tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81518247538806364462024-03-14T04:55:37.117-07:00Tanika MacSwain is Off to SpainThe tales of a Smile-Sharing, Peanut-butter-Loving, Adventure Seeker on my year abroad. Pack you're smile and whatever things you need for fun, as we being our journey through the cobble stone streets of the lush and lively Pamplona, Spain! Vamos! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-68430615772670803762015-03-13T23:32:00.004-07:002015-03-13T23:34:22.425-07:00Melting Clocks<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcFnLyAXNd9fVtecev_HLKyMiY5zOd8cvucxovL-qx-7H-lGCcATseYy4-dEMOXk3tkIUpyVrXCsvkWnI5lxHWriLCID4mtaiW5owJHj01KoFah0gqAIwQrjl7JwN6Een0TLRgid9jL54/s1600/IMG_20150217_173654957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcFnLyAXNd9fVtecev_HLKyMiY5zOd8cvucxovL-qx-7H-lGCcATseYy4-dEMOXk3tkIUpyVrXCsvkWnI5lxHWriLCID4mtaiW5owJHj01KoFah0gqAIwQrjl7JwN6Een0TLRgid9jL54/s1600/IMG_20150217_173654957.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twisty tree was demanding I cling to it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sun. The sun. THE SUN. I feel like I'm coming out of an unconscious hibernation and it's better than good, it's a sunny heaven. Since the day I could walk home from practice and still have the daylight accompanying me, I've been out soaking all of it in, the vitamin D and the good vibes. After so much bad news, bad luck that I'd rather not go into, I took a break from the world.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMdhdV3R6KSd-Uu8K7MfCGHSE68Poj630D3zk0KhfSEDNV3rI8H9uxYmQ6oTGx-yyP3YWQN3wOvHWhgtbWSUMXkSeJaLY_6Ou3YksCDaBhyphenhyphen2vk3E0eeHGIlm-j55ZD2j7V-aIzY39HvtI/s1600/IMG_20150311_080422554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMdhdV3R6KSd-Uu8K7MfCGHSE68Poj630D3zk0KhfSEDNV3rI8H9uxYmQ6oTGx-yyP3YWQN3wOvHWhgtbWSUMXkSeJaLY_6Ou3YksCDaBhyphenhyphen2vk3E0eeHGIlm-j55ZD2j7V-aIzY39HvtI/s1600/IMG_20150311_080422554.jpg" height="164" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to my morning walks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
About a week ago, a day of windy rain, I closed the door, closed the curtains and shut the out world. In a few moments of silence I thought of all the things I had done this year, all the things I would do in my lifetime and I exhaled. Opening my eyes I came back to reality and just felt lighter. The next day the skies showed it. For the first time in months I was actually waking up to the sun. It has only gotten brighter since.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMVv5d0_1N2RpOWPuFPoq8Wz2nZxDCA2ybruwgC-eJCU8tBqhZxWo-J09ywE2z7_cBU77P0xBe3uyOWcrh9w03-ftq4d-AdO2Lvi5-iw8wp68gvnBVSkdwDy7BV5RiSXL8qW79jKPs6hj/s1600/IMG_20150214_224225318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMVv5d0_1N2RpOWPuFPoq8Wz2nZxDCA2ybruwgC-eJCU8tBqhZxWo-J09ywE2z7_cBU77P0xBe3uyOWcrh9w03-ftq4d-AdO2Lvi5-iw8wp68gvnBVSkdwDy7BV5RiSXL8qW79jKPs6hj/s1600/IMG_20150214_224225318.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes that really is Cauliflower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mdFlU_33AwOqc12Rr2ADYeY8U_cNtSz8EnTt7AUrx3xW0NjyOalwY66_nr0XzraNhq2MeFfQkc1r-DJsmlokC6O7KktWGCyaJpfN8LXs0Q4OAt1fp0O25Y4dL9KKcyYkZ0juqw9GXOkN/s1600/IMG_20150307_091516950_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mdFlU_33AwOqc12Rr2ADYeY8U_cNtSz8EnTt7AUrx3xW0NjyOalwY66_nr0XzraNhq2MeFfQkc1r-DJsmlokC6O7KktWGCyaJpfN8LXs0Q4OAt1fp0O25Y4dL9KKcyYkZ0juqw9GXOkN/s1600/IMG_20150307_091516950_HDR.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mean green fighting Machine Bread<br />
(Now say that 5x fast)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Getting back into my yoga (I finally have the splits checked off my bucketlist!... well at least on the right side.) and my weirdly healthy experimental kitchen is making stides in all that is weird and healthy (I made pizza with cauliflower and green bread! Please refer to the delicious pictures on either side of you before making any rude barfing noises) Doing all these little things has me feeling more me. So as the sun shines higher in the sky so do my hopes.<br />
<br />
I'm looking at all the adventure slowly filling my calendar in the months to come, bubbling to tell you all about it. The big news first, I AM GOING TO SWEDEN! Yes you heard my outburst correctly, the "Rule book writers" are letting me go in May. I'll get to see the Midnight sun, swim in an Archipelago but most importantly I'll be able to hug my Swedish sister whom I haven't seen in a near year. All this excitement is enough to carry me until May but with all the good energy I've been putting out there, the universe is working double time to keep up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToThPTo9dCnbZkg5vjAdxrM5Sfv9m9qzHdB1GyVGnDaYeU5golF3SqcBEs-8dWoWXWUhmhLQs_Psgx6Fs2euph6WhFGfPMrZZqrAiiHfuxH52pv-PzZZm1smqxEhtrKyD244HGmZWwK5O/s1600/VID-20150227-WA0047.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToThPTo9dCnbZkg5vjAdxrM5Sfv9m9qzHdB1GyVGnDaYeU5golF3SqcBEs-8dWoWXWUhmhLQs_Psgx6Fs2euph6WhFGfPMrZZqrAiiHfuxH52pv-PzZZm1smqxEhtrKyD244HGmZWwK5O/s1600/VID-20150227-WA0047.mp4" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni dancing with the belly dance I still can't stop laughing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let's focus on the now I'm closing in on the deadline for my art contest entry and my perfectionista tendency is falling on my shoulders. I step back and like it but don't love it, could change here, a little their, nit picking till the last pen mark. Like all things I just need to set it free and trust the process, what's meant to be will soon come. Of course it helps/hurts hearing all the good feedback on it as it builds my confidence/nerves. I'm just going to relax, add a picture and leave the nit picking to you all. In two weeks it'll be in the mail on it's way out with it my worry.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCACCZl2BYThR-D8Dd4ozVTXm225K5JGEgjuNEwKl86Qqia_7Az_pm02eFfu3iElBfU5dez_g8YagTj-ebAZnZXWMrLbGW5esjyMwnHXHSg0hYTXw6tRxK2bWd4DUOYZefip0xBOsdiui/s1600/Dibujo2(edit).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCACCZl2BYThR-D8Dd4ozVTXm225K5JGEgjuNEwKl86Qqia_7Az_pm02eFfu3iElBfU5dez_g8YagTj-ebAZnZXWMrLbGW5esjyMwnHXHSg0hYTXw6tRxK2bWd4DUOYZefip0xBOsdiui/s1600/Dibujo2(edit).jpeg" height="640" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First attempt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNVcIfO8qGiIJDqhKacumKztTLcPXMIcnJF85nLPwKhOPpNMGSiYRzy17lHOW63yFMLNf51YR7Q8p-ejUf3sOwzzc94gm_ygDEnHi_ZspUOS9U96ebp715UUszc6lRUxfkyAfFwV3wzRu/s1600/Dibujo3(edit).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNVcIfO8qGiIJDqhKacumKztTLcPXMIcnJF85nLPwKhOPpNMGSiYRzy17lHOW63yFMLNf51YR7Q8p-ejUf3sOwzzc94gm_ygDEnHi_ZspUOS9U96ebp715UUszc6lRUxfkyAfFwV3wzRu/s1600/Dibujo3(edit).jpeg" height="640" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd attempt (Minus the mouth)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Bubble Burst</h4>
The tedious and tiring search is over, I have made the long delayed purchase of my graduation dress! In and out of dressing rooms (do Spanish girls not have shoulders because half the time I felt like a bodybuilder in these tiny dresses) until I was blown into "Stock", a huge sale of all high brands selling the last of their- well stock. Amidst the racks and rows of designer-this chiffon-that I saw a coral sleeve poking out. I twirled in the dressing room seeing myself twirling at graduation suddenly I stopped. Oh my gosh it was March already! The room, my year, it all kept spinning and I had stayed in one place not aware of everything moving around me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6YHDZ1qWHJluYVsto6_AC5fjk2xE8WNBGGqtquhemqONFo9536Ss91BVcBcYklixHZ_PaoAefqGv5QjwAa6no1X_XDH0EjUo1RgcGZiD6Uoid-79IQJnHW2KNZrtimTjyRQ4H-qVqUpc/s1600/IMG_20150311_175039925_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6YHDZ1qWHJluYVsto6_AC5fjk2xE8WNBGGqtquhemqONFo9536Ss91BVcBcYklixHZ_PaoAefqGv5QjwAa6no1X_XDH0EjUo1RgcGZiD6Uoid-79IQJnHW2KNZrtimTjyRQ4H-qVqUpc/s1600/IMG_20150311_175039925_HDR.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
Basking in the Spanish sun I hadn´t noticed the, falling calendars, the melting clocks around me. With all my excitement for summer I never realized what was nearing was the end and how could I possibly be excited for the end. I held my dress in the middle a bittersweet lesson, all good things come to an end. This year is only the first step in a long life of sunny days and adventure, best to start living it now.<br />
<br />
<h4>
What's to Come</h4>
Today I'm off to Zaragoza taking part in tree planting and more exchange student antics. The following weekend we are heading out to Toledo what I consider a classic Spanish city of history, beauty and hopefully dancing through windmills. Then it Semana Santa in <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq-eLT6_nkughhwCo7Qol9I4IeG-yTuPEBtv07ypjvyEcGw7WiTpCba1bkro0NLOXBMpI7f_H5sTN85JCXCmud3iH1UuZZTt5ZH33GyOjVu9ChtEAkQu0RLcVRNF1jM793nrRCozw0mfQ/s1600/IMG_20150217_105707684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq-eLT6_nkughhwCo7Qol9I4IeG-yTuPEBtv07ypjvyEcGw7WiTpCba1bkro0NLOXBMpI7f_H5sTN85JCXCmud3iH1UuZZTt5ZH33GyOjVu9ChtEAkQu0RLcVRNF1jM793nrRCozw0mfQ/s1600/IMG_20150217_105707684.jpg" height="216" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last time we were in Zaragoza it was so windy it tilted the church!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's clear what little time I have here, so as I did my first day waiting in the airport, I'll drink up as much Spanish sun as possible and make the melting clocks stop ticking. So instead of being sad about the end I smile, at everything that is here and now because soon it will all be there and then.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRi3KX6tORQdeWIQP1Zx4NqlkAPwkstnJOENJs1PV0kTSZTphaTq6gGl6nR7jDfG4nD8ZaTdw8V7kjoH2SWN7dxLWj2qA-8m9VCO-_BR6VSGYKA6FdSmRqC2Zy6MYGGPeFuPIyLywJtBC/s1600/IMG_20150311_080600742_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRi3KX6tORQdeWIQP1Zx4NqlkAPwkstnJOENJs1PV0kTSZTphaTq6gGl6nR7jDfG4nD8ZaTdw8V7kjoH2SWN7dxLWj2qA-8m9VCO-_BR6VSGYKA6FdSmRqC2Zy6MYGGPeFuPIyLywJtBC/s1600/IMG_20150311_080600742_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-33358525458815487902015-02-08T15:04:00.002-08:002015-02-08T15:04:48.880-08:00The Up Down and All Around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeuTpMxI3xzrsFqIiwCU1wXIaGUYcXFPicSxz_S1fpzQ1EKswE-g2Bn2LExFK4WaTavCj1wkVKCMQHReKjk5-ybz4PUOggX75_bgV64OXxI7MDp6Q-kwCSxbkTRNAWGP5KefLpfb-AB9j/s1600/IMG_20150117_122012873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWVsZDVFVHQl67F24u_BIvaTNdbIfi90spXNUFxXlZcpF0x4CHeGI1ZjlJHlHEXnOv7JiDhMmEbGlZniGH-Kvb3SHoPkEmQX4RID_iP5R7P7wexim9fPqM2XncAhXT0M7uCvaf5Oaw2uV/s1600/IMG_20150117_112941979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWVsZDVFVHQl67F24u_BIvaTNdbIfi90spXNUFxXlZcpF0x4CHeGI1ZjlJHlHEXnOv7JiDhMmEbGlZniGH-Kvb3SHoPkEmQX4RID_iP5R7P7wexim9fPqM2XncAhXT0M7uCvaf5Oaw2uV/s1600/IMG_20150117_112941979.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Ahhh where have I been!?! If I told you, you might not believe me. So much has happened I don't know where to start. With the change of family has come a change of pace. Everyday is something, soccer, dance, tennis, training. I keep busy here in Pamplona because I only have one year; I keep busy here on Earth because I only have one life. Sometimes people sleep through life (well in Spain when "dinner" goes until 4 in the morning I don't blame them) but I just can't be a part of any drowsy demographic. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSs4-gyHDl_yyyCS1UAVcQP6av1KlghOoSk43NySo0R1X4v1VEkv5geywMLTJSTZfV2V5PGeADUpSJZH5W1oGkyJr3QvA5_jXKkPYHECtSeqnCjCQ7aKenNC1SYpEK7PgfMblrnOWfIJ-w/s1600/IMG_20150117_114017903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSs4-gyHDl_yyyCS1UAVcQP6av1KlghOoSk43NySo0R1X4v1VEkv5geywMLTJSTZfV2V5PGeADUpSJZH5W1oGkyJr3QvA5_jXKkPYHECtSeqnCjCQ7aKenNC1SYpEK7PgfMblrnOWfIJ-w/s1600/IMG_20150117_114017903.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for out 50k pilgrimage in March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
When people say "Gap Year", all I can think is <em>How dare you!</em> I'm doing everything to make it just the opposite. I always need to feel like I'm doing something, but I've also had a lot of down time to just think and discover how much this year is teaching me. Catching two butterflies with one net (because that whole bird-stone saying is just too gruesome for a animal-lover like me), here are my stories and discoveries all wrapped in a sushi roll of ups and downs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH9aUmWLF4h5iCDF3grFuOmqqpaZpR4pK9HSZZCJuZfqgw7lJBp5OXFSkQ-gFA7yYhh5Ma8AjW3Y__nWH5daFEF2vunOVl3yY3UQLLGiN8rAYwYSzjODxyo6RT_JH_jdb5L6xTRj2yf35/s1600/IMG_20150117_114130015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH9aUmWLF4h5iCDF3grFuOmqqpaZpR4pK9HSZZCJuZfqgw7lJBp5OXFSkQ-gFA7yYhh5Ma8AjW3Y__nWH5daFEF2vunOVl3yY3UQLLGiN8rAYwYSzjODxyo6RT_JH_jdb5L6xTRj2yf35/s1600/IMG_20150117_114130015.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>
A Tango to Pride</h4>
I love dancing (are you getting tired of me saying how much I love everything?). I knew I was in the right place when my host dad blasted the radio and danced-sang his way through the cook-cleaning on my first day in the Guardia. So when asked if I'd like to take ballroom dance class with them could there be any response besides an instant <em>Sí</em>! <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZjSLzGya-uhxpNrhMBDn9OeEXEDFV25n587VWTLzsOzlKzQ4b-VSb_oQEgeSURdVgW_q2hLU7XMYNQ03__xmeQYD9Um-QpOpPZUP9wnJNr5CQyRwSVy93bF2DqP8WMebAW_T1gxvo9Qs/s1600/IMG_20150122_155826973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZjSLzGya-uhxpNrhMBDn9OeEXEDFV25n587VWTLzsOzlKzQ4b-VSb_oQEgeSURdVgW_q2hLU7XMYNQ03__xmeQYD9Um-QpOpPZUP9wnJNr5CQyRwSVy93bF2DqP8WMebAW_T1gxvo9Qs/s1600/IMG_20150122_155826973.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They took me to sushi I ate it too quickly to take a picture but here's my tea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
First class we jumped right in, Tango, Swing, Cha-Cha-Cha we were taking on the entire season of Dancing with the Stars and I was having the time of the life. Being without partner (yes all you nosy people Tanika Santos is without a Spanish boyfriend) the professor took my hand had me full swing in my first Waltz. I knew Shakira hip-shaking heart-pumping rhythmic dances not the grand ball dance that I was sure only existed in movies. But always feeling confident on the dance floor I held my make believe swan neck high and 1-2-3'ed my way through it. The music the movement took me to 19th century England and I the princess of the ball and-- the music had ended all too quickly and soon the air was filled with claps and cheers. "It isn't me. She's the one who moves marvelously." The professor bowed to me like the queen I was feeling I could be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo94td33kLJpI6EkkZ3YnJtLZbAiWSiVckkSX4KChTzPm0QXeuysBXmz_Dek2Rk4EE2PxpOEEokIUF0qPBLsajYbHEsae0NEhZ1eh1lYAYg-DlHy9h4_WDRorSpbR4EdAPv6grNQ1W9tzh/s1600/IMG_20150203_140704454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo94td33kLJpI6EkkZ3YnJtLZbAiWSiVckkSX4KChTzPm0QXeuysBXmz_Dek2Rk4EE2PxpOEEokIUF0qPBLsajYbHEsae0NEhZ1eh1lYAYg-DlHy9h4_WDRorSpbR4EdAPv6grNQ1W9tzh/s1600/IMG_20150203_140704454.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On the way home my host dad looked at me in the rearview mirror and said something that still makes me smile. "Cuando ella esta bailando me quedo impressionado. La verdad es que tengo mucho orgullo en nuesto hija adoptive." >> "When she dances I remain impressed. The truth is I'm very proud of our adopted daughter." I let the tittle of Dancing Queen and all it's glory carry me in the clouds for a few days until the first omen hit.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The Policeman's Flashlight</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw8fpVZZIeXveuyUUmldVDA3Pfn5DbT-zbO6STOBGPdP34y3CL2wnvPrgOfPzLqZtuzyogVoRKxnu5u2Jo5O0V7b9YHAN46qJUNCZ7yP6MXFKv-srmG8215pb5PlBmiZrvxMoAzDgrfvv/s1600/IMG_20150121_204004674_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw8fpVZZIeXveuyUUmldVDA3Pfn5DbT-zbO6STOBGPdP34y3CL2wnvPrgOfPzLqZtuzyogVoRKxnu5u2Jo5O0V7b9YHAN46qJUNCZ7yP6MXFKv-srmG8215pb5PlBmiZrvxMoAzDgrfvv/s1600/IMG_20150121_204004674_HDR.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learned how to make "Roscos" <br />
sorry Dunkin but these got you beat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday nights, when all of Pamplona is preparing to party, I'm practicing. Not complaining, I love soccer but from when it's 10pm, below freezing and you're sprinting while the rest of the country is having dinner and getting pretty, ya feel a little grudgey. I listened to the downpour and drooped a little knowing that rain-snow-storm, we play. Until my host mom came running in worried, "You're not going to practice right? If the river floods you won't be able to get back." I gave my coach a quick call just to confirm and pulled on my sweats ready for one my famous Home Alone Parties!<br />
<br />
Music cranked on full blast, I started getting ingredients, zucchini bread for the family, an after opera surprise. Mixing the bowl, mixing my hips, just getting to the chorus when the music stopped, the oven clicked off and the lights, out. I stood in the kitchen holding the bowl and spoon in the quiet dark. I didn't think much, pulled on my coat, not bothering to change my clothes and marched down to the police station (How convenient it is to practically live in one). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HcGCUf3e6egmePyqcKdN0slSbR4VMiUycrFdu2FDjowu9gJCn9Dz_9g6W0quFar7727yqySxyBhCHLFV7uAjPfpd1pwKcGzA2sDCAkranZ1ESAnkchZQSxjjmE1BekKZq9Py1xu8nSiQ/s1600/IMG_20150203_084926109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HcGCUf3e6egmePyqcKdN0slSbR4VMiUycrFdu2FDjowu9gJCn9Dz_9g6W0quFar7727yqySxyBhCHLFV7uAjPfpd1pwKcGzA2sDCAkranZ1ESAnkchZQSxjjmE1BekKZq9Py1xu8nSiQ/s1600/IMG_20150203_084926109.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
The officer's came to my rescue, or at least they tried but with 20 minutes of switching lights and levers I started feeling really guilty and told them I was fine in the dark. They offered me a giant flashlight like the ones from COPS and wouldn't take no for an answer. Again not wasting time I pulled out my phone, blasted that music and started dancing by flashlight. It wasn't long before my parents came home flicked a switch taking me back into the real world. They told me how all the policemen were downstairs worrying about me and said they were happy to know I was alright. I was more than alright I had a great night. But that was the last great night before the first worst night.<br />
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
First Snow, First Sob.</h4>
Snow. <em>Snow</em>. One more time <strong>SNOW</strong>! At first if came down beautifully, covering the world in it's powder and then it started to freeze and what was first a fun fluff became a deadly slick surface. On that day I'd broken my boot, broken my nail and when I got home an icky stress cold sore was sitting on my mouth like an unwanted guest (even mother nature was warning me, this was going to be a bad day) Normally I ignore these "omens" and believe in the power of positivity but when the sun went down things took a turn for the worst. Remember when I said I'd be honest with you all? Here goes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUOKGYLjVeOhIaFhutmwaigbBc8BcsB3QYfiQyM_w6FUthpqxvK3zC9MuAAEhgefKvGsiEZezTy8QM8RCDyaiHFltnWsEkRRGBBFyRTJ3Tx7lGbcm-uDHPvbSFCM0d4RhlDTxEOtQFnEQ/s1600/IMG_20150131_125609177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUOKGYLjVeOhIaFhutmwaigbBc8BcsB3QYfiQyM_w6FUthpqxvK3zC9MuAAEhgefKvGsiEZezTy8QM8RCDyaiHFltnWsEkRRGBBFyRTJ3Tx7lGbcm-uDHPvbSFCM0d4RhlDTxEOtQFnEQ/s1600/IMG_20150131_125609177.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow? Rain? Either way you're cold and wet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Skip the details, I had my first cry. I can't even say if it was for one thing but for everything, all the little things that I hadn't let myself be sad about. But I wasn't thinking of the reasons I just let all the emotions drain out of me, another lesson to remind myself that it's ok to be sad, it's ok to be vulnerable it really is ok to cry. <br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Bounce Back</h4>
I can't say the next day was much better. Yes I'd washed out the bad but I'd washed out everything else with it. I walked like a ghost, people asking at school if I was ok. Seeing them, thinking, I may never see you again worse I don't think I'll ever be ready for goodbye. I wasn't on the verge of tears but with the night before I feared them. I needed air.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_zlzRqwB1p7q2Y6ScdNQt9S4suUCiMqUQioPmCKolc0dRhTdthW8fmv8dupA1IjUY2nqbLY0fmbOsP5Kfxs8m9yQigA4_lbYZH_i8P3fymc28f-fNpytWxF29N7bkY5adSKBfCVmAG1J/s1600/IMG_20150203_084511556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_zlzRqwB1p7q2Y6ScdNQt9S4suUCiMqUQioPmCKolc0dRhTdthW8fmv8dupA1IjUY2nqbLY0fmbOsP5Kfxs8m9yQigA4_lbYZH_i8P3fymc28f-fNpytWxF29N7bkY5adSKBfCVmAG1J/s1600/IMG_20150203_084511556.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walk to school. I have become a wimp to the cold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That day I became a tree. (OK now you can say I've gone crazy) But really I just sat outside on a bench and let the sun regenerate me. I felt it warming my frozen nose, filling my empty insides and when I opened my eyes I felt the love I'd always had for this place wrapping me in a welcome home hug and I just wanted to hug it back! I ran around awkwardly in my puffy jacket and oversized hand-me-down snow boots. Jumping in what little snow remained throwing it in the air and twirling in it like falling stars. I whispered with every little toss, <em>Te amo Pamplona, con todo mi alma, te amo.</em> > I love you Pamplona, with all of my soul, I love you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XjTIy9lFBw4Xbv_o5DBnZIEWEbmZJ8Syksik72bdGTUR1CdJ6_rT-CSz0mOT_gIcR6aTVJOK5gcL3C_s_pRjUGolcip1By-_adZSq22N7y4hvWBwBS3AOCBM5LGTCSdMJXByJvtkw4GN/s1600/IMG_20150203_085156388_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XjTIy9lFBw4Xbv_o5DBnZIEWEbmZJ8Syksik72bdGTUR1CdJ6_rT-CSz0mOT_gIcR6aTVJOK5gcL3C_s_pRjUGolcip1By-_adZSq22N7y4hvWBwBS3AOCBM5LGTCSdMJXByJvtkw4GN/s1600/IMG_20150203_085156388_HDR.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My backpack being a model.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Things have only gone up since that day, granted it's only been a week but hey I've got a new book, a fresh batch of protein bites and nothing but good vibes (that could seriously be the chorus to a hipster vegan anthem). The next night only clarified the end of my down days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ05eudrTragxkai-rJ_lAWh_WL0RrkngYT1ct7KPHDnxocSL7tRdKisaTKV7-NKDQ1PDAp2ZTft_QTMG1eDKgr0RJSNnEn3taZXv4yBVcJfiDUUCMstnlfMIvgB4AmOXGg8UNm7nLwdmK/s1600/IMG_20150204_220747828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ05eudrTragxkai-rJ_lAWh_WL0RrkngYT1ct7KPHDnxocSL7tRdKisaTKV7-NKDQ1PDAp2ZTft_QTMG1eDKgr0RJSNnEn3taZXv4yBVcJfiDUUCMstnlfMIvgB4AmOXGg8UNm7nLwdmK/s1600/IMG_20150204_220747828.jpg" height="640" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The choco-protein bites to be the cover of my first hipster-vegan album.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
The Dance in Me</h4>
The way dancing had made me to happy in the beginning it has been the savior yet again. One of my Christmas presents, likely my favorite, was a ticket to the Flamenco dancing spectacle, Sara Baras. I had become enamored with the lively Spanish dance long before my arrival. My excitement only grew as we took our seats among the rows of red. The curtains rose.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGmWxxVQzE5GthDslJqON_h3kRoPSEYHUyxfVT9cvAxYRPUU4BpkN9N0e6hEahkrSiJyiBrUigeVKqlWMJRM8s82e9Za9BwKztIuUm6FH5rVhI9DPLnRBVNbx_4qCaSmih4MmCpxNrL_3/s1600/IMG_20150117_110717278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGmWxxVQzE5GthDslJqON_h3kRoPSEYHUyxfVT9cvAxYRPUU4BpkN9N0e6hEahkrSiJyiBrUigeVKqlWMJRM8s82e9Za9BwKztIuUm6FH5rVhI9DPLnRBVNbx_4qCaSmih4MmCpxNrL_3/s1600/IMG_20150117_110717278.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We couldn't take pictures inside and it pains me that I can't share the beauty of the show with you all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My heart skipped to the beat of taconeos, soared with the rise and fall of dress hems. Sara Baras. Slap, twirl, golpe like a storm was raging through her. Then softly arching her birdwings, as though her body were the air itself, the air being taken out of me, I watched in a trance. The guitar came winding down with her hands setting free mine I clapped to the point of red palms. I had moved so far forward in my seat I was practically clapping atop the bald head in front of me. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM3C00OXirvQD-3lWzldk31BziqdceBzFAluxaEWCPFUGdt38Oq7MWVJ2Ml2y38sPh23IXLv8Cq8cOdvxA5-U2qDJUYZlkPuwgmfuqUNKytgJucy72KEaNqr27Pjt7hTdxP-S_caHdNDC/s1600/IMG_20150117_111936857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM3C00OXirvQD-3lWzldk31BziqdceBzFAluxaEWCPFUGdt38Oq7MWVJ2Ml2y38sPh23IXLv8Cq8cOdvxA5-U2qDJUYZlkPuwgmfuqUNKytgJucy72KEaNqr27Pjt7hTdxP-S_caHdNDC/s1600/IMG_20150117_111936857.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really am sorry for no pictures I only hope my description gives a little life to the amazement I witnessed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The dances passed with my heels clacking, my soul alive and and all too quickly it was over. The dancers, musicians came out to take their final bows and then Sara did something beautiful. She quieted the audience like a mother calming her child. Despite the power she'd radiated through her dance, her voice was soft whole-heartedly thanking us. Tears filled my eyes as she dedicated the entire performance to little girl with a rare disease in the audience. She took off the spotlights, speakers and flare, dedicating the final dance to Pamplona. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWVsZDVFVHQl67F24u_BIvaTNdbIfi90spXNUFxXlZcpF0x4CHeGI1ZjlJHlHEXnOv7JiDhMmEbGlZniGH-Kvb3SHoPkEmQX4RID_iP5R7P7wexim9fPqM2XncAhXT0M7uCvaf5Oaw2uV/s1600/IMG_20150117_112941979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeuTpMxI3xzrsFqIiwCU1wXIaGUYcXFPicSxz_S1fpzQ1EKswE-g2Bn2LExFK4WaTavCj1wkVKCMQHReKjk5-ybz4PUOggX75_bgV64OXxI7MDp6Q-kwCSxbkTRNAWGP5KefLpfb-AB9j/s1600/IMG_20150117_122012873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeuTpMxI3xzrsFqIiwCU1wXIaGUYcXFPicSxz_S1fpzQ1EKswE-g2Bn2LExFK4WaTavCj1wkVKCMQHReKjk5-ybz4PUOggX75_bgV64OXxI7MDp6Q-kwCSxbkTRNAWGP5KefLpfb-AB9j/s1600/IMG_20150117_122012873.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
It felt as though she had opened a door to her home, inside they were having a party and we were all invited. I didn't even feel the sting of the wind as we walked home, every cell in me was alive with the need to dance. That night I dreamt of flying, the winds of Andalusia lifting the dance in me and I breathed Flamenco.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYxAFFHrZSarTv3QrAMfUzrx8gBtiT-T9gQWeosUQGMCUZ6YVbPkuVYP9sjazbUV5cOI1ZMon0gSfBsDp70ZSCn_RJCVbMgtp7rr23yenWqU6Fb4ox3UZFhFijXfJ6Ow9lYFWTehFJHrU/s1600/IMG_20150203_084637697_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYxAFFHrZSarTv3QrAMfUzrx8gBtiT-T9gQWeosUQGMCUZ6YVbPkuVYP9sjazbUV5cOI1ZMon0gSfBsDp70ZSCn_RJCVbMgtp7rr23yenWqU6Fb4ox3UZFhFijXfJ6Ow9lYFWTehFJHrU/s1600/IMG_20150203_084637697_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exiting the tunnel and into the snow we go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<h4>
What's Ahead and What's in Here</h4>
In truth I love writing for you all but I hit a lot of speed bumps I'm not sure what you want to hear so I just write what's going through my head. Please tell me, you're the readers, more experiences, less feelings, more specifics, less whatever it was you were saying about being a tree? like seriously who says that!? I'm willing to put a new spin on things for you guys after all, you are the reason I write and for that I'll keep thanking you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns_4fcjsLlm_c3enyJJ7EjfN3BDCQZR0yN-aMjGOtIaiVkCV9ZMEwiHqiYhfdAeY_AS-X2yVFZrK2O6_isykfi4xu219FpNnbdxrXWEuVIKs9nM1XQ9DGTJjTLuF-gqHJr0PPXnt8hHXy/s1600/IMG_20150203_123439431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns_4fcjsLlm_c3enyJJ7EjfN3BDCQZR0yN-aMjGOtIaiVkCV9ZMEwiHqiYhfdAeY_AS-X2yVFZrK2O6_isykfi4xu219FpNnbdxrXWEuVIKs9nM1XQ9DGTJjTLuF-gqHJr0PPXnt8hHXy/s1600/IMG_20150203_123439431.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></div>
<br />
On another up note, I'm going to enter into an art contest for youth exchange. I'm feeling pretty proud of how it's going and the more I work on it the more I love the idea. I'll be sure to take pictures for you all and post it with the next post that (fingers crossed) won't take too long.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56gZD5Sr88DT82j1nPB3Qbh2WeYjRK_PDN8ZXRTe25ujdOoOaUdv_OmNJe9EMZ2YTPTK_SSqKwNTOwnjVEoePZIPh-vPPlQSr14JLdog2CS1q9-S0ufSF7d7RCx6NpGVCrofRhKs9DOBt/s1600/IMG_20150117_113026927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56gZD5Sr88DT82j1nPB3Qbh2WeYjRK_PDN8ZXRTe25ujdOoOaUdv_OmNJe9EMZ2YTPTK_SSqKwNTOwnjVEoePZIPh-vPPlQSr14JLdog2CS1q9-S0ufSF7d7RCx6NpGVCrofRhKs9DOBt/s1600/IMG_20150117_113026927.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure which way my future is pointing, I'm just here enjoying the ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-89294037647044730332015-01-07T04:50:00.001-08:002015-01-07T04:50:59.223-08:002015: The Year of Adventure<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dYKNwwTtEbTqLTW5dGOKaNUDnn-c6zQ8OEfKDIaW8Rm8NTK1K41R_N1Ral83yTlpT7egt3Ubt0MyrPTy4gg3JYjTccqFdl3hDj-NReuuw-ErLSop8J4lq0nszapsbjCFcj2uebdmr8mk/s1600/IMG_20141228_115946932_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dYKNwwTtEbTqLTW5dGOKaNUDnn-c6zQ8OEfKDIaW8Rm8NTK1K41R_N1Ral83yTlpT7egt3Ubt0MyrPTy4gg3JYjTccqFdl3hDj-NReuuw-ErLSop8J4lq0nszapsbjCFcj2uebdmr8mk/s1600/IMG_20141228_115946932_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean it was Paris <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wow I haven't typed to you guys since last year, you're looking great! (Ok done with the cheesy New Year's jokes, for now) I know I've disappeared yet again, but it's been quite a bit of adventure and next to no blogging time. New Year's Resolution, Write more for you guys.. and get the splits (I'm so close!)</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC_kxq2D24Ndo7qrcIYXbTN9iEA-Nu53fKWD2Xh-9DGipSmaiHTiaBJ6otkmNvQk2ing34vSDQT4RZxEodlByBxoFJC2Kd0vLJPvPKp30_7wtK0XnvwuZnrFspHru7tBng9cJKUEuUyJY/s1600/IMG_20141229_113649712_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC_kxq2D24Ndo7qrcIYXbTN9iEA-Nu53fKWD2Xh-9DGipSmaiHTiaBJ6otkmNvQk2ing34vSDQT4RZxEodlByBxoFJC2Kd0vLJPvPKp30_7wtK0XnvwuZnrFspHru7tBng9cJKUEuUyJY/s1600/IMG_20141229_113649712_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My photos will not be in chronological order. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<h4 style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
Ville en Selve: The
Land of Wild Hogs</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPVFdjFuWLYnjM8Dzy6w2x1U2lWZ2YewX95UQR1GQKedx55i7EbF8NWbJ3Z16E-kr6alcOaPvAdoPFTuqAZXotZddO6BCRsxM4MnW4w4jrbj7IvbU_ZphFCSBuVzicJUuGQqpIUO6HdW2/s1600/IMG_20141226_120540776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPVFdjFuWLYnjM8Dzy6w2x1U2lWZ2YewX95UQR1GQKedx55i7EbF8NWbJ3Z16E-kr6alcOaPvAdoPFTuqAZXotZddO6BCRsxM4MnW4w4jrbj7IvbU_ZphFCSBuVzicJUuGQqpIUO6HdW2/s1600/IMG_20141226_120540776.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything was just go green!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After an
unforgettable 100 Days in Spain Celebration leaving me with only 2.5 hours of sleep,
we loaded up the caravan and were heading off to a new adventure, Christmas in
France. Despite my exhaustion I didn't want to miss a single green hill of this
foreigner's paradise. Unfortunately/luckily the fog was covering us like we
were driving in a cloud, and in a cloud it's fairly easy to fall asleep (Well
it's fairly easy to sleep anywhere when you've only had 2.5 hours to begin
with). My butt numb and hair a nest fit for birds to perch, this 11 hour car
trip was soon coming to an end. </span><br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PfNS9wrYm6_ENUBNiKopcQwoIG9Hgy0K1_ltAKIq4Ja4ogGc_6VtjDJNY6d1-k9pk5fsHe2SmHPz-61oWeDnN_trKncYFciisW46_c4BbSwoQaq_Ddt0bfq1OEbs_uze1YnBllpaOKtl/s1600/IMG_20141224_114107614_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PfNS9wrYm6_ENUBNiKopcQwoIG9Hgy0K1_ltAKIq4Ja4ogGc_6VtjDJNY6d1-k9pk5fsHe2SmHPz-61oWeDnN_trKncYFciisW46_c4BbSwoQaq_Ddt0bfq1OEbs_uze1YnBllpaOKtl/s1600/IMG_20141224_114107614_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching how the famous champagne becomes famous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRv3JnaYx6DeMd5jpf6tI-C06gEvbFILDOlDuX-e6cvHvX9HXwFOPtBprOtp55nltB1hTLbQ-8ik_y9XGJRf7RCXobuv1t4aS3ShAttsfGkTTErEwndDICdhfgS0geUqqAfRPuLiTFDR4/s1600/IMG_20141224_204159013_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRv3JnaYx6DeMd5jpf6tI-C06gEvbFILDOlDuX-e6cvHvX9HXwFOPtBprOtp55nltB1hTLbQ-8ik_y9XGJRf7RCXobuv1t4aS3ShAttsfGkTTErEwndDICdhfgS0geUqqAfRPuLiTFDR4/s1600/IMG_20141224_204159013_HDR.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infatuated with the pink toiletpaper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Though I doubt I would have been woken if it weren't for the rollercoaster of winding roads throwing me back and forth. Up down and all around we were speeding through the night-fright horror movie woods of northern France. As we jerked right, swerved left they explained what the woods were known for, Javelina. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">(Translated from Spanish)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-<em>Javelina</em>? </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Yeah Javelina running through the woods and getting hit by cars at night. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-OH so like deer? </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Nooo. You know <em>oink</em> <em>oink</em>? </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Pigs? </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Yes "wild hogs". We'll probably be having one for dinner. (We did, in meatloaf form and really it was delicious)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The first few hours were a rush of French, flying everywhere and boy did I feel like an exchange student. Coming to Spain with a pretty good level of Spanish I never had the serious "Oh my, wow I have no idea what is going on" factor. In France, ya know where they speak French, I was blissfully lost. The blank eyed smile-nod became my new best friend and I was clinging to the Pre-exchange rule Rotary had drilled into my brain "Always say, Oui!" This would only help for the next newbie-catcher, the next course.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvTKkccIg0S3LtD9zWqG9SRBNCDX27Mm8vjmv_fskibKLqqrKjao1W0Rgy599qaCb77HRuvYaiJQznzKVFCOIfeotHcOik-gpz0nZpWGIgPZ_BJ-OW_mm4eI_VxouFOBIOa29LEEsefkv/s1600/IMG_20141229_123206664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvTKkccIg0S3LtD9zWqG9SRBNCDX27Mm8vjmv_fskibKLqqrKjao1W0Rgy599qaCb77HRuvYaiJQznzKVFCOIfeotHcOik-gpz0nZpWGIgPZ_BJ-OW_mm4eI_VxouFOBIOa29LEEsefkv/s1600/IMG_20141229_123206664.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let'ss take a walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<h4 style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cutting the Cheese
and Running Your Hams</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG2xB_YeFWeM8P2XxGpZxHl-1Nv_v6X1mn5zh_aJMNGLIuABoErFC3kQSt4nzilHle3nucSgGSfzvyPJN46nFxSuIuOgf-RN5DaeMoxWBXc7mIdhCt3F61VlF3pCYnO5281gUndmHcgLj/s1600/IMG_20150105_202401315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG2xB_YeFWeM8P2XxGpZxHl-1Nv_v6X1mn5zh_aJMNGLIuABoErFC3kQSt4nzilHle3nucSgGSfzvyPJN46nFxSuIuOgf-RN5DaeMoxWBXc7mIdhCt3F61VlF3pCYnO5281gUndmHcgLj/s1600/IMG_20150105_202401315.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plaza looking packed and fancy for Día de los Reyes Magos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food in France had been very up and down for me it was either "oh my god if this croissant
had a bowtie I would marry it." or "I could go the rest of
my life never putting that in my mouth again". But at this point
in time I was only amidst the honeymoon food comma of a food network worthy
quiche. Dessert. Isn't there always room? They rolled out a little cart with a
covered platter. What awaited, rainbow macaroons, mini crème brulees?
Obviously my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> foreigner was showing because when they lifted the cover it was not sugary sweats that graced me but a pungent odor that had my eyes watering before I could even see what it was.</span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrautPEb-QzwkTvc1lYAU8DS4K1vZ51thhtUJs5XEMQgLTbY9uZ-iPZ4CDEpyAwmmzgV8FAu_yIpoknGhY6GZ2_U2drBE7rERHu9GWmFHX4SZe9BrmF3nkTzhdIc6ZwHcBV_Svzh5DjW_/s1600/IMG_20141227_163447038_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrautPEb-QzwkTvc1lYAU8DS4K1vZ51thhtUJs5XEMQgLTbY9uZ-iPZ4CDEpyAwmmzgV8FAu_yIpoknGhY6GZ2_U2drBE7rERHu9GWmFHX4SZe9BrmF3nkTzhdIc6ZwHcBV_Svzh5DjW_/s1600/IMG_20141227_163447038_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame from a different angle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9oAgWVknLbKyJFZB5oTb34M2KtAli9Flih3MQNEal_UEkEA9P7nXLNyFr2VDTwPMauPlcenE7WjZOdRaFcG6yKsM2bXcizvgfig5aGGUZRKpwQC7x_FF59EeYeL3nhClXoeEQ6PzyVTI/s1600/IMG_20141225_093313198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9oAgWVknLbKyJFZB5oTb34M2KtAli9Flih3MQNEal_UEkEA9P7nXLNyFr2VDTwPMauPlcenE7WjZOdRaFcG6yKsM2bXcizvgfig5aGGUZRKpwQC7x_FF59EeYeL3nhClXoeEQ6PzyVTI/s1600/IMG_20141225_093313198.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My gifts in my boot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Cheese for dessert? I quickly covered up my foreigner and accepted the unexplainably melty white slice in front of me. Observing before embarrassing, I watched as they smeared portions of cheese that out weighted their little pieces bread by at least 2 to 1. Everyone was smile-muching, laugh-smearing so I just went with it. Maybe it doesn't taste as bad as it smells. Mistake. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I think the distaste was shining through my eyes because with a nudge of the shoulder and knowing look I snuck my cheese plate to my host dad.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph1yiSY_VxCCtUfuzY_ZklpCXX7IrvcugpOIJX1LdFd_QN6Yf0nSFUE0AMjCTZz7RwU4ck_XWiEIEMLCZOzb0HhpkfBsp3ZNlDB3lsnH6gnAm14Zdy97Kub1or_fNPbPq8cFb5Y5NLbqd/s1600/IMG_20141225_194722573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph1yiSY_VxCCtUfuzY_ZklpCXX7IrvcugpOIJX1LdFd_QN6Yf0nSFUE0AMjCTZz7RwU4ck_XWiEIEMLCZOzb0HhpkfBsp3ZNlDB3lsnH6gnAm14Zdy97Kub1or_fNPbPq8cFb5Y5NLbqd/s1600/IMG_20141225_194722573.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white melty one <br />
yeah thats' the cuplrate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-spacerun: yes;">Christmas went by super fast. There was gift giving and thank you kiss-hugging, lots of olive oil and wine. Before I new it we were rounding out Christmas day and I hadn't talked to my family yet! And then it was really hitting me. Did I just spent the biggest family celebration in the history or celebrations, away from my family? I pondered this more as we laced up for a run through the woods. My first Xmas away from home and I hadn't cried. Even though I didn't have morning cinnamon rolls nor salsa dancing until 2 in the morning, like the Christmases I knew so well, I was fine? I couldn't think too long because I was now experiencing two sensations the beauty of the woods by day and the taste of bursting lungs.</span><br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzWHsKl-coCsUxKxvN5IwCCWRxp-jsKVOVsGOlNuOIp5VG3zo_l5Dq6H80ZverChlab2AK7FR_2VhQmDuBx_wUsBodVDXqLp9q82pBIec65s2CdsASkebeBJqUiq0zHrEQiwJzuP1msKl/s1600/IMG_20141229_140754433_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzWHsKl-coCsUxKxvN5IwCCWRxp-jsKVOVsGOlNuOIp5VG3zo_l5Dq6H80ZverChlab2AK7FR_2VhQmDuBx_wUsBodVDXqLp9q82pBIec65s2CdsASkebeBJqUiq0zHrEQiwJzuP1msKl/s1600/IMG_20141229_140754433_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does all of Fance just look so perfect?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-spacerun: yes;">Starting with the good, the woods. As the morning fog separated I could finally see. The ground was carpeted in clumping soggy leaves that squished as we ran and the way the air smelt like firewood and rain had me thinking of Christmas in Franklin, Massachusetts. And in those moments of sweat I found myself really missing home.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnv5lbuui9C3zMu-TsGxg4SQPF0PWb_uHiB_mQd_fwxBcSknEEt6OGgJhb4z6L1qFTYaAqSJg0XW1coT92kdUXvoGgVacDlvIka_qpSwAFZm1nytvWu2ziFiPpuHRunJ_7955RuCZwofu/s1600/IMG_20150104_122359697_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnv5lbuui9C3zMu-TsGxg4SQPF0PWb_uHiB_mQd_fwxBcSknEEt6OGgJhb4z6L1qFTYaAqSJg0XW1coT92kdUXvoGgVacDlvIka_qpSwAFZm1nytvWu2ziFiPpuHRunJ_7955RuCZwofu/s1600/IMG_20150104_122359697_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visited a frozen castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> As we round out of the heavy treed forest my footing faltered with the shock of beauty before me. The trees broke out to a hill overlooking a rolling ocean of green. Seriously, I felt like I was in a laptop screensaver. My minor pause had my running partners questioning if I was ok "Oui, très bien!" my 3 favorite and only words I learned in French.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMhuJ22NzqA8Lea_dgJdMRQyedGpbnfeY1ySeTLnWAwVvtxfTnO4TlACpRMy8oS-fwtlV9hJScvyF8ajT0bGZExQhqofpk8fsoM-S3GJPnANIw_hLts0hNZXCF770z-pSZNiURVVVO0bX/s1600/IMG_20150106_161959312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMhuJ22NzqA8Lea_dgJdMRQyedGpbnfeY1ySeTLnWAwVvtxfTnO4TlACpRMy8oS-fwtlV9hJScvyF8ajT0bGZExQhqofpk8fsoM-S3GJPnANIw_hLts0hNZXCF770z-pSZNiURVVVO0bX/s1600/IMG_20150106_161959312.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not about the talent to get down the hill. It's the strength to just go.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-spacerun: yes;">Let's get one thing straight I was running alongside host dad and host uncle both marathon runners, both with strides that could leave me in the dust. So when "very good" came out it meant "very good assuming we're almost half way and I won't die on this run". 8.5 Km later I started recognizing things again and we were mounting the last big incline (which did kill me). Pretty soon the next thing we were mounting was the car.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hwNYpzZ3bktWbFaQuYeZiyr8RQubE_I9vk_WpVnwqU8qVcHbiucwFXvK6SM0JOpt0Iz8UMU66Hda5d8MHKKb06R0RFFX_-gYDKBnC15cNBcLSmEJeIripB-2jYnIVce2ZtZwHCjJiOGk/s1600/IMG_20141228_124156738_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hwNYpzZ3bktWbFaQuYeZiyr8RQubE_I9vk_WpVnwqU8qVcHbiucwFXvK6SM0JOpt0Iz8UMU66Hda5d8MHKKb06R0RFFX_-gYDKBnC15cNBcLSmEJeIripB-2jYnIVce2ZtZwHCjJiOGk/s1600/IMG_20141228_124156738_HDR.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cappuccino in Paris, Check that off the list.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After kiss-hug French-English goodbyes, I had a lot of thoughts going through my mind. I had skyped my family the night before. I hugged myself knowing that family is where ever you go. Behind a screen or behind a language barrier, the love is still there. Yes I missed them, to miss them is to love them, but to open your heart, to make your family all the bigger, letting love in and giving love out, I think that's the meaning of exchange. Even more that's the meaning of life.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<h4 style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">City of Lights, Heart of Lights</span></h4>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj377jGenU9FJ3gVRNhM4wro5ZGMqoEqnYxKY5X54n-bW7Wz_V47qRXxyAdGy_JqlTVrKVkCGICLk9BV-zU5JMaV5nbyMIiny9_WoG85Hc76jI4dc6sryoLZBSphMPyymmMdjHraFVcGQAh/s1600/IMG_20141228_121240376_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj377jGenU9FJ3gVRNhM4wro5ZGMqoEqnYxKY5X54n-bW7Wz_V47qRXxyAdGy_JqlTVrKVkCGICLk9BV-zU5JMaV5nbyMIiny9_WoG85Hc76jI4dc6sryoLZBSphMPyymmMdjHraFVcGQAh/s1600/IMG_20141228_121240376_HDR.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes it takes a little perspective to see how grand something truly is</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I know you're all shouting Tanika enough with the smelly cheeses and heartfelt sentiments, tell us about Paris!! We become infatuated with this city from the first romance movie we see based there, red berets, corner cafes and <em>ze French accent. </em>It's endearing, adorable, a dream. It's Paris. And that's exactly what it was, major photo ops, lots of tourists. I still couldn't help the fluttering heart as I stood in front of the Eiffel Tower or bit into my first macaroon. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgni6qCk0H1I8FnaDrzRJbFouI6WWbWrc0ORYLPhmMWMDV0H3pgLhx2rmQR18ye_qElMZ_TI3tJgK3x3-XoR_sV3fLirytA7S60MAaNNk6dRkw_dOY6cBgoFKKaCj6OVx_sMPoJGax4gu6P/s1600/IMG_20141227_163150870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgni6qCk0H1I8FnaDrzRJbFouI6WWbWrc0ORYLPhmMWMDV0H3pgLhx2rmQR18ye_qElMZ_TI3tJgK3x3-XoR_sV3fLirytA7S60MAaNNk6dRkw_dOY6cBgoFKKaCj6OVx_sMPoJGax4gu6P/s1600/IMG_20141227_163150870.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The locks and the Seine Like it came straight out of the movies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkd5MDdQyebiCjV964R6C_FibNqDVs8YgrB8KNzNTd0Z2su3H9dJTpZNlYmtZ1b6W08ex2p6QgnSNBSG_SiVntU9V4S2Y-nirJcuce2K5-PLoeNRFnEnvBLnowwsR053iEozfpiFKosq7/s1600/IMG_20150106_133754418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkd5MDdQyebiCjV964R6C_FibNqDVs8YgrB8KNzNTd0Z2su3H9dJTpZNlYmtZ1b6W08ex2p6QgnSNBSG_SiVntU9V4S2Y-nirJcuce2K5-PLoeNRFnEnvBLnowwsR053iEozfpiFKosq7/s1600/IMG_20150106_133754418.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention we went skiing?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ultimately Paris is somewhere you can't tell, you just have to go and see for yourself. That's my challenge to you guys. Just go somewhere, <strong>anywhere</strong>. Even if it's only a few hours away, if you haven't seen it, see it, haven't done it, do it. Tell me about these little adventures, send me pictures if you'd like!. This world is too great of place for us not to all be experiencing it.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8SNgJfM-XavhkHK37rDcDPtZTddjjYS8bKB0zvdSmhz6vGUELxqUEyZ7nBvkhFgKarSRpnqbu1-Ef_mwDtD2nVvCoYTLVIudkclUaX2INBZtty6SVewgDbbXS9yNPZG4kgrSy435rz0k/s1600/IMG_20150106_134757042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8SNgJfM-XavhkHK37rDcDPtZTddjjYS8bKB0zvdSmhz6vGUELxqUEyZ7nBvkhFgKarSRpnqbu1-Ef_mwDtD2nVvCoYTLVIudkclUaX2INBZtty6SVewgDbbXS9yNPZG4kgrSy435rz0k/s1600/IMG_20150106_134757042.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going higher and higher until my feet can't touch the ground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now it's onward into another new family, another new home, smack dab in the middle of a police base (not kidding). More stories to come hopefully without so many gaps. May your 2015 be full of discovery, inspiration and happiness that fills the heart :)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFFYZmcJqjHQHR1hl-Iirz2m7FXspTkyWSHe2Dp4FQphdT_iUhPLMQPdho3JGBUv9s0gtMtb8v9sMwdKOeDoDZgR9Rc_18DjjNfFwi2sSFvdBgrfQs5jG7-8nlBy25DVi9E-brfVbBxGu/s1600/IMG_20150106_162601124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFFYZmcJqjHQHR1hl-Iirz2m7FXspTkyWSHe2Dp4FQphdT_iUhPLMQPdho3JGBUv9s0gtMtb8v9sMwdKOeDoDZgR9Rc_18DjjNfFwi2sSFvdBgrfQs5jG7-8nlBy25DVi9E-brfVbBxGu/s1600/IMG_20150106_162601124.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the horizons a new year awaits new places and new adventures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-64117041841469572022014-12-15T08:28:00.001-08:002014-12-15T08:28:22.811-08:00A Tale of Two Cities: Part Two, MadridMerry Three-Months-in-Spain everyone! That's right you've been with me through it all so we're celebrating this landmark day in my exchange, lot's of flashbacks to come. Woo hoo break out the balloons, cake and Christmas trees? Holy holly it's Christmas time guys!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGqFYwt1IF4QykUW2lKP_EB5T53QrLcLJZ2z9DHQ5XIRMM5RBl6f9fJ_qLgJHfE7m9iiHLJyCG8pL4IRiUYc0w3BT5-OorU1RATTRX6uVpuSv-iRGqKSye3_QWFaZHzvcEFrluHm7amm_/s1600/IMG_20141204_120018186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGqFYwt1IF4QykUW2lKP_EB5T53QrLcLJZ2z9DHQ5XIRMM5RBl6f9fJ_qLgJHfE7m9iiHLJyCG8pL4IRiUYc0w3BT5-OorU1RATTRX6uVpuSv-iRGqKSye3_QWFaZHzvcEFrluHm7amm_/s1600/IMG_20141204_120018186.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pamplona knows how to do its Christmas trees. With wine bottles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I.love.Christmas! Many people know about my obsession with the holidays, and some are fairly annoyed by it (but we'll leave those Grinches out of our festive holiday happyfest). I was expecting the day I heard cheerful carols or saw the lights turning our city into a Christmas card, I'd be doubled-over in sadness. Surprisingly, or not surprisingly (I've kind of stopped being surprised by my strange reactions) I haven't been the least bit sad. Maybe that's because I haven't had the least bit of time for it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Tw41q4i2P6ofNGMrPGvi5Az0MKX6bP4ylKcRCjDRtSlPulj0KQBi5xQrAbXE2CkvmgoRUzmaPMVHWABICrofZQrQl9zHpGzghwoBrja3HwrNS76l8Bwk-d15GfF6kLaE0QVRDV0d4wcD/s1600/IMG_20141206_084530792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Tw41q4i2P6ofNGMrPGvi5Az0MKX6bP4ylKcRCjDRtSlPulj0KQBi5xQrAbXE2CkvmgoRUzmaPMVHWABICrofZQrQl9zHpGzghwoBrja3HwrNS76l8Bwk-d15GfF6kLaE0QVRDV0d4wcD/s1600/IMG_20141206_084530792.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always wanted to a princess for a day, wouldn't mind living in the palace either.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With a day of rest after Barcelona (well a day of unpacking and repacking) I was soon venturing off again, this time to the heart of Spain, Madrid. Did I have hopes for this adventure. I was thinking how quickly these 3 months (nearly a 3rd of my exchange) flew by. I wanted to make the most these days, soak in every view.<br />
<br />
Too bad missed out on 4 hours of it as my post Barcelona sleepiness hit me on our drive in. I woke up the way I woke up on my first day in Pamplona, opening my eyes as the windows opened to a whole new world sights, tastes and the sounds of adventure. But first I'd have to freeze my way through it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGWk6DVJ6C42ddd1WShN6GmmznXaVZ8-hwvzYcXfjqb_86PwTj4tO1yA0FSE4idl76zE-KWtSB_snFG0uYLvrSSRRBuDT5qqyURHsKsjawzXbidLZeO0n_kBI5HFzXQ4jecYS43JZ7hOU/s1600/IMG_20141206_090800505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGWk6DVJ6C42ddd1WShN6GmmznXaVZ8-hwvzYcXfjqb_86PwTj4tO1yA0FSE4idl76zE-KWtSB_snFG0uYLvrSSRRBuDT5qqyURHsKsjawzXbidLZeO0n_kBI5HFzXQ4jecYS43JZ7hOU/s1600/IMG_20141206_090800505.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun made it look like summer but really I couldn't feel my toes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What most people don't realize is that Spain isn't all warm ancient cities and nude beaches. It gets cold, like <em>really</em> cold. After 2 years of living in Mr.Heatmiser's domain I've unknowingly become a wimp to the cold. <br />
<br />
That is unknowingly until now. If I'd ever looked more out of place it would have been frigidly tiptoeing through the city streets of Madrid, luckily there were a hundreds of people helping blend me in.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUIgsCS2JiMvc6Ei0WCp1ODmXj73-rtg07n4N9Q7jqMv-BwZhdEIzvt8scioCP5OAQ3tHU-fh9H8v_4V6JQ669ybAqs9NUN1LL3KbBgU_A4hu5WTbUUZ1fF5ibRP1oms-_X53cvGnRD8N/s1600/IMG_20141207_123433595_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUIgsCS2JiMvc6Ei0WCp1ODmXj73-rtg07n4N9Q7jqMv-BwZhdEIzvt8scioCP5OAQ3tHU-fh9H8v_4V6JQ669ybAqs9NUN1LL3KbBgU_A4hu5WTbUUZ1fF5ibRP1oms-_X53cvGnRD8N/s1600/IMG_20141207_123433595_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Visit Bernabeú" Check off the Bucketlist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Seriously I could not believe the amount of people bracing the frigid night. Another flashback to my first Juevincho in Pamplona, sooo many Spaniards crowding the streets and I the little foreigner finding her way through it all. <br />
<br />
Now 3 months later I feel closer to being a Spaniard and closer to being me as well, if that makes any sense. I've stopped with the worry, stopped with the who how what do I look like to everyone else. At this point in time, on the streets of Madrid, I've literally stopped and started starring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRJy-9671radMBhu-L5V9y7TxkyJsuGZdtRsQXIywc0wRJDj4e4a1IQzZRs07EJoXWIxBU9kJazrtHbVF2kL_8jBBsT8HEEE7YR2TFMywv-d6-AwGw-a6iFrkjwGo70tuQ160X-WxU9K9/s1600/IMG_20141206_220647783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRJy-9671radMBhu-L5V9y7TxkyJsuGZdtRsQXIywc0wRJDj4e4a1IQzZRs07EJoXWIxBU9kJazrtHbVF2kL_8jBBsT8HEEE7YR2TFMywv-d6-AwGw-a6iFrkjwGo70tuQ160X-WxU9K9/s1600/IMG_20141206_220647783.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Smiling, I looked up at the grand building of lights, el Palacio de Communicaciones. The frozen winds blew threw my layers and I was iced into that spot. It was adorned in Christmas and Spanish. I hugged myself from the cold but also from the joy of feeling my pieces come together as I watched the lights and flags wishing me a Merry Christmas and Happy Exchange Year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyqH-PD_uaAAr9SEZp8pR7OXfPId2vx3C7_CifM4zFL8tCvtx9yIBiQWE7AzNxURKiNN9p0XA6isAXUMpL-2c792sNiuJqb5dcWPNPw1wR3anCq-HdDsOh_XUgXKjI8K7-G-ZQSXtlD_m/s1600/IMG_20141207_140227561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyqH-PD_uaAAr9SEZp8pR7OXfPId2vx3C7_CifM4zFL8tCvtx9yIBiQWE7AzNxURKiNN9p0XA6isAXUMpL-2c792sNiuJqb5dcWPNPw1wR3anCq-HdDsOh_XUgXKjI8K7-G-ZQSXtlD_m/s1600/IMG_20141207_140227561.jpg" height="188" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't really know what happened with the green there but it turned out kind of cool!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was only frozen for a moment before we were off again marching through the winds, people and <br />
lights of the city. Heat lamps popped up between <em>montaditos</em> (little restaurant/Tapa bars) with doors open to the cold night breathing people into their warmth. Even with a red nose and frozen fingers I felt warmer. The air wasn't just carrying chilliness but the sounds of Spain and a holiday spirit that followed me all the way across the ocean.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpx1sMG78sUF3Uq3ibPuc3dfCmZM2YNe-inFxScjh4HHMSQvIuJO9BIhmPywlQRA8-BGiYJgnzZmER4kMlEd90PiVm6SMr0wV_oEtOT88o6PLbaV1bSaelMLEHdpoidSTdnxg8h3Ty8BS/s1600/IMG_20141206_164624122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpx1sMG78sUF3Uq3ibPuc3dfCmZM2YNe-inFxScjh4HHMSQvIuJO9BIhmPywlQRA8-BGiYJgnzZmER4kMlEd90PiVm6SMr0wV_oEtOT88o6PLbaV1bSaelMLEHdpoidSTdnxg8h3Ty8BS/s1600/IMG_20141206_164624122.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It all begins here, The Literal heart of Spain <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Across the ocean where a Christmas tree was being "populated", cookies being iced and red pjamma's put out for the coming eve. I knew <em>Our Christmas</em> so well, it was only just now becoming clear how different this one would be. <br />
<br />
Once again I felt the way I did looking down on that first view of Spain, that first landing, that first day in this new home, an unexplainable tickle in my tummy. Nerves? excitement? Or could it just be the love of adventure, that I think will continue to captivate me for the rest of my life. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DV5MJUok6SdZqVIOYVZBBpdUWm_XCGv4SwAeEklLKWujXj2Ft6eNFEdT1lHowYD8jMmF64F3xXZwXuAJIeu8Re5ovQeYpUhwf0XPj_uqoeLH3DAb8_afDYWkx1iSGzt8Gq9VWuE9Jrt6/s1600/IMG_20140915_020012641_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DV5MJUok6SdZqVIOYVZBBpdUWm_XCGv4SwAeEklLKWujXj2Ft6eNFEdT1lHowYD8jMmF64F3xXZwXuAJIeu8Re5ovQeYpUhwf0XPj_uqoeLH3DAb8_afDYWkx1iSGzt8Gq9VWuE9Jrt6/s1600/IMG_20140915_020012641_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sunrise in Spain, Happy 3 months to my beautiful home <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-73375651257383158392014-12-08T17:02:00.001-08:002014-12-08T17:02:36.577-08:00A Tale of Two Cities : Part One, BarcelonaI'm sure you have all been wondering "Oh my goodness where is Tanika and her smiles!?" or maybe I'm just giving myself too much credit here. These passed few weeks have been ridiculously filled with adventure and if I get into every story and detail my fingers will fall off and I'll be asleep before I get through the first description of our first magical destination. So to save my finger strength and your reading time I'll break it up into two posts, two parts, a tale of two cities. Here we go!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1HJN1rlFKdt4RXHgXCCcBwOZgpRpmaYdW5shkculRZ1zD5w8IUDZJ-URm7jXDwLIXDzJxzWW_pbLUrA2asTwEw5Tzkonw9nToc0ZzhjxKJf3G-Z3lGyO9tIuZfGlOzHNF2CE_1BjGEC7/s1600/IMG_20141124_140532623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1HJN1rlFKdt4RXHgXCCcBwOZgpRpmaYdW5shkculRZ1zD5w8IUDZJ-URm7jXDwLIXDzJxzWW_pbLUrA2asTwEw5Tzkonw9nToc0ZzhjxKJf3G-Z3lGyO9tIuZfGlOzHNF2CE_1BjGEC7/s1600/IMG_20141124_140532623.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Chilly air and the world is going golden. Fall to Winter in Pamplona.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Pre BNC</h4>
Before continuing I'd just like to clarify something to the rest of the world. Barcelona or BCN is a city (an amazing and beautiful city) Barça is a fútbol team (an amazing and talented fútbol team) just clarifying before you make the journey out there which I know you all will because once you see this place you will never know another city like it. Ok on with the before-grandeur. <br />
<br />
It had been a week of exams (sleeping in and hanging out with 10 year olds for me) and after presenting our school show in which I displayed my extreme capacity for embarrassment, it was finally time for the weekend. I'm going to skip Friday night because that's a story not worth sharing (as the Spaniards smirk at me and the Americans begin swarming me with questions) But Saturday was quite the opposite.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0sjUIL-aCEvsk0sZpsl0wnTjTETlWDwgO75AXGlcYUCfrm9BLy8TJ0iftbtLf03ZT61064V7HNGrSmGXwdlkDVNySHD_D1iT21t7BFd-GJLhyphenhyphenQaTahaEi-qrVVh9ASKaJYy_fcaDYTKS/s1600/IMG_20141129_135825321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0sjUIL-aCEvsk0sZpsl0wnTjTETlWDwgO75AXGlcYUCfrm9BLy8TJ0iftbtLf03ZT61064V7HNGrSmGXwdlkDVNySHD_D1iT21t7BFd-GJLhyphenhyphenQaTahaEi-qrVVh9ASKaJYy_fcaDYTKS/s1600/IMG_20141129_135825321.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking pride in my baby bird, Twerky the Thanksgiving Turkey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thanksgiving!! I was a tornado in the kitchen swirling from oven to fridge picking up and putting down bowl spoon and -is this a whisk or a spatula? I was dizzy from the spinning. But after hours of Food Network worthy cooking I had finally done it, my first Thanksgiving all cooked by me and boy would Martha Stewart be proud of the presentation! I couldn't bask in the glory for too long because pretty soon it was on to the packing Barcelona awaits!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Barcelona Bike Tour</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD0gpJIuagRS-1KgzrekrGGjFTlZHligxg2XVrjQD68qSPGVhjVsa2YfchRTCQTuG3K5xTpFmdmEO-MjAfVAXVFSTYPisbUIdSQHOtGdW0TYCzfjYPcHp5YzEITdno7Nq-I43QdnYFnoS/s1600/IMG_20141202_091520606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD0gpJIuagRS-1KgzrekrGGjFTlZHligxg2XVrjQD68qSPGVhjVsa2YfchRTCQTuG3K5xTpFmdmEO-MjAfVAXVFSTYPisbUIdSQHOtGdW0TYCzfjYPcHp5YzEITdno7Nq-I43QdnYFnoS/s1600/IMG_20141202_091520606.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blinding and beautiful Barcelona sun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At first it started as a glow and then it started to grow! Until this Spanish sun, which I swear burns brighter than any other, was shining its way through antique window panes into my sleepy eyes, early morning imploring me to cease the day! <em>5 more minutes beautiful world!</em> But the bike route had been planned and my super American neon coral Nike's were telling me and any onlooker within a 3 mile radius, that I was ready for it.<br />
<br />
Here's the thing about Barcelona, its hilly... really hilly. We'd go up up up then down down down only to go up up up once more. I wasn't complaining though, the sun was out and even the run-down fruit stands looked like something you'd find on a vintage magazine cover (yes any vintage magazines looking for amateur photographers I am happy to apply!) I'd made it to the top of the world and back again and as I looked out from the artful over hanging of Parque Güell, or the open balcony atop the magisty of Sagrada Familia or even from the dusty roof of our host apartment building, thoughts over took me. I'm going to stop the touristy stories and instead share these thoughts with you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOsZ7vIT8qKbxtyn7S0FNDWg5zpZrSM_EvUw3rzVbH7_d_5gMwYG9jvb6dmqJHh6Kvlroba0WNIHTxmRz5GT8zpSESk1qSuzTv-KTQwyAFeYdggI6QDS4IPzyHab4lsnakePke9guZDuA/s1600/IMG_20141201_114350428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOsZ7vIT8qKbxtyn7S0FNDWg5zpZrSM_EvUw3rzVbH7_d_5gMwYG9jvb6dmqJHh6Kvlroba0WNIHTxmRz5GT8zpSESk1qSuzTv-KTQwyAFeYdggI6QDS4IPzyHab4lsnakePke9guZDuA/s1600/IMG_20141201_114350428.jpg" height="248" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>
Pieces of Me</h4>
I first had a thought, as we were biking. I had repeatedly passed mosaics, pieces of pottery beautifully broken and put together. They climbed buildings of low rent hostels and created the staple for Gaudi master pieces. No matter where they showed up they served the same purpose, fragments from other places coming together and forming something new, something magnificent. Without sounding too vapid, I thought of myself. Part Pervian, mix in some Boston, dash of Carolina and a sprinkle of Califonia now slowly adding the Spaniard its a recipe for something unique and I love the taste of different.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsrHBsCdhdbOxQVy4NopW-8nzOnfVXtZM4ggWIUar3Vb6PxKnIdEOEyzipXbENDKfyG5MfVYmDzYveYOpD-_D74cOmAqR4iMArX8FBYlMCmSpxMfdGeJnFlSoZhjJ7l8-40HryjEUq3k2/s1600/IMG_20141201_113538617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsrHBsCdhdbOxQVy4NopW-8nzOnfVXtZM4ggWIUar3Vb6PxKnIdEOEyzipXbENDKfyG5MfVYmDzYveYOpD-_D74cOmAqR4iMArX8FBYlMCmSpxMfdGeJnFlSoZhjJ7l8-40HryjEUq3k2/s1600/IMG_20141201_113538617.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A master piece made of pieces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The better thing about the mosaics is that they aren't perfect. They have bumps and cracks, smooth and rough. And that's life, at least that's the life I want to keep. Not perfect, but whole. I can always be working for something and know that things can get better but still take a step back and look at my life, look at myself and be happy with what I have and what I've worked for. In the end the cracks and the rough edges are what make beautiful things real. And when you step back the master piece is still just as beautiful and more unique because of them.<br />
<br />
<h4>
A Thank You to the Rainbows </h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhaj-eJDYjh5qO7DO2noBYGGzSSHMQ0T4daknZaNA8IC4AEIMcX4P9QGug8e1-91MpaoVvnSXd-RVLSUXSqWfHfhRWnchSHeTCHwcxzOIwH1ify4yFmYeo5M-VtUJn2AMkGCg7o2ATxjz/s1600/IMG_20141201_113202388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
I admit, I haven't been to church since before I could spell "Conquer" (for my love of writing you think I'd make a good speller too but no I didn't get passed the 2nd round in the 3rd grade spelling bee) Any way it was a long time ago and only because my mom bribed me with ice cream but in Sagrada Familia, despite the tourism buzzing around I felt drawn to take a moment. Sitting on the wooden bench as stained glass rainbows washed over me, I bowed my head because it just felt like the thing to do. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmb1KCsAaITgFw4RnAjHLaFNP-7aWvb-4kvoWPg5KqBcjNO3FajpXyXrfOqmF4lheMDGTNW7aVQEopHo0fUX1_XjDClnEoi0snEZH_72h317Bi9SVo_lic1Dp0qmb1PVSh-46w8KVr41R/s1600/IMG_20141201_143419227_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmb1KCsAaITgFw4RnAjHLaFNP-7aWvb-4kvoWPg5KqBcjNO3FajpXyXrfOqmF4lheMDGTNW7aVQEopHo0fUX1_XjDClnEoi0snEZH_72h317Bi9SVo_lic1Dp0qmb1PVSh-46w8KVr41R/s1600/IMG_20141201_143419227_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon sun became afternoon inspiration.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
I wasn't really sure how to pray or if praying was even what I was doing. I smiled as I awkwardly made my way through a thank you letter to the air and whoever else may have been listening. <em>So God or Universe or simply listener, I know we haven't talked in a while but since this is all your doing, I'd just like to say thank you.</em> And on I went, smiling as I thanked for my mixed up background, for my mixed up families, for my mixed up life that I wouldn't change a day of. I just wanted to send out thanks not only for the people in my life but for the chances their presence had brought me, every chance. There had been so many, and the only thing I could say, I wish I'd taken more of them. But to whomever or whatever I was thanking I also made the clear promise to live this year and the rest of my life to the absolute fullest, day in day out, happy or on the lesser but still likely sad, I would be giving it 100% no matter how strange, hard or impossible it seemed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgEEqa_Z9t0yYjTUZ90FlSa2O4hc5DgV6vzdMwVWUD94CeT_7BfdGJN8G6TMgkTGedQT_gmbpzouW1GSbd_vjWUrYq3ccbr2Bq0ksZTljtDpvEIKO-54rivNquJHfYZC_o00Fy0pUAq3t/s1600/IMG_20141201_142231162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgEEqa_Z9t0yYjTUZ90FlSa2O4hc5DgV6vzdMwVWUD94CeT_7BfdGJN8G6TMgkTGedQT_gmbpzouW1GSbd_vjWUrYq3ccbr2Bq0ksZTljtDpvEIKO-54rivNquJHfYZC_o00Fy0pUAq3t/s1600/IMG_20141201_142231162.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside Sagrada Familia, I love bubbles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know I got rather heavy on you all in that passed part but as my Spanish has begun conquering (yes I did spell check for that one) my English I just want to see if I'm still capable of thinking oh-so-philosophically. That was Barcelona. Now your thinking "What the heck Tanika you just talked about biking and how you compare yourself to a piece of art or soup or something?" Well fellow readers in another philosophical sense I've come to realize that the points on map, the moments captured in a lenses, even the emotions of seeing them, can't nearly match the significance of the thoughts we have in the moment or in retrospect and I'll do my best to keep those thoughts on record.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi907D9xB7dO7O2hGOumzr4UWlYnwySzkzzCVvHOhEeOacES3njytdiUQHX-Rocs6Jfsn0lT0XpSrvQZQjbfAUJyCr1Z3SErpUKiS9lO7VPlbF6JJxsFaZIcgIBsScrp6NLESw2wtoAtdSP/s1600/IMG_20141201_164026166_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi907D9xB7dO7O2hGOumzr4UWlYnwySzkzzCVvHOhEeOacES3njytdiUQHX-Rocs6Jfsn0lT0XpSrvQZQjbfAUJyCr1Z3SErpUKiS9lO7VPlbF6JJxsFaZIcgIBsScrp6NLESw2wtoAtdSP/s1600/IMG_20141201_164026166_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I said you'll know no other city like it, I quite mean there is no other ciry like it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So with a little lighter ending I have <em>Part Two, Madrid</em> under construction for you all! Holiday hecticness (I just found out that this isn't an actual word) is also on the horizon so if I disappear again just know it's because my love of Christmas has me embedded in a gingerbread baking, Jingle bell rocking, How the Grinch Stole Christmas marathon! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-70694958840932513512014-11-22T07:47:00.000-08:002014-11-22T07:47:22.140-08:00Happiness-capadesSmile's for smiles. I'm really not that generous of a person. I do things to make other people happy because seeing them smile makes me feel all fuzzy inside (make fun of my cheesy motives as you please). Soooo really I'm just a super selfish person trying to be happy all the time. With that said here are my latest Happiness-capades (new favorite word).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtVRbAuqyD8pBYUswQbGmSz0HE78Nvs4lvDDu3Lr2qAd3MdG7JQyZ8bM426dlyQ9l3NqSRLU2-9GvtEJHsKWhQkHZvN-lgk3ZIyJcDvDRaJuU_oDeoYoYhpfe9S88M-Rj7o4KVhLQg_PN/s1600/IMG_20141122_110820977_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtVRbAuqyD8pBYUswQbGmSz0HE78Nvs4lvDDu3Lr2qAd3MdG7JQyZ8bM426dlyQ9l3NqSRLU2-9GvtEJHsKWhQkHZvN-lgk3ZIyJcDvDRaJuU_oDeoYoYhpfe9S88M-Rj7o4KVhLQg_PN/s1600/IMG_20141122_110820977_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stairs were worth it. Castle adventures!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
"Pop-the-Stress" </h4>
With exams inching closer it seemed the stress radiating from everyone else was rubbing off a little on me. (Having mini temper tantrums over a hole in my tights or literal split milk, if that counts as stress?) None the less, I was still the lucky one to be spending my days baking muffins, preparing Thanksgiving lists and taking Sevillana's classes (yes, I plan on wearing a flowy red dress and dancing for you all. In due time followers, in due time) So when the usual <em>"We envy you Tanika."</em> came along I kept my smile small as my selfish joy-seeking mind started working.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggENBLfzBrLFrUsqqLdJ_UTEbuNPR9HrNXKgIL9NAsuL9nAnNdDtE2RU79A23s4bKKHhXaE-GWbBGQ2Rb5foq6VGZnT-Lee4Dt5U0DVYdsz-LO0h6RoM4sFtN3ItVumXn9WS-VUsgSz4Q_/s1600/IMG_20141122_105842292_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggENBLfzBrLFrUsqqLdJ_UTEbuNPR9HrNXKgIL9NAsuL9nAnNdDtE2RU79A23s4bKKHhXaE-GWbBGQ2Rb5foq6VGZnT-Lee4Dt5U0DVYdsz-LO0h6RoM4sFtN3ItVumXn9WS-VUsgSz4Q_/s1600/IMG_20141122_105842292_HDR.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These leaves are the veins of autumn. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A surprise, a stress-relieving surprise that will evoke the most smiles? I had quite a few good ideas but sadly was low on glitter and lacking in unicorns. My eyes passed over my bucketlist and almost as though it was speaking <em>"Hey look I'm happy!"</em> I saw it. Oh yes! Quickly I started jotting down a check list. There were moments of excitement and moments of blunder but in the end with only one popped balloon to the face and several heaps of scrapped paper. I had done it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_5Fz4UmsO3kt8zuqFTp9dr13FNjFV4ifTHBM_NALv_b1Z1QJ9er9G4d3o7Eu30o7PKNX8PvQ__HZtKBM9hVecHRTkxScRqognZMKrZHT44nn1n47WRh3vQ8i7w_ZELRfQrUN6hlFcIIK/s1600/IMG_20141120_111329436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_5Fz4UmsO3kt8zuqFTp9dr13FNjFV4ifTHBM_NALv_b1Z1QJ9er9G4d3o7Eu30o7PKNX8PvQ__HZtKBM9hVecHRTkxScRqognZMKrZHT44nn1n47WRh3vQ8i7w_ZELRfQrUN6hlFcIIK/s1600/IMG_20141120_111329436.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the best candid but here I am being the strange happy girl handing out surprise balloons!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With the pride of a kindergartner holding their first gold star I held my balloons high and lifted my cheeks to the sky (In the super-over-smiley way not the icky twerking way to other sick minded folk). It was amazing to watch peoples faces light up as they read they're little notes inside each balloon. With every "Gracias", each "¡Ah que mona!" I felt my slowing rollercoaster pick up speed and I was back on track of meeting my two goals, making this year the best year of my life (so far) and living a life worth loving, of laughs, friendships and the occasional cheesy Kodak moments like this day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBU-_8LphHaL40BKL9aR-O1llVs2TwWcrWkyz9qU3GYYU-dvYrcDfp4hkg4MTmxlQX_B8qVuhp2Y5ls9P9hQlUzgFOzBnOCHIj2BXLZ1bETBT3Wt2jALR5Y7UeoXRpKwr5_HZRAmZcEWF/s1600/IMG_20141120_111810020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBU-_8LphHaL40BKL9aR-O1llVs2TwWcrWkyz9qU3GYYU-dvYrcDfp4hkg4MTmxlQX_B8qVuhp2Y5ls9P9hQlUzgFOzBnOCHIj2BXLZ1bETBT3Wt2jALR5Y7UeoXRpKwr5_HZRAmZcEWF/s1600/IMG_20141120_111810020.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intended for everyone else's joy but I just couldn't stop smiling either :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Smiling Domino Effect</h4>
My little theory started as young as 2nd grade, with the laughing game. You stare at someone and try to make them laugh? Well when one person laughed or smiled it seemed contagious and soon we were all tummy tired with laughter. Now I've gone back on this happiness concept. When things are going well my mind creates all the more opportunity for more good things. Maybe I'm just overly happy all the time but ok, I made people happy and now my calendar is filling with future activities to make more people happy. And so it continues, the train of joy, dominoes falling to the cheerfulness that is now my growing holiday spirit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6YrzJhXjUQba1Ud_TQEQIBTU06uEQeYHKDEm9daDPrYzGobuHfBtWXH1b_mBBamn1fnApLQBIyEvFR9afAa3f5YWx-QgXEoy7EFfRE0wkv2N8EHs1q6q2B9XGCGgO_xe6idPZ8su92Yi/s1600/IMG_20141120_112102636_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6YrzJhXjUQba1Ud_TQEQIBTU06uEQeYHKDEm9daDPrYzGobuHfBtWXH1b_mBBamn1fnApLQBIyEvFR9afAa3f5YWx-QgXEoy7EFfRE0wkv2N8EHs1q6q2B9XGCGgO_xe6idPZ8su92Yi/s1600/IMG_20141120_112102636_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If we didn't take a group pic it didn't really happen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I'll save my future happiness-capades for next time. I can only imagine how grand they'll be with Thanksgiving around the corner and then the jiggle bells-y, tinsel town-y epitome of all joyous warm feeling... CHRISTMAS!! In the mean time I hope you all get a chance to take on a Happiness-capade of your own or it least share some smiles, I don't have a claim on the wonderful little things :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcsvBgYtZfWej6QOhc3KdVCPTpxncYZ47OG591p9jQvcKti6IK4LExyfInyM_9ExDEIHDmKk2w5ijMjAfCuljyjuVDDS86eZrsgu-6kdkY6YVK4vtrftt5r3sTJ5ioIMcUYXkWTBN9Ipf/s1600/IMG_20141122_110122810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcsvBgYtZfWej6QOhc3KdVCPTpxncYZ47OG591p9jQvcKti6IK4LExyfInyM_9ExDEIHDmKk2w5ijMjAfCuljyjuVDDS86eZrsgu-6kdkY6YVK4vtrftt5r3sTJ5ioIMcUYXkWTBN9Ipf/s1600/IMG_20141122_110122810.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just me failing as being Rapunzel, but still a smile on my face :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-89554531044362752372014-11-11T13:31:00.001-08:002014-11-11T13:41:18.442-08:00The Fatal Flaws of a Heroine's Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I never really grew out of my "I want to be Super Woman phase". Before I continue I'd like to mention that my left middle finger is paralyzed due to a fatal accident that I'd say was a run in with a mystical creature, but really it was a more fatal run in with a stubborn door (Why am I having such difficulty with these doors here!?) Anyway, my temporary handicap has left me with a greater obstacle of typing this post, but for all of you I will do my best and awkwardly tip tap my way </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
through it :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuk3YHYzdZm3U-M46N9lBuSI6HYC1-knndV1AI8QmYLWMOVCDK7v2IuMwTPpl2Jnq-7fEsYIhQO_2LYSO4nIKZzCo1HWf0xPBj0Z-X-cbCuBuaIDPOgpOSWt84awCP3fAEW4NN1lf-D9sf/s1600/IMG_20141102_142547175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuk3YHYzdZm3U-M46N9lBuSI6HYC1-knndV1AI8QmYLWMOVCDK7v2IuMwTPpl2Jnq-7fEsYIhQO_2LYSO4nIKZzCo1HWf0xPBj0Z-X-cbCuBuaIDPOgpOSWt84awCP3fAEW4NN1lf-D9sf/s1600/IMG_20141102_142547175.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever so dainty, after a less than graceful evening.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWgSw_G2seLy0LiCgItanZomCeP-pVNvphVvDOpkkfDDK0GrTXMSYa0gsEsgOtiNeN-AIqJZnFoIlGBm3yPnrDX0Aj9NcypJu7dXOpNAZWOgGXBRAanqSQYA1QMc7OLnEhmt0O-z9o-c-/s1600/IMG_20141101_122215707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWgSw_G2seLy0LiCgItanZomCeP-pVNvphVvDOpkkfDDK0GrTXMSYa0gsEsgOtiNeN-AIqJZnFoIlGBm3yPnrDX0Aj9NcypJu7dXOpNAZWOgGXBRAanqSQYA1QMc7OLnEhmt0O-z9o-c-/s1600/IMG_20141101_122215707.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That water made me wish I was a mermaid. No different from any other day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Just Want to Fly</h4>
Super heroes have quite the lifestyle, saving the day, living two lives and getting to wear colorful tights. I've always wanted to be one. (Yes for the cool wardrobe) In truth, it's hard to explain but since my days on the playground, watching the big kids cut in front of the littles whilst in line for the slide, I've wanted to be a hero. (Cape optional, but always a nice touch)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeu19AWrUOKab4V63cHPZOHuKqKjRnyOKRYni6wYbz-V-u-5eOBYseKC9lLMG97niSjIj3jQvBJpxzjcz_JeLkxRiKt142Rhvw5gKd1_8NN7-vR7EciMCcP1h3u62KXvzP-d_eTO1NaaY/s1600/IMG_20141101_114113205_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeu19AWrUOKab4V63cHPZOHuKqKjRnyOKRYni6wYbz-V-u-5eOBYseKC9lLMG97niSjIj3jQvBJpxzjcz_JeLkxRiKt142Rhvw5gKd1_8NN7-vR7EciMCcP1h3u62KXvzP-d_eTO1NaaY/s1600/IMG_20141101_114113205_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We now enter <strike>the</strike> <strike>gardens</strike> a sprawling green heaven.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I tried my best to be the hero. Sharing my animal crackers turned to sharing my notes and now I think sharing smiles just isn't enough. We're closing in on exams here, ("we're" I won't be participating in such educational exploitation) but as the date gets closer the class is getting more and more stressed. Literally I feel my own muscles tensing as I watch them struggle through the hours of study. How can this be, this happiness homicide? I've already attacked the educational system so let's keep this on a positive route.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINeH0psgOI7GyMOmtHsT1ANqfz0nXn6XK0cVRFjMB6vcyWIdcWy_YBu7yZqNeDszK0h7YFDamKIWQF-y3pEPNh1pQ53_8nIO3MtJzXBcA-Lt93OeKlZJ5Otds960MaJOZJNxKY4vIgSwe/s1600/IMG_20141102_135419433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINeH0psgOI7GyMOmtHsT1ANqfz0nXn6XK0cVRFjMB6vcyWIdcWy_YBu7yZqNeDszK0h7YFDamKIWQF-y3pEPNh1pQ53_8nIO3MtJzXBcA-Lt93OeKlZJ5Otds960MaJOZJNxKY4vIgSwe/s1600/IMG_20141102_135419433.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found him, my Spanish prince has arrived.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Damsels in Distress</h4>
Whether it's my "We should be alive!" American Teenage spirit or my "Make me a super hero!" Childhood mindset, I'm feeling the need to do something for them. Something, period. It's like my rollercoaster of an exchange year is slowing down and I'm not sure why. Is the fact that I can navigate the bus systems, or that I can ask for una cerveza, sin problema? That's it! I'm comfortable. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMiUaaX_tgq-H1Rsm1TFACmOoax8dql-0eCINkMuOPe5QrYcAdkxtkUcgFiPkhU1ulTzuWD-LiSxD3HbzT2_Wpgil9tDUzvrGF9oK9H2zIQj-_-I-GgQsTHkq8xYCRI-5yKIFXF9Avbna/s1600/IMG_20141102_112838930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMiUaaX_tgq-H1Rsm1TFACmOoax8dql-0eCINkMuOPe5QrYcAdkxtkUcgFiPkhU1ulTzuWD-LiSxD3HbzT2_Wpgil9tDUzvrGF9oK9H2zIQj-_-I-GgQsTHkq8xYCRI-5yKIFXF9Avbna/s1600/IMG_20141102_112838930.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After so mnay google earth pictures, you're finally real!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've hit the point where my conversational Spanish is good enough that I can really stop trying if I want to. But I don't want to! Now that I've hit a plateau in the making friends department, "Ok I have friends and everyone else thinks I'm crazy (in a good way), now what?" I need something to punch through the ceiling of average. Please Willy Wonka lend me your glass elevator and take me to new heights! (It has been a really long time since I've seen an American classic) So I have ideas, grand plans! That you'll just have to wait and see because yes the Spanish have infiltrated my blog and they're always watching (¡Hola chicas!.. Y algunos chicos?.. Pero tampoco espero que no leeís mi escritura y mis secretos tan femeninos!) <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7DF2MkJc651e0hqvKEJwWYRsbR6xjAYGpBaNTEKyjNJYLPsKaFQ6oB3xPZqAPUovE3_0om70cD8JA-FO8bP7zxpW0YVFkJjZThkNNaZOA5YI6biJFx7rWp9BCAgW2O9lHLeah7EYry26/s1600/IMG_20141102_120408687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7DF2MkJc651e0hqvKEJwWYRsbR6xjAYGpBaNTEKyjNJYLPsKaFQ6oB3xPZqAPUovE3_0om70cD8JA-FO8bP7zxpW0YVFkJjZThkNNaZOA5YI6biJFx7rWp9BCAgW2O9lHLeah7EYry26/s1600/IMG_20141102_120408687.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful piece of artwork, yes, I mean the Pepper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So with that readers and writers (from all the heart warming comments I get, I'd say you are!) I bring my story of superhuman aspirations to a close and hope that in the weeks to come I can prove to myself that being a superhero doesn't always require saving the planet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TSSe8HbKTPfWWz2YCS6znBFvraZhpTaHYJSSDycITjTGdMyyJPjl83Cv-8Q1mJJrPn7Ha_tHi3FSWVEFnOq3TdhDRanikdUwR7bq28f-vCISd6IjmGbaBOcrLpqgk6DBcom854D_25yd/s1600/IMG_20141102_110508788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TSSe8HbKTPfWWz2YCS6znBFvraZhpTaHYJSSDycITjTGdMyyJPjl83Cv-8Q1mJJrPn7Ha_tHi3FSWVEFnOq3TdhDRanikdUwR7bq28f-vCISd6IjmGbaBOcrLpqgk6DBcom854D_25yd/s1600/IMG_20141102_110508788.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always have my cape, ready to save the day, even in the smallest way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-78459052877010989362014-10-30T13:18:00.001-07:002014-10-30T13:25:18.921-07:00These Little Lists of HappinessI was trying to keep these posts a weekly thing but the adventures and I've been working on a presentation I'll be giving next week (let you know how that goes!) Now I've doubled my overjoy in one post to make up for the days that I've been away! So if you're in the "Let's not smile" mood well then I encourage you to read on because this will get very happy and rainbow-like in a few moments.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_x2nH9dUz4k7XzIS5DMa8jdcRv-KqgIG1bndn3JkLm99Xo55tZVKsyhEZDvQQWH_nrc3SpSCS5NIFTMe64LAEMI6oCz1Nx1FxFqcbgt8M03hrvQ5keQAw1Junx1JXJRw_kAgyry0bdSV/s1600/IMG_20141018_102913443_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_x2nH9dUz4k7XzIS5DMa8jdcRv-KqgIG1bndn3JkLm99Xo55tZVKsyhEZDvQQWH_nrc3SpSCS5NIFTMe64LAEMI6oCz1Nx1FxFqcbgt8M03hrvQ5keQAw1Junx1JXJRw_kAgyry0bdSV/s1600/IMG_20141018_102913443_HDR.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please ignore my baby hands and enjoy the Pepper looking magnificent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I'm big into lists, which doesn't make much sense considering how unorganized and scatter-brained I am. But the fun lists the, "Places to Go"&"Adventures to take" -lists, those are my favorites. Since I have around 30 hours of class a week about 15% is spent on listening and the other 15.5 hours (yes that is about all the math I've done since June) is spent on day dreaming, drawing and creating these little lists of mine. I'm sorry to all of my hardworking Spanish friends that study there butts off while I'm being a no work ethic little FES (Foreign Exchange Student, come on do you watch That 70's Show?) You all inspire me, and I'm sure in a year I'll start studying again, but for now I'm indulging in the fruits of fun.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXBRCchVe-vsfRnotpV7QMxu0X_R4GO-XpPJwR53Dkx14BMxhxanVcI9WOBWCNq0em7njxt9o0IjJ86m60kKhqyybhtZ4_VtkxqhFBk0uCqd1p_o0zx11vmsGy2LB3anfEEQjlhvQAPGz/s1600/IMG_20141018_103447010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXBRCchVe-vsfRnotpV7QMxu0X_R4GO-XpPJwR53Dkx14BMxhxanVcI9WOBWCNq0em7njxt9o0IjJ86m60kKhqyybhtZ4_VtkxqhFBk0uCqd1p_o0zx11vmsGy2LB3anfEEQjlhvQAPGz/s1600/IMG_20141018_103447010.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who says Spain doesn't do Halloween?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So why do I love these lists? Quite simply they let me dream which gets me to the ultimate goal, making me smile. Without further ado, my little lists of happiness.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The Bucket List</h4>
The most cliché yet most important of lists, The Bucket List outlines our most ambiguous dreams while also leaving room for the little adventures we take along the way. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH4o0T1871W0MCdkWCAFU42gVJhTKqVDVBzuGCJXPEP03vOs_UnxiFuDeGIHiGGSnwG_LqSSCydv3_oclGFkr0lAyoDvpxyyeMyltc1dNhoeVBYz1D0P19scL-el-jczjhxBj1SsrYmiV/s1600/IMG_20141028_150153578+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH4o0T1871W0MCdkWCAFU42gVJhTKqVDVBzuGCJXPEP03vOs_UnxiFuDeGIHiGGSnwG_LqSSCydv3_oclGFkr0lAyoDvpxyyeMyltc1dNhoeVBYz1D0P19scL-el-jczjhxBj1SsrYmiV/s1600/IMG_20141028_150153578+(2).jpg" height="640" width="497" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have left space for the grander ideas yet to come. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"They say I'm a dreamer" because how many people plan, as in have already looked up the amount and cost to fill a pool with Jell-o (about 300 boxes at 50cents each, a total of $1,500 for an experience of a life time. I'm really doing more math today than I have in months!) My Bucketlist encompasses the short-term long-term wild ideas that cross my brainwaves. Some with more effort, more time or more money required but ultimately all the same. You can't put a price on happiness... but you can describe it.<br />
<br />
<h4>
500 Reasons to Smile</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMYRNLEk0PS1CmL2-FQ3_0RACZMHTTpfyV-Rz4hg_hmUiW0T293AyDFBCyu_B6cIMnKRiK_I7x5_WMSmgNsmgO3q9JXPLkHFd2MYQbpO4aF1bSzHzn2_7ZaGVzCuXvCMNirlh7EI3Leqk/s1600/IMG_20141026_091841508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMYRNLEk0PS1CmL2-FQ3_0RACZMHTTpfyV-Rz4hg_hmUiW0T293AyDFBCyu_B6cIMnKRiK_I7x5_WMSmgNsmgO3q9JXPLkHFd2MYQbpO4aF1bSzHzn2_7ZaGVzCuXvCMNirlh7EI3Leqk/s1600/IMG_20141026_091841508.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though they aren't on my list, Pamplona tomatoes the size of my head definitely make me smile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you're tired of my over-positivity well then I doubt you're reading this post anyway, but if you like to smile too then please join me on this happy smiley journey of happy smiley things. The other day my host mom and I were having a conversation about happiness and how it's choice and lifestyle but sometimes something more. She said asked me a question that really made me think. "Algunos nacen feliz. Como tu. Desde que eras un bebé has sido tan feliz como asi no?" >> Some people are born happy. Like you. Since you were a baby you've been this happy right? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bI_owSU0G7EiPz3aqAF7mZMeyKg5TUd4sXPaeasZVlBp79rXoJyM0oPhBCPjFmB3iM1tPkubr1FSuwVyc5auI_WxKj-jcFtyzNq_N6QGhMRhNJ1-cefVqB40Yfc0YHRZYdIvP96gNUEh/s1600/IMG_20141030_111738389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bI_owSU0G7EiPz3aqAF7mZMeyKg5TUd4sXPaeasZVlBp79rXoJyM0oPhBCPjFmB3iM1tPkubr1FSuwVyc5auI_WxKj-jcFtyzNq_N6QGhMRhNJ1-cefVqB40Yfc0YHRZYdIvP96gNUEh/s1600/IMG_20141030_111738389.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So this is what I do in class. I'm hoping my messy handwriting keeps you from reading them all... some are strange I guess :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Though I don't know my 9 month old self I have a feeling she was a happy one. (Except for my Terrible Two's which I made truly terrible, or so I've been told -"I WANT BARNEY!!!"). Going through this list I realized that I've spent the majority of my life smiling. I thought of all the moments when I felt the unexplainable warmth that builds inside, and it lights up your eyes, your smile, your life! Don't leave me hanging people! It would be a sad, sad day for me if I found out that none of you have felt it too. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRViHhn8KwdA3cOZD6hzrX9VA8uT3PrljTyLURhvW2OpBh9tU4bPWhMntx8r1HRdkChcwb7KMBCFd_T1edXQMoywqQ_rtFt9LUyCJWabJ3AFMoEBsatGYTD-V_m4Oe3ZSNt7hRw1I4w8tD/s1600/IMG_20141030_111804760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRViHhn8KwdA3cOZD6hzrX9VA8uT3PrljTyLURhvW2OpBh9tU4bPWhMntx8r1HRdkChcwb7KMBCFd_T1edXQMoywqQ_rtFt9LUyCJWabJ3AFMoEBsatGYTD-V_m4Oe3ZSNt7hRw1I4w8tD/s1600/IMG_20141030_111804760.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well we made it! I felt great pride in filling this empty space with happiness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This list clearly transfers from the things that can make anyone happy, to the more personal (and/or strange) things that make me particularly happy. So I'm opening up to you all now, please don't laugh. Or better yet laugh, laugh a lot because then I'll have accomplished my goal, <strong>#501 making my readers happy</strong> :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJDWuY6h3fMbt1EDNFYACWMURW6vZ12ejhV3mb8FZi1M5efpmaGRZvOxZrGb1Ncx2P1hyphenhyphen-4Y22gt5biKXf-aFPv7Ycvfnd5nFemARQaGOznGqoX3nX_73HHIiQKTX5H3zy85QWLeMwxoq/s1600/IMG_20141027_124227634_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJDWuY6h3fMbt1EDNFYACWMURW6vZ12ejhV3mb8FZi1M5efpmaGRZvOxZrGb1Ncx2P1hyphenhyphen-4Y22gt5biKXf-aFPv7Ycvfnd5nFemARQaGOznGqoX3nX_73HHIiQKTX5H3zy85QWLeMwxoq/s1600/IMG_20141027_124227634_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a care package this week that also made me smile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Spanish Adventure 2014-2015</h4>
This is yes another bucket list but of a specific category, my epic journey as a FES (refer to the second paragraph if you've skipped ahead. Do people actually do that? :/ ) I can't wait to feel the prideful joy of checking them all off!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw13iB19kxQrOX94QJUmALW_Ts3tLu-d6M44SbQ5qRTshADyDIXyj6_FzRXsqO1DqZ4w-M7yagixNw1Ap1RmAB_pW9z6r8rZOzFRsu7LUsqOb1m8yAfqqx1hMKHA6I2gKxPE-ezaQDYL8Z/s1600/IMG_20141028_150331003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw13iB19kxQrOX94QJUmALW_Ts3tLu-d6M44SbQ5qRTshADyDIXyj6_FzRXsqO1DqZ4w-M7yagixNw1Ap1RmAB_pW9z6r8rZOzFRsu7LUsqOb1m8yAfqqx1hMKHA6I2gKxPE-ezaQDYL8Z/s1600/IMG_20141028_150331003.jpg" height="640" width="449" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After only a month and a half I have been able to check off a lot of these!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28Kxbgh2gmOCo68zwjgJFVGV_OX1xeQUBi-GJq9sWw0Y1KbClvRcT1aro656dla3i_xfe-do8Be7Es6VOJGSjESyHBGJlDuaXQWnpIRitfxgCzO939KMkcFGDluiYUCrvp9rGrLvnPFuT/s1600/IMG_20141024_165012191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28Kxbgh2gmOCo68zwjgJFVGV_OX1xeQUBi-GJq9sWw0Y1KbClvRcT1aro656dla3i_xfe-do8Be7Es6VOJGSjESyHBGJlDuaXQWnpIRitfxgCzO939KMkcFGDluiYUCrvp9rGrLvnPFuT/s1600/IMG_20141024_165012191.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check off #8 I'm still alive!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Making these lists and making this post created a lot of smiling-at-inanimate-object moments for me and so I thank you for that readers. You give me things worth smiling for :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-40374465482466761592014-10-20T14:01:00.002-07:002014-10-20T14:01:44.495-07:00So You Had a Bad DayI now realize that I have mad a horrible grave mistake in this blog. I have created a world where you all believe that my life is perfect! In this alternate universe I'm no longer a blogger, I'm no longer a human, I'm some fairytale super girl. Though I see most of the world with bright lights and positivity I can't let you believe it's all perfect all the time. Everything I have said up to this point has been 100% true but I haven't shared the moments of stress that even for an overly up-beat smiley face like me, happen. Welcome to the dark side of Mrs.Positivity *Mwuah ha ha* ... Ok not really that sinister!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRpwZYMgZuyJ66rijRAHriJA7Zfhwpq6CEoKc-_iMKlHa0XcN_7SJLx1xY9sjkpqoBTgTuVo8WIErh0LAxHJvubOb_YFrYAAd4GpjX55eW7YOCzRX1HE40tEtWOJAwu-DVdZKMvrN2pFL/s1600/IMG_20141012_033909829_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRpwZYMgZuyJ66rijRAHriJA7Zfhwpq6CEoKc-_iMKlHa0XcN_7SJLx1xY9sjkpqoBTgTuVo8WIErh0LAxHJvubOb_YFrYAAd4GpjX55eW7YOCzRX1HE40tEtWOJAwu-DVdZKMvrN2pFL/s1600/IMG_20141012_033909829_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little Sunday morning run while the city sleeps around me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
Lost, Lost</h2>
Yes, I have been lost twice in this 1st month (but 2 times for 30 something days isn't too bad). My first time was a pretty big stress bomb. It was my first week of school and thinking I was close to home (when actually on the other side of the city) I decided I'd walk back.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qcTZeXL3IZmhPTjGuVOhgWY3nisAfTpqacKmyHzaZa_THhWYIJqxz7ZX1LzGrle9Ua8G53Zut1D3gCExfg1R4pzvrZaqPPiIAGaRAbXaNq6jNn044wcOJVbL-mOD37EnYXBoqxBGssC7/s1600/IMG_20141011_061233439_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qcTZeXL3IZmhPTjGuVOhgWY3nisAfTpqacKmyHzaZa_THhWYIJqxz7ZX1LzGrle9Ua8G53Zut1D3gCExfg1R4pzvrZaqPPiIAGaRAbXaNq6jNn044wcOJVbL-mOD37EnYXBoqxBGssC7/s1600/IMG_20141011_061233439_HDR.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When breakfast is too perfect not to photograph.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Follow the mountains, I live by mountains right? Well little did I know that Pamplona is kind of surrounded by mountains so that plan took me up down and all around a city that I didn't know as well as I thought I did. <em>It's ok just ask for help</em>. But, I can do this I'm Tanika the wonder exchange student and I can find my way home! My pride kept me from asking and I was once again following a rotating mountain. <br />
<br />
Here is where my words of positivity fell a little short. I was lost for the first time, with too much of an ego to ask for help and the beautiful Spanish sun that I'd come to love was now burning through my button up and my positivity. I stopped for a moment and let the weight of my backpack fall from my shoulders. Like a numbnuts I carried all my books home (5) unsure of which locker was mine. <em>What the hell am I doing.</em> I'm not a super hero, I'm not a Spaniard, I'm not "The Great Tanika". I'm just me. And my 15 minutes of Failure stopped there.<br />
<br />
"Just me" is more than enough! I've been moving and learning and growing all my life and one new city is not going to change that. I closed my eyes, shed my button up (yes I did feel tempted to tie it around my forehead like Rambo) and let the sun become beautiful again. When I opened my eyes I looked around. I recognized a bus station and an odd sculpture that we had passed before. I didn't know exactly where I was but I knew I had the right idea.<br />
<br />
After a few wrong turns I saw the super market we shop at, and the church we live near. There weren't many people around so yes I did a celebratory dance. Skipping all the way to my front door I pulled out my-- keys? Where are my keys. <em>Greaaattt</em>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoG5Ri6EW1goMWEYaFOSrgh5XdBeEdl7AyOfdAob0SuAsI5GBpAk7hDaQGSB7kJ38TGub-G-vSZe81r4TfcW-cGvvelHlDQwaKhJqQaRL-Fk8g9umai25uUD6M492QjltuH8uVtcRdhey/s1600/IMG_20141012_034844763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoG5Ri6EW1goMWEYaFOSrgh5XdBeEdl7AyOfdAob0SuAsI5GBpAk7hDaQGSB7kJ38TGub-G-vSZe81r4TfcW-cGvvelHlDQwaKhJqQaRL-Fk8g9umai25uUD6M492QjltuH8uVtcRdhey/s1600/IMG_20141012_034844763.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even as fall begins, the green goes on and on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
Doors, Locks and a Place for Socks</h2>
I've had very few enemies throughout this journey. The first being, the door, or more so, the lock. Every day after school I would struggle with this lock, Open for me, WHY WON'T YOU OPEN!!! There were even times of climbing over fences rather than dealing with such a nonsense. I stared down the lock like it was my last set at the gym, <em>I'm sweaty, I'm drained and I'm a beast. I will beat you!</em> Is it sad that I used the same montra for lifting heavy things as I did for opening a door? Nope, because after a few miles in the hot sun I was at that point. I didn't get it the first time, nor the second, not even the third. But after a week or so of hard work and dedication (again, I'm just opening a door and I attack it like a sport) I finally got the satisfactory *click* and yes again I did a victory dance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP6HFlCtB72HXaUFht6w1p-ZgqiAUD-tsnXBirHzsfm5wisE7IN7fIVU6loco-lTggTu3KWltnZleccEX81iqouI15VBTKTpyRPT0n-Q_7ujJFmFWgB78sKieSgoTVCBUllEDZA6fLzoD/s1600/IMG_20141012_033835711_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP6HFlCtB72HXaUFht6w1p-ZgqiAUD-tsnXBirHzsfm5wisE7IN7fIVU6loco-lTggTu3KWltnZleccEX81iqouI15VBTKTpyRPT0n-Q_7ujJFmFWgB78sKieSgoTVCBUllEDZA6fLzoD/s1600/IMG_20141012_033835711_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along these castle walls I'm Repunzel, ready to let down my hair, forget little worries and just enjoy life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Yes socks have been a struggle for me. To begin, maybe it's the fact the my parents lived in Japan, but in the states I always took my shoes off in the house. Here, that isn't a thing. So when I'm walking around barefoot I feel every track of grass or bread crumb sticking too my toes. The second sock problem I have is that they don't last! I walk/bike/run everywhere here, therefore my run down converse and miss match Pippy Longstocking socks are no match for the miles of cobblestone I take to everyday. Smelly and torn, I made a trip to the mall specifically for sock shopping! But even as I say this I want to kick my self with my now open-toed converse because I sound so darn, foreign.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmKscDJI5uxH4c-SeeCa8T_eEendX8WDMc_1k6ld-cBgYftv3YV2fYE6guFyxpR2wXm4S1-dHwpNhbl31ZYgrrQZPFgt9QlGvapdf9yn6c9M9W0RWRDhyphenhyphenMBElHXrvr9Mi7kUPAPyD5w0i/s1600/IMG_20141018_104946468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmKscDJI5uxH4c-SeeCa8T_eEendX8WDMc_1k6ld-cBgYftv3YV2fYE6guFyxpR2wXm4S1-dHwpNhbl31ZYgrrQZPFgt9QlGvapdf9yn6c9M9W0RWRDhyphenhyphenMBElHXrvr9Mi7kUPAPyD5w0i/s1600/IMG_20141018_104946468.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can anyone be sad when there is a such thing as gelato roses?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Foreigner for Sale</h4>
Right from the beginning I did not want to be labeled as the "American" but this is high school people where labels identify this generation #speakingtruth. So after realizing no matter what I did, I'd still be the American, I figured I could at least be the Nicest-Funniest-Craziest American they'd ever met. But to do so the language would come first.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBknLMjF1QCLPbfqEqLZ2SkMy-OYpnHLQNdP-kZt-Btmg9TFKSFLUbZusWfN8_uPHIDNSFYaTXt6LbaVwwwni2moMsgwyQWFYOBKpe9GxYE1GcQl-W1FpTIXm53EsRPzkoLX4e9Z1bBKT/s1600/IMG_20141018_100312946_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBknLMjF1QCLPbfqEqLZ2SkMy-OYpnHLQNdP-kZt-Btmg9TFKSFLUbZusWfN8_uPHIDNSFYaTXt6LbaVwwwni2moMsgwyQWFYOBKpe9GxYE1GcQl-W1FpTIXm53EsRPzkoLX4e9Z1bBKT/s1600/IMG_20141018_100312946_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohhh colors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I know I had it way easier than most exchange students, 4 years in Spanish class and a dad who speaks fluently but knowing how to say your colors and where's the bathroom won't make you the cool kid in school. So there were days when I'd be in a group and if I listened I could understand what was going on. But heck that took a lot of effort with 20 people motor-mouthing and me reassembling every sentence. It became a tiring challenge. And speaking up? Forget about it! Some days I'd have to talk myself through the frustration of not being instantly good at this but if it wasn't a challenge it wouldn't be worth it.<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZKYtWKRS8N37aDPzPNouWMzXxpWajE-F11-pUTsyQYmbmaevZsYPtMJTPNHr6updSIT0fQ7Yq6Oug-OtTN_OTXnLIS18edR6w7aXE2AqGAx_UyzpfDnju9rN_6raC5PSupKzCFYwuPo/s1600/IMG_20141018_101558614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZqYfj3hZ-rcRWvNXwMxznayV3rPyU6ha_EFYN4Pb1fWRGOhR_qqd6I66In61HknKv0gkA-Ww069zOh5pa8EiW0RHfgodVNqtPb9VJvYFmzXbhFxzh6u9D0w21wVFijyvBwVfEhYksFt8/s1600/IMG_20141018_112507444.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZqYfj3hZ-rcRWvNXwMxznayV3rPyU6ha_EFYN4Pb1fWRGOhR_qqd6I66In61HknKv0gkA-Ww069zOh5pa8EiW0RHfgodVNqtPb9VJvYFmzXbhFxzh6u9D0w21wVFijyvBwVfEhYksFt8/s1600/IMG_20141018_112507444.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZKYtWKRS8N37aDPzPNouWMzXxpWajE-F11-pUTsyQYmbmaevZsYPtMJTPNHr6updSIT0fQ7Yq6Oug-OtTN_OTXnLIS18edR6w7aXE2AqGAx_UyzpfDnju9rN_6raC5PSupKzCFYwuPo/s1600/IMG_20141018_101558614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZKYtWKRS8N37aDPzPNouWMzXxpWajE-F11-pUTsyQYmbmaevZsYPtMJTPNHr6updSIT0fQ7Yq6Oug-OtTN_OTXnLIS18edR6w7aXE2AqGAx_UyzpfDnju9rN_6raC5PSupKzCFYwuPo/s1600/IMG_20141018_101558614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZKYtWKRS8N37aDPzPNouWMzXxpWajE-F11-pUTsyQYmbmaevZsYPtMJTPNHr6updSIT0fQ7Yq6Oug-OtTN_OTXnLIS18edR6w7aXE2AqGAx_UyzpfDnju9rN_6raC5PSupKzCFYwuPo/s1600/IMG_20141018_101558614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
After a few weeks of forehead scrunching I've finally reached the point where I can not only listened but be involved in the conversations. My biggest fear was that all my joking and sarcasm wouldn't translate and I'd just be awkward without my whit to carry me but get this, they actually think I'm funny! (Maybe it's the random dancing, yeah, that hasn't changed)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZKYtWKRS8N37aDPzPNouWMzXxpWajE-F11-pUTsyQYmbmaevZsYPtMJTPNHr6updSIT0fQ7Yq6Oug-OtTN_OTXnLIS18edR6w7aXE2AqGAx_UyzpfDnju9rN_6raC5PSupKzCFYwuPo/s1600/IMG_20141018_101558614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZKYtWKRS8N37aDPzPNouWMzXxpWajE-F11-pUTsyQYmbmaevZsYPtMJTPNHr6updSIT0fQ7Yq6Oug-OtTN_OTXnLIS18edR6w7aXE2AqGAx_UyzpfDnju9rN_6raC5PSupKzCFYwuPo/s1600/IMG_20141018_101558614.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freaky spided made of metal why must you look so cool!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
"I Fall into My Family Ways"</h4>
In the rare 30 degree heat (about 86F) the weekend was making out to be a splendid one. We spent it in Bilbao, between a tennis tournament, soccer game and a twisted titanium museum that you can't pronounce without putting on a funny accent >> Guggenheim (Gooooo-gen-hi-em) I started looking at the map when then I heard music, so folky I swear I heard the beards behind the banjo's before I saw them. It was a room titled "The Visitors". I could never have expected what was about to happen next.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WaCbiLjB69qN5efmHSVRp2pXv4ySFW79XEGuhDf1v-sDyYTeQi_GYsWtCvxaZKhP4YHgO1NFGJ-KKmlYKrh_Yd4cpZn4W8n9b00cgdCHADnppypi5T_lgGHO8Br92a697mw6VsoYfxVt/s1600/IMG_20141018_101307357_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WaCbiLjB69qN5efmHSVRp2pXv4ySFW79XEGuhDf1v-sDyYTeQi_GYsWtCvxaZKhP4YHgO1NFGJ-KKmlYKrh_Yd4cpZn4W8n9b00cgdCHADnppypi5T_lgGHO8Br92a697mw6VsoYfxVt/s1600/IMG_20141018_101307357_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous GoOOOooogenheim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I walked in to a dark room of people some standing some sitting on the floor, their faces were illuminated by 10 screens. Each screen had a <strong>different</strong> person playing a <strong>different</strong> instrument of the <strong>same</strong> song in different <strong>rooms</strong> of the <strong>same</strong> house. (Are you following? Sorry no pictures were allowed) I listened and they were all singing the same thing over and over "Once again I fall into my family ways." At first it was a mantra and then if felt like a trance, I sat down with my back to the center wall as the music vibrated through my spine.<br />
<br />
I closed my eyes and mouthed the words, each time "Family" passed my lips I saw my family. My dad hugging me, my mom crying in the airport, my sister waving goodbye. The room was dark so I let a tear slip and held my heart. The music started picking up, the voices becoming more impassioned and then they were moving. All the people in the different screens started moving to one. All of us "Visitors" did the same. We drew to that screen like bugs of the night, to our only light. These musicians of different height, different color, different places all coming together to make beautiful music in one family.<br />
<br />
The last lines I mouthed along and this time each "Family" I saw more. My two dads , my two moms, my two siblings and so quickly I felt lifted. How lucky am I to have not one but two families who care so much. And in that moment the year ahead stretched out in front of me promising memories, lessons and a lifetime in one year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZvSyZ6qiOB9m2bJOosLsuhwr11fs3B3jbgB5RYUiwfUYGrc5JDgt7gaDBTMR-LO1rtKfx2lwRkGHtFpTuoJTt3FlECb-P3ifJOB2AYZNFwgfPxT1qmfhpIjn9gJG4HiNb_ZE2hzdrNCo/s1600/IMG_20141019_111120325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZvSyZ6qiOB9m2bJOosLsuhwr11fs3B3jbgB5RYUiwfUYGrc5JDgt7gaDBTMR-LO1rtKfx2lwRkGHtFpTuoJTt3FlECb-P3ifJOB2AYZNFwgfPxT1qmfhpIjn9gJG4HiNb_ZE2hzdrNCo/s1600/IMG_20141019_111120325.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found California! It's as though I never left!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't get down too often. maybe my biggest problems are torn socks. But why should anyone spend more than a moment of the day being sad. With only a year to capture a lifetime I want to be awake and alive to do it all. So that is why all my posts seem so happy, why all my days seem so happy, why I am so annoyingly happy because as cheesy as it sounds life is beautiful and I'll keep enjoying it with a smile on my face.<br />
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Ja5gj29pNx4%2FVEVpu-b9WKI%2FAAAAAAAAFgo%2FfUjRZDdqQeE%2Fs1600%2FIMG_20141018_101558614.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZKYtWKRS8N37aDPzPNouWMzXxpWajE-F11-pUTsyQYmbmaevZsYPtMJTPNHr6updSIT0fQ7Yq6Oug-OtTN_OTXnLIS18edR6w7aXE2AqGAx_UyzpfDnju9rN_6raC5PSupKzCFYwuPo/s1600/IMG_20141018_101558614.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZKYtWKRS8N37aDPzPNouWMzXxpWajE-F11-pUTsyQYmbmaevZsYPtMJTPNHr6updSIT0fQ7Yq6Oug-OtTN_OTXnLIS18edR6w7aXE2AqGAx_UyzpfDnju9rN_6raC5PSupKzCFYwuPo/s1600/IMG_20141018_101558614.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZKYtWKRS8N37aDPzPNouWMzXxpWajE-F11-pUTsyQYmbmaevZsYPtMJTPNHr6updSIT0fQ7Yq6Oug-OtTN_OTXnLIS18edR6w7aXE2AqGAx_UyzpfDnju9rN_6raC5PSupKzCFYwuPo/s1600/IMG_20141018_101558614.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-13510518757653547152014-10-10T10:42:00.000-07:002014-10-10T10:43:08.538-07:00Dreamy Days of 1st ImpressionsMonday was my first Rotary Presentation. 5 minutes of talking sounded close to nothing for a motor mouth like me. Then again this was my second language and the day of the presentation I hadn't a clue of how I'd like to present myself to the people giving me the year of a lifetime. Good thing I had a day of class to prepare, if only my brain could focus on one thing!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrCMBp4wYm_IPyh1wiURLYSKU9ZpxBkl3gGCpjwe2emRJGphe0hbYaZKZjoEyKvmpDjZ3Xz5suZMGU4CzuOiSttKVqBvKyjc8giw83XBf1e_fyPYK2exRLYEhukLNltdXMuqRiTMDXf8P/s1600/IMG_20141010_112257962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrCMBp4wYm_IPyh1wiURLYSKU9ZpxBkl3gGCpjwe2emRJGphe0hbYaZKZjoEyKvmpDjZ3Xz5suZMGU4CzuOiSttKVqBvKyjc8giw83XBf1e_fyPYK2exRLYEhukLNltdXMuqRiTMDXf8P/s1600/IMG_20141010_112257962.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is that notebook everyone. No I do not know why it is upside-down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Some days (ok most days) my brain is on hyper active "Let's explore every daunting question of life or at least draw pinterest stuff" mode. So focusing on my first impression took some work. And now I'll take you through the up down and all around path I take to get something written, including this post! Surprisingly all my teachers have responded nicely to my lack of studying. They find me to be "Una chica muy maja y con ganas de aprender" > A very nice girl with motivation to learn. (exchange student perks, but a smile always helps!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_fWTozLpvpx-4dinR_YMJRpX_Xd7fmRZT6xM4sWIqev0MV9RURWNyi5i_SY_ohpodWdNaD598cXayXoyAytdxMm3s4TrshWqa2raKl5-CINEPpPXWRXHsOsglPY69zR_84CEr-3dDdY7/s1600/IMG_20141010_112237189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_fWTozLpvpx-4dinR_YMJRpX_Xd7fmRZT6xM4sWIqev0MV9RURWNyi5i_SY_ohpodWdNaD598cXayXoyAytdxMm3s4TrshWqa2raKl5-CINEPpPXWRXHsOsglPY69zR_84CEr-3dDdY7/s1600/IMG_20141010_112237189.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bio notes to Zentangle drawings with the snap of my fingers. <br />
I seriously don't know why they're upside-down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So about this presentation, <em>Hola me llamo Tanika</em>.... blah blah boring blah. I have to make myself sound exciting, funny, I have to be the most <strong>Tanika</strong> I can be! <em>Oh but that sun feels so nice.</em> I sit right next to the window, which doesn't help with my fluttering thoughts. Amidst school bells, children screaming and the wind blowing my hair around making me feel like a super model (quick cute Spanish boys look I'm being attractive!) it's a surprise I even read in class. Now as the sun is warming my left ear I just have to soak it all in and dream.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd06nfqEVDoflWRCiHyBNkAH3EZrPgTO7xRTageeAPSnzN9rfVIEtNeqM0v_pQczd_SZ0CsynRlYPFXjZzG4Z15vHwVOffk9_NDoHuvdL_3srYl3I1o2zZ4K3xoVjyrrZN-zjt_DWyK1dI/s1600/IMG_20141005_022236187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd06nfqEVDoflWRCiHyBNkAH3EZrPgTO7xRTageeAPSnzN9rfVIEtNeqM0v_pQczd_SZ0CsynRlYPFXjZzG4Z15vHwVOffk9_NDoHuvdL_3srYl3I1o2zZ4K3xoVjyrrZN-zjt_DWyK1dI/s1600/IMG_20141005_022236187.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His coffee cup = My cereal bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today I thought of trampolines. I haven't been very sad here yet, actually I don't think I've been sad at all. But now as I let my mind bring me back to the days of jumping on my trampoline I felt this huge indescribable longing. Is it the freedom to be a bird "just cause I said so" or is it simply the need to feel something beneath my feet that will spring me back up, instead of tripping me up (Cobblestone streets and clumsy girls do not mix) Loving family, lifelong friends, my greatest love my hot-dog BoBo, all worth missing and I haven't cried once. (Am I heartless that the longing for trampolines makes me want to cry but for my family hasn't or am I just incredibly weird? Don't answer, I'm choosing the 2nd) So as the school bell rang I choked back my first almost sadness and let the sun be a sign, a sign from the universe that I today is my day, this year is my year. Each step in the sun brightened me a little and I looked the universe right in the eye. Yes I can universe, and yes I will. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49A8f32vNvMSsgQpAq73xo59Q0hwJb9K75YqgRtYFqzLn7itXkSo2NFDxpTYqV6tN5iBTIvr46LLw-XGfuR407VVLsSHld6E-9ChLXsNlqJhPvi-V_WPwMcpp_GQvckce4bxJCLXrgpip/s1600/IMG_20141005_120708801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49A8f32vNvMSsgQpAq73xo59Q0hwJb9K75YqgRtYFqzLn7itXkSo2NFDxpTYqV6tN5iBTIvr46LLw-XGfuR407VVLsSHld6E-9ChLXsNlqJhPvi-V_WPwMcpp_GQvckce4bxJCLXrgpip/s1600/IMG_20141005_120708801.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That field, like playing on green clouds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Will what? Gosh I just wasted the whole day doodling and was still empty on presentation ideas. (Oh hyperactive brain why must you skipper scamper all over the place!) Ok I still have a few hours still, I can manage that right? Well, wrong. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbciRJcnk0E-LPm7sDY26EnHyNgaWeXuTGqJbUselhdg7fG62iV1VIXf_hDfuGj96lP9gUYPYq-7OG10DdDefkKr6r3HpF2wh1YndGbt0vZY_MHl8DXktPjj0vCuBGmj4RBIOz91FhYo-/s1600/IMG_20141005_062454368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbciRJcnk0E-LPm7sDY26EnHyNgaWeXuTGqJbUselhdg7fG62iV1VIXf_hDfuGj96lP9gUYPYq-7OG10DdDefkKr6r3HpF2wh1YndGbt0vZY_MHl8DXktPjj0vCuBGmj4RBIOz91FhYo-/s1600/IMG_20141005_062454368.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
They don't have homeroom, study hall, free period whatever you'd like to call that class where you get to "study" aka. do nothing. But once a month the students the students celebrate all the birthdays for that month by bringing food for a "Merindola" like an in-class pot luck. Here's the catch, instead of bringing treats for the B'Day Boys and B'Day girls the ones being celebrated are the ones who bring food. Does this sound reverse to you? Me too. But in my overachieving "Let me spread some American sugar culture" way, I promised to make brownies. Did I know if I had the ingredients let alone the time to do this? Hmm nope! Once again in over my head and without baking powder to make chocolate goodies rise. It's off to the super market.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wCY8_wDy9uqgXV1MiF1pVNkH04Aajl8LOgbZhT5PrgHzcRYnLU6e6c4hhDUkPl7jDAaysZ3gWFjHwwMsZtVc11HGrmbV4dnhctgKIiBZk5wiZfOZgP0Uz0PpZ3qWTIRsMQUiISKUtxb7/s1600/IMG_20140916_030508822_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wCY8_wDy9uqgXV1MiF1pVNkH04Aajl8LOgbZhT5PrgHzcRYnLU6e6c4hhDUkPl7jDAaysZ3gWFjHwwMsZtVc11HGrmbV4dnhctgKIiBZk5wiZfOZgP0Uz0PpZ3qWTIRsMQUiISKUtxb7/s1600/IMG_20140916_030508822_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If when it looks like an icky gray day. There's always something to smile about.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I mounted my bike and zoom-zipped through the now familiar streets, stopping at <em>Eroski</em> supermarket. (My biking abilities have improved so much I'm seriously considering asking for a new bike rather than a car, oh how my parents would love me for that!) As I pondered the isles in search of all things chocolate. I reviewed all the things I could use in my presentation, well there are my families, school, soccer, my fatal shoe incident- maybe we'll leave that one out. I was stopped by the clock. Realizing I had 50 minutes to get home, get dressed and bake some brownies I nearly threw my Euro's at the cashier but not knowing how to say "<em>Keep the change</em>" and finding him fairly cute I took the extra 2 minutes to wait for my receipt to print. With a quick "<em>Gracias</em>" I was out the door and pedaling my way back to the house. Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go go go!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXML0QhzCsBawT5rWHN3-uP-JteUgBx5upB6GcAXiSy2ghhN2SkoeT40RCi6DL8UtVhuEtVTfGeBfF8X-8fBQEc-Vu_0TGpfYlgak8QiUnPUaQnpLsvu4L4lFCSw39X0G-Mulc7gJLDSd6/s1600/IMG_20140926_104922037_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXML0QhzCsBawT5rWHN3-uP-JteUgBx5upB6GcAXiSy2ghhN2SkoeT40RCi6DL8UtVhuEtVTfGeBfF8X-8fBQEc-Vu_0TGpfYlgak8QiUnPUaQnpLsvu4L4lFCSw39X0G-Mulc7gJLDSd6/s1600/IMG_20140926_104922037_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall is in the air and on the ground! Hot apple cider and Halloween!<br />
Wait do they do that here?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I'm not sure my mom knew what to do. I was a twister in the kitchen chopping, mixing, converting (why can't we all just use the metric system!) but once the brownies were in the oven I took a moment to breathe. With only 22 minutes to get beautified I looked down at my baggy sweat pants and flour covered <strong>Keep</strong> <strong>Calm</strong> t-shirt (oh the irony of life) and asked her "I can go like this, right?" She laughed as though I was a 100% kidding when I was only about 90% serious. What happened to this night needing to be my best first impression?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO7RSRBzhlJOdiQsxJEZlsZT_uQhvEppuOFBeUGEXcU07unXT1BtsYegoKytyECAdqDSUKpBIaQIdVjF2N918bEN7HtlIkwuFZttZsZUd_1Bwab9Oq_FKTFP6ipvCknLv_DDG_FSi1ANf/s1600/IMG_20141005_155330824_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO7RSRBzhlJOdiQsxJEZlsZT_uQhvEppuOFBeUGEXcU07unXT1BtsYegoKytyECAdqDSUKpBIaQIdVjF2N918bEN7HtlIkwuFZttZsZUd_1Bwab9Oq_FKTFP6ipvCknLv_DDG_FSi1ANf/s1600/IMG_20141005_155330824_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were my 1st attepmts at Crunchy Banana-Nut Muffins.<br />
Without baking powder, they were more like cookies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In 20 minutes the house smelled of chocolate and I of roses. Rotary Club de Pamplona here I come. Despite making the continuous mistake of offering my hand when hellooo we are in Spain where it's all about the kisses, I felt confident. It didn't matter that I had next to nothing prepared for my 5 minutes of fame, I'd been winging it half my life and done pretty well. We sat down and the room quieted. Presentation time. No volunteers? You guessed it. I was first!..<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr7mU0r4GoE9ePdOqTzKjWUy0cgqtLJwM1XOEC6ipuWJF28lxZ5fVSk4YI0LR9M2UzFglwsb8ansJtrNPi-JlK-au24nHJTRHs97-GMxbxKuawzn7ZiD7SE4lvPK4FcBHU87G4tcjlQb8/s1600/IMG_20141006_161528112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr7mU0r4GoE9ePdOqTzKjWUy0cgqtLJwM1XOEC6ipuWJF28lxZ5fVSk4YI0LR9M2UzFglwsb8ansJtrNPi-JlK-au24nHJTRHs97-GMxbxKuawzn7ZiD7SE4lvPK4FcBHU87G4tcjlQb8/s1600/IMG_20141006_161528112.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking pictures with yummy waiters because I'm an exchange student and we do these things shamelessly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Spanish girl inside me, blossomed. Though I don't remember all the things I said, I know exactly how I felt. I've always loved to speak in front of people. When I should be scared, I feel empowered. All eyes on me and if I can manage to make the crowd laugh with my jokes then any slip up is worth it. Luckily the slip ups were few and my overly bright smiling made up for them. After I attacked "dinner" (A table of appetizers does not constitute as dinner for a famished teenager) I continued talking with Rotarians and future exchange students, finding it easier and easier to just to be me. In another language I say that deserves brownie points. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W3s0PD4eU7TrmeA9yNfh_LA3-bacF26qMGRId3kr1rIIbQvDMFWGy4lXJFl5oUWi7vVBKMR0AaeGw1uXEZU75rQ6yfFlWRbH6AJSvy74BYYprJADadPdmqbFg0ImmrvBH37g3cU42psl/s1600/IMG_20141006_120841222_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W3s0PD4eU7TrmeA9yNfh_LA3-bacF26qMGRId3kr1rIIbQvDMFWGy4lXJFl5oUWi7vVBKMR0AaeGw1uXEZU75rQ6yfFlWRbH6AJSvy74BYYprJADadPdmqbFg0ImmrvBH37g3cU42psl/s1600/IMG_20141006_120841222_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun inside me won't stop shining even on the rainy days it keeps it's glow burning strong.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My biggest fear was that I'd lose myself in a new language but if anything I've discovered more of me. I take pride in each smile I can make shine and even if it's only one person a day I feel accomplished. I'll keep on shining for months to come because Spain, followers, anyone who feels the sun, this year is our year!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-63393803179447010872014-10-04T15:20:00.000-07:002014-10-04T15:20:30.454-07:00Beach Days are the Best Days<br />
I'm sorry for not write-typing enough to you (wow I actually have readers to apologize too! Is this what fame feels like?) But the more time I spend here, the better it gets and the more adventures I have. Every so I often I find moments to do a little typing but it's happening, I'm truly becoming a Spaniard... I take naps! Before I just couldn't-- <em>so much to do, so much to see and night time is for sleeping, right?</em> Not in Spain. Naps are the pre-workouts for plenty of after-hour mischief yet to come. Which only further better/worsens my Spain clock, late nights and still early mornings, but can you blame me when the curfew is "Cuando tu quieres." > "When you feel like." I've realize now why there are no Starbucks here, people need the real stuff, espresso cups to punch you awake! Though I have yet to get karate chopped by one of those caffeine ninjas, it has appealed to me. Especially this morning because guess where we're off to (yes, you and me!) We're going to the beach!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDVgJaumQASoPdLlf3nr3-tKm1tug2-BQ-JWF0nP-chR9u4kpdY44mkcJNm20HXMx7r9B9nI5V1ma3i9nGF1LgnW8y4TImDpyCLvWmwXG02lWXzrSWi-kZkFmmrNYzSm835goVyOCeIES/s1600/IMG_20141004_033107673_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDVgJaumQASoPdLlf3nr3-tKm1tug2-BQ-JWF0nP-chR9u4kpdY44mkcJNm20HXMx7r9B9nI5V1ma3i9nGF1LgnW8y4TImDpyCLvWmwXG02lWXzrSWi-kZkFmmrNYzSm835goVyOCeIES/s1600/IMG_20141004_033107673_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the sun rose at each turn, the world got a little greener.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Picture Perfect Route</h4>
As we made our way to the French boarder, over the river and through the mountains, I wouldn't let myself blink (ok maybe once or twice) I just could not miss a moment of the movie-screen worthy scenery rolling out around me. The green green glorious green! I just wanted to hike up the mountainsides and get lost in the trees (sorry Twilight, Navarra has got you beat) While my eyes watered to lack of blinking the car filled with a mix of Spanish rock, French pop and a finale of- philosophical talk? (In French might I add) But I didn't die of boredom, nor of not understanding a word of French (strike that I know "oui, bonjour and croissant")at that point I was already =envisioning the sandy surf that waited just beyond these trees.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV6IgAxGd2TveN2cAAPPXiWPMqz_vkFRl06HtmkU3qWgCrZQSsr_sVZa05f-jVXWURrI_RBUH3FDcmjWB9tWKNbTF7Gjm8EHEi3bJIEIpKQ88AsITWdetfT-o8MQ6sRSr_gj24h4vrTXt/s1600/IMG_20141004_032426779_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV6IgAxGd2TveN2cAAPPXiWPMqz_vkFRl06HtmkU3qWgCrZQSsr_sVZa05f-jVXWURrI_RBUH3FDcmjWB9tWKNbTF7Gjm8EHEi3bJIEIpKQ88AsITWdetfT-o8MQ6sRSr_gj24h4vrTXt/s1600/IMG_20141004_032426779_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He did kindly slow down for a very snapshots, just for you readers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though I know nothing about European highways I distinctly remember seeing signs posting 80km in big read numbers and our speedometer holding fairly steady at a little orange 110. Did I say anything? Certainly no! My dad asked if I'd like to stop and take some pictures but when someone says that you can be in France, on a beach in 45 minutes if we hurry, you turn into <em>Forrest </em>and RUN RUN RUN! (My movie references are just so on point today!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBqW2lT7j-kCN0eIdnp2bSc3RC5XNmgwg6bAvYoRX9OAAi0cW4wGVBSgY-VcnsFscfChnsPS1PTGbckafbRUwc27-BrCBAmYmyqoOJnetazchIYG_ADEwHoyFFf43f0coaWe9wWVSMPJb/s1600/IMG_20141004_040609886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBqW2lT7j-kCN0eIdnp2bSc3RC5XNmgwg6bAvYoRX9OAAi0cW4wGVBSgY-VcnsFscfChnsPS1PTGbckafbRUwc27-BrCBAmYmyqoOJnetazchIYG_ADEwHoyFFf43f0coaWe9wWVSMPJb/s1600/IMG_20141004_040609886.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Host dad checking out the surf before we suit up.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHZAvT8FuGvjGm6rQpFNnsFuNH8EFtNr7EXe-2MxB9MrpNkUjB-MC4HUHKLpGd_w2oGMBVoBHO03DaiuXqnL6JKJk7cj7qQ9cCf7p0V5GCZHG9dqYnlceV8JPy7UiqhOvS-zVzKURMYxu/s1600/IMG_20141004_055015206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHZAvT8FuGvjGm6rQpFNnsFuNH8EFtNr7EXe-2MxB9MrpNkUjB-MC4HUHKLpGd_w2oGMBVoBHO03DaiuXqnL6JKJk7cj7qQ9cCf7p0V5GCZHG9dqYnlceV8JPy7UiqhOvS-zVzKURMYxu/s1600/IMG_20141004_055015206.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a>
A Surf of Countries</h4>
I have only been surfing twice in my life, both times with baby waves. So I was literally knocked off my feet when I saw the waves we'd be catching (or in my case fighting) this morning. Never the less I charged the incoming tide with determination and was quickly beat down to the sandy bottom. I'd been attacked by waves before, but once again never like this. In moments I was ball kicked and hit, punch and passed as the ocean simply played with me. <em>"SUN-SURFACE-AIR!"</em> Despite moments of fear that I still don't like to admit to, I always resurfaced, spit up water and plunged into the next one. And this year, this life will be worth it, with each crash. (Like the trillion metaphors I have on life, surfing makes the top ten.) Only after we trudged up to the sand did my dad say "No hemos hecho tampoco, demasiado duros." > We couldn't do it either, too hard." so I wasn't the only one struggling!<br />
<br />
<br />
And where, might you ask, were all the cute Spanish/French guys to help me rise from my salty struggle? Doing what hot Spanish/French surfer guys are supposed to do, actually ride the waves, not drown in them. I still managed to get a whistle from one (you know after I had chocked up a liter of salt water and called it a day) Oh how hard it is to flirt here- no, in another language- no, in Pamplona- no... I'll find another time to write on this subject and I will specifically title GIRLS ONLY.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsr1cVoSNfO5EpWxJVz7HR8KYUZ2qHxd24JU_Oym9eKFAZhAuAEClvcGCKbnFZ0ea9BY2zEO3pnNYzEuRF_aOruqn6btEuYjoCuITqRuIpyo4WhPobriHv2ar6uuufvyR-INJou8DuDo9G/s1600/IMG_20141004_052817615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsr1cVoSNfO5EpWxJVz7HR8KYUZ2qHxd24JU_Oym9eKFAZhAuAEClvcGCKbnFZ0ea9BY2zEO3pnNYzEuRF_aOruqn6btEuYjoCuITqRuIpyo4WhPobriHv2ar6uuufvyR-INJou8DuDo9G/s1600/IMG_20141004_052817615.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sea tried to beat me. I conquered! P.S. I don't know why my ribs are popping out here?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tomorrow is a day of soccer up early for the game, and then spending the whole day bonding in Irun with the team. The things I love, soccer and friendship. Am I cheese ball for saying that? (yes) Well I'll leave you with this anything but sweet video of our city's team Osasuna chanting profanity that, as always being foreign, I just went with. OS-SA-SUNA NUNCA SE DICE!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOt_cLoCtOHTFrI7Gy2SjbF91KZkLGnxTCVGw1Vr1-oEucux3pwIGcMgT5M1vPTzrdKI_rhCAhNFQ5X-tBOKcya3BpQbTFClygxJDMf7uPWa_4vMV_Czdr5PuqctQqcem3H1VlU96ytGv/s1600/VID_20141004_121759471.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOt_cLoCtOHTFrI7Gy2SjbF91KZkLGnxTCVGw1Vr1-oEucux3pwIGcMgT5M1vPTzrdKI_rhCAhNFQ5X-tBOKcya3BpQbTFClygxJDMf7uPWa_4vMV_Czdr5PuqctQqcem3H1VlU96ytGv/s1600/VID_20141004_121759471.mp4" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOt_cLoCtOHTFrI7Gy2SjbF91KZkLGnxTCVGw1Vr1-oEucux3pwIGcMgT5M1vPTzrdKI_rhCAhNFQ5X-tBOKcya3BpQbTFClygxJDMf7uPWa_4vMV_Czdr5PuqctQqcem3H1VlU96ytGv/s1600/VID_20141004_121759471.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-16132950663603411162014-09-28T15:15:00.003-07:002014-09-28T15:19:56.655-07:00Perfect Endings to Amazing Beginings<div style="text-align: center;">
Where do I begin,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How can I explain,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This endless love I have for Spain.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkJ6SNFWzZndOJZPyv40yUehvaH0R-9BmHIIvph4JlXNdfMRtYZlLnmN-tFAybyme9VLEmdjYT_CkfRqKc5hv7LiIdfsnIwhKduvuynw6odpTZfJjBbkv8DXMtGYiyHWivMmsqpwLNM8g/s1600/IMG_20140926_102901078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkJ6SNFWzZndOJZPyv40yUehvaH0R-9BmHIIvph4JlXNdfMRtYZlLnmN-tFAybyme9VLEmdjYT_CkfRqKc5hv7LiIdfsnIwhKduvuynw6odpTZfJjBbkv8DXMtGYiyHWivMmsqpwLNM8g/s1600/IMG_20140926_102901078.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bike takes me to the edge of the world and on the other side is another world, worth discovering.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
I've changed my scale of awesome, the highest level possible: <strong>Spain</strong>. And this weekend has been very Spain. (Yes I did just repeat Spain in every sentence, the name alone brings me joy)<br />
<br />
<h4>
Soccer is Life! No Really.</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em></em></strong> </div>
I have many loves in my life. Reading books in cuddly p-jamjams, doing cartwheels in the rain, starting to dance when the moment just calls for a random dance party, but playing soccer is one of those loves that has never left. So my first question after receiving my host country was <em>Where and how soon will I be able to play!</em> Luckily I had the help of well connected parents and my first week here I tried out for a team in the second national division. For me it's all about the passion. You've got to want it or why play? There is no lack in the passion pool here. We start each practice with pure sweat. Sprints, push ups, crunches gahh I love it! (And this is the point where most people tell me to hush up with my hyperactive self but it's my blog so all you couch potatoes let me speak!) <br />
<br />
The best part about being on a team, a whole new group of friends. These girls are beyond nice, they help me with the Spanish soccer terms and laugh at all my attempts to be funny. (Score!) On Friday's we practice from 8:30-10:30 pm I have to take a bus home so I usually don't arrive until 11 for dinner(Eating crazy late, but when in Spain do like the Spaniards and eat the baby octopi!) The girls had taken English and were trying to have conversations with me. It was nice not to be the only one stumbling over words. At the end of the night I received a round of hugs and see you later's! I was a part of yet another family that just keeps growing.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vwg-Ldk-eBAmd-yrjfj4tGYQnZdpDdagXMZHvicNKtx1V5ajTbIl_c9IohBz5XzQAyL_GIJ6uaplEFAyys5U5pdk25ty-sbSHcc5hdKDyUyRQyNRa15RueEPQISYuULXVB4rADZam-qe/s1600/IMG_20140925_123935422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vwg-Ldk-eBAmd-yrjfj4tGYQnZdpDdagXMZHvicNKtx1V5ajTbIl_c9IohBz5XzQAyL_GIJ6uaplEFAyys5U5pdk25ty-sbSHcc5hdKDyUyRQyNRa15RueEPQISYuULXVB4rADZam-qe/s1600/IMG_20140925_123935422.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No this isn't my team, we have cooler uniforms (;</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh and the game? Well being new and unofficially on the team I could only watch. The way it works here is 16 and up can play. So our team consisting of 16-18 year olds (some of which remain under 5 feet) are going up against fully grown fully muscled "women". Seriously I could not believe the size of these lady's! But we held our own after a nail-biting 90 minutes we managed the win 2-1! Next weekend it's off to Irun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl3SSp5CmVjL9129rlLnMeRBdh_BLfwOHLU6bWd4ZhyEytm69wGP4JclwA38fphszFN9U7gZpFmDlipCoSENXHUJa6G0tZsjLZC-915EITC_EQT205jc-0T_MHzINYQFcUBZsgv1nWni3/s1600/IMG_20140925_101422725_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl3SSp5CmVjL9129rlLnMeRBdh_BLfwOHLU6bWd4ZhyEytm69wGP4JclwA38fphszFN9U7gZpFmDlipCoSENXHUJa6G0tZsjLZC-915EITC_EQT205jc-0T_MHzINYQFcUBZsgv1nWni3/s1600/IMG_20140925_101422725_HDR.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now let's take a bus ride to Zuasti, the home of my other brother, Alberto.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Zuasti Festivities </h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbDeb_u7t2jAStYm0qzDxdX2qZCmqNFIavbol5-efnshEI2TRNaZc5Kvla91yXY282XQy_tpWqJFzCzRR-CkCKUxqnNKjR2MsLiM_l94pu-pq5YjZbO3qB8cInHlt1ShyphenhyphenEjDGSUW7BiqV/s1600/IMG_20140927_085927177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbDeb_u7t2jAStYm0qzDxdX2qZCmqNFIavbol5-efnshEI2TRNaZc5Kvla91yXY282XQy_tpWqJFzCzRR-CkCKUxqnNKjR2MsLiM_l94pu-pq5YjZbO3qB8cInHlt1ShyphenhyphenEjDGSUW7BiqV/s1600/IMG_20140927_085927177.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you it doesn't burn a little, you're<br />
not doing it right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Let's see how do I put this without overselling it... The entire day was perfection! I woke up and did some yoga, preparing for a long day/night starting with a sunny carnival/comida. Rows of tables, the young, the old and the awesomely teenager all enjoying a neighborhood picnic. The boys cook paella and the girls make desserts (Kind of adorable!). Sitting around the "camp fire" I listened to tales of drunken adventure, thinking in a year I'll have all these stories of my own, all these Spanish adventures and you're along for the ride!<br />
<br />
After a few hours in wooden chairs I'll be honest my butt was numb. What better way to cure a numb butt? Why hop on a bull! We are in Pamplona for goodness sakes! Riding a <em>mechanical</em> bull was on my BucketList so trying not to look like a 5 year old, I rushed to the inflatable circle that surrounded the coolest of little kiddie carnival rides. Feeling alive the next escapade was soon too come, my love, soccer.<br />
<br />
I emerged in my brother Alberto's man-sized soccer clothes and tennis shoes fit for a 10 year old boy. I was the only girl so a lot of people were watching la Americana play. Boys will be boys, tricks to impress the ladies, but at this point I was no longer a "lady". The boys said I was good and told me I could play with them anytime, I felt like one of the guys! (maybe it's because I was dressed like one) When I said I had to go change and make myself look like a girl for the parties tonight I got back "Eres muy guapa" > You are very beautiful. I was blushing (or maybe I was red from all the chasing) Either way compliment well taken. I went back to the house to get ready for my first real Spanish fiesta!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f1gvmBv6pZ8UMRNN0wUja55jprY7L148TSIR0HlvifZ_kP4hkMxGu4bfHHv30pf1JY5bxsHCsdNz8eURMTj5AgBIX20CIk6jLoFzOW1gcrqZ-j8YKaAJByJ1Rn4_aDs5Uk55iP5_ibm4/s1600/IMG_20140927_111620253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f1gvmBv6pZ8UMRNN0wUja55jprY7L148TSIR0HlvifZ_kP4hkMxGu4bfHHv30pf1JY5bxsHCsdNz8eURMTj5AgBIX20CIk6jLoFzOW1gcrqZ-j8YKaAJByJ1Rn4_aDs5Uk55iP5_ibm4/s1600/IMG_20140927_111620253.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaceful before the bull got his buck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Midnight in San Fermines (Chiquito)</h4>
There is time, on a clock, and then there is Spain-Time, whenever you feel like it. We began a long evening of mischief around 10pm in la bajera (last blog post give it a look) Here's the thing, I don't know the right Spanish music. Before arriving I compiled playlists with all kinds of salsa and Latin pop only to find I had all the wrong songs. So I simply smiled and pretended (like all good exchange students do) as the room filled with the sing/shouting of 30 or so wild teenagers. <br />
<br />
Amidst a conversation with the 3rd Alejandro I'd met this week (how will I remember all these names) an American song began to play. All my new friends wanted to know what "American dancing" is (please anything other than Twerking!) Never do I question whether or not to dance, the answer is always <strong><u>YES</u></strong>. Up off the couch and out onto the dance floor flew the Latin-Irish-American girl shaking her culo like there was no tomorrow. Worked out for me, I was supposedly "a good dancer" (extra points)!<br />
<br />
We were approaching 1 in the morning and guess what, this was just the beginning. Dancing, singing, cheering I never felt happier to reintroduce myself a million and one different times to the million and one new faces. We marched through the streets of the old city a pack of friends, or a group of family, to me it felt like both. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe7LO6uQJa_qF26WSc97AZgedfFg3blVBlpKhgPYelyUrdSmBf20aN9XEq0Xw2Xql7js4RzBMLwyJKRX9xrusYRQ1MbWjpTB6qlI92770IQrfc8EKT8Yoe_Plx5Q6lE1HPiS4ftFY0aVj/s1600/IMG_20140926_132445491_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe7LO6uQJa_qF26WSc97AZgedfFg3blVBlpKhgPYelyUrdSmBf20aN9XEq0Xw2Xql7js4RzBMLwyJKRX9xrusYRQ1MbWjpTB6qlI92770IQrfc8EKT8Yoe_Plx5Q6lE1HPiS4ftFY0aVj/s1600/IMG_20140926_132445491_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the roof of my house the city comes to life around me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this, dear readers is where I leave you because like all grand tales of adventure, a little mystery is what keeps the story alive.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-26609664477583507292014-09-22T08:59:00.000-07:002014-09-22T14:02:20.126-07:00Pamplona, I Love YouSo much has happened in one week (oh my gracious I can't believe it has already been a week)! Instead of going through all the exciting details some of which I can't even share (super secrets ;)) I'll make this a simple list of what I love so far (minus a few hundred other things that my fingers got too tired for).<br />
<br />
<h3>
1. <u>Small City</u></h3>
Everyone keeps saying "oh Pamplona is a small city" but for me, everything is new and exciting and SPANISH! A smaller makes it an exchange students dream, big cities can be intimidating for a newbie. When I got lost (just that one time!) I managed to navigate my way back to my house, even though I couldn't open the gate once I arrived, the neighbors helped me out. Which brings me to #2.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FjOcKiTtDC-HyMDtYhJ2tUC5fHihamNRDtuNEdBC6Nqp3VBbPryRn9ZWpcH5ViPQJHMehwQeE6K9jx9dLVdwkfGp-X6eFy0G0nNRe_W8ev3fxq1aJsx15fJl0x5HwhgU6XAt8RZkxQ4x/s1600/IMG_20140920_094359368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FjOcKiTtDC-HyMDtYhJ2tUC5fHihamNRDtuNEdBC6Nqp3VBbPryRn9ZWpcH5ViPQJHMehwQeE6K9jx9dLVdwkfGp-X6eFy0G0nNRe_W8ev3fxq1aJsx15fJl0x5HwhgU6XAt8RZkxQ4x/s1600/IMG_20140920_094359368.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've been saving the peanut butter but now that it's open I splurge! Look at this little spread of heaven.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
2. <u>Nice People</u></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been told that since I'm pretty and a foreigner, that's why everyone is nice to me but I don't buy that. It's not just my family and the people in school that have been nice to me but literally EVERYONE. The soccer team, the neighbors, strangers in stores, strangers in the plaza, strangers at the bus stop, I've received more compliments in one week than I have in a month of living in the US! I'm sure the more Spanish I get the less plentiful the compliments will come but for right now I'm soaking up the lime light.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here I would have placed a picture with some of the wonderful people I have met but my new Spanish mobile device has decided to not work with my American laptop. I apologize for such an unfortunate political conflict. </div>
</blockquote>
<h3>
3. <u>Running Routes</u></h3>
Exercise junkie, right here. I worked for my crazy legs but inherited my workout obsession from my parents. My brain is full of Spanish, English, names and memory, exercise clears my mind. Mountain side, river side, park side, the paths here are green and gorgeous. <em>Story time!</em> When I went running the other morning I stopped at the perfect spot to do some my favorite HITT workouts (found on youtube "BodyRock" check it out!) and after I finished the first round I noticed a little old lady had been watching me and she said in Spanish. <em>"Such strength. You are lucky. I wish I could do the same."</em> We both laughed, I thanked her, and she continued walking. I felt once again, like a superstar!<br />
<br />
<h3>
4. <u>Singing Brothers</u></h3>
I really hope he doesn't see this (and if you are a friend to me you will not share it with him) but my host brother sings and I adore it beyond belief! I hear his American music playing and it doesn't take much to hear his sing-a-long cover as well. With an endearing accent it makes me think of home and my own dad singing, off key but still wonderfully.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlh-hSsm8SAl3culsY8ZNFdKkkTbXwFW7c7H31hcbxvpBcy6dHkP64V-bK0Giw1OOAPQjd7Afc8LBHAMoxOFDGbS-A_7ILg8LoS7uR-RRWk7bE3LBXmS_c7nSOwYLVms498a6z2EKThVHF/s1600/IMG_20140920_063153562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlh-hSsm8SAl3culsY8ZNFdKkkTbXwFW7c7H31hcbxvpBcy6dHkP64V-bK0Giw1OOAPQjd7Afc8LBHAMoxOFDGbS-A_7ILg8LoS7uR-RRWk7bE3LBXmS_c7nSOwYLVms498a6z2EKThVHF/s1600/IMG_20140920_063153562.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other bother, Alberto about to take the shot. And yes, they won!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
5. <u>JUEVINCHO!</u></h3>
No that wasn't a sneeze you just experienced. In Pamplona "Thirsty Thursdays" take on a whole new meaning. At night around 22:00 (10pm) everyone heads out to the streets for "unos pinchos y unas cervezas". Pinchos are these amazing little servings of food and cervezas, well it's beer. For 2<span class="Unicode">€</span> (about $3) you can have both! The most amazingly Spanish food entertained my taste buds. Jamón, toasted baguette with tomato, thinly sliced ham and topped off by a bit of olive oil. Simple right? But absolute perfection. First the crunch of the bread let's you know <em>"mhmm this is going to be good"</em> then the sweetness of the tomato says <em>"just wait it get's better"</em> and finally the ham, so delicate it virtually melts on you're tongue <em>"you are welcome"</em>. (Sorry to any of you on diets who just suffered through such an epic foodgasm). Were we done? Heck no it's Pamplona! My sister Marie was so great reassuring me "You don't have to drink. If you feel tired just tell me. Whatever you like." I felt so relieved to have her there. But drinking, I'm an exchange student, a representation of Rotary and my country, responsible, independent -ok the Rotarians aren't looking now right?- I kid I kid! With school and soccer I really didn't want to go crazy. So Marie gave me "un zumo de uva". At first I thought <em>omg how lame I'm having grape juice</em>! But after the first sip I didn't care how lame it sounded. The juice was like a grape bursting in my mouth so fresh I wanted a gallon to take home! And onward we ventured into the late night lively streets.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWyWEktpDkTnxzrgbH2eKV0CXJfnfE039nncsr5WE2tenjQJ08de3DKn7Ja9C-wHDWpQbyBsqkI6wqZUh1XGGBG0sLU90FmzbxzbQQCdB5851kez2U-AbEo_W9ah7K1UrxOcrJBtvRnuo/s1600/IMG_20140918_145315721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWyWEktpDkTnxzrgbH2eKV0CXJfnfE039nncsr5WE2tenjQJ08de3DKn7Ja9C-wHDWpQbyBsqkI6wqZUh1XGGBG0sLU90FmzbxzbQQCdB5851kez2U-AbEo_W9ah7K1UrxOcrJBtvRnuo/s1600/IMG_20140918_145315721.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Spain we eat Pinchos on the ground. Get at us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
6. <u>There is Life</u></h3>
No matter what time of day (well minus siesta time) there are always people out and about milling through the streets, biking to they're next adventure or crowding cobble stone streets into the wee hours of the morning. Oh the night life of Spain! Perhaps it's that I've been trapped in the box of American teenage society but I could not get over how many people go out at night. You'd have to lock arms with friends when passing through a forest of the tall and tan... can you guess my next one?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn8FH0y9LkExB0xkoNCPJRFidhDq21LhY01wCEagMVLjP8RAXNxrKx4kfDHzNTC09gR7_IHYZAZF_L-JOswBPXfz3kWw1-qy-fH5EHllbV4zTttFtHbF4bwcUaBdbpGbSDoelcwlODs2X/s1600/VID_20140918_150023453.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn8FH0y9LkExB0xkoNCPJRFidhDq21LhY01wCEagMVLjP8RAXNxrKx4kfDHzNTC09gR7_IHYZAZF_L-JOswBPXfz3kWw1-qy-fH5EHllbV4zTttFtHbF4bwcUaBdbpGbSDoelcwlODs2X/s1600/VID_20140918_150023453.mp4" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, I am an exchange student, not a tourist. So of course I took a sneaky video to capture the crowd. This was at about 10pm. Later, it got more packed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. <u>Boys Where!?</u></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well yes it is me we're talking about here. <strong>*Fair warning to the boys reading this you may want to skip on, just saying, it gets girly!*</strong> Being foreign and knowing little of how to flirt in Spanish I've spent quite some time practicing the wink (; When I'm in a new place the Guy-dar is on. Something I've noticed, not as many "jacked" guys here. Having been surrounded by this type of abnormally buff male species, I'm liking the leaner look. But of course these are superficial observations and we are above that ladies. In Pamplona the guys I've met, like everyone I've met are soo nice! There isn't much shyness about them (well since our 1st greeting is a half-way-to-1st-base double kiss on the cheek) but really guys don't lose interest when I'm messing up words in fact they've been helpful in maneuvering my way through the language, with nice accents and rolling Rrrrr's that just make me heart skip a beat! Ok enough girly talk, for now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. <u>La Bajera</u></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To any of you prospect Spain Exchange Students, <strong>listen</strong> <strong>up</strong> because this is a piece of teenage culture you have to know. Basically a group of friends pools together some money and they rent what is ultimately an above ground basement. Like all good surprises, looks can deceive. The outside seriously resembles a place for hobos but on the inside... well it still looks like a place for hobos but with semi clean couches a tv and plenty more teenage antics. But it is also quite secretive, so sorry I couldn't capture the inside glory for you all. What I like the most about it is, unlike most teenager's I've come to know, who just take having "nothing to do" with a side of potato chips, the people here actually do something. They rent a cement block and fill it with memories. That my friends is teenhood.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1Xv9Vd8w7e7tFoIea-lVcHa-3c_I1V_u0ah8uOJoNqYwVFJDEDY67Bhhzk_r_C9brOg3nTUZpcbE93S7_HkRU-mi3XlqBTKU7Kj1HDB6UoZdjIGLp4RzW1JtpnJ8MrrvlOr3ATxoJLjq/s1600/IMG_20140920_135927457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1Xv9Vd8w7e7tFoIea-lVcHa-3c_I1V_u0ah8uOJoNqYwVFJDEDY67Bhhzk_r_C9brOg3nTUZpcbE93S7_HkRU-mi3XlqBTKU7Kj1HDB6UoZdjIGLp4RzW1JtpnJ8MrrvlOr3ATxoJLjq/s1600/IMG_20140920_135927457.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Bajera, a super secret meeting place of only the coolest kids in Pamplona. And perhaps a passing hobo.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div align="left">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">All in all Spain has a lot to offer and I to it. So together like tow best friends on the swings we will continue this journey through the up down and the spectacularly Spanish!</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-86375447926879422842014-09-18T15:43:00.002-07:002014-09-19T06:15:15.849-07:00A Day in My NotebookI'll make you all a deal. Transferring photos is very slow here and I really do not want to look like a tourist whipping out the camera 24/7 so for now this blog will contain minimal photos but at the end of big adventures I'll post as many as I can. If you bare with me I just may have a surprise for you at the end :D Sound good? Awesome, on with the journey!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Notes or Nah?</h4>
This is what I do in school. Take notes, some about what we are learning but mostly notes on what to say in blog (or doodles, lots of doodles). All translated from Spanish of course! Join me on a day in my notebook at Colegio San Cernin.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20PUtgJg1f5ZY8rfu0pmwYjPM3oRvy8zbcy4z3yhXC9CMmH9OH2EJKiNzcorDQvAAcXA3qLoAd-PFNvMXnhkpY-yQ5KzBhiu8MrprEjqAaz_ICGwaXFJ3tM-bdBcChw_-Hzt8JcdeHxTf/s1600/IMG_20140915_023818662_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20PUtgJg1f5ZY8rfu0pmwYjPM3oRvy8zbcy4z3yhXC9CMmH9OH2EJKiNzcorDQvAAcXA3qLoAd-PFNvMXnhkpY-yQ5KzBhiu8MrprEjqAaz_ICGwaXFJ3tM-bdBcChw_-Hzt8JcdeHxTf/s1600/IMG_20140915_023818662_HDR.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my notebook but my favorite book, translated in Spanish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Biologia:</h4>
Everyone has been saying how great my Spanish. All pride aside, I feel like that's just making the expectations so much higher. After a few tidbits about diffusion (surprisingly they are learning easy stuff too!) I developed two sides to the argument of whether/why I don't need to work hard in school this year. (Thank you to my English teacher, Mr.Jarocki for molding my mind into a debate machine)<br />
<ol>
<li>I can understand what's going on but that doesn't mean I want to study and stress like it affects me. This is my <strong>year of fun</strong>!</li>
<li>I know me. I'm competitive, driven, can not sit in a class for 7 hours, doing nothing, without going insane! (Plus I have the pride of a pageant mom in my school work)</li>
</ol>
The first is easy for anyone whose been an exchange student or even teenager (whatever that is) to understand. If you don't have to do it why do it, bare minimum is the level we're going for. I've battled with this idea since the day homework stopped being coloring pages and everyone else grew out of the "<strong>Yay School!" </strong>phase. Guess I'm still there because I love work. Now don't throw me off the teenage caravan please! But seriously guys doing things, not pointless things like memorizing my times tables (Sorry 3rd grade math teachers multiplication was not on my priority list) but working towards something is the only thing that makes me want it more. If I don't try, everything stops being important. <br />
<br />
Ok story time. In middle school there is this running test called the "<em>Pacer"</em> and you have when a beep goes off you have to make it to the other side before the second beep sounds. You only need about 30 to get a good grade. Every time I would tell myself "<em>Ok stop at 30. That's all you need</em>." But once I got to 30 something kicked in that made me want to do more, more than the girls beside me and more than the girl inside me shouting "One more! Everyone's watching, show them what you can do! GO GO GO!" (I know <strong>she is crazy</strong>) But knowing that crazy drive is always in me I really don't know how I believed I could take it slow this year.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Filosofia</h4>
Might I begin with, I have never taken a Philosophy class but here's something different, at the start of each class the students stand until the teacher allows them to sit (like in the movies). Then the teacher calls up each student and praises (rarely) or criticizes (likely) their entire homework. Harshh. I have too much pride for that kind of critiquing. But aside from the material, it's pretty different. Rows of students listen, write, listen, answer, listen. No discussion, no opinion. <br />
<br />
It's not like anyone likes it that way. Really, teachers and parents here have both told me the system is outdated. But if everyone thinks that way they why is no one doing anything about it? I know it's not my place, I'm the foreigner here. If I got up and shouted "Viva la revolución de educación!" >Long live the Educational Revolution, everyone would dub me as <strong>Crazy American</strong>. (Not being surrounded by crazy Americans makes me realize how crazy American I truly am). But I'm Tanika Santos, the girl who loves to think, loves to challenge and is learning to love change. Change is life. I may not be starting a revolution just yet but it's good to know there's a bit of my mom's fight in me. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Lenguaje/Literatura</h4>
It's so confusing what to wear, chilly mornings, stuffy buildings and then that perfect Looks-like-fall-feels-like-spring weather! The window is open and I'm loving that fresh air but I can hear all the younger kids outside having recess. I want to play too! So much <strong>sitting</strong>! Sitting in class, sitting on bikes, I don't know if I'll feel my butt by tomorrow! (On a really funny side note I initially wrote "<em>culo</em>">ass and my English teacher read it and started laughing). At this point we started talking about the relationships between teachers and students. I was interested so I listened in for a bit. The question was who is more important or are they equal? <br />
<br />
Being a student you know my answer, but it's not just that. Not to sound like a total flower child, but aren't we all students? I mean no matter how old you get there's always something new to learn. Then I go into a rather long but I would say insightful description of life, very proudly in Spanish. Coming to the conclusion that if we're all students in life the best of us start with teachers to give us that love of learning. In the end it's a cycle of human knowledge and with so many different ideas how could we not improve? I'm weird to have so much fascination in this conversation let us return to teenage rambling.<br />
<h4>
Ingles y Frances</h4>
I'll put these to together because I did the least in them. English I know almost everything, French I know almost nothing so it was the perfect time to take a midday break of thought. Until suddenly I heard "<em>Vamos a preguntar la Americana</em>" > Let's ask the American. Uhhhhh que? My goodness the first time I truly zone out today and I get the spotlight. But it was good they wanted me to have the honor of pulling out names for a project which of course I did not have to do. Whew fly through that one. Still with a French host dad and the beautiful country being so close it would be nice to learn more than "oui" "croissant" and "<span class="hps">français" ( love that "c" with a tail)!</span><br />
<h4>
Quimica y Fisica</h4>
The two more difficult last classes of the day and I was pretty burnt out. Chemistry, I didn't like it in the US, I doubt I'll like it here. Truthfully I spent most of that class doodling. But the first physics class in my life I wanted to know how that would go. Little did I know physics translates into <strong>math on crazy pills</strong>, not to mention it was all in Spanish! Luckly this was the first class where I didn't feel like I was the only one out of the loop. Most of the class had the <em>Wait</em> <em>WHAT</em>? look that has become my Every-Math-Class face. I change my mind, today was my first and last day of physics!<br />
<br />
Might I also take this time say that EVERYONE has been so nice here. It may be that I am a foreigner but wow I've talked to so many people that just want to know me! Thank you Pamplona!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_yjve0la79qqErfOjHYn0AF9oDDZwcoxX45GAANRh9fY9kPzvGf9Jvi3L7OVueKybqtwMv5wlY9P-RZ2ZkLCaZ9CvQCQnF1pA1qRpIB-95yh5uKnmcT3-VzpdNZQKjhgGRTCQA1EzjfE/s1600/IMG_20140915_011648442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_yjve0la79qqErfOjHYn0AF9oDDZwcoxX45GAANRh9fY9kPzvGf9Jvi3L7OVueKybqtwMv5wlY9P-RZ2ZkLCaZ9CvQCQnF1pA1qRpIB-95yh5uKnmcT3-VzpdNZQKjhgGRTCQA1EzjfE/s1600/IMG_20140915_011648442.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A creeper picture of my first cute Spanish boy sighting! I told you there would be a surprise! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Well there has also been a fancy dinner, a soccer try out and my first taste of Pamplona nightlife. All is soon to unfold. Until next time!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-81031251063665965652014-09-16T14:18:00.002-07:002014-09-16T14:18:49.217-07:00Followers, Welcome to Your New HomePamplona. Pamplona. Once more, PAMPLONA!! I'll back-track from my extreme excitement to explain how I got to this built up joy. Feeling like a move star, I stepped off the plane, onto the tarmac and was taken away. My backdrop was beautiful green mountains and a fresh breeze blowing my hair back, again like a movie star. How can you explain when the air tastes fresher and the sun feels brighter, you can not. It simply is! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m3v-SzRnhfT3ssuTkhpHY59YMJuYxiVL_iSLXCN6JoCcJWGw-JMsjAGXaJofz-oRIcZI6QYjP01YSS7fRCmZd6aSylGSsCK9EtQEFHL02KkcPTpu1HLeurbn-GbgXVjYTs8T0y8LeAIS/s1600/IMG_20140916_081906566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m3v-SzRnhfT3ssuTkhpHY59YMJuYxiVL_iSLXCN6JoCcJWGw-JMsjAGXaJofz-oRIcZI6QYjP01YSS7fRCmZd6aSylGSsCK9EtQEFHL02KkcPTpu1HLeurbn-GbgXVjYTs8T0y8LeAIS/s1600/IMG_20140916_081906566.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h4>
I've Arrived! Wait.... I've arrived?</h4>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1nG0TO7qyFJDcfs2-b6jfIeSie8UAo5oAXZb11XW3ONtu1BxqXDqynyOfSHX3IGLAztfQsLBcg2ZOSUCNfuzs4DV10jLeICdTYOzgTbnaseggv_ztEZ8dqlk5_bj0KHBxX5Tc2Tjo4SF/s1600/IMG_20140916_030449858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1nG0TO7qyFJDcfs2-b6jfIeSie8UAo5oAXZb11XW3ONtu1BxqXDqynyOfSHX3IGLAztfQsLBcg2ZOSUCNfuzs4DV10jLeICdTYOzgTbnaseggv_ztEZ8dqlk5_bj0KHBxX5Tc2Tjo4SF/s1600/IMG_20140916_030449858.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My one selfie. Excitement dialed down<br />
because I didn't want to freak anyone<br />
out with my happiness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Suddenly I was feeling nervous. After hardly feeling anything on the way in I was surprised to suddenly feel a little nervous. Beyond that sliding a door a new family waited and with it a new beginning, figuratively. Rapidly finger-combing my hair and awkwardly maneuvering 2 nearly 50 pound suitcases and one nearly bursting carry-on I passed through the door, literally.<br />
<br />
My new sister and father welcomed me with hugs and kisses. The first joke translated in English: "I told her an American girl with only one suitcase would be impossible!" At first I thought "Oh no I look so American!" but soon realized how sarcastic and jokey (word?) my family is, works for me! They both kept down-playing the city, "small", "old" but I absolutely loved it and from the first car window views it only got better, onto the bikes!<br />
<br />
You can bike anywhere! The entire city functions around biking lanes and get this, cars actually stop for bikers, no angry honking here! I was hooked. It seemed the whole city came out to welcome me. We ran into at least 5 people that Elisa (host mom) knew. All were so excited to finally meet me and all of them said the same things. "Welcome! You speak good Spanish! You are so pretty!" I continued to feel like a movie star. Until the unglamorous task of getting me a cell phone.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3848cTl5vgTLCXJWm0RSQyMpjKVoYMa4zZUX7YKKj3vEORuJJBqJQhso84Ja1Xuvu6Xnw2d5ucXoKTkhhdSg2zcHpRE0WuUtlxoYyJihx435HlwRJ0wOL-LBPOlzcOaQUJuOvMUUXa592/s1600/IMG_20140916_083559468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3848cTl5vgTLCXJWm0RSQyMpjKVoYMa4zZUX7YKKj3vEORuJJBqJQhso84Ja1Xuvu6Xnw2d5ucXoKTkhhdSg2zcHpRE0WuUtlxoYyJihx435HlwRJ0wOL-LBPOlzcOaQUJuOvMUUXa592/s1600/IMG_20140916_083559468.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes. We have a love/hate relationship, you give me nice calves, yet also butt pains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Go Go Go STOP!!</h4>
Like the roads, life in Spain is a very stop and go pace. We're going going doing this, that, here, there and then *stop light*. Just about anywhere that offers a service here you must take a number and wait. By "wait"I don't mean 15 minutes in and out, I mean 1 maybe 2 hours. Being my mothers daughter the impatience gene can catch up with me. If it weren't for my real father's laid back voice in my head and my new friend talking in my ear I just might have thrown a fit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21egDDBKhziwpL_9061nuW4xCLVLI4Z0jZZTyfZZG2fSOogENG79YPW2gYwOYuWzFAfIurvm5wkGHOrtSgONFt_K9Aph33uprJeSD0ZORQlFIIdouNu2wN1MLZPTRA_iiLbeIGNfdhBur/s1600/IMG_20140916_082827230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21egDDBKhziwpL_9061nuW4xCLVLI4Z0jZZTyfZZG2fSOogENG79YPW2gYwOYuWzFAfIurvm5wkGHOrtSgONFt_K9Aph33uprJeSD0ZORQlFIIdouNu2wN1MLZPTRA_iiLbeIGNfdhBur/s1600/IMG_20140916_082827230.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking path along the mountain side. City-Park-Mountains. This place is everything!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My new friend was a music man from Sicilly. There's a hiking trail "El Camino Santiago" that draws hundreds of people from all over the world. The people who take the trail from coast to coast of Spain are called "Peregrinos" Pilgrims. This was the first time I could hear about it from someone actually on the path. Giovanni flew to France and from <span style="color: black;">León he began his 800+ km journey. He had lot's of stories to tell me, heck we were both waiting two hours for cell phones. He said at the top of a mountain an eagle circled over him and the two had a conversation. Call him crazy and you can call me crazy too because I was on board and totally believe in it. Only days later did he find a feather of an eagle, the eagle who spoke to him. It sounded to me a lot like the <em>Alchemist</em> (One of my absolute favorite books if you have not read it, do). The store was soon closing and we were the last of the few waiting. On his way out he gave me his music studio card, "You are smart girl. You will do a lot. Good luck!" And with that he left like the King in the Alchemist, leaving behind an eagle feather in the form of his name. (No I did not take a creepy picture of him, Sorry ladies)</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAjvppMCR-feky3THB8_lnLpgfsujiG-PwZ9HsolJ1dNnQsl82zHLGwgTVtPhAcQOsEk6rlT6kokDJ1lgVkENfss6iePTm_6DjAHHEEIX0krud-JuxsUgj4l3zxJ-kie5V_oiJ41BY4yP/s1600/IMG_20140915_125734194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAjvppMCR-feky3THB8_lnLpgfsujiG-PwZ9HsolJ1dNnQsl82zHLGwgTVtPhAcQOsEk6rlT6kokDJ1lgVkENfss6iePTm_6DjAHHEEIX0krud-JuxsUgj4l3zxJ-kie5V_oiJ41BY4yP/s1600/IMG_20140915_125734194.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing the beauty and this family makes me think of my own an ocean away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
After a long wait I was feeling tired, not in the jet lag way but in the "Wow I've ridden bike all over the city and now my butt bones are sore" way. My dinner was salad (with tomatoes the size of mini pumpkins), bread (a crunch you can't believe), sausage (which my dad would have loved) and gazpacho (which my mom had prepared me to fear). Without fear I cut into that meaty cylinder, spooned full that chilly soup and was surprised by how delicious it all was. "Me voy a probar" I will try, is my new best friend in Spanish phrases.<br />
<br />
<h4>
I'm Going Bananas!</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aUp2Z8pzB0GPbdZr6I7iDAqqeAI8-8NFjQt2jO-oALYqPkbCNPGv0DQlLvqZMmjQ3r3JTQ0DmDpBzcB9OncyEFIAOs6NZdD0VPLre8qdZdX094KfN3BbaNjCIyupPJJumRoCz-Mt0IYx/s1600/IMG_20140916_062243348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aUp2Z8pzB0GPbdZr6I7iDAqqeAI8-8NFjQt2jO-oALYqPkbCNPGv0DQlLvqZMmjQ3r3JTQ0DmDpBzcB9OncyEFIAOs6NZdD0VPLre8qdZdX094KfN3BbaNjCIyupPJJumRoCz-Mt0IYx/s1600/IMG_20140916_062243348.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These bananas, like these bananas <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This may seem out there but can I just take a moment to appreciate the wonders of Spanish produce!? Nothing here is sold a day passed fresh (Besides the meat and wine). There are no GMO's so these little unaltered bananners were magically delicious (No Lucky Charms here either, but I'll take the Err-my-gawd amazing pan)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IKqXmRN_ERLh5w9Ne3BzrF_6wUOCWXwQOuA-i9mh3D-jyYmMCcr7S0zSWIgIscs_g4w6T3wE9ORAF8Y5mn_FX702Bd6CvRsTYs0nP90DuAkqMzLvUmMgRrIUHddw5tNip77WnT4cPQlT/s1600/IMG_20140916_071050024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IKqXmRN_ERLh5w9Ne3BzrF_6wUOCWXwQOuA-i9mh3D-jyYmMCcr7S0zSWIgIscs_g4w6T3wE9ORAF8Y5mn_FX702Bd6CvRsTYs0nP90DuAkqMzLvUmMgRrIUHddw5tNip77WnT4cPQlT/s1600/IMG_20140916_071050024.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oh no they got Wilbur!" haha one of my many moments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So much more has happened and I but just like last time my fingers are slowing and I have a really big day ahead of me, first day of school! The luck has been on my side so far, another day, another adventure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-68770529904366657862014-09-15T14:14:00.000-07:002014-09-15T14:14:33.592-07:00The Flight of My LifeToday was the big goodbye. Since my mom is the definition overly emotional and I her daughter there was no one to hand us tissues, pat our backs or play a sad violin as we went separate ways, apart for a year. She has given me everything since the day I was born a wild child. From making breakfasts (not just on the weekends but EVERY DAY) to more vacations than I can count my mom has been superwoman. I have so much more to say about her but just writing this is bringing on a whole new waterfall. This will not be a pity party. I may be a sentimental hormone driven teenage girl but I am also a young person on a life changing journey. Now inflate your neck pillows, we're going to Spain! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02oev9rjLQJY79A45HwPThk6k6xC8oETMMJFybRxNNuaIj5nwFX1S04dYuHC-t6n-rdgmjLptorvTaJBVHx7pfT82gX6OX64Z_Z03ipzks8xrbwqSNvw2x4VJF3XEQpzbI4bmKmIlmENo/s1600/Family+in+Pismo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02oev9rjLQJY79A45HwPThk6k6xC8oETMMJFybRxNNuaIj5nwFX1S04dYuHC-t6n-rdgmjLptorvTaJBVHx7pfT82gX6OX64Z_Z03ipzks8xrbwqSNvw2x4VJF3XEQpzbI4bmKmIlmENo/s1600/Family+in+Pismo.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last family trip in California, Pismo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Dallas to New York</h4>
I am in the worst seat on this entire plane. Last row and window, the literal corner of the cabin. The window doesn't help on this absurdly cloudy day. The sky is blank like I'm in a half finished drawing and the artist stopped before starting the sky (maybe he had a plane to catch too) Either way it looks empty outside the same way it's kind of empty in me. I haven't hit any of the wild emotions I should be feeling. Not the sadness and not the excitement yet either. Hopefully it hits me before I become heartless!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKjiVRoIsTDmMU9FG3aodlIwSWsUg8lekx2Ump4dIomhboLL8HXOrI3IE6AMz4n1CqOgECdoziyH7yn-4RY5cVAmPVT2iQshrPJUzFWJ7cXqqxq2m5mn8lxnisslrQDYc3AkXSCQFH0VC/s1600/IMG_20140914_105113834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKjiVRoIsTDmMU9FG3aodlIwSWsUg8lekx2Ump4dIomhboLL8HXOrI3IE6AMz4n1CqOgECdoziyH7yn-4RY5cVAmPVT2iQshrPJUzFWJ7cXqqxq2m5mn8lxnisslrQDYc3AkXSCQFH0VC/s1600/IMG_20140914_105113834.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1EQuJOqOadkBwR0XtPdITtOnWYZuZldyjjqPJytZxJgWERWcLPOxv2huY_5t-3seIoYJ3ss7GdgiACkIuOCnEsxfdqTEG3DaRyTB7uO6LuXK_Y2e0XR52D_Vd1HpGpXgBPeCWFTn6q7F/s1600/IMG_20140914_094956486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1EQuJOqOadkBwR0XtPdITtOnWYZuZldyjjqPJytZxJgWERWcLPOxv2huY_5t-3seIoYJ3ss7GdgiACkIuOCnEsxfdqTEG3DaRyTB7uO6LuXK_Y2e0XR52D_Vd1HpGpXgBPeCWFTn6q7F/s1600/IMG_20140914_094956486.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a>On my way!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCe66MdzLvadVvK1-skeWiqkINiLBLDyF93_nQAAA5ZNrGHdAF8CV3aT3nQ0-NgSa7Ypr8WZ_7BSwhoy-9YwFtkHA1UqOXU8KI2eVxsYt5CbyZtmkQAvb1IzPt0qZhpVVusbuoz7IxAti/s1600/IMG_20140914_133107056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCe66MdzLvadVvK1-skeWiqkINiLBLDyF93_nQAAA5ZNrGHdAF8CV3aT3nQ0-NgSa7Ypr8WZ_7BSwhoy-9YwFtkHA1UqOXU8KI2eVxsYt5CbyZtmkQAvb1IzPt0qZhpVVusbuoz7IxAti/s1600/IMG_20140914_133107056.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York looking as impressive as always.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyIg9fV-_wNTSrEdudhFppZ0GC-vEIjbcS_0T1SF5eFDFavyupfHIYl-SVF60tqUHW8Zj22YP1gultqPYYPaBhACsMzMYSFHZqrqUKqMUcy7CmBIbo6RxEUsp-jzUZQ74aJrsKC4yH-py/s1600/IMG_20140914_134500069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyIg9fV-_wNTSrEdudhFppZ0GC-vEIjbcS_0T1SF5eFDFavyupfHIYl-SVF60tqUHW8Zj22YP1gultqPYYPaBhACsMzMYSFHZqrqUKqMUcy7CmBIbo6RxEUsp-jzUZQ74aJrsKC4yH-py/s1600/IMG_20140914_134500069.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Zqs0RBNJ15-2EwaRGcOPl1qe7Sz45tRyrRMzgvYZjJIJ9JKRAmV4amRyF4MeetAyp7F4vGvZeGG6GzEs2XeOe1X0QvvBov3-LlZzMHr5STF0zZQhPpK5jzRyqnCEBnfkPadbEKtv8Zk9/s1600/IMG_20140914_192556886_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Zqs0RBNJ15-2EwaRGcOPl1qe7Sz45tRyrRMzgvYZjJIJ9JKRAmV4amRyF4MeetAyp7F4vGvZeGG6GzEs2XeOe1X0QvvBov3-LlZzMHr5STF0zZQhPpK5jzRyqnCEBnfkPadbEKtv8Zk9/s1600/IMG_20140914_192556886_HDR.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes TIFOS in Spanish!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q5icrFQtI-t2N8p1W6QqkeFa9I6WMkjXf6dKJC-47_0ufZGqAxv9T0JH1TI5xRgf6I__IiwOjDOFrmBlxO3bXKe34Z2JWUo2bZs0fZ_OOPbfoHXKnSeYkepwMN9DOi-A-BZ52CFv1pBd/s1600/IMG_20140914_154851721_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q5icrFQtI-t2N8p1W6QqkeFa9I6WMkjXf6dKJC-47_0ufZGqAxv9T0JH1TI5xRgf6I__IiwOjDOFrmBlxO3bXKe34Z2JWUo2bZs0fZ_OOPbfoHXKnSeYkepwMN9DOi-A-BZ52CFv1pBd/s1600/IMG_20140914_154851721_HDR.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a>Rushing to catch the AirTrain zipping through terminals, what pride I felt as I stood in front of my gate, an hour early. YES! I had time to kill and a long flight to prepare for. So like any sane person I plugged in my charger, stowed away my passport and began, Tandasana. That's right people I was doing yoga in the middle of an airport with plenty of staring travelers. Two Frenchmen halted their animated conversation to join me. They began laughing as their tight European clothes barred them from bending any further. In thick accents they both said. "Very good, but we fall!<br />
<br />
<h4>
New York to Madrid</h4>
I never like to take naps on planes, but this time I'm flying across more time zones than ever before so sleep is a must. When I doze off I have an unfortunate habit of dropping my jaw. My gaping mouth must evoke some looks and laughs. In the end it's ok because my embarrassing sleeping presence must have brought someone, the cranky toddler, the overworked businessman, anyone whose fed up with the flying a little smile. Even when I'm unaware I hope I'm making people happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt6NLwDu-TQqAlzRClTRUhhQyD-AbnGnEI_NJb-8ykWf3tPIGBK0x-xSM-zvj1Yp-P0uQJ-6OYh7S7mkwDrFbP1SjVzo2G87Omp3xcQy_xhBF0QK04iKQaNhM92GpnMz4mVcwkAqv90H8/s1600/IMG_20140915_020211921_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt6NLwDu-TQqAlzRClTRUhhQyD-AbnGnEI_NJb-8ykWf3tPIGBK0x-xSM-zvj1Yp-P0uQJ-6OYh7S7mkwDrFbP1SjVzo2G87Omp3xcQy_xhBF0QK04iKQaNhM92GpnMz4mVcwkAqv90H8/s1600/IMG_20140915_020211921_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm sorry but I can't go for I am far too tired. Not in the jet lag way but in the I've been up all day visiting tobacco shops, bike riding and testing mystery foods. You'll just have to wait and see what I've been up to on this glorious first day!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-28592291011938877042014-09-13T18:14:00.001-07:002014-09-13T18:18:03.024-07:00Growing WingsIt's finally finally here! After months of waiting and frustration the universe is done playing games with me (<strong>I mean "<i>teaching me lessons</i>", at least for the moment</strong>). Wednesday morning a midst a self taught yoga session I got a call. "<i>Your visa has been approved-</i>" YEESSSSSS!!! It felt like the first time I found out I was going to Spain or when I heard from my host family. The same scream/dance/running around like a crazy person, soon followed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwqqXV1T-w_SU7ZcUULaSFtpiSGDbCuK6Uq54Zr1LgffdqHJY1Np1ZBqOSY9KaRsH6UTgyjvuLq7qPbIKhyphenhyphenGsrW4yjMGM0v4jdqWPjp9EI0-4JgtcyqDV24zsVLIvrppBu0iMX4PYBa9i/s1600/IMG_20140913_071247133_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwqqXV1T-w_SU7ZcUULaSFtpiSGDbCuK6Uq54Zr1LgffdqHJY1Np1ZBqOSY9KaRsH6UTgyjvuLq7qPbIKhyphenhyphenGsrW4yjMGM0v4jdqWPjp9EI0-4JgtcyqDV24zsVLIvrppBu0iMX4PYBa9i/s1600/IMG_20140913_071247133_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instead of a visa pic (personal info sharing is a no-no) Here's a snap of some Tanika originals, painted for Spain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was trying to stay positive but in all honesty, it stopped feeling real. Every time I mentioned "Spain" my voice got quieter, more like "<i>Spaainn....?</i>" But now I can shout it, full volume, on the tops of buildings or just in my house as I dance to my ever-growing "<em><strong>Vamos A España</strong></em>" playlist.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCXWzKXpalYjQpJsVr3n09hi5Ke0eGX8zMHWDMIHyHEfn_FWnCa4LCIB-nZL5CG89wumq0mxfysI8bjzIM5RqsnppXJ3zm33y9VsPSBHBk6FXyx4CYgdxKohvTF3CR1wVeLp9MR6T8pkn/s1600/IMG_20140911_113604247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCXWzKXpalYjQpJsVr3n09hi5Ke0eGX8zMHWDMIHyHEfn_FWnCa4LCIB-nZL5CG89wumq0mxfysI8bjzIM5RqsnppXJ3zm33y9VsPSBHBk6FXyx4CYgdxKohvTF3CR1wVeLp9MR6T8pkn/s1600/IMG_20140911_113604247.jpg" height="176" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the parking garage where I was shouting "I'm going to Spain!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
90% Chance of A Packing Storm</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have been packing.. somewhat. It's been a strategic 3,2,1 process. Pack 3 things, take 2 out, waste 1 hour on Pinterest. Repeat. My flight ticket was booked before I even had half a suitcase full. For anyone who doesn't know me I am quite the unorganized and messy living person. Needless to say the past few days have been a frenzy of flying clothes and list on lists. But the terrifying task of packing an entire life into two, under fifty pound suitcases is slowly zipping up, cased closed (<i><strong>pun always intended!</strong></i>)</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVl7iKx6Nr3sU1DoDIrUk9CS8745lTJnIpThUep-LgfO_Nb8TSgEHsillbE0lgWOgZIiNvy1weJTIVuCTjBfdWb_25nAwARpLrsDxL2VgoWgode3iiMz0UvctDZcguWYMVU2zdBrtk7bUa/s1600/IMG_20140913_072828867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVl7iKx6Nr3sU1DoDIrUk9CS8745lTJnIpThUep-LgfO_Nb8TSgEHsillbE0lgWOgZIiNvy1weJTIVuCTjBfdWb_25nAwARpLrsDxL2VgoWgode3iiMz0UvctDZcguWYMVU2zdBrtk7bUa/s1600/IMG_20140913_072828867.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPHKvMujTD2egfc_VsmAZKjndUyrplVDo0Aq2eKJc7NjDI1bkORBBYbgv6zc4bs2sY6-3Joihkk_XSdzCsaCovB6IHZCzEBEVrDOKjLM13NfqRQ5TO2koVop2J3k9ZqQkqw7nKzumN8GI/s1600/IMG_20140913_142010854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPHKvMujTD2egfc_VsmAZKjndUyrplVDo0Aq2eKJc7NjDI1bkORBBYbgv6zc4bs2sY6-3Joihkk_XSdzCsaCovB6IHZCzEBEVrDOKjLM13NfqRQ5TO2koVop2J3k9ZqQkqw7nKzumN8GI/s1600/IMG_20140913_142010854.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and After the storm, completely wiped out. Never again will it be this clean.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h4>
I Got Spain on the Brain!</h4>
</div>
Like I said, lately Spain has felt very far away, was I ever going? So my usual Flamenco dancing, Spanish book reading had slowed. After holding that visa, it's amped up to 500 watts of <b>Sonr<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">í</span>e(Smile)!! </b>I'm breezing through <strong><em>"Bajo la Misma Estrea"</em></strong> (<i>Spanish translation of the Fault in Our Stars</i>) and keep my little homemade <em>Diccionario</em> for words that trip me up. I now have 101.1 LA MEGA MEXCLA and 104.9 TU MUSICA blasting at all times. I kid you not, my sing-a-long attempts are to die for. I would post a video but never at the wheel (<i><strong>safety first kids</strong>!</i>)<br />
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY9JUe-P_VAXYd41K-ASwrTfE6avfURBFlNxDH62Psyqz-2NEWJW1upDvyFEjVucv7hpUdocBZXtmmejCMQbjXuQ7NETk6bQyjlmu0sr17_Aprip9NAcGOsmoLGpPr84YQezctFxnP8B4/s1600/IMG_20140913_072059641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY9JUe-P_VAXYd41K-ASwrTfE6avfURBFlNxDH62Psyqz-2NEWJW1upDvyFEjVucv7hpUdocBZXtmmejCMQbjXuQ7NETk6bQyjlmu0sr17_Aprip9NAcGOsmoLGpPr84YQezctFxnP8B4/s1600/IMG_20140913_072059641.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some kids made pillows, others brought tshirts. I made name tags with some character!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h4>
Never Goodbyes</h4>
Now I'm driving with mom to Dallas, on my way to catch wings into a new life. My sister was surprisingly sentimental with the most amazing goodbye movie with our memories. I was tearing up, just like my crazy emotional mother. It was my Dad that gave me the hardest goodbye with a hug so <strong>squeezable</strong>, the kind that used to make me squirm, but this time I wanted to stay in that hug <strong>forever</strong>. <br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfBfKa3-dX0D5mbcMQGDTjLbk_gKtBYGs4y7PvEAQvq_uatN_rZCUlRIwPq0RuAowATPs1iBKpWErKLwfuxhVZTvy6Q3I08SzrJoPBdlka-KquIx2Jyul0Ofbr23o6yMG6_W9i_Y9cnJR/s1600/IMG_20140913_092511493_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfBfKa3-dX0D5mbcMQGDTjLbk_gKtBYGs4y7PvEAQvq_uatN_rZCUlRIwPq0RuAowATPs1iBKpWErKLwfuxhVZTvy6Q3I08SzrJoPBdlka-KquIx2Jyul0Ofbr23o6yMG6_W9i_Y9cnJR/s1600/IMG_20140913_092511493_HDR.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to my new favorite supermarket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
Tomorrow will be the last day in the States for a year and the most daunting of all goodbyes. My mom's. We're both big mush balls so I've packed plenty of tissues and a pair of sunglasses. I'll try to post tomorrow during my layover. Assuming my words are blurred by salty tears. It's all a part of the journey, letting go to grab hold of something new. Somewhere in between I'll learn to grow wings!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-24092408113587595822014-08-24T14:28:00.000-07:002014-08-25T07:39:41.349-07:00I'll Find A Way<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Big Lessons In Little Moments</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the most part I'd say I'm laid back, <b><i>mostly</i></b>. Adversity definitely brings the biggest opportunities for me to learn. The past few weeks have brought quite a few tests of my patience and tolerance for stress. It's not always fun looking back at the tough times, reliving the emotions because we don't like what we did or who we were in that moment of pain, but it's in those times when we learn the most about ourselves and become that much closer to the universe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6HKZnmAdtrlOTr9uJhzGA_b_ws07_m8vDXEiDmMRAhXP9hSdz9muJN2Zps1wh-LkhnvUvljVjuFKGWlf96eoufun5weOVA0DwVr8nB32X66kGTT8RWqev57ihAMOCJeceJ3xG_gG0P5u/s1600/IMG_20140823_154443767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6HKZnmAdtrlOTr9uJhzGA_b_ws07_m8vDXEiDmMRAhXP9hSdz9muJN2Zps1wh-LkhnvUvljVjuFKGWlf96eoufun5weOVA0DwVr8nB32X66kGTT8RWqev57ihAMOCJeceJ3xG_gG0P5u/s1600/IMG_20140823_154443767.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The World is only as colorful as we paint it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fate, I believe in that. My trust in the universe is constantly tested because if it weren't, how would I know that I really believe it. My Spanish visa has been a continuous problem. Now after a hours of waiting and a tear-filled consulate appointment I'm certain I will not arrive on the time promised. After sniffling behind a chocolate milkshake I started thinking, What had I done wrong? Karma, the universe always pays you back. I'm not perfect but still a pretty good person. So I thought and thought...Why was the universe punishing me!?<b><i>-- ok less dramatic</i></b>, what was it trying to teach me? </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWN8IB3FHu3bFLKR4KQ037YJtrICpP0K_u093USJ44CChfhXzmA7pCCH2GXOWQ8bM58rUyEy5GMgpl4p5PUw8Zb7R289Jq0c72e-BJ5DT6wSRa9Lo4R6AhhJXRQ5PKrj2pkdQjtcya3j5/s1600/IMG_20140820_145600002_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWN8IB3FHu3bFLKR4KQ037YJtrICpP0K_u093USJ44CChfhXzmA7pCCH2GXOWQ8bM58rUyEy5GMgpl4p5PUw8Zb7R289Jq0c72e-BJ5DT6wSRa9Lo4R6AhhJXRQ5PKrj2pkdQjtcya3j5/s1600/IMG_20140820_145600002_HDR.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little reminder to be happy :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
"Everything Happens for a Reason"</h4>
<div>
The universe isn't just an after effect but also a spring board into something new. My stress level was at the breaking point, hours at the gym managed to stray my mind for a little while but as soon as my heart rate came down I was back to stressing. I couldn't figure out my mistake so instead of griping over the problems, I accepted the situation for what it was and opened my heart to whatever the universe had planned for me. And wouldn't you know it, as I let fate work it's magic it started working to help me.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeJohmdQ3VjyKkXXNM90JpadGCe2fQ7R4QIKm3XQMhXTsHAaxd2LZ17fIAEHs2RzYA1ZistIjhRbucP8h5EpM1wWlRFw3HLbKpmiKo6crh2qnTRE9mO7PkGGV0RSt4uEejBRxeRH0gngz/s1600/IMG_20140823_225708853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeJohmdQ3VjyKkXXNM90JpadGCe2fQ7R4QIKm3XQMhXTsHAaxd2LZ17fIAEHs2RzYA1ZistIjhRbucP8h5EpM1wWlRFw3HLbKpmiKo6crh2qnTRE9mO7PkGGV0RSt4uEejBRxeRH0gngz/s1600/IMG_20140823_225708853.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Amazing birthday necklace from my aunt. A piece of my family that I can have with me everywhere I go.<br />
"Always in our hearts. Dream it, do it, live it." </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<h4>
Soccer and Storms</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4FCtc0j0X8_ADpQchPJHDSQ_k5waNxJytloFm4kof-cMPJDlxy6PU1ZBOgIy2E5k5f7xxseeENCPWSHTLw-x6bke7mhAqTcsJTFXNWcsKRvLAlxEF0aTefQkol02N9xjwva-IUyTIVNi/s1600/IMG_20140819_135544757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4FCtc0j0X8_ADpQchPJHDSQ_k5waNxJytloFm4kof-cMPJDlxy6PU1ZBOgIy2E5k5f7xxseeENCPWSHTLw-x6bke7mhAqTcsJTFXNWcsKRvLAlxEF0aTefQkol02N9xjwva-IUyTIVNi/s1600/IMG_20140819_135544757.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little time in the Rain and I was feeling like a new rain-freshened me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSeQnjI_qGxMqe3x-5gM9FXMXbCRFPvgo2Xoi4BecXZGCDcdRU_uDYCV4M9suguBNrhh7zKhCg8cP_2dBqt7GrwaXfZBtO7dqjSBLNwdT9y09Tpj2N_EeWmzvRuWeLxXSP2B8g8TW6Yo_/s1600/IMG_20140819_184234414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSeQnjI_qGxMqe3x-5gM9FXMXbCRFPvgo2Xoi4BecXZGCDcdRU_uDYCV4M9suguBNrhh7zKhCg8cP_2dBqt7GrwaXfZBtO7dqjSBLNwdT9y09Tpj2N_EeWmzvRuWeLxXSP2B8g8TW6Yo_/s1600/IMG_20140819_184234414.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Rain and soccer are my best stress relievers. The fact that I could have both within days of each other had me feeling better already. My dad signed me up for an elite soccer camp this weekend. Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) the soccer league that encompasses the nation's top players. Naturally, I envisioned these girls all my life, something like my heroines of soccer. Never did I think I'd be able to play beside them, but here I was still a little pissed and determined to prove something, though I wasn't quite sure what yet. After the first session of drenching, demanding work I took pride in what I had accomplished. They were good but I kept up. I went to shake the coaches hands and the director asked to speak to me. He wanted to know if I'd like to play for his team <b><i>(YES I WOULD FLIPPING LOVE TO!)</i></b> but, Spain. He asked when I would be leaving. September-- I would have said first but now I had no idea. "About a month". He said I could contact him if I was interested in playing for the time I was here. AHHHH!! My anger from the passed week melted behind my excitement and my pride. Sweaty and exhausted I sat down and looked up from my cleats, smiling. The universe does work in some weird ways.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Emergency Kayaking: Teens in Need of Fun!</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21WA8DlqWHMK77Z3WnwepWilqQnEYXUI6A5zGrax5xbo5LMGu2tzXtoXEAAt_1h8rcUnP9NWbVW_7pCFl3wO5nOBNMQckEdsRO9fMMuBEhCZskn5yE_9Vo4p5egGucCPFdKlOTQ_QIU26/s1600/IMG_20140818_131611398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21WA8DlqWHMK77Z3WnwepWilqQnEYXUI6A5zGrax5xbo5LMGu2tzXtoXEAAt_1h8rcUnP9NWbVW_7pCFl3wO5nOBNMQckEdsRO9fMMuBEhCZskn5yE_9Vo4p5egGucCPFdKlOTQ_QIU26/s1600/IMG_20140818_131611398.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water, whether it's falling from the sky or flooding a kayak, I Love It.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijavbdY1foswaFHcOstVdSiVcHji5Xm8GPB1izCYZcyIIgVUhzsqxdQlSg-YmaXZbKIlN8AG9vFv9iINStmZAeWEPlgpjA79MZ6O0gwysf7428jRrY7LbRuXpSMPIzIStdBb91q3_lXJK_/s1600/IMG_20140818_125228931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijavbdY1foswaFHcOstVdSiVcHji5Xm8GPB1izCYZcyIIgVUhzsqxdQlSg-YmaXZbKIlN8AG9vFv9iINStmZAeWEPlgpjA79MZ6O0gwysf7428jRrY7LbRuXpSMPIzIStdBb91q3_lXJK_/s1600/IMG_20140818_125228931.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sofy working hard while I took a few pictures like a lazy bum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YhlV57PguiHOYcfoeRWhWuPAM1e-xmq7Rg5Z7V3SifwQclyT68FiW76GaIAUWXbdviQI5ahwVOcxydtnLnCP67QxKaEYBhM_Ej3ZMD2ztFioD_NHnrTWwK9S-nSIw00oXpjcm-MaBB2K/s1600/IMG_20140818_125139587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YhlV57PguiHOYcfoeRWhWuPAM1e-xmq7Rg5Z7V3SifwQclyT68FiW76GaIAUWXbdviQI5ahwVOcxydtnLnCP67QxKaEYBhM_Ej3ZMD2ztFioD_NHnrTWwK9S-nSIw00oXpjcm-MaBB2K/s1600/IMG_20140818_125139587.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water just broke into green and I wanted to dive into the emeralds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4>
Take a Breather</h4>
<div>
So there you have it. Fate can be very funny with me but even when I'm feeling broken I do my best to never stop trusting it. There are so many different paths in life most of which we can't see right away. In the end things work out, in the end I'll get to Spain and in the end, the <b><i>real end</i></b>, I'll be able to look back at the life I've made and smile. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR_GA32g8XjiYQPAoPg9msfS8nw9KDw4XZ9v75jFNHKFJ8nXXPHEr3G3dvADge_nU3kcLxC3lK1kZI__NBnPBe_UJmOJq9ETRcIcxCl5s-RMyLwIYPT-VkHWCVy2nf-AV-LLOvO0NGcpF/s1600/IMG_20140812_151749118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR_GA32g8XjiYQPAoPg9msfS8nw9KDw4XZ9v75jFNHKFJ8nXXPHEr3G3dvADge_nU3kcLxC3lK1kZI__NBnPBe_UJmOJq9ETRcIcxCl5s-RMyLwIYPT-VkHWCVy2nf-AV-LLOvO0NGcpF/s1600/IMG_20140812_151749118.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep smiling :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSeQnjI_qGxMqe3x-5gM9FXMXbCRFPvgo2Xoi4BecXZGCDcdRU_uDYCV4M9suguBNrhh7zKhCg8cP_2dBqt7GrwaXfZBtO7dqjSBLNwdT9y09Tpj2N_EeWmzvRuWeLxXSP2B8g8TW6Yo_/s1600/IMG_20140819_184234414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-38999449155985476132014-08-15T11:54:00.000-07:002014-09-22T13:55:25.583-07:00Sunshine Kingdoms and Rainy Days<h4>
A Series of Unfortunate Events</h4>
<div>
Sometimes we just have those days, when EVERYTHING seems to go wrong. I'll make the negativity as quick as possible because it isn't my favorite thing to talk about. I have been having some problems getting my visa for Spain and that has put a lot of stress on me and my parents. Tension had been building since the first <i style="font-weight: bold;">"I'm sorry to inform you..." </i><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEmvNW5wyHx7Zk2doLuuRoNI2XFAqAjTNFVkbr_28wZ06wVgvA-Sdxp71rIyT021oUucSx6AXP6g67-K6L6edTKo2CSQlPhbo4ZyntvbHLYDtpfSRaSvo2Nw3BsPyIyfUERyS0scoea6c/s1600/IMG_20140804_065703577_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEmvNW5wyHx7Zk2doLuuRoNI2XFAqAjTNFVkbr_28wZ06wVgvA-Sdxp71rIyT021oUucSx6AXP6g67-K6L6edTKo2CSQlPhbo4ZyntvbHLYDtpfSRaSvo2Nw3BsPyIyfUERyS0scoea6c/s1600/IMG_20140804_065703577_HDR.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every sunrise is a<br />
chance for a beautiful day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've also been taking online classes so that I can be finished with my graduation requirements before I leave for Spain-- if I leave for Spain! (<b><i>Only kidding, I know I'll get there!</i></b>) Any way that has been a monotone routine of watching a nameless hair mass waggle through a lecture on economic patterns and why her love of food makes her a prime consumer, but by this point all I'm thinking of is how good spaghetti sounds and how much her hair resembles the delicious dish.-- See this is the kind of sidetracking that prevents me from succeeding in an online class, but I had made it to the Final Exam and giddy anticipation I clicked <b>Begin</b> and received <b><i>"</i>ASSESSMENT</b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> LOCKED PENDING APPROVAL</span><i style="font-weight: bold;">"</i> Wait WHAT?! Soooooo I had been speeding through my classes only to be slapped with a stop sign. Grrr not the way I wanted to start my morning but ok the day is still young.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I was desperate for some redeeming factor in this way off day. My dad suggested a little kayaking trip-- umm yes! Time on the lake and a little sweat, my favorite combination! <b><i>Sweet I can fix this day</i></b>! Perhaps I spoke too soon. I'm new to the area and ended up parking on the wrong street meaning we had to run there in the 97% Texas humidity. But that was still ok, just a warm up. I rushed to the rentals window, excited to finally get on the water and forget the stress. "<b><i>Do you have ID?.</i></b>" ID? What no, I ran here! I wasn't carrying a wallet?! So that kind of blew our lake day.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I was fuming and once again took a wrong turn getting us stuck in at least 30 minutes of rush hour traffic. GAHhhhHHHHH. I could not handle it. <i><b>Remember when I said I'd make the negativity go by quickly? Sorry it's taken so long.</b></i> Basically this day was destine to piss me off. And what do I do with anger, run it out. Just run until the blood is in my ears blocking out the thoughts of anything beside <b><i>Inhale. Exhale. Inhale.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
Runner's High</h4>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKp-UaKxvVQ9szOls9cWM_7jKjx3j0AFJCJ9seVffUuZJyM6B2Z6M30oVAwovn-1kOLctjl_0zt0J5XoGAXHU5qis-0NATYSqDtswihZ140e1IKOFBIXjlA3uzNSwE8EzqM17JKtDNrDT/s1600/IMG_20140808_132326622_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKp-UaKxvVQ9szOls9cWM_7jKjx3j0AFJCJ9seVffUuZJyM6B2Z6M30oVAwovn-1kOLctjl_0zt0J5XoGAXHU5qis-0NATYSqDtswihZ140e1IKOFBIXjlA3uzNSwE8EzqM17JKtDNrDT/s1600/IMG_20140808_132326622_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A path in the woods can <br />
take me anywhere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Feeling like a warrior in my own mind, I charged forward into the sticky heat. Man was it hot, my own frustration was transpiring into the burning sun and stale air. My lungs were begging for something that wasn't dry and wasted, but being the "warrior" I thought I was I had forgotten to bring water. <b><i>Don't stop just keep going!</i></b> As the taste of pennies subsided and signs of cramping all gone, I reached that point. Pumping my arms banging my way down the street each drop of sweat took a little frustration out of me. The sky started turning gray and yes I heard it, Thunder. Rain is my absolutely positively favorite by-product of mother nature. <b>I LOVE IT!</b> So with each rolling rumble I sped up chasing the dark clouds. <b><i>Come one rain come on</i></b>! I stopped.<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
Liquid Diamonds</h4>
<div>
The sky opened up and there was a little pocket of sun, no clouds and would you believe from that gap in the gray came a mysterious sprinkle. At first I wasn't even sure it was rain. And then, down-pour. Hundreds of little lights falling out of the sky, I was so mesmerized. My heart had been pounding from the run and now it was pounding for the rain. I sprinted down the hot concrete until it turned to moist grass then slippery mud. It was so breath taking. I stood with my hands up to the sky, twirling in the wet diamonds that flew down and splashed into me. Drip by drop I felt reborn. I was jumping around like I was 5 again <b><i>This is my sunshine kingdom</i></b>. I ran, danced and happily fell to the ground. Closing my eyes I let the water drop in my mouth, wash over skin, pool in my belly button. Pretty soon I could feel the drops get smaller and the thunder softer. I sat up and looked out at the concrete path that I'd be taking back. The heat was claiming my diamonds, but this time in a beautiful way. It rose in mystic foggy horse, galloping up from the hot tar and swirling into the sky again. Despite feeling amazingly rejuvenated I couldn't explain how heavenly the water fountain across the park looked. The light was just playing off it's rusty metal, pulling me from my spot in the grass. I sprinted to in and, no water. Laughing I realized reality was back to bite me in the butt except I'd take it better this time.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Rain in Spain</h4>
<div>
I keep forgetting that this blog is supposed to be about my exchange but I find myself constantly going off on of tangents. Well let's see if I can make all these thoughts and emotions, all these tangents line up with preparing for Spain.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I understand how difficult next year is going to be. This anger I felt will come again, along with confusion, loneliness and I'm for a little while I'm going to feel lost. Hitting that low will be tough for me because sometimes I think I'm invincible, like being an exchange student makes me some kind of super hero and it does-- after I get through all the tough times. There will be many rainy days, the kind where I want to go out and dance in it and the kind where I want to stay in and hide form it all. When I concur it all, only then can be super hero and eve then I'll have a lot more rain to handle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKYd6b2VgxjeVS1o3RY0qd3LRLhTPKDrFZmVh_HukK8vMaPIzeyuiU8BYHLJ6ABFFePmb6OzLnI8a2CR0CW20kX-_ow8OvwwrhvkufTDHW1kDrQ8e38nCJR5NkjQq0hF4OvasblwOuKPL/s1600/IMG_20140731_200951529_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKYd6b2VgxjeVS1o3RY0qd3LRLhTPKDrFZmVh_HukK8vMaPIzeyuiU8BYHLJ6ABFFePmb6OzLnI8a2CR0CW20kX-_ow8OvwwrhvkufTDHW1kDrQ8e38nCJR5NkjQq0hF4OvasblwOuKPL/s1600/IMG_20140731_200951529_HDR.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are clouds in the sky...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
</div>
<div>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAZZ6vRh8Dyj46DkycPwSVsrzDVUe4m2Y6jxLuZlC_e8tBJ_t6Y-PuX9jerPpUbrqUlx-PuqVdnI_EljVRNoeODsayLNmO9hkwX-XEx85UILt22NwDjuKOQ0SUMoVlGxZp5RMOf_FZdmN/s1600/IMG_20140731_201027829_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAZZ6vRh8Dyj46DkycPwSVsrzDVUe4m2Y6jxLuZlC_e8tBJ_t6Y-PuX9jerPpUbrqUlx-PuqVdnI_EljVRNoeODsayLNmO9hkwX-XEx85UILt22NwDjuKOQ0SUMoVlGxZp5RMOf_FZdmN/s1600/IMG_20140731_201027829_HDR.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But still no rain..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Waiting on the Rain</h4>
</div>
<div>
I've been waiting to get rain like that day again, so I could snap a few pictures for the blog. I want you all to see the magic I was seeing. But sometimes nature is just to beautiful too perfect to be trapped in four corners. I guess my sunshine kingdom will forever stay a part of my memory. Then again, the sun is always waiting behind the clouds.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoyD5pL6kaaUI7JYFX-W8JyqG9X5Kf7btdCBaqAtMSPh9Y-zPDaN_5IMJ-qW-ZMxhe5rXcWNcwmU8m9oghk4oUkLJfq7CYHKqrVBD-X-mbiRozNGl8daf5mCztyzAGaeL_KyOKj-PNqo6/s1600/IMG_20140620_183627688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoyD5pL6kaaUI7JYFX-W8JyqG9X5Kf7btdCBaqAtMSPh9Y-zPDaN_5IMJ-qW-ZMxhe5rXcWNcwmU8m9oghk4oUkLJfq7CYHKqrVBD-X-mbiRozNGl8daf5mCztyzAGaeL_KyOKj-PNqo6/s1600/IMG_20140620_183627688.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a little patience, we all get that sunshine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-15382580457659602792014-08-03T13:50:00.002-07:002014-08-03T14:16:19.815-07:00Something Like Goodbye<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">See Ya</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Goodbyes used to be detrimental events. We'd hide from our parents at the end of a play-date just to keep it going a little while longer. I know I'd come up with all kinds of excuses as to why every night was a need for a sleepover! But all play-dates come to an end and the little goodbyes that are only "<i><b>see you tomorrow</b></i>" hurt a lot. It could have been my hyperactive childhood I had that never allowed me to sleep, but nights were the worst. I'd think of all the fun games I could be playing with my friends and how the time between goodbye and hello again seemed so stupidly long. Those goodbyes were very small. I didn't know that until I had to say the real ones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16ZD78nZk-bfUsLKok1RlKKeetZWdpQnNfjja5bSXFf2i1CM3KKISN4dB-HlnKREfdn7KFmTXsPiGtEdOtXw3z4J57PhZnmCl7MG5ahD2v3WPT2L9O2KFkhoYPSgSy2T4dlaB2Ec9s060/s1600/CT+50's+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEQwerzNzAeUIWjbeW0fyVlKYLp-eS5BjaXVtW8BStV49ZZzq2OxhpW59ANEshjZPdTNyO49yh0GJZpYvSKxW0iSuKoLIdUIzE-qZBw0H_elEdxWlj4yFysY5GCM8id9F7w6swM8anlpT/s1600/CT+Magic+Feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEQwerzNzAeUIWjbeW0fyVlKYLp-eS5BjaXVtW8BStV49ZZzq2OxhpW59ANEshjZPdTNyO49yh0GJZpYvSKxW0iSuKoLIdUIzE-qZBw0H_elEdxWlj4yFysY5GCM8id9F7w6swM8anlpT/s1600/CT+Magic+Feet.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Way back then, when it only took minutes to make friends.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Until We Meet Again...?</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My first move brought on the first round of real goodbyes the "<b><i>I may possibly and most likely never see you again</i></b>", goodbyes. Yeah, those ones suck the most. That term "<b><i>Ugly Crier</i></b>" my picture would be perfect for the dictionary definition. My eyes swell up red and my whole face takes on a strong resemblance of a lobster. I remember huddling with friends in the backyard, beside my favorite swing-set cry, cry, crying. This pain was beyond the pain I'd felt when my hamster Gussy died. And the tears, oh the burning tears would not flipping stop! Hiccuping my way to the airport, that was the first lesson of Goodbye. I was only getting started.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdlwx6DtiQ0He7NpltwUI-n8m1vS_M1OPJFPWMGRFzLxoy0sRWXOlYgpZmCz-9AETgnjiLfgjt72C5F3JVwF2Sqs-DAOHgsXqEr_8rhNvjwtNEcp5V7729AQP-GVxCDFKjIs-29atP_PI/s1600/IMG_20140606_212224659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdlwx6DtiQ0He7NpltwUI-n8m1vS_M1OPJFPWMGRFzLxoy0sRWXOlYgpZmCz-9AETgnjiLfgjt72C5F3JVwF2Sqs-DAOHgsXqEr_8rhNvjwtNEcp5V7729AQP-GVxCDFKjIs-29atP_PI/s1600/IMG_20140606_212224659.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Holding on because we can't let go.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCdIB9cjh3-CI8n3quhyy1GcqOnIMG_iKITBPAwT2_RRY3JfcAJV_ZqPSaD0qa_OpfP9ko_P2eZ6Q_m-4XMJkSn2_fZDtubHSvdleqt_7V6I2gqVD7fozLnaR5eXVyAu1MM968o85Uc2d/s1600/CA+goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCdIB9cjh3-CI8n3quhyy1GcqOnIMG_iKITBPAwT2_RRY3JfcAJV_ZqPSaD0qa_OpfP9ko_P2eZ6Q_m-4XMJkSn2_fZDtubHSvdleqt_7V6I2gqVD7fozLnaR5eXVyAu1MM968o85Uc2d/s1600/CA+goodbye.jpg" height="331" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Never goodbye's, just a lot of love and reunion plans.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Professional Leaver</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Years later. With so many moves, so many homes and so many goodbyes, I'd consider myself fairly good at leaving. Each time in a good/bad way, it's gotten easier. Does that mean I'm less sentimental or even heartless (Maybe it's that annoying "<b><i>growing </i></b><i><b>up</b></i>" nonsense that everyone talks about) Either way the tears become smaller and the pain less... painful. I feel guilty when I'm hugging goodbyes and my usual lobster tears don't surface. I can just feel it, when I know this isn't the last goodbye. People have so many different paths. I mean we go everywhere, do everything, we are amazing beings. I just can't bring myself to believe in this great big world of choices and coincidences, that I'll never see the people who mean so much to me now.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kcF-Qp3GdxbWUOBZfep8b9ZXc6rc56IsK4HG-uD4aKdvL_6J_C_o3pDecHjME20z2BlKuAsjH4MWhfgrUTIqYe1K3Uc_nXonEvO874NZaiJv3MSZ1-hrW-N2OxHUJ7rhs0DoVN-3ZL6T/s1600/857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kcF-Qp3GdxbWUOBZfep8b9ZXc6rc56IsK4HG-uD4aKdvL_6J_C_o3pDecHjME20z2BlKuAsjH4MWhfgrUTIqYe1K3Uc_nXonEvO874NZaiJv3MSZ1-hrW-N2OxHUJ7rhs0DoVN-3ZL6T/s1600/857.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Years apart and this Squad remains stronger than ever.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Reunion and The Rekindling</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<b><i>Fate is a fickle mistress</i></b>", well she has brought me all over the place. More often than not she brings me to the places I've been missing, in the best cases, into the arms the ones I've been missing. Each time those goodbyes seem to disappear easily, buried in the hugs and laughs stitch years apart, together. Saying goodbye so much has made me a ok with the idea of leaving. Maybe I've gotten tougher or something. Or maybe I finally realize that there is something on the other side of goodbye. A distant but not so far away "<b><i>Hello</i></b>"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-48244733227938412192014-07-18T08:25:00.000-07:002014-07-18T08:25:07.441-07:00Living in an Airport<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Another Day Another Airport</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sorry I haven't been able to do much blogging. I just got home Wednesday after my sixth flight in the past five weeks. Hence the title, I've admitted the airport as my second home. Which is good and also not so good. Lay overs give me a lottt of time to spend wandering the crowds, sitting on floors and in window sills (I don't know why but I'm not a big fan of conventional seating).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInJD9u8JCYD45A14DJ9VFeaUe58HzZ-xc8hot4_vlGlnhsNkbhji7mqaN775WvX-3IWbNXdB2Vf3N7ln0fohBukvJ-MiXAmJEZMF7k1f3Xn9iHElBPmrzBRBhqFmKs0C7sXbv6pBKs6ZH/s1600/IMG_20140612_151905573_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInJD9u8JCYD45A14DJ9VFeaUe58HzZ-xc8hot4_vlGlnhsNkbhji7mqaN775WvX-3IWbNXdB2Vf3N7ln0fohBukvJ-MiXAmJEZMF7k1f3Xn9iHElBPmrzBRBhqFmKs0C7sXbv6pBKs6ZH/s1600/IMG_20140612_151905573_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5O8YVsUG9WYNDySg6xfYs_EaPkccYG910gNQzXXSVGvaTb0pi_xvrSbFswMYLdao752V2JIQwKv2m4-KGvQtdEPJqAewy48YJMkDDzmLIrtlHDcy6VasvgMJyHgJRm8-aqwjd_f6Yi5V/s1600/IMG_20140612_151439975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5O8YVsUG9WYNDySg6xfYs_EaPkccYG910gNQzXXSVGvaTb0pi_xvrSbFswMYLdao752V2JIQwKv2m4-KGvQtdEPJqAewy48YJMkDDzmLIrtlHDcy6VasvgMJyHgJRm8-aqwjd_f6Yi5V/s1600/IMG_20140612_151439975.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Pepper giving me inspiration On the floor in Phoenix airport</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Either way I've actually always loved airports. <i><b>Uhh WHAT</b></i> go the millions of people who hate them. I can see why some people hate/fear them. There is the <b><i>"never been before it's so intimidating"</i></b> fear and the crowded, stressful <b><i>"is TSA really going to let him touch me there!"</i></b> hatred. But ever since I was little they've been a really cool place.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh0uNOfJH2A4UlZdaCHiZpkbtpoIlp84gmqapQUTzmuvSs1qknlQb0nxNAebBliLiSBvu1n-bycL6bWazMmSk5cn5sTVvVjKbgORQSYgJTiKN6ZM26V4QijCVvErCmuuu8qHEf7R8oKCF/s1600/IMG_20140629_240239900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh0uNOfJH2A4UlZdaCHiZpkbtpoIlp84gmqapQUTzmuvSs1qknlQb0nxNAebBliLiSBvu1n-bycL6bWazMmSk5cn5sTVvVjKbgORQSYgJTiKN6ZM26V4QijCVvErCmuuu8qHEf7R8oKCF/s1600/IMG_20140629_240239900.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read this in the airport, laughed in front of strangers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Exchange students are ruining our country."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's like the old days. Sitting up against a window turning gazes from the metallic birds launching off concrete fields, to the hustle and bustle of what must be a every age and every race heading off to every possible destination in the world. And people still think I'm crazy to like it here. Here, in this international flocking point, we're all from somewhere, all going somewhere. It makes me wonder about people's stories. Everybody has one. Each flight brings a new one to hear and a new one to tell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4K4DWsomnIvF88OTwKE-xV-mCrjaSKjwleaM0UqQ4-eYCyNrqQVaYEbIIydybajqPSa0X33v4eqJZFKyai40ogNav8ZAooEKeDkt5xRpwX3NGnDrxmNfRYY7zt1IVkcDKkRY26NAGbqI/s1600/IMG_20140709_112313677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4K4DWsomnIvF88OTwKE-xV-mCrjaSKjwleaM0UqQ4-eYCyNrqQVaYEbIIydybajqPSa0X33v4eqJZFKyai40ogNav8ZAooEKeDkt5xRpwX3NGnDrxmNfRYY7zt1IVkcDKkRY26NAGbqI/s1600/IMG_20140709_112313677.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA85ip6wZCdUgTV0lEVQhmm-sgAmudWuuW_ktlhj_xiV_wOhynyjYW2QVY2xmXG9oBb7__GyXpWBo0qnHoyBKePgTeiIWDEwlAQg8gnOjiDFhx2Omuu0WkIzlcIdjZsTGVqI9kapmtJGo/s1600/IMG_20140709_160404726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA85ip6wZCdUgTV0lEVQhmm-sgAmudWuuW_ktlhj_xiV_wOhynyjYW2QVY2xmXG9oBb7__GyXpWBo0qnHoyBKePgTeiIWDEwlAQg8gnOjiDFhx2Omuu0WkIzlcIdjZsTGVqI9kapmtJGo/s1600/IMG_20140709_160404726.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Always wanted to be a twin. Ryan Gosling?? Sadly no :(</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Unfortunately not all flights bring the people willing to tell. The fact that I've turned to a blog shows how much I like to talk. Not everyone is quite so talkative and that's ok. I've learned the signs.</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
I Do Not Wish To Communicate if...</span></h4>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ear-buds are in</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Book is out </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lap top is on</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can respect people's boundaries but with a hyperactive mind and a more than 3 hours of sitting I'm not a big fan of sitting still and staying quiet. If my <b>"<i>Hi, I'm Tanika. :) So, i</i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;">s *insert destination* your final destination?" </i>doesn't get me anywhere I resort to my books and occasionally, if I can find some inspiration, my writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Time to Take-Off</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking out at my home of two years I don't feel the usual sadness. Maybe I'm getting too good at goodbyes. Lot's of things (that I'm sorry but must remain off this blog) are flowing through my mind. So I focus on the belly of the bird.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A plane has two sides. I always hope for the good side, the turning-side. You know the side where the bird tilts and you can look out at the views down there, watching at the ity bits of man-made miracles below. But not this time. As the as we lift up and tilt right I was sky-side. Man, I had to stretch my neck to look across the isle only to be stopped by a poof of Dallas-Dolly hair clouding the window. I sat back and settled for my window. At first the sun bounced off the wing and struck me in the eyes. <b><i>Hmf</i> </b> I squinted and recovered finding nothing more than endless blue. <i style="font-weight: bold;">How boring.</i> I let my thoughts fly from my head with only paper to catch them.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7xJcZX4Uw7ep29g6E56Q19gWxd6FsFMOJxf2abIzpYKtH2Tr6y_CiTaIGEhFe0kKg8s2LMUDrp2tVc1pVPmJmqaongOEaCMdM0S1VK-GvD_JDBDXvq8tucMnW37GCeqUPDriUzmEBr5_/s1600/152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7xJcZX4Uw7ep29g6E56Q19gWxd6FsFMOJxf2abIzpYKtH2Tr6y_CiTaIGEhFe0kKg8s2LMUDrp2tVc1pVPmJmqaongOEaCMdM0S1VK-GvD_JDBDXvq8tucMnW37GCeqUPDriUzmEBr5_/s1600/152.JPG" height="400" width="297" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turning-side. Leaving NC in 2012</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsIotcHBN2gM46V7J-q95aSDwHoPm1w_yKdgS6bTW3wGrb0LrPfsxG05yg-JRT2-htBj_5UCcDInVFV-J8ILmCi2fnrRIDULSDh0al0oWufAVp8EXIImhuK7d8SvCw0BBGkhlddSD9B3W/s1600/IMG_20140709_135412544_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsIotcHBN2gM46V7J-q95aSDwHoPm1w_yKdgS6bTW3wGrb0LrPfsxG05yg-JRT2-htBj_5UCcDInVFV-J8ILmCi2fnrRIDULSDh0al0oWufAVp8EXIImhuK7d8SvCw0BBGkhlddSD9B3W/s1600/IMG_20140709_135412544_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwktZqsEKxioheAymJA9-FMcQL48qOPJfogdjoVyaCBnRjlTZAXAl5mizKdmtWTs6wxupEh1U-X_9sZbGJzedVTUvYkiSz72qSCSEJ2it3zUmA6oWD5Yig0Cngmx-iW51UKgviZDXKIXgu/s1600/IMG_20140716_182536587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwktZqsEKxioheAymJA9-FMcQL48qOPJfogdjoVyaCBnRjlTZAXAl5mizKdmtWTs6wxupEh1U-X_9sZbGJzedVTUvYkiSz72qSCSEJ2it3zUmA6oWD5Yig0Cngmx-iW51UKgviZDXKIXgu/s1600/IMG_20140716_182536587.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> First view of California in 2012 and last view(for now) 2014</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcEQGEJIveWP4464mwAdzGQcY9i6R-iI9k9DkrE94RC8TAxjjkSsfMMsnUTW288tyYOPV7OPDBYJ8fS67TOKdeP5iKCatL-G_8NV4oH0-EyWXEcrRfpMEa2DYMMCjpsK2HRdiHCoTQ8h1/s1600/164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcEQGEJIveWP4464mwAdzGQcY9i6R-iI9k9DkrE94RC8TAxjjkSsfMMsnUTW288tyYOPV7OPDBYJ8fS67TOKdeP5iKCatL-G_8NV4oH0-EyWXEcrRfpMEa2DYMMCjpsK2HRdiHCoTQ8h1/s1600/164.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Flight photography. Not too shabby California</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Cruising</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> at 35,000 Feet</span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are in the clouds, and my visions of blue faded fast in the now endless white. Clouds are the BEST. From the eyes of a bird they pillow around you like a welcoming bedroom. And then you're flying through them! Layers and layers of misty fluff, further closer and all around you, blinding the windows with white. In the cloud, that's the best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMkEaXUAFUOwaFL4LCARKAC6sUxMzHae6xFVX1TmN1JVLapz0FzhCvCue2Y_FjLI-I183DVa7K7n7zd24tqp7i2yzMi-ALkwYTVJ5E-uHK6jH4LVGcI3VWYA7dl4WJxBZS0MdI6goBVT0/s1600/_20140718_013249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMkEaXUAFUOwaFL4LCARKAC6sUxMzHae6xFVX1TmN1JVLapz0FzhCvCue2Y_FjLI-I183DVa7K7n7zd24tqp7i2yzMi-ALkwYTVJ5E-uHK6jH4LVGcI3VWYA7dl4WJxBZS0MdI6goBVT0/s1600/_20140718_013249.JPG" height="320" width="223" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_qXG7E2nC5o6N4jAx3nQcqTHVDB58s66fqAPGvpobA0EocecpFMNRg_5oNw-piUO_X5Gq178Vl47RAQ8TVeiIfnHzBzugPYi8zzD3EWEihoZUYmyOtLmqvhXYmK_oQXP9C4UinKrZquh/s1600/_20140718_012223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_qXG7E2nC5o6N4jAx3nQcqTHVDB58s66fqAPGvpobA0EocecpFMNRg_5oNw-piUO_X5Gq178Vl47RAQ8TVeiIfnHzBzugPYi8zzD3EWEihoZUYmyOtLmqvhXYmK_oQXP9C4UinKrZquh/s1600/_20140718_012223.JPG" height="320" width="270" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Couldn't get many good ones but here is the cloud bedroom and the blinding white.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
At first it's a little weird. You can't orient yourself in a cloud where UP, down, e<i>ast</i>, <i>WEST</i> no longer matter. For a moment it's like your in a time machine. The clock may not stop on your watch but for once it stops being important. You're just in the cloud feeling a tad bit lost, and on your way to a different place. The clouds are a piece of magic. No matter how many times I pass through them I'll always feel the same excitement in getting a little lost.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsPQmpMYD6RijXICb584V1dMaUprW_CZkFX3BXZOX6ChWlZEjUI1OhT_Fi3b2s_XjyKieBLnI3GTZnqE_Bw_v0rwqZ0pF0JlZ7WJdlrKYNnyUAh2CUyM-g6cznVWfh4qqft0ZUdjPvN4i/s1600/160.JPG" height="475" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I changed my mind. Airports are not my home. Airplanes are not my favorite.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Clouds, they are my favorite home.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
<br />
</span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-91600490823044412722014-07-08T23:28:00.000-07:002014-07-08T23:37:56.338-07:00World Traveler Edition 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ngRUDAkDze3jj44e9r2qXl2GwJJNSekZbPp7eo8syZ_9wifYWkaceIW-3E_x2NAFrdYpkrJFjrHSN7z9-01Y79i6wtFLaFcC60ULKT79VpEo1Dx5Ry7Gjex7sZx90xzpwpWyq7DMjb5k/s1600/IMG_20140709_241234307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ngRUDAkDze3jj44e9r2qXl2GwJJNSekZbPp7eo8syZ_9wifYWkaceIW-3E_x2NAFrdYpkrJFjrHSN7z9-01Y79i6wtFLaFcC60ULKT79VpEo1Dx5Ry7Gjex7sZx90xzpwpWyq7DMjb5k/s1600/IMG_20140709_241234307.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Travel Journalism</span></h4>
I have always wanted to make one of these. Pinterest, instagram, travel blogs galore are flooded with these homemade journals. They outline people's amazing travel experiences in ticket stubs, post cards, used napkins and the good ole' <i>"Dear Journal"</i>. So I thought <i><b>heck I'm going to Spain that should be enough adventure to earn a book!</b> </i>And I began. Like this blog it has been really hard coming up with ideas, do I write in it? draw in it? put chewed up gum in it? <i><b>Yeah I found this on a Barcelona street bench woo hoo!</b> </i>Of all the internet trolling I had done, the advice that stuck with me the most was, <i><b>make it memorable, make it worth it, make it yours.</b></i> And I am so ashamed that I can't remember where I found these good words, but they definitely set me on the right track. With a few trial pages I started to get a feel for what I wanted this mixed-up-journal-sketch-scrap-book to be. So here I give you the early beginnings of "World Traveler" (Or Welcome To the Wild Mind of Tanika Santos.. the first one just seemed more professional).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWaJBd3VMfweOfaQsSaMfaDGuKSShJU31JIFbLD78mfC_lwJ7UZ3HWicZEj9ZpOqxfzkGDFneX7rDJNtDKLTKaVEizix0vbnGcK28ABDEMRgJhY5DZ6u4GpOCTtKWGFk-4HVBC2H-ldpW/s1600/IMG_20140709_241302609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWaJBd3VMfweOfaQsSaMfaDGuKSShJU31JIFbLD78mfC_lwJ7UZ3HWicZEj9ZpOqxfzkGDFneX7rDJNtDKLTKaVEizix0vbnGcK28ABDEMRgJhY5DZ6u4GpOCTtKWGFk-4HVBC2H-ldpW/s1600/IMG_20140709_241302609.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practice Page 1 : A Messy Mix Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With this first page I just let myself junk it up and hope for some artistic inspiration to sweep up the mess. Well I did manage to junk it up. My <i>"Pocket of Positivity"</i> holds the secrets to happiness- kinda. I filled it will inspirational quotes about travel :D love <3 and life * (that's my figurative sun). The rest was a process of writing prettily, tearing it up and gluing it back together (another figurative image of life ;)) I'm so good at the figurative thing I even managed to give a ROLO's wrapper meaning :</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Memories are like Rolo's.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We savor them.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Absorbing as much feeling, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>until it melts away.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But even when it's gone, </i></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>the sweetness still lingers.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Flipping poetry, I know! haha only kidding :) Despite a messy beginning as I always seem to have, this page sparked some ideas for more pages to come. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6tcVNhLHdXQGwkhiGuagLpuQM_xjACZ0_twL0DQr6B1onYleJc-BAW57R7eEn-Jf9NegA5bbpm6rpYG4mbfGSHnQVxdPDMgHZgIWa1QDy4S6hXhbMJOCCYFg9ETvsPVi6uLPEbS2PGNd/s1600/IMG_20140709_241253883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6tcVNhLHdXQGwkhiGuagLpuQM_xjACZ0_twL0DQr6B1onYleJc-BAW57R7eEn-Jf9NegA5bbpm6rpYG4mbfGSHnQVxdPDMgHZgIWa1QDy4S6hXhbMJOCCYFg9ETvsPVi6uLPEbS2PGNd/s1600/IMG_20140709_241253883.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page 2 (featuring the sweet notes from Breaking Down The Walls 2013)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This page got my juices flowing a little more. That morning I received as always a pile of college pamphlets and letters STUDY WITH US! <i>Your future is calling! </i><b style="font-style: italic;">WE HAVE PAINTBALL!!! </b>One did manage to catch my eye, not for the "<i>bright future I had on their campus"</i> but for the four simple words <b>Your Journey Begins Here.</b> It seemed like <i>"here"</i> meant the kitchen counter I was sitting on at the moment, <i>here</i> meant the anxiousness of waiting to receive my host family,<i> here </i>meant <b>now</b>. The picture, <i>Our students travel to 32 different countries on semester long exchanges. Kaitlyn, 19 taking in the beautiful view of South Africa.</i> They really were talking to me.</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx0w4neZfc2IwPuSIaAW4cvyq16JNRILTDb6v9ba3qABWS8_hKoFa8TNuAihLGCTQhyphenhyphenr5e-qcrd278T2QViEsGfoRxoBaTqq3p5C2PY5C7jKY5zzXO_7doJjnoyeMGfwnvjKHQZDldUbB/s1600/IMG_20140709_241333109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx0w4neZfc2IwPuSIaAW4cvyq16JNRILTDb6v9ba3qABWS8_hKoFa8TNuAihLGCTQhyphenhyphenr5e-qcrd278T2QViEsGfoRxoBaTqq3p5C2PY5C7jKY5zzXO_7doJjnoyeMGfwnvjKHQZDldUbB/s1600/IMG_20140709_241333109.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pages in the middle : Doodles and Such</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With these pages I found myself sitting outside and thinking without thinking. Some call it meditation, but really I just sit outside and occasionally draw stuff, or write stuff or shout at annoying geese. (No peaceful <i>meditaty</i> would shout at birds).</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-uBpLJo_ar4vKCBwOydHgRKK5IdoYIBEGyKU7Ylt3_-aE1QALyp7E_J-esM615CKCGhsKb5jxKNeSsnsAmOLlQ1w0tRi8yqr7WOpVisvpSeO0b1WyXgOXwY_w73HjHbvvWge7XYBvmx1/s1600/IMG_20140709_241320067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-uBpLJo_ar4vKCBwOydHgRKK5IdoYIBEGyKU7Ylt3_-aE1QALyp7E_J-esM615CKCGhsKb5jxKNeSsnsAmOLlQ1w0tRi8yqr7WOpVisvpSeO0b1WyXgOXwY_w73HjHbvvWge7XYBvmx1/s1600/IMG_20140709_241320067.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page 8 : The Real Traveler Stuff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love these pages because they just look nice! I started on the left by drawing Spain so I could have an idea of where the cities were. (Not perfectly to scale but pretty snazzy huh?) I did some girlish travel doodles and left space thinking I'd fill it with actual travel stories. But then I got too excited! I have many lists, bucket lists, travel lists, travel-bucket lists (My favorite!) so I added some of them instead. Hopefully this will be a checked page by the end of the year because I know it'll be all checks before I kick it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTGqZ-6TYXb2I94E2H-d0zKHa43ks5TYctp8wpIcvDMgmg3_ozYqRFqOBNdclOmw0Laex2QMnVgHtT36wircWFi-3vhzWPLKkInASPlBkLqb5omrUTtmLPv2dqBGbh5i55PDetmI44wkj/s1600/IMG_20140709_241431833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTGqZ-6TYXb2I94E2H-d0zKHa43ks5TYctp8wpIcvDMgmg3_ozYqRFqOBNdclOmw0Laex2QMnVgHtT36wircWFi-3vhzWPLKkInASPlBkLqb5omrUTtmLPv2dqBGbh5i55PDetmI44wkj/s1600/IMG_20140709_241431833.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pamplona </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pages</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7z-pF-bWQTi1BKdkVtu-TEKvTfCfaoGBbgbMvB449JPxeWxEtbbDEdNSu5Y61nX1IzJG3X7diFE6QRmSMslvQJohohv3_HuelpZ-GYtZCanExPRhqww3YR0onECr-gVoBmoGMwvj8i1R/s1600/IMG_20140709_241418698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7z-pF-bWQTi1BKdkVtu-TEKvTfCfaoGBbgbMvB449JPxeWxEtbbDEdNSu5Y61nX1IzJG3X7diFE6QRmSMslvQJohohv3_HuelpZ-GYtZCanExPRhqww3YR0onECr-gVoBmoGMwvj8i1R/s1600/IMG_20140709_241418698.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIzqnMbf44wmNxEkP2Eu515gYxxZre5S9T8PAVqvsb_ambQyBROuRfwCmgQjb8Hsg9wl1OLkM_bA_UYbA0aug8n-rWEkxOS7WNgAPTgR5rW46EEuT8Rv462-_muUZnAOryFMOgTh0PzpR/s1600/IMG_20140709_241352736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIzqnMbf44wmNxEkP2Eu515gYxxZre5S9T8PAVqvsb_ambQyBROuRfwCmgQjb8Hsg9wl1OLkM_bA_UYbA0aug8n-rWEkxOS7WNgAPTgR5rW46EEuT8Rv462-_muUZnAOryFMOgTh0PzpR/s1600/IMG_20140709_241352736.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will have many more of these to come. They mostly outline my excitement for Spain, the city and my new life, even with some fears (shhhhh)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavTp9bWSZRNu_5JNUl2CHj24G7q2M5upG9NN58SFOve88s2SQ0QnWbfIo4LGyE7hKl0YSpOMlXgMi6ecOA_71D9u7TGlA0jj3bClDgXIHc1z0mO0URIoDnHIrXcq1PFBtJ4bxPDON2UlC/s1600/IMG_20140620_185816438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavTp9bWSZRNu_5JNUl2CHj24G7q2M5upG9NN58SFOve88s2SQ0QnWbfIo4LGyE7hKl0YSpOMlXgMi6ecOA_71D9u7TGlA0jj3bClDgXIHc1z0mO0URIoDnHIrXcq1PFBtJ4bxPDON2UlC/s1600/IMG_20140620_185816438.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that's what I've got so far. My journal is like me, an open book (there I go again with the figurative language) Hope you liked the little trip into my "Semi-artsy-definitely-crazy-mind"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>See You Soon!</i></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /></blockquote>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTGqZ-6TYXb2I94E2H-d0zKHa43ks5TYctp8wpIcvDMgmg3_ozYqRFqOBNdclOmw0Laex2QMnVgHtT36wircWFi-3vhzWPLKkInASPlBkLqb5omrUTtmLPv2dqBGbh5i55PDetmI44wkj/s1600/IMG_20140709_241431833.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTGqZ-6TYXb2I94E2H-d0zKHa43ks5TYctp8wpIcvDMgmg3_ozYqRFqOBNdclOmw0Laex2QMnVgHtT36wircWFi-3vhzWPLKkInASPlBkLqb5omrUTtmLPv2dqBGbh5i55PDetmI44wkj/s1600/IMG_20140709_241431833.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zfidefdAcGg%2FU7zTMLLr7vI%2FAAAAAAAACfg%2F7XYzKUTrYmY%2Fs1600%2FIMG_20140709_241431833.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTGqZ-6TYXb2I94E2H-d0zKHa43ks5TYctp8wpIcvDMgmg3_ozYqRFqOBNdclOmw0Laex2QMnVgHtT36wircWFi-3vhzWPLKkInASPlBkLqb5omrUTtmLPv2dqBGbh5i55PDetmI44wkj/s1600/IMG_20140709_241431833.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8151824753880636446.post-42908605783261785022014-07-07T21:41:00.003-07:002014-07-07T23:11:34.835-07:00Introductions to a Budding Blogger<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsdzg6VUbesHfTKyIsKylj12ldgiZbHoSXeA8L-6DnV1Me9i6fB0ieDnms7Ezkr1_W0l2Jz6OuHT5ncBAgTf9l20ewyin3oKrCFTYE4y0m1x4Ihh6MYMpopkiGfHEHDwX_DynJTu1Snjv/s1600/270327_2154014406627_1134439939_32586343_988709_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsdzg6VUbesHfTKyIsKylj12ldgiZbHoSXeA8L-6DnV1Me9i6fB0ieDnms7Ezkr1_W0l2Jz6OuHT5ncBAgTf9l20ewyin3oKrCFTYE4y0m1x4Ihh6MYMpopkiGfHEHDwX_DynJTu1Snjv/s1600/270327_2154014406627_1134439939_32586343_988709_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><b><i>"Here we go!"</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Words in Warning</span></b></div>
This marks my first leap into the unknown jungle of blogging society. I realize that creating a blog means pulling together thoughts which spin and change, fade and fly (especially in my hyperactive mind). So if my words get jumbled or my thoughts skip around, please forgive my human imperfections. I'm still working on them :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am Forever Bound by the "-"</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNyN4EiRk_J2kDHzvbDJIFx-_cQNtPbnYG7HtR7JBPNdPujGk93lAQuOE8VZEi3rXNIl6LKkf_nIXHO1sk8rGoGzfiZ_TTFF1pBRC4nYZdXnUq-oYhn1ovAQDE5r10ssbn_ETsfM6WrcS/s1600/IMG_20140630_220534710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNyN4EiRk_J2kDHzvbDJIFx-_cQNtPbnYG7HtR7JBPNdPujGk93lAQuOE8VZEi3rXNIl6LKkf_nIXHO1sk8rGoGzfiZ_TTFF1pBRC4nYZdXnUq-oYhn1ovAQDE5r10ssbn_ETsfM6WrcS/s1600/IMG_20140630_220534710.jpg" height="320" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"I'm off on a new adventure! See ya!"</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The hyphen. My name is my story, Tanika Rose Santos-MacSwain. Long name, cool name, and absolutely perfect for explaining my beginnings. (I tell this story to everyone so if you've heard it before skip on). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My parents meet in Japan where<b style="font-size: medium;"><i> "</i></b><i style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tanya"</b> </i>my mom's best friend introduced her to this handsome Peruvian with an Elvis-like hairdo. Peru home to the Inca's, home to the beautiful city of<i style="font-size: medium;"><b> "Ica"</b></i> filled with gold. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Skip ahead a few romantic years and then the name presents itself. In Singapore, my birthplace. My mom being the determined, independent woman she is insisted not only on my uniquely wonderful first name but my hyphenated glory name. My dad kept things simple, a middle name of beauty <i><b>"Rosa"</b></i>. My name continues to confuse but also leads to a good story ending with <i>"From the age of negative 9 months I became a traveler."</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> So why Spain?</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT9GY9VxhyphenhyphenSMVvrRxhSC2wdlgdC2TOkBI9cLFSLmVL3CtbaddSRZjLvZzXBPBqEcZQE8wBZ_zHrdF5YUnZokomIFNMKISNvLVRGikOmsIysUCq_vq6ZgQeU-ebihtA4lefC7N5x_ngQiE/s1600/IMG_20140504_092651983-MOTION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT9GY9VxhyphenhyphenSMVvrRxhSC2wdlgdC2TOkBI9cLFSLmVL3CtbaddSRZjLvZzXBPBqEcZQE8wBZ_zHrdF5YUnZokomIFNMKISNvLVRGikOmsIysUCq_vq6ZgQeU-ebihtA4lefC7N5x_ngQiE/s1600/IMG_20140504_092651983-MOTION.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"15 countries, one crazy wonderful mashed up family"</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Despite having an pretty cool background and moving almost always, I have lead a pretty simple teenage conquest: soccer, friends, peanut-butter sculpting, random dancing in public because I like the smiles I can bring (another warning I can be an upbeat cheese-ball) But no matter what I did I always wanted more. And then I met them. The exchange students. Boy was I in for a ride with these guys. I'll have more time to talk about them later because that is what my blog is supposed to be about? (Sorry for all the side tracking) But for now I will tell you this, <b>they are superheros</b>. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg541Po0omiCXQ3K5Kxlr5qvgDV4bH2ISAF2C8V10zGjiX4e3s_3mTJIbBDXGD1BUIXAkL-8MdMgYehFlmDjmEVESgiSaSyxwPSKosSWSiZ-obZdQB5MNCC967NStkWq5iMUnma0f5vff7w/s1600/PAU+SNOW_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg541Po0omiCXQ3K5Kxlr5qvgDV4bH2ISAF2C8V10zGjiX4e3s_3mTJIbBDXGD1BUIXAkL-8MdMgYehFlmDjmEVESgiSaSyxwPSKosSWSiZ-obZdQB5MNCC967NStkWq5iMUnma0f5vff7w/s1600/PAU+SNOW_crop.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Pau's first time in snow!"</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'd experienced foreign exchange once before. Her name was Paulina, our exchange student from Mexico. The experience she was having was the experience I needed. In our year of late night trampoline talks and endless laughter we became not-by-blood-but-in-every-other-possible-way-<b>Sisters</b>. Never had the word felt stronger than in the moments of hugging goodbye. I've come full circle and I'm here 3 years later, saying goodbye, yet again, to another place, another year, another home. Let's see where it takes me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYKJ8gw0xEleLk8m3WNnxH5PPXT8cLr8wri7qWh1DzENaKJMYRuj8qKRBIYCu5jEC6mbceBSp71AzivBTvY6Sv0cyJRpCP106F9QT8Db5KZTR_y8RT3SqTKEQ3HEBVB2g7pPw6f3D0tuG/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYKJ8gw0xEleLk8m3WNnxH5PPXT8cLr8wri7qWh1DzENaKJMYRuj8qKRBIYCu5jEC6mbceBSp71AzivBTvY6Sv0cyJRpCP106F9QT8Db5KZTR_y8RT3SqTKEQ3HEBVB2g7pPw6f3D0tuG/s1600/119.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Look out Spain. This girl is on the way."</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14681329631477587725noreply@blogger.com1