Hello,
I hope this note finds you well. I've been home from Spain for a month or so now and have had a chance to visit with many of you! After visiting with family and friend, the inevitable question needed to be addressed: now what? What career/job did I want to do next? Heck if I know!
I find myself feeling very timid about just jumping into something new. Perhaps this is because any type of training I go through (currently I'm considering travel school), will cost an arm and a leg. Teaching is where I thought my passion was but now I feel like there is something else I'd enjoy doing better. I really like the idea of being an expert at something because to be honest, I really like feeling important, wanted, needed.
I'm not sure what my dream job would be and I feel very lost overall. I've been trying to soul search and figure out what I want to do for almost 2 years now! So far I'm interested in travel, healthcare, and the non-profit sector. Spain happened because I decided that I needed an adventure to travel and to try something new. Why Spain? I'm a Spanish speaker and wanted to improve my skills. I often refer to myself as a language geek! While it was very scary to go somewhere around the world where I didn't know anyone, it was also an amazing experience and a great time for personal growth. Sometimes I still can't believe I made that all happen!
Upon returning from my trip I started reading the book, The Happiness Project. In this book, the other gives a few tips about figuring out what you want and one thing she did that helped her was start a blog. This book came to me highly recommended by a friend and I'd recommend it to anyone. It's not a self-help book per se, but gives some really great ideas about improving life overall from the author's own trial and error methods in her life. So the other night after reading the section about starting a blog, I began to think about what I like to do that could be a blog. The thing that came to me was: something travel related. I had a wonderful time traveling in Europe last summer and in Spain this past summer/fall. When I got the travel bug, I got it bad! So I started considering turning my travels blog from Spain into a tips for travelers type blog. I did a fair amount of advising when I worked at ExOfficio as customers would often treat us like travel advisers and not just travel clothing salespeople.
My travel blog is likely to happen, just for fun if nothing else. I feel a little bit awkward about it because right as I was brainstorming this idea, a good friend of mine started a travel blog. While it's fabulous to share a passion, I don't want to step on her toes. We'll see. I think it would be fun to have some sort of side project to work on (besides my knitting, of course) and writing is something I enjoy and would like to improve upon.
In my job searching, I've stumbled across a few travel advising jobs and thought they sounded like fun. I've applied for them and tried to follow up, but so far to no avail. The search goes on! If you have any helpful tips or insight, I'd really appreciate it.
Take care and be well. Cuidate mucho!
Ashley
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
There's no place like home!
Buenas,
I'm happy to report that I made it back to Seattle safe and sound! It was a looonnngg trek home (31 hours to be exact), but I made it! Anyway, I'm going to really miss aspects of living in Spain as well as my friends and students, but I'm happy to be home again.
I've been trying to reflect on my time in Spain and had intended to write this right before I left Spain or right after I got home. I actually got home late last Wed night, so I'm a little behind. Spending time with family, friends, and my boyfriend has kept me busy.
Everything was so different in Spain that it's taking time to adjust to being back. Jet lag is always a little bit tough, especially with a 9 hour difference, but having been on a completely different schedule in terms of meals and sleep has also effected me as I adjust to being home. In Sevilla, I ate dinner between 9 and 10 each night when I returned home from work. I was up till 1 or 2 AM pretty regularly! It's hard to go straight to bed after dinner so I usually stayed up to chat with friends at home or watch tv. I think I do prefer the "horario americano", the Spanish schedule was not bad! I am surprised that I liked it as well as I did because I am not a night owl at all! The diet I ate there was very different from what I eat here but I really enjoyed it for the most part! The Spanish like ham, olives, olive oil, tomatoes, fried eggs, and cheese. They keep it simple! Of course they also have paella and sangria. I did enjoy the Mediterranean diet and have got to try to find some Spanish ham here one of these days!
Apart from physically adjusting to being home, I'm finding myself facing a little bit of culture shock and the realization that I still don't know what type job I want. Spain really is quite different from the US. On my way home, I ordered something for dinner in the airport in Boston. As the guy handed me my food, I immediately said, "gracias" in a Sevillano accent! Now I still find myself having to remember to speak English and not Spanish. There have been a few times when I have just sorta of blubbered because I could not get the right language out! I got really used to just hearing Spanish and mostly just using English to talk to people at home and to teach my Spanish friends.
I went to Spain to find myself in some ways and with the goals in mind of fine-tuning my Spanish skills as well as learning to teach English. I achieved those goals and did learn a lot about myself. Being far away and having to figure everything out for myself was a challenging and growing experience. I now realize just how gutsy I was to go somewhere new where I didn't know a soul and make a life for myself-even if for just 3 months time. After quitting teaching and going through a rough time, I was yearning for an adventure, and adventure I got! There were many times when I went off somewhere on my own, both in Seville and to neighboring towns. Being so independent felt really good and made me feel stronger as a person. It was not easy to just pick up my life in Seattle and leave and there were times when I wanted nothing more than to be home...but most of the time I was grateful to be there and to have the experience of living abroad. I'm proud of myself for going through with it and doing something I was afraid to do.
That's it for now. I find myself enjoying being home but not quite sure what to do with myself! I hope to find a good job soon so I can move into a new apartment and start the next chapter of my life. Thanks to everyone for your support while I was abroad!
Un beso,
Ashley
I'm happy to report that I made it back to Seattle safe and sound! It was a looonnngg trek home (31 hours to be exact), but I made it! Anyway, I'm going to really miss aspects of living in Spain as well as my friends and students, but I'm happy to be home again.
I've been trying to reflect on my time in Spain and had intended to write this right before I left Spain or right after I got home. I actually got home late last Wed night, so I'm a little behind. Spending time with family, friends, and my boyfriend has kept me busy.
Everything was so different in Spain that it's taking time to adjust to being back. Jet lag is always a little bit tough, especially with a 9 hour difference, but having been on a completely different schedule in terms of meals and sleep has also effected me as I adjust to being home. In Sevilla, I ate dinner between 9 and 10 each night when I returned home from work. I was up till 1 or 2 AM pretty regularly! It's hard to go straight to bed after dinner so I usually stayed up to chat with friends at home or watch tv. I think I do prefer the "horario americano", the Spanish schedule was not bad! I am surprised that I liked it as well as I did because I am not a night owl at all! The diet I ate there was very different from what I eat here but I really enjoyed it for the most part! The Spanish like ham, olives, olive oil, tomatoes, fried eggs, and cheese. They keep it simple! Of course they also have paella and sangria. I did enjoy the Mediterranean diet and have got to try to find some Spanish ham here one of these days!
Apart from physically adjusting to being home, I'm finding myself facing a little bit of culture shock and the realization that I still don't know what type job I want. Spain really is quite different from the US. On my way home, I ordered something for dinner in the airport in Boston. As the guy handed me my food, I immediately said, "gracias" in a Sevillano accent! Now I still find myself having to remember to speak English and not Spanish. There have been a few times when I have just sorta of blubbered because I could not get the right language out! I got really used to just hearing Spanish and mostly just using English to talk to people at home and to teach my Spanish friends.
I went to Spain to find myself in some ways and with the goals in mind of fine-tuning my Spanish skills as well as learning to teach English. I achieved those goals and did learn a lot about myself. Being far away and having to figure everything out for myself was a challenging and growing experience. I now realize just how gutsy I was to go somewhere new where I didn't know a soul and make a life for myself-even if for just 3 months time. After quitting teaching and going through a rough time, I was yearning for an adventure, and adventure I got! There were many times when I went off somewhere on my own, both in Seville and to neighboring towns. Being so independent felt really good and made me feel stronger as a person. It was not easy to just pick up my life in Seattle and leave and there were times when I wanted nothing more than to be home...but most of the time I was grateful to be there and to have the experience of living abroad. I'm proud of myself for going through with it and doing something I was afraid to do.
That's it for now. I find myself enjoying being home but not quite sure what to do with myself! I hope to find a good job soon so I can move into a new apartment and start the next chapter of my life. Thanks to everyone for your support while I was abroad!
Un beso,
Ashley
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The home stretch
Saludos!
So, super long time no write. Sorry about that! There are a few reasons for that: our wi-fi broke twice in the last month or so, and my boyfriend was here for a visit. So I'm finally writing another entry that is long overdue. Life here has been fairly routine as far as my teaching has gone. I'm coming home very soon so have had to talk to my students about that. I'm helping some of them with the process of finding new English teachers.
I'll get to the most exciting part of the last month: Smiley came here to visit me! I can't believe I am lucky enough to have had my boyfriend visit me in Spain! It about killed me waiting for him to arrive, but it was worth it. I went up to Madrid and met him when his flight came in. We spent 2 nights there and saw the city, mostly just hitting the most common sights (El Prado, El Museo Reina Sofia, Parque Retiro...), but we also took a trip to visit the Don Quijote/Cervantes statue. I read El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha in one of my Spanish courses at PLU. I took to referring to him as my "homeboy" and wanted to show the statue to Smiley. DQ is seriously an amazing novel and well worth reading (even in English, though I'm proud to say I read it in Spanish). It is considered to be the first ever novel and was published in 1595 or so.
Ok moving on. After Madrid, we took the bus back to Seville (it's so much easier to tolerate a 6 hr bus ride when your sweetheart is sitting next to you!) and spent time here. We also took a trip to the beach in Cadiz! The weather was plenty hot and we enjoyed being on the beach and relaxing. In Sevilla, we were lucky enough to see a La Liga soccer match! We got to see Sevilla beat Real Sporting 2-1! One of my English students has a carnet (season tickets) and helped us get a free ticket so we only had to pay for one instead of 2 tickets. It was so nice of him to do that for us! Getting to go to a La Liga game together meant a lot to Smiley and I since we are both huge soccer fans and La Liga is like the top of the top in terms of professional soccer (with the exception of the English teams, of course).
I was also able to introduce Smiley to my Spanish friends which was a lot of fun. I ended up translating a bit but I think my friends enjoyed practicing their English! Before we knew it, it was time for Smiley to head home. I did not handle it well :( Let's just say there were tears at the train station when I had to let him go back to Madrid to catch his flight home. I know it's not that long before we'll actually be living in the same city, but it's not easy saying goodbye, especially such a wonderful week together.
So since he's left, I've been pretty homesick. I'm not going to sugar coat it, I kinda fell apart. Living halfway around the world is really hard sometimes. Our wi-fi broke the morning Smiley left so that was kind of a double whammy. I felt very isolated with no way to call or email home unless I went to a place with wi-fi. It got fixed about 5 days later. Anyway, I'm trying to enjoy my time in Spain before I leave because I know it'll be a very long time before I come back. I don't have any major plans for the weekend. I feel like I should travel to a new city but I don't have the motivation to go alone and my friends can't go this weekend. Most likely I'll visit the art museum, catch a movie, Skype with Smiley, my mom, and my cousin Jamie, and hang out with my roommate Raquel and her friends. I like hanging out with Spaniard so I can practice my Spanish. On Friday I am going to a Flamenco show with Carmen and her friend Barbara.
That's about it for now. I'm really looking forward to being home. I'm trying not to dwell on being homesick even though it's been overtaking me lately. As my dad would say, I'm in the home stretch! Returning to Seattle is not so very far off. Be well and I'll see you before too long!
Un beso,
Ashlita
So, super long time no write. Sorry about that! There are a few reasons for that: our wi-fi broke twice in the last month or so, and my boyfriend was here for a visit. So I'm finally writing another entry that is long overdue. Life here has been fairly routine as far as my teaching has gone. I'm coming home very soon so have had to talk to my students about that. I'm helping some of them with the process of finding new English teachers.
I'll get to the most exciting part of the last month: Smiley came here to visit me! I can't believe I am lucky enough to have had my boyfriend visit me in Spain! It about killed me waiting for him to arrive, but it was worth it. I went up to Madrid and met him when his flight came in. We spent 2 nights there and saw the city, mostly just hitting the most common sights (El Prado, El Museo Reina Sofia, Parque Retiro...), but we also took a trip to visit the Don Quijote/Cervantes statue. I read El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha in one of my Spanish courses at PLU. I took to referring to him as my "homeboy" and wanted to show the statue to Smiley. DQ is seriously an amazing novel and well worth reading (even in English, though I'm proud to say I read it in Spanish). It is considered to be the first ever novel and was published in 1595 or so.
Ok moving on. After Madrid, we took the bus back to Seville (it's so much easier to tolerate a 6 hr bus ride when your sweetheart is sitting next to you!) and spent time here. We also took a trip to the beach in Cadiz! The weather was plenty hot and we enjoyed being on the beach and relaxing. In Sevilla, we were lucky enough to see a La Liga soccer match! We got to see Sevilla beat Real Sporting 2-1! One of my English students has a carnet (season tickets) and helped us get a free ticket so we only had to pay for one instead of 2 tickets. It was so nice of him to do that for us! Getting to go to a La Liga game together meant a lot to Smiley and I since we are both huge soccer fans and La Liga is like the top of the top in terms of professional soccer (with the exception of the English teams, of course).
I was also able to introduce Smiley to my Spanish friends which was a lot of fun. I ended up translating a bit but I think my friends enjoyed practicing their English! Before we knew it, it was time for Smiley to head home. I did not handle it well :( Let's just say there were tears at the train station when I had to let him go back to Madrid to catch his flight home. I know it's not that long before we'll actually be living in the same city, but it's not easy saying goodbye, especially such a wonderful week together.
So since he's left, I've been pretty homesick. I'm not going to sugar coat it, I kinda fell apart. Living halfway around the world is really hard sometimes. Our wi-fi broke the morning Smiley left so that was kind of a double whammy. I felt very isolated with no way to call or email home unless I went to a place with wi-fi. It got fixed about 5 days later. Anyway, I'm trying to enjoy my time in Spain before I leave because I know it'll be a very long time before I come back. I don't have any major plans for the weekend. I feel like I should travel to a new city but I don't have the motivation to go alone and my friends can't go this weekend. Most likely I'll visit the art museum, catch a movie, Skype with Smiley, my mom, and my cousin Jamie, and hang out with my roommate Raquel and her friends. I like hanging out with Spaniard so I can practice my Spanish. On Friday I am going to a Flamenco show with Carmen and her friend Barbara.
That's about it for now. I'm really looking forward to being home. I'm trying not to dwell on being homesick even though it's been overtaking me lately. As my dad would say, I'm in the home stretch! Returning to Seattle is not so very far off. Be well and I'll see you before too long!
Un beso,
Ashlita
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Imagine all the evergreens...a NW girl in a land of orange trees.
Buenas,
Long time no write. I've been teaching English and seeing things around Seville and trying to keep myself busy. I do confess that I've been quite homesick lately and haven't quite known what to do with myself. I have been trying to meet new people but don't quite know how exactly. It's not easy being far away from everything you know. I miss my family, boyfriend, and friends. Lucky for me, my boyfriend is coming to visit me in 10 days! I cannot wait!
While this is a lovely city full of history and stories, I really do miss my evergreen state and even the rainy days I am so accustomed to from living in Seattle. The weather here is like summer still. It's over 90 every day and humid to boot. I love seeing the sun, but I'm ready for the cooler weather to kick in. Today I was out in the hottest part of the day and noted a readerboard said it was 37 degrees. 40 degrees Celsius is 100 Fahrenheit, so I'll let you do the math on how hot that makes 37.
I had some fun today wandering around town. My first stop was at the Festival de las Naciones. This festival is going on in a park nearby and there are stands selling food, drinks, and items from nations of the world. I like learning about other cultures so it was fun for me to check it all out. My nose took me to the Mexican food stand. I will go back there in a day or 2 for some good Mexican food, but today I settled on a fizzy orange drink and an empanada Uruguayan style. I also had a cookie flavored with anis...though I have no clue what country it represented. Anyway, it was a fun place to hang out. I plan to bring my boyfriend there.
After the festival, I took a walk through some lovely gardens here and into what used to be a home for old priests. It's now home to works by Velazquez and other famous painters and has a pretty courtyard garden in it too. I never get tired of the beautiful gardens and tile mosaics that are everywhere here!
Not a ton has happened since I last wrote. I've mostly just been teaching and exploring the city. I did go to the beach with my roommates and one of her friends last weekend and that was a lot of fun. I love the beach! Ever since being caught in riptide in Costa Rica, I've had a fear of going out very far in the ocean though, especially when there are many waves. I know that's kind of silly, seeing as I was in Costa Rica 7 years ago (can't believe it's been that long!), but that fear has stuck with me. It was time I learned how big and powerful the ocean is and how small I am. I still love being by the ocean though and breathing in the salty air. I'm heading back to the beach in a few weeks and cannot wait!
I'll write more soon. Hope everyone at home is well. Looks like I'm going to head home a bit earlier than planned. Will keep you posted.
Adios,
Ashley
Long time no write. I've been teaching English and seeing things around Seville and trying to keep myself busy. I do confess that I've been quite homesick lately and haven't quite known what to do with myself. I have been trying to meet new people but don't quite know how exactly. It's not easy being far away from everything you know. I miss my family, boyfriend, and friends. Lucky for me, my boyfriend is coming to visit me in 10 days! I cannot wait!
While this is a lovely city full of history and stories, I really do miss my evergreen state and even the rainy days I am so accustomed to from living in Seattle. The weather here is like summer still. It's over 90 every day and humid to boot. I love seeing the sun, but I'm ready for the cooler weather to kick in. Today I was out in the hottest part of the day and noted a readerboard said it was 37 degrees. 40 degrees Celsius is 100 Fahrenheit, so I'll let you do the math on how hot that makes 37.
I had some fun today wandering around town. My first stop was at the Festival de las Naciones. This festival is going on in a park nearby and there are stands selling food, drinks, and items from nations of the world. I like learning about other cultures so it was fun for me to check it all out. My nose took me to the Mexican food stand. I will go back there in a day or 2 for some good Mexican food, but today I settled on a fizzy orange drink and an empanada Uruguayan style. I also had a cookie flavored with anis...though I have no clue what country it represented. Anyway, it was a fun place to hang out. I plan to bring my boyfriend there.
After the festival, I took a walk through some lovely gardens here and into what used to be a home for old priests. It's now home to works by Velazquez and other famous painters and has a pretty courtyard garden in it too. I never get tired of the beautiful gardens and tile mosaics that are everywhere here!
Not a ton has happened since I last wrote. I've mostly just been teaching and exploring the city. I did go to the beach with my roommates and one of her friends last weekend and that was a lot of fun. I love the beach! Ever since being caught in riptide in Costa Rica, I've had a fear of going out very far in the ocean though, especially when there are many waves. I know that's kind of silly, seeing as I was in Costa Rica 7 years ago (can't believe it's been that long!), but that fear has stuck with me. It was time I learned how big and powerful the ocean is and how small I am. I still love being by the ocean though and breathing in the salty air. I'm heading back to the beach in a few weeks and cannot wait!
I'll write more soon. Hope everyone at home is well. Looks like I'm going to head home a bit earlier than planned. Will keep you posted.
Adios,
Ashley
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
New neighborhood, new students.
Hello everyone,
Se nota que no he escrito en mas de una semana. It's been more than a week since I've written. That's mostly because I had a rough several days and am finally coming out of it...sort of. I feel better now emotionally but physically have not felt too well these past few days. No one wants to read someone else's complaints so I have restrained from venting on my blog...though my facebook statuses have reflected some of my frustrations.
Being far away from everything you know and everyone you love has it's challenges. I mostly have been very happy to be here but the feeling of being lonely and overheated (still over 90 every single day) has been getting to me. I'm tired of being hot and sweaty all the time. I never thought I'd be complaining about being too hot! That from a girl who's cold 90% of the time in Seattle! Also, ever since I moved to the new neighborhood, I've been feeling very isolated from everyone I knew here. In actuality, the new apartment is 3.5 miles from the old casa. However, no one from there has been in touch with me. I'm not sure what to make of it. Probably it's because we're all doing our own thing working or going to class.
Last weekend shall be hereon out known as the weekend of the broken plans. I'll leave it at that. I spent most of the weekend by myself and that is not something I'm used to. I tried making plans to go out but to no avail. So anyway, it was just a frustrating few days. My friend and I did go out for some good food on Sunday after our plans to go the beach didn't work out.
On the plus side, I've added several new students to my schedule this week and that means more money for me to make! I have an adult and several children. I'm excited to work with them and get to know these new families. I've got work every day and it totals up to about 10.5 hours per week. That does not seem like much but it takes lots of time to plans lessons and commute there. For a few jobs, I have to take 2 buses or bike and take a bus. I can walk to some jobs. That means that I'm gone from 3:00 or 4:00 to 9:00 most days. I finally bought a "bono" or bike pass today so I can bike around town. I've also got a metro/bus pass. This is making transportation less costly in terms of money. I've got room for a few more students but mostly my schedule is full. I'm not making a ton of money but it's going to be enough to pay for rent and food.
There's not much else to report. The Andaluz accent is extremely hard to understand. I feel discouraged that I've been here 2 months and still cannot understand it. The accent causes words to be only half spoken and not enunciated at all. The s's are cut off the end of words. It's extremely frustrating to feel like you can't understand anything even though you do in fact speak the language. Everyone says this is the hardest accent and that if you can understand Spanish in Andalucia, you can understand it anywhere. I believe it. There are moments where I feel like people may as well be speaking to me in Chinese because nothing they're saying is registering in my ears.
So anyway, I'm sorry for negativity in this entry but I am due to write again and frankly, it's just not been a good week! I am enjoying having my own room and space again and I like my roommates a lot. I'm still glad to be here and determined to make this work out. I'm seeking out opportunities to make some new friends and trying to remember that sometimes time alone helps you to grow. This weekend I may go to Ronda to check it out. It's a town nearby that my parents visited on their trip last year and that my dad especially liked. Money is tight but it will be worth it to plan something fun.
Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing!
Un beso,
Ashlita
Se nota que no he escrito en mas de una semana. It's been more than a week since I've written. That's mostly because I had a rough several days and am finally coming out of it...sort of. I feel better now emotionally but physically have not felt too well these past few days. No one wants to read someone else's complaints so I have restrained from venting on my blog...though my facebook statuses have reflected some of my frustrations.
Being far away from everything you know and everyone you love has it's challenges. I mostly have been very happy to be here but the feeling of being lonely and overheated (still over 90 every single day) has been getting to me. I'm tired of being hot and sweaty all the time. I never thought I'd be complaining about being too hot! That from a girl who's cold 90% of the time in Seattle! Also, ever since I moved to the new neighborhood, I've been feeling very isolated from everyone I knew here. In actuality, the new apartment is 3.5 miles from the old casa. However, no one from there has been in touch with me. I'm not sure what to make of it. Probably it's because we're all doing our own thing working or going to class.
Last weekend shall be hereon out known as the weekend of the broken plans. I'll leave it at that. I spent most of the weekend by myself and that is not something I'm used to. I tried making plans to go out but to no avail. So anyway, it was just a frustrating few days. My friend and I did go out for some good food on Sunday after our plans to go the beach didn't work out.
On the plus side, I've added several new students to my schedule this week and that means more money for me to make! I have an adult and several children. I'm excited to work with them and get to know these new families. I've got work every day and it totals up to about 10.5 hours per week. That does not seem like much but it takes lots of time to plans lessons and commute there. For a few jobs, I have to take 2 buses or bike and take a bus. I can walk to some jobs. That means that I'm gone from 3:00 or 4:00 to 9:00 most days. I finally bought a "bono" or bike pass today so I can bike around town. I've also got a metro/bus pass. This is making transportation less costly in terms of money. I've got room for a few more students but mostly my schedule is full. I'm not making a ton of money but it's going to be enough to pay for rent and food.
There's not much else to report. The Andaluz accent is extremely hard to understand. I feel discouraged that I've been here 2 months and still cannot understand it. The accent causes words to be only half spoken and not enunciated at all. The s's are cut off the end of words. It's extremely frustrating to feel like you can't understand anything even though you do in fact speak the language. Everyone says this is the hardest accent and that if you can understand Spanish in Andalucia, you can understand it anywhere. I believe it. There are moments where I feel like people may as well be speaking to me in Chinese because nothing they're saying is registering in my ears.
So anyway, I'm sorry for negativity in this entry but I am due to write again and frankly, it's just not been a good week! I am enjoying having my own room and space again and I like my roommates a lot. I'm still glad to be here and determined to make this work out. I'm seeking out opportunities to make some new friends and trying to remember that sometimes time alone helps you to grow. This weekend I may go to Ronda to check it out. It's a town nearby that my parents visited on their trip last year and that my dad especially liked. Money is tight but it will be worth it to plan something fun.
Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing!
Un beso,
Ashlita
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Moving day and the job search continues...
Saludos!
I hope you're all doing well and enjoying what I'm told is an Indian summer back home. Summer is still in full swing here for the most part. Yes, kids are heading back to school, but let me tell you, it doesn't feel like summer has ended to me. It's got to be about 90 outside most days. You sweat like mad just walking a few blocks because it's been more humid lately...or maybe it just feels more humid. I'm not sure. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to it cooling off to about 75 or 80. This Seattlegirl is not used to hot weather!
Anyway, today is moving day! The aforementioned apartment (in my last entry) did not work out mostly because of timing and me finding a cheaper place. I met up with a friend here for intercambio (if I haven't explained yet it's Spanish/English conversation practice) and we got to talking about my apartment search. He has a friend here who's been looking for a 3rd girl for their apartment. I got in touch with her and checked out the flat. There are 2 girls living there already who are Irish and Spanish. The Spanish girl wants to learn English and I of course want to learn Spanish, so that already seemed kinda perfect. The girl from Ireland speaks both fluently. So the girls seemed nice, the flat was fine, and the price was great, so I said I'd move in if they wanted me. So, tonite I'm heading over. It's across town by the train station. I'll miss Rosa and Carlo's cooking and being around friends a lot, but I'm really looking forward to my own space again. Also, I'm excited to get to know my new roommates. Both are about my age +/- a few years and I think we'll get along well. New friends? I expect so!
I've been making progress in lining up students and expect to meet with a family tonight and another tomorrow. The next several nights I have meetings and then hopefully will get a schedule mapped out for giving private lessons. Once that's done I can get into a bit of a routine. I do start work with a new family tomorrow night. I met them last week and look forward to getting to know them better. The initial meeting was kinda of awkward, but they seem nice and it should work out fine.
Last weekend I went out for tapas with my friend Alfonso and some girls he's friends with. He's the one who connected me with the girls I'm going to move in with. On Sunday, I went to the yoghurteria (frozen yoghurt shop) with Carmen and her friend Barbara. It was great to meet a new girl to hang out with! I love hanging out with Spanish friends because it forces me to work on my Spanish! Plus, they're all really nice about helping me when I get stuck.
So my current plan is to be here until early Dec or end of Nov. We'll see. The apartment I'm moving to is available until the end of Nov. We have to be out Dec 1. I think airfare will cost a fortune later in Dec anyway so leaving then will be ok with me. I've looked and it's half the price to fly home Dec 8 then like Dec 15th! I'll buy a ticket later, but that's the plan.
That's it for now. These entries always get super long because I forget to write often enough. Keep me posted on what's going on in your life :-)
Un beso,
Ashlita
I hope you're all doing well and enjoying what I'm told is an Indian summer back home. Summer is still in full swing here for the most part. Yes, kids are heading back to school, but let me tell you, it doesn't feel like summer has ended to me. It's got to be about 90 outside most days. You sweat like mad just walking a few blocks because it's been more humid lately...or maybe it just feels more humid. I'm not sure. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to it cooling off to about 75 or 80. This Seattlegirl is not used to hot weather!
Anyway, today is moving day! The aforementioned apartment (in my last entry) did not work out mostly because of timing and me finding a cheaper place. I met up with a friend here for intercambio (if I haven't explained yet it's Spanish/English conversation practice) and we got to talking about my apartment search. He has a friend here who's been looking for a 3rd girl for their apartment. I got in touch with her and checked out the flat. There are 2 girls living there already who are Irish and Spanish. The Spanish girl wants to learn English and I of course want to learn Spanish, so that already seemed kinda perfect. The girl from Ireland speaks both fluently. So the girls seemed nice, the flat was fine, and the price was great, so I said I'd move in if they wanted me. So, tonite I'm heading over. It's across town by the train station. I'll miss Rosa and Carlo's cooking and being around friends a lot, but I'm really looking forward to my own space again. Also, I'm excited to get to know my new roommates. Both are about my age +/- a few years and I think we'll get along well. New friends? I expect so!
I've been making progress in lining up students and expect to meet with a family tonight and another tomorrow. The next several nights I have meetings and then hopefully will get a schedule mapped out for giving private lessons. Once that's done I can get into a bit of a routine. I do start work with a new family tomorrow night. I met them last week and look forward to getting to know them better. The initial meeting was kinda of awkward, but they seem nice and it should work out fine.
Last weekend I went out for tapas with my friend Alfonso and some girls he's friends with. He's the one who connected me with the girls I'm going to move in with. On Sunday, I went to the yoghurteria (frozen yoghurt shop) with Carmen and her friend Barbara. It was great to meet a new girl to hang out with! I love hanging out with Spanish friends because it forces me to work on my Spanish! Plus, they're all really nice about helping me when I get stuck.
That's it for now. These entries always get super long because I forget to write often enough. Keep me posted on what's going on in your life :-)
Un beso,
Ashlita
Monday, September 5, 2011
Meeting new people is fun!
Hey!
So the theme of the past week has been meeting new people (as this entry's title would presume). I am still at Rosa and Carlo's house and am enjoying meeting the new TEFL "kids". I have 2 new roommates (my previous roommate is back in England now :( ). So, Rimante is from Lithuania and Mayhelen is from Norway. It's amazing how well Europeans from so many countries are bilingual at such a young age. Both girls speak perfect English. On Sunday, Rimante and I went out exploring the city and saw a different part of town than where I usually go. Mayhelen came last night as well as a new guy from England. A bunch of us went out for drinks last night and had a good time comparing cultures, languages, etc. A part of this experience that I find I am really enjoying is meeting new people from all over.
On another note, I am receiving many responses to my adds offering English lessons. I can't remember if I already blogged about this or not, but basically, they have several sites here that are like Craig's list. I have placed adds on these sites to try and find students. So far I've responded to many adds and probably have 2 that seem quite likely to work out. Many people have responded but then when I reply to their emails, they don't respond. I'm trying to figure out the best way of replying to their emails.
Also, Rosa is helping me find some work because her nephew and his friend need a new English teacher. So that's likely to work out as well. I'd work with each boy for an hour or 2 per week. In addition to that, she is friends with a family who has young children and would like someone to work with their kids in English. Hopefully some of these leads will work out. I am starting to miss not being busy! During the TEFL class I was busy, busy, busy all the time. Now that I've had a week off, I'm starting to get slightly bored. Hanging out with new people is certainly helping with that, but on days like today when I have nothing planned, I feel a bit lost.
As much as I like Rosa and Carlo and could see myself staying in this house, I am interested in finding my own room in an apartment somewhere and sort of having my own place. It was awkward telling Rosa this since she's been so nice and is helping me to find some work. However, she asked me about when my bf was coming...and that lead me to tell her. Dawn, my TEFL teacher, emailed us girls about an apartment opening up and I contacted the girl in charge of it. Yesterday, she met me near my place (the new apartment is close by) and we went to check it out. She'd be one of my roommates and is the niece of the woman who owns the flat. The rooms are rented out to people like me and a single room is available on Sept 19th. After considering the price and talking it over with a few people, it seems like a good fit for me. We shall see if it works out. I've sent an email saying that I'd like the room.
That is it for now. I'm off to walk down to the Plaza de Espana. It's apparently really gorgeous and I have yet to see it. If it's as amazing as I'm told, it will go on the list of stuff to do when my bf comes next month!
Cuidense mucho! Take care everyone!
Ashley
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Madrid part 2 and new Spanish friends
Hola a todos!
Well, Madrid day 1 started off a bit dreary as you noted by the negative tone of my blog. It ended fine though I was exhausted and feeling very lonely. I found a cute little family run hostel to stay in and got a good night's sleep. I even got to was MTV on the little tv in my room! Ah, junky tv from home :)
Day 2 in Madrid was good! I went first to the train station to buy my ticket home. Though it's expensive, it seemed better to me to not be on a bus for 6 more hours and to not get home in the dark. So worth it! After I got my ticket, I went to the art museum called Reina Sophia (I think) which is where the Guernica painting by Picasso is. I gawked at it for quite a while because I've waited so long to see it! It was awesome to see in person. The other modern art there didn't really do it for me but that's ok. Just seeing Picasso's work there made it worth it. Then, I went to the house where Lope de Vega (famous writer from the 1600s) lived because taking a tour of it is free! Free is a good word when you're jobless. The tour was all in Spanish but I am happy to say I understood most of it. After that I went to this giant park and ate some sandwiches from a deli nearby. All in all, a good day.
I have to say I'm quite proud of myself for navigating a big city all by myself and not getting terribly lost. I don't know whether or not I'd have had the guts to do that before this trip. It was a growing experience for me and I got pretty tired of being alone at times, but also enjoyed doing whatever I wanted to.
Last night I was home by about 9:30 or 10:00 and there was a gift waiting for me in my room! My boyfriend sent me cupcakes! You may find this hilarious but I'm in love with cupcakes and he knows this so it was the perfect gift from a great guy. Thanks to skype, I got to thank him :)
Today I went for hot chocolate with my new friend Pablo and his cousin Carmen. They are both in their early 20s. Pablo was one of our students when we practiced teaching English in our TEFL class. It was a lot of fun to hang out with them and to make a Spanish girlfriend! It was sweet of Pablo to remember that I wanted to meet some girls here and arrange it. We got soaked because it's been pouring rain but that's ok. Carmen seems fun so hopefully we'll hang out again soon. Tomorrow I'm meeting another student, Alfonso, for an intercambio (to practice Spanish and English). Helping each other in this way is good for both parties!
Well, Madrid day 1 started off a bit dreary as you noted by the negative tone of my blog. It ended fine though I was exhausted and feeling very lonely. I found a cute little family run hostel to stay in and got a good night's sleep. I even got to was MTV on the little tv in my room! Ah, junky tv from home :)
Day 2 in Madrid was good! I went first to the train station to buy my ticket home. Though it's expensive, it seemed better to me to not be on a bus for 6 more hours and to not get home in the dark. So worth it! After I got my ticket, I went to the art museum called Reina Sophia (I think) which is where the Guernica painting by Picasso is. I gawked at it for quite a while because I've waited so long to see it! It was awesome to see in person. The other modern art there didn't really do it for me but that's ok. Just seeing Picasso's work there made it worth it. Then, I went to the house where Lope de Vega (famous writer from the 1600s) lived because taking a tour of it is free! Free is a good word when you're jobless. The tour was all in Spanish but I am happy to say I understood most of it. After that I went to this giant park and ate some sandwiches from a deli nearby. All in all, a good day.
I have to say I'm quite proud of myself for navigating a big city all by myself and not getting terribly lost. I don't know whether or not I'd have had the guts to do that before this trip. It was a growing experience for me and I got pretty tired of being alone at times, but also enjoyed doing whatever I wanted to.
Last night I was home by about 9:30 or 10:00 and there was a gift waiting for me in my room! My boyfriend sent me cupcakes! You may find this hilarious but I'm in love with cupcakes and he knows this so it was the perfect gift from a great guy. Thanks to skype, I got to thank him :)
Today I went for hot chocolate with my new friend Pablo and his cousin Carmen. They are both in their early 20s. Pablo was one of our students when we practiced teaching English in our TEFL class. It was a lot of fun to hang out with them and to make a Spanish girlfriend! It was sweet of Pablo to remember that I wanted to meet some girls here and arrange it. We got soaked because it's been pouring rain but that's ok. Carmen seems fun so hopefully we'll hang out again soon. Tomorrow I'm meeting another student, Alfonso, for an intercambio (to practice Spanish and English). Helping each other in this way is good for both parties!
My current plan is to see how work goes and plan on being home around Christmas, or maybe a bit before. I don't know and won't until I start work and see if I can make enough $ to live on. I will just see how it goes. That's it for now. Hope all is well with you!
Con carino,
Ashlita
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Madrid is NOT user friendly
Saludos from Madrid!
So the saga begins. It started with a bus ride that seemed to never end. 6 hours to be exact, but it was a helluva lot cheaper that the train. I think I'll splurge and take the train home. So I have been on many buses to the beach and such and never had a problem sleeping. In fact, the drammamine (sp?) normally knocks me out like that. However last night after catching the midnight bus and taking drammamine, I still could not sleep. Perhaps it was the bus was freezing, perhaps it was that the guy behind me thought it was perfectly acceptable to make snorting sounds like he was a hawking a loogie the entire time or perhaps it was that I got stuck in the very first seat and it was too bright (you dont get to pick your seat). Either way, I am wiped out already!
So I get to the bus station and make my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and whatnot. Ok so you tell me: are we just too pampered in public restrooms in America or are they just gross in Europe? I never knew that asking for soap, seat covers and paper towels was asking that much! Well to be fair, this is the first time that I have seen soap in a public restroom since being here!
Anyway, I make my way to the tourist info stand and ask for a map. The guy says there are none. I walk away tired and frustrated and look at the metro maps for a half a clue as to which line to aim for. I buy a ticket and head down. Still no idea where to go and no map in sight. So I walk farther and spot a city map on the wall. After a good 10 minutes I still cannot locate the street I want so I head upstairs to ask the security guys for help. They eventually figure it out and I miraculously make my way to Plazadora de Jines (or something like that). I am so stoked to finally be at the chocolateria in my guidebook that I take a pic of the street sign. However, despite the fact that my guidebooks say open 24hours and there are signs posted all over the shop that say ¨open all day and night,¨ the shop is closed. Only in Spain.
By now it is 8:30 and I am cold and hungry for those chocolate churros that my guidebooks raved about. I pop into the Starbucks across the street for a decaf (finally found my decaf in Spain!!!) and low and behold am the ONLY one in the salon upstairs hanging out. I took a pic to document this amazing occurence that would never happen in Seattle! Well I may as well be sitting in a freezer because thats how cold it is in Starbucks...so I wonder a bit and then success! I FINALLY get my hot chocolate and churros and se vale la pena, so worth it! They were delicious...and a great start to a fun day in Madrid!
My day included a walking tour of the city, the Prado art museum, the famous Cervantes/Don Quijote de la Mancha monument and now am looking for a place to stay tonight.
The saga continues tomorrow, stay tuned...
So the saga begins. It started with a bus ride that seemed to never end. 6 hours to be exact, but it was a helluva lot cheaper that the train. I think I'll splurge and take the train home. So I have been on many buses to the beach and such and never had a problem sleeping. In fact, the drammamine (sp?) normally knocks me out like that. However last night after catching the midnight bus and taking drammamine, I still could not sleep. Perhaps it was the bus was freezing, perhaps it was that the guy behind me thought it was perfectly acceptable to make snorting sounds like he was a hawking a loogie the entire time or perhaps it was that I got stuck in the very first seat and it was too bright (you dont get to pick your seat). Either way, I am wiped out already!
So I get to the bus station and make my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and whatnot. Ok so you tell me: are we just too pampered in public restrooms in America or are they just gross in Europe? I never knew that asking for soap, seat covers and paper towels was asking that much! Well to be fair, this is the first time that I have seen soap in a public restroom since being here!
Anyway, I make my way to the tourist info stand and ask for a map. The guy says there are none. I walk away tired and frustrated and look at the metro maps for a half a clue as to which line to aim for. I buy a ticket and head down. Still no idea where to go and no map in sight. So I walk farther and spot a city map on the wall. After a good 10 minutes I still cannot locate the street I want so I head upstairs to ask the security guys for help. They eventually figure it out and I miraculously make my way to Plazadora de Jines (or something like that). I am so stoked to finally be at the chocolateria in my guidebook that I take a pic of the street sign. However, despite the fact that my guidebooks say open 24hours and there are signs posted all over the shop that say ¨open all day and night,¨ the shop is closed. Only in Spain.
By now it is 8:30 and I am cold and hungry for those chocolate churros that my guidebooks raved about. I pop into the Starbucks across the street for a decaf (finally found my decaf in Spain!!!) and low and behold am the ONLY one in the salon upstairs hanging out. I took a pic to document this amazing occurence that would never happen in Seattle! Well I may as well be sitting in a freezer because thats how cold it is in Starbucks...so I wonder a bit and then success! I FINALLY get my hot chocolate and churros and se vale la pena, so worth it! They were delicious...and a great start to a fun day in Madrid!
My day included a walking tour of the city, the Prado art museum, the famous Cervantes/Don Quijote de la Mancha monument and now am looking for a place to stay tonight.
The saga continues tomorrow, stay tuned...
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Done with TEFL course and on to searching for work!
Hola!
Como estan ustedes? I'm happy to report that I finished my TEFL course and now have my certification in TESOL. I can't believe how fast the month has flown by! It's crazy how it feels like I've been gone a long time but how at the same time, the course flew by. It was a lot of work and I had a really tough time with the grammar test...long story. However, I made it and I'm done now!
We went out last night to celebrate being done and got a little "weird" as my friend Kyle would say. The Spaniards are night owls and they keep the sangria coming! Some of our spanish students who we taught our practice English lessons to came with us. It was fun to hang out with them and practice my Spanish. One of them and I are going to try to meet up for intercambio (interchange?), where we spend part of the time talking in English and part in Spanish. This way we can help each other learn and have new friends. So I've got a few intercambios lined up now with our English students. This should be good!
What else? I have to say it's bittersweet to be done because some of my classmates will be leaving and I'll miss them a lot! Our little group will shrink but at least some folks are sticking around and my friend Amy will be back in a few weeks so I'm happy about that. It's so nice to be done with homework and studying!
My next steps are to look for jobs and do some traveling. Tomorrow I'm going to head back to the beach for some r & r. Probably we'll go to Cadiz but maybe to Huelva. Then, I'm going to head to Madrid at some point this week to see the amazing things there that I've been wanting to see for so long. It costs a lot more to take the fast train there than the bus, but the bus is like 6 hours. I don't want to spend that much time on a bus! I'll have to check with Rosa and Carlo for advice and look online. Johanna told me about the fast trains so I made take that option. Or maybe I'll fly if that's cheaper? Not sure. I am hoping to meet Maria while there. She's a close friend of Kendal and Kmbris's (friends of mine in Seattle) and it would be awesome to have someone to grab a bit to eat with in the evening. Am waiting to hear back from her.
Things are well here in general. I feel much better than I was feeling last week and am excited to see more of Spain soon. For now I'm staying at Rosa's. She gave me some advice this morning and it seems it might be hard to find a place to rent month to month. I will be here for Sept and then we'll see where I go after that. My friend Carrie will be in Granada as of tomorrow, so I'll probably venture over there to see her. Also, Kyle and I may head up to Barcelona because he wants to visit his friend there and I want to do the things that I ran out of time for before (and Meg, I'll head back to Stoke!). Ryanair, I hate you but I love you for being cheap. Lastly but not leastly, Megan and Brian will hopefully come here to see me soon or I'll go back to Germany to see them! Not sure when, but I am REALLY excited to see them after so long!
That's it for now. I'm missing home a lot but am also really excited to be here and see more of Spain. It's kind of a weird feeling. I won't lie, I miss a special someone back home a lot. And as pathetic as it is, I miss my kitty! After hearing that Catita (my 6 year old cousin) wanted to talk to her favorite auntie (me!) yesterday when she was sad from being bullied at her camp, I am missing my family a bit. Had good talks with my parents and Auntie Debbie a few days ago so that was really nice. Everyone seems to be doing fine. Mom is busy getting ready to start teaching full time!
Sorry that got long! That's it for now. I posted pics on facebook yesterday so check them out if you would like. Be well everyone!
<3, Ashley
Como estan ustedes? I'm happy to report that I finished my TEFL course and now have my certification in TESOL. I can't believe how fast the month has flown by! It's crazy how it feels like I've been gone a long time but how at the same time, the course flew by. It was a lot of work and I had a really tough time with the grammar test...long story. However, I made it and I'm done now!
We went out last night to celebrate being done and got a little "weird" as my friend Kyle would say. The Spaniards are night owls and they keep the sangria coming! Some of our spanish students who we taught our practice English lessons to came with us. It was fun to hang out with them and practice my Spanish. One of them and I are going to try to meet up for intercambio (interchange?), where we spend part of the time talking in English and part in Spanish. This way we can help each other learn and have new friends. So I've got a few intercambios lined up now with our English students. This should be good!
What else? I have to say it's bittersweet to be done because some of my classmates will be leaving and I'll miss them a lot! Our little group will shrink but at least some folks are sticking around and my friend Amy will be back in a few weeks so I'm happy about that. It's so nice to be done with homework and studying!
My next steps are to look for jobs and do some traveling. Tomorrow I'm going to head back to the beach for some r & r. Probably we'll go to Cadiz but maybe to Huelva. Then, I'm going to head to Madrid at some point this week to see the amazing things there that I've been wanting to see for so long. It costs a lot more to take the fast train there than the bus, but the bus is like 6 hours. I don't want to spend that much time on a bus! I'll have to check with Rosa and Carlo for advice and look online. Johanna told me about the fast trains so I made take that option. Or maybe I'll fly if that's cheaper? Not sure. I am hoping to meet Maria while there. She's a close friend of Kendal and Kmbris's (friends of mine in Seattle) and it would be awesome to have someone to grab a bit to eat with in the evening. Am waiting to hear back from her.
Things are well here in general. I feel much better than I was feeling last week and am excited to see more of Spain soon. For now I'm staying at Rosa's. She gave me some advice this morning and it seems it might be hard to find a place to rent month to month. I will be here for Sept and then we'll see where I go after that. My friend Carrie will be in Granada as of tomorrow, so I'll probably venture over there to see her. Also, Kyle and I may head up to Barcelona because he wants to visit his friend there and I want to do the things that I ran out of time for before (and Meg, I'll head back to Stoke!). Ryanair, I hate you but I love you for being cheap. Lastly but not leastly, Megan and Brian will hopefully come here to see me soon or I'll go back to Germany to see them! Not sure when, but I am REALLY excited to see them after so long!
That's it for now. I'm missing home a lot but am also really excited to be here and see more of Spain. It's kind of a weird feeling. I won't lie, I miss a special someone back home a lot. And as pathetic as it is, I miss my kitty! After hearing that Catita (my 6 year old cousin) wanted to talk to her favorite auntie (me!) yesterday when she was sad from being bullied at her camp, I am missing my family a bit. Had good talks with my parents and Auntie Debbie a few days ago so that was really nice. Everyone seems to be doing fine. Mom is busy getting ready to start teaching full time!
Sorry that got long! That's it for now. I posted pics on facebook yesterday so check them out if you would like. Be well everyone!
<3, Ashley
Monday, August 22, 2011
Tests are no fun, but we're almost done!
Hola,
Well it's been a crazy week or so since I last wrote. My course ends this Friday and I can speak for all of us when I say that it couldn't come sooner. We've been working hard and now are studying like mad for our phonology exam tomorrow and grammar exam on Wednesday. Just passing is fine with me. We need 65% to pass. Grammar is a bit dry but I find phonology to be pretty interesting stuff. I understand most everything we've been taught but am worried about memorizing it all.
Last week was especially draining and to be honest, I was in a foul mood for a few days. We were all so stressed and tense. One day we came back to Rosa's for lunch and were all pretty much silent during lunch except for a bit of venting about how bad of a day we all had. Our instructors have been pretty hard on us in terms of not communicating well and just being kind of rude to us at times. We feel that one of them is not happy with her job and creates tension in the classroom.
But anyway, we're almost through! Our practice lessons for the Spaniards have been successful. We've had to teach reading, listening, and basic conversation. I volunteered to go first because I wanted to get them out of the way. We rotated daily on who taught but my lesson was the very first one. What was I thinking? I got so nervous!
After my course ends, I'll move to a different room in Rosa's house for the month of September while I try to find housing and a JOB. My new roommate at Rosa's will be a girl from Austria I think. She's a medical student or something. There are other girls coming for the TEFL class from other European countries as well. I'm hoping to make some more friends this way. Still have not quite figured out the best way to meet Spaniards but will get there eventually. It's likely that I'll teach private lessons and maybe in a language academy for a few hours per week. As an American, it's harder to get work, but possible.
What else? I miss Seattle a lot but love Spain! Seville really is lovely, and the weather is hot! I went back to the Catedral (cathedral) yesterday and climbed the Giralda (bell tower). It was a cool view of the city from way up there though I do admit that my fear of heights kicked in...lol. I felt like I needed to go somewhere religious since it's been so long since I went to church and since friends from church have some rough stuff going on. The catedral is gorgeous and used to be a mosque so it's got a unique history. For example, the walk up the bell tower is ramps instead of stairs because when it was a mosque, horses carried men up there to ring the bells 5 times a day when it was time to call everyone to prayer. 34 ramps later, I arrived. Also, the tomb of Cristobol Colon (aka Christopher Columbus) is there!
I think that's it for now. Back to studying!
Well it's been a crazy week or so since I last wrote. My course ends this Friday and I can speak for all of us when I say that it couldn't come sooner. We've been working hard and now are studying like mad for our phonology exam tomorrow and grammar exam on Wednesday. Just passing is fine with me. We need 65% to pass. Grammar is a bit dry but I find phonology to be pretty interesting stuff. I understand most everything we've been taught but am worried about memorizing it all.
Last week was especially draining and to be honest, I was in a foul mood for a few days. We were all so stressed and tense. One day we came back to Rosa's for lunch and were all pretty much silent during lunch except for a bit of venting about how bad of a day we all had. Our instructors have been pretty hard on us in terms of not communicating well and just being kind of rude to us at times. We feel that one of them is not happy with her job and creates tension in the classroom.
But anyway, we're almost through! Our practice lessons for the Spaniards have been successful. We've had to teach reading, listening, and basic conversation. I volunteered to go first because I wanted to get them out of the way. We rotated daily on who taught but my lesson was the very first one. What was I thinking? I got so nervous!
After my course ends, I'll move to a different room in Rosa's house for the month of September while I try to find housing and a JOB. My new roommate at Rosa's will be a girl from Austria I think. She's a medical student or something. There are other girls coming for the TEFL class from other European countries as well. I'm hoping to make some more friends this way. Still have not quite figured out the best way to meet Spaniards but will get there eventually. It's likely that I'll teach private lessons and maybe in a language academy for a few hours per week. As an American, it's harder to get work, but possible.
What else? I miss Seattle a lot but love Spain! Seville really is lovely, and the weather is hot! I went back to the Catedral (cathedral) yesterday and climbed the Giralda (bell tower). It was a cool view of the city from way up there though I do admit that my fear of heights kicked in...lol. I felt like I needed to go somewhere religious since it's been so long since I went to church and since friends from church have some rough stuff going on. The catedral is gorgeous and used to be a mosque so it's got a unique history. For example, the walk up the bell tower is ramps instead of stairs because when it was a mosque, horses carried men up there to ring the bells 5 times a day when it was time to call everyone to prayer. 34 ramps later, I arrived. Also, the tomb of Cristobol Colon (aka Christopher Columbus) is there!
I think that's it for now. Back to studying!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Thank God for "chinos"...
Hola!
So you're probably about that title. Well, "chinos" are little or sometimes rather large shops run by Chinese people. They are open when nothing else is open...today for instance is a bank holiday and nothing here is open-except for the chinos. It may seem a bit racist but they are all literally run by Chinese people and everyone just refers to these shops as chinos. Chinos are everything shops. You can get anything from school supplies to undies to cleaning products, to food to toys...and the list goes on. My roommate found a fabulous type of nail polish that comes out a thin part on the top of the bottle instead of with a brush...it's great for french tips! Anyway, chinos are awesome and I had a funny experience in one the other day.
On Sunday, I needed a few things and being Spain, no normal grocery store would is open on Sunday. In fact pretty much nothing is open on Sundays. So I took a walk and looked for a chino. I headed down a street near home and saw that the one I normally hit up was closed because it was technically still siesta time (the Spanish like their meal/nap time anywhere from 3-6ish). So I kept walking and found another chino on a side street that was kinda hidden. I headed in and grabbed one of the supplies that I needed and a little girl who was playing with the toys nearby started talking to me. She asked if I needed this and that and when I said I needed hand soap, she took off running. Before long, I heard her yell, "aqui!" which means "here!". So I followed her voice a few aisles over and saw the bars of soap. I grabbed a vanilla one and made to head for the front of the shop to pay. The little girl grabbed it out of my hand and placed another one in my hand instead. She told me to smell it "huelele". She said it smelled better than the one I had before! So she and I smell some soaps and she helps me pick the best one. Then she asks if I speak English. I say yes and she asks my name, in flawless English. She says"my name is Susanna". I was floored! This girl could not have been more than 7 years old and here she is speaking perfect English, Spanish (of course), and I'm pretty sure she was speaking in Chinese with her mother (the owner of the shop).
I got such a kick out of having this little girl be my personal shopper and take an interest in talking to me! It made me miss working with children. They really are hilarious and unpredictable sometimes. Anyway, I thought I'd share that story with you all.
On another note, I received a nice compliment from my teacher today. I had taught my second practice lesson to Spanish students and we were going over feed back for all the lessons taught today. My teacher re-emphasized the importance of giving clear directions and acting them out since our students do not understand English well. She said, "Ashley is the best in the class at doing this". I really appreciated the compliment! I think one of the reasons I quit teaching is because I just began to feel like I was such a bad teacher that I just sort of gave up. Now I realize that maybe I'm not so bad after all. And, I actually am finding that I really like it! I told my teacher that I want to work on having a strong presence and speaking loudly to my class and she said I already have both! It's amazing how positive feedback can work! In the past I received lots of negative feedback but not as much positive a lot of the time and ultimately, I think it got to me. Perhaps I should work on handling criticism more.
Well that's it for now. We have a ton of work this so I should get to it. More later. Hope everyone is well and enjoying the last bit of summer!
Besitos y Abrazos,
Ashlita
So you're probably about that title. Well, "chinos" are little or sometimes rather large shops run by Chinese people. They are open when nothing else is open...today for instance is a bank holiday and nothing here is open-except for the chinos. It may seem a bit racist but they are all literally run by Chinese people and everyone just refers to these shops as chinos. Chinos are everything shops. You can get anything from school supplies to undies to cleaning products, to food to toys...and the list goes on. My roommate found a fabulous type of nail polish that comes out a thin part on the top of the bottle instead of with a brush...it's great for french tips! Anyway, chinos are awesome and I had a funny experience in one the other day.
On Sunday, I needed a few things and being Spain, no normal grocery store would is open on Sunday. In fact pretty much nothing is open on Sundays. So I took a walk and looked for a chino. I headed down a street near home and saw that the one I normally hit up was closed because it was technically still siesta time (the Spanish like their meal/nap time anywhere from 3-6ish). So I kept walking and found another chino on a side street that was kinda hidden. I headed in and grabbed one of the supplies that I needed and a little girl who was playing with the toys nearby started talking to me. She asked if I needed this and that and when I said I needed hand soap, she took off running. Before long, I heard her yell, "aqui!" which means "here!". So I followed her voice a few aisles over and saw the bars of soap. I grabbed a vanilla one and made to head for the front of the shop to pay. The little girl grabbed it out of my hand and placed another one in my hand instead. She told me to smell it "huelele". She said it smelled better than the one I had before! So she and I smell some soaps and she helps me pick the best one. Then she asks if I speak English. I say yes and she asks my name, in flawless English. She says"my name is Susanna". I was floored! This girl could not have been more than 7 years old and here she is speaking perfect English, Spanish (of course), and I'm pretty sure she was speaking in Chinese with her mother (the owner of the shop).
I got such a kick out of having this little girl be my personal shopper and take an interest in talking to me! It made me miss working with children. They really are hilarious and unpredictable sometimes. Anyway, I thought I'd share that story with you all.
On another note, I received a nice compliment from my teacher today. I had taught my second practice lesson to Spanish students and we were going over feed back for all the lessons taught today. My teacher re-emphasized the importance of giving clear directions and acting them out since our students do not understand English well. She said, "Ashley is the best in the class at doing this". I really appreciated the compliment! I think one of the reasons I quit teaching is because I just began to feel like I was such a bad teacher that I just sort of gave up. Now I realize that maybe I'm not so bad after all. And, I actually am finding that I really like it! I told my teacher that I want to work on having a strong presence and speaking loudly to my class and she said I already have both! It's amazing how positive feedback can work! In the past I received lots of negative feedback but not as much positive a lot of the time and ultimately, I think it got to me. Perhaps I should work on handling criticism more.
Well that's it for now. We have a ton of work this so I should get to it. More later. Hope everyone is well and enjoying the last bit of summer!
Besitos y Abrazos,
Ashlita
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Grammar is threatening to ruin my life but my Spanish students are the best!
Hola!
I can't believe we are nearly done with week 2. Just 2 days more and then I'm going to go back to the beach, probably in Cadiz again. We cover a lot in just one day. This week, we've had grammar lessons, phonology lessons, and done our practice lessons each day. The students come from 10:30-1:30 for lessons in reading, writing, and basic conversation. I taught my basic lesson yesterday. Someone decided she should volunteer to go first and get it over with but then got really nervous! Oh well, overall it went well and my teacher was not overly hard on me when we did the feedback part.
It's funny because I was very intimidated to teach adults but they were so sweet! Most of our students are Spaniards but some are Russian. It was interesting to teach folks whose English is very limited but it was a lot of fun too. I enjoyed helping the students to learn and getting to know them. Tomorrow we get assigned students to give private lessons to, so we'll see how that goes. It should be fun to work with someone one on one. I hear that giving private lessons is the best way for Americans to find work here.
We're learning foreign languages each Friday so that we can understand what it is like for our students. I'm in the Swedish group since I already know Spanish. Joanna (one of our instructors) is Swedish so she teaches us her native language. It's really hard for me to pronounce but the actual language structure is not much different from English so far. Being a language geek, I love learning Swedish!
So grammar...ugh. We do grammar at 2:30 each day and it is getting harder and harder. I know my parts of speech pretty well so that part was a breeze. But now we're doing something called aspects as well as tenses and imperatives and...the list goes on. I know grammar in Spanish better than in English, or so it seems. Is that pathetic or what? It's tough to do grammar at 2:30 when we've already had 5.5 hours of school and are tired and hungry. Phonology seems a bit easier but I'm still nervous about it. During week 4 we have grammar and phonology exams. I'm terrible with tests so am a bit worried about those but trying to not worry too much. We only need 65% to pass which doesn't seem like that much.
One last thought-I know that around the world Americans are not so popular but I didn't think that would come into play with my classmates. It has. We are 3 Americans, 3 English, 1 Dutch, and 1 South African. I've tried to make friends with everyone and enjoy the chance to meet people from around the world. However a few of my classmates are prone to making rude and offensive comments about Americans. It's really getting on my nerves. I have heard about animosity towards Americans in Europe but didn't feel worried about it coming in. I know it's not personal but it is really frustrating.
That may be it for now. I've got lots of work to do and some errands to run. I'm looking forward to the beach this weekend. Cadiz is a bit cooler than Sevilla which is really nice because it's been about 95-100 here every day! I am finally used to the heat though and don't mind it so much. Hope it's sunny back in Seattle!
Cuidense,
Ashlita
I can't believe we are nearly done with week 2. Just 2 days more and then I'm going to go back to the beach, probably in Cadiz again. We cover a lot in just one day. This week, we've had grammar lessons, phonology lessons, and done our practice lessons each day. The students come from 10:30-1:30 for lessons in reading, writing, and basic conversation. I taught my basic lesson yesterday. Someone decided she should volunteer to go first and get it over with but then got really nervous! Oh well, overall it went well and my teacher was not overly hard on me when we did the feedback part.
It's funny because I was very intimidated to teach adults but they were so sweet! Most of our students are Spaniards but some are Russian. It was interesting to teach folks whose English is very limited but it was a lot of fun too. I enjoyed helping the students to learn and getting to know them. Tomorrow we get assigned students to give private lessons to, so we'll see how that goes. It should be fun to work with someone one on one. I hear that giving private lessons is the best way for Americans to find work here.
We're learning foreign languages each Friday so that we can understand what it is like for our students. I'm in the Swedish group since I already know Spanish. Joanna (one of our instructors) is Swedish so she teaches us her native language. It's really hard for me to pronounce but the actual language structure is not much different from English so far. Being a language geek, I love learning Swedish!
So grammar...ugh. We do grammar at 2:30 each day and it is getting harder and harder. I know my parts of speech pretty well so that part was a breeze. But now we're doing something called aspects as well as tenses and imperatives and...the list goes on. I know grammar in Spanish better than in English, or so it seems. Is that pathetic or what? It's tough to do grammar at 2:30 when we've already had 5.5 hours of school and are tired and hungry. Phonology seems a bit easier but I'm still nervous about it. During week 4 we have grammar and phonology exams. I'm terrible with tests so am a bit worried about those but trying to not worry too much. We only need 65% to pass which doesn't seem like that much.
One last thought-I know that around the world Americans are not so popular but I didn't think that would come into play with my classmates. It has. We are 3 Americans, 3 English, 1 Dutch, and 1 South African. I've tried to make friends with everyone and enjoy the chance to meet people from around the world. However a few of my classmates are prone to making rude and offensive comments about Americans. It's really getting on my nerves. I have heard about animosity towards Americans in Europe but didn't feel worried about it coming in. I know it's not personal but it is really frustrating.
That may be it for now. I've got lots of work to do and some errands to run. I'm looking forward to the beach this weekend. Cadiz is a bit cooler than Sevilla which is really nice because it's been about 95-100 here every day! I am finally used to the heat though and don't mind it so much. Hope it's sunny back in Seattle!
Cuidense,
Ashlita
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Sevilla rocks!
Saludos!
So things are going pretty well so far. By last night I was physically and emotionally exhausted and then stayed out all night, till about 4 which is not my style but the Spaniards are night owls. Dinnertime is at 9 or 10 normally! Needless to say, we slept in till like 12:30 today when Rosa woke us up so the cleaning lady could change our sheets.
I have no idea where to start! This was a very full week. Class has been good so far. I am learning a lot about effective ways to teaching language and I wish I'd learned it a long time ago because it would have helped me when I taught Spanish. I am considering doing ELL when I get home so this training is awesome for that possibility. We're in class from 9-3:30, just like elementary school!
So I typical day is like this: 9-3:30 class, 4:00 lunch, 5-6 siesta or hw. Then Siesta time is taken very seriously here so most shops (even grocery stores and pharmacies) are closed from about 3-6. I sometimes take a nap but generally not. I don't sleep well at night if I sleep during the day. However, after one of Rosa and Carlo's lunches, I get such a food coma! And the 90 degree weather is making us all tired out.
Rosa and Carlo are our landlords. They are the warmest, kindest people ever. We have lunch at their house each day...it's called half board I guess since we just have the one meal. We could have done breakfast as well but most of us wanted to sleep in as late as possible so we just grab a quick bite downstairs in our little apartment instead. We have a small kitchen and a few rooms. Amy and I are in one and then the guys are in the other. Our other 3 classmates are in other homes around town. We have people from the US, England, South Africa, and Holland in our class! It's been interesting to compare cultures and sayings. We always joke about the things we say differently. Rosa and Carlo make the most delicious meals. We always have tinto verano (summer wine, which is like wine and sprite combined-so it's less strong and you can drink more, according to Rosa!), cheese, bread with olive oil, sea salt, and tomatoes, some sort of main dish, and a dessert with alcohol. I'm loving those meals! I feel like this sweet couple is more like my host family than landlords. They go out of their way to make us comfortable. Our laundry gets done, rooms cleaned, and Rosa even greets me with a hug and a kiss! I'll miss them a lot when I leave. They're the best!
What else? I went to the soccer ("not soccer, football" as my new friend Matt would say) stadium and get some cool stuff in their team store. I also took some pics of the stadium. I'm hoping to go to a game when the season starts. Gelato shops are everywhere so there's no shortage of ice cream in my diet! I went shopping in el centro last night and got some summer dresses. That's the other thing-since shops close for la siesta, they open later at night and stay open till 10 or 11 sometimes.
Tomorrow a few of us are going to Cadiz to the beach! I'm so excited to see a new town and just relax on the beach. It's about an hour bus ride we think. Maybe a little longer. I found the bus station today to buy us some tickets and also explored town some more. Next on my list is to see some flamenco dancing! I'll probably skip the bull fight, not really my thing.
I don't have any pics uploaded onto my computer yet but I'll try to post some soon. I have so much hw that it's a bit tough to find time to blog. We never get to bed before 1 and still there's always more to do! It's not hard, just tedious and time consuming. I'll report back soon on what's new here. Basically, Sevilla is a lovely little city (around 700,000 I think) and I'm enjoying being here.
Rosa and Carlo are our landlords. They are the warmest, kindest people ever. We have lunch at their house each day...it's called half board I guess since we just have the one meal. We could have done breakfast as well but most of us wanted to sleep in as late as possible so we just grab a quick bite downstairs in our little apartment instead. We have a small kitchen and a few rooms. Amy and I are in one and then the guys are in the other. Our other 3 classmates are in other homes around town. We have people from the US, England, South Africa, and Holland in our class! It's been interesting to compare cultures and sayings. We always joke about the things we say differently. Rosa and Carlo make the most delicious meals. We always have tinto verano (summer wine, which is like wine and sprite combined-so it's less strong and you can drink more, according to Rosa!), cheese, bread with olive oil, sea salt, and tomatoes, some sort of main dish, and a dessert with alcohol. I'm loving those meals! I feel like this sweet couple is more like my host family than landlords. They go out of their way to make us comfortable. Our laundry gets done, rooms cleaned, and Rosa even greets me with a hug and a kiss! I'll miss them a lot when I leave. They're the best!
What else? I went to the soccer ("not soccer, football" as my new friend Matt would say) stadium and get some cool stuff in their team store. I also took some pics of the stadium. I'm hoping to go to a game when the season starts. Gelato shops are everywhere so there's no shortage of ice cream in my diet! I went shopping in el centro last night and got some summer dresses. That's the other thing-since shops close for la siesta, they open later at night and stay open till 10 or 11 sometimes.
Tomorrow a few of us are going to Cadiz to the beach! I'm so excited to see a new town and just relax on the beach. It's about an hour bus ride we think. Maybe a little longer. I found the bus station today to buy us some tickets and also explored town some more. Next on my list is to see some flamenco dancing! I'll probably skip the bull fight, not really my thing.
I don't have any pics uploaded onto my computer yet but I'll try to post some soon. I have so much hw that it's a bit tough to find time to blog. We never get to bed before 1 and still there's always more to do! It's not hard, just tedious and time consuming. I'll report back soon on what's new here. Basically, Sevilla is a lovely little city (around 700,000 I think) and I'm enjoying being here.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
International health insurance and heat rash
Hello again!
Well, I learned today that Sevilla is the hottest city in Europe. I believe it! After spending all afternoon in the sun visiting some sights (cathedral, alcazars-muslim influenced palacial ruins), I seem to have heat rash on my arms and legs. So attractive it is :( My new friend/roomie Amy gave me some after sun cream and we have the A/C turned up high so hopefully I'll look less hideous tomorrow. Ugh. This is a drag since it's gonna be in the 90s all month. I will be in school all day though so I'll stay well. It's scorching hot here! The Seattlegirl is not used to hot weather!
So Amy and I visited the Alcazar today and it was so enormous! It was really cool to see all that arab influenced stuff. There were baths and gardens and lots of rooms that had been used for various things. I poked around the cathedral a bit too before heading back. It was cool but as cathedrals go, if you've seen one, you've kinda seen them all. Tomorrow I'm going to try to head to the soccer stadium after class. I am dying to get a FC Sevilla scarf!
Lastly, I've been doing research on international health insurance. I know that my landlords-who are more like a host family-will accompany me to the doc if anything happens and that it won't cost me too much, but I'd feel better if I had something. Yes, I know, I should have taken care of this before I left but I didn't do it. So if any of you have ideas, please help!
Ashlita
Well, I learned today that Sevilla is the hottest city in Europe. I believe it! After spending all afternoon in the sun visiting some sights (cathedral, alcazars-muslim influenced palacial ruins), I seem to have heat rash on my arms and legs. So attractive it is :( My new friend/roomie Amy gave me some after sun cream and we have the A/C turned up high so hopefully I'll look less hideous tomorrow. Ugh. This is a drag since it's gonna be in the 90s all month. I will be in school all day though so I'll stay well. It's scorching hot here! The Seattlegirl is not used to hot weather!
So Amy and I visited the Alcazar today and it was so enormous! It was really cool to see all that arab influenced stuff. There were baths and gardens and lots of rooms that had been used for various things. I poked around the cathedral a bit too before heading back. It was cool but as cathedrals go, if you've seen one, you've kinda seen them all. Tomorrow I'm going to try to head to the soccer stadium after class. I am dying to get a FC Sevilla scarf!
Lastly, I've been doing research on international health insurance. I know that my landlords-who are more like a host family-will accompany me to the doc if anything happens and that it won't cost me too much, but I'd feel better if I had something. Yes, I know, I should have taken care of this before I left but I didn't do it. So if any of you have ideas, please help!
Ashlita
Saturday, July 30, 2011
I made it!
Hello!
I made it to Sevilla safe and sound...and so exhausted. I don't know where to begin...
My flight left thursday morning at 8:50 for Chicago. From there I flew to Madrid. I spent about 4 hours in the Madrid airport and then flew to Sevilla. I think those hours in Madrid were the longest ever! I was so sleepy and finally just wrapped my arms around my backpack and fell asleep like that for a bit. And word from the wise, Madrid airport is not planned out for people's needs when they arrive! Most people are parched and really have to use the restroom after flying, but I had to go through customs before I could find a drink and bathroom. BTW-customs in Madrid went fine. Oddly enough, the guapo customs guy took my passport and stamped it and handed the form back to me. He didn't even take the top half like they're supposed to! So thanks American Airlines for all the unnecessary anxiety about customs >: ( Read below:
American Airlines sucks. Let me just vent publically about them now. The lady at the self-check in place (at Sea-Tac) came to take my suitcase and kinda freaked out about my one way ticket. I explained to her that I was going to Spain for a bit and was not sure when I'd return but could be there for 3 months on a tourist visa and that the TEFL people advised me to get one way. She said it's not ok to have a one way without proof of returning to the USA. She said Spain may refuse me upon arrival...and deport me. She totally freaked me out! So she tried to call some supervisor somewhere, told me she could not reach them and was too busy to help me so to get in the full service check out line (AKA not self-check). I did this and she then called me out of it to say she spoke to said supervisor and that if I was deported all the fees were on me and not them. So it was about money. Of course. Then she says I should really book a return ticket to be safe. So I get back in the full service line and talk to another woman, who is also rude and shows zero compassion for the girl who is in tears in front of her...she ends up having me take out my computer and forward and email from the TEFL people to her. So now I'm panicking that I'm going to get stuck in the security line and miss my flight. More tears in line. Somehow that line was not terrible and I made my flights.
I know that was a loooong story above but I had to explain to you all so you will not subject yourself to the treatment I received. Lucky for me, all flights were on time and I landed in Sevilla at 1:00 as planned. Since it was broad daylight and a cab was 25 euros, I bused it. Yes, that's right, I took the city bus to my hostel. Well, I took 3 total. I only got lost once and that was because I missed my stop! So I felt rather proud of myself for making it here in a city I do not know.
I went to the little shop a few doors down for a snack...kinda skipped dinner but I was so tired I just wanted to sleep. Called my mom to let her know I was here and then went to bed at 7:30. I could not even stay awake when I tried to watch a movie on my laptop! Man, jetlag is tough! I was wide awake at 5:30 this morning, but then decided to sleep more and slept till 10:00. So for most of 15 hours, I was sleeping! I think that's a new PR.
I'll check out of my hostel in a few min and take a cab to the apartment I'm sharing with classmates. I've no idea how to hail a cab from here so that will be interesting. People were nice and helped me know which bus to take so hopefully someone here can help me get a cab. The street my hostel is on a lot like the ramblas in Barca for anyone who has been there. It's big enough for one car and is all windy like old roads are.
I feel like I've rambled on a bit but had a lot to say. It was quite the journey getting here! More to come soon!
Ashlita
I made it to Sevilla safe and sound...and so exhausted. I don't know where to begin...
My flight left thursday morning at 8:50 for Chicago. From there I flew to Madrid. I spent about 4 hours in the Madrid airport and then flew to Sevilla. I think those hours in Madrid were the longest ever! I was so sleepy and finally just wrapped my arms around my backpack and fell asleep like that for a bit. And word from the wise, Madrid airport is not planned out for people's needs when they arrive! Most people are parched and really have to use the restroom after flying, but I had to go through customs before I could find a drink and bathroom. BTW-customs in Madrid went fine. Oddly enough, the guapo customs guy took my passport and stamped it and handed the form back to me. He didn't even take the top half like they're supposed to! So thanks American Airlines for all the unnecessary anxiety about customs >: ( Read below:
American Airlines sucks. Let me just vent publically about them now. The lady at the self-check in place (at Sea-Tac) came to take my suitcase and kinda freaked out about my one way ticket. I explained to her that I was going to Spain for a bit and was not sure when I'd return but could be there for 3 months on a tourist visa and that the TEFL people advised me to get one way. She said it's not ok to have a one way without proof of returning to the USA. She said Spain may refuse me upon arrival...and deport me. She totally freaked me out! So she tried to call some supervisor somewhere, told me she could not reach them and was too busy to help me so to get in the full service check out line (AKA not self-check). I did this and she then called me out of it to say she spoke to said supervisor and that if I was deported all the fees were on me and not them. So it was about money. Of course. Then she says I should really book a return ticket to be safe. So I get back in the full service line and talk to another woman, who is also rude and shows zero compassion for the girl who is in tears in front of her...she ends up having me take out my computer and forward and email from the TEFL people to her. So now I'm panicking that I'm going to get stuck in the security line and miss my flight. More tears in line. Somehow that line was not terrible and I made my flights.
I know that was a loooong story above but I had to explain to you all so you will not subject yourself to the treatment I received. Lucky for me, all flights were on time and I landed in Sevilla at 1:00 as planned. Since it was broad daylight and a cab was 25 euros, I bused it. Yes, that's right, I took the city bus to my hostel. Well, I took 3 total. I only got lost once and that was because I missed my stop! So I felt rather proud of myself for making it here in a city I do not know.
I went to the little shop a few doors down for a snack...kinda skipped dinner but I was so tired I just wanted to sleep. Called my mom to let her know I was here and then went to bed at 7:30. I could not even stay awake when I tried to watch a movie on my laptop! Man, jetlag is tough! I was wide awake at 5:30 this morning, but then decided to sleep more and slept till 10:00. So for most of 15 hours, I was sleeping! I think that's a new PR.
I'll check out of my hostel in a few min and take a cab to the apartment I'm sharing with classmates. I've no idea how to hail a cab from here so that will be interesting. People were nice and helped me know which bus to take so hopefully someone here can help me get a cab. The street my hostel is on a lot like the ramblas in Barca for anyone who has been there. It's big enough for one car and is all windy like old roads are.
I feel like I've rambled on a bit but had a lot to say. It was quite the journey getting here! More to come soon!
Ashlita
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Last day at ExOfficio
Buenas!
Well, it's my last day here at ExOfficio. It's crazy how fast time seems to be moving. I still feel like I'm "new" around here, lol. It's been just over 9 months already! I have been saying my goodbyes and I will say a bunch more. People are a really nice and I'll miss seeing them. A few of my coworkers went out to a really delicious bakery nearby and got some goodies for us in honor of my last day. So sweet of them!Change is good though and I'm ready for a new adventure.
I've got a lot to look forward to and that makes me really happy. I must admit though, I'm getting increasingly more nervous about my adventures in Spain. Mostly I'm excited but as the time to go draws nearer, I get more and more nervous. That's normal I assume.
These last few weeks before Spain are bound to be a whirlwind. Thursday is an Aquasox game with my cousins and Smiley. Ross Lake is this weekend, and then dad and I are going backpacking. The last Harry Potter movie comes out so I've got to find time to go see that next week too. Can't wait! After that, more packing and moving will have to happen and I've got a long to do list of stuff to take care of before I leave. Moving is a pain! There are too many address changes to make and such. Se vale la pena though (it's worth it)! Just thinking about everything makes my head spin. I'm so looking forward to a night of vegging out and watching the All Star game with Smiley. Tomorrow is another world cup game for the USA women's team and I'm looking forward to watching before having lunch with Grandma. Of course, I'll be multi-tasking some of the time and packing stuff up.
Anyway, this entry is none too exciting. More exciting things to come soon. Fingers crossed for warm weather and good fishing this weekend!
Ciao,
Ashlita
Well, it's my last day here at ExOfficio. It's crazy how fast time seems to be moving. I still feel like I'm "new" around here, lol. It's been just over 9 months already! I have been saying my goodbyes and I will say a bunch more. People are a really nice and I'll miss seeing them. A few of my coworkers went out to a really delicious bakery nearby and got some goodies for us in honor of my last day. So sweet of them!Change is good though and I'm ready for a new adventure.
I've got a lot to look forward to and that makes me really happy. I must admit though, I'm getting increasingly more nervous about my adventures in Spain. Mostly I'm excited but as the time to go draws nearer, I get more and more nervous. That's normal I assume.
These last few weeks before Spain are bound to be a whirlwind. Thursday is an Aquasox game with my cousins and Smiley. Ross Lake is this weekend, and then dad and I are going backpacking. The last Harry Potter movie comes out so I've got to find time to go see that next week too. Can't wait! After that, more packing and moving will have to happen and I've got a long to do list of stuff to take care of before I leave. Moving is a pain! There are too many address changes to make and such. Se vale la pena though (it's worth it)! Just thinking about everything makes my head spin. I'm so looking forward to a night of vegging out and watching the All Star game with Smiley. Tomorrow is another world cup game for the USA women's team and I'm looking forward to watching before having lunch with Grandma. Of course, I'll be multi-tasking some of the time and packing stuff up.
Anyway, this entry is none too exciting. More exciting things to come soon. Fingers crossed for warm weather and good fishing this weekend!
Ciao,
Ashlita
Friday, July 8, 2011
Sevilla here I come!
Hola!
Well, plans are being finalized for Spain! The admin woman for my course has been in touch with me and given me more information. Seems I'll actually be able to get into my housing on the Saturday before class instead of Sunday. I already paid for my hostel so I guess I may just lose out on the money for the second night. When I booked the room, you had to book it for 2 nights at a time and so I did because the first bit of info I was given said I could not get into my housing until Sunday.
In an email I received yesterday morning, I learned several new things. One is that there are only 6 of us enrolled in the course! This could be really nice or it could kinda suck. All depends on how well we mesh as a group. I want friends!! Hopefully whoever I room with (yup, that's another thing-we don't get our own bedrooms...so much for that plan) will be cool. And hopefully everyone will be because apparently the 6 of us are sharing a house together. I'm actually pretty excited about that! I've not done that since summer 2005, which was the worst summer ever, but not because of my roommates. My roommates that summer were just fine. As I recall, the only thing that made me mad was when one of them helped himself to the scones I had just baked and I only got to eat one of them! That's not a big deal really. No, that summer was tough because my grandfathers had both just passed away that spring and I was living in Tacoma to do some classes at PLU. My roomies were gone a lot and I was lonely and missing my grandpas.
Anyway, I digress. I'm really excited for this new adventure and a little sad about leaving Seattle. I started to do some packing last night and it just felt surreal. Mostly, I'm just trying to pack my apartment up early so it's not so stressful at the end.
So maybe some of you who read this have 2 cents for me about an option I just found out about. Apparently I can choose the option of paying 260 euros to have breakfast and lunch provided for me each day during the month of my class. I'm trying to decide if I should do this or not. So naturally, I've created a pro/con list. Here it is:
Pros:
Less grocery shopping during a time when I won't have much free time.
Won't have to think about finding food so much.
Cons:
Costs a lot and won't get my money's worth (I'm a small eater)
If my classmates aren't on it, it would feel awkward...but same if they're ALL on it and I'm not.
May not get to eat what I like/prefer
I'm really leaning towards not doing it because I think I could eat breakfast and lunch for under the 10 euros a day that the plan would cost. Still, I wonder if my classmates will all opt for it. Help me out here folks!
That's it for now. I'm finishing up my job at ExOfficio. My last day will be Tuesday the 12th. I can't believe it! It will be nice to take a few weeks off before I leave though. Fishing and backpacking are coming up amidst trying to see friends and pack up. Life is good!
Besos y abrazos,
Ashlita
Well, plans are being finalized for Spain! The admin woman for my course has been in touch with me and given me more information. Seems I'll actually be able to get into my housing on the Saturday before class instead of Sunday. I already paid for my hostel so I guess I may just lose out on the money for the second night. When I booked the room, you had to book it for 2 nights at a time and so I did because the first bit of info I was given said I could not get into my housing until Sunday.
In an email I received yesterday morning, I learned several new things. One is that there are only 6 of us enrolled in the course! This could be really nice or it could kinda suck. All depends on how well we mesh as a group. I want friends!! Hopefully whoever I room with (yup, that's another thing-we don't get our own bedrooms...so much for that plan) will be cool. And hopefully everyone will be because apparently the 6 of us are sharing a house together. I'm actually pretty excited about that! I've not done that since summer 2005, which was the worst summer ever, but not because of my roommates. My roommates that summer were just fine. As I recall, the only thing that made me mad was when one of them helped himself to the scones I had just baked and I only got to eat one of them! That's not a big deal really. No, that summer was tough because my grandfathers had both just passed away that spring and I was living in Tacoma to do some classes at PLU. My roomies were gone a lot and I was lonely and missing my grandpas.
Anyway, I digress. I'm really excited for this new adventure and a little sad about leaving Seattle. I started to do some packing last night and it just felt surreal. Mostly, I'm just trying to pack my apartment up early so it's not so stressful at the end.
So maybe some of you who read this have 2 cents for me about an option I just found out about. Apparently I can choose the option of paying 260 euros to have breakfast and lunch provided for me each day during the month of my class. I'm trying to decide if I should do this or not. So naturally, I've created a pro/con list. Here it is:
Pros:
Less grocery shopping during a time when I won't have much free time.
Won't have to think about finding food so much.
Cons:
Costs a lot and won't get my money's worth (I'm a small eater)
If my classmates aren't on it, it would feel awkward...but same if they're ALL on it and I'm not.
May not get to eat what I like/prefer
I'm really leaning towards not doing it because I think I could eat breakfast and lunch for under the 10 euros a day that the plan would cost. Still, I wonder if my classmates will all opt for it. Help me out here folks!
That's it for now. I'm finishing up my job at ExOfficio. My last day will be Tuesday the 12th. I can't believe it! It will be nice to take a few weeks off before I leave though. Fishing and backpacking are coming up amidst trying to see friends and pack up. Life is good!
Besos y abrazos,
Ashlita
Friday, July 1, 2011
27 days until Spain!
Saludos!
Wow! So only 5.5 days left at ExO (counting today). I can't believe it! It's been a ride, that's for sure. Customer service has taught me a lot and I am glad to have had the opportunity to hone my listening skills, dealing with upset people skills, and not taking it personally skills. I will not miss the early mornings and long hours in front of a computer though. I don't think a job like this is quite my calling because I really miss being up and about all day, like you have to be with teaching. Working at a computer and being on the phone all day is a different kind of tired than teaching...still tiring but more mentally than physically. Anyway, I'm happy to be moving on to a new adventure. I'll miss my coworkers, and the free clothes, but it's time for a positive change.
So I keep trying to decide when it will be the proper time to pack up my apartment. Now? in 2 weeks? My plan has been to purge little by little so that when I do pack, it will literally just mean putting stuff in boxes, rather than throwing stuff out and packing all at once. So far this plan seems to be working, as I've gotten rid of a bunch more clothes (things just don't fit the way they used to!) and I'm trying not to be sentimental about stuff I truly don't need. It's hard because I do like my stuff, but I am becoming aware of random odds and ends that I probably don't need. Plus, my new rule is that if I haven't used it in a year or so, I'm probably not going to and it needs to go (sorry "Friends" trivia game). I don't want to move any more stuff than I absolutely have to! Little by little, progress is being made on The Big Move.
Well, soon this blog will be a whole lot more exciting because I'll be writing to you from Sunny Spain! Or rather, Sunny Sevilla, Spain. How's that for alliteration? For now, it's a little on the blah side. I need to teach myself how to add pictures and such. All in good time!
Happy 4th of July and happy summer!
Ashlita
Wow! So only 5.5 days left at ExO (counting today). I can't believe it! It's been a ride, that's for sure. Customer service has taught me a lot and I am glad to have had the opportunity to hone my listening skills, dealing with upset people skills, and not taking it personally skills. I will not miss the early mornings and long hours in front of a computer though. I don't think a job like this is quite my calling because I really miss being up and about all day, like you have to be with teaching. Working at a computer and being on the phone all day is a different kind of tired than teaching...still tiring but more mentally than physically. Anyway, I'm happy to be moving on to a new adventure. I'll miss my coworkers, and the free clothes, but it's time for a positive change.
So I keep trying to decide when it will be the proper time to pack up my apartment. Now? in 2 weeks? My plan has been to purge little by little so that when I do pack, it will literally just mean putting stuff in boxes, rather than throwing stuff out and packing all at once. So far this plan seems to be working, as I've gotten rid of a bunch more clothes (things just don't fit the way they used to!) and I'm trying not to be sentimental about stuff I truly don't need. It's hard because I do like my stuff, but I am becoming aware of random odds and ends that I probably don't need. Plus, my new rule is that if I haven't used it in a year or so, I'm probably not going to and it needs to go (sorry "Friends" trivia game). I don't want to move any more stuff than I absolutely have to! Little by little, progress is being made on The Big Move.
Well, soon this blog will be a whole lot more exciting because I'll be writing to you from Sunny Spain! Or rather, Sunny Sevilla, Spain. How's that for alliteration? For now, it's a little on the blah side. I need to teach myself how to add pictures and such. All in good time!
Happy 4th of July and happy summer!
Ashlita
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Hostel is booked!
Hola!
One more thing is done of my looooong list of things that must be done in preparation for Spain. I did my homework and researched the hostels that are listed in my travel books. What I discovered is that one of them in particular is almost perfect for my needs! I promptly booked myself a room there and for a really good deal, got a single room for 2 nights. I figure that I'm going to be up at all hours due to jet lag, so may as well not disturb others. Besides, the price I am paying is actually less than or equal to what Meg and I paid in one of the hostels last summer, and we had to share the room with 4 other women! So, I'm pretty excited! This place has free wi-fi in the lobby and A/C. It's in a quiet neighborhood, about 15 min from the sights of Seville (still not entirely sure what those are besides the obligatory cathedral). I'm sure my room will be about the size of a stride rite shoe box, but I'm fine with that. It's only 2 nights. Then, I'll move into an apartment with people in my class.
Those first few days in Seville promise to be nerve-wracking, but hopefully exciting too. I've learned about myself that I do enjoy time on my own to explore and wonder through new places. I'm going to need a map ASAP because anyone who knows me knows that I have limited directional sense. Oh ok, fine. I have no directional sense. At least in Seattle, if I know which body of water I'm near and where exactly it is, I know which direction I'm going.
That's the update for now! I'm down to 12.5 days of work left at ExOfficio! Crazy, but true. Time is a flyin'. I just hope there will be time to do everything I want to before it's time to leave. I'm sure packing will be a total time suck. It always is when it comes to moving or packing for a trip. And I've got to do both. At least I'm loaning most of my living room furniture to Jess, so there's less furniture to move out. If anyone wants a nightstand or small bookshelf, let me know!
Besitos y abrazos,
Ashlita
One more thing is done of my looooong list of things that must be done in preparation for Spain. I did my homework and researched the hostels that are listed in my travel books. What I discovered is that one of them in particular is almost perfect for my needs! I promptly booked myself a room there and for a really good deal, got a single room for 2 nights. I figure that I'm going to be up at all hours due to jet lag, so may as well not disturb others. Besides, the price I am paying is actually less than or equal to what Meg and I paid in one of the hostels last summer, and we had to share the room with 4 other women! So, I'm pretty excited! This place has free wi-fi in the lobby and A/C. It's in a quiet neighborhood, about 15 min from the sights of Seville (still not entirely sure what those are besides the obligatory cathedral). I'm sure my room will be about the size of a stride rite shoe box, but I'm fine with that. It's only 2 nights. Then, I'll move into an apartment with people in my class.
Those first few days in Seville promise to be nerve-wracking, but hopefully exciting too. I've learned about myself that I do enjoy time on my own to explore and wonder through new places. I'm going to need a map ASAP because anyone who knows me knows that I have limited directional sense. Oh ok, fine. I have no directional sense. At least in Seattle, if I know which body of water I'm near and where exactly it is, I know which direction I'm going.
That's the update for now! I'm down to 12.5 days of work left at ExOfficio! Crazy, but true. Time is a flyin'. I just hope there will be time to do everything I want to before it's time to leave. I'm sure packing will be a total time suck. It always is when it comes to moving or packing for a trip. And I've got to do both. At least I'm loaning most of my living room furniture to Jess, so there's less furniture to move out. If anyone wants a nightstand or small bookshelf, let me know!
Besitos y abrazos,
Ashlita
Thursday, June 16, 2011
It's really happening!
Saludos!
Well, the cat's outta the bag. I told my boss about my plans on Monday. So now he knows that I'm quitting soon. My last day will be July 12th. That's only 16 days left! I realized that would allow me time to get all my stuff done and still go fishing and backpacking in my beloved northwest before it's time to go. I'm overwhelmed thinking of all that's going on before I leave, but relieved that my plans are now out in the open. Several co-workers are asking me about my plans and are actually really excited for me.
I've got a lot to look forward to in the upcoming weeks and a lot to get done. I'm trying to decide which furniture to part with (my parents' house doesn't have space to store it all), and think it's looking like I'll be parting with more than originally planned. I have a really nice bookshelf that I had no intention of selling, but I want a fresh start upon my return and may as well get rid of stuff like that. Maybe I can sell it? I've got to head to Goodwill soon because I've got piles of stuff in my bedroom just waiting to get donated. Operation: Get Rid of Excess is coming along nicely! Seems to me that it won't be so hard to get rid of stuff if I do it a little at a time.
That about sums it up. I'm so ready for a day off where I don't have to do anything or be anywhere, where I can just be home and get things accomplished there (or not). Weekends have gotten too busy lately and that stresses me out. My sick days are taunting me. Would it be so horrible if I took a mental health day? At this point, I really need it. That about covers it for now!
Hasta pronto!
Well, the cat's outta the bag. I told my boss about my plans on Monday. So now he knows that I'm quitting soon. My last day will be July 12th. That's only 16 days left! I realized that would allow me time to get all my stuff done and still go fishing and backpacking in my beloved northwest before it's time to go. I'm overwhelmed thinking of all that's going on before I leave, but relieved that my plans are now out in the open. Several co-workers are asking me about my plans and are actually really excited for me.
I've got a lot to look forward to in the upcoming weeks and a lot to get done. I'm trying to decide which furniture to part with (my parents' house doesn't have space to store it all), and think it's looking like I'll be parting with more than originally planned. I have a really nice bookshelf that I had no intention of selling, but I want a fresh start upon my return and may as well get rid of stuff like that. Maybe I can sell it? I've got to head to Goodwill soon because I've got piles of stuff in my bedroom just waiting to get donated. Operation: Get Rid of Excess is coming along nicely! Seems to me that it won't be so hard to get rid of stuff if I do it a little at a time.
That about sums it up. I'm so ready for a day off where I don't have to do anything or be anywhere, where I can just be home and get things accomplished there (or not). Weekends have gotten too busy lately and that stresses me out. My sick days are taunting me. Would it be so horrible if I took a mental health day? At this point, I really need it. That about covers it for now!
Hasta pronto!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
"Flight Schedule Change"...not an email you want to receive
Buenas!
So, the above is what I found in my email inbox first thing this morning. I won't be a drama queen about it because it's really not that big of a deal. However, being informed that your flight from Madrid to Seville is now leaving 3 hours later than planned kinda sucks. Taking a train would probably be faster, but I'm already scheduled on the flight so I'm going to stick with it. So now instead of arriving in Seville at 9:50AM, I'm not arriving until 12:50PM. I'm sure it'll be fine but it's going to take some planning to pull this off without going insane from lack of sleep. Maybe I'll take a teensy dose of one of my sleeping pills so I can sleep on my long trans-Atlantic flight. We'll see. That coupled with it being middle of the night PST when I arrive in Madrid may be a recipe for disaster. I'm also going to try to book a spot in a hostel in advance so I'm not left to traipse around Seville in a sleep deprived trance.
Anyway, the journey is part of the fun! I'm down to 25 days of work left in this gig! It's insane thinking of it that way but there you go! I'm getting to the point where I really have to tell my boss. Ugh. Given that he's the first manager I've worked for who is really good at what he does (no micro-managing, or deceit from him), it actually feels a little weird to be quitting. I mean yes I'm not terribly fond of customer service, but I work with cool people. Our office is not perfect, but I have friends here and enjoy having people make me laugh after I deal with a crappy customer. So I'll miss the people here, but not the tough job itself. I think my last day will be July 14th. I'm not positive though because I'm going fishing the weekend of July 15-17th and I may need a few more days to get everything done before I leave. Gotta look at my calendar and make a decision.
Nothing else to report here. Things are going well. I'm looking forward to some more warm weather and fun in the sun!
Besitos y abrazos,
Ashley
So, the above is what I found in my email inbox first thing this morning. I won't be a drama queen about it because it's really not that big of a deal. However, being informed that your flight from Madrid to Seville is now leaving 3 hours later than planned kinda sucks. Taking a train would probably be faster, but I'm already scheduled on the flight so I'm going to stick with it. So now instead of arriving in Seville at 9:50AM, I'm not arriving until 12:50PM. I'm sure it'll be fine but it's going to take some planning to pull this off without going insane from lack of sleep. Maybe I'll take a teensy dose of one of my sleeping pills so I can sleep on my long trans-Atlantic flight. We'll see. That coupled with it being middle of the night PST when I arrive in Madrid may be a recipe for disaster. I'm also going to try to book a spot in a hostel in advance so I'm not left to traipse around Seville in a sleep deprived trance.
Anyway, the journey is part of the fun! I'm down to 25 days of work left in this gig! It's insane thinking of it that way but there you go! I'm getting to the point where I really have to tell my boss. Ugh. Given that he's the first manager I've worked for who is really good at what he does (no micro-managing, or deceit from him), it actually feels a little weird to be quitting. I mean yes I'm not terribly fond of customer service, but I work with cool people. Our office is not perfect, but I have friends here and enjoy having people make me laugh after I deal with a crappy customer. So I'll miss the people here, but not the tough job itself. I think my last day will be July 14th. I'm not positive though because I'm going fishing the weekend of July 15-17th and I may need a few more days to get everything done before I leave. Gotta look at my calendar and make a decision.
Nothing else to report here. Things are going well. I'm looking forward to some more warm weather and fun in the sun!
Besitos y abrazos,
Ashley
Monday, June 6, 2011
A successful auction = re-living my childhood
Saludos!
So last night we had the auction to benefit Rick Teal, a family friend of ours who was injured playing softball last summer. He tragically became a quadriplegic when a player on the opposing team barreled into him and broke his neck. You can check out an article about him here. Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley wrote it so we could get the word out about the auction. The goal was to raise enough $$$ to buy Rick a van so he can get around without it costing a fortune every time. To use a transportation service is very costly, but people with the kind of disabilities he has need a specially equipped van to get out and about. I don't know how much money was brought in but last I checked, it was at least enough to buy a used van, which would be totally fine (doesn't really matter if it's brand new or not).
The Teal family lived across the street from us for 25 years when we lived in Bothell. My parents moved out of that house last summer, just weeks before Rick's accident. In fact, he loaned my dad his truck and helped move some furniture for us. Being neighbors for all those years, my parents became good friends with Rick and Robin, as well as the other parents in the cul-de-sac. When it became evident that this injury and new lifestyle was burdensome financially, my parents and another couple who we've known since I was a kid decided to put on a fundraiser. It was decided that a silent auction would be the best.
Most of those families who were neighbors of ours when I was growing up are still living in the Bothell neighborhood and most were at the auction last night. I had not seen them in years and it was like a neighborhood reunion to suddenly be in the same room together! The bartender (the auction was in a private room at Redhook Brewery) was a guy I went through high school with, but when I went up to buy a beer, I could not recall his name. I had to ask my mom! Am I really that old? The answer is yes, apparently. Two of the boys I grew up with have recently married, one girl had a baby, and everyone else looked "about 10 years older," to quote my brother. It was a lot of fun to catch up with the "kids" I grew up with. And of course their parents all said hello as well.
Of course when you don't see people for a long time, the first thing they ask you is, "what are you up to these days?". That is a hard question as I admit I feel some shame about not doing anything super exciting...I never thought I'd be doing customer service over the phone after going to college and it's been very humbling indeed. I think I saw customer service providers in a much different light before working for ExO than I do now. I was honest though and told them about my job but then got to talk about Spain. I feel like I explained my plan to go to Spain about 100 times, though I'm sure that's an exaggeration. Everyone was really encouraging though and seemed excited for me.
It's interesting how when you're growing up in such a tight knit community as our little cul-de-sac was, you realize only later just how lucky you were to have kind neighbors who always had your back. While none of us kids have really stayed in touch, my parents still hang out with several of the couples whose kids I grew up with. In chatting with the "kids" last night, it became evident that we all still have good memories of growing up in the 'burbs. It also became evident that we're all getting old!
Abrazotes,
Ashley
So last night we had the auction to benefit Rick Teal, a family friend of ours who was injured playing softball last summer. He tragically became a quadriplegic when a player on the opposing team barreled into him and broke his neck. You can check out an article about him here. Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley wrote it so we could get the word out about the auction. The goal was to raise enough $$$ to buy Rick a van so he can get around without it costing a fortune every time. To use a transportation service is very costly, but people with the kind of disabilities he has need a specially equipped van to get out and about. I don't know how much money was brought in but last I checked, it was at least enough to buy a used van, which would be totally fine (doesn't really matter if it's brand new or not).
The Teal family lived across the street from us for 25 years when we lived in Bothell. My parents moved out of that house last summer, just weeks before Rick's accident. In fact, he loaned my dad his truck and helped move some furniture for us. Being neighbors for all those years, my parents became good friends with Rick and Robin, as well as the other parents in the cul-de-sac. When it became evident that this injury and new lifestyle was burdensome financially, my parents and another couple who we've known since I was a kid decided to put on a fundraiser. It was decided that a silent auction would be the best.
Most of those families who were neighbors of ours when I was growing up are still living in the Bothell neighborhood and most were at the auction last night. I had not seen them in years and it was like a neighborhood reunion to suddenly be in the same room together! The bartender (the auction was in a private room at Redhook Brewery) was a guy I went through high school with, but when I went up to buy a beer, I could not recall his name. I had to ask my mom! Am I really that old? The answer is yes, apparently. Two of the boys I grew up with have recently married, one girl had a baby, and everyone else looked "about 10 years older," to quote my brother. It was a lot of fun to catch up with the "kids" I grew up with. And of course their parents all said hello as well.
Of course when you don't see people for a long time, the first thing they ask you is, "what are you up to these days?". That is a hard question as I admit I feel some shame about not doing anything super exciting...I never thought I'd be doing customer service over the phone after going to college and it's been very humbling indeed. I think I saw customer service providers in a much different light before working for ExO than I do now. I was honest though and told them about my job but then got to talk about Spain. I feel like I explained my plan to go to Spain about 100 times, though I'm sure that's an exaggeration. Everyone was really encouraging though and seemed excited for me.
It's interesting how when you're growing up in such a tight knit community as our little cul-de-sac was, you realize only later just how lucky you were to have kind neighbors who always had your back. While none of us kids have really stayed in touch, my parents still hang out with several of the couples whose kids I grew up with. In chatting with the "kids" last night, it became evident that we all still have good memories of growing up in the 'burbs. It also became evident that we're all getting old!
Abrazotes,
Ashley
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Watching sports helps a frazzled Seattle girl.
Well, it was a great weekend for Seattle sports! The Sounders came out with a win against Real Salt Lake, a team who is having a really good season. The Mariners won 2 of their 3 games against the Yankees which felt really good. Gotta love beating those guys! As frazzled as I have been trying to get ready for Spain (both mentally and otherwise), it was really relaxing to just chill out in front of my beloved Sounders and Mariners and cheer them on. Yesterday, I made it to the ballpark and watched as the M's beat the Orioles 4-3. I didn't realized how much sitting in front of a game helped me to relax until these past few days, where I watched 3.5 baseball games and a soccer game. Sounds like a lot of TV time, but the weather here is still pretty cold and gray so I don't feel too guilty. I did take walks and get out when it was nice.
Also, I went up to the beach and spent a few days with my parents. We discussed my plans for Spain and I began to read my Lonely Planet Spain travel book to see what it had to say about Seville. I need to reserve a spot in a hostel for those first 2 nights. I'm a little nervous to be alone for a few days but hopefully it will work out fine. I had not considered until recently how much mental preparation I'd need for this move. It's time for a big change and while change is not easy for me, sometimes in life we need to step out of our comfort zones in order to grow. Spending those first few days all alone will be tough for me but I know it'll be fine in the end.
My pastor recently talked to me about how I would probably want to consider finding some sort of church while there and I figure she's right. My mental and emotional health will need it! However, Spain is very Catholic historically (well after they took over the Islamic roots of the country), so I don't know what I'll find in terms of a church that is more mainstream. I doubt I'll find anywhere as hippie liberal as my beloved UCUCC. I mean hippie liberal as a term of endearment, I promise! If nothing else, I'll listen to sermons from home off of our church website.
Well, this is getting long and my workday is finally coming to a close. Hope everyone is happy and healthy.
Abrazos y besitos,
Ashley
Also, I went up to the beach and spent a few days with my parents. We discussed my plans for Spain and I began to read my Lonely Planet Spain travel book to see what it had to say about Seville. I need to reserve a spot in a hostel for those first 2 nights. I'm a little nervous to be alone for a few days but hopefully it will work out fine. I had not considered until recently how much mental preparation I'd need for this move. It's time for a big change and while change is not easy for me, sometimes in life we need to step out of our comfort zones in order to grow. Spending those first few days all alone will be tough for me but I know it'll be fine in the end.
My pastor recently talked to me about how I would probably want to consider finding some sort of church while there and I figure she's right. My mental and emotional health will need it! However, Spain is very Catholic historically (well after they took over the Islamic roots of the country), so I don't know what I'll find in terms of a church that is more mainstream. I doubt I'll find anywhere as hippie liberal as my beloved UCUCC. I mean hippie liberal as a term of endearment, I promise! If nothing else, I'll listen to sermons from home off of our church website.
Well, this is getting long and my workday is finally coming to a close. Hope everyone is happy and healthy.
Abrazos y besitos,
Ashley
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Plane ticket: $$$, Jet Lag: Lame, Spending time in Sevilla: Priceless!
Hola!
It's official now. I'm going to SEVILLE (aka SEVILLA)!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last night, I bought my plane ticket from cheapoair.com. I've never bought a ticket through them and am still figuring them out, but they had the best fare by a lot, and it's all the way thru to Sevilla. I was contemplating flying to Madrid and then taking a train or local Spanish airline/Ryanair (yeah I know) to Sevilla, but I found a good deal on actually getting to Sevilla. I'll fly through Chicago and Madrid on 2 different airlines (American and Iberia). I'm psyched to fly on a Spanish airline and see what that's like. It's likely the exact same but still. They may have some neat Spanish touches, like British Airways does on their flights. I flew them last summer and had a good experience with them. I will need to research how movies work on Iberia air (cuz on a 8 hour flight, they're kinda crucial).
So it's happening. I'm going from uber excited, to terrified, then back to excited. This is going to be a grand adventure and I'm looking forward to personal growth, learning more about Spanish culture, improving my Spanish, making new friends with people from lots of countries, and the Mediterranean climate. Let's not forget sangria. Mustn't forget sangria!
I'm going to miss home a lot and that makes me nervous. It's also scary having no idea when I'll be back. I bought a one way ticket because of this. Many people have told me that it's "gutsy", "courageous" and "brave" to do this, but I've never actually thought of myself that way! I am afraid of speed, heights, and rides in general. Truth be told, I'm kind of a wimp and certainly not extreme. I suppose they are right though. It takes a lot of something to go all alone to a foreign country where you don't know anyone. I do speak the language and know the culture moderately well. I figure if crisis strikes, I've got Megan and Brian in Germany and that's a lot closer than Seattle. Let's hope all goes well and that I can find work so I don't have to decide between depleting my savings and leaving. Also, I'm praying that I meet awesome new people in a hurry! The first 2 nights I'm there will be spent in a hostel because I don't think I can get into my apartment until the Sunday before class. We'll see. On that note, fingers crossed for cool roomies!
Well, thanks everyone for support as I made my journey to this decision to go abroad and follow my heart to Spain. I'm fascinated with this country and excited to experience new things. More updates to come as I make further preparations. If anyone has advice on Sevilla, or Spain in general, I'm all ears!
Besitos y Abrazos,
Ashley
It's official now. I'm going to SEVILLE (aka SEVILLA)!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last night, I bought my plane ticket from cheapoair.com. I've never bought a ticket through them and am still figuring them out, but they had the best fare by a lot, and it's all the way thru to Sevilla. I was contemplating flying to Madrid and then taking a train or local Spanish airline/Ryanair (yeah I know) to Sevilla, but I found a good deal on actually getting to Sevilla. I'll fly through Chicago and Madrid on 2 different airlines (American and Iberia). I'm psyched to fly on a Spanish airline and see what that's like. It's likely the exact same but still. They may have some neat Spanish touches, like British Airways does on their flights. I flew them last summer and had a good experience with them. I will need to research how movies work on Iberia air (cuz on a 8 hour flight, they're kinda crucial).
So it's happening. I'm going from uber excited, to terrified, then back to excited. This is going to be a grand adventure and I'm looking forward to personal growth, learning more about Spanish culture, improving my Spanish, making new friends with people from lots of countries, and the Mediterranean climate. Let's not forget sangria. Mustn't forget sangria!
I'm going to miss home a lot and that makes me nervous. It's also scary having no idea when I'll be back. I bought a one way ticket because of this. Many people have told me that it's "gutsy", "courageous" and "brave" to do this, but I've never actually thought of myself that way! I am afraid of speed, heights, and rides in general. Truth be told, I'm kind of a wimp and certainly not extreme. I suppose they are right though. It takes a lot of something to go all alone to a foreign country where you don't know anyone. I do speak the language and know the culture moderately well. I figure if crisis strikes, I've got Megan and Brian in Germany and that's a lot closer than Seattle. Let's hope all goes well and that I can find work so I don't have to decide between depleting my savings and leaving. Also, I'm praying that I meet awesome new people in a hurry! The first 2 nights I'm there will be spent in a hostel because I don't think I can get into my apartment until the Sunday before class. We'll see. On that note, fingers crossed for cool roomies!
Well, thanks everyone for support as I made my journey to this decision to go abroad and follow my heart to Spain. I'm fascinated with this country and excited to experience new things. More updates to come as I make further preparations. If anyone has advice on Sevilla, or Spain in general, I'm all ears!
Besitos y Abrazos,
Ashley
Friday, May 20, 2011
Random thoughts about a job in customer service/hideous things customers said
Hello!
So I'm so excited to be near the finish line at work with Spain on the horizon. I feel very strongly that everyone should have to work in a job like mine or in a retail job when they are young. Some countries require their citizens to go in the army, and I think we should have our citizens take a turn working customer service. It'll never happen but I can still wish. I think this would be beneficial because people make lots of assumptions about those in customer service related jobs and are just downright awful sometimes. Here are the assumptions that seem to have been made about us:
To show you about those who are less than wonderful, I will now quote several of the humorous, dumb and ridiculous things that customers have said to me over the course of this job.
"The only thing that is well loved is my women...and your men-because I'm sure you do that"
(In this case I had told a gentleman wanting to return 5 year old pants that his pants seemed to be in bad shape from being well worn and loved).
"You went to college? Then what are you doing in a job like this?"
"I don't know if my husband wears boxers or boxer briefs. What's the difference?" (Really, lady? Just...REALLY?)
"Don't you people realize that Americans are just getting bigger?"
(In response to my reply that we don't carry plus sizes. I've gotten this complaint several times. My reply to her comment was that our company wants to encourage a healthy lifestyle...was that bad?)
"I don't care about anyone else's order but my own. I just want my order in time for Christmas. I don't care how hard they're working in the warehouse. What are you people thinking having a company party at the holidays?" (Ok that's a slight paraphrase but those are all points she made)
I know there have been many more but I cannot come up with them off the top of my head. I'll have to add them in later as they come to me. I've learned a lot in this job, especially about how to deal with people. That is a good thing and I appreciate it.
So I'm so excited to be near the finish line at work with Spain on the horizon. I feel very strongly that everyone should have to work in a job like mine or in a retail job when they are young. Some countries require their citizens to go in the army, and I think we should have our citizens take a turn working customer service. It'll never happen but I can still wish. I think this would be beneficial because people make lots of assumptions about those in customer service related jobs and are just downright awful sometimes. Here are the assumptions that seem to have been made about us:
- We are stupid and unintelligent
- We are not well educated, let alone college educated
- We don't listen
- We don't know what we're doing
- We're out to get our customers
- We don't know what we're selling
- We're super strict about returns/exchanges
To show you about those who are less than wonderful, I will now quote several of the humorous, dumb and ridiculous things that customers have said to me over the course of this job.
"The only thing that is well loved is my women...and your men-because I'm sure you do that"
(In this case I had told a gentleman wanting to return 5 year old pants that his pants seemed to be in bad shape from being well worn and loved).
"You went to college? Then what are you doing in a job like this?"
"I don't know if my husband wears boxers or boxer briefs. What's the difference?" (Really, lady? Just...REALLY?)
"Don't you people realize that Americans are just getting bigger?"
(In response to my reply that we don't carry plus sizes. I've gotten this complaint several times. My reply to her comment was that our company wants to encourage a healthy lifestyle...was that bad?)
"I don't care about anyone else's order but my own. I just want my order in time for Christmas. I don't care how hard they're working in the warehouse. What are you people thinking having a company party at the holidays?" (Ok that's a slight paraphrase but those are all points she made)
I know there have been many more but I cannot come up with them off the top of my head. I'll have to add them in later as they come to me. I've learned a lot in this job, especially about how to deal with people. That is a good thing and I appreciate it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Spring has sprung in Seattle!
Hello!
Spring has sprung in Seattle! Anyone who lives in Seattle knows that spring means it can be raining one minute and sunny the next. It's been a little crazy like that lately. The other week I timed it perfectly, running every other day because the 2 days I ran were sunny and the days I didn't were rainy. On one of those runs, I was running down a residential street with apparently a lot of people who have green thumbs. The flowers were all in bloom and were so colorful and pretty. I could even smell lilacs and I don't know what else in the air. It was so nice to be outdoors on a bright afternoon, smelling the sweet aroma of flowers! This street in particular was just gorgeous. I'm so ready for some warm weather, and yes that means I'm awaiting an 80 degree day! To me, 80 is nice and warm!
What else? Life has continued to be busy. I counted and it's like 10 nights in a row that I've committed to something. Yes, some of these times are just hanging out with people, but it still brought awareness to me about slowing down and making time to do stuff that needs to get done. I have a list of stuff to do for Spain. Most of it can wait but not all. I'm yet to purchase my plane ticket because I'm trying to find answers to the following questions:
Nothing else to report for now. Nala keeps waking me up at 2am, mean little thing! So now I'm a bit tired from my 2:30am rendezvous with Nala. Luckily she wakes me up with sweet kitty kisses on my cheek instead of with her claws. My dad had to go to church with a big scratch on his face one time because my childhood cat had woken him up early with her claw. Nala only licks, never scratches.
That's it for now. Almost time to go home from work! More later. And hopefully I'll add some pics once I figure out how it's done!
xoxo,
Ashlita
Spring has sprung in Seattle! Anyone who lives in Seattle knows that spring means it can be raining one minute and sunny the next. It's been a little crazy like that lately. The other week I timed it perfectly, running every other day because the 2 days I ran were sunny and the days I didn't were rainy. On one of those runs, I was running down a residential street with apparently a lot of people who have green thumbs. The flowers were all in bloom and were so colorful and pretty. I could even smell lilacs and I don't know what else in the air. It was so nice to be outdoors on a bright afternoon, smelling the sweet aroma of flowers! This street in particular was just gorgeous. I'm so ready for some warm weather, and yes that means I'm awaiting an 80 degree day! To me, 80 is nice and warm!
What else? Life has continued to be busy. I counted and it's like 10 nights in a row that I've committed to something. Yes, some of these times are just hanging out with people, but it still brought awareness to me about slowing down and making time to do stuff that needs to get done. I have a list of stuff to do for Spain. Most of it can wait but not all. I'm yet to purchase my plane ticket because I'm trying to find answers to the following questions:
- Can I buy round trip even if I'm not there totally legally?
- Should I buy one way or round trip?
- If I buy round trip, how much would it cost to change the departure date if I come home earlier/later than originally planned.
- Are the rules for changing departure date different if I somehow get to use my frequent flyer miles?
- Can I somehow finagle using my frequent flyer miles (I know only to be used on round trip)
- What day should I leave? How early if no one is going early with me?
Nothing else to report for now. Nala keeps waking me up at 2am, mean little thing! So now I'm a bit tired from my 2:30am rendezvous with Nala. Luckily she wakes me up with sweet kitty kisses on my cheek instead of with her claws. My dad had to go to church with a big scratch on his face one time because my childhood cat had woken him up early with her claw. Nala only licks, never scratches.
That's it for now. Almost time to go home from work! More later. And hopefully I'll add some pics once I figure out how it's done!
xoxo,
Ashlita
Friday, May 13, 2011
So much to do, so little time
Well, for someone who's got free time at work, I'm certainly not doing an excellent job of updating this! Life has been hectic lately. I went from leaving my schedule very open to being busy almost every night. It's too much. I'm going a little insane never getting a night to myself. However, I like seeing friends and babysitting and doing church stuff so it's hard to figure out what to give up. I think I just need to mark certain days as "busy" and not commit to anything then so I can at least have a couple nights open each week. Working long days makes you really want to just be home at night. I think I'm also feeling that final push towards the finish line at work as Sevilla is nearing. I will be there in 2.5 months!
What else? I'm really craving a vacation or even just a staycation. I just really need a day off to do something fun and relaxing like get a facial or lay out in the sun (if it ever gets warm here). I volunteered last Saturday for 4 hours and then went straight to watch soccer so didn't get any time to just "be". Of course I say this and then I'm bored in like .2 seconds of not having something scheduled! Tomorrow is wide open and I'm leaving it that way. I am looking forward to Memorial Day weekend and 4th of July weekend. At least having a few 3 day weekends will be nice. I'm also going to double check and see how many vacation hours I've got. I might take a long weekend in June sometime.
Sooo, I think my being really tired is making this entry kind of boring. I really don't have a ton of stuff to report on though. Things are good. I sent in my official deposit for Sevilla and have secured my seat in the class, so that's really happening! There are some things to figure out though.
I've got to figure out when I've leaving and get a plane ticket. I'd love to go over a week early and hang out in Spain and get to know the city and stuff. So that needs to be determined soon...whether I do that or not depends on if I can convince anyone to come with me. Plus, there's the whole round trip or one way ticket. I'd rather buy a round trip because it's cheaper in the long run, but it's hard for a few reasons. One is that I have no idea how long I'll be there. I might be gone 3 months and I might be gone 7 or 8 months. It really depends on how it's going with finding work and just how happy I am there. Also, I don't know if I can buy a round trip ticket for several months in advance when my tourist visa will have run out by then (in other words, I won't be there legally). And I don't know who to go to with these questions because I don't know anyone who's done just this. I'd like to try and use my frequent flyer miles but that may not be an option due to buying my ticket late and because I think that I can only use them on a round trip ticket. I keep putting all this off, but I've never bought a ticket so close to leaving like this and it's starting to make me really nervous. I want to get a ticket already! Hopefully in the next few weeks that part will be taken care of.
What else? I'm really craving a vacation or even just a staycation. I just really need a day off to do something fun and relaxing like get a facial or lay out in the sun (if it ever gets warm here). I volunteered last Saturday for 4 hours and then went straight to watch soccer so didn't get any time to just "be". Of course I say this and then I'm bored in like .2 seconds of not having something scheduled! Tomorrow is wide open and I'm leaving it that way. I am looking forward to Memorial Day weekend and 4th of July weekend. At least having a few 3 day weekends will be nice. I'm also going to double check and see how many vacation hours I've got. I might take a long weekend in June sometime.
Sooo, I think my being really tired is making this entry kind of boring. I really don't have a ton of stuff to report on though. Things are good. I sent in my official deposit for Sevilla and have secured my seat in the class, so that's really happening! There are some things to figure out though.
I've got to figure out when I've leaving and get a plane ticket. I'd love to go over a week early and hang out in Spain and get to know the city and stuff. So that needs to be determined soon...whether I do that or not depends on if I can convince anyone to come with me. Plus, there's the whole round trip or one way ticket. I'd rather buy a round trip because it's cheaper in the long run, but it's hard for a few reasons. One is that I have no idea how long I'll be there. I might be gone 3 months and I might be gone 7 or 8 months. It really depends on how it's going with finding work and just how happy I am there. Also, I don't know if I can buy a round trip ticket for several months in advance when my tourist visa will have run out by then (in other words, I won't be there legally). And I don't know who to go to with these questions because I don't know anyone who's done just this. I'd like to try and use my frequent flyer miles but that may not be an option due to buying my ticket late and because I think that I can only use them on a round trip ticket. I keep putting all this off, but I've never bought a ticket so close to leaving like this and it's starting to make me really nervous. I want to get a ticket already! Hopefully in the next few weeks that part will be taken care of.
Friday, May 6, 2011
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one"
Well the decision has been made! I'm going to Sevilla for the TEFL course through TEFL International. They seem to be a well refuted organization that has been around for a while. I've been in communication with a consultant there for a month or so and he's been pretty helpful. Actually, I applied with 2 organizations (as I think I mentioned in an earlier post) and the other one would have been my top choice just due to how kind and personable their people were, however-their course cost quite a bit more because it's CELTA instead of TEFL. CELTA is associated with Cambridge college in the UK and that's cool but to me it's worth it to save the $500. So I have to tell them I'm going with someone else. I actually feel a little guilty doing that after they've been so nice!
So Sevilla!!!!!!!!!! Wow, it's becoming a reality that I have to tell my boss I'm quitting in the next few weeks. I want to give him like sufficient notice because he'll need some time to replace the wonderful lady that is me. My last day will be sometime towards the end of July.
Nothing else new to report here. I'm so tired. Had a crazy day yesterday with work and soccer and getting stuck in traffic. There was a bad accident on the Ballard Bridge and of course it was the first time in like forever that I didn't just stay on 99 and took the bridge instead. It took me an hour and a half to get home! I work 6.5 miles from home. People: there's a reason they tell us not to speed or merge lanes on the bridge. Multi-car accidents are not cool :(
We were late for soccer because I got home at 5:55 and was supposed to be meeting my friend at 6:05 to carpool. Oh well. The game was good overall. I'm starting to realize which guys pass to girls and which guys do not. A few of them are awesome about it and have no qualms about passing to girls. Others are not. One even took the ball from me instead of breaking away for me to pass it to him upfield. I was so miffed I didn't even know how to react. Last night I got maybe 2 passes the entire 2nd half and I was wide open most of the time! Yet, they would look, see me wide open, and then pass to someone else. That was really degrading. I can work on being more vocal and calling for the ball but I don't really get these guys acting like girls are inferior when they are choosing to play on a co-ed team. It's their CHOICE to play with us! They can be on an all guys team if they want to. Anyway, off my soapbox. Most of the guys on my team seem really nice and I've become friends with a few of them. Even shared a beer with one last night ;-). We had a little mini cinco de mayo party after the game.
All for now,
Tu Ashlita
So Sevilla!!!!!!!!!! Wow, it's becoming a reality that I have to tell my boss I'm quitting in the next few weeks. I want to give him like sufficient notice because he'll need some time to replace the wonderful lady that is me. My last day will be sometime towards the end of July.
Nothing else new to report here. I'm so tired. Had a crazy day yesterday with work and soccer and getting stuck in traffic. There was a bad accident on the Ballard Bridge and of course it was the first time in like forever that I didn't just stay on 99 and took the bridge instead. It took me an hour and a half to get home! I work 6.5 miles from home. People: there's a reason they tell us not to speed or merge lanes on the bridge. Multi-car accidents are not cool :(
We were late for soccer because I got home at 5:55 and was supposed to be meeting my friend at 6:05 to carpool. Oh well. The game was good overall. I'm starting to realize which guys pass to girls and which guys do not. A few of them are awesome about it and have no qualms about passing to girls. Others are not. One even took the ball from me instead of breaking away for me to pass it to him upfield. I was so miffed I didn't even know how to react. Last night I got maybe 2 passes the entire 2nd half and I was wide open most of the time! Yet, they would look, see me wide open, and then pass to someone else. That was really degrading. I can work on being more vocal and calling for the ball but I don't really get these guys acting like girls are inferior when they are choosing to play on a co-ed team. It's their CHOICE to play with us! They can be on an all guys team if they want to. Anyway, off my soapbox. Most of the guys on my team seem really nice and I've become friends with a few of them. Even shared a beer with one last night ;-). We had a little mini cinco de mayo party after the game.
All for now,
Tu Ashlita
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sevilla bound?
Saludos!
Wow...I am not on top on this blogging thing at all lately! La vida es bien ocupada. Even when trying not to be overly busy, I keep getting too booked up. Sigh. One day I'll get it under control. For now, I'm living for the free time I get on weekends. Until you work in the corporate world of 9 hour work days + commute, and almost no time off, you really don't realize how hard it is to manage. You just don't have any time for anything besides working, sleeping, eating, and exercising. I'm trying to get used to it but I am not going to lie-I'm really looking forward to quitting my job and going to Spain.
So on to more important stuff-I may be going to Seville or Sevilla as se escribe en espanol. There are a few reasons for this. It's funny because I was so set on Barcelona but now I'm thinking it may be Sevilla after all. I looked at my compare/contrast of Barcelona and Sevilla in this this post and then considered information I've gathered since then. Mostly I've learned that work prospects are better in Sevilla. Also, every time I've mentioned Barcelona to someone, they've said it's not "real" Spain. While I know all about Catalunya and respect it as being different than other areas, it is still part of Spain! Still, I can't help but let those comments affect me a little.
Also, I like the idea of being in a city that is "real" Spain in the sense that it has traditional aspects of Spanish culture (food, Spanish guitar, flamenco, Don Quijote, etc.). So maybe I'm going to Andalucia?! Andalucia is different from Catalunya in that it has the Moorish influence of Africa and the accent of Spanish spoken there is quite unique. I'm a little nervous that my accent is going to become too Spanish and not enough Mexican upon my return if I go there, but at the same time, I don't think it'll matter too much in the long run. I liked Barca because I've been there and know the city a bit, but I know I could get to know a new city in time and seeing a new place would be really cool!
I am still not 100% sure what decision I will make because I was very set on Barcelona before. I want to let Sevilla sink it for a few days and see how I feel then. I'm starting to get very aware of the fact that I could be quitting my job in just over 2 months! It also freaks me out that I'll ultimately buy a plane ticket at the last minute. I'm such a planner that this gives me some anxiety but it also seems like it's just going to have to be this way.
Nothing else new in my life. That's it for now!
Hasta pronto,
Tu Ashlita
Wow...I am not on top on this blogging thing at all lately! La vida es bien ocupada. Even when trying not to be overly busy, I keep getting too booked up. Sigh. One day I'll get it under control. For now, I'm living for the free time I get on weekends. Until you work in the corporate world of 9 hour work days + commute, and almost no time off, you really don't realize how hard it is to manage. You just don't have any time for anything besides working, sleeping, eating, and exercising. I'm trying to get used to it but I am not going to lie-I'm really looking forward to quitting my job and going to Spain.
So on to more important stuff-I may be going to Seville or Sevilla as se escribe en espanol. There are a few reasons for this. It's funny because I was so set on Barcelona but now I'm thinking it may be Sevilla after all. I looked at my compare/contrast of Barcelona and Sevilla in this this post and then considered information I've gathered since then. Mostly I've learned that work prospects are better in Sevilla. Also, every time I've mentioned Barcelona to someone, they've said it's not "real" Spain. While I know all about Catalunya and respect it as being different than other areas, it is still part of Spain! Still, I can't help but let those comments affect me a little.
Also, I like the idea of being in a city that is "real" Spain in the sense that it has traditional aspects of Spanish culture (food, Spanish guitar, flamenco, Don Quijote, etc.). So maybe I'm going to Andalucia?! Andalucia is different from Catalunya in that it has the Moorish influence of Africa and the accent of Spanish spoken there is quite unique. I'm a little nervous that my accent is going to become too Spanish and not enough Mexican upon my return if I go there, but at the same time, I don't think it'll matter too much in the long run. I liked Barca because I've been there and know the city a bit, but I know I could get to know a new city in time and seeing a new place would be really cool!
I am still not 100% sure what decision I will make because I was very set on Barcelona before. I want to let Sevilla sink it for a few days and see how I feel then. I'm starting to get very aware of the fact that I could be quitting my job in just over 2 months! It also freaks me out that I'll ultimately buy a plane ticket at the last minute. I'm such a planner that this gives me some anxiety but it also seems like it's just going to have to be this way.
Nothing else new in my life. That's it for now!
Hasta pronto,
Tu Ashlita
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Things n' stuff
So I am told that I need update this already! I couldn't agree more actually. I don't know how a week and a half passed between entries. Last week/weekend I was playing soccer, celebrating my birthday with a few friends, nursing the inevitable hangover (tequila and vodka=hangover), then celebrating with my family. Then it was Easter and then suddenly, it was Monday and I had to go to freakin work. Well, here's an update on stuff in general:
30 x 30 Fashion Challenge: Ummm, this is hard! It's been way tougher than I thought it would be to create 30 different outfits. To just wear those same 30 items for the month is one thing, but to have to not repeat outfits got really hard. So I've cheated a few times and wore repeat outfits. I think I could do more with my jean skirt but I've made good use of most everything else. Tomorrow, I shall find a new way to rock the jean skirt.
Spain: Well the waiting game has begun. They said we'd know about mid-April (when the deadline for all apps to be in) who got positions and who got waitlisted for my original Plan A-the Language and Culture Assistant gig through the Spanish Ministry of Education. I still haven't heard anything so now my struggle is to figure out how long I can wait before signing up for the TESOL/TEFL class instead. I don't want to wait too long but on the other hand, do want to see what becomes of the Ministry of Ed program. It would cost a lot less and be more legal. But then again, I like the idea of choosing where to live and I can't do that in the first program-they just put you somewhere. So I'm wrestling with this still but I hope to hear back within a week or so. Even then, if I'm waitlisted which I think I will be...what do I do? Should I wait a bit or just jump on the TESOL train? Ayudame! Help! I know I'll feel waaaay better once some set plans are put in place.
Life otherwise is fine, nothing new. I really enjoyed my birthday and being reminded of the awesome people in my life. I think that being reminded of who loves you is part of why I love birthdays! My parents gave me an Ipod Touch so that I can download skype and use it to call home when I'm in Spain! I'm so excited to be able to have a cheap way to call everyone and keep in touch! Yes, I know, my parents totally spoil me! I think I turned out ok though, so it worked out. I don't say that to be conceited...I'm just giving my parents kudos for teaching me to be generous and help others. Though I have a lot, I do try to be generous. I'm proud of sponsoring my child in the Philippines.
Not much else to report for now. We've had the coldest April on record here in Seattle. Blech. Luckily, it was a beautiful sunny day on my birthday! The sun came out just for me! Our president just released his birth certificate to appease all those doubting him.
Just for fun I've decided to list the cultural differences I can think of between Europe and the United States. Not that you don't know these...I'm just bored. Also, I think I'll learn a lot more differences later.
Transportation
USA-Not great (in Seattle anyway)
EUROPE-Transportation is easier, more options for public transit
Food Portions
USA-Huge portions are the norm.
EUROPE-Portions tend to be a bit smaller, especially in items like pastas, which Italians eat in a smaller quantity accompanied later by a meat course.
Restrooms
USA-Public restrooms are free-always. I don't think I've ever paid to use a restroom.
EUROPE- Pay to pee-almost always and the bathrooms are still gross a lot of the time. Even in Harrods, the fine department store in London, it costs a pound to go. Also, in English speaking places, the bathroom is referred to as the toilet or loo or lavatory.
Speed limits
USA-speed limits exist and tickets are given often. I don't know how this works in Europe...
EUROPE-Autobahn anyone? In Germany, you can drive much faster and on the famous Autobahn, there are no speed limits. I still have a little fear of speed leftover from when I was little, so poor Megan had to deal with that a bit (sorry!)
Nudity
USA-to my knowledge there are not many beaches where one can be nude or even half nude.
EUROPE-even on a non-nude beach, it is totally common to go topless (yes, even the girls). I saw this firsthand in Barca, but I am told it's the norm all over. They think we're prudes over here in the States! European movies have more graphic sex scenes than American or Canadian made movies.
Alcohol
USA-legal drinking age of 21 with strict laws enforcing it.
EUROPE-I don't know of a real legal drinking age...perhaps some countries have them but it seems to be the norm for kids to drink wine sometimes and for teens to drink beer...I'll have to learn more about this because I'm not totally sure how it works.
Sports
USA-baseball and American football are the main standards, also basketball is big. We're just starting to get soccer.
EUROPE-real football aka soccer is the big sport and they don't have baseball. Cricket seems to be the closest. They are also big into rugby to my knowledge, a sport less known in the USA.
That's it for now! A comparison between USA and Spain will surely come later!
xoxoxo
30 x 30 Fashion Challenge: Ummm, this is hard! It's been way tougher than I thought it would be to create 30 different outfits. To just wear those same 30 items for the month is one thing, but to have to not repeat outfits got really hard. So I've cheated a few times and wore repeat outfits. I think I could do more with my jean skirt but I've made good use of most everything else. Tomorrow, I shall find a new way to rock the jean skirt.
Spain: Well the waiting game has begun. They said we'd know about mid-April (when the deadline for all apps to be in) who got positions and who got waitlisted for my original Plan A-the Language and Culture Assistant gig through the Spanish Ministry of Education. I still haven't heard anything so now my struggle is to figure out how long I can wait before signing up for the TESOL/TEFL class instead. I don't want to wait too long but on the other hand, do want to see what becomes of the Ministry of Ed program. It would cost a lot less and be more legal. But then again, I like the idea of choosing where to live and I can't do that in the first program-they just put you somewhere. So I'm wrestling with this still but I hope to hear back within a week or so. Even then, if I'm waitlisted which I think I will be...what do I do? Should I wait a bit or just jump on the TESOL train? Ayudame! Help! I know I'll feel waaaay better once some set plans are put in place.
Life otherwise is fine, nothing new. I really enjoyed my birthday and being reminded of the awesome people in my life. I think that being reminded of who loves you is part of why I love birthdays! My parents gave me an Ipod Touch so that I can download skype and use it to call home when I'm in Spain! I'm so excited to be able to have a cheap way to call everyone and keep in touch! Yes, I know, my parents totally spoil me! I think I turned out ok though, so it worked out. I don't say that to be conceited...I'm just giving my parents kudos for teaching me to be generous and help others. Though I have a lot, I do try to be generous. I'm proud of sponsoring my child in the Philippines.
Not much else to report for now. We've had the coldest April on record here in Seattle. Blech. Luckily, it was a beautiful sunny day on my birthday! The sun came out just for me! Our president just released his birth certificate to appease all those doubting him.
Just for fun I've decided to list the cultural differences I can think of between Europe and the United States. Not that you don't know these...I'm just bored. Also, I think I'll learn a lot more differences later.
Transportation
USA-Not great (in Seattle anyway)
EUROPE-Transportation is easier, more options for public transit
Food Portions
USA-Huge portions are the norm.
EUROPE-Portions tend to be a bit smaller, especially in items like pastas, which Italians eat in a smaller quantity accompanied later by a meat course.
Restrooms
USA-Public restrooms are free-always. I don't think I've ever paid to use a restroom.
EUROPE- Pay to pee-almost always and the bathrooms are still gross a lot of the time. Even in Harrods, the fine department store in London, it costs a pound to go. Also, in English speaking places, the bathroom is referred to as the toilet or loo or lavatory.
Speed limits
USA-speed limits exist and tickets are given often. I don't know how this works in Europe...
EUROPE-Autobahn anyone? In Germany, you can drive much faster and on the famous Autobahn, there are no speed limits. I still have a little fear of speed leftover from when I was little, so poor Megan had to deal with that a bit (sorry!)
Nudity
USA-to my knowledge there are not many beaches where one can be nude or even half nude.
EUROPE-even on a non-nude beach, it is totally common to go topless (yes, even the girls). I saw this firsthand in Barca, but I am told it's the norm all over. They think we're prudes over here in the States! European movies have more graphic sex scenes than American or Canadian made movies.
Alcohol
USA-legal drinking age of 21 with strict laws enforcing it.
EUROPE-I don't know of a real legal drinking age...perhaps some countries have them but it seems to be the norm for kids to drink wine sometimes and for teens to drink beer...I'll have to learn more about this because I'm not totally sure how it works.
Sports
USA-baseball and American football are the main standards, also basketball is big. We're just starting to get soccer.
EUROPE-real football aka soccer is the big sport and they don't have baseball. Cricket seems to be the closest. They are also big into rugby to my knowledge, a sport less known in the USA.
That's it for now! A comparison between USA and Spain will surely come later!
xoxoxo
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