Man I know how to rally the troops. I am so good, I should become a motivational speaker. A professional one at that. Yesterday, I mentioned that I wanted to know exactly how many people of you are following my blog and I have answered my own question in the process. One person (Natasha!) actually started following me and a co-worker of my mother also told me she was following, but wasn't quite sure how to officially follow me. Man, I'm good at what I do! (How pathetic am I?!)
I really don't have that much to write about today....quite a boring day, believe it or not. The only exciting part of my day was running into my old Spanish professor in the cafeteria at school. I have not seen him since the first week of classes or somewhere in there and he is one of my favorites! He gave me a huge hug and asked me where I have been!!!! He then told me that I needed to take his spanish class next semester (which I was already planning on doing!) I told him I was doing horrible in Spanish this semester and when I told him who my professor was, he said that the entire world suffers with that professor. I told him I got a C on my mid-term, and he said that's not right because he knows what I am capable of. So that made me feel better! And, to make me feel even better, he also pointed out that I look like I have been losing weight! Not that I believe it, but hey, it works!
This weekend, I have the entire flat to myself. The family is leaving tomorrow afternoon to go to Isabel's village. Monday is another holiday! All Saints Day. They are going to her village so on Monday they can go to the cemetery where her Grandmother is buried to pay their respects. I am looking forward to having a quiet home and also having the opportunity to cook for myself!!!! I think a trip to the grocery store is necessary. Oh. And a trip to the bakery to buy fresh bread. I'm so excited!!!! I need to start planning my menu now! :)
Quote of the Day: "You don't have to come and confess, we're looking for you. We're gonna find you, we're gonna find you. So you can run and tell that, run and tell that, run and tell that, homeboy!" -Antoine Dodson, better known as the bed Intruder dude. (I know I shouldn't find this funny. It's so not funny, because this entire song has been spurned by the fact that someone was trying to commit a rape. But I am just amazed at how we have latched onto this. I heard that this man has actually received enough profits from the sale of the song, that he has moved his family out of the projects. Sad that we live in a world like this today though. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to youtube and look up bed intruder song!)
Spanish word of the day: disfraz - costume (like a Halloween costume or a disguise)
Prayer request of the day: Please pray for a co-worker of mine, who has been out of work for the past two weeks. I hear she is suffering from deep depression.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Please follow! 62/58.
Okay, I have a selfish request. I know what you're thinking. How could a humble person of my caliber actually ask something of others? Oh stop it, you're making me blush :) According to my blog, I only have fifteen followers. Two of which are myself, because I didn't know what I was doing at first. So that drops it down to thirteen. But then I will hear from someone that they are reading my blog or that someone told them they were reading my blog. So my one request is the following: if you are following me and reading this regularly, could you PLEASE follow it? It's not that difficult to do. I just want to know who is actually reading this, that's all. Please and thank you! Now back to our regularly scheduled programming....
I have finally come to terms with my Spanish class. Today after work, I stayed and a friend/co-worker helped me. She also commented how difficult my work is and that it is a VERY advanced level of Spanish. Anyways, I actually did fairly well with this lesson. Plus, it's always nice to have free lessons! My co-worker is bilingual in Spanish and French and I have been wanting to pick French up for quite some time. They always say that the second foreign language is easier to learn! So, once I get everything mastered in Spanish, then she is also going to teach me French! I'm so excited!!!! I also received a paper back in class today and I am happy to report my paper was not bleeding red like it normally does!
This afternoon I had to go back to the doctor's office because my ear has still not healed completely. I still have pressure and can hear myself talk :( It feels clogged. So, I went back and he looked in my ears and said I have wax build-up and he wanted to refer me to a specialist. I convinced him to see if cleaning out my ears first would work before I went to the specialist. Who of course, probably won't speak Spanish. Not that I couldn't do it, its just that there are some things I prefer to do in English. So, I have to put drops in both ears for the next week. Next Tuesday (because Monday is a holiday!), I will go back and he will do one of those syringing procedures with hot water. I hope this works because I don't want to visit the ENT doctor :( I do not like these new drops at all. I guess they are already working, because I feel the pressure inside my ear, but it's uncomfortable :(
On the way to the doctor's office, I took the metro from school. The walk to get out of the metro station was a journey in itself. Up escalators, down more escalators, through another platform, up more escalators, up a moving sidewalk thingy, more escalators, until alas, finally, the exit. It was like a neverending maze.
Why is it that Kentucky is always in the news for awful things? Can we ever make the news for good reasons without all of the foolishness and debauchery? National news, that is. The Rand Paul organizer from Bourbon County stomping on the head of the moveon.org activist who was a WOMAN?! Really, that's just uncalled for. Two men pulled her down and assaulted her. I don't care if you are republican, democrat, libertarian, or apathetic. Violence is never correct. Way to go Kentucky!!!!
On a sad note, did anyone see where Paul the Octopus passed away? So sad!!!! He is a national hero in Spain!
Quote of the Day: "I like my money where I can see it....hanging in my closet."
Spanish Word of the Day: dolor de oido -ear infection. (I thought this was appropriate, given my situation!)
Prayer Request: that my ear will heal and I won't have to go see the ENT doctor
I have finally come to terms with my Spanish class. Today after work, I stayed and a friend/co-worker helped me. She also commented how difficult my work is and that it is a VERY advanced level of Spanish. Anyways, I actually did fairly well with this lesson. Plus, it's always nice to have free lessons! My co-worker is bilingual in Spanish and French and I have been wanting to pick French up for quite some time. They always say that the second foreign language is easier to learn! So, once I get everything mastered in Spanish, then she is also going to teach me French! I'm so excited!!!! I also received a paper back in class today and I am happy to report my paper was not bleeding red like it normally does!
This afternoon I had to go back to the doctor's office because my ear has still not healed completely. I still have pressure and can hear myself talk :( It feels clogged. So, I went back and he looked in my ears and said I have wax build-up and he wanted to refer me to a specialist. I convinced him to see if cleaning out my ears first would work before I went to the specialist. Who of course, probably won't speak Spanish. Not that I couldn't do it, its just that there are some things I prefer to do in English. So, I have to put drops in both ears for the next week. Next Tuesday (because Monday is a holiday!), I will go back and he will do one of those syringing procedures with hot water. I hope this works because I don't want to visit the ENT doctor :( I do not like these new drops at all. I guess they are already working, because I feel the pressure inside my ear, but it's uncomfortable :(
On the way to the doctor's office, I took the metro from school. The walk to get out of the metro station was a journey in itself. Up escalators, down more escalators, through another platform, up more escalators, up a moving sidewalk thingy, more escalators, until alas, finally, the exit. It was like a neverending maze.
Why is it that Kentucky is always in the news for awful things? Can we ever make the news for good reasons without all of the foolishness and debauchery? National news, that is. The Rand Paul organizer from Bourbon County stomping on the head of the moveon.org activist who was a WOMAN?! Really, that's just uncalled for. Two men pulled her down and assaulted her. I don't care if you are republican, democrat, libertarian, or apathetic. Violence is never correct. Way to go Kentucky!!!!
On a sad note, did anyone see where Paul the Octopus passed away? So sad!!!! He is a national hero in Spain!
Quote of the Day: "I like my money where I can see it....hanging in my closet."
Spanish Word of the Day: dolor de oido -ear infection. (I thought this was appropriate, given my situation!)
Prayer Request: that my ear will heal and I won't have to go see the ENT doctor
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sarah and the Giant Food List 61/59.
The countdown is on! We have passed the halfway point, which means there are less days remaining than there are days that I have been living in Madrid if that makes any sense. These first two months have flown by so fast. Which means I am closer and closer to seeing my wonderful family and friends. I am so excited! Although like my mother pointed out, I will probably be ready to come back to Madrid by the end of the two weeks! I don't know about that one! This weekend at the retreat, we did talk about the ups and downs are moving to a different place and then what happens when you return and how it is a never-ending cycle of the honeymoon phase, a gradual decline that eventually leads to a crisis or being homesick, then a steady climb of adjusting and adapting. Only to have the cycle repeat itself when you go back home. It's called the W-curve. Even though this was my second time to Madrid, it was still hard and there were some times where I caught myself crying after I finished talking to or Skyping with my family and close friends. Those days are gone, but there are still some days that are hard. Like missing out on family events. Or like yesterday when a good friend of mine got married and I wasn't there to see it. But that's just part of moving away....
Today was quite exciting because I got a package at school today from my Uncle Bart. It was full of Halloween candy, a bag of potato chips (regular size bag!), blue cheese dressing (now all I have to do is find some hot wings), and some other things. Oh, and a package of golden oreos, which are my guilty pleasure. I felt like a little kid in a candy store! Since I have a replenishment of goodies, this means I can go ahead and open up the package of sour patch kids and golden oreos that I have been holding out on. I am going to gain so much weight when I come home!!!! I have a long list of food that I cannot wait to eat upon my return. If anyone wants to treat me to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, let me know! I'm great company! Only thing is you will have to pick me up :) I have been craving the following: spicy chicken wings and pink lemonade from Indi's, fajita nachos and or/burrito from Qdoba, General Tso's chicken from Double Dragon, a Chicken Philly Club from Penn Station (with a large lemonade), unlimited chips and hot salsa from Tumbleweed, a Caramel Appled Spiced Cider and White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks, a frisco or chicken fingers salad from Rafferty's with extra Garlic-Ranch dressins, Pasta Carrabba from Carrabba's, Bang Bang Shrimp (or the tacos) from Bonefish, omg a dozen Krispy Kreme glazed donuts, hot off the belt, a Cinnabon, Homemade Pie Kitchen, and whatever else I can get my hands on. This is in addition to the Thanksgiving meal Mimi will be cooking at dinner. Yes, I know I sound extremely fat right now, but ask me if I care....NOPE!!!! (My poor stomach will be having a terrible time however, eating all of that processed food! But since I only have two weeks, I need to make the most of it!)
So, according to msn.com, the minivan is making a comeback. Excuse me, I thought the minivan was always in style! My mother has been pushing one around for the past twenty five years or something like that! I mean come on, we have had every style of minivan there is. The old school kind with the ladder on the back door. (That was the first one I remember, the light blue one.) Then there was the maroon minivan and the gray one with the double dutch doors. Or was it the maroon one with the dutch doors and the rear wiper? We thought we were big stuff with those suckers! And then there is the current one, the tan one. I remember when we first got a van with rear air. And now the tan one has rear air AND rear heat. Boo-ya! How you like those apples?! (In the words of my best friend, Ronnie George.) So excuse me, MSN, minivans have always been in style. The Trainor family was at the forefront of vehicular fashion, thank you very much. Actually, I've never known anything but a minivan. I mean, that's what I learned to drive in after all. And that's what I will be driving when I come back for Christmas, because my stingy father will not let anyone drive his beloved new car. How rude. Although, to be honest, I'm a little scared of driving now, because for the past two months, I have been watching Spanish people drive. And trust me, they take driving to a whole new level. Actually, I'm not scared of driving. It's just that I don't want to drive. I'll just be a bum again like I was for the last three weeks I was at home in August. Being a bum is so much fun!
I had a really good day today. Still on a high from the retreat. I invited one co-worker (the lady who I had the discussion about church with and who asked me if I was atheist during our conversation when I was helplessly explaining the meaning of being non-denominational) and her family (two of my students) to the Thanksgiving dinner our church will be having in a month! Not sure if she is a catolica practicante (practicing Catholic or not, but God put it on my heart to invite her! I also had a conversation with another co-worker, who had previously asked me about meeting every once in awhile so I could help her with English and she would help me with Spanish. I prayed for her this weekend at the retreat because I knew she had to have asked me for some reason to do this exchange, but I wasn't sure why. Today in our conversation, I found out that she is a Teresian, which is kind of like a nun, except she doesn't live in a convent or anything. She and the head of the school are both Teresians. Which means they actually practice their faith. Which is extremely hard to find someone who does so in Spain. I am really excited, because this is my first Christian friend outside of church! Plus not to mention she completely understood me when I told her I am a non-demoninational Christian! So exciting to see how quickly God works in our lives!
Quote of the Day: "If you want to leave your footprints on the sands of time, be sure you're wearing work shoes"
Spanish Word of the Day: Comporta - behavior. (This is a word I learned quickly....Have to remind my students they need to have good behavior)
Prayer Request of the Day: Pray that my co-worker and her family will really come to the Thanksgiving dinner!
Today was quite exciting because I got a package at school today from my Uncle Bart. It was full of Halloween candy, a bag of potato chips (regular size bag!), blue cheese dressing (now all I have to do is find some hot wings), and some other things. Oh, and a package of golden oreos, which are my guilty pleasure. I felt like a little kid in a candy store! Since I have a replenishment of goodies, this means I can go ahead and open up the package of sour patch kids and golden oreos that I have been holding out on. I am going to gain so much weight when I come home!!!! I have a long list of food that I cannot wait to eat upon my return. If anyone wants to treat me to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, let me know! I'm great company! Only thing is you will have to pick me up :) I have been craving the following: spicy chicken wings and pink lemonade from Indi's, fajita nachos and or/burrito from Qdoba, General Tso's chicken from Double Dragon, a Chicken Philly Club from Penn Station (with a large lemonade), unlimited chips and hot salsa from Tumbleweed, a Caramel Appled Spiced Cider and White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks, a frisco or chicken fingers salad from Rafferty's with extra Garlic-Ranch dressins, Pasta Carrabba from Carrabba's, Bang Bang Shrimp (or the tacos) from Bonefish, omg a dozen Krispy Kreme glazed donuts, hot off the belt, a Cinnabon, Homemade Pie Kitchen, and whatever else I can get my hands on. This is in addition to the Thanksgiving meal Mimi will be cooking at dinner. Yes, I know I sound extremely fat right now, but ask me if I care....NOPE!!!! (My poor stomach will be having a terrible time however, eating all of that processed food! But since I only have two weeks, I need to make the most of it!)
So, according to msn.com, the minivan is making a comeback. Excuse me, I thought the minivan was always in style! My mother has been pushing one around for the past twenty five years or something like that! I mean come on, we have had every style of minivan there is. The old school kind with the ladder on the back door. (That was the first one I remember, the light blue one.) Then there was the maroon minivan and the gray one with the double dutch doors. Or was it the maroon one with the dutch doors and the rear wiper? We thought we were big stuff with those suckers! And then there is the current one, the tan one. I remember when we first got a van with rear air. And now the tan one has rear air AND rear heat. Boo-ya! How you like those apples?! (In the words of my best friend, Ronnie George.) So excuse me, MSN, minivans have always been in style. The Trainor family was at the forefront of vehicular fashion, thank you very much. Actually, I've never known anything but a minivan. I mean, that's what I learned to drive in after all. And that's what I will be driving when I come back for Christmas, because my stingy father will not let anyone drive his beloved new car. How rude. Although, to be honest, I'm a little scared of driving now, because for the past two months, I have been watching Spanish people drive. And trust me, they take driving to a whole new level. Actually, I'm not scared of driving. It's just that I don't want to drive. I'll just be a bum again like I was for the last three weeks I was at home in August. Being a bum is so much fun!
I had a really good day today. Still on a high from the retreat. I invited one co-worker (the lady who I had the discussion about church with and who asked me if I was atheist during our conversation when I was helplessly explaining the meaning of being non-denominational) and her family (two of my students) to the Thanksgiving dinner our church will be having in a month! Not sure if she is a catolica practicante (practicing Catholic or not, but God put it on my heart to invite her! I also had a conversation with another co-worker, who had previously asked me about meeting every once in awhile so I could help her with English and she would help me with Spanish. I prayed for her this weekend at the retreat because I knew she had to have asked me for some reason to do this exchange, but I wasn't sure why. Today in our conversation, I found out that she is a Teresian, which is kind of like a nun, except she doesn't live in a convent or anything. She and the head of the school are both Teresians. Which means they actually practice their faith. Which is extremely hard to find someone who does so in Spain. I am really excited, because this is my first Christian friend outside of church! Plus not to mention she completely understood me when I told her I am a non-demoninational Christian! So exciting to see how quickly God works in our lives!
Quote of the Day: "If you want to leave your footprints on the sands of time, be sure you're wearing work shoes"
Spanish Word of the Day: Comporta - behavior. (This is a word I learned quickly....Have to remind my students they need to have good behavior)
Prayer Request of the Day: Pray that my co-worker and her family will really come to the Thanksgiving dinner!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Back in the city 60/60.
Back to the hustle and bustle of the city....after spending a nice, relaxing weekend outside of Madrid, I returned this afternoon on the train. I am a city girl, always have been, always will be. But, every once in awhile it's refreshing to get out of the city. I left Friday afternoon and took the train to a town called San Rafael. It is located in the community (similar to our states) of Castilla y Leon and in the province of Segovia. We were only an hour and a half away from Madrid, but it seemed like we were so far away! The building we stayed in was kinda creepy when you looked at it from the outside. And the inside come to think of it. Not lying. The building was VERY old and the inside reminded me of the Haunted Mansion, complete with the huge circular chained chandeliers. The building was dimly-lit and there were some suspicious looking stains on the wall that we were unsure of.
But I really had a great weekend. The entire purpose of our retreat was to discuss and think about what is our purpose in being in Madrid and why God wanted each of us here. We talked about how the concept of missional living - living with a purpose and trying to make a difference here. Western Europe is one of the places where you would think is majority religious, but in reality, it's one of the places in the world where religion, especially Christianity is dying. The statistics are crazy. 75% of the country identifies as being Catholic, but 58% never attend mass. Even sadder, is that only 22% of Spaniards think that religious faith is something important to teach their children. So the question is, did God send me here to teach English or did he send me to do something greater than I ever imagined? A friend from church who lives two blocks away from me and I are going to start meeting at the local bar, hopefully once a week, in hopes of befriending some neighbors and to also pray for them. I am excited to see what God has in store and how he plans on using me!
Our schedule for the weekend was quite funny. It went something like this. Wake up, first breakfast, morning session. Second breakfast, session, lunch. Free time, snacking, session, dinner, free time. And repeat. Because all we do in Spain is eat. No, seriously, it was really nice and our group was small - only 18 people. So it was neat to meet and interact with new people. On Saturday, we took a hike during free time. Forget the fact that it took us an hour to find the hiking trail. (Hey, that's the spanish way of life. You do things without a plan!) Yes, I was gasping for air because we were pretty high up. (Such a shame that I worked out so hard during the summer, only to have my cardio plummet back down so quickly....) But it was totally worth it. It was so refreshing to not only have the fresh air, but also to see what an amazing artist God is. His masterpieces far exceed those of the famous painters.
Tonight, I unpacked my backpack. Which is something my mother nor my Grandmother would believe. I have been known to leave suticases sitting in the middle of my floor for months on end. My friend, Hassan, dropped his friends off at the airport, and then we met at a metro station. We went over to Malasana, a hippy neighborhood in the center of town and ate amazing calzones at an Italian restaurant. He had never been to this part of the city before. This area of town is what I would consider a "locals" hangout. I then went with him to the bus station in the south of the city. We have nicknamed this station, the sketchy station. I had never been to it before and probably won't go back unless I absolutely have to. It was cool to hangout with him again and we talked about trying to meet somewhere next month. Otherwise, I won't see him for another two months, when we both fly home together for Christmas.
On Friday, (yes, I know my chronology is out of order this blog....) I wore my Spanish national team jersey (football). The kids went crazy. They found it unbelievable that I was wearing it and that I liked the national team. All the kids in the hallway were just going nuts over it. My sixth grade class even applauded me as I walked in the door. Seriously. And of course, the Sara Carbonero name calling continued. Which, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I take as a complete compliment.
I hope everyone's weekend was enjoyable as mine. I pray that your week will start off on the right foot.
Quote of the Day: "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." -2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (Don't live missionally because it's something you think you should do. be compeled to do so.)
Spanish Word of the Day: La Flecha - the (computer) mouse
How you can pray for me: That I keep an open heart and mind to receive what God wants me to do here in Spain.
But I really had a great weekend. The entire purpose of our retreat was to discuss and think about what is our purpose in being in Madrid and why God wanted each of us here. We talked about how the concept of missional living - living with a purpose and trying to make a difference here. Western Europe is one of the places where you would think is majority religious, but in reality, it's one of the places in the world where religion, especially Christianity is dying. The statistics are crazy. 75% of the country identifies as being Catholic, but 58% never attend mass. Even sadder, is that only 22% of Spaniards think that religious faith is something important to teach their children. So the question is, did God send me here to teach English or did he send me to do something greater than I ever imagined? A friend from church who lives two blocks away from me and I are going to start meeting at the local bar, hopefully once a week, in hopes of befriending some neighbors and to also pray for them. I am excited to see what God has in store and how he plans on using me!
Our schedule for the weekend was quite funny. It went something like this. Wake up, first breakfast, morning session. Second breakfast, session, lunch. Free time, snacking, session, dinner, free time. And repeat. Because all we do in Spain is eat. No, seriously, it was really nice and our group was small - only 18 people. So it was neat to meet and interact with new people. On Saturday, we took a hike during free time. Forget the fact that it took us an hour to find the hiking trail. (Hey, that's the spanish way of life. You do things without a plan!) Yes, I was gasping for air because we were pretty high up. (Such a shame that I worked out so hard during the summer, only to have my cardio plummet back down so quickly....) But it was totally worth it. It was so refreshing to not only have the fresh air, but also to see what an amazing artist God is. His masterpieces far exceed those of the famous painters.
 |
| San Rafael, Spain |
On Friday, (yes, I know my chronology is out of order this blog....) I wore my Spanish national team jersey (football). The kids went crazy. They found it unbelievable that I was wearing it and that I liked the national team. All the kids in the hallway were just going nuts over it. My sixth grade class even applauded me as I walked in the door. Seriously. And of course, the Sara Carbonero name calling continued. Which, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I take as a complete compliment.
I hope everyone's weekend was enjoyable as mine. I pray that your week will start off on the right foot.
Quote of the Day: "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." -2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (Don't live missionally because it's something you think you should do. be compeled to do so.)
Spanish Word of the Day: La Flecha - the (computer) mouse
How you can pray for me: That I keep an open heart and mind to receive what God wants me to do here in Spain.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Remembering my 94 crayons! 57/63.
Does anyone remember back in the 90´s (geez, that makes me sound old!) when Crayola introduced the Box of 94 crayons? With the colors like Robin´s Egg Blue and Granny Smith Apple and Macaroni and Cheese? I remember begging my mother to buy it for me. Naturally, she gave in. I thought I was hot stuff back then. Only to show up to school and see that everyone else in my class had 94 crayons as well. But that year with my 94 crayons was one of the best ever. I vividly remember being able to color something different shades of blues and greens, and any other hue for that matter. And then I think it was the next year that Crayola released a box with 100 colors or something like that. Ahh, the neverending economy.
Let´s flashforward to 2010. This week, I have had my students color pumpkins. We are reading a book and then coloring in celebration of Halloween....Some of the kids have just regular boxes of colored pencils and markers. But then there are those who have elaborate systems. At first I thought it was just a notebook that had a zipper - like the portfolios people carry around. Oh, how I was wrong. Once my students open those things up, it´s amazing. Endless amounts of markers and colored pencils. And of course, not one, but two pencil sharpeners. All perfectly kept, neat and in order. I have to admit, I´m a tad bit jealous. I mean, these things are like the coolest thing since sliced bread. Or maybe I´m a nerd and get overly excited about these kinds of things. Hmm....
Tonight, my friend from high school, Hassan was in Madrid. I had not seen him since we graduated, until this summer when we ran into each other on Baxter Avenue one night when we were out with the same group of people! He´s over in Spain teaching as well this year. With him, were two other girls from back home, so the four of us had a nice little evening. We ate dinner at this sandwich place which was awesome and cheap. (Even better!) Then we walked around Sol and ended up walking by the cathedral and palace at night. We completed our circle with a walk up Gran Via and back to Sol.
I leave for my retreat with church this weekend and really am looking forward to getting out of the city for the weekend, even if I´m only an hour train ride away. We have free time on Saturday, so I am hoping that the weather will be nice enough to allow us to go hiking. I have no hiking boots....My Timberlands are sitting in the bottom of my closet, collecting dust. I only brought a pair of tennis shoes with me, and those are really running shoes, not walking shoes. Ugh, they will have to do. (Why is it that as many pairs of shoes I have, the ones I should have brought with me, are sitting thousands of miles away from me??!! Think I will definitely be buying a pair of Sperry´s to bring back with me when I go home in TWO MONTHS!)
I will be sans my laptop this weekend. Shocking, I know. I will update later when I return to Madrid. Have a great weekend!
Quote of the Day: "Never place a question mark where God has placed a period."
Spanish Word of the Day: goloso/golosa - a person with a sweet tooth
Let´s flashforward to 2010. This week, I have had my students color pumpkins. We are reading a book and then coloring in celebration of Halloween....Some of the kids have just regular boxes of colored pencils and markers. But then there are those who have elaborate systems. At first I thought it was just a notebook that had a zipper - like the portfolios people carry around. Oh, how I was wrong. Once my students open those things up, it´s amazing. Endless amounts of markers and colored pencils. And of course, not one, but two pencil sharpeners. All perfectly kept, neat and in order. I have to admit, I´m a tad bit jealous. I mean, these things are like the coolest thing since sliced bread. Or maybe I´m a nerd and get overly excited about these kinds of things. Hmm....
Tonight, my friend from high school, Hassan was in Madrid. I had not seen him since we graduated, until this summer when we ran into each other on Baxter Avenue one night when we were out with the same group of people! He´s over in Spain teaching as well this year. With him, were two other girls from back home, so the four of us had a nice little evening. We ate dinner at this sandwich place which was awesome and cheap. (Even better!) Then we walked around Sol and ended up walking by the cathedral and palace at night. We completed our circle with a walk up Gran Via and back to Sol.
I leave for my retreat with church this weekend and really am looking forward to getting out of the city for the weekend, even if I´m only an hour train ride away. We have free time on Saturday, so I am hoping that the weather will be nice enough to allow us to go hiking. I have no hiking boots....My Timberlands are sitting in the bottom of my closet, collecting dust. I only brought a pair of tennis shoes with me, and those are really running shoes, not walking shoes. Ugh, they will have to do. (Why is it that as many pairs of shoes I have, the ones I should have brought with me, are sitting thousands of miles away from me??!! Think I will definitely be buying a pair of Sperry´s to bring back with me when I go home in TWO MONTHS!)
I will be sans my laptop this weekend. Shocking, I know. I will update later when I return to Madrid. Have a great weekend!
Quote of the Day: "Never place a question mark where God has placed a period."
Spanish Word of the Day: goloso/golosa - a person with a sweet tooth
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Return of Mr. Cocky 56/64.
Okay, it's official. I'm at war. With the jerk at school who thinks that it's okay to ignore a RESERVATION....Matter of fact, I just googled the definition of the word reservation:
1. The act of reserving; a keeping back or withholding.
2. Something that is kept back or withheld.
3. A limiting qualification, condition, or exception: has reservations about the proposal.
4. A tract of land set apart by the federal government for a specific purpose, especially one for the use of a Native American people.
5. a. An arrangement by which accomodations are secured in advanced, as in a hotel or on an airplane.
b. The accomodations so secured.
c. The record or promise of such an arrangement.
And just for good measure, here is the spanish definition:
1. Guarda o custodia que se hace de algo, o prevención de ello para que sirva a su tiempo. (This means the exact same thing as above....to save or guard something!)
I'm pretty sure if I looked this up in French, Swahili, Dutch, Korean, or even asked someone to sign it to me, I am more than positive that each language would tell me the exact same thing as mentioned above. So why on earth this man thinks he can completely ignore my reservation is beyond me. I told him that this cannot happen next week. I told him (note, I didn't ask him) that if he needed the room when I had it, to please tell me so we could arrange something. (See, even when I'm fuming, I am a nice person!) Then, I also explained to him once again, that I had the reservation and I am walking aimlessly through the school with eight-year old students and that it is completely unfair and rude of him. I am seriously thinking about printing off the definition of the word reservation in Spanish and giving it to him. Okay, the old Sarah would have done that. But the new Sarah has been trying to woosah and work on her attitude problems. But he is provoking me and I'm not sure how long this whole "I am trying not to go off on you" thing is going to last. I mean, seriously? Who died and told that you could do whatever you want, whenever you want!!!! Just saying. I am convinced he is doing this on purpose and it is really pushing my buttons! I have already decided that next month, if he beats me to the reservation sheet, I am going to return the favor and ignore HIS reservation. I refuse to go down without a fight!!!!
In other news, I have spoken with the majority of my professors regarding my mid-term grade. Unfortunately, the grade only reflects one assignment. I have been reassured that my essays were actually well-written, but were lacking a few details that needed to be addressed. One professor told me on the way out that I did "an excellent job on my mid-term." So if it was excellent, then why did you give me a B+??!! Why not an A!? Although I have heard that he rarely gives out A's. So a B+ from him is like an A. I guess I'll take it. No, but in all seriousness, I feel much better after today. Compared to how I felt yesterday.
I'm exciting tomorrow, because one of my friends from high school, who I got back in touch with over the summer, also happens to be teaching in Spain this year. He is coming to Madrid tomorrow evening, so we are going to hang out and then hopefully again this weekend! Although Madrid is home to me now, it's always nice to see someone from your real home!
This may be my last blog in a few days. I know you guys are going to be heartbroken. Depending on what time I get in tomorrow night, I may or may not blog. But I have decided to keep my laptop at home during the weekend, so that I can fully concentrate on the retreat.
Quote of the Day: "It's our interpretation of love and of others that gets in the way of having joyful lives."
Spanish Word of the Day: cosquillas - ticklish
1. The act of reserving; a keeping back or withholding.
2. Something that is kept back or withheld.
3. A limiting qualification, condition, or exception: has reservations about the proposal.
4. A tract of land set apart by the federal government for a specific purpose, especially one for the use of a Native American people.
5. a. An arrangement by which accomodations are secured in advanced, as in a hotel or on an airplane.
b. The accomodations so secured.
c. The record or promise of such an arrangement.
And just for good measure, here is the spanish definition:
1. Guarda o custodia que se hace de algo, o prevención de ello para que sirva a su tiempo. (This means the exact same thing as above....to save or guard something!)
I'm pretty sure if I looked this up in French, Swahili, Dutch, Korean, or even asked someone to sign it to me, I am more than positive that each language would tell me the exact same thing as mentioned above. So why on earth this man thinks he can completely ignore my reservation is beyond me. I told him that this cannot happen next week. I told him (note, I didn't ask him) that if he needed the room when I had it, to please tell me so we could arrange something. (See, even when I'm fuming, I am a nice person!) Then, I also explained to him once again, that I had the reservation and I am walking aimlessly through the school with eight-year old students and that it is completely unfair and rude of him. I am seriously thinking about printing off the definition of the word reservation in Spanish and giving it to him. Okay, the old Sarah would have done that. But the new Sarah has been trying to woosah and work on her attitude problems. But he is provoking me and I'm not sure how long this whole "I am trying not to go off on you" thing is going to last. I mean, seriously? Who died and told that you could do whatever you want, whenever you want!!!! Just saying. I am convinced he is doing this on purpose and it is really pushing my buttons! I have already decided that next month, if he beats me to the reservation sheet, I am going to return the favor and ignore HIS reservation. I refuse to go down without a fight!!!!
In other news, I have spoken with the majority of my professors regarding my mid-term grade. Unfortunately, the grade only reflects one assignment. I have been reassured that my essays were actually well-written, but were lacking a few details that needed to be addressed. One professor told me on the way out that I did "an excellent job on my mid-term." So if it was excellent, then why did you give me a B+??!! Why not an A!? Although I have heard that he rarely gives out A's. So a B+ from him is like an A. I guess I'll take it. No, but in all seriousness, I feel much better after today. Compared to how I felt yesterday.
I'm exciting tomorrow, because one of my friends from high school, who I got back in touch with over the summer, also happens to be teaching in Spain this year. He is coming to Madrid tomorrow evening, so we are going to hang out and then hopefully again this weekend! Although Madrid is home to me now, it's always nice to see someone from your real home!
This may be my last blog in a few days. I know you guys are going to be heartbroken. Depending on what time I get in tomorrow night, I may or may not blog. But I have decided to keep my laptop at home during the weekend, so that I can fully concentrate on the retreat.
Quote of the Day: "It's our interpretation of love and of others that gets in the way of having joyful lives."
Spanish Word of the Day: cosquillas - ticklish
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Life with controlled heating 55/65.
First of all, let me just say how lucky I am to have friends from all over the world. One friend from school lives in Switzerland and went home this past weekend. She came back to campus today and brought with her, this gargantuous bag of chocolate. Now, chocolate in itself is amazing. But chocolate from Switzerland on the other hand? That deserves its own category. So here I am, happily typing away, and snacking on a piece of Swiss chocolate. I promise the next time I go to Switzerland, I will bring back a bag to share with everyone! It's that good. On to more important things....
I just realized that I have been clean for fifty five days. From Starbucks, that is. Shocking. I have yet to walk into a Starbucks here. For those of you who know me well, I have been addicted to Starbucks BEFORE Starbucks became this huge globalized company. I was a mere eleven years old and fell in love with Starbucks (in Seattle, nonetheless) back in 1997. That was a full five years before the first one hit Louisville. And considering the fact that I practically lived at Starbucks with my friend Jessica during the summer, this is quite the feat. Starbucks just doesn't mean the same to me without being able to order drinks like Caramel Apple Spiced Cider (my fall drink) or a non-fat white chocolate mocha (my winter drink). No, I think I'll just save money and wait until I can go on a binge back home!
I received all of my mid-term grades today. Considering the fact that I have been out of school for two years, they're decent. The thing I hate about mid-terms though is that they only reflect one assignment. At least now I know what my professors are expecting. They weren't as good as I would like them to be, but they could have been far worse. The good news is, I did better than I expected on my Spanish test that I was dreading! And here I was thinking I was going to fail it. (I'm pretty sure he was more than generous with a curve as well!) Professors here though really like to use the plus and minus signs when giving out grades. Which can bring down your GPA if you're on the minus end....
In more important news, I'm rich!!!! Tonight, one of my families whom I give private lessons to, told me they wanted to raise my pay by 33%! I told them that was not necessary, but they insisted. (Hey, at least I offered!)
One thing I learned tonight is that the heat in my apartment building only stays on from 3 pm until 9 pm. The entire building has controlled central heat and these are the only hours it stays heated. Apparently, the government of Spain is trying to regulate the use of heat, thus the controlled schedule. My mother would not be able to make it!!!! This really helps me out a lot, considering I leave the house at 8:50 am, come back at 1:15 pm, leave again at 2:00 pm and arrive home at 8:45 pm....Just saying. What about people who work third shift? I'm beginning not to like this whole controlled heating thing. What am I going to do when it gets cold? Oh yes, risk my life by sleeping with an electric blanket. The perfect solution!
More tomorrow.
Quote of the Day: "Choose to live so it will matter that you did."
Spanish Word of the Day: (in honor of my mother) Tiritar - to shiver
I just realized that I have been clean for fifty five days. From Starbucks, that is. Shocking. I have yet to walk into a Starbucks here. For those of you who know me well, I have been addicted to Starbucks BEFORE Starbucks became this huge globalized company. I was a mere eleven years old and fell in love with Starbucks (in Seattle, nonetheless) back in 1997. That was a full five years before the first one hit Louisville. And considering the fact that I practically lived at Starbucks with my friend Jessica during the summer, this is quite the feat. Starbucks just doesn't mean the same to me without being able to order drinks like Caramel Apple Spiced Cider (my fall drink) or a non-fat white chocolate mocha (my winter drink). No, I think I'll just save money and wait until I can go on a binge back home!
I received all of my mid-term grades today. Considering the fact that I have been out of school for two years, they're decent. The thing I hate about mid-terms though is that they only reflect one assignment. At least now I know what my professors are expecting. They weren't as good as I would like them to be, but they could have been far worse. The good news is, I did better than I expected on my Spanish test that I was dreading! And here I was thinking I was going to fail it. (I'm pretty sure he was more than generous with a curve as well!) Professors here though really like to use the plus and minus signs when giving out grades. Which can bring down your GPA if you're on the minus end....
In more important news, I'm rich!!!! Tonight, one of my families whom I give private lessons to, told me they wanted to raise my pay by 33%! I told them that was not necessary, but they insisted. (Hey, at least I offered!)
One thing I learned tonight is that the heat in my apartment building only stays on from 3 pm until 9 pm. The entire building has controlled central heat and these are the only hours it stays heated. Apparently, the government of Spain is trying to regulate the use of heat, thus the controlled schedule. My mother would not be able to make it!!!! This really helps me out a lot, considering I leave the house at 8:50 am, come back at 1:15 pm, leave again at 2:00 pm and arrive home at 8:45 pm....Just saying. What about people who work third shift? I'm beginning not to like this whole controlled heating thing. What am I going to do when it gets cold? Oh yes, risk my life by sleeping with an electric blanket. The perfect solution!
More tomorrow.
Quote of the Day: "Choose to live so it will matter that you did."
Spanish Word of the Day: (in honor of my mother) Tiritar - to shiver
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