about two hours away from me and will take the train to Lloret (or Barcelona) this Friday to visit. I am so excited for that! Xander is traveling around Europe and should be in Spain within the next few weeks so that will hold me over until Nikki and Eryn arrive. ALSO Joan's friends from Ireland will be staying three nights with us in August. So, in otherwords I need to start charging room and board.

Feeling Blessed

2008-07-19T19:51:00.005+02:00

It's 8:00 p.m. here in Spain and I'm sitting on my terrace taking in the views and cool summer breeze carrying the smells of salt water up to my balcony. This is by far my favorite spot in the entire flat. Especially since we get WiFi here, it's even better. It is inspiring me to write a book. I think I should, eventually. About my travels and experiences here. Although the book might be a best-seller if I wait another 10 years.

No matter what, I feel incredibly lucky about being here right now. I know some people will think it wrong that I left everything and everyone to move to Spain but It was a good decision for me. Joan and I are better than ever and life here is very good. I'm job hunting still but I'm also going to take courses to teach English. My Spanish has improved greatly since moving here in January and I can say I've changed a lot as a person too. I've made good friends and made good memories, and I feel like this is just the beginning.

Enough rambling on about that for now. I'm looking forward to a relaxing night, watching movies,maybe studying my Spanish a bit making a great dinner.

Hope all is well where you are.

Mini Update

2008-07-18T23:18:00.002+02:00

It seems all I have had time for is "mini updates" but not to much has been going on for a long post.

Today after class, Elizabeth, Roderick and I went to Plaça Independencia or something like that, and had a beer together. They brought me to this great place, Café Royal and Elizabeth ordered me a Dutch beer. It was actually really good.

A bit later Roderick's girlfriend Marta arrived and we went two doors down to Konig for lunch. We sat and talked for hours until it was 5:30 and I had to leave to meet Joan. When Rod and Marta went one way and Elizabeth and I had gone another, Joan called and told us he would meet us in the Barri Vell. So, Elizabeth and I wasted time window shopping (and a bit of actual shopping) waiting for him. She brought me to the tourist office and I left with my bag 5 lbs heavier than when I came in. I'm pretty glad though cause I got some great information and it will be a lot easier to plan a day in Girona when Nikki and Eryn get here.

Elizabeth really is great, always so nice and helpful. It is because of her I now know my way around Girona. Rod is a great guy too and I'm sure I will invite him and Marta to my birthday shindig next month. You can never have to many friends, right?

Tomorrow Joan and I are going to Ikea and then to the Bruce Springsteen concert, should make for a good day.

Muy Rapido

2008-07-15T17:44:00.002+02:00

The last few days have been going by so fast I can hardly keep up with them. Here is a brief summary of what has been going on.

Saturday I went to Girona with Joan to visit his friends I had never met before. Only one of them spoke English. They were all very Catalan so I was pretty much the odd one out all day, even though Joan did a decent job of translating. One girl, Gemma, pissed me off when she said I couldn't play the trivia game because "it would be to difficult to translate". I ended up getting most of the answers right, mostly in the drawing category. It felt good to prove her wrong and look badass even if it was just a trivia game.

Sunday was pretty laidback. Lunch at Joan's parents, spent time in the pool, went to bed early. Exciting life, isn't it?

Monday I had a doctor's appointment in Girona, woman things as Joan likes to say. Let me say it went "ok". The doctor was very nice and spoke English which helped. If you are a close friend of mine I will tell you the full story via telephone not via internet (even though I still believe 5 people read this). After we went to the mall and I got some pretty great things at H&M. I love that store.

Today I was back in my Spanish class and It was great. Kindra and I talked about planning a end of class party. Possibly we can get everyone to go out to dinner and drinks. It is amazing how much I will miss everyone and I've only known them a couple weeks. I don't even think it has to do with the fact that I haven't had "friends" since December but more to do with that we are all sharing a common goal,similar experiences and spend four hours a day together learning,laughing and having a good time.

I'm still preparing the itinerary for Nikki and Eryn's visit. It is harder than I thought it would be actually, there are just to many things to do.

Well, it is 5 minutes till 6 and Joan will be picking me up soon. We have to go to the grocery store and then home. I'm watching Bowling for Columbine tonight. We started it last night but 30 minutes in I was to tired to finish it. Joan loves America too but when it comes to choosing a place to live, he always chose Europe. Now I am understanding why.

That is a whole other issue that I will talk about on another post.

Ciao Bellas

Europe vs America

2008-07-11T15:21:00.004+02:00

I just watched Sicko the documentary Michael Moore made to bring awareness to the United States citizens about what's really going on in their country.

I haven't cried that much in a long time. Story after story about families and individuals who lost someone because of Health Insurance companies. A 79 year old man should NOT have to work just to afford his medication. A wife should NOT have to lose her husband because companies want to save more money. Please, rent or go to watch-movies.net and watch Sicko. You will be so glad you did.

It's no wonder Angelina chooses to have her children in France. They have the best health care in the world. Everything is free for the citizens. Did you know that a government worker will come to your home if you are a new mother and help you take care of the child,of the house? It's true. Did you know that in France, doctors make house calls, 24 hours? Did you know it costs nothing.

Even the middle class French live comfortably because they don't have debt. In France, you receive a MINIMUM 5 weeks paid vacation. You have unlimited sick days. You recieve government help and don't have to wait more than an hour in the ER. Daycare costs roughly $1 per child, and that is at a top notch daycare. I could go on and on.

In Britain, it is the same. Government doctors make roughly $200,000 a year. One doctor who was interviewed in England, makes that, drives an Audi, has a million dollar home and lives comfortably. He gets paid by how healthy his patients are. If he can get his patients to stop smoking, lower their blood pressure, lower their cholesterol; he gets more money. Incredible concept right?

I am so grateful to be here in Spain and receiving my social security card on Monday. If I go to the doctor, it is free. As are the medicines I need. When Joan found out I didn't have health insurance in the states, he was furious. He told me if I ever had children I would have them in Europe.

Please, watch Sicko and see for yourself. It is amazing the truths that are told.

Hanging out with Elizabeth

2008-07-10T21:00:00.002+02:00

After class today, Elizabeth invited me to go to the mall with her. I have nothing better to do and she is very nice so I decided, why not?

Some background information:Elizabeth is 72, a grandmother and here in Spain because her two children married Europeans. Her daughter owns a tattoo shop with her husband here in Girona. So, she came here to live and be close with her grandchildren. Anyway, after class she doesn't have to much to do so she showed me how to take the bus from the city center to the next town where the mall is.

We had a great time walking around, talking, and such. She wanted me to try everything on and buy everything-bad influence! In a way she reminded me of my grandmother. I actually gave her my grandmother's address, maybe she can talk my grandma into a long vacation here in Spain. It's possible.

At 6:00 Joan arrived and Elizabeth took the bus back to the city center. Joan bought sunglasses and a button down I picked out for him at H&M. The sales are unbelievable. It sucks we're not rich and that we're trying to save. damn. I can't complain because yesterday I got an awesome dress and top from Zara and picked out a few things for my birthday.

Tomorrow I'm skipping class because Joan is going to London and I don't want to take the bus home. Besides, I can go to the beach, get the house cleaned and relax.

Adios.

Updates Updates Updates

2008-07-09T16:57:00.003+02:00

1. Joan and I got the Verizon issue taken care of yesterday. I was firm and really stressed to Verizon that I was not paying a cent after paying $300 in March for this to all be over with. So, Joan faxed them the proof that they needed (to show I really wasn't in America anymore) and all is done. I even managed to not have to pay the $15 in taxes they wanted me to pay. So, one bill gone completely gone. It's gonna be pre paid phones from here on out!

2.Spanish class was great today, I rocked my new Burberry camisetta I got from La Roca on Sunday and after, Courtney,Roderick and I went to Fresco and had a nice time there. I should be studying Spanish but here I am instead.

3.Joan is going to London tomorrow so I might play hookie and stay home. I love class and don't want to miss it but if I went I would have to wait two hours after class at the bus station and then take the bus home at 4, then walk home to an empty house and wait for Joan. Not sure if I'm up for all that.

I've started writing Velicia again, who knows maybe one day Joan and I will visit her. Maybe that would be a good thing.

All for now loves

Bad News Bearcats

2008-07-08T15:33:00.002+02:00

Just recieved an email from my aunt, Verizon sent her a bill for $165.00. I do believe I paid off and cancelled my phone FIVE months ago! Why? Why do you do this to me Verizon?!

Also, my loan companies are starting to call to collect. I don't have a job and can't get one for another month at least AND I can't even start school because I don't have a job to pay off the school for them to send me my transcripts!

In other news, my Spanish class was crazy today. Everyone was in a joking mood and I ended up tallying up the amount of times our professor says, "vamos a ver". The total by 2:00 was 50. ay dios.

I'm at la biblioteca until 6 when Joan gets off work, he wants to go to Media Market and look around but I am completely exhausted and with this news of bills today, well, I'd rather just crawl into bed and stay there until tomorrow morning.

Podría ser la turista

2008-07-07T20:47:00.004+02:00

This news will not have reached the states as it is local but something very sad happened in Lloret today. A young girl who had been missing since July 1st was found in a field near my home. She was a 23 year old Italian girl who was last seen by her friends at 2:30 a.m. leaving a club.

Joan and I were driving down the usual road we take to go home when we saw the police tape and news cameras along the road. Immediately we knew it was this girl. We later checked the internet where we found this article. Now we are watching the story on the news. What is most disturbing to me is that Joan and I have driven past that field everyday since the day she was missing; and she was right there. How very sad. To be so excited to go on vacation with your friends....no one knows the exact story but police are investigating and now they have suspects in custody.

I reallyworry about the tourists here sometimes, girls going out with any guy they meet, bars mixing very strong alcohols(that they sometimes make themselves) and selling shots of these concoctions for 1 €, making it easy for men to slip drugs to girls drinks. I hope her killer is brought to justice.

Her friends and family will be in my prayers and I hope yours too.

Skipping over July 4th to Joan's Birthday

2008-07-05T23:55:00.002+02:00

July 4th came and went like any other American holiday would in Spain. The most patriotic I got was in the car on the way to Spanish class when I sang the National Anthem to Joan, when Cataluña Radio played the Beach Boys and when my teacher read us the Declaration of Independence in Spanish. Next year, (if we are in the states) I will show Joan the real deal, especially since he will be an "American".

Today is Joan's birthday. This afternoon we went to Xevi's for a BBQ. I made Mashed Potatoes and Corn and Grilled Chicken. It was a fun afternoon except Joan was a bit sick. He made it through the barbecue all right but tonight at Castell Medevil he was sick again. Poor guy. It was still a lot of fun and after the show we went to the "Medevil Bar" opened his presents and we left. Three years ago he was sick on his Saint Day too. I don't know what happens to him on these days but he just has bad luck I suppose.

Anyway, tomorrow I am going to La Roca with Maribel and Arianna. It should be a lot of fun and I hope to get a lot of things for a good price! Sales!

Hope all is well where you are.

Thoughts

2008-07-02T16:07:00.003+02:00

At the library again waiting for Joan to get off work. Yesterday, at 6 we went car shopping. We looked at smarts and honda civics and dreamt a little. It's nice to have reminders of why work is a necessity. The only way we would get a car here is if we didn't move to the states. This is a question we ask ourselves (almost) every day. The Economy is so bad right now, is it smart to leave everything and go without knowing if there are jobs for us? Not really.

As usual, there is a tremendous amount of research to be done between us. All we have decided is that no matter I'm finishing school (somewhere) and Joan is going to Pilot School (somewhere).

Day two of class went well, much better than yesterday (Mucho mejor que ayer). Courtney, Kindra and I talked more and I spoke with one of the men from Africa, he turned out to be pretty nice too. The more I get to know the people in class the less afraid I am to speak up. In fact, I had a debate (in spanish) with the guy from Africa, Ajheed. He spoke about women in the kitchen and men in the workplace and I countered with equal rights and the need for more money in today's economy. One income doesn't cut it unless that income is extreme. Even then, there is only so much cooking and cleaning I will do until I get bored. It was muy intresante. Pilar, la professora, told me that my pronunciation was very good. Bonus! I should study now too but I'm un poco enferma hoy y yo no quiero estudio.

First Day of School

2008-07-01T16:24:00.002+02:00

I am not embarrassed to say that I was truly nervous this morning thinking of all the things that could happen in my Spanish class. What if everyone was mean? What if I didn't catch on quickly? What if I humiliated myself? Well, almost all those questions were answered.

Joan walked me to the school this morning at 9 a.m. Inside there is a nice cafeteria where we had breakfast and waited until he had to go to work. At 10 a.m. my class started. I was the first one in the room so la profesora talked to me. Her name is Pilar and my guess is that she is in her late 40s or early 50s. She doesn't speak English so I tried my broken spanish and she told me I did very well and that my comprehension was very good. Hmm...we'll see I thought.

When everyone arrived there were 16 of us. Three people from Africa, four from the United States, two from Australia,one from Holland, three from China, one from Turkey and two from Poland Martin and Paulina spoke with me first and were very nice. They are actually azafatas for Ryanair. Kindra is from Utah and is here with a family from the states for their cycling competition. Courtney is married and is here because her husband is a professional cyclist. I'm not sure where Elizabeth is from but she is in her 70s and works with the stock market.
I sat between Sal from Africa and Roderick from Australia. Rod's girlfriend is Catalan, that is why he is here. (Already something in common) he is very nice and catches on quickly.

One man from Africa (who is a professor of English in Gambia) spoke about the sub-standard English in America and how English in England and Africa was Standard and better and well-spoken. Blah Blah Blah. No me gusta British English.

The class was going well but the first time Pilar called on me I had no idea what she said so I gave her my best "no se" and she skipped over me. The second time I was confused and babbled on about the wrong thing. Although later when she asked me about the United States I did speak well and showed off what little I know.

During the second 15 minute break, Courtney and I decided to head out and find the book we need for class. About everyone else had it but us. Kindra said it was close and had given directions before so off we went. 15 minutes later we were no where near the bookstore. We asked a local for directions (we understood mas o menos) and tried again. Needless to say, we didn't find the store and were ten minutes late to class. Elizabeth told us she went during the break and it is right around the corner. joder!

The rest of the class went well, I felt more comfortable and am looking forward to the rest of the month. I really think I could make friends with Kindra, Courtney is leaving soon but often comes back to Spain. I'm not sure of her age but she could easily be 25.

At least I'm not like the chinese girl, Xintong who absolutley knows nothing of Spanish. I feel bad when Pilar stands in front of her, constantly repeating herself as if Xintong will automatically "get it".

Joan was outside the door when class was dismissed and we went to lunch at Fresco. It was definetly needed after four hours of Spanish.

Tonight I will buy the book, study up for tomorrow and face another day. I now know to bring a snack, take ibuprofen in the morning to prepare for the headache I get when I hear straight Spanish for over an hour and not be afraid to make a fool out of myself.

Adios.

Adams Visit, Spain's win and Family Time

2008-06-30T14:24:00.004+02:00

Spain won! Viva España! Before I update you on the happenings of the past few days, a few would be offended if I first didn't mention this moment in History. We went to Shabir's to watch the game and he was decked out in a Spanish jersey, red pants and had Spanish Flags all around the outside of his house. There were about 10 of us there and it was actually a lot of fun. However, nerve-wracking as well. I don't know the sports terminology and I don't care either but watching Spain make 11 or so (almost goals) was enough to give me the shakes let alone a die-hard futból fan. Here is an exerpt from an article that I quite liked.

"Spain played very well during whole tournament and they were technically excellent," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. "They fully deserve victory.

"Spain played better, we couldn't match their level. We did not play at our best. We will analyze over the next couple of days what went wrong and work on that for the near future. Overall, the team had a great result considering the other contenders, like Italy, France or the Netherlands."

The Germans dominated the opening minutes but did not really test goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The Germans also looked close to scoring early in the second half but Spain used a long-lasting substitution to settle down and created chance after chance against an overmatched German team.

"We controlled the game for 15 minutes, but had no answer after Spain found to its rhythm," Loew said."

It was a lot of fun at Shabir's, hearing the car's honk from the city center, seeing fireworks falling over Lloret and Blanes like confetti.

Picking up from my last post, Adam arrived safe-and tired. The first two days he was in Barcelona the entire day. He is very resourceful and I learned not to worry about him being lost in a big city. One night we took him to La Campana, a must if you're visiting Joan and I in Lloret. The second night I made a home cooked meal and Jordi joined us for dinner also. We showed him around Lloret and took him to my new favorite place, a small cove, hidden from tourists where there isn't much sand but flat rocks that make up the shore. It is absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but Joan, Jordi and I plan to go back (ALL DAY) next Sunday.

Yesterday, Joan and I, along with his family went to this very posh restaurant, Mas Romeu in Lloret. (Posh for Lloret, I guess). It was beautiful. We ate outside under a canopy of trees that shielded us from the heat of the sun. A cool breeze was constant and carried the scents of paella and vino. His grandparents joined us, as well as his Aunt and Uncle.

It was a full circle moment when I thought of meeting these same people in December and being so scared; to it being June and sitting with these same people and feeling like family.

Adam left this afternoon so now it is just me again in the flat. I am in the process of getting it back to normal. My Monday cleaning routine, making lunch and after running some errands and taking a break to go for a swim in the pool.

This morning I had my last Spanish class (until August) with Clara. We just talked the whole time. I really will miss having class with her but I am excited to impress her when I see her August 1st! My Spanish will have improved a lot.

I suppose that is all going on here. Hope all is well where you are.

Visitors

2008-06-26T16:20:00.003+02:00

Joan's friend Adam is supposed to be here in Lloret by now. He flew in from Hungary this afternoon. I got a text from him this morning telling me he missed his flight but would be in Barcelona by 1:20 this afternoon. Since Joan is in London today, Adam has to get to Lloret by train and bus. It is 4:21 and he should definetly be here or almost here. I just wish he would text me or call and let me know what is up so I know what I have to do.

Next month I have two friends visiting from Northwest and in August Nikki and Eryn will be here!
I pretty much have the itinerary planned for their trip, I want them to do and see as MANY things as possible! I remember how excited I was to be in Barcelona the first time.

July 5th is Joan's birthday. The plan for that is BBQ at Xevi's, although this time I'll be cooking a few things. After we are all going to "Castell Medevil" Europe's version of Medevil Times. The best part is that the show is in English and there is Flamenco dancing after! I'm sure it will be wonderful, I just have to come up with a stellar gift for Joan.

As for my birthda, I'm not sure what to do exactly because Xevi's birthday is on the 20th of August and we both wanted to do something on the 21st. A joint party? The same people will be at both right, so maybe that is a good idea? I'll have to work on it. Although it is my big "21st....we could possibly make it work.

I teach my last English class tomorrow. Jordi has his presentation in Scotland Sunday and then he will be busy with teaching and his summer plans. Joan enrolled me in an intensive Spanish class for July. 4 hours day, Monday through Friday for a month. There will be other people in it so I can at least make new friends. It's in Girona, very close to Joan's work so we can have lunch together. After a month of those classes, my Spanish should be muy muy bien! At least, I hope so. Sometimes I think I'm not cut out to learn a foreign language.

I'm gonna head out to the beach now. Adam can fend for himself I guess.

Adeu.

Update: Adam arrived at 5:30 outside my flat. His phone wasn't working so he couldn't call. (I didn't even think of that possibility) luckily we gave him our home address! He loves Lloret and I'm sure when he goes to Barcelona tomorrow, he'll love it there too!

My 100th Post

2008-06-25T15:59:00.006+02:00

100 posts on blogger since I moved to Europe in December. It has been an amazing adventure so far and it feels as if it is just beginning. First off a thank you to my handful of readers who always have kind words to say. A thank you to the bloggers that have commented along the way, I never thought anyone else read this. Lastly, a thank you to Joan for making these experiences possible.

Before I tell you about the last couple of days, I want to say a few words about George Carlin,a man who went from social comic to cultural critic in his lifetime. I recently read his last interview he made just two weeks before he died. He said something that stopped my eyes from reading and slapped reality across my face. After telling a joke to his interviewer he said, "I have a long thing I'd like to write someday about language and the way we address each other."

George Carlin died of heart failure, unexpectedly. It is obvious he had many other things planned for his life, but just seeing the words in front of me makes it that more powerful. I'm sure two weeks ago I said I wanted to go on a trip or call a friend....but what if I didn't have that much time left to do all those things? It is a dark concept so I won't dwell on it, however it reminds me to live for today and not procrastinate because tomorrow isn't promised.

So, in other recent news I will tell you all about Sant Joan Day. Monday night, after Joan arrived from taking Starbuck back to Barcelona, we went to dinner at the restaurant Giorgio. There were 15 people at the table which made for a wonderful time. I sat next to Xevi and Albert and across from Joan and Xavi. We joked and laughed and talked the entire time and before I knew it the waiter was taking my pasta away as everyone else had finished and I had barely made a dent in mine! There was some excitement when the second course was served, a spider crawled across the table between Ana and Shabir. Someone knocked the spider off the table but just when everyone had forgotten about it, it appeared again on Ana's shoulder. That was cause for hysterics and Shabir gallantly swept him away. Finding a spider was suprising because Girogios is an upscale restaraunt but even those cannot keep out bugs entirely;especially when we were sitting at a table next to a plant and a window.

After dinner we went to the Irish Rover. I met Xevi's brother Pere and his girlfriend Rebekkah from Taiwan. She is a freelance translator now since she doesn't have her papers but she used to work for the U.N. Ana and I actually had good conversation, she is leaving in a month and the reality is hitting her that she will miss being in Spain quite a lot. Ana and Shabir will be in a long distance relationship, we shall see how it goes. I don't wish those on anyone.

Joan and I at the Rover

After the Irish Rover closed at 4, we walked to Tropics but that was very lame so we made our way to Disco Hollywood. We stayed there until 5:30 a.m.! I could not believe it. I hadn't drank much at all and neither had Joan so we were feeling good and surprisingly not tired when we went home.

The night of Sant Joan was the shortest of the year so at 5:30 it was already pretty light outside. We had to close the shutters so we could sleep! The next morning we woke up around 8:30 and lounged around until 1 when we went to the meatshop to pick up the food for the BBQ. We arrived at Xevi's around 2 and started grilling out.

This was where things went bad because someone ( I think Xevi's sister) bought wood for a fireplace. I don't know why she didn't buy coal....so when Joan placed the meat on the grill it burnt to a crisp. Luckily he had only cooked a few so there was still plenty left.

The day was a lot of fun. It was pretty surreal to be at Xevi's because I had heard so much about it and seen so many pictures of his pool etc that actually being there awas quite strange. It is a huge house, definetly made to host parties. Around 6:30 everyone left and Carlos and his girlfriend, along with Xavi came to see our flat. We introduced Carlos to facebook (he now has one) and he introduced us to an online game that I'm sure Joan will be addicted to.

Today (Wednesday) has been productive. I taught Jordi and after took the bus back to Lloret. What is normally a dull experience was an akward one when an Indian man sat next to me and told me "You are very beautiful, I like you."

I met Maribel at the meatshop and she told me we had a lunch date with this old man at his house. He is like family she said, someone they have known for ages. His house is in the city center, very close to the meatshop and is absolutely beautiful. Save for a flatscreen t.v and a computer from 1998, everything is antique. It has a victorian-esque look. An old victorola, antique birdcages and parasols hanging from the vautled ceilings designed with gorgeous crown molding. It is three stories tall and has a wonderful rooftop patio. The bedrooms are lovely as well. My favorite room was called The Suite and it was like out of a movie. Victorian furniture, a 1940s style phone and vanity. It had wooden stairs that led up to a loft with another bed and old photos of his family from the 1930s and 40s. Carlos (the older mans name) is a widower and lives alone. His daughter lives in Germany with her husband and children, but I was told she visits often. Maribel and I walked out into his garden and it is gorgeous also. It reminded me of something out of a book. It wasn't big but held many plants and fruit trees. Each morning Carlos hangs a few muffins out for the birds so every now and again you hear the faint sound of songs from among the trees.

Lunch was an array of fish. Sardines cooked two ways, Baccallo, and Rape. He made asparagus and fresh bread. We drank Catalan wine and listened to opera music. It was a wonderful experience.

Tomorrow Joan's friend Adam arrives from Hungary. He is here for four days. I must get his room ready and head out to the grocery store before Joan gets home.

Hope all is well in your corners of the world.

Muchas Cosas

2008-06-23T10:14:00.002+02:00

So much has happened since my last post a few weeks ago. Joan and I got my paperwork (almost) completed so I will be legally working by July or the beginning of August. Hooray!

I've spent a lot of time with Joan's mom, his brother, we've gone out to dinner with friends, watched futból matches at Shabir's house, entertained friends at our home and enjoyed the beach.

Recently (yesterday in fact) Joan got us a puppy. I was adamant that we didn't need a dog and I told Joan no repeatedly. Eventually though, I caved. We have a 2 month old Cocker Spaniel puppy named Starbuck. He is extremely cute and generally a good dog. He needs a lot of training. While Joan is at work, it is up to me to train him. It's ok, I knew this going in but Starbuck is challenging. Right now, he barks a lot.

I woke up at 7 a.m. to take him on a walk. He got lots of exercise, treats, everything a little puppy could want. When we arrived at home, he had water and food and did his business in the house again. We played, ran around the house, I gave him lots of attention and he is still barking. It is normal, he is a puppy. Joan and I thought this would be ok but I think we're taking him back tonight. I hate giving up and giving him back but it would be more irresponsible to keep him.

Tonight we were going to go out for St.Joan's but since we're taking Starbuck back, I think the whole experience will be so exhausting that maybe we will just make it out for one drink if that.
I know I have a lot of cleaning to do.

In other news, I'm going to lunch with Maribel today so that will give me a break.

Much love

C.M.

Another Saturday, Another Adventure

2008-06-15T02:43:00.003+02:00

I don't know what it is about Saturday but it doesn't surprise us anymore when things don't go as planned. We were supposed to go to the beach with Jordi and Diana and whatever I mentioned in the post before this one, well-the weather was cloudy in the morning so that was out. I slept in until I was motivated enough to walk around town with Joan. He got his haircut by this gay hairdresser in Lloret that happened to hit on him once when he was 19, and then we met Jordi and Diana for a coffee around four.

We had two hours to kill so we went into almost every store looking for talcum powder for Jordi. By the time we found it it was almost 6 so we headed to Shabir's house. We were told to be there at 6 and as usual we were early. So we hung out with his dog Jeff and his mom Jenny until Shabsta arrived. Everyone else turned up at about 7 and we left at 8. I'm not much of a fan for futbol anyway (Sweden won).

At 9, We went to La Campana with Joan's family and Pepi and Bernard. It was a lot of fun actually, I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard at dinner. After we went to Hula Hula. Joan's mom really was in the mood to party but at midnight we took her home. Joan was embarassed and Segi was very angry he had to be in Hula Hula with his parents. I had to remind Joan that when we are his parents age, we will be the same people and will want to go out as well. Besides her parents deserve a break, they work so hard everyday.

We were supposed to meet the gang at The Irish Rover at 1:30 but they decided to skip it and head straight to Abacco in Blanes. So Joan and I met Jordi and Diana there instead.

Now we're home and gonna get to bed. Incase mi familia is reading this, I didn't drink a single thing tonight, vale?

Love you all. Bon anit

I just wanna be mas morena!

2008-06-13T12:28:00.003+02:00

Yesterday Maribel and I went to the beach to catch some rays over the lunch hour. There was an unusual amount of topless women which constantly freaked me out. I did manage to get some sort of color (not red) so I'm pleased with that. When Joan got home we went to our pool to layout. It was so relaxing just laying around together, reading, tanning, swimming. I wish today was sunnier but unfortunately it's overcast. Barcelona, porque?

This weekend is going to be great because we are all about fun and relaxation! Saturday (weather permitting) we are going to the beach with Jordi and Diana. We may even hit up Water World if I can talk everyone into it. Sunday Maribel and I are going to Tordera to the market they have every Sunday. Last time I went there I came home with a bunny, we shall see what happens this time. After that we will have lunch at Joan's parents and then either hit up la playa or go to Blanes or Tossa.

Joan is going to have a 5 day weekend because Montse gave him Monday to Wednesday off. There isn't to much work going on and Joan has a lot of vacation time so we need to plan some fun things to do those days!

Today I have to be productive. I don't want to be but I know how much better I'll feel if I am. If I can get the entire flat cleaned I won't have to worry about it all weekend. I have to call my school and the loan company I owe and I want to work out later. I ALSO wanna plan a nice dinner for Joan y yo. Last night I didn't cook so tonight I should. Ah sweet coupledom.

This is me in my productive/work out clothes. Once the outfit is on, it's all business.

Ciao.

Moriría por vos

2008-06-11T13:01:00.002+02:00

I loved this song the first time I heard it. It is terribly sad, as is the movie it is about but anything in Spanish has the ability to sound beautiful.

Como Nicolas Cage en Leaving las Vegas
Veo caer la nieve en la hierba,
Un Robinson en una isla desierta
Como Nicolas Cage en Leaving las Vegas
Soy el invierno contra tu primavera,
Un Dorian Gray sin pasado ni patria ni bandera
Ser tu voz, ser el licor,
Sern las luces de esta habitacin
Ser el poder de una cancin,
Pero esta noche morira por vos
Ser el champagne, ser el color de tus ojos verdes
De ciencia ficcin,
La ltima cena para los dos
Pero esta noche morira por vos
Como Nicolas Cage en Leaving las Vegas
No tengo planes ms all de esta cena,
Es un misterio hacia dnde la noche nos lleva
Como Nicolas Cage en Leaving las Vegas
Vamos, mi nio, a perder la cabeza
Como si fuera nuestro ltimo da en la Tierra
Ser tu voz, ser el licor
Sern las luces de esta habitacin
Ser que suena Marquee Moon
Pero esta noche morira por vos
Ser el champagne, ser el color de tus ojos verdes
De ciencia ficcin
La ultima cena para los dos
Pero esta noche morira por vos

If you only do what you know you can do- you never do very much.”

2008-06-10T13:48:00.002+02:00

I am back once again on the career search. I have yet to finish college yet I can't help myself, I need to know what I want to do. Today I told Joan that I was inspired to be a chef. Yes, as in Le Courdon Bleu Culinary Institute Chef. However, could I do it? Is it worth the 50k to find out? Maybe.

A few days ago I wanted to be the C.E.O of a company (which thanks to Joan and his new business, I could get there soon) or Advertising, Marketing Manager. A month ago I wanted to be a professional photographer and open art galleries all over Spain. When I started my studies I wanted to be in the Public Relations field. Twenty minutes after wanting to be a chef, I'm now thinking I would be better suited to.....to....something else!

People tell me ""you have time" or "you're young". However, I'm not that young and while maybe I do have time, It's running short. Look at these unbelieveable statisitcs:

Mark Zuckerburg
Creator of Facebook
Age: 23
Networth: $700 million

Chad Hurley
Creator of YouTube
Age:30
Neworth:$300 million

Blake Ross & David Hyatt
Creators of Mozilla
Ages: 22
Networth: $120 million

Angelo Sotira
Creator of Deviant Art
Age:29
Networth:$75 million

John Vechey
Creator of Popcap Games
Age:28
Networth:$60 million

Sean Belnick
Creator of BizChair
Age:20
Networth:$42 million

Ashley Qualls
Creator of Whateverlife
Age:17
Networth:$4 million

Mario Lavanderia
Creator of PerezHilton
Age:29
Networth:$3 million

I know I am being unrealistic but this is the reality. I am 20 and when these people were my age (or almost my age) they had established a name for themselves with a brilliant idea and now have it made. I am not an internet genious so I'm relaying on school and hopefully a great job market to help me out. But I'm always trying to come up with ideas, what I can do that would be the "next big thing". I admire these millionaires for what they have done and what they will do. I don't need $700 million to be financially happy, but I wouldn't turn it down.

Go Thai

2008-06-09T02:17:00.003+02:00

Alright so it is 2 a.m. in Spain and I am still awake, even after I took 2 herbal sleeping pills. Joan took 2 also but it's not like he ever needs any help falling asleep, needless to say he is snoozing like a baby on the couch right now. I just had a productive conversation with Heather on skype about all sorts of things so staying up late isn't completely pointless.

I guess I can tell you what I made the other night for Joan. As I've said in previous posts, I love cooking. I love experimenting with new flavors and just seeing what happens. Well, a few days ago I was inspired to try Thai cooking. Joan is in love with Thailand and since it is a bit to expensive to just fly over every weekend, I decided to bring Thai food to him (in my own American way).

So, with the help of google I managed pretty well. I started with Glazed Cashews. A very typical dish and it is super easy to make. I warmed up some cashews in the oven for about 10 minutes while I started up a frying pan on the stove. I added oil and some cayenne peppers. When it got hot enough I put the warm cashews in the pan. I added brown sugar, cayenne spice, salt, pepper, a bit more sugar, a bit more cayenne spice ( I never measure) and a few drops of lime juice. I added some slices of red pepper in the pan and warmed those up too.After about 10 minutes or so everything was done. They were pretty amazing actually.

For the main course I made Thai lettuce wraps. I won't go into detail because after giving you my "recipe" I can see where no one would really be able to follow it, especially those of you who are sticklers for measurement. But I digress, I cooked chicken with an array of spices and soy sauce, a splash or two of Worcestershire Sauce followed with oregano, black pepper, white pepper, basil, whatever spice that was in my cupboard. I added green and red peppers to the chicken as well. When it was all done I put the chicken and peppers in a lettuce leaf, wrapped it carefully and stuck a skewer through the folds to hold it together. Although, those didn't last to long. I also recommend making tempura vegetables. Fairly easy and very good. All this on a plate with white rice. Here is a photo for the non-believers.

Alright well that post marks 2:36 and perhaps It would be wise to sleep. Hope all is wonderfully wonderful in your parts of the world. Try out this dish sometime, it is fantastic and if you can go to Thailand, I bet it's 10000 times better.

Voy a Girona

2008-06-07T18:06:00.005+02:00

Today was an overcast day, not good beach weather so we had a change of plans. At 1:00 Jordi and Diana met Joan and I in town and we drove to Girona. At first I wasn't excited about this trip because I am in Girona all the time but it ended up being a good day and I did get to see a few things I had never seen before. Joan drove to the old part of Girona and we had lunch behind an old cathedral. To save $$, or in our case €€, we brought Tupperware of food from home which was actually a good idea and not at all depressing like I thought it would be. After we walked around the old part of Girona and tried to show Diana all the cool stuff.

Pisos and Rios

Joan and I

In the Directors Chair

We went to the Katherine Hepburn exhibit that was free at the Museum of Cinema in Girona.

Ms.Hepburn

After we walked around some shops and then drove to the Wall of Girona. This dates back to the days when Girona was surrounded by a wall for protection. From there we could see the whole city.

Girona

On the spiral staircase leading up to the view

All in all it was good a day. I found that even in a city that I think I know so well, I can still manage to discover something new. Next time I hope to discover more of Barcelona.

Joan rented Rec. A Spanish horror movie about a journalist who went to a firestation to interview fireman and learn all about what they do etc but things get weird when she goes on a call with them and then gets trapped inside a building. Our friend Jordi said it was very scary so we shall see. ....

Americanas in España

2008-06-02T12:04:00.013+02:00

Alison came to visit me and It was a great time. Although, it always is when she is here because then there are TWO American Girls in Spain.

Mai Tai's and Piña Coladas on the beach

On the beach looking for topless old women haha

Walking to Cala Bayns. This was actually a pretty funny morning. Alison and I had stopped by the meat shop to say hi to Joan's mom. We told her our plans for the day and off we went. We go to Cala Bayns and our camarero comes up to take our order. I order in Catalan because I can (haha) and the waiter asks, "Where are you from?" This is normal because when I speak Catalan people ask me this because I definetly don't look Spanish. So I answer, "America. But I live here." Then he says, "Cynthia and Alison?" Alison and I look at each other and tell him, "yeah?" And then he walks away. I cannot tell you how weird it is to have a stranger say your name. We probably look pretty surprised because the other waiters are looking at us. I then notice the owner of Cala Bayns waving at me. I wave back and it all comes together. Maribel. Joan's mom called ahead and took care of our bill for us. She is so nice! After our coffee, the waiter asks if we would like a cocktail. On the house. If it wasn't 10 a.m. we probably would have. We stayed awhile, enjoying the sound of the waves and each others company.

I am really bad at sequencing events so this is probably all out of order, but oh well.

We went to some shops, to the beach and had a great lunch of tapas at El Romani.

That night we went out to ZOO, a new club here in Lloret. We hung out by the bar and even made friends with the bartender, Carlos. He was very nice to us and when guys tried to hit on us he would say, "Oh aren't those your boyfriends over there?" to ward guys away.
It worked until this one German guy came over. Alison and I had been watching him all night because he was totally out of it. He was there with some friends, drinking a ton and making very weird faces. He noticed us after awhile and came over. He kept speaking in German and I tried to tell him I didn't speak German. I spoke in English (which he did understand and speak) but refused to. So after everything he said, I just repeated it. For example, he said, "Hockinflurishenfluff." So I resonded, "Hockinflurishenfluff?" but always ending it like a question. This continued for awhile until he decided he needed more drinks. He got us three shots of Jager. When he wasn't looking, Alison gave hers to the bartender and I gave mine to a kid sitting by us. I think he was French. The German had no idea. I made the mistake of saying, Gutenmorgan to him, (which means Good Morning) and he got so excited and thought I had been lying about speaking German. The bartender saved us and escorted us to the other side of the bar. A few minutes later the German came over and said, "ta-ta!". What an end to the night!

When we thought we were in the clear, two other guys came up to us. They were both French, didn't speak much English and only a bit of Spanish. We told them about our boyfriends but they didn't seem to care. They just wanted a picture with us. We told them no but they insisted and even Carlos the bartender was laughing at us. The French guys told us they were looking for girls to go to their hotel party. Unfortunately for them, we didn't go. Unfortunately for us, that photo they took will probably be evidence that these two "American girls came with us and...etc." I don't want to know.

The next day we laid out on the beach all day and went to lunch at this place on the beach. Alisons spanish is very good so she did most of the talking. Our waiter had a bit of a crush on her. When we were leaving he ran up to her and told her he really liked her and wondered where she would be that night. She told him Zoo although she was leaving later that day to go to Barcelona.
Poor guy. jaja

It was a great visit. I'm so glad she was able to come! Since that weekend, she has gone back to Philadelphia. Things with her and David didn't work out. I found this out Saturday at Shabir's party. I cried at the club later when it hit me she wasn't there. David talked to me but I'm pretty sure I blocked out the bullshit. I don't know why things happened how they did but I hope to see her again soon. She is a wonderful person and will still be my very good friend.
I wish her all the best in her life and hopefully one day she will make it back to visit Joan and me!

I Love you Ali!

Lazy Tuesday Part II

2008-05-27T20:57:00.008+02:00

After successfully cleaning our house, Joan decided we should visit La Vina. Incase I haven't mentioned before, La Vina is his grandfathers property. This land is quite large, while Joan doesn't know the exact acreage, he does compare it to the length of 30 soccer fields but it could be more. This is the land that has views of the sea, the entire city and the mountains. This is the land he wants us to build a house on one day. As of now, it is all just land, nothing else. His grandfather has a garden at one entrance where he plants vegetables. Today, Joan and I went to the other gate, the one that entered on top of the property, mountainside.

Joan and I had to jump the gate because we didn't think to get the keys. It was hilarious and at moments a bit scary but Joan has done it lots of times before so once I was at the top he just picked me up over the gate. We walked for awhile, scoping out the land. There are a lot of wild flowers growing around and lavender plants. I'm not sure what to do with lavender besides make potpourri but I brought some home anyway.

We left La Vina shortly after walking the grounds and dreaming up what our future house will be like. Large rooms with floor to ceiling windows, an infinity pool placed in front of the sea where the edge of the mountain meets the sky. Joan is extremely excited about all these options we have and I know he won't disappoint.

Joan showed me this when we were at La Vina. He told me that this was an old house that the Romans lived in here when they went through Catalunya. At least, that's what his grandfather told him. I did a bit of research ( a very little bit) and found that it could've been possible. Interesting, yeah?

All in all it was a good afternoon.

Alison is visiting tomorrow and will stay until Thursday so I am very happy about that. I'm sure we will have many photos to go along with our adventures.

C.M.

Lazy Tuesdays

2008-05-27T14:46:00.002+02:00

Lazy Tuesdays.

Joan and I haven't done much of anything today and that is perfectly fine with me. The weather today isn't the best for the beach so laying on the couch watching movies has been our activity of choice. I am determined to get some cleaning done today but all I want to do now is read.

Before ending this post I want to leave with a quote that pops into my mind at the strangest times only for me to realize later that it was exactly the right moment for me to remember it.

"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents."
-Andrew Carnegie

Shabir's Birthday

2008-05-25T19:47:00.012+02:00

Joan and I before the fiesta

I'm not even sure where to start because Saturday was completely insane and wonderfully fantastic in a few different ways. Joan and I, along with Albert, Jordi, and some new people I hadn't met before went to dinner and then out for Shabir's Birthday. We found Albert on the way along with his boss Jordi and his wife Laura (Both spoke a bit of English and were extremely nice).After some confusion about who sat where and if you wanted to sit inside or out, we all got settled and I got brave.

Joan Targas and Albert at Pinnochios

Normally at these functions I am pretty shy but something clicked last night and I just let loose (and that was without the assistance of alcohol) and was myself. Earlier, Pepi had decked me out in a stellar outfit and I did get my hair done so that amped up the confidence considerably I suppose. A guy I had met once before sat by me. I had met him months ago at Abacco along with his British girlfriend and they were both pretty nice. He and I talked practically all night about the university he attends in Barcelona which is the same one I am looking at attending, his life in Blanes, his girlfriend,etc. The best part was that I felt comfortable speaking Spanish around him and the rest of the group. Jordi and Laura were very nice and asked me questions about America and how I like life in Catalunya. I talked freely with them, Albert, Jordi and Albero in Spanish/Catalan as well.

After dinner and drinks and giving Shabir his gifts, we went to the Irish Rover, Shabir's pub. It was a wonderful time and I introduced everyone to my drink of choice, "Sex on the Beach".

My sex on the beach with Moet & Chandon in the background

At the Irish Rover

Shabir, Me and Laura at the Irish Rover

Joan performing "My Way"

Paaarty!

As the night progressed I spent a lot of time talking with Laura. She is a broker here in Lloret but lives in Girona. She is muy muy simpatica. Her husband has lots of money and lots of cars which he invited Joan to see sometime. Laura is also a supporter of Obama and shares my dislike of Bush. She called me a "smart American". Joan and the guys sang karaokee and Joan even sang frank Sinatra's My Way once again. At 4 a.m. the bar closed. After taking Jager shots and singing one last song we left. Everyone was still in party mode so we went to Disco Hollywood.

I have never been here because Joan normally doesn't like going to touristic places. However, he and Shabir know the owner/manager so we were let in for free and were given free passes for drinks. We all parted ways for a bit and Ana and I hung out by the bar. Not 5 minutes after we arrived an Italian man came to hit on each of us, in Italian. I told him in Spanish we couldn't understand him and he could not understand us. Ana told him I was an Americana and his eyes got wide and said "Ohhh English....ok. ok...." "Have a boyfriend?" I told him we both did and before he had time to respond Joan came up and said, "Sorry man, she is with me." They shook hands and the guy shrugged and walked away.

This is where the night got more interesting. Picture this: All the guys have been drinking all night. Joan has been downing jack and coke like water and Shabir has kept the wine flowing. This other friend of Shabir's, Albero joined us at Disco Hollywood. Now, he hit on Ana and I both at dinner but after he had a few drinks he told him how sexy Joan was and how he was his boyfriend. I tried to explain that in English that means "mariposo" and that he couldn't mean he was gay. He didn't listen and kept shouting "oooo Joan is MY boyfriend! Not yours". Joan was drunk so he shrugged it off. Well, at DH Alvaro was dancing provocatively with Joan and to make fun of him, Joan was dancing that way back. Jordi joined in and so did Shabir but it lasted all of seconds. We were on the dance floor talking etc when this overweight Spanish man approached Joan and asked him if he wanted to have sex with him. No joke. Joan told him he wasn't that way and was just joking around with his friends. The man laughed and shook Joans hand and then kissed it. Joan tried to be polite but I could tell he was extremely uncomfortable. The man then went up to Jordi and asked HIM if he wanted to go back to his place. Jordi said no and the man put his arm around Jordi, kissed his hand etc. I went up to Jordi and put my arm around him and said "Ven Aqui guapo" and led him away. The man followed us and went up to Joan and said, "Well, how about a 3 way with you and your girlfriend?" That's when I thanked the man but declined and said we had to go. Incredible.

We left shortly after that to try and find a taxi. So there we all were, outside waiting for a taxi, thinking the gay parade was over when Alvaro tried to kiss Joan. At that point Joan had enough and was quite ready to go home. We said our goodbyes and got a taxi home.

All in all it was a night full of laugher and making new friends. Next Saturday we will do the same but in Barcelona. Let's see how that goes.

Joan and Jordi sharing peace

Salut.

España is good to me

2008-05-22T17:43:00.003+02:00

I have been feverishly posting, ranting and raving about my move back to the states lately but today I had a realization as I was about to start complaining again-"don't worry". It just popped in my mind and I thought, I don't have to make any decisions right now. I'm in SPAIN and I need to focus on my life here. So enough about my future and more about the present.

The weather in Lloret has been, for lack of a better word, indecisive. Rain, sun, wind but as long as there is more sun I think I'll be okay. I taught in Girona this morning and It went very well. Rosa is making great progress with her English and I think today she was even surprised at herself. Tomorrow I will teach her husband who is also making great strides with English.

After I went to the meatshop to spend time with Maribel and Yolanda. There are a lot of Germans in LLoret this month and a lot of them come to the meatshop for traditional German goods. Maribel and her husband are fluent in German and Yolanda knows a bit as well. So after hearing this everyday for months, I have picked up a few words as well.

Good day-Guten Tag / Morgen

Goodbye-Auf Wiedersehen

Yes-Ja

No-Nein

Thank you (very much) -Danke (schön) / (Vielen Dank)

Have a good holiday!-Schöne Ferien!

rare steak-das blutigen Steak

pate-die Pastete
It is only a start but I'm happy with it so far. However,I do need to focus on one language at a time before I even try to learn phrases in German! In other news, Pepi is back from Andalucia and brought me mas ropas from Zara y Stradivarius and Mango. I am so happy we are the same size. I will need them since Alison will be here on Monday from Philidelphia, we are planning girls nights out in Barcelona! I cannot begin to tell you how stoked I am for that.

Alison and I a few months ago in Lloret

Joan is in Stanstead today and will be back tonight. I think the next time he goes I will be able to go as well and we might be able to pull off a trip to London for the weekend. I won't hold my breath but it is a possibility.... Hope things are muy bueno wherever you are. Ciao Bellas.