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
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Barca Bound?!
Hello!
I think I have what they called "breakup goggles" on regarding my job at the moment. It's suddenly stopped seeming like such an awful place and feels a little better. Perhaps this is just because after a rough transition to the new building we are now in, a string of really awful customers, and being in tears on a daily basis, it doesn't take much to make it better. However, I think it's because I'm not that far off from going to Spain!
I've done my homework and figured out pretty much all I need to know about the TEFL/TESOL class and I think it's the route I'm going to take. The advantage of this so-called Plan B of mine, is that I could choose where I was going to live and with Plan A (Language and Culture Assistant), you just go where they send you. I like the idea of choosing where I live and living somewhere awesome where there are lots of other young people around.
WHERE? I've been trying to decide between Barcelona and Sevilla. Here is a list of pros and cons for each:
Barca
Pros:
Pros:
Anyway, I talked to someone at one of the TEFL institutes on Friday and someone at another one I've applied at today. I kinda like the second one better. I think this is because they feel more personable and more honest. I think what stood out to me was that the first one was really trying to sell his organization from a business standpoint despite being a non-profit, whereas the second one acted more apathetic towards me choosing them. They were helpful in an honest I-am-not-trying-to-pursuade-you-to-come-here kind of way. Both organizations seem reputable and have been around for ballpark range of 10 years. I guess I respond better to a less pressure orientated way of guidance. In fact I know that I don't respond well to pressure at all!
Well, to tell you the truth, I was about ready to chicken out of all this at the end of last week. Then after talking with some friends and with my parents over the weekend, I feel more sure than ever that this is what I want to do. Right now I'm just a roller coaster of emotions about all of this but mostly I'm excited. Keep up the kind words of encouragement everyone!
XOXOXO
I think I have what they called "breakup goggles" on regarding my job at the moment. It's suddenly stopped seeming like such an awful place and feels a little better. Perhaps this is just because after a rough transition to the new building we are now in, a string of really awful customers, and being in tears on a daily basis, it doesn't take much to make it better. However, I think it's because I'm not that far off from going to Spain!
I've done my homework and figured out pretty much all I need to know about the TEFL/TESOL class and I think it's the route I'm going to take. The advantage of this so-called Plan B of mine, is that I could choose where I was going to live and with Plan A (Language and Culture Assistant), you just go where they send you. I like the idea of choosing where I live and living somewhere awesome where there are lots of other young people around.
WHERE? I've been trying to decide between Barcelona and Sevilla. Here is a list of pros and cons for each:
Barca
Pros:
- It's Barca-freakin-lona!
- It's gorgeous and filled with things I love (futbol, art, beach, parks, history)
- Lots of young people and nightlife (though Meg and I did not dapper into this aspect too much)
- I already know my way around there a little bit...makes me feel comfortable
- I could travel up to France easily (South of France anyone??)
- They also speak Catalan
- Some people say it's "not really Spain" because the Catalunians want to be their own nation (well so do some US states!)
- It is different that many areas of Spain
Pros:
- It's "real" Spain
- It is apparently more "tranquila" (low-key/calm)
- It's a lot closer to La Mancha, where Don Quijote took place
- I'd learn a lot about the Moorish influence in Spain
- I could travel to Portugal easily
- I've never been there...makes it scarier
- The accent there is much stronger and way more different from what Spanish speakers in the US tend to have.
Anyway, I talked to someone at one of the TEFL institutes on Friday and someone at another one I've applied at today. I kinda like the second one better. I think this is because they feel more personable and more honest. I think what stood out to me was that the first one was really trying to sell his organization from a business standpoint despite being a non-profit, whereas the second one acted more apathetic towards me choosing them. They were helpful in an honest I-am-not-trying-to-pursuade-you-to-come-here kind of way. Both organizations seem reputable and have been around for ballpark range of 10 years. I guess I respond better to a less pressure orientated way of guidance. In fact I know that I don't respond well to pressure at all!
Well, to tell you the truth, I was about ready to chicken out of all this at the end of last week. Then after talking with some friends and with my parents over the weekend, I feel more sure than ever that this is what I want to do. Right now I'm just a roller coaster of emotions about all of this but mostly I'm excited. Keep up the kind words of encouragement everyone!
XOXOXO
Friday, April 15, 2011
Applications and butterflies
Hello again,
I have made some progress on my journey towards Spain! I'm both excited and terrified of this huge upcoming change. I know deep down that it is what I want to do and that having an adventure is exactly what the doctor ordered. I've been praying about this and talking with a lot of people close to me and everyone seems to also think that it would be a wonderful learning and growing experience. It's also terrifyingly outside of my comfort zone.
Some reasons for what makes me feel nervous:
-I will likely not get into the teaching assistant program and will have to go to "plan B" which at this point means TEFL.
-Nala will need a temporary home (my cat is seriously the sweetest kitty ever. she gives kisses!)
-I'll know no one in Spain. I've got a friend of a friend in Madrid but that's it.
-If I do the TEFL class, I'll be sweating it out for a bit hoping to get a job for 6 months...which is much harder for non EU members.
-The longest I've been away is 4 months (a semester) and being away all by myself for 6-8 feels terrifying.
-Will I make friends fast and have a social group? I assume I could meet people easily but the question is how. Outside of my TEFL classmates, I'm not really sure.
-One way plane ticket anyone? I'm sort of unsure of buying a one way ticket. It will cost more and it's nervewracking to have no idea when I'm coming home.
So you can see that there are many unknowns and I know that for me, unknowns are always really scary. It will be a journey and is one that I really feel like I want to take, but now that it's getting close to the time in terms of making set plans, I'm scared. The quote "don't get scared now!" from Home Alone is becoming my mantra. It's things that scares us that make us grow and growing is important. I remember being super nervous to go to Oaxaca because I'd never been away from home for so long and didn't know what it would be like. But then I was going with a prof and several PLU/UPS classmates! Now I'm talking about going all alone to a place where I don't know a soul and it's very intimidating. I foresee it as being something that I'd be very glad I did in the long run but that would be very difficult to begin. I know it will be a tearful goodbye but that it will be really rewarding and an amazing experience.
Today I spoke with someone at TEFL International which is one of the agencies I applied with. He was very helpful and very honest. I appreciated this but also am afraid I may have to rework my original plans. This is not the end of the world but I had been hoping to do some traveling with Meredith and Megan before starting my class in Spain. Now that may not be possible. Basically, my plan was to take the class in Sept. This is an option but it is more likely that I would get a job if I take the class in Aug. I had not thought of that as I was thinking taking it Sept. would be fine. So there are a lot of decisions to make and I will make them soon enough. This is all so exciting and scary all at once! I'm having to keep reminding myself that it's not forever and that it won't be a super long time I'm gone in the long run. It's just not in my character to do something like this. However, a friend of mine told me not to let fear govern my decisions and I think he was right. Ralph Waldo Emerson said the same, "It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, 'always do what you are afraid to do'". I think these words along with "don't get scared now!" shall be my mantra.
I have made some progress on my journey towards Spain! I'm both excited and terrified of this huge upcoming change. I know deep down that it is what I want to do and that having an adventure is exactly what the doctor ordered. I've been praying about this and talking with a lot of people close to me and everyone seems to also think that it would be a wonderful learning and growing experience. It's also terrifyingly outside of my comfort zone.
Some reasons for what makes me feel nervous:
-I will likely not get into the teaching assistant program and will have to go to "plan B" which at this point means TEFL.
-Nala will need a temporary home (my cat is seriously the sweetest kitty ever. she gives kisses!)
-I'll know no one in Spain. I've got a friend of a friend in Madrid but that's it.
-If I do the TEFL class, I'll be sweating it out for a bit hoping to get a job for 6 months...which is much harder for non EU members.
-The longest I've been away is 4 months (a semester) and being away all by myself for 6-8 feels terrifying.
-Will I make friends fast and have a social group? I assume I could meet people easily but the question is how. Outside of my TEFL classmates, I'm not really sure.
-One way plane ticket anyone? I'm sort of unsure of buying a one way ticket. It will cost more and it's nervewracking to have no idea when I'm coming home.
So you can see that there are many unknowns and I know that for me, unknowns are always really scary. It will be a journey and is one that I really feel like I want to take, but now that it's getting close to the time in terms of making set plans, I'm scared. The quote "don't get scared now!" from Home Alone is becoming my mantra. It's things that scares us that make us grow and growing is important. I remember being super nervous to go to Oaxaca because I'd never been away from home for so long and didn't know what it would be like. But then I was going with a prof and several PLU/UPS classmates! Now I'm talking about going all alone to a place where I don't know a soul and it's very intimidating. I foresee it as being something that I'd be very glad I did in the long run but that would be very difficult to begin. I know it will be a tearful goodbye but that it will be really rewarding and an amazing experience.
Today I spoke with someone at TEFL International which is one of the agencies I applied with. He was very helpful and very honest. I appreciated this but also am afraid I may have to rework my original plans. This is not the end of the world but I had been hoping to do some traveling with Meredith and Megan before starting my class in Spain. Now that may not be possible. Basically, my plan was to take the class in Sept. This is an option but it is more likely that I would get a job if I take the class in Aug. I had not thought of that as I was thinking taking it Sept. would be fine. So there are a lot of decisions to make and I will make them soon enough. This is all so exciting and scary all at once! I'm having to keep reminding myself that it's not forever and that it won't be a super long time I'm gone in the long run. It's just not in my character to do something like this. However, a friend of mine told me not to let fear govern my decisions and I think he was right. Ralph Waldo Emerson said the same, "It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, 'always do what you are afraid to do'". I think these words along with "don't get scared now!" shall be my mantra.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Viva el futbol! And a background check...
Hello!
Soccer or rather Futbol season is back in full swing and that makes me a very happy girl. The Sounders finally came out with a win on Saturday-first of the season! They stand a chance at being pretty good again this year. I've decided also to start watching FC Barca and make them my favorite European team. I'm having to do my homework to find out when and where to watch them but se vale la pena (it's worth it). It's amazing how much a good game of soccer can lift my spirits...baseball can too but the Mariners do more losing than winning these days. Soccer is truly the best sport ever. And I'm not just saying that. You run your heart out and kick something really hard which gets aggression out. It's therapeutic. And watching it? That's just as fun. You can scream till you're hoarse while being amazed at the fancy footwork of the pros.
I've signed up to play on a co-ed team which is a bit intimidating but should be fun. My newest friend named Brian (he's #6!) invited me to try out his team because they needed chicas. Brian and I met at the Spanish Society, the conversational Spanish Meet-Up group that I joined. The first game went well and I actually played pretty well for a chica who hadn't played in 9 months! The 2nd game started and I almost immediately pulled my quad and was in excruciating pain for the rest of the game. The things is, I didn't DO anything! Just started running and all of a sudden, boom, pain shot through my thigh. I've never been a natural athlete but this game was exceptionally bad. We had no lady subs so I tried to stay in but I could not focus on attempting to play because my leg was killing me, so it was just one eff up after another. It was beyond humiliating. Hopefully my leg holds up when I play on Thursday. I also hope I don't die from being out of shape after not playing for 3 weeks. Basically, anything would be better than the humiliation I faced last time. My teammates seem super nice but still, I feel bad if I am not playing up to par.
You may be wondering about the background check. I applied for a criminal background check through the FBI about a month ago and just yesterday received my letter from them. It of course told me what I already know: I've never been arrested. Go me! It also mentioned something about if I needed further documentation for international purposes...which makes me wonder if what I got will suffice, should I apply for a visa to be in Spain (this part may be unnecessary). Maybe I was supposed to have included something more. Ninguna idea. I did send in the application that was found in a link in the program manual. This whole process has been so confusing! They try to make it simple but there are so many little nitpicky things to remember. Time will tell. I could hear as soon as this week if I'm placed or not! I'm not holding my breath. This is Spain we're talking about here folks. They're not known for their speediness!
That's it for now. Asi es la vida. Nos vemos!
Soccer or rather Futbol season is back in full swing and that makes me a very happy girl. The Sounders finally came out with a win on Saturday-first of the season! They stand a chance at being pretty good again this year. I've decided also to start watching FC Barca and make them my favorite European team. I'm having to do my homework to find out when and where to watch them but se vale la pena (it's worth it). It's amazing how much a good game of soccer can lift my spirits...baseball can too but the Mariners do more losing than winning these days. Soccer is truly the best sport ever. And I'm not just saying that. You run your heart out and kick something really hard which gets aggression out. It's therapeutic. And watching it? That's just as fun. You can scream till you're hoarse while being amazed at the fancy footwork of the pros.
I've signed up to play on a co-ed team which is a bit intimidating but should be fun. My newest friend named Brian (he's #6!) invited me to try out his team because they needed chicas. Brian and I met at the Spanish Society, the conversational Spanish Meet-Up group that I joined. The first game went well and I actually played pretty well for a chica who hadn't played in 9 months! The 2nd game started and I almost immediately pulled my quad and was in excruciating pain for the rest of the game. The things is, I didn't DO anything! Just started running and all of a sudden, boom, pain shot through my thigh. I've never been a natural athlete but this game was exceptionally bad. We had no lady subs so I tried to stay in but I could not focus on attempting to play because my leg was killing me, so it was just one eff up after another. It was beyond humiliating. Hopefully my leg holds up when I play on Thursday. I also hope I don't die from being out of shape after not playing for 3 weeks. Basically, anything would be better than the humiliation I faced last time. My teammates seem super nice but still, I feel bad if I am not playing up to par.
You may be wondering about the background check. I applied for a criminal background check through the FBI about a month ago and just yesterday received my letter from them. It of course told me what I already know: I've never been arrested. Go me! It also mentioned something about if I needed further documentation for international purposes...which makes me wonder if what I got will suffice, should I apply for a visa to be in Spain (this part may be unnecessary). Maybe I was supposed to have included something more. Ninguna idea. I did send in the application that was found in a link in the program manual. This whole process has been so confusing! They try to make it simple but there are so many little nitpicky things to remember. Time will tell. I could hear as soon as this week if I'm placed or not! I'm not holding my breath. This is Spain we're talking about here folks. They're not known for their speediness!
That's it for now. Asi es la vida. Nos vemos!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Waiting is no fun...and Go Mariners!
This blogging this is fun, though I have to say I feel a little narcissistic. Oh well, not like many people are reading this anyway so it's more just for fun. If (when) I go to Spain, more will be in tune I hope. Speaking of which, I suck at waiting! It's April 8 and I could know as soon as one week from today if I have a shot in hell at a placement. Or it could take until April 30. I'm going to assume I'm waiting till April 30 to find out. I thought they were assigning positions as they received apps, but then upon re-reading the manual, it seems like no one will get their placement until April 15th? I'm not totally sure. It's not so much that I have my heart set on this program as it is that I am anxious to start making some decisions about which program I am doing and when. This is a big deal and I want to carefully create my plan. At the same time, it's been a month or so since I decided to do this and I still feel quite strongly about it so I know it's what I want to do.
I have put up the calendar pictures from last year's up in my cubicle (my friend John strongly encouraged me to do something to my ugly green cube walls) and one of my favorite quotes is: "It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, 'Always do what you are afraid to do'". Ralph Waldo Emerson said this. I so appreciate it because truthfully, I am terrified of going to a new country all alone! I'm hoping it'll work out somehow to see Megan while I'm abroad. Either we could meet up before my class/program begins or after. Fingers crossed! Her schedule is up in the air too so we're just going to wait and see.
It's baseball and soccer season! Already my spirits have lifted a bit in knowing that my beloved Sounders and Mariners are playing. I went to the Sounders opener a few weeks ago and I'm headed to the M's opener tonite. Last week they started their season but it was an away game so Smiley and I watched at my house. Tonite is the first game without Dave Niehaus since the team started in the 70's! They are doing something for him in Opening Ceremonies and I think I'm gonna cry for sure. This is the man I grew up listening to. Even if my family was watching the game on tv (as we often did during dinner), we would mute the TV so we could listen to Dave on the radio instead.
"Get out the rye bread and the mustard granny, it's grand salami time!" "My oh my!"
"Swung on and belted...that ball will fly, fly away!"
Thanks for the good times Mr. Niehaus! We miss you already!
I have put up the calendar pictures from last year's up in my cubicle (my friend John strongly encouraged me to do something to my ugly green cube walls) and one of my favorite quotes is: "It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, 'Always do what you are afraid to do'". Ralph Waldo Emerson said this. I so appreciate it because truthfully, I am terrified of going to a new country all alone! I'm hoping it'll work out somehow to see Megan while I'm abroad. Either we could meet up before my class/program begins or after. Fingers crossed! Her schedule is up in the air too so we're just going to wait and see.
It's baseball and soccer season! Already my spirits have lifted a bit in knowing that my beloved Sounders and Mariners are playing. I went to the Sounders opener a few weeks ago and I'm headed to the M's opener tonite. Last week they started their season but it was an away game so Smiley and I watched at my house. Tonite is the first game without Dave Niehaus since the team started in the 70's! They are doing something for him in Opening Ceremonies and I think I'm gonna cry for sure. This is the man I grew up listening to. Even if my family was watching the game on tv (as we often did during dinner), we would mute the TV so we could listen to Dave on the radio instead.
"Get out the rye bread and the mustard granny, it's grand salami time!" "My oh my!"
"Swung on and belted...that ball will fly, fly away!"
Thanks for the good times Mr. Niehaus! We miss you already!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Fashion challenge update, Life update
Well, I certainly was overly optimistic about the weather in April. Some years we actually get normal 60 degree weather in April. Silly me, I thought it'd be above 50 at least! But no, we are experiencing 40 degree weather and even some snow in places like Everett. Ugh! What I'd give for a week off in a sunny place. I'm tired of being cold! So I've got a predicament. I selected my new summer dress (to wear over leggings and with a sweater) as part of my 30 items as well as 3 skirts. I've worn 1 of the skirts and plan to keep the other in my 30 as it looks kinda cool and 80s with leggings under it. Am I allowed to swap out the black skirt I have NOT warn for a sweater? It's freezing in Seattle and I don't foresee being able to wear the black skirt on it's own anytime soon. It would look odd with the leggings under it I think. I may make this adjustment to my 30 even if it is cheating because I won't get to wear the skirt till probably the very end of the month.
In other news, I have a new baby cousin! My cousin Casey and his wife Brenna had a baby boy a few days ago. They named him Henry. I saw pics of the new little one on facebook. Casey's dad and my mom are first cousins which makes Casey my second cousin, right? It's not like I see them much, but we were all re-united over Thanksgiving to spend time with my great Auntie Evie (Casey's grandma) and then again less than 2 weeks later at her funeral. She had terminal cancer and we had a family reunion so she could see everyone. So, I feel more in touch with those Lewis cousins than before. And it's nice to know I am related to a new little bundle of joy! I just wish Auntie Evie could have made it to meet her great grandbaby. Pop died only a few months after Cata was born and I think we're all really grateful that he at least got to meet her. There is a priceless picture of Cata sitting in Pop's lap. Her birth made losing both of my grandpas in the same spring a lot less painful.
So, Spain! Well, I have been "admitida" for the cultural ambassador program that I applied for (the one where I'd be a teaching assistant). That means I've been accepted in the sense that I'm eligible. The "admitida" stage means all your hardcopies have been received and accepted and that you can be placed at any time. However, it seems to be on a first come first serve basis and I applied at kind of the ultimo momento (last minute). So, I don't really have an expectation towards getting a position. My plan now is to wait until the end of April, when I will pretty much know for sure if I'm being given a placement or not. If not, I'll pursue my plan of taking the TEFL/TESOL course and finding a teaching job in Spain. The positive of my Plan B is that I could choose where I want to live. In the cultural ambassador program, you just go where they place you. If I did Plan B, I'm not entirely sure how finding a job would be, but one site mentioned signing on for a year or a 6 month contract. I'd like to find something like that where I could get a more solid job. Baby steps though, baby steps!
Finally, I have been reading a book called The Path To Love by Deepak Chopra. It's fascinating and is making me rethink about love and relationships. I think I've been in denial about being superficial...but then we're all superficial to a point. I'm also becoming pretty convinced that love really is blind sometimes! At first this book was not resonating with me but since my friend Susan felt so strongly about it, I thought I'd give it a chance for a bit longer. So glad I did! It's interesting to read about love from the perspective of such an intelligent, interesting, Eastern cultured man (the author is East Indian). The Indian's concepts of meditation and spirituality are increasingly more interesting to me. I would love to get to India someday soon. Betsie, if you're reading this, let's go to India baby!
In other news, I have a new baby cousin! My cousin Casey and his wife Brenna had a baby boy a few days ago. They named him Henry. I saw pics of the new little one on facebook. Casey's dad and my mom are first cousins which makes Casey my second cousin, right? It's not like I see them much, but we were all re-united over Thanksgiving to spend time with my great Auntie Evie (Casey's grandma) and then again less than 2 weeks later at her funeral. She had terminal cancer and we had a family reunion so she could see everyone. So, I feel more in touch with those Lewis cousins than before. And it's nice to know I am related to a new little bundle of joy! I just wish Auntie Evie could have made it to meet her great grandbaby. Pop died only a few months after Cata was born and I think we're all really grateful that he at least got to meet her. There is a priceless picture of Cata sitting in Pop's lap. Her birth made losing both of my grandpas in the same spring a lot less painful.
So, Spain! Well, I have been "admitida" for the cultural ambassador program that I applied for (the one where I'd be a teaching assistant). That means I've been accepted in the sense that I'm eligible. The "admitida" stage means all your hardcopies have been received and accepted and that you can be placed at any time. However, it seems to be on a first come first serve basis and I applied at kind of the ultimo momento (last minute). So, I don't really have an expectation towards getting a position. My plan now is to wait until the end of April, when I will pretty much know for sure if I'm being given a placement or not. If not, I'll pursue my plan of taking the TEFL/TESOL course and finding a teaching job in Spain. The positive of my Plan B is that I could choose where I want to live. In the cultural ambassador program, you just go where they place you. If I did Plan B, I'm not entirely sure how finding a job would be, but one site mentioned signing on for a year or a 6 month contract. I'd like to find something like that where I could get a more solid job. Baby steps though, baby steps!
Finally, I have been reading a book called The Path To Love by Deepak Chopra. It's fascinating and is making me rethink about love and relationships. I think I've been in denial about being superficial...but then we're all superficial to a point. I'm also becoming pretty convinced that love really is blind sometimes! At first this book was not resonating with me but since my friend Susan felt so strongly about it, I thought I'd give it a chance for a bit longer. So glad I did! It's interesting to read about love from the perspective of such an intelligent, interesting, Eastern cultured man (the author is East Indian). The Indian's concepts of meditation and spirituality are increasingly more interesting to me. I would love to get to India someday soon. Betsie, if you're reading this, let's go to India baby!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Fashion Challenge
The month of April is already here and with it comes a new challenge: the 30 by 30 Remix. Megan found this on a blog she likes (http://kendieveryday.blogspot.com/p/30-for-30-remixes.html) and passed it on to me. It seems like fun and is something to try out. I'll post pics later if I can get my act together. We'll see. I've got a cupcake date with Mer tonite! So, this challenge requires you to pick 30 items in your closet (excluding undies, coats, and camis) and only wear those items for a month, creating 30 new outfits. I'm also excluding long sleeve white and grey t-shirts because I mostly wear them under things to keep warm. This way, you shop in your own closet and use what you have to create new outfits. The challenge is to create the new outfits with only 30 items. You can accessorize all you want with scarves, hats, necklaces...you name it. I made my list of 30. Here goes:
Tops:
1. Black lace cami (it shows so it counts)
2. Green tank top (with white cherries on it)
3. Deep blue/purple sweater
4. Black short cardigan
5. Kuaii t-shirt
6. Husky t-shirt
7. Pink pin stripe blouse
8. Blue ruffled t-shirt (thanks Mom!)
9. Green floral long sleeve t-shirt
10. 3/4 sleeve pink sweater
11. 3/4 sleeve green hoodie
12. White hoodie
13. Blue and yellow sweatshirt
Bottoms:
1. See Thru Soul jeans 6. Black leggings
2. Silver jeans 7. Black knee length skirt
3. Brown cords 8. Pink sweater dress
4. Skinny jeans 9. Short floral skirt
5. North Face capris 10. Jean skirt
11. Tangerine floral sun dress
Shoes:
1. Black boots 4. Black ballet flats
2. Black clogs 5. Brown fuzzy boots
3. Brown tennies 6. Black heels (open toe)
So far this challenge has been successful. Today I'm wearning an outfit that I never would have put together before. I have on: jean skirt, black leggings, black boots, pin stripe blouse, and black cami. It's a cute outfit but I'm not sure if the blouse is too long with the skirt or not. It's actually really nice to just have a few items to pick from when I'm getting clothes out for each day instead of having my whole closet to go through. I've decided that I may have been too optimistic about the weather and will probably be wearing leggings under my dress and skirts.
I've decided I'm allowed to wear a nice dress on my birthday even if it's outside of my 30. It's my birthday after all! And I'll only wear it that night, not during the day. I actually get that day off (company holiday for Good Friday)!
That's it for now. I'm antsily waiting to hear back about Spain. I'm "admitida" which means accepted and eligible but NOT placed. So I am pretty sure I'm waitlisted for now and don't know if I'll get a placement or not. I may just go the TEFL/TESOL route instead. I need to do more research into that program and get some decisions made here. The tricky part is that I don't want to put down a deposit if it's non-refundable on the chance I end up doing the Language and Culture Assistant position I applied for. We shall see. I think I've decided that if I don't hear by end of April, I'll just go ahead with my Plan B.
Happy Monday! Hope it's a good one :-)
Tops:
1. Black lace cami (it shows so it counts)
2. Green tank top (with white cherries on it)
3. Deep blue/purple sweater
4. Black short cardigan
5. Kuaii t-shirt
6. Husky t-shirt
7. Pink pin stripe blouse
8. Blue ruffled t-shirt (thanks Mom!)
9. Green floral long sleeve t-shirt
10. 3/4 sleeve pink sweater
11. 3/4 sleeve green hoodie
12. White hoodie
13. Blue and yellow sweatshirt
Bottoms:
1. See Thru Soul jeans 6. Black leggings
2. Silver jeans 7. Black knee length skirt
3. Brown cords 8. Pink sweater dress
4. Skinny jeans 9. Short floral skirt
5. North Face capris 10. Jean skirt
11. Tangerine floral sun dress
Shoes:
1. Black boots 4. Black ballet flats
2. Black clogs 5. Brown fuzzy boots
3. Brown tennies 6. Black heels (open toe)
So far this challenge has been successful. Today I'm wearning an outfit that I never would have put together before. I have on: jean skirt, black leggings, black boots, pin stripe blouse, and black cami. It's a cute outfit but I'm not sure if the blouse is too long with the skirt or not. It's actually really nice to just have a few items to pick from when I'm getting clothes out for each day instead of having my whole closet to go through. I've decided that I may have been too optimistic about the weather and will probably be wearing leggings under my dress and skirts.
I've decided I'm allowed to wear a nice dress on my birthday even if it's outside of my 30. It's my birthday after all! And I'll only wear it that night, not during the day. I actually get that day off (company holiday for Good Friday)!
That's it for now. I'm antsily waiting to hear back about Spain. I'm "admitida" which means accepted and eligible but NOT placed. So I am pretty sure I'm waitlisted for now and don't know if I'll get a placement or not. I may just go the TEFL/TESOL route instead. I need to do more research into that program and get some decisions made here. The tricky part is that I don't want to put down a deposit if it's non-refundable on the chance I end up doing the Language and Culture Assistant position I applied for. We shall see. I think I've decided that if I don't hear by end of April, I'll just go ahead with my Plan B.
Happy Monday! Hope it's a good one :-)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Entry numero uno
So I've decided to start a blog. We'll see how this goes. Ultimately I'd like to be in Spain next year for a fairly decent amount of time and I figure having a blog would be good then. It certainly beats the mass emails I did last time I went abroad for a long time (Oaxaca).
I've applied for a program to spend 8 months in Spain as a teacher's assistant. The chances of me getting excepted are slim to none...as in my application is #4,475 and they take 2,000 people. Fingers crossed though! That's only the number for the online application and surely there are people who apply online but don't send in their hard copies, making them ineligible. However, I'm kind of ok with whether I get accepted or not because in this program, you don't choose where you live. They just place you somewhere and try to work within your geographical preferences. So I have a Plan B. That is to take a TEFL/TESOL course (Teachers of English as a Foreign Language/Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages). I could take this class here as an online course and it would be cheaper. But I can't see doing that when I could be taking it somewhere like Barcelona or Madrid. So the plan is to take it there (it's an intense 4 week course), pass with flying colors and earn my certificate to teach English. Then I'd find a job. There are actually many agencies here who offer the course either here or in Spain and then offer assistance in finding jobs and even housing. So we'll see what happens. I'm hoping this will all work out somehow!
In other news, the company I work for moved to a new building and it's really awful. I'm in a small cube in a dreary area of cement floors and a wall 4 feet from my back. No more window to look out of and no more open office feeling left. My cube has high walls to help with sound but it makes me feel like I'm trapped in a box just hearing life on the outside. Call it a pity party (you'd be right). Anyway, life is not easy sometimes. And then there are friends and cupcakes...and that makes it all better. And beer. Let's not forget how much better you feel after a beer and watching a soccer or baseball game.
That's it for now. Will post soon on my new challenge to self-only wearing 30 clothing/shoe items for a month and using those pieces to create new outfits!
I've applied for a program to spend 8 months in Spain as a teacher's assistant. The chances of me getting excepted are slim to none...as in my application is #4,475 and they take 2,000 people. Fingers crossed though! That's only the number for the online application and surely there are people who apply online but don't send in their hard copies, making them ineligible. However, I'm kind of ok with whether I get accepted or not because in this program, you don't choose where you live. They just place you somewhere and try to work within your geographical preferences. So I have a Plan B. That is to take a TEFL/TESOL course (Teachers of English as a Foreign Language/Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages). I could take this class here as an online course and it would be cheaper. But I can't see doing that when I could be taking it somewhere like Barcelona or Madrid. So the plan is to take it there (it's an intense 4 week course), pass with flying colors and earn my certificate to teach English. Then I'd find a job. There are actually many agencies here who offer the course either here or in Spain and then offer assistance in finding jobs and even housing. So we'll see what happens. I'm hoping this will all work out somehow!
In other news, the company I work for moved to a new building and it's really awful. I'm in a small cube in a dreary area of cement floors and a wall 4 feet from my back. No more window to look out of and no more open office feeling left. My cube has high walls to help with sound but it makes me feel like I'm trapped in a box just hearing life on the outside. Call it a pity party (you'd be right). Anyway, life is not easy sometimes. And then there are friends and cupcakes...and that makes it all better. And beer. Let's not forget how much better you feel after a beer and watching a soccer or baseball game.
That's it for now. Will post soon on my new challenge to self-only wearing 30 clothing/shoe items for a month and using those pieces to create new outfits!
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