Today was probably the most beautiful day i've seen here in Pamplona since i've arrived. Compared to yesterday's wind and rain off and on, today, it was like i was somewhere in the middle of summer. Clear blue sky, no wind at all, sun all day. I woke up, and i'd slept SO good..the drapes here do such a good job of keeping your room dark that i didn't know if it was cloudy or rainy or what outside (that was what i expected). Then i opened them it was just such a mood booster hehe! I love sun! I had breakfast (im geting so sick of cornflakes so i asked Julia to get something else for me soon hehe!) and then i went to church. It was so nice..just to pray and immerse myself there and relax. I needed it and the gospel was so great today..it really gave applied to me :) and i think going just gives me the push, the courage, and the strength to take on everything in life..good and bad..i'm so glad i've gotten back in the habit of going.
After church, b/c the weather was just too gorgeous, i went running in the park again. It was so nice, and although it was a hard run, i felt so great afterwards. When i was in the park doing my physical therapy, i saw my car drive by! It was the first time i've seen it here in Europe, but you guys i must have stared at it for like 5 min!! hehe the entire time it was parked at the red light and then i watched as it drove away..same color, sun roof, same everything..I guess i miss my car heheh! That will come soon enough though! She's tucked away safe :) I was going to study in the park later, but i ended up just staying at my desk b/c i got so much more done. I had to study grammar and also work on a huge powerpoint presentation, but the sun was shining in all day. Also, it was so lovely b/c i got to drink a Coca-Cola light (Diet Coke) this afternoon. So refreshing, especially when you haven't had one in so long!! Tonight i went for a walk to my friend's Piso where we worked/reviewed our powerpoint. It was nice b/c i got to enjoy the weather again outside a few more times since i had to walk about 30 min each way hehe :)
Then i went over to Maribels' to talk with her a bit, and just see the family and then print off my notes for my presentation tomorrow. It is so comforting when i go over there..i don't know.they just treat me like another daughter which feels so good. I was so happy b/c i heard from my advisor today Dr.Rutherford..It was just nice to get the note from her..as i noticed it gave me a 'grounded' feeling ..a nice reminder of my goals and what i'm working for :)
I had to read a story tonight for my lit class, and other than that i just relaxed..i wish i could have gone to bed earlier but there was no way..just too many things to do to prepare for this week. This will prob. be the busiest week since it's mid-term exam time. I look forward to what the week brings however, and i am going to continue to look up and thank God for everything i've been blessed with. I heard from mom and dad today too..that was so wonderful. I am so lucky for them, and it was just so nice to talk to dad since i hadn't in awhile. !
Julia and i had a fun conversation at supper tonight. We could just talk and talk like i've said before. She is so cute..today she had on the cutest little outfit..i cna't even describe it ..it was this matching shirt and pants, and it was gray, but the softest material and then it had bunny rabbits on the shirt in just a small part. When i first saw her in it today, i couldn't help but laugh at her hehe..She is just too cute. How am i so lucky to live with her and to have met her?! I don't know but i will forever thank God to have had her in my life.
I better get to sleep..but tomorrow is a new day, and this week is a new week. Optimism, Smiling, Confidence, Drive, and Eagerness and Thankfulness..that is my game.
All my love,
Lauren
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Dont worry be Happy
Sorry that i have not written in a few days. Everyone has finally become very busy with midsemester papers, projects, and exams to prepare for and to be honest, it's sad!!! B/c it's harder to see them. I won't lie when i say that these past few days/or the week in general has been the hardest 'mentally' on me since i've been here. I think it was a combination of things, but i do such a good job of worry about things, so from now i will approach things with the 'Don't worry be happy' motto when i start to analyze something (you ALL know how good i am at doing that!) haha. Plus, i think what is starting to happen, is as i continue to learn the differences in people, i have to understand that not everyone is going to be exactly like i expect them or do or act like i would expect them to act..b/c maybe what i've always known is not what is common for them to do in their culture..so with that...it's an adjustment. I find i really have to think 'loosely' if that makes sense..or not have any set assumptions or ideas and just go with how things are. At times that can be very hard b/c you just don't know how things will turn out, u just have to go with the flow. I think that is SUCH a good life skill that i will and am getting the opportunity to practice. It's still difficult though.
On a brighter note, i did have a wonderful night out on Wed night with my girlfriends from Concordia. We went to the bar call Singular, and we had such a blast dancing and singing (hehe and we hadn't drank anything ha!) I really just needed to get out and let my hair down with my girls..and they are so good to me and for me. We all are. We can talk about anything, and our worries, and we all understand each other b/c we are all going through similar emotions if that makes sense. (to a certain extent). I went out on Thurs and Fri as well for short whiles, and it was alright--just too much smoke for me in those bars. Thurs i met up with some ppl who are med students here, and i was talking with them and i'm going to go to their classes with them at the clinic next week. I'm excited for this since "believe it or not!!" i've been missing med/science topics alot!!! I guess i should! hehe. Anyhow, that will give me another outlook and something to learn and think of also.
This morning i woke and went to tutor the little ones. I just am so enlightened and rejuvenated when i get to work/be with them. They were so good today, and we read books, played head, shoulders, knees and toes, and learned about the names of different animals (with the younger ones). The older sister and i read a book about cities in the world, and we covered Paris, New York, and Amsterdam. It was lovely, and she is such a great reader. Next week i'm gonna bring my laptop to show her my oodles and oodles of pictures of Central Park b/c we talked alot about this today. Oh how i love Central park..man,,def one of my favorite places on this earth.
Today i will study until lunch, or try to work on my powerpoint presentation, and then this afternoon i may go shopping for a few hours to the mall with my girlfriends to get out. It is just nice to look and be with them :)
I am getting very excited for Italy trip, and Megan and Kristen and I are going to continue planning this when Meg get's back from Morrocco. She is there this weekend with her mom b/c her mom came to visit :) I told my mom i wanted her to come to visit hehe..god that'd be so awesome but b/4 i'd left we'd decided no. But now i just want to show her SO much and teach her and introduce her to all of these amazing people and places. Thank goodness i can talk to her through skype. My time here has really strengthened our relationship and made it for the better :) and i am so rejuvenated after i talk with her b/c she grounds me and reminds me of what is true . I love you mom.
Probably my favorite part of this week was dance class. Oh how i wish i could just have it every single day instead of just tues/thurs. I love the teacher Nerea, she is so bubbly and funny, and so nice, and i laugh so hard during the class that i start to cry sometimes hehe and my face turns all red and all the kids make fun of me haha! It's so good for me though, just to let loose and dance. I just love it, and i'm really getting to be great friends with the ppl in the class. I especially like dancing with this one guy in our class b/c he is so funny..he tries to practice his english with me..and whenever he see's me he says "Hello how are you", and i'm like well you can talk to me in Spanish i DO understand haha! but it's complicated talking about dance-moves together ...i guess it's great practice for me though! Anyway, i love it, and i love the Tango. I'm getting SO much better at it, and Kristen F and Kristen M are too. It's just so much fun, the music is awesome, the danceroom is gorgeous, with one side all windows that look out over a huge park withlights, and part of Pamplona. (so i feel like i'm kindof in some cool studio hehe). We open the sliding door, the cool breeze comes in, and i just never want to quit. I think this is prob one of the best things i could have done for myself while being here,,and i almost didn't do it! I'm SO glad i did. When i get home i'm going to continue with it so that i don't lose the skills, because now i'm getting it down! I just have to find someone who will go out with me for a night and dance hehe!
Mercedes gave me the weeks worth of newspapers today so i am excited for that, and i am just sitting here drinking my green tea. it is rainy and windy again (what's new haha!), but when i think of it i will take this over 20 degrees farenheit and oodles of snow anyday. I prefer this kindof winter. Yesterday i went for a run in the ciudadela (central park here) and i had capris, a t-shirt with light wind coat, and my running shoes! that's it! Gotta love that, and the sun was out and it was about 50 or so i would say. So nice.
Anyhow, i am thinking of you all, and i appreciate your prayers and support always. I miss you, but am growing so much here..it is good for me :)
All my love,
Love Lauren
On a brighter note, i did have a wonderful night out on Wed night with my girlfriends from Concordia. We went to the bar call Singular, and we had such a blast dancing and singing (hehe and we hadn't drank anything ha!) I really just needed to get out and let my hair down with my girls..and they are so good to me and for me. We all are. We can talk about anything, and our worries, and we all understand each other b/c we are all going through similar emotions if that makes sense. (to a certain extent). I went out on Thurs and Fri as well for short whiles, and it was alright--just too much smoke for me in those bars. Thurs i met up with some ppl who are med students here, and i was talking with them and i'm going to go to their classes with them at the clinic next week. I'm excited for this since "believe it or not!!" i've been missing med/science topics alot!!! I guess i should! hehe. Anyhow, that will give me another outlook and something to learn and think of also.
This morning i woke and went to tutor the little ones. I just am so enlightened and rejuvenated when i get to work/be with them. They were so good today, and we read books, played head, shoulders, knees and toes, and learned about the names of different animals (with the younger ones). The older sister and i read a book about cities in the world, and we covered Paris, New York, and Amsterdam. It was lovely, and she is such a great reader. Next week i'm gonna bring my laptop to show her my oodles and oodles of pictures of Central Park b/c we talked alot about this today. Oh how i love Central park..man,,def one of my favorite places on this earth.
Today i will study until lunch, or try to work on my powerpoint presentation, and then this afternoon i may go shopping for a few hours to the mall with my girlfriends to get out. It is just nice to look and be with them :)
I am getting very excited for Italy trip, and Megan and Kristen and I are going to continue planning this when Meg get's back from Morrocco. She is there this weekend with her mom b/c her mom came to visit :) I told my mom i wanted her to come to visit hehe..god that'd be so awesome but b/4 i'd left we'd decided no. But now i just want to show her SO much and teach her and introduce her to all of these amazing people and places. Thank goodness i can talk to her through skype. My time here has really strengthened our relationship and made it for the better :) and i am so rejuvenated after i talk with her b/c she grounds me and reminds me of what is true . I love you mom.
Probably my favorite part of this week was dance class. Oh how i wish i could just have it every single day instead of just tues/thurs. I love the teacher Nerea, she is so bubbly and funny, and so nice, and i laugh so hard during the class that i start to cry sometimes hehe and my face turns all red and all the kids make fun of me haha! It's so good for me though, just to let loose and dance. I just love it, and i'm really getting to be great friends with the ppl in the class. I especially like dancing with this one guy in our class b/c he is so funny..he tries to practice his english with me..and whenever he see's me he says "Hello how are you", and i'm like well you can talk to me in Spanish i DO understand haha! but it's complicated talking about dance-moves together ...i guess it's great practice for me though! Anyway, i love it, and i love the Tango. I'm getting SO much better at it, and Kristen F and Kristen M are too. It's just so much fun, the music is awesome, the danceroom is gorgeous, with one side all windows that look out over a huge park withlights, and part of Pamplona. (so i feel like i'm kindof in some cool studio hehe). We open the sliding door, the cool breeze comes in, and i just never want to quit. I think this is prob one of the best things i could have done for myself while being here,,and i almost didn't do it! I'm SO glad i did. When i get home i'm going to continue with it so that i don't lose the skills, because now i'm getting it down! I just have to find someone who will go out with me for a night and dance hehe!
Mercedes gave me the weeks worth of newspapers today so i am excited for that, and i am just sitting here drinking my green tea. it is rainy and windy again (what's new haha!), but when i think of it i will take this over 20 degrees farenheit and oodles of snow anyday. I prefer this kindof winter. Yesterday i went for a run in the ciudadela (central park here) and i had capris, a t-shirt with light wind coat, and my running shoes! that's it! Gotta love that, and the sun was out and it was about 50 or so i would say. So nice.
Anyhow, i am thinking of you all, and i appreciate your prayers and support always. I miss you, but am growing so much here..it is good for me :)
All my love,
Love Lauren
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Invicible
Today...or i should say tonight,,,was a nite i will not forget. My day was nice too though :) I had grammar and culture/civ class this morning, and then i had cafe con leche and tortilla y patata y worked on our group project with my wonderful friends Marion and Maja in Faustino's (that's the name of our cafeteria :) ) I swear to God that's one of my FAVORTIE places here hehe just b/c i have so many wonderful moments with my friends, the food is SO SO cheap to buy and SO good, and it's such a cozy setting (you've seen some pics :)
Then, around 230pm i headed home, but went for a walk around the corte ingles/downtown area, and finally found this quiant, but AMAZING store that' ive been looking for for the last week hehe! It is a store of the coolest, more beatiful jewelry, scarfs, purses, ...basically 'Lauren haven!!!!" that i've ever seen in my life..reasonably priced too! So ....hehe i bought myself my birthday present(s) today... early presents hehe. I bought the most gorgeous ring and two bracelets...so it was fun to just treat myself. I will def be going back there though to buy gifts for mom, friends, etc b/c its just so fun. Then, to make matter's even better, i started talking with the lady that was working there, and it turns out she is from Pamplona, studies at the public university (so we don't go to the same university), but she was SO nice to me and wanted to know how i was doing, etc. So we talked, i told her how i'm doing here, loving a lot of things, and then b/4 i left she say's to me.."Here i want to give you my name and number so you can call and we'll have cafe or you can come to my piso and we can cook and visit".! It was just the coolest, random thing. I was NOt expecting to meet a new friend, but it was like a double birthday present! hehe...She is SO awesome and fun to visit with, her name is Slvia, her boyfriend was studying in New York, but now he's back here, ..but anyway,,i'm just so happy to have met her, and i think i'm gonna call her this weekend. I love how you just never know when life will put a new person in your life, and had i never gone walking and found the store, i would have never even met her! So i'm so glad i did!
I had dance class in the early evening, and what was SO much fun about this was that there was only 4 of us students there..plus the teacher Nerea..so it was me, Kristen, the other Kristen hehe, and Ruben. He is so fun too! So we danced chachacha for an hour, and i swear, i just laugh so hard when i'm there. I just love this..it's another one of those situations i just feel so blessed to be in b/c i'm meeting real Spanish people, learning, and just being happy. Then, it was funny b/c for the next hour, we sat in a circle and visited! We talked about food, desserts, Ruben explained to us how to cook some things (he's 21) and then Nerea told us of some bars and good places we can all go out to practice the tango and chachacha and the other dances we are learning. Then we left!..so even though we didn't practice Tango tonight, the night was awesome! The four of us are going to go out sometime and dance and have a drink b/c it was so fun talking!!!
Then, as i was walking home tonight, i got just this provoking feeling to drop everything and run. So that's what i did, and i'm telling you it was the best run of my ENTIRE LIFE!. I went to the ciudadela, and it was already dark out, but it must have been 55 degrees farenheit, 0 mph wind, a moon softly hidden by the clouds, and the lights of the buildings, the park, the cars, and a few stars lighting my way. The other thing is that i've never seen so many runners in one place at that time of day in all my life. It was just so fun..it was like i entered runners world..and as i was going, i'd look into the eyes of a runner passing me by, and we'd just exchange this gaze of pure happiness..that of which only a runner knows. Im telling you, tonight was a major mile-stone for me, because i ran for 35 minutes without stopping a single stride, and without feeling 1 ache or pain in my leg. It's been over 8 -9 months since ive felt this good, and then with the broken leg, etc,,i can't tell you what it meant for me to do this--and feel so good at the same time. I just went. What i love so much, is that when i'm running, i'm free, i'm independent, i don't need anybody, all i need is my legs to carry me, my eyes to guide me, and my ears to give me the pleasure to hear (tonight is was Taio Cruz, MJ, and Mariah Carey,,with a mix of more of my fave songs!)I just reached that point where i could keep going, going, goin, and yet i was waiting for that ache, for that strike of pain that i've become so accustomed to, and it never came. I swear to God, i had a smile on my face for the entire time, AND i think i was even singing out-loud haha. Oh god! thank you God :) I'm just so thankful to have legs that work, and to be able to do this. Even if not everyday, and if not 26 miles, i can do 35 min, and i still get those endorphins. I don't need anything else when i can do this..it just gives me strength, courage, confidence, and independence. It's my medicine, and cure for all.
When i was home, Julia had prepared my favorite chorizo with bread and a tomato in olive oil. Then i at an amazingly fresh apple, drank a ton of water, and had some amazing Spain chocolate hehe :) God ...it was a good night..there really is only one thing that could have made it better..but i will get to be with him soon :)
Until next time,
All my love,
Lauren
Then, around 230pm i headed home, but went for a walk around the corte ingles/downtown area, and finally found this quiant, but AMAZING store that' ive been looking for for the last week hehe! It is a store of the coolest, more beatiful jewelry, scarfs, purses, ...basically 'Lauren haven!!!!" that i've ever seen in my life..reasonably priced too! So ....hehe i bought myself my birthday present(s) today... early presents hehe. I bought the most gorgeous ring and two bracelets...so it was fun to just treat myself. I will def be going back there though to buy gifts for mom, friends, etc b/c its just so fun. Then, to make matter's even better, i started talking with the lady that was working there, and it turns out she is from Pamplona, studies at the public university (so we don't go to the same university), but she was SO nice to me and wanted to know how i was doing, etc. So we talked, i told her how i'm doing here, loving a lot of things, and then b/4 i left she say's to me.."Here i want to give you my name and number so you can call and we'll have cafe or you can come to my piso and we can cook and visit".! It was just the coolest, random thing. I was NOt expecting to meet a new friend, but it was like a double birthday present! hehe...She is SO awesome and fun to visit with, her name is Slvia, her boyfriend was studying in New York, but now he's back here, ..but anyway,,i'm just so happy to have met her, and i think i'm gonna call her this weekend. I love how you just never know when life will put a new person in your life, and had i never gone walking and found the store, i would have never even met her! So i'm so glad i did!
I had dance class in the early evening, and what was SO much fun about this was that there was only 4 of us students there..plus the teacher Nerea..so it was me, Kristen, the other Kristen hehe, and Ruben. He is so fun too! So we danced chachacha for an hour, and i swear, i just laugh so hard when i'm there. I just love this..it's another one of those situations i just feel so blessed to be in b/c i'm meeting real Spanish people, learning, and just being happy. Then, it was funny b/c for the next hour, we sat in a circle and visited! We talked about food, desserts, Ruben explained to us how to cook some things (he's 21) and then Nerea told us of some bars and good places we can all go out to practice the tango and chachacha and the other dances we are learning. Then we left!..so even though we didn't practice Tango tonight, the night was awesome! The four of us are going to go out sometime and dance and have a drink b/c it was so fun talking!!!
Then, as i was walking home tonight, i got just this provoking feeling to drop everything and run. So that's what i did, and i'm telling you it was the best run of my ENTIRE LIFE!. I went to the ciudadela, and it was already dark out, but it must have been 55 degrees farenheit, 0 mph wind, a moon softly hidden by the clouds, and the lights of the buildings, the park, the cars, and a few stars lighting my way. The other thing is that i've never seen so many runners in one place at that time of day in all my life. It was just so fun..it was like i entered runners world..and as i was going, i'd look into the eyes of a runner passing me by, and we'd just exchange this gaze of pure happiness..that of which only a runner knows. Im telling you, tonight was a major mile-stone for me, because i ran for 35 minutes without stopping a single stride, and without feeling 1 ache or pain in my leg. It's been over 8 -9 months since ive felt this good, and then with the broken leg, etc,,i can't tell you what it meant for me to do this--and feel so good at the same time. I just went. What i love so much, is that when i'm running, i'm free, i'm independent, i don't need anybody, all i need is my legs to carry me, my eyes to guide me, and my ears to give me the pleasure to hear (tonight is was Taio Cruz, MJ, and Mariah Carey,,with a mix of more of my fave songs!)I just reached that point where i could keep going, going, goin, and yet i was waiting for that ache, for that strike of pain that i've become so accustomed to, and it never came. I swear to God, i had a smile on my face for the entire time, AND i think i was even singing out-loud haha. Oh god! thank you God :) I'm just so thankful to have legs that work, and to be able to do this. Even if not everyday, and if not 26 miles, i can do 35 min, and i still get those endorphins. I don't need anything else when i can do this..it just gives me strength, courage, confidence, and independence. It's my medicine, and cure for all.
When i was home, Julia had prepared my favorite chorizo with bread and a tomato in olive oil. Then i at an amazingly fresh apple, drank a ton of water, and had some amazing Spain chocolate hehe :) God ...it was a good night..there really is only one thing that could have made it better..but i will get to be with him soon :)
Until next time,
All my love,
Lauren
Monday, February 22, 2010
Early Edition is on!!!!
I just HAD TO MAKE THIS OTHER POST because im sitting here and i was watching the olympics, and i changed the channel and Early Edition with Gary Hobson is on t.v!!! I LOVED that show when it was a series on regularly! Mom and Ben i hope you read this so you know i am watching it! and thinking of all our nights we watched it together hehe! (it's funny cuz it's all in Spanish!)
Just had to tell you xoxox
Love you,
Lauren
Just had to tell you xoxox
Love you,
Lauren
hazelnut chocolate, tortillas de potatas, and more of Julia!!!
Today was just a regular day :) but a good day! I had my literature class at 8:30am and i just love that class. It is so interesting, and the stories/books/poems, etc that we read i love. My professor is the best too, she is my favorite so that probably helps ! hehe! Anyway, after i went to the library to study until noon for my conversation class. I studied my grammar with Marion while she studied her economics. I got my bank account today; and it was cool b/c for opening it they gave me a ton of really awesome gadgets for my computer. such as a new jumpdrive (4 gb), a mouse, a small keypad with numbers that i can connect to mylaptop and use, an ethernet cord, and a bunch of other goodies. It was a fun surprise. I had lunch with julia..and boy was this interesting. haha..so what happened was she had cooked spaghettie and then some meat for me today with peppers. The meat was tenura (the daughter of the mother cow), but the meat wasn'tall the way cooked through (or i thought)...so since i've been so sensitive to food the last month, i decided to save myself and instead of risk getting the stomach flu again i'd ask her to cook it more. Well, she kindof didn't understand why i wanted it cooked more but i explained and said i just was being cautious to not get food-sick again! I was very nice and apologetic, and kept thanking her for how good everything was and how much i like it, but just needing it cooked more. So she did, and it was better...but then the entire conversation during lunch was about how we don't like rare meat bc it' scares us hehe. Ha i wish i could have recorded this conversation...it was hilarious!
This afternoon, i worked on some grammar homework again, and am almost all caught up from France..but grr prof gives many worksheets hehe! I can't complain though..b/c it could be worse..like labs or something haha! nah i like her class.
This afternoon, it stopped raining, so that was nice b/c i went for a run in the park again. I've been feeling really great, so i'm thankful, still being very careful. Then i walked to the post-office to mail some of my postcards to friends. You know, why can't the U.S. post-office's be open until 8:30 pm like they are here monday thru Friday?!! I was hurrying there to try and make it b/4 6 b/c i thought they closed then, and then i get there and it's 8:30 ???!!! haha i'm lovin this...Did i mention that i think i'll just stay here ? hehe jk..but god that crosses my mind every day now hehe!
Tonight i finished my portion of the group work for our group project we have, and then i talked with my friend in Germany. She was in a bad accident, so i can't come to visit her anymore, but that is ok b/c i have places i can and want to visit here..i just pray for her recovery. Julia is so funny: while i was in my room tonight, she hollered at me to come in the living room..and so i did and she wanted to tell me about the case on telediario. Ok, so this show is a talk-show where one lady (she's like judge judy) solves or helps to solve other people's problems. It's so funny b/c it's all young people from the south of spain (or so Julia says but she should know b/c she's ALWAYS watching this!), and they have relationship problems. Well tonight, she had to tell me about this case where the boyfriend left the girl after 7 yrs of dating and now wants her back and she has a new byfrnd etc..mucho mucho drama!!! oh man i can't stand watching the show, but i just stood there and listened to her tell me and watch ...it's just so funny b/c she get's so into it!
hahaha
But she made one of my favorite things for la cena tonight. She made tortilla de potatas and then we put them on the best bread so it's a bocadillo (sandwich). yum,,then tomato with olive oil (tonight she set the salt on the table for me to put on hehe :) and then i had kiwi. So good! For dessert, we had tea and i had this awesome hazelnut choc that i bought here in Pamplona. I"m telling you i'ts just my favorite..i have to be careful how much i eat of it hehe! but it's so good! i will definitely be buying a supply of this b/4 i come home...if i come home hehe (jk i have to!)
Anyway, the little ones brought me the newspapesr today, so i have those to read, and i also started twilight (crepusculo) the book in spanish. I can understand 95% of it, so it's fun...i figured i'd give it a shot again since everyone here is crazy about it too. I started it a year and a half ago but got bored, but we'll see what happens. i'm doing it more for the practice!
Tomorrow i have 2 classes, work on group project, and then i think i wil study in afternoon. I have dance class in the night, and then there is a dance party later on but i will have to see if i go to that..I need to do somethin fun to get out and be with people :)
All my love,
Lauren
This afternoon, i worked on some grammar homework again, and am almost all caught up from France..but grr prof gives many worksheets hehe! I can't complain though..b/c it could be worse..like labs or something haha! nah i like her class.
This afternoon, it stopped raining, so that was nice b/c i went for a run in the park again. I've been feeling really great, so i'm thankful, still being very careful. Then i walked to the post-office to mail some of my postcards to friends. You know, why can't the U.S. post-office's be open until 8:30 pm like they are here monday thru Friday?!! I was hurrying there to try and make it b/4 6 b/c i thought they closed then, and then i get there and it's 8:30 ???!!! haha i'm lovin this...Did i mention that i think i'll just stay here ? hehe jk..but god that crosses my mind every day now hehe!
Tonight i finished my portion of the group work for our group project we have, and then i talked with my friend in Germany. She was in a bad accident, so i can't come to visit her anymore, but that is ok b/c i have places i can and want to visit here..i just pray for her recovery. Julia is so funny: while i was in my room tonight, she hollered at me to come in the living room..and so i did and she wanted to tell me about the case on telediario. Ok, so this show is a talk-show where one lady (she's like judge judy) solves or helps to solve other people's problems. It's so funny b/c it's all young people from the south of spain (or so Julia says but she should know b/c she's ALWAYS watching this!), and they have relationship problems. Well tonight, she had to tell me about this case where the boyfriend left the girl after 7 yrs of dating and now wants her back and she has a new byfrnd etc..mucho mucho drama!!! oh man i can't stand watching the show, but i just stood there and listened to her tell me and watch ...it's just so funny b/c she get's so into it!
hahaha
But she made one of my favorite things for la cena tonight. She made tortilla de potatas and then we put them on the best bread so it's a bocadillo (sandwich). yum,,then tomato with olive oil (tonight she set the salt on the table for me to put on hehe :) and then i had kiwi. So good! For dessert, we had tea and i had this awesome hazelnut choc that i bought here in Pamplona. I"m telling you i'ts just my favorite..i have to be careful how much i eat of it hehe! but it's so good! i will definitely be buying a supply of this b/4 i come home...if i come home hehe (jk i have to!)
Anyway, the little ones brought me the newspapesr today, so i have those to read, and i also started twilight (crepusculo) the book in spanish. I can understand 95% of it, so it's fun...i figured i'd give it a shot again since everyone here is crazy about it too. I started it a year and a half ago but got bored, but we'll see what happens. i'm doing it more for the practice!
Tomorrow i have 2 classes, work on group project, and then i think i wil study in afternoon. I have dance class in the night, and then there is a dance party later on but i will have to see if i go to that..I need to do somethin fun to get out and be with people :)
All my love,
Lauren
Sunday, February 21, 2010
On the plume
I am listening to Erin Brockovich soundtrack online b/c that is the mood i am in. Today there was nothing special about my day until the night. Last night was awesome though! I cooked for philippe and it turned out fabulous! I made him scalloped potatoes and ham (which was really simple but tasted so great!), and then choc chip cookies! IT was a bit interesting finding all of the ingredients, but we managaed hehe! The only thing we didn't buy was baking soda, but surprisingly the cookies spread out ok and rose a little,,not like normal though! We still loved them. It was so awesome just hanging in his kitchen, having U2 on in the background, cooking while he stood over my shoulder or next to me watching, helping, talking to me, hehe :) Can i say again how nice it was?!!! ok..u get the point!! but i could go on and on hehe..i'll stop though!
Anyway, today i woke up early to finish my part of some group work for culture/civ class: consisted of researching: Then i walked 30 min to Maja's piso on Iturrama and Marion and i and Maja put together our research into our final draft: things look really well. We will finish things up this week, turn in the copy to our prof by friday, and then present on Tues 2nd of march. I can't believe it's already the end of February. That makes me so sad. Therefor i am just living up each and every moment! I went to Meg's piso for my grammar notes i missed in Paris, and then went home for lunch. After that i prepared my lit paper and then Julia and I went over to Maribel's piso. It was so nice b/c i stayed there from 4pm until 9pm..Maribel helped me correct my paper, i was able to get somemore of my notes from the computer, and then i watched the basketball game with Ainhoa and Inaki after Julia and Maribel and Inaki (dad) left. It was so fun b/c they are brother and sister and just remind me of me and Ben. They put this huge table cloth out on the little living room foot table, and we ate leftovers for la cena...hehe..but it was such a fun feast im not kidding! Ainhoa made crepes with choc with her crepe machine, (so good), then we had some spaghetti, there was chicken, we had bread, an amazing salad we made with tuna, olive oil, corn, and asperagas, and then water and some drink that is like power-aid. I couldn't help but miss Ben b/c they remind me of he and I wen we are home and just have feasts in the kitchen b/c mom and dad aren't home hehe! We watched the basketball game of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona and it was reall intense but fun to watch. FC BArcelona won and that was the team we wanted..it was just so relaxing. We cleaned up everything ( i couldn't believe how well they take care ofthings...they are not your typical lazy kids, but were prompt when we started to take things back to the kitchen hehe) It was cute! Ainhoa borrowed me "Crepuscula" which is Twilight..in Spanish, so i am going to start reading this for good practice. I'm excited.
I came home and just showered and am relaxing now. I'm tired--but looking forward to what my week will bring.
All my love,
Lauren
Anyway, today i woke up early to finish my part of some group work for culture/civ class: consisted of researching: Then i walked 30 min to Maja's piso on Iturrama and Marion and i and Maja put together our research into our final draft: things look really well. We will finish things up this week, turn in the copy to our prof by friday, and then present on Tues 2nd of march. I can't believe it's already the end of February. That makes me so sad. Therefor i am just living up each and every moment! I went to Meg's piso for my grammar notes i missed in Paris, and then went home for lunch. After that i prepared my lit paper and then Julia and I went over to Maribel's piso. It was so nice b/c i stayed there from 4pm until 9pm..Maribel helped me correct my paper, i was able to get somemore of my notes from the computer, and then i watched the basketball game with Ainhoa and Inaki after Julia and Maribel and Inaki (dad) left. It was so fun b/c they are brother and sister and just remind me of me and Ben. They put this huge table cloth out on the little living room foot table, and we ate leftovers for la cena...hehe..but it was such a fun feast im not kidding! Ainhoa made crepes with choc with her crepe machine, (so good), then we had some spaghetti, there was chicken, we had bread, an amazing salad we made with tuna, olive oil, corn, and asperagas, and then water and some drink that is like power-aid. I couldn't help but miss Ben b/c they remind me of he and I wen we are home and just have feasts in the kitchen b/c mom and dad aren't home hehe! We watched the basketball game of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona and it was reall intense but fun to watch. FC BArcelona won and that was the team we wanted..it was just so relaxing. We cleaned up everything ( i couldn't believe how well they take care ofthings...they are not your typical lazy kids, but were prompt when we started to take things back to the kitchen hehe) It was cute! Ainhoa borrowed me "Crepuscula" which is Twilight..in Spanish, so i am going to start reading this for good practice. I'm excited.
I came home and just showered and am relaxing now. I'm tired--but looking forward to what my week will bring.
All my love,
Lauren
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Gorgeous day
I love the fact that i have to squint to see this screen b/c the sun is so bright this morning as i write this hehe! It's so wonderful b/c it's been raining and cloudy all week and today when i woke up the sun was just bursting from the sky, and the sky is clear today :) After my tummy settles from breakfast, the park and it's sidewalks are calling my name for a run (ipod is charging now hehe). It's been over a week so think i'm ready!
Yesterday was a great day. I felt SO good b/c i ended up having my surprise exam in Culture and Civilization class, but i NAILED it..and so i just needed that to remind myself that i can be fine even after being sick and missing classes. Plus i did study really hard so i'm glad i didn't get any wrong ! I also finished a big paper that i'd been working on all week, so that felt good and i will hand it in monday. One of my proff. was sick so we didnt have class which kindof helped me more b/c i went to the library to work more...so good!
Julia cooked something rare yesterday that i didn't like too much, but i ate some of it anywy: it was rice that had chunks of fish and egg in it..it was bland, so thank god she has pepper so i just loaded it with that and then it was really spicy so all i tasted was the pepper and i tried not to think about the other combination of stuff eheheh. And i ate bread of course to add more 'thick' substance ha! I spent my afternoon studying more, working on our big research project for the culture/civ class. I got a good portion done so i was happy. I'll finish my share today since i have a nice relaxing afternoon. I tutored the little girls yesterday at 6pm, and it was cute bc they wanted to play dress-up..in their very own words... "America's next top model" haha when they said this i couldn't believe that they even know what that show is heheheheh!! They are 9yr old, 6 and 4 hahah!! But it was the cutest thing..then to make the lesson work i was the judge and when they walked out they had to tell me about their outfits...ALL in english! It was adorable! They did a great job! Then we played doctor's office, and Leire the 9 yr old dressed up as a doctor and i was the mom bringing my two little girls to see her for their health problems..this was great b/c we could practice vocab of the human body! :) They are so cute...got a little roudy at the end, but all in all, it's worth everybit of my time!!!
My night got even better b/c i got to spend it with Philippe. We hadnt really seen each other since b/4 i left to Paris since our weeks were so busy studying. He is in 9 courses, and they are ALL really hard, so he has so much work to do. But i really respect him for that and his work ethic, because that is how i am too. Anyway, i went to his piso, and we looked at pics and watched youtube videos from his country and culture. Then we got to cuddle a little :)He took me out for a drink and it was so nice..we went to a bar that wasn't too busy and just talked for about 2 hours,,,just the two of us. It was so nice...i am enjoying getting to know him so much; it just clicks you know!?! I've just never felt that way with anyone hehe! I just have to soak this all in and enjoy every moment i have with him :) Then he walked me back to my piso, and i love that too b/c we walk through the park and talk all the way home :) Tonight i am going to cook for him..i just hope i can find all of the ingredients hehe!
That is all that's new,,,but life is good :)I can't complain!
All my love,
Lauren
Yesterday was a great day. I felt SO good b/c i ended up having my surprise exam in Culture and Civilization class, but i NAILED it..and so i just needed that to remind myself that i can be fine even after being sick and missing classes. Plus i did study really hard so i'm glad i didn't get any wrong ! I also finished a big paper that i'd been working on all week, so that felt good and i will hand it in monday. One of my proff. was sick so we didnt have class which kindof helped me more b/c i went to the library to work more...so good!
Julia cooked something rare yesterday that i didn't like too much, but i ate some of it anywy: it was rice that had chunks of fish and egg in it..it was bland, so thank god she has pepper so i just loaded it with that and then it was really spicy so all i tasted was the pepper and i tried not to think about the other combination of stuff eheheh. And i ate bread of course to add more 'thick' substance ha! I spent my afternoon studying more, working on our big research project for the culture/civ class. I got a good portion done so i was happy. I'll finish my share today since i have a nice relaxing afternoon. I tutored the little girls yesterday at 6pm, and it was cute bc they wanted to play dress-up..in their very own words... "America's next top model" haha when they said this i couldn't believe that they even know what that show is heheheheh!! They are 9yr old, 6 and 4 hahah!! But it was the cutest thing..then to make the lesson work i was the judge and when they walked out they had to tell me about their outfits...ALL in english! It was adorable! They did a great job! Then we played doctor's office, and Leire the 9 yr old dressed up as a doctor and i was the mom bringing my two little girls to see her for their health problems..this was great b/c we could practice vocab of the human body! :) They are so cute...got a little roudy at the end, but all in all, it's worth everybit of my time!!!
My night got even better b/c i got to spend it with Philippe. We hadnt really seen each other since b/4 i left to Paris since our weeks were so busy studying. He is in 9 courses, and they are ALL really hard, so he has so much work to do. But i really respect him for that and his work ethic, because that is how i am too. Anyway, i went to his piso, and we looked at pics and watched youtube videos from his country and culture. Then we got to cuddle a little :)He took me out for a drink and it was so nice..we went to a bar that wasn't too busy and just talked for about 2 hours,,,just the two of us. It was so nice...i am enjoying getting to know him so much; it just clicks you know!?! I've just never felt that way with anyone hehe! I just have to soak this all in and enjoy every moment i have with him :) Then he walked me back to my piso, and i love that too b/c we walk through the park and talk all the way home :) Tonight i am going to cook for him..i just hope i can find all of the ingredients hehe!
That is all that's new,,,but life is good :)I can't complain!
All my love,
Lauren
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Recollections with Julia
Today was a good day :) I've been busy working on a paper for my literature class, so that is what i did during my afternoon. It was so nice b/c the sun was out today, so while i' was working i had the sun shining on my face,,,,so nice :)
My classes were fine this morning, just recieving more and more homework! haha..It's like someone turned on a faucet now and its just piling on !!--but thank God it's the weekend soon and i can be refreshed. I have some tentative plans for my evenings, so i am looking forward to that!...i hope that they work out! Last night , Wed night i don't know what was wrong with me but i was feeling sad, but Julia and I went to church and it was so nice. It is amazing how that can bring me up. Being Ash wednesday, we recieved the blessing with the ashes on our heads, and then the regular mass. It still amazes me how fast mass goes here. They are finished in 35 min. Afterwards, we went for a walk together around the neighborhood. It was raining a little, but it was not enough to be uncomfortable, so we justwalked and talked. It was dusk, and yet so cozy and i just felt so much better. I have to ask again, "How did i get so lucky to meet her and live with her". She is my grandma here, and we just 'click'. She knows i've had a stressful week, and it's cute b/c she has been giving me little sweets, or taking time to do little extra things which mean so much. Last night, i was stressed about some homework and so i was working in my room all night. When we got home from our walk, we realized our building had lost power, so that kindofstressed me out more b/c i had to study/work on my paper with VERY little ability to see hehe! she had been telling me of this show on (very similar to dancing with the stars in America) and it's called Mira quien baile. It was on at 10 pm until midnight, and she had said i should watch it with her. It was cute b/c at 10 i was def not done, but she made a spot for me on the couch next to her with my laptop and papers and said, you watch and then on commercials you work hehe!! Itwas wonderful. Of course i didn't get as much done as i could have, but our time together was priceless..and let me tell you it is so much fun for me to watch the dances now b/c i am learning these same ones..Salsa, Tango, ChaChaCha, and Bachata. The costumes were amazing, and of course lots of eye-candy hehe! So this was wonderful...! I think we will get into a routine of watching this each wed night now. The country votes at th end of the show, and then 1 pair wins and the money they win they donate to a Spanish org. in need, for example poor families or kids, etc. It's cool!
But tonight, i had dance class. I was so tired for some reason.i think just b/c i've had to work so hard on this paper. But i am finally getting the Tango. Tonight it was so fun to just move to the music, or i should say 'skate' b/c that is what you do. And i just love the songs myteacher picks for us to dance to! It's also fun b/c the other people in my class are all getting the hang of it too, so it makes dancing together really fun. It amazes me how far we've come in just 2 weeks! It's awesome! Could this be a new passion of mine?!?!? I think i'm almost 99.9% sure hehe!
AFter i've just been working on this paper, sending emails, etc. My cena was so special tonight. AGain i just couldn't wait to blog about my conversations with Julia. I have to say i think it's one of my favorite parts of the day..getting to visit with her. She is so patient with me, she understands, and i just speak my mind, she listens, and then she tells me what she thinks! Then i do the same for her, and she is SO wise. I have so much respect for her. Tonight we talked about how much times have changed for the youth today. Julia wishes she was my age now today as she watches everything that i do :) She told me that when she was the same age, everything was a sin, and she had to go to confession every 8 days. She said kissing and or dancing wih a boy was sin, lying was a sin, forgetting was a sin, curling your hair was a sin, many many many things. It was just so interesting to listen to her. She told me about her first kiss with her husband (boyfriend at the time) and how she had to keep it a secret b/c it was a sin ! Then we talked about heaven and hell, and if there really is a heaven, and how weare intersted in being cremated and not buried. She wants to be cremated and put in Salinas. We laughed then b/c she says to me..well why do they say there is a hell that you can burn in if many people are cremated anyway! I laughed b/c she makes points that are valid and so true! She also made a good point when i asked her if she thinks God will come back to earth b/c we were tlking about how things are troubled in areas. She said "Well, when you think of it one thing i find really interesting is that the priests always preach that heaven is so good, that we'll see our loved ones and live so happily, but the priests don't want to die: we all seem to guard our lives here on earth." This is true, and so we had a deep discussion about this.
It was just nice for me to get my mind off other things are relax. We could talk and talk and talk and talk but i have to study hehe! She then goes to watch telediario on t.v. or to bed :) Tonight i have to study somemore in case i have my culture exam tomorrow. I don't like it b/c the proff doesn't say when we will have a test, so that makes me have to memorize all of these provinces and comunidades autonomas and know the other things,,but all in all that is better that i learn them now instead of have to learn everything at the end of the sem for the exam.
Anyway, I am sorry if i bored you with this blog, i just wanted to write about my conversations with Julia so that I never forget them :)
I hope all is well, and thank you God that tomorrow is Friday!!!
xoxoxo
Lauren
My classes were fine this morning, just recieving more and more homework! haha..It's like someone turned on a faucet now and its just piling on !!--but thank God it's the weekend soon and i can be refreshed. I have some tentative plans for my evenings, so i am looking forward to that!...i hope that they work out! Last night , Wed night i don't know what was wrong with me but i was feeling sad, but Julia and I went to church and it was so nice. It is amazing how that can bring me up. Being Ash wednesday, we recieved the blessing with the ashes on our heads, and then the regular mass. It still amazes me how fast mass goes here. They are finished in 35 min. Afterwards, we went for a walk together around the neighborhood. It was raining a little, but it was not enough to be uncomfortable, so we justwalked and talked. It was dusk, and yet so cozy and i just felt so much better. I have to ask again, "How did i get so lucky to meet her and live with her". She is my grandma here, and we just 'click'. She knows i've had a stressful week, and it's cute b/c she has been giving me little sweets, or taking time to do little extra things which mean so much. Last night, i was stressed about some homework and so i was working in my room all night. When we got home from our walk, we realized our building had lost power, so that kindofstressed me out more b/c i had to study/work on my paper with VERY little ability to see hehe! she had been telling me of this show on (very similar to dancing with the stars in America) and it's called Mira quien baile. It was on at 10 pm until midnight, and she had said i should watch it with her. It was cute b/c at 10 i was def not done, but she made a spot for me on the couch next to her with my laptop and papers and said, you watch and then on commercials you work hehe!! Itwas wonderful. Of course i didn't get as much done as i could have, but our time together was priceless..and let me tell you it is so much fun for me to watch the dances now b/c i am learning these same ones..Salsa, Tango, ChaChaCha, and Bachata. The costumes were amazing, and of course lots of eye-candy hehe! So this was wonderful...! I think we will get into a routine of watching this each wed night now. The country votes at th end of the show, and then 1 pair wins and the money they win they donate to a Spanish org. in need, for example poor families or kids, etc. It's cool!
But tonight, i had dance class. I was so tired for some reason.i think just b/c i've had to work so hard on this paper. But i am finally getting the Tango. Tonight it was so fun to just move to the music, or i should say 'skate' b/c that is what you do. And i just love the songs myteacher picks for us to dance to! It's also fun b/c the other people in my class are all getting the hang of it too, so it makes dancing together really fun. It amazes me how far we've come in just 2 weeks! It's awesome! Could this be a new passion of mine?!?!? I think i'm almost 99.9% sure hehe!
AFter i've just been working on this paper, sending emails, etc. My cena was so special tonight. AGain i just couldn't wait to blog about my conversations with Julia. I have to say i think it's one of my favorite parts of the day..getting to visit with her. She is so patient with me, she understands, and i just speak my mind, she listens, and then she tells me what she thinks! Then i do the same for her, and she is SO wise. I have so much respect for her. Tonight we talked about how much times have changed for the youth today. Julia wishes she was my age now today as she watches everything that i do :) She told me that when she was the same age, everything was a sin, and she had to go to confession every 8 days. She said kissing and or dancing wih a boy was sin, lying was a sin, forgetting was a sin, curling your hair was a sin, many many many things. It was just so interesting to listen to her. She told me about her first kiss with her husband (boyfriend at the time) and how she had to keep it a secret b/c it was a sin ! Then we talked about heaven and hell, and if there really is a heaven, and how weare intersted in being cremated and not buried. She wants to be cremated and put in Salinas. We laughed then b/c she says to me..well why do they say there is a hell that you can burn in if many people are cremated anyway! I laughed b/c she makes points that are valid and so true! She also made a good point when i asked her if she thinks God will come back to earth b/c we were tlking about how things are troubled in areas. She said "Well, when you think of it one thing i find really interesting is that the priests always preach that heaven is so good, that we'll see our loved ones and live so happily, but the priests don't want to die: we all seem to guard our lives here on earth." This is true, and so we had a deep discussion about this.
It was just nice for me to get my mind off other things are relax. We could talk and talk and talk and talk but i have to study hehe! She then goes to watch telediario on t.v. or to bed :) Tonight i have to study somemore in case i have my culture exam tomorrow. I don't like it b/c the proff doesn't say when we will have a test, so that makes me have to memorize all of these provinces and comunidades autonomas and know the other things,,but all in all that is better that i learn them now instead of have to learn everything at the end of the sem for the exam.
Anyway, I am sorry if i bored you with this blog, i just wanted to write about my conversations with Julia so that I never forget them :)
I hope all is well, and thank you God that tomorrow is Friday!!!
xoxoxo
Lauren
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Home in Pamplona :)
Today i will write to you a lot because i have a lot on my mind :) It is raining here in Pamplona; alot but it's a relaxing rain, and i guess that is a good thing b/c i really don't need to leave the house today and i have a lot of homework to catch up on so that is my plan..plus a lot of memorizing!! I guess it's time i tune up these skills for when i return to take anatomy hehe :)
To finish up with where i left off in Paris, our trip was absolutely amazing. I learned so much just about life, the culture, and the beauty that there is to be seen and experienced. Like i said before, we experienced so many emotions, but really we decided on 3 life lessons that we were going to take with us; those being 1. Life is now, every day, so we must live it in the moment. 2. If we ever doubted that there was a God, we don't now after all of the miracles that occured moment after moment. He looked out for us so much, and we'd pray and things would work out, we'd find the bus, subway, get in free to things, being safe; just basic things that we'd prayed for on our trip, and everything went so smoothly. 3.Be open for new-ness, surprises, chances, risks, and the un-expected. This really came in to play at the end of our trip.
It was very unfortunate, but on the way back on Sunday night i became 'deathly' sick on the train. At first i thought it was motion sickness b/c we were in this small little room with 4 bunkbeds where we'd started to sleep, but at 4am woke up and knew i wasn't good. To make things worse, the bathrooms were lockd, so there i am running up and down the small, tight hallway looking for a place that i can throwup. It was awful you guys haha! So i ended up sittng in the hall to try and settle myself while Kristen went back to bed; luckily i just had spit to come up (not enough food in my tummy) but still. So miserable. We traveled all night, took the topo back to San Sebastian, and then the bus to Pamplona. Upon my arrival, i went straight to bed where i slept the entire day, only to get up to shower (which was the most difficult task for me..i couldn't even get my clothes off ? ) i honestly dont know what happened, but i couldn't move, let only talk. (that hurt too). Thank god i had skype to type a litte with Philippe and my mom <3 Later on, i figured it was food poisoning, but the weired thing is that Kristen never got sick, and we both ate the same things, so who knows! I may never know!--but all in all, i am so thankful to have my strength back and be going to classes now. I went back yesterday, and although i have a lot to catch up, i will be fine :) There are some pictures on facebook from the trip, but only half! i posted 135, but i took around 350! When i return you'll see :)) All in all, it was incredible. Paris is definitely the city of love, and i know, or i should say i WILL return someday with the love of my life..it's just too beautiful and romantic too :) Mom,, you and i will also take a trip there! you'd love the shopping, the sites, the chocolate and desserts, and the view xoxo
Now back in Pamplona, life is nice,,i'm back to my routine here which i love, or getting there. Needing to work hard like i said today, but it just feels so nice to be home and be near my friends. I have been thinking so much about this country, and this experience for me, and it's just so amazing.
Dance class is going great; i absolutely love it! My teacher is so much fun, she's so energetic all the time, and so patient. Another thing i love and cant' believe is how great i am improving with the dances! The tango is probably the most difficult b/c it is like you are skating so close with your partner, but i'm getting alright at it :) it's fun! I love the ChaChaCha. In fact, you will have to check out the song Naci Orishas b/c that is my fave song aand the one i dance the chachacha too. It's awesome :) I just wish i had partner hehe that i could take with me to dance haha! Anyway, i'm glad i'm doing this here, and im meeting friends there too :) its something nice to be apart of!
Julia is good,; while i was gone she got a brand new sink in her bathroom and new muebles (furniture). I'm so happy now b/c the first two day we didn't have water in the sink there, but now today Carlos her son finished it so i am able to use the sink and not in kitchen hehe :) I am spoiled though here b/c that bathroom is pretty much mine b/c she hardly uses it it seems. I love living with Julia though. She is so wonderful. I can't say that to you enough. Last night she told me a cute story about birthmarks and how they are a result of when you are growing in your mama's tummy and she eats something or drinks something thatyou (the baby) don't like, you spit it out and where it lands is where you have your birthmark.(it was so cute her explanation!) She is just cute in general, but i had to write this down to remember b/c i've never heard that hehe!
There is a boy on my mind here now also. haha..you all gave me a hard time before i left saying "Lauren oh i wonder if you will meet someone?!! i think you will" and i just though "yah right thatd be neat but i don't think so"! haha..but i have. And it's hard you guys b/c he is different from anyone i've ever met. I want to persue this relationship, but i sense he is scared b/c i leave in May. I have never felt a connection like I do with him before, and it seems we have a great time together when we are together. I really realized how much i enjoy his company by being gone in Paris b/c i missed him so much. And another thing, he is one of the most respectful, gentle-men, type-men i've ever met. and did i mention he looks good too hehe :) Anyway,,i am happy :) and i try not to worry or think about losing him b/c i know that God has a plan all worked out already, but it's still difficult at times b/c sometimes you just wish you could know in your heart :) Oh well, :) I am lucky girl anyway...
This weekend we will have a date and i am going to cook for him some American food. He has been giving me a hard time that all we have is burgers and fatty meat, and i got so mad hehe b/c i thought..oh you have no idea how amazing some of the food is! He thinks i don't have traditions and then i thought about our amazing holiday meals that are so unique. If only hehe :) So now i have to impress him and make something good. Mom and i skyped last night so she gave me some good ideas! I also want to bake for him b/c that is what i'm so good at,,but they don't have the cake mixes and choc chips, etc here like back home..so i'm considering buying choc, crushing it,,etc..haha i might have to do some random things to make it work! haha anyway it'll be fun all the same.!
I guess i've written alot, so i better get to my studies now. My only other goal this week is to cut my hair!!!!! Don't worry i'm definitely not cutting the gorgeous length, just gonna put some layers in it for body etc..it's finally to the length i've wanted for that so i'm just gonna do it,,,i'm a little scared in making sure i pick a trust-able place, but i am doing my investigating haha.
Anyway, all my love to all of you, thanks for reading my blog and following me :)
Grandma, i recieved your letter and it was so wonderful to see your handwriting and hear about the family. Thank you so much :)
All my love to all of you
Until next time,
Lauren
To finish up with where i left off in Paris, our trip was absolutely amazing. I learned so much just about life, the culture, and the beauty that there is to be seen and experienced. Like i said before, we experienced so many emotions, but really we decided on 3 life lessons that we were going to take with us; those being 1. Life is now, every day, so we must live it in the moment. 2. If we ever doubted that there was a God, we don't now after all of the miracles that occured moment after moment. He looked out for us so much, and we'd pray and things would work out, we'd find the bus, subway, get in free to things, being safe; just basic things that we'd prayed for on our trip, and everything went so smoothly. 3.Be open for new-ness, surprises, chances, risks, and the un-expected. This really came in to play at the end of our trip.
It was very unfortunate, but on the way back on Sunday night i became 'deathly' sick on the train. At first i thought it was motion sickness b/c we were in this small little room with 4 bunkbeds where we'd started to sleep, but at 4am woke up and knew i wasn't good. To make things worse, the bathrooms were lockd, so there i am running up and down the small, tight hallway looking for a place that i can throwup. It was awful you guys haha! So i ended up sittng in the hall to try and settle myself while Kristen went back to bed; luckily i just had spit to come up (not enough food in my tummy) but still. So miserable. We traveled all night, took the topo back to San Sebastian, and then the bus to Pamplona. Upon my arrival, i went straight to bed where i slept the entire day, only to get up to shower (which was the most difficult task for me..i couldn't even get my clothes off ? ) i honestly dont know what happened, but i couldn't move, let only talk. (that hurt too). Thank god i had skype to type a litte with Philippe and my mom <3 Later on, i figured it was food poisoning, but the weired thing is that Kristen never got sick, and we both ate the same things, so who knows! I may never know!--but all in all, i am so thankful to have my strength back and be going to classes now. I went back yesterday, and although i have a lot to catch up, i will be fine :) There are some pictures on facebook from the trip, but only half! i posted 135, but i took around 350! When i return you'll see :)) All in all, it was incredible. Paris is definitely the city of love, and i know, or i should say i WILL return someday with the love of my life..it's just too beautiful and romantic too :) Mom,, you and i will also take a trip there! you'd love the shopping, the sites, the chocolate and desserts, and the view xoxo
Now back in Pamplona, life is nice,,i'm back to my routine here which i love, or getting there. Needing to work hard like i said today, but it just feels so nice to be home and be near my friends. I have been thinking so much about this country, and this experience for me, and it's just so amazing.
Dance class is going great; i absolutely love it! My teacher is so much fun, she's so energetic all the time, and so patient. Another thing i love and cant' believe is how great i am improving with the dances! The tango is probably the most difficult b/c it is like you are skating so close with your partner, but i'm getting alright at it :) it's fun! I love the ChaChaCha. In fact, you will have to check out the song Naci Orishas b/c that is my fave song aand the one i dance the chachacha too. It's awesome :) I just wish i had partner hehe that i could take with me to dance haha! Anyway, i'm glad i'm doing this here, and im meeting friends there too :) its something nice to be apart of!
Julia is good,; while i was gone she got a brand new sink in her bathroom and new muebles (furniture). I'm so happy now b/c the first two day we didn't have water in the sink there, but now today Carlos her son finished it so i am able to use the sink and not in kitchen hehe :) I am spoiled though here b/c that bathroom is pretty much mine b/c she hardly uses it it seems. I love living with Julia though. She is so wonderful. I can't say that to you enough. Last night she told me a cute story about birthmarks and how they are a result of when you are growing in your mama's tummy and she eats something or drinks something thatyou (the baby) don't like, you spit it out and where it lands is where you have your birthmark.(it was so cute her explanation!) She is just cute in general, but i had to write this down to remember b/c i've never heard that hehe!
There is a boy on my mind here now also. haha..you all gave me a hard time before i left saying "Lauren oh i wonder if you will meet someone?!! i think you will" and i just though "yah right thatd be neat but i don't think so"! haha..but i have. And it's hard you guys b/c he is different from anyone i've ever met. I want to persue this relationship, but i sense he is scared b/c i leave in May. I have never felt a connection like I do with him before, and it seems we have a great time together when we are together. I really realized how much i enjoy his company by being gone in Paris b/c i missed him so much. And another thing, he is one of the most respectful, gentle-men, type-men i've ever met. and did i mention he looks good too hehe :) Anyway,,i am happy :) and i try not to worry or think about losing him b/c i know that God has a plan all worked out already, but it's still difficult at times b/c sometimes you just wish you could know in your heart :) Oh well, :) I am lucky girl anyway...
This weekend we will have a date and i am going to cook for him some American food. He has been giving me a hard time that all we have is burgers and fatty meat, and i got so mad hehe b/c i thought..oh you have no idea how amazing some of the food is! He thinks i don't have traditions and then i thought about our amazing holiday meals that are so unique. If only hehe :) So now i have to impress him and make something good. Mom and i skyped last night so she gave me some good ideas! I also want to bake for him b/c that is what i'm so good at,,but they don't have the cake mixes and choc chips, etc here like back home..so i'm considering buying choc, crushing it,,etc..haha i might have to do some random things to make it work! haha anyway it'll be fun all the same.!
I guess i've written alot, so i better get to my studies now. My only other goal this week is to cut my hair!!!!! Don't worry i'm definitely not cutting the gorgeous length, just gonna put some layers in it for body etc..it's finally to the length i've wanted for that so i'm just gonna do it,,,i'm a little scared in making sure i pick a trust-able place, but i am doing my investigating haha.
Anyway, all my love to all of you, thanks for reading my blog and following me :)
Grandma, i recieved your letter and it was so wonderful to see your handwriting and hear about the family. Thank you so much :)
All my love to all of you
Until next time,
Lauren
Saturday, February 13, 2010
more of paris
gosh were do i even begin?, i am finishing my 3rd full day here in Paris and Kristen and i have toured the entire Museo d'Orsay Impressionist art museum, the Louvre art museum (where we saw mona lisa's smile amongst many others), the Eiffle tower in which we climbed it, watched the sun set, i videotaped, and also watched the light show, walked up and down champs d'Ellysee's street, met some new friends in the best 3 hour tour of the city ever, ate the best mcdonalds cheeseburger, fries, cocacola light, and kit kat mcflurry of my entire life, walked about a bizillion miles, toured and prayed in the notre dame cathedral, bought some amazing souvenirs, mastered the subway to the point that i could take each and every one of you around, laughed till i cried, cried until a smile had to come thru, learned how to be a hard bitch who takes no crap after living in this hostile (in which now i love hehe); and taken a shower in prob the most smallest space ive ever been, like a closet in which u cant even move let alone take your clothes off haha; boy we are ready to go home bc we are exhausted, but we dont regret a single penny spent nor one min spent at any of these places. you guys its just unreal:there is so much that has happened but i have been journaling in diary so i can take from that too. Today Kristen and i went to the palace of versaille and it was amazing bc we got in for free with our visas and also got free headsets to listen to the audio tour for free; it was the most relaxing and interesting 3 hours and great way to spend it inside on cold day. tthen we hiked a long way to the Triadon and saw the quarters of Marie Antoinette: it was pretty too but i preferred castel. we took train back to sainte michel neighborhood tonight and had a blast walking around and window shopping. also found some amazing cheap leather boots::so pumped: . then tonight i had the best meal of my life, i think it was bc we were both just so hungry but we found the perfect french restaurant down this little cozy ideal french street exactly like how youd envision out of a movie! i had spaghetti and meat sauce and ate all of it and didnt feel guilty bc i wasnt even full after; then Kristen ordered real french creme brulee and for me, i walked down to grocery market and bought milk skim hehe. then guess what i came back to hostile and drank 3 glasses till my tummy hurt so bad i thought i was gonna throw up but there was no way i wanted to do that bc id just eaten that amazing food, god luckily that passes, but i felt like i was one of those ppl that hadnt eaten a big meal for awhile so when they finally do they cant handle it haha! but it was so worth it! i am great now; so ready to come home to pamplona tomorrow night! i miss my close friends and home there and am tired butlike you see ive done so much! and i dont regret single bit. so happy
tomorrow we have to check out by noon but our train is over night so we will leave our luggage locked up here and go to mall to buy our souvenires during day; then cook pizza here at hostile and board our first class train at 11 pm arrive in Pamplona by 8 or 9 am after we take the bus back from hendaya;
i better go get ready for bed there is ppl waiting; but mom just know that there has been so many moments that i say out loud MAN i just want to call my mom to tell you about something amazing i see; eat; experience, or feel: so i love you a lot!!! we have to much to talk of
All my love to all of you
xoxo
Lauren
tomorrow we have to check out by noon but our train is over night so we will leave our luggage locked up here and go to mall to buy our souvenires during day; then cook pizza here at hostile and board our first class train at 11 pm arrive in Pamplona by 8 or 9 am after we take the bus back from hendaya;
i better go get ready for bed there is ppl waiting; but mom just know that there has been so many moments that i say out loud MAN i just want to call my mom to tell you about something amazing i see; eat; experience, or feel: so i love you a lot!!! we have to much to talk of
All my love to all of you
xoxo
Lauren
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
We made it to paris today
I just wanted to let you all know that we made it safely to Paris today. OUr travel plans went surprisingly So smoothly..it was like at the beginning of Meet the Fockers, therefore i couldn't help but laugh. it is cold and snowing here, but it is not heavy MN snow but light France snow hehe..in other words it's beautiful. This internet i'm using we paid for so i don't have a lot of time if it stops or i cut this short that's why..but i am taking all of my emotions, these experiences and senses in. The thing i am most nervous for is the sleeping arrangements we are in a hostel room of 6 beds, and it is me and kristen and 3 other men. but both us girls took the top bunks and i plan on putting my backpack on the top with me to sleep tonight i am going to wear my money and passport around my waste while i sleep. It's odd though,,boy the stories i will hae to tell you when i return. i guess this is character building..man i can't explain to you how much this makes you grow up! I am so proud of us though, we figured out the train, the topo, the train to paris, the metro in the busy hub of the city and found our hostel on a little street in the north part of the city,,all in the dark!
phew...i'm glad we are here. It's so cold that i'm not going to shower b/c my hair will prob freeze! o well know one knows me and i will have hat on so hehe...greasy hair wont occur due to the cold! It's colder here than in Spain..i gues i wouldn't have thought that but i did check the weather b/4. i'll just wear lots of layers..wishing i had my winter coat though.
~Tomorrow at 11am we are taking tour of city bywwalking. 't 3 hours long but will be great. lots of photos i'll take. We are speaking Spanish and are from Canada for safety reasons when we are asked where we are from. however this has been recieved well by the people that have asked us..so we contnue to keep to ourselves and be private haha..oh man!! Well, i just wanted to inform you that we are safe and are going to live up this trip no matter how tired we are, no matter how cold we are, or no matter how nervous we are..b/c we grin and laugh b/c now we truly can say we are world travelers. This is amazing...and listening to all this french is beautiful. it's too soon to tell what i thnk of the culture yet though! hopefully you'll hear from me more tomorrow night, if not,,thanks for thinking of me on my journey and reading and following me. It means so much when ou tell me you read my blog b/c it's wonderful knowing i have the support and love from all of you that i do.
So thank you, and i love you all,
Love lauren
phew...i'm glad we are here. It's so cold that i'm not going to shower b/c my hair will prob freeze! o well know one knows me and i will have hat on so hehe...greasy hair wont occur due to the cold! It's colder here than in Spain..i gues i wouldn't have thought that but i did check the weather b/4. i'll just wear lots of layers..wishing i had my winter coat though.
~Tomorrow at 11am we are taking tour of city bywwalking. 't 3 hours long but will be great. lots of photos i'll take. We are speaking Spanish and are from Canada for safety reasons when we are asked where we are from. however this has been recieved well by the people that have asked us..so we contnue to keep to ourselves and be private haha..oh man!! Well, i just wanted to inform you that we are safe and are going to live up this trip no matter how tired we are, no matter how cold we are, or no matter how nervous we are..b/c we grin and laugh b/c now we truly can say we are world travelers. This is amazing...and listening to all this french is beautiful. it's too soon to tell what i thnk of the culture yet though! hopefully you'll hear from me more tomorrow night, if not,,thanks for thinking of me on my journey and reading and following me. It means so much when ou tell me you read my blog b/c it's wonderful knowing i have the support and love from all of you that i do.
So thank you, and i love you all,
Love lauren
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Rain, Snow, Sun, and Cold
Todays' weather was the oddest yet here in Pamplona! It was hilarious. This morning it was dark and cloudy, by midday it was sunny and appeared nice, walking home it was windy and freezing (little rain drops were hitting my face), after lunch when i was studying at my desk it was snowing beautifully, and now i hear the rain gently falling against my window outside...in julias' exact words..the weather is just "loco!!!" meaning crazy! today! Otherwise i had a great day..i had grammar class and cultura y civilizacion class this morning, and was able to get the assignments that i'll miss for the next 3 days. My professors are so great about the students traveling.
Then i met philippe in the cafeteria and also met some new friends there. He later helped me figure out how to print at the university, and i was so excited b/c i didn't have to pay for the sheets. They told us we would, but the lady at the desk was really low key and just told me to take my sheets. That was great! like i said on my way home the weather was odd, but it was still a beautiful day to be alive here in Pamplona, and im telling you i am not taking any day for granted here b/c it is SO amazing..i just never want this experience to end.
For lunch, it was just Julia and I as Tina and Rachel left for Madrid today, and then to continue on to Suiza to see Tina's grandparents. Julia made me the great garbanzo bean/rice soup, bread, and then oh..mind blank..i don't remember the spanish name but the creamcheese/ham type things..anyway they were pretty good. I studied all afternoon and got all of my grammar homework done for while i'll be gone so that is good. I packed some other homework and Julia just laughed at me and said 'Lauren, do not bring ur homework, u need to have fun!" haha..i know god why i am bringing homework. I guess it just wouldn't be me if i didn't have Something from SOME class to look at if i happen to have the time on the 5 hour train ride tomorrow morning.. (i will :))
Dance class was fun tonight. It's amazing how much the group has learned by only the 2nd class. We've had a total of 4 hours of construction but it's really great. I LOVE the teacher. She is SO energetic, young, patient, helpful, and fun. Plus, she plays awesome music, and she makes sure everyone knows what they're doing. At first i wasn't quite sure what to think of this class, but now I'm really excited about it. Now i just have to find opportunities in life to dance these dances,,and a partner to dance with me hehe! That might happen though haha we'll see! Or i'll just teach him :) or try!
Then i returned home to finish packing, and...well, the rest of my night was ...perfect. It was just so nice. A friend came over and helped me pack and we looked at photos from home, sharing more about our lives. I just Love spending time with them. That is all i will put on this blog about this for now :) however i am excited for what is to come and right now, am so happy.
Tomorrow is a big day, and i'll admit i'm nervous as Kristen and I embark on this trip to Paris just the two of us..i'm scared b/c it's just us, it's a new place, large, we don't speak French, and we don't know the city, but if we can do everything we've done thus far, i have no doubt in my mind that this weekend won't be wonderful..and experiences like these are what build our independence, global knowledge and appreciation, and also confidence. We will be safe, and if i have access to a computer, you will most definitely be hearing from me :) If not however, i will take note of the details in my journal by hand and share as much as i can with you on Monday when i return.
Mom, i just want to say i've been thinking of you a lot today, and i love you and miss you :) i just wish i could spill my guts about everything..it's wonderful though :) Anyway i love you.
And all my love to everyone else,
xoxo
Lauren
Then i met philippe in the cafeteria and also met some new friends there. He later helped me figure out how to print at the university, and i was so excited b/c i didn't have to pay for the sheets. They told us we would, but the lady at the desk was really low key and just told me to take my sheets. That was great! like i said on my way home the weather was odd, but it was still a beautiful day to be alive here in Pamplona, and im telling you i am not taking any day for granted here b/c it is SO amazing..i just never want this experience to end.
For lunch, it was just Julia and I as Tina and Rachel left for Madrid today, and then to continue on to Suiza to see Tina's grandparents. Julia made me the great garbanzo bean/rice soup, bread, and then oh..mind blank..i don't remember the spanish name but the creamcheese/ham type things..anyway they were pretty good. I studied all afternoon and got all of my grammar homework done for while i'll be gone so that is good. I packed some other homework and Julia just laughed at me and said 'Lauren, do not bring ur homework, u need to have fun!" haha..i know god why i am bringing homework. I guess it just wouldn't be me if i didn't have Something from SOME class to look at if i happen to have the time on the 5 hour train ride tomorrow morning.. (i will :))
Dance class was fun tonight. It's amazing how much the group has learned by only the 2nd class. We've had a total of 4 hours of construction but it's really great. I LOVE the teacher. She is SO energetic, young, patient, helpful, and fun. Plus, she plays awesome music, and she makes sure everyone knows what they're doing. At first i wasn't quite sure what to think of this class, but now I'm really excited about it. Now i just have to find opportunities in life to dance these dances,,and a partner to dance with me hehe! That might happen though haha we'll see! Or i'll just teach him :) or try!
Then i returned home to finish packing, and...well, the rest of my night was ...perfect. It was just so nice. A friend came over and helped me pack and we looked at photos from home, sharing more about our lives. I just Love spending time with them. That is all i will put on this blog about this for now :) however i am excited for what is to come and right now, am so happy.
Tomorrow is a big day, and i'll admit i'm nervous as Kristen and I embark on this trip to Paris just the two of us..i'm scared b/c it's just us, it's a new place, large, we don't speak French, and we don't know the city, but if we can do everything we've done thus far, i have no doubt in my mind that this weekend won't be wonderful..and experiences like these are what build our independence, global knowledge and appreciation, and also confidence. We will be safe, and if i have access to a computer, you will most definitely be hearing from me :) If not however, i will take note of the details in my journal by hand and share as much as i can with you on Monday when i return.
Mom, i just want to say i've been thinking of you a lot today, and i love you and miss you :) i just wish i could spill my guts about everything..it's wonderful though :) Anyway i love you.
And all my love to everyone else,
xoxo
Lauren
Monday, February 8, 2010
Rainy Monday
Today the rain fell all day, but it was the most soft rain i've seen in a long time. My walk home from the univeristy was so enjoyable b/c the rain was comforting hah if that makes sense!! Classes were good today,i enjoyed meeting with Maja and Marion today to talk about our research, how we will organize our encuesta (survey) and prepare for our presentation. Marion is so much fun to talk to,..we have so much in common. She has become another of my great friends here in Pamplona, and she is from Germany. Ihope to come back next year after the MCAT, and visit her and also another friend :)
For lunch today Julia gave me my favorite soup, sopa de garbanzos y arroz, (garbanzo beans and rice), and then rellenos (the things idescribed to u the other day: the circular small things made of rice and eggs with tom. sauce). I relaxed in my room today continuing to look for hostels in valencia. Surprisingly i found a hotel that is nicer than a hostel and actally cheaper, so i hope that we can book that soon b/4 it is gone.
Kristen and I went to the bus statio today to buy our tickets for Wed morning to San Sebastian. From ther we will take the topo train a short way to Hendaya (which is across the boarder in France). There we will board the larger train for Paris, and arrive Wed night by 7:45 pm. It's abut 5 hrs but i am so excited to go ..and i have never been on a train like this. I can't wait to just look out the window and see the land, terrain, and everything else. In Paris, we are staying in a hostel in he Monte Marte neighborhood,which is the more artsy neighborhood, however we are plannig on visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Tiomphe, Rue Mouffetard (for the food), Muse Orsay Museum, Sacre de Couer, La Forum Des-Halles (for shopping), and the Louve (we get in free being european students)..I am so excited.
Tonight i began packing, and organizing, and just relaxed. Luckily my professors are very encouraging of us traveling, so it's great b/c they are all not stressing me out about missing 3.5 days of school. But then it's like..how often can u jut take a train to Paris..??? right?!!
I will not have my laptop with me in Paris, so i won't be able to update my blog until i'm back, but i will forsure give you all the details i can when i am back. :) I better be off to bed ,,2morrow there is more rain scheduled (hopefully it's warm and soft), i have dance class, and will hopefully see Philippe b/4 i leave for Paris.
All my love, and sending warmth back home since i know it is cold!xoxoxo
Lauren
For lunch today Julia gave me my favorite soup, sopa de garbanzos y arroz, (garbanzo beans and rice), and then rellenos (the things idescribed to u the other day: the circular small things made of rice and eggs with tom. sauce). I relaxed in my room today continuing to look for hostels in valencia. Surprisingly i found a hotel that is nicer than a hostel and actally cheaper, so i hope that we can book that soon b/4 it is gone.
Kristen and I went to the bus statio today to buy our tickets for Wed morning to San Sebastian. From ther we will take the topo train a short way to Hendaya (which is across the boarder in France). There we will board the larger train for Paris, and arrive Wed night by 7:45 pm. It's abut 5 hrs but i am so excited to go ..and i have never been on a train like this. I can't wait to just look out the window and see the land, terrain, and everything else. In Paris, we are staying in a hostel in he Monte Marte neighborhood,which is the more artsy neighborhood, however we are plannig on visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Tiomphe, Rue Mouffetard (for the food), Muse Orsay Museum, Sacre de Couer, La Forum Des-Halles (for shopping), and the Louve (we get in free being european students)..I am so excited.
Tonight i began packing, and organizing, and just relaxed. Luckily my professors are very encouraging of us traveling, so it's great b/c they are all not stressing me out about missing 3.5 days of school. But then it's like..how often can u jut take a train to Paris..??? right?!!
I will not have my laptop with me in Paris, so i won't be able to update my blog until i'm back, but i will forsure give you all the details i can when i am back. :) I better be off to bed ,,2morrow there is more rain scheduled (hopefully it's warm and soft), i have dance class, and will hopefully see Philippe b/4 i leave for Paris.
All my love, and sending warmth back home since i know it is cold!xoxoxo
Lauren
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Bliss
Today was just a wonderful day--just b/c it was sunny, beautiful, and relaxing. I went over to a friends piso last night where we talked about our families, lives, etc, getting to know each other better until 4:30 in the morning. It was a blast. So i slept today until noon. Back home, i would Never let myself sleep this late..or if i did i would feel so guilty, but not in spain. hehe..b/c everyone does that!!! haha.
Julia had Green Tea and 2 muffins for me for breakfast, and i loved how she had all of the windows open today in the house. Not open open but the drapes, and so the sun was just beaming in everywhere. God i love it here. And then we just talked about my night :))) i love filling her in on everything. B/c is was already 1pm, i decided to go for a run in the park. It was beautiful. There was a little bit of a wind, but i can't explain to you how happy i was.
I ran around the outskirts of the park like usual, with my music on, and then i ran down into the murales part, which is down a hill, where the sidewalk runs along the beautiful little stream, and there are these huge, gorgeous rock walls all over. I have been experiencing so many good amazing emotions over the past week, that at this moment it just sent me to tears. So there i am, running, sweating, and crying with a smile on my face. Life is good. I just am so happy. I've met a great person, and it's just so amazing. My friends here are amazing, the culture is amazing, and most of all i love who i am and who i'm becoming. I love the way i look at life now, i love the way i look at others, at the world, at the US, and what i'm lucky to have.
This run i truly will never forget, and i will never forget my night last night :)
For lunch Julia made me some great puree soup like usual, but i love it b/c it's just pure vegetables and i ate So much bread with this! Then she made me rellenos , which are those small circular things that are made out of rice and scrambled eggs, but they are compacted together. She puts tomato sauce on them. I just love them, and i dip bread in the tomato sauce. So good. For dessert, i had this great nutilla pudding that she made the other night. That is the name. It's like vanilla pudding and there are little cookies in it. I asked her to explain to me what the distinct flavor in it is, b/c i couldn't put my finger on it b/c it didn't quite taste like vanilla, and she said that was b/c sh'ed burned it a little bit heheheh..well that' explains it but i still ate it all b/c i was hungry and it was something sweet! (i miss desserts! but that is why my pants fit so nice and loose now haha!).lemme tell u thoough the choc. here is amazing. That is what i have a little everyday.
This afternoon, i just sat in the living room and we had the window open, and i wrote in my journal, since so much has happened. There are some moments in which u just don't want to miss or lose a single detail from it...so i' wrote for about 2 hours! Julia and I also read the paper, and we had the soccer game on. Osasuna won 1-0 (that is the Pamplona team) so we were happy!
Then, i got ready and walked to la clinica universitaria where i met Philippe and we went to mass. There is chapel. or idk whatyou want to call it, but it was pretty nice, and mass was so nice. It was all in spanish, but i was happy b/c it's great practice, ad i was able to understand that it was about being fisher's of men and living life more humble, and with the goal of geting others to follow God. Philippe partook in part of the mass too which i thought was kindof cool. Then he walked me home through the park, and we just enjoyed talking.
Tonight i relaxed some more with Julia. She gave me lasagna haha..more food..but it wasgood! ha. i guess i did the exercise today!
Then i wrote somemore, and watched E.T. in Spanish that was on the Disney Channel. Julia went to bed early, and the girls went out to the bar to watch the superbowl. I didn't go b/c i have 8:30 class tomorrow and the game started at midnight. but now it's 1am for me so i really need to get my little but to bed.
I've been too excited looking for hostiles b/c a friend and i are going to go to Valencia for a 3 day weekend that we have in march b/c there is a big festival called las fallas.
Anyhow, i hope all is well with you :)
All my love, and until next time
Laurn
Julia had Green Tea and 2 muffins for me for breakfast, and i loved how she had all of the windows open today in the house. Not open open but the drapes, and so the sun was just beaming in everywhere. God i love it here. And then we just talked about my night :))) i love filling her in on everything. B/c is was already 1pm, i decided to go for a run in the park. It was beautiful. There was a little bit of a wind, but i can't explain to you how happy i was.
I ran around the outskirts of the park like usual, with my music on, and then i ran down into the murales part, which is down a hill, where the sidewalk runs along the beautiful little stream, and there are these huge, gorgeous rock walls all over. I have been experiencing so many good amazing emotions over the past week, that at this moment it just sent me to tears. So there i am, running, sweating, and crying with a smile on my face. Life is good. I just am so happy. I've met a great person, and it's just so amazing. My friends here are amazing, the culture is amazing, and most of all i love who i am and who i'm becoming. I love the way i look at life now, i love the way i look at others, at the world, at the US, and what i'm lucky to have.
This run i truly will never forget, and i will never forget my night last night :)
For lunch Julia made me some great puree soup like usual, but i love it b/c it's just pure vegetables and i ate So much bread with this! Then she made me rellenos , which are those small circular things that are made out of rice and scrambled eggs, but they are compacted together. She puts tomato sauce on them. I just love them, and i dip bread in the tomato sauce. So good. For dessert, i had this great nutilla pudding that she made the other night. That is the name. It's like vanilla pudding and there are little cookies in it. I asked her to explain to me what the distinct flavor in it is, b/c i couldn't put my finger on it b/c it didn't quite taste like vanilla, and she said that was b/c sh'ed burned it a little bit heheheh..well that' explains it but i still ate it all b/c i was hungry and it was something sweet! (i miss desserts! but that is why my pants fit so nice and loose now haha!).lemme tell u thoough the choc. here is amazing. That is what i have a little everyday.
This afternoon, i just sat in the living room and we had the window open, and i wrote in my journal, since so much has happened. There are some moments in which u just don't want to miss or lose a single detail from it...so i' wrote for about 2 hours! Julia and I also read the paper, and we had the soccer game on. Osasuna won 1-0 (that is the Pamplona team) so we were happy!
Then, i got ready and walked to la clinica universitaria where i met Philippe and we went to mass. There is chapel. or idk whatyou want to call it, but it was pretty nice, and mass was so nice. It was all in spanish, but i was happy b/c it's great practice, ad i was able to understand that it was about being fisher's of men and living life more humble, and with the goal of geting others to follow God. Philippe partook in part of the mass too which i thought was kindof cool. Then he walked me home through the park, and we just enjoyed talking.
Tonight i relaxed some more with Julia. She gave me lasagna haha..more food..but it wasgood! ha. i guess i did the exercise today!
Then i wrote somemore, and watched E.T. in Spanish that was on the Disney Channel. Julia went to bed early, and the girls went out to the bar to watch the superbowl. I didn't go b/c i have 8:30 class tomorrow and the game started at midnight. but now it's 1am for me so i really need to get my little but to bed.
I've been too excited looking for hostiles b/c a friend and i are going to go to Valencia for a 3 day weekend that we have in march b/c there is a big festival called las fallas.
Anyhow, i hope all is well with you :)
All my love, and until next time
Laurn
Friday, February 5, 2010
59 degrees and beautiful today
Today was the most beautiful day here thus far. Despite the slight wind, it was 59 degrees (in F for us!). the sun was out, the birds were singing, and life was just...blissful. My classes went fine today, i've been busy preparing/researching for a large research project that me and two other girls will be conducting about immigration in Spain, and how spaniards feel about it. We are working on writing surveys, and then we have to present to our professor. We will interview approx 30 people in Pamplona..15 about the age of 50 and 15 below..so 10 people per girl.
I was able to go for a run in the park this afternoon b/4 lunch, then showered and ate late (about 4 o'clock). Julia made me a salad with bread and then potatos con carne. It was pretty good..mom this was prob the most similiar meal i've had to what you would make.
Then i walked back to the university and had to meet with my professor at 5 to talk about the topic. She gave me some good tips, and then i was in the law building comp labs till 7 or so researching. Let me tell you after all that exercising and walking today, i am tired tonigt. i will sleep good. I haven't been able to sleep this week since i went out on wed. I've just had too many fun things goin on in my mind!
It was fun to visit with Tina and Julia tonight at the Cena. we had tortillas de potata, sopa con pan, and then julia made a special dessert that is tina's favorite..i dont remember the name, but it was like a pudding and had little cookies in it. It didn't taste like vanilla though, and it's not flan. I will ask the name tomorrow and tell you i have to write it down. Then i've just been reading up on Paris tonight, and have enjoyed talking with friends. Tomorrow will be fun.
i will tutor the little girls next door since i will be gone this week, and then i will meet up with Kristen to work on our paris itinerary. we are just familiarizing ourselves with the metros/free tours, what we want to pack etc.
I'm excited b/c my friend will be back from Madrid tomorrow night so then we will go out/hang. I will work with Maja on the project in the evening b/4 this.
Life is good :) i can't complain...and there are so many possibilities for life that are presenting themselves. It's so amazing.
All my love always,
Lauren
I was able to go for a run in the park this afternoon b/4 lunch, then showered and ate late (about 4 o'clock). Julia made me a salad with bread and then potatos con carne. It was pretty good..mom this was prob the most similiar meal i've had to what you would make.
Then i walked back to the university and had to meet with my professor at 5 to talk about the topic. She gave me some good tips, and then i was in the law building comp labs till 7 or so researching. Let me tell you after all that exercising and walking today, i am tired tonigt. i will sleep good. I haven't been able to sleep this week since i went out on wed. I've just had too many fun things goin on in my mind!
It was fun to visit with Tina and Julia tonight at the Cena. we had tortillas de potata, sopa con pan, and then julia made a special dessert that is tina's favorite..i dont remember the name, but it was like a pudding and had little cookies in it. It didn't taste like vanilla though, and it's not flan. I will ask the name tomorrow and tell you i have to write it down. Then i've just been reading up on Paris tonight, and have enjoyed talking with friends. Tomorrow will be fun.
i will tutor the little girls next door since i will be gone this week, and then i will meet up with Kristen to work on our paris itinerary. we are just familiarizing ourselves with the metros/free tours, what we want to pack etc.
I'm excited b/c my friend will be back from Madrid tomorrow night so then we will go out/hang. I will work with Maja on the project in the evening b/4 this.
Life is good :) i can't complain...and there are so many possibilities for life that are presenting themselves. It's so amazing.
All my love always,
Lauren
Thursday, February 4, 2010
In love with Spain,,but don't worry about me
I know that i am adjusting here but please don't worry. I am doing very well. This week has been so incredible,,! This feels like home, i have my routine, i have my friends, my classes, my activities, my host mom, ..life is so good.
I had my first prueba/quiz today..although it was a 4 page quiz so i don't know what you'd call that. But i was so happy it went very well. I also started my dance class tonight. So fun! It is 2 hours long, but it was intense..when i was done i had worked up a sweat so this will be good. i went out last night and had the funnest night i think i've ever had. Boy the stories i will have to tell you when i return b/c i can't possibly tell you on the blog :)))) I have met some amazing people though. That is key!
This weekend i will work on a group project interviewing people around Pamplona, prepare for Paris, and relax and spend some time with a great new friend of mine. Other than that, sky's the limit!! Tina is here with her friend, and I am SO happy to see familiar faces..life is good..so good..i'm living in a dream i've always wanted to be in ...and i'm alive in it...it's for real.
All my lov,
Lauren
I had my first prueba/quiz today..although it was a 4 page quiz so i don't know what you'd call that. But i was so happy it went very well. I also started my dance class tonight. So fun! It is 2 hours long, but it was intense..when i was done i had worked up a sweat so this will be good. i went out last night and had the funnest night i think i've ever had. Boy the stories i will have to tell you when i return b/c i can't possibly tell you on the blog :)))) I have met some amazing people though. That is key!
This weekend i will work on a group project interviewing people around Pamplona, prepare for Paris, and relax and spend some time with a great new friend of mine. Other than that, sky's the limit!! Tina is here with her friend, and I am SO happy to see familiar faces..life is good..so good..i'm living in a dream i've always wanted to be in ...and i'm alive in it...it's for real.
All my lov,
Lauren
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
im in love with Spain
I am sittin her and my eyes are heavy n contacts stuck to them...so i apologize b/4 hand for grammar errors! Today was a gorgeous day to be alive...here in Pamplona it was beautiful. It was cold, but this afternoon was lovely. And i felt much better this morning-which was a blessing..hah but there's always something...i guess you'll hear later!!!
Classes were good this morning...I had grammar and culture and civilization. They both are really great classe b/c i am learning so much..and it's actually interesting. The grammar is great b/ci can actually leave class, and APPLY what i just learned to my speaking the ENTIRE rest of the day...i absolutely love that...it's like studying and not even having to try!!!! After classes, i walked over to Polo a Polo where Andrea and her boyfriend were busy at work again..Andrea is Julia's 24 yr old granddaughter and she works as a travel agent here. Her boyfriend just started there too hehe...but i love it b/c as i'm busy planning all these trips i can go there and they willingly help me! it's great...but i'm SO amazed at how busy they are. I was there yesterday for awhile to and ppl were just calling of the hook and walking in! Good for them tho! Anyway, so i was able to print of Kristen and I's train tickets for Paris France! We are both so excited! We completed our booking this weekend, found a nice hostel to stay at, and are busy at work learning about the sites and making our plan of attack for what we MUST see...thus far,we have the Louvre, Eiffle Tower, Notre dame, and alot more i guess...the french words are a bit tough...but man is it a beautiful language!
We will be gone from Wed Feb 10 to Mon Feb 15. AND we were stoked b/c without even trying on our way home we got bumped to first class on the train so we figured might as well spend the night !! hehe (our train will travel during the night on Sun night/mond!) I will take tons of pics :)
This afternoon for la comida Julia made me this awesome vegetable dish that was basically olive oil, garlic, onion to taste on Greenbeans that she'dbeen soaking for 24 hours so they were nice and soft, and then there was potatoes. it was really good..idk how she does it...it tasted so much more complicated!!!! Of course she served me meat for the 2nd course,,and i think it was chicken...i think. i hope...i'm bit frightened b/c the other she was talking about making conejo (RABBIT) until i kindof said um NO!!!! and told he ppl have rabbits as pets, etc and i just am too grossed out to eat it! But idk cuz then when we went to the supermercado she showed me in the deli's the rabbits just laying there...oh man!! i hope i haven't eaten conejo!! hehe owell..u gotta try everything tho i guess :) After lunch i studied hard b/c tomorrow night i am planning on going to a Salsa dance and then to la discoteca...i've haven't gone yet b/c it's a school night and things start around 12:30 1 am...but way too many friends have demanded i just GO so i threw up my hands today and said ok...but i'll be listening to my body first..haha after all that sickness...i'll prob make it till 2 or 2:30 haha! That's good for me!
I went for a walkin the park today b/c it was just too beautiful outside. There was no wind, clear skys, sun, and birds chirping. It was just pure bliss and happiness beyond my window,,so i had to.. I tried jogging very slowing few min, but just being outside was enough :)
I tutored the little girls tonight then and it is just SO much fun! They are so cute b/c now when i come, by the time i have buzzed and they let me in, and i walk up the stairs, they've already opened the door and are running around the piso excitedly waiting for me to take my coat and shoes off!! And when i say Hola and then Hi girls, How are you?" it's so cute b/c they answer all politely (i asume what they've learned in english class..) "Very fine thank you"...oh it melts my heart. My explanations can't describe though..until u see pictures :) we made valentine cards today, and learned the days of the week, and words like heart, love, to be in love, shiny, etc :) Then we read books :) I swear i get so much enjoyment out of this..it's like coming home to a dog that is so excited to see you..everyone should get this feeling !!! And it's so cute b/c they listen so well, and are so eager to learn, and also tell me and show me EVERYTHING about there life! How did i get so lucky with this! Then their mom Mercedes always gives me a weeks worth of newspapers from local Pamplona and also country Spain. I love it!--to read, learn, and immerse in this culture...plus it really helps with my cultureclass as i need the paper for homework.
Tonight i just relaxed...studied, and will go to bed earlier..tomorow is el dia de San Blas, which is a holy holiday in which local people sell sweets, food, break, gifts, and other things in la plaza, and locals bring items/food especially to the church and the priest blesses the items/and the people all day long. Julia told me about this a few weeks ago but i learned from the little girls tonight the San Blas is the saing of 'dolor de la garganta' or 'sore throat'...how ironic!!!!! since i've just recovered haha.
So, julia will go when i'm at school, but Kristen n i finish classes by 11am tomorrow, so we are gonna go and walk around. It will be interesting and i'm so excited to go into this church. It's huge and looks SO gorgeous from the outside.
Then i will study and relax until the night. I am also very excited b/c a really awesome girl from Concordia who graduated already but studied in Pamplona and live with Julia 2 yrs ago is coming to visit on Thurs.!
It will be great to see her and visit, and learn from her as well :)
Until next time, & all my love,
Lauren
Classes were good this morning...I had grammar and culture and civilization. They both are really great classe b/c i am learning so much..and it's actually interesting. The grammar is great b/ci can actually leave class, and APPLY what i just learned to my speaking the ENTIRE rest of the day...i absolutely love that...it's like studying and not even having to try!!!! After classes, i walked over to Polo a Polo where Andrea and her boyfriend were busy at work again..Andrea is Julia's 24 yr old granddaughter and she works as a travel agent here. Her boyfriend just started there too hehe...but i love it b/c as i'm busy planning all these trips i can go there and they willingly help me! it's great...but i'm SO amazed at how busy they are. I was there yesterday for awhile to and ppl were just calling of the hook and walking in! Good for them tho! Anyway, so i was able to print of Kristen and I's train tickets for Paris France! We are both so excited! We completed our booking this weekend, found a nice hostel to stay at, and are busy at work learning about the sites and making our plan of attack for what we MUST see...thus far,we have the Louvre, Eiffle Tower, Notre dame, and alot more i guess...the french words are a bit tough...but man is it a beautiful language!
We will be gone from Wed Feb 10 to Mon Feb 15. AND we were stoked b/c without even trying on our way home we got bumped to first class on the train so we figured might as well spend the night !! hehe (our train will travel during the night on Sun night/mond!) I will take tons of pics :)
This afternoon for la comida Julia made me this awesome vegetable dish that was basically olive oil, garlic, onion to taste on Greenbeans that she'dbeen soaking for 24 hours so they were nice and soft, and then there was potatoes. it was really good..idk how she does it...it tasted so much more complicated!!!! Of course she served me meat for the 2nd course,,and i think it was chicken...i think. i hope...i'm bit frightened b/c the other she was talking about making conejo (RABBIT) until i kindof said um NO!!!! and told he ppl have rabbits as pets, etc and i just am too grossed out to eat it! But idk cuz then when we went to the supermercado she showed me in the deli's the rabbits just laying there...oh man!! i hope i haven't eaten conejo!! hehe owell..u gotta try everything tho i guess :) After lunch i studied hard b/c tomorrow night i am planning on going to a Salsa dance and then to la discoteca...i've haven't gone yet b/c it's a school night and things start around 12:30 1 am...but way too many friends have demanded i just GO so i threw up my hands today and said ok...but i'll be listening to my body first..haha after all that sickness...i'll prob make it till 2 or 2:30 haha! That's good for me!
I went for a walkin the park today b/c it was just too beautiful outside. There was no wind, clear skys, sun, and birds chirping. It was just pure bliss and happiness beyond my window,,so i had to.. I tried jogging very slowing few min, but just being outside was enough :)
I tutored the little girls tonight then and it is just SO much fun! They are so cute b/c now when i come, by the time i have buzzed and they let me in, and i walk up the stairs, they've already opened the door and are running around the piso excitedly waiting for me to take my coat and shoes off!! And when i say Hola and then Hi girls, How are you?" it's so cute b/c they answer all politely (i asume what they've learned in english class..) "Very fine thank you"...oh it melts my heart. My explanations can't describe though..until u see pictures :) we made valentine cards today, and learned the days of the week, and words like heart, love, to be in love, shiny, etc :) Then we read books :) I swear i get so much enjoyment out of this..it's like coming home to a dog that is so excited to see you..everyone should get this feeling !!! And it's so cute b/c they listen so well, and are so eager to learn, and also tell me and show me EVERYTHING about there life! How did i get so lucky with this! Then their mom Mercedes always gives me a weeks worth of newspapers from local Pamplona and also country Spain. I love it!--to read, learn, and immerse in this culture...plus it really helps with my cultureclass as i need the paper for homework.
Tonight i just relaxed...studied, and will go to bed earlier..tomorow is el dia de San Blas, which is a holy holiday in which local people sell sweets, food, break, gifts, and other things in la plaza, and locals bring items/food especially to the church and the priest blesses the items/and the people all day long. Julia told me about this a few weeks ago but i learned from the little girls tonight the San Blas is the saing of 'dolor de la garganta' or 'sore throat'...how ironic!!!!! since i've just recovered haha.
So, julia will go when i'm at school, but Kristen n i finish classes by 11am tomorrow, so we are gonna go and walk around. It will be interesting and i'm so excited to go into this church. It's huge and looks SO gorgeous from the outside.
Then i will study and relax until the night. I am also very excited b/c a really awesome girl from Concordia who graduated already but studied in Pamplona and live with Julia 2 yrs ago is coming to visit on Thurs.!
It will be great to see her and visit, and learn from her as well :)
Until next time, & all my love,
Lauren
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