A year ago GODSPELL auditions and our first Rotary Overnighter were on my mind. Now my head circulates thoughts of how my New Year's in Spain will be and how the move to my new host family will go. It's funny how different my life is now. A year ago I didn't even know I was coming to Spain. I just knew I was going "somewhere." But here I am. Ready to eat twelve grapes at midnight then meet friends at two am in a costume to celebrate the first hours of 2011. I seriously don't know where the time has gone. Throughout my eights months of 2010 spent in the U.S. I enjoyed every minute of my time left of high school and summer break with my family and friends. The past four months that I've spent in Spain, I have learned and experienced so much and added another family and group of friends to the people I love.
As for New Year's resolutions, I can't remember if I even had one last year. If I did, it couldn't have been that significant because I am drawing a blank. As for this year's resolution I think learning Spanish and speaking fluently will be at the top of my list. And, as always, living today as my last. Enjoying every minute of my life here and introducing my culture to Spain while learning everything I can about theirs.
I still can't believe that it's been another year. That 2010 will be over in five hours (for Spain at least). It's been a great year. A year full of so many new experiences and wonderful memories. I look forward to a great year in 2011. Happy New Year's everyone!! Drink some champagne and eat twelve grapes! ¡Prospero año!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
I'm Like Santa!
So you knowhow Santa eats cookies and milk in the middle of the night and likes to give out gifts and such? Well I think I'm him. The past two nights, I've been eating milk and cookies at four in the morning. I think it's mainly because I am hoping the milk will help me fall asleep, but what is milk without cookies? Anyways, I just got done eating my milk and cookies and brushing my teeth. Speaking of brushing, I finally bought a better hair brush. I brought one with me but it really only for when you blow dry your hair and it turns out I needed another brush for when I'm not blow drying my hair. Who woulda thunk it?
The past two days I've pretty much done the same thing: sleep in, eat, clean my room, meet with the Pamplonians, pack, and watch Friends. Yesterday I did buy a birthday card for my Dad and I finished Brandi's bracelet so they're both in the mail now! Happy Birthday! (January 6th. Mark your calendars.) I also bought some tennis balls yesterday. My neck and back have been bothering me so I bought them and put them in a sock and then if you lay on the floor they help get the knots out. Yay! It actually turned out being really helpful.
Last night I began the packing madness. I have to be out of here in a week, so I figured I would just get the packing out of the way. Last night packing sort of turned into "let's try on all my clothes" instead of actual packing. I didn't accomplish much. Tonight, however, I think I over accomplished. I packed everything. I put all the stuff that I use in one suitcase and the other things I don't need right now in another suitcase (and a carry on). I've come to the realization that I brought a lot of stuff. I don't remember having all this stuff. Oh well. Dear family: when you visit, please leave some space for my things :)
Tonight I went to Rob's with the other exchangers and then we walked the streets looking for good costumes for New Year's. Everyone in Pamplona dresses up! It's going to be so much fun! I bought this really cool masquerade mask. I'll wear it and a dress and heels. Oooh, and I bought these really cool long gloves that I'm so excited to wear! New Year's should be fun. After buying my mask and gloves I headed home and ate dinner. Tonight our salad had couscous in it, along with tomatoes, pickles, onions, and sweet corn. It was fabulous! I loved it. After dinner I resumed the packing madness and then let the insomnia begin. I've been going to sleep at 4 am and waking up around noon or one. I think it's just preparation for New Year's. Once 2011 starts, I'll regulate my sleep schedule and get ready for school again. Wah. I like staying up super late. It's nice. Oh well.
It's time for bed now. I'm kind of tired. Haha. Goodnight. Besos!!
The past two days I've pretty much done the same thing: sleep in, eat, clean my room, meet with the Pamplonians, pack, and watch Friends. Yesterday I did buy a birthday card for my Dad and I finished Brandi's bracelet so they're both in the mail now! Happy Birthday! (January 6th. Mark your calendars.) I also bought some tennis balls yesterday. My neck and back have been bothering me so I bought them and put them in a sock and then if you lay on the floor they help get the knots out. Yay! It actually turned out being really helpful.
Last night I began the packing madness. I have to be out of here in a week, so I figured I would just get the packing out of the way. Last night packing sort of turned into "let's try on all my clothes" instead of actual packing. I didn't accomplish much. Tonight, however, I think I over accomplished. I packed everything. I put all the stuff that I use in one suitcase and the other things I don't need right now in another suitcase (and a carry on). I've come to the realization that I brought a lot of stuff. I don't remember having all this stuff. Oh well. Dear family: when you visit, please leave some space for my things :)
Tonight I went to Rob's with the other exchangers and then we walked the streets looking for good costumes for New Year's. Everyone in Pamplona dresses up! It's going to be so much fun! I bought this really cool masquerade mask. I'll wear it and a dress and heels. Oooh, and I bought these really cool long gloves that I'm so excited to wear! New Year's should be fun. After buying my mask and gloves I headed home and ate dinner. Tonight our salad had couscous in it, along with tomatoes, pickles, onions, and sweet corn. It was fabulous! I loved it. After dinner I resumed the packing madness and then let the insomnia begin. I've been going to sleep at 4 am and waking up around noon or one. I think it's just preparation for New Year's. Once 2011 starts, I'll regulate my sleep schedule and get ready for school again. Wah. I like staying up super late. It's nice. Oh well.
It's time for bed now. I'm kind of tired. Haha. Goodnight. Besos!!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Family, Friends, and Lots of Food.
So it turns out that I was wrong about staying the night at the Grandparents on Christmas Eve. A relative from Madrid is actually staying here with us over the holidays. My bad. So, Merry Christmas everyone! I honestly haven't been doing a whole lot. On Christmas Eve I slept in and showered and ate my Nougat Pillows. I talked to my Mom for such along time and watched Friends in between. I have a minor addiction. No big deal. Around 9:30 we left for the Grandparents house to eat dinner. We had a lot of seafood and later, candies for dessert. It was fine. I mean it just didn't feel like Christmas to me. I sang Jingle Bells for the whole family. The told me that they would sing with me but the only part they knew was "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way" so I had a few solos. Haha. Some highlights from the night included Grandpa being a wino. He's my fav. And all of the little kids were covered in marker. I didn't quite understand it. Maite joined in on the fun and she let them color her face. Hm. Around 11:50 pm, Merche and I walked to church. We went to La Misa de Gallo. The Rooster Mass (since it was at midnight). It was absolutely incredibly. It was so gorgeous. Candles were lit and we were singing. I was so happy that she took me. After mass, she and I caught a bus and finally got back in the house around 2 am. As soon as I arrived home I signed into skype and called Grandma and Grandpa's house. I knew everyone would be there, and sure enough, they were. I was able to talk to everyone. Here are my favorite parts from the hour phone call:
Uncle Jay: I love you, man.
Aunt Patty: I don't know what's cool. I teach the second grade.
Brandi: Hi sister. I'm making punch!
Grandpa: You know how you sent us that card, skeeter, and you said that you miss me and Grandma? Well we miss you, too.
Daddy: Man this Pork BBQ is good! (me: jealous)
Grandma: You like Pork BBQ?!
Mommy: Are you out of your frump? Call me in the morning. I love you, honey.
So they are pretty much the greatest thing in the world. I love you all so much!
Christmas day I woke up and ate breakfast. I then continued watching Friends and skyping until it was time to go to the Grandparents again to eat. We only stayed for a few hours and were home by 5. Athena came over later and we ate brownies and talked and watched Friends (hahaha). It was so nice. She left at dinner time. I then ate dinner with my family and gave them their presents from the US! They loved them! I gave them Livy and I's strawberry jam, ornaments, Heggy's candy, homemade soap, and an Alliance Hospital Cookbook. Then Merche left the room and returned with a present for me. She got a beautiful mauve colored shirt. I absolutely love it!! After that, I went to my room and called my family quickly and then went to bed.
On Sunday, I met Athena and we then walked to church together. It was really nice. As soon as I returned home from church, we left for the Grandparents for more food. Dios mio. We ate lunch and it was great. My host Grandmother is an amazing cook. For dessert we ate turron. Turron is amazing chocolate/fudge stuff that is out of this world. It's special for the holidays here. Gahh. I absolutely love it. Once we returned home, I watched more Friends and then got ready to meet my friends at a cafe. I was really late in getting to the cafe and I didn't see anyone (and I still don't have a phone), so I walked around town for a little bit in search of them. Haha. I never found them so I just went into the church I go to every week. I sat there for half an hour. It was so nice. I felt so peaceful afterwards. Sometimes it's really nice to go to such a quiet place and just sit. Not even think. To just clear your head. After awhile, I went home, ate dinner, and then went to bed.
Yesterday I woke up really late. I showered and did some things until it was time for lunch. It was just me and Merche. We had chicken nuggets. Hahaha. I could hardly believe it! They were pretty good too. After lunch I packed my back pack and got ready for Elle's! We were finally having our Christmas party!! I met Athena and then we met Mitch at the bus stop. The three of us were on our way to Gorraiz (Elle's suburb). We started making food right away. Once everyone was there we ate homemade mashed potatoes, Spanish Omelet, and lasagna. YUM! I helped make everything. I'm really extremely shocked with myself. I think I'm becoming good at cooking....This makes me so happy!!!! I can handle this. Hahaha. We then made buckeyes and churros and ate lots of food. I gave cards to everyone and then I finally gave Natalie her Secret Santa gift. I think she liked it and that made me so happy. Then Natalie gave me owl pajamas for Christmas!! I adore them. They are so cute and comfortable. Thanks Nat!! For the rest of the night we talked while Athena did crazy things to our hair as we watched Friends. Now everyone is addicted. So it's not me. I'm not the problem. The show is just brilliance. We can't help ourselves. I stayed up all night and then caught the bus at 11. It was a nice bus ride home. Elle lives really far away.
Today I came home and slept. Then I went to lunch as a zombie. We had amazing paella! Merche makes the bets paella. After lunch I crashed once again and didn't wake up until 8:30. I then ate some Nougat Pillows just because I wanted to. I'm not going to have the luxury of having them every day for very much longer, so I took advantage of my opportunity. Oh my gosh. I need to stop eating so much. My stomach is going to explode from all of this yummy Spanish food. I cleaned up my room and put away my clothes and checked things of my list until dinner. Tonight's salad included lettuce, turkey, tomatoes, and onions. I love my salads! After dinner I skyped with Tess. I wanted to thank her for the bracelet, silly bands, and Christmas card that she made/got for me!! She made the most amazing bracelet. I'll post pictures soon. I absolutely love it!
Now I am so tired. I'm going to watch Friends (that's right, I'm not ashamed of my addiction) until I fall asleep. I'm glad that I get to wake up to a day full of doing whatever I want tomorrow. It's so nice. Please don't make me go back to school!!! Haha. Goodnight everyone, besos!!
Uncle Jay: I love you, man.
Aunt Patty: I don't know what's cool. I teach the second grade.
Brandi: Hi sister. I'm making punch!
Grandpa: You know how you sent us that card, skeeter, and you said that you miss me and Grandma? Well we miss you, too.
Daddy: Man this Pork BBQ is good! (me: jealous)
Grandma: You like Pork BBQ?!
Mommy: Are you out of your frump? Call me in the morning. I love you, honey.
So they are pretty much the greatest thing in the world. I love you all so much!
Christmas day I woke up and ate breakfast. I then continued watching Friends and skyping until it was time to go to the Grandparents again to eat. We only stayed for a few hours and were home by 5. Athena came over later and we ate brownies and talked and watched Friends (hahaha). It was so nice. She left at dinner time. I then ate dinner with my family and gave them their presents from the US! They loved them! I gave them Livy and I's strawberry jam, ornaments, Heggy's candy, homemade soap, and an Alliance Hospital Cookbook. Then Merche left the room and returned with a present for me. She got a beautiful mauve colored shirt. I absolutely love it!! After that, I went to my room and called my family quickly and then went to bed.
On Sunday, I met Athena and we then walked to church together. It was really nice. As soon as I returned home from church, we left for the Grandparents for more food. Dios mio. We ate lunch and it was great. My host Grandmother is an amazing cook. For dessert we ate turron. Turron is amazing chocolate/fudge stuff that is out of this world. It's special for the holidays here. Gahh. I absolutely love it. Once we returned home, I watched more Friends and then got ready to meet my friends at a cafe. I was really late in getting to the cafe and I didn't see anyone (and I still don't have a phone), so I walked around town for a little bit in search of them. Haha. I never found them so I just went into the church I go to every week. I sat there for half an hour. It was so nice. I felt so peaceful afterwards. Sometimes it's really nice to go to such a quiet place and just sit. Not even think. To just clear your head. After awhile, I went home, ate dinner, and then went to bed.
Yesterday I woke up really late. I showered and did some things until it was time for lunch. It was just me and Merche. We had chicken nuggets. Hahaha. I could hardly believe it! They were pretty good too. After lunch I packed my back pack and got ready for Elle's! We were finally having our Christmas party!! I met Athena and then we met Mitch at the bus stop. The three of us were on our way to Gorraiz (Elle's suburb). We started making food right away. Once everyone was there we ate homemade mashed potatoes, Spanish Omelet, and lasagna. YUM! I helped make everything. I'm really extremely shocked with myself. I think I'm becoming good at cooking....This makes me so happy!!!! I can handle this. Hahaha. We then made buckeyes and churros and ate lots of food. I gave cards to everyone and then I finally gave Natalie her Secret Santa gift. I think she liked it and that made me so happy. Then Natalie gave me owl pajamas for Christmas!! I adore them. They are so cute and comfortable. Thanks Nat!! For the rest of the night we talked while Athena did crazy things to our hair as we watched Friends. Now everyone is addicted. So it's not me. I'm not the problem. The show is just brilliance. We can't help ourselves. I stayed up all night and then caught the bus at 11. It was a nice bus ride home. Elle lives really far away.
Today I came home and slept. Then I went to lunch as a zombie. We had amazing paella! Merche makes the bets paella. After lunch I crashed once again and didn't wake up until 8:30. I then ate some Nougat Pillows just because I wanted to. I'm not going to have the luxury of having them every day for very much longer, so I took advantage of my opportunity. Oh my gosh. I need to stop eating so much. My stomach is going to explode from all of this yummy Spanish food. I cleaned up my room and put away my clothes and checked things of my list until dinner. Tonight's salad included lettuce, turkey, tomatoes, and onions. I love my salads! After dinner I skyped with Tess. I wanted to thank her for the bracelet, silly bands, and Christmas card that she made/got for me!! She made the most amazing bracelet. I'll post pictures soon. I absolutely love it!
Now I am so tired. I'm going to watch Friends (that's right, I'm not ashamed of my addiction) until I fall asleep. I'm glad that I get to wake up to a day full of doing whatever I want tomorrow. It's so nice. Please don't make me go back to school!!! Haha. Goodnight everyone, besos!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Living Life.
It may see that I have been avoiding my blog lately, but that's not the case. It's just that life is happening. I'm becoming busier every day...and it's not always that I have more I need to do, it's that I become more comfortable and I don't think about writing about whatever I did because it's not new anymore, you know? I'm not sure if it's interesting for the world wide web to know that I eat Nougat Pillows every morning and then walk to school and then come home and eat lunch and lalala. My life isn't boring by any means...I don't know how to describe it. But you know, just for the heck of it I'll tell you what I did.
So Tuesday, the usual. I went to school and then came home for lunch and then went back to school. Then, oooh and this is pretty exciting, I studied for my Spanish History test. And no, Hell did not freeze over. Merche walked in my room and became all excited because I was studying. It gave me motivation to keep reading about Spain in Spanish. Gahhh. I then ate dinner. Salad. Surprise!
On Wednesday (and this is a bit more interesting) I woke and ate yogurt and a clementine. Look out! Ha. Then I went to school and took my history test. Victoria, the profesora de historia (hehe), gave me a sheet of paper that told me to write what I knew about the Spanish Restoration. I wrote a full page in Spanish! I was pretty proud of myself. I think I did a pretty good job. Tabea also received the test. Afterwards she said this, "I think in fact I may have written about something other than what the exam was about." Then I asked, "Well, what did you write about Tabs?" Tabea then goes on to tell me that she wrote about machines and factories and child labor. Me: "...umm, Industrialization?" We laughed. A lot. And she said, "How am I supposed to know about what is happening in Spain? How does she expect me to know that?" Tabea doesn't have a book yet so I don't expect her to know about it. This just made me laugh. I love you Tabea. Ich liebe dich. That's right. I'm learning German. In Latin class I worked on Brandi's bracelet and everyone was fascinated. The other classmates were working silently when my teacher got up and approached me. She just asked how I did it and she told me that it looked great! She is so cool. My favorite teacher by far and I can't learn from her (wahh). Most of the other teachers would have told me to read a Spanish book or something.
After school I came home and had lunch. I then made brownies with mint chips. Mmm. They are so good. A little gooey, but sometimes that makes them better, right? I then met up with the Pamplonians in a cafe for Athena's birthday. I had this amazing tea called cocktail de frutas. It was amazing. It reminded me of Muggs so much. Mm. Not the cafe, just the tea. I also had a delicious chocolate muffin. Que rico. After chatting for two hours in the cafe, Elle and I headed back to my house to eat a salad with Merche. It was yummy. I then attempted to call Brandi for her birthday but my skype would not sign on. I began to freak out. How can skype not work on my sissy's birthday?! I immediately signed onto facebook and thank goodness Ben was on. He called Brandi and told her that I couldn't call, so she signed onto facebook and I could wish my best friend an amazing 17th birthday. Here is Bran's shout out: Sister, I love you so much. You are my best friend. You know absolutely everything about me and I miss you so incredibly much. You are so beautiful, smart, and hilarious/evil. I just want to ask, "What's new pussy cat?"
After eating dinner, Elle and I got ready and then met Becca. We waited for the others (Athena, Dara, Mitchell, Tabs, and Natalie). Then we headed to the bar to dance. My curfew was extended until 2 am. Yay!! So Elle and I left around 10 after 2 since it's about a 3 minute walk to my house (we were on Spanish time). We came home and crashed. Dancing is exhausting! We then had a plan to get up and make buckeyes but we heard the alarm this morning...didn't say a word to each other...and went back to sleep. Ha. True friends. We finally woke up around noon and I introduced Elle to Nougat Pillow (which she loved) and then she left to catch her bus.
Once Elle left I made some dippy eggs for myself. Mm. How wonderful. I had to eat lunch about an hour or two later. Needless to say, I didn't eat much for lunch. After lunch I did a whole lot of nothing. I honestly can't even remember. It's break. Time to relax :)
I finally got dressed around 5 and left the house. I went to the post office and then met Becca. Becca came back here and we ate my brownies and drank tea. We then watched RENT. I cried. Quite a bit. Haha. It's just like my favorite work of art in the universe. That's all. As soon as Becca left for home, Merche and I ate dinner. Tonight's salad was my favorite ever. Oh my gosh. You wanna hear what was in it?! Yes? Okay fabulous. Tonight's salad consisted of tomatoes, tuna, hard boiled eggs, onions. green olives, oil, vinegar, and salt. It was riquisimo. Oh my goodness. I loved it. I never wanted it to end. I love the food in Spain. After dinner I washed the dishes and Merche tried to find a good movie for us to watch. She found something and then made us popcorn. We started watching it and then the phone rang. She answered and was gone for awhile and the movie was kind of boring so I came in my room. After about an hour or so (maybe less) she went out in the living room and then came back and came into my room to say goodnight. She didn't like the movie either. Haha. I watched a few episodes of Friends (yes, I'm extremely addicted) and now here I am.
It's so strange to me that tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Merche told me that we are staying the night at the grandparents with the whole family. And then we'll eat with everyone on Christmas. I haven't been too sad about Christmas yet. I mean it sort of just feels like I'm skipping it this year. I'm going through all the motions...baking, wrapping presents, singing/listening to Christmas Carols...but I don't feel it. It's a strange feeling. I don't know what to think about it. I'll write more tomorrow. Hopefully. If not, Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy the time with family and friends and good food. That's what it's about. The three "F"s. Goodnight. Besos. I love you.
So Tuesday, the usual. I went to school and then came home for lunch and then went back to school. Then, oooh and this is pretty exciting, I studied for my Spanish History test. And no, Hell did not freeze over. Merche walked in my room and became all excited because I was studying. It gave me motivation to keep reading about Spain in Spanish. Gahhh. I then ate dinner. Salad. Surprise!
On Wednesday (and this is a bit more interesting) I woke and ate yogurt and a clementine. Look out! Ha. Then I went to school and took my history test. Victoria, the profesora de historia (hehe), gave me a sheet of paper that told me to write what I knew about the Spanish Restoration. I wrote a full page in Spanish! I was pretty proud of myself. I think I did a pretty good job. Tabea also received the test. Afterwards she said this, "I think in fact I may have written about something other than what the exam was about." Then I asked, "Well, what did you write about Tabs?" Tabea then goes on to tell me that she wrote about machines and factories and child labor. Me: "...umm, Industrialization?" We laughed. A lot. And she said, "How am I supposed to know about what is happening in Spain? How does she expect me to know that?" Tabea doesn't have a book yet so I don't expect her to know about it. This just made me laugh. I love you Tabea. Ich liebe dich. That's right. I'm learning German. In Latin class I worked on Brandi's bracelet and everyone was fascinated. The other classmates were working silently when my teacher got up and approached me. She just asked how I did it and she told me that it looked great! She is so cool. My favorite teacher by far and I can't learn from her (wahh). Most of the other teachers would have told me to read a Spanish book or something.
After school I came home and had lunch. I then made brownies with mint chips. Mmm. They are so good. A little gooey, but sometimes that makes them better, right? I then met up with the Pamplonians in a cafe for Athena's birthday. I had this amazing tea called cocktail de frutas. It was amazing. It reminded me of Muggs so much. Mm. Not the cafe, just the tea. I also had a delicious chocolate muffin. Que rico. After chatting for two hours in the cafe, Elle and I headed back to my house to eat a salad with Merche. It was yummy. I then attempted to call Brandi for her birthday but my skype would not sign on. I began to freak out. How can skype not work on my sissy's birthday?! I immediately signed onto facebook and thank goodness Ben was on. He called Brandi and told her that I couldn't call, so she signed onto facebook and I could wish my best friend an amazing 17th birthday. Here is Bran's shout out: Sister, I love you so much. You are my best friend. You know absolutely everything about me and I miss you so incredibly much. You are so beautiful, smart, and hilarious/evil. I just want to ask, "What's new pussy cat?"
After eating dinner, Elle and I got ready and then met Becca. We waited for the others (Athena, Dara, Mitchell, Tabs, and Natalie). Then we headed to the bar to dance. My curfew was extended until 2 am. Yay!! So Elle and I left around 10 after 2 since it's about a 3 minute walk to my house (we were on Spanish time). We came home and crashed. Dancing is exhausting! We then had a plan to get up and make buckeyes but we heard the alarm this morning...didn't say a word to each other...and went back to sleep. Ha. True friends. We finally woke up around noon and I introduced Elle to Nougat Pillow (which she loved) and then she left to catch her bus.
Once Elle left I made some dippy eggs for myself. Mm. How wonderful. I had to eat lunch about an hour or two later. Needless to say, I didn't eat much for lunch. After lunch I did a whole lot of nothing. I honestly can't even remember. It's break. Time to relax :)
I finally got dressed around 5 and left the house. I went to the post office and then met Becca. Becca came back here and we ate my brownies and drank tea. We then watched RENT. I cried. Quite a bit. Haha. It's just like my favorite work of art in the universe. That's all. As soon as Becca left for home, Merche and I ate dinner. Tonight's salad was my favorite ever. Oh my gosh. You wanna hear what was in it?! Yes? Okay fabulous. Tonight's salad consisted of tomatoes, tuna, hard boiled eggs, onions. green olives, oil, vinegar, and salt. It was riquisimo. Oh my goodness. I loved it. I never wanted it to end. I love the food in Spain. After dinner I washed the dishes and Merche tried to find a good movie for us to watch. She found something and then made us popcorn. We started watching it and then the phone rang. She answered and was gone for awhile and the movie was kind of boring so I came in my room. After about an hour or so (maybe less) she went out in the living room and then came back and came into my room to say goodnight. She didn't like the movie either. Haha. I watched a few episodes of Friends (yes, I'm extremely addicted) and now here I am.
It's so strange to me that tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Merche told me that we are staying the night at the grandparents with the whole family. And then we'll eat with everyone on Christmas. I haven't been too sad about Christmas yet. I mean it sort of just feels like I'm skipping it this year. I'm going through all the motions...baking, wrapping presents, singing/listening to Christmas Carols...but I don't feel it. It's a strange feeling. I don't know what to think about it. I'll write more tomorrow. Hopefully. If not, Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy the time with family and friends and good food. That's what it's about. The three "F"s. Goodnight. Besos. I love you.
Monday, December 20, 2010
A Magnificent Monday.
I have had such a great day. Allow me to elaborate. Out of bed straight to the Nougat Pillows. As always. I hurried to school and got ready for language. It was fine. I then had "French" and History. There is a History test tomorrow. Perhaps I should study? The it was time for break. Break was great. Tabs and I talked to a lot of the girls that I am in theatre with. It was fun. After break we were able to choose a speaker to listen to. They were speaking about different fields of study, so Tabea and I chose medicine. It was really great. I enjoyed it. It just made me tired because I was concentrating so much. After the the two hour speech, we were allowed to go home. Since it was an hour earlier than the time that we usually get out, Tabea and I went to a cafe. While there, we decided that it's time for us to speak in Spanish most of the time together now. We have fun speaking in Spanish with each other. It's just entertaining. After the Spanish practice, we worked on German. That's right. I'm learning German. Tabs is going to continue to teach me German. I'm so excited! The accent is nearly impossible for me, but I'm working on it. It's so funny. We laugh so much at my pronounciation skills. Or lack of.
After our language mania at the cafe, we both headed to our homes for lunch. I ate and then watched Glee. While I was heating up my lunch the doorbell rang and Maite said there was a package. I got so excited. I ran to my room and grabbed my passport because I was sure that it was for me. Maite brings it in and tells me that it's for the neighbors. They weren't home. I was extremely disappointed. Then, talked to my Dad for the first time in a week. I missed him!! He was on vacation. Haha, what's new? Then I was able to talk to Tess and as I was talking to her the doorbell rang. Again. I jumped up and answered it. Our friendly building handy man brought me my package!!!! I was so excited! I tore through it as I was talking to Tess. I was jumping up and down. It was a little over the top. I suppose. It basically made my night. My week. Gahh!
I've been cleaning my room and checking off this and that on my to do list. A relaxing and happy night. Dinner was nice, followed by dishes and TV with Maite. Goodnight everyone. Besos!
After our language mania at the cafe, we both headed to our homes for lunch. I ate and then watched Glee. While I was heating up my lunch the doorbell rang and Maite said there was a package. I got so excited. I ran to my room and grabbed my passport because I was sure that it was for me. Maite brings it in and tells me that it's for the neighbors. They weren't home. I was extremely disappointed. Then, talked to my Dad for the first time in a week. I missed him!! He was on vacation. Haha, what's new? Then I was able to talk to Tess and as I was talking to her the doorbell rang. Again. I jumped up and answered it. Our friendly building handy man brought me my package!!!! I was so excited! I tore through it as I was talking to Tess. I was jumping up and down. It was a little over the top. I suppose. It basically made my night. My week. Gahh!
I've been cleaning my room and checking off this and that on my to do list. A relaxing and happy night. Dinner was nice, followed by dishes and TV with Maite. Goodnight everyone. Besos!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Martha Stewart
On Saturday I slept in until 11. It was so nice. I didn't wake up once. I then got up and showered and ate my nougat pillows. You know, the routine. Then I did Christmas shopping and present wrapping! My mom and I skyped so we could wrap presents together. I was so jealous of her fabulous new reindeer pajamas! I want some. Maybe Spain has after-Epiphany-sales? I sure hope so. Cause this lady is broke. Haha. That's not true. I'm just sick of spending money.
During the day I found out that we could not go to Elle's because she is so sick. Get well soon Elle! So we all went shopping and out to eat. We went to the bull ring where they had so many vendors! It was great. I bought myself a necklace and a headband. I love them both. They're kind of tribal. Yay. After shopping we went to Doner Kebab and ate fries and sat for hours. Some people brought their gifts for the exchange and some left theirs at home because they wanted to wait until everyone was there. Since I knew Mitchell was my secret Santa (I figured it out) I told him and he was like, "How did you know?!" Haha. So he gave me my gift. H got me this really cute purple watch and this little notebook with an elephant on it. I love them both. I've been wanting a watch since my first week here. Actually there is one in my first box...that was sent THREE MONTHS AGO. Anyways. I love my presents! Thanks Mitchie Poo. Then we moved to a cafe and had tortilla de patata. Mmm. I love it. The Tabea did her "fake English." It was hysterical. You know how we pretend to speak in another language when we are little? This is what she did and I about peed my pants, just so all of you know. Then Natalie stayed the night. We watched Friends until we fell asleep.
This morning I woke up, got ready, and then met Athena at the spider park near our house. We headed to church. It was beautiful as always. After church we walked in Parque Taconera, which is a beautiful park very close to our buildings. We then parted ways and went home for lunch. I had tortellini for lunch (yummy) and then watched The Social Network on my computer. It was pretty good. After awhile I met Athena and we did some more shopping. She bought some amazing shoes and we tried on these awful body suits just for fun. On our way home we bought churros dipped in chocolate at this little place on the side of the road that we pass almost every day. Every day we say that we are going to get churros "the next time." Today was finally the next time and thank goodness because they were absolutely incredible. Never in my life have I tasted something so wonderful on my walk home. Haha. Then Athena came back here because I wanted to give her her birthday presents. I made her a bracelet and a Christmas tree. I made the bracelet out of beads and the tree out of a UPS envelope, masking tape, and some magazines. When Natalie and Athena saw it they said I was a Martha Stewart. Really? I made another tree out of Dove Chocolate wrappers. It was so much fun! After the presents, we watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carey. It was so nice. We did this until I had to eat dinner. After dinner I washed the dishes, talked to Livy, and watched TV with my host family. Now I am so exhausted and ready for bed! Goodnight everyone. Besos!
During the day I found out that we could not go to Elle's because she is so sick. Get well soon Elle! So we all went shopping and out to eat. We went to the bull ring where they had so many vendors! It was great. I bought myself a necklace and a headband. I love them both. They're kind of tribal. Yay. After shopping we went to Doner Kebab and ate fries and sat for hours. Some people brought their gifts for the exchange and some left theirs at home because they wanted to wait until everyone was there. Since I knew Mitchell was my secret Santa (I figured it out) I told him and he was like, "How did you know?!" Haha. So he gave me my gift. H got me this really cute purple watch and this little notebook with an elephant on it. I love them both. I've been wanting a watch since my first week here. Actually there is one in my first box...that was sent THREE MONTHS AGO. Anyways. I love my presents! Thanks Mitchie Poo. Then we moved to a cafe and had tortilla de patata. Mmm. I love it. The Tabea did her "fake English." It was hysterical. You know how we pretend to speak in another language when we are little? This is what she did and I about peed my pants, just so all of you know. Then Natalie stayed the night. We watched Friends until we fell asleep.
Friday, December 17, 2010
I Feel You Christmas...
I'm very sad that it's December 17th and I only have 10 blog posts for the month. I've missed 7 days already. That is just unacceptable...but I am becoming much busier. Hmm. Yesterday. Yesterday I slept in a bit (until 9) and then got ready for the police station. I got there for my appointment at 10 and then had to wait at least 30 minutes until I could talk to someone. The talking was easy. The man just told me I needed to pay (again) at the and then return to be finger-pritned. So I came home and ate my sandwich here. I thought there was no point in going to school for the break. I took my time and I talked to my mom because I had a mini break down after the police station. I was just so frustrated that I have to go through all of this again. I just wanted to be done. And I wanted my pin number. Anyways, I got off of skype happy and then headed to school. School went quickly since I was only there for Latin and Economics.
After school I came home to a big envelope from Livy that had a Christmas card from her, a letter, a million post it notes filled with inside jokes, a calendar from Grandma (she accidently sent it to Livy), and an angel story book from Grandma. It made me so incredibly happy. Soon after, I received a message from Paula on facebook that said my mom had called her from work and told her to give the name and number of the person at the bank I needed to call for my pin. Thank you Paula!!!! I had to call three times until I was finally able to talk to Corey about changing my number. He was so helpful and everyone on the phone was so nice. Alliance, Ohio. How sweet :)
Once I knew that I had access to money, I gathered my Christmas cards and met my friends to go to the ATM, Correos (post office), and shopping! After doing those three things I headed to theatre. We watched the play that we are doing. I honestly don't like it that much, but that's not really important. It was a lot of fun. We ate afterwards and one of my friends, Norea, was teaching me a Spanish Christmas song. I came home for dinner and we had potatoes and ham. I was so surprised. I was like, "Where is my saladddd?" Haha. But dinner was good nevertheless. Then I was so exhausted that I couldn't even blog. It's sad, I know.
This morning I slept in again. I got ready and then headed for the bank to pay for my student card (once again). Spain, haven't I given you enough money already? It was easy. I then caught a bus to the police station and I was in and out of there in no time. I headed back home to just relax until after the break. I felt I deserved this hour and a half to do so. So now hopefully everything is done. No more trips to the police station...only to pick up my card in a month...other than that, I am so over the police station. Although yesterday I saw some guy with a Dominican Republic Passport and I really wanted to talk to him, but he looked kind of irritated so I resisted. I feel like part of me is from the DR...I was thinking like, "Oh my gosh! You're from there too?!" I just love it. Everything. Ohh I want a papaya and pineapple milkshake now. I want to be working the autoclave (an instrument sterilizer)....I am such a nerd. Anyways. Moving on...I could write about the Dominican forever.
At school today I took a test in Language class. Yes, Spanish language. It actually was not that bad at all. I feel that I could have done really great if I had more time. I just don't feel that answering one out of three questions is going to cut it. The rest of the day we went to the "chapel" and listened to a speech about safety. They talked about robbery quite a bit. Fabulous. Just what I wanted to hear about. After school I came home to a hot dog and mashed potatoes. Merche, I love you. What a wonderfully odd combination. I loved it. I received a letter from Emily that made me so happy as well. There is nothing like Snail Mail. I can't explain it.
I then talked to Emily and Brent for a bit and then became Christmas creative. I made some cute trees out Chocolate wrappers and magazines. I like to recycle. After while, I met Natalie to continue the Christmas shopping. Then we met up with Mitch, Elle, Tabs, and Athena at a Mexican restaurant for dinner. I was so excited to eat Mexican...but...wah. It was super expensive. It was not your typical authentic Mexican food and it made me sad. The guacamole was fabulous, so it was worth it. I might some guacamole tomorrow. I've never tried making it, but hey, it can't be that hard, right?
I came home and made presents and wrapped presents and watched Friends and The Grinch. What another wonderful evening. I also came to the realization that I am just good at Christmas because I love it so much. I know almost every word to every Christmas song, I'm super creative with my present wrapping, I love the movies...I don't know....can Christmas be a talent? Can I add this to my resume?
I am now really exhausted. I have another full day ahead of me. Shopping, wrapping presents, cleaning my room, baking, and going to Elle's for the Pamplonians Christmas Party are all on my agenda. I'm so excited!!! Gahh! I just love Christmas! I need to get a good nights sleep now. I'm so happy to sleep in for the third day in a row. Que suerte yo tengo!
After school I came home to a big envelope from Livy that had a Christmas card from her, a letter, a million post it notes filled with inside jokes, a calendar from Grandma (she accidently sent it to Livy), and an angel story book from Grandma. It made me so incredibly happy. Soon after, I received a message from Paula on facebook that said my mom had called her from work and told her to give the name and number of the person at the bank I needed to call for my pin. Thank you Paula!!!! I had to call three times until I was finally able to talk to Corey about changing my number. He was so helpful and everyone on the phone was so nice. Alliance, Ohio. How sweet :)
Once I knew that I had access to money, I gathered my Christmas cards and met my friends to go to the ATM, Correos (post office), and shopping! After doing those three things I headed to theatre. We watched the play that we are doing. I honestly don't like it that much, but that's not really important. It was a lot of fun. We ate afterwards and one of my friends, Norea, was teaching me a Spanish Christmas song. I came home for dinner and we had potatoes and ham. I was so surprised. I was like, "Where is my saladddd?" Haha. But dinner was good nevertheless. Then I was so exhausted that I couldn't even blog. It's sad, I know.
This morning I slept in again. I got ready and then headed for the bank to pay for my student card (once again). Spain, haven't I given you enough money already? It was easy. I then caught a bus to the police station and I was in and out of there in no time. I headed back home to just relax until after the break. I felt I deserved this hour and a half to do so. So now hopefully everything is done. No more trips to the police station...only to pick up my card in a month...other than that, I am so over the police station. Although yesterday I saw some guy with a Dominican Republic Passport and I really wanted to talk to him, but he looked kind of irritated so I resisted. I feel like part of me is from the DR...I was thinking like, "Oh my gosh! You're from there too?!" I just love it. Everything. Ohh I want a papaya and pineapple milkshake now. I want to be working the autoclave (an instrument sterilizer)....I am such a nerd. Anyways. Moving on...I could write about the Dominican forever.
At school today I took a test in Language class. Yes, Spanish language. It actually was not that bad at all. I feel that I could have done really great if I had more time. I just don't feel that answering one out of three questions is going to cut it. The rest of the day we went to the "chapel" and listened to a speech about safety. They talked about robbery quite a bit. Fabulous. Just what I wanted to hear about. After school I came home to a hot dog and mashed potatoes. Merche, I love you. What a wonderfully odd combination. I loved it. I received a letter from Emily that made me so happy as well. There is nothing like Snail Mail. I can't explain it.
I then talked to Emily and Brent for a bit and then became Christmas creative. I made some cute trees out Chocolate wrappers and magazines. I like to recycle. After while, I met Natalie to continue the Christmas shopping. Then we met up with Mitch, Elle, Tabs, and Athena at a Mexican restaurant for dinner. I was so excited to eat Mexican...but...wah. It was super expensive. It was not your typical authentic Mexican food and it made me sad. The guacamole was fabulous, so it was worth it. I might some guacamole tomorrow. I've never tried making it, but hey, it can't be that hard, right?
I came home and made presents and wrapped presents and watched Friends and The Grinch. What another wonderful evening. I also came to the realization that I am just good at Christmas because I love it so much. I know almost every word to every Christmas song, I'm super creative with my present wrapping, I love the movies...I don't know....can Christmas be a talent? Can I add this to my resume?
I am now really exhausted. I have another full day ahead of me. Shopping, wrapping presents, cleaning my room, baking, and going to Elle's for the Pamplonians Christmas Party are all on my agenda. I'm so excited!!! Gahh! I just love Christmas! I need to get a good nights sleep now. I'm so happy to sleep in for the third day in a row. Que suerte yo tengo!
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