I know..you already want to read more just because of the title...haha
SO, last night Jessica and I were grilling out (as lesbian lovers do), and the neighbor to the left whom we are friends with is standing on his deck and talking to us over his fence. Think Home Improvement style, although we could see his face.
He looks at us and referring to the neighbors to the right, he says.."What is that they're building out there?" We said, "umm....not sure..." And then proceeded to yell at our neighbors to the right and ask.
It was the old man--not sure he is the father of the teenager, or what. But, anyway, he answers and says.."Well, he's (referring to the young kid) been buildin' these cat playgrounds and sellin' em at the flea market..$150 a pop...so now I'm helpin' him--he's been makin' a killin'."
Our mouths dropped. First off, who ON EARTH comes up with the idea to build a cat playground, and second, who ON EARTH pays $150 for one??!!!! I mean seriously!!!!!
It was hysterical. Had to share. They're still out there...carpet everywhere, wood everywhere...
Guess the cat playground industry is recession proof. I think I'm gonna have to take pictures and post them. It is the weirdest thing ever. Oh, and the kid must be on Spring Break or something, cause he was out there by noon today. Maybe they're making him pay bills or something.
Insane
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Dear God
I feel like my blog is a child I have abandoned or something. I need to come back to it and nurture it and nurture my desire to write and get my feelings and thoughts out on...well...a blog.
I just re-read my last posting and I guess not much has changed. Well, I take that back. A lot has changed but not a lot that can be shared. Life is so weird. I can't reiterate that enough. It's funny how you think you have some things figured out and then everything you thought and felt goes to hell in a hand basket.
I am quickly realizing that my life is in shambles and I have to get my shit straight. Just a quick overview of the last year:
I know for a fact God has a sense of humor and has tested me beyond my wildest dreams...or wildest nightmares is more fitting actually.. Am I asking too much?
Dear God,
I would like a job that spurs my creativity, a man who loves me (and you, God) more than anything else in the world, preferably with an accent (they just do it for me..can't explain it), a house with a large kitchen and windows above the sink, 3 or 4 kids, a vacation at least once a year, a bottle of wine, a good steak every now and then, and a babysitter.
I mean, just between you and me, God, I'd take any of the above. Well, I guess you can't have some of these things without others--they kinda go hand in hand in your book--but whatever.
And please note: I'd even take a boyfriend right now...we can work our way up to husband material. I am perfectly fine with that.
I just re-read my last posting and I guess not much has changed. Well, I take that back. A lot has changed but not a lot that can be shared. Life is so weird. I can't reiterate that enough. It's funny how you think you have some things figured out and then everything you thought and felt goes to hell in a hand basket.
I am quickly realizing that my life is in shambles and I have to get my shit straight. Just a quick overview of the last year:
- Met some very interesting people that led to some very interesting and unexpected relationships. (sorry, people...can't elaborate more than that..you can read the book one day)
- Sold my house and moved all belongings into storage
- My step mom passes away
- I move home to be with my dad and to save some money--all in hopes of fulfilling the urge and desire for an adventure and life changing experience of living in another country.
- I move to Spain and encounter the Spanish/Polish/Catalan family whose accents still haunt me.
- I last 3 weeks...'nough said--you all know the story.
- I move back to Nashville with all belongings STILL in storage and poor Lily in tow.
I know for a fact God has a sense of humor and has tested me beyond my wildest dreams...or wildest nightmares is more fitting actually.. Am I asking too much?
Dear God,
I would like a job that spurs my creativity, a man who loves me (and you, God) more than anything else in the world, preferably with an accent (they just do it for me..can't explain it), a house with a large kitchen and windows above the sink, 3 or 4 kids, a vacation at least once a year, a bottle of wine, a good steak every now and then, and a babysitter.
I mean, just between you and me, God, I'd take any of the above. Well, I guess you can't have some of these things without others--they kinda go hand in hand in your book--but whatever.
And please note: I'd even take a boyfriend right now...we can work our way up to husband material. I am perfectly fine with that.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Random Thoughts
Well, there are lots of factors leading me back to my blog which I will keep to myself. Life is funny and sometimes I feel like I am having an out of body experience. One day, one day...
I am totally stressed out. I have no job and am quickly running out of money. I feel completely overwhelmed and am struggling to find something fulfilling. And I know there are millions of people who go to work everyday and are not fulfilled. Obviously, I am not going to resort to getting food stamps and goverment aid while "searching" for that one special job.
But, I am kind of at a fork in the road of life and have the opportunity to be creative with where I choose to go, and in an economy such as this, I think success will be only be found if we are enjoying what we are doing and can be self sustained.
I am seriously contemplating writing a book. I have had lots of experiences and I feel like many young women could learn, or at least be slightly entertained by my single life, financial struggle, different relationships and people I have met along the way, and struggle to be that person you want to be, and how the heck you are supposed to get there. That part I obviously haven't figured out.
Now, don't all roll your eyes at me and think that I live in some la-la land where I would think that I don't need to work and can hole up in some Starbucks somwhere cracked out on over-caffeinated coffee typing away on my Mac, while living some pipe dream that I am gonna be the next Emily Giffin (who I am actually completely obsessed with).
I WILL be doing that--just under different circumstances-- at home, at a desk, and with much cheaper coffee in hand...and at night, AFTER work.
In closing, I would like to say that after a depressing few days, I have decided to go out with two of my favorite guys in all the land, tonight. I need a good laugh and some male reassurance of how cool and beautiful I am...and they do it everytime--you need that every now and then.
One of them who will not be named...wait, actually I think he wanted me to name him...Dylan, just emailed me and begged me to come tonight, and said..and I quote:
"you're laugh is like going from 1st to 5th gear in a sports car. When you hit 5th, there's no turning back."
Which of course, made me die out laughing unexpectedly in the middle of Panera and garner many stares. Whatever people....it was funny.
So, I will be emptying my jar of quarters beside my bed to join the boys for the evening, and grace them with the presence of myself and my laugh...and yes, I am VERY glad to be back. Back to the blog, and back from that hell hole they call Spain.
haha
LQS
I am totally stressed out. I have no job and am quickly running out of money. I feel completely overwhelmed and am struggling to find something fulfilling. And I know there are millions of people who go to work everyday and are not fulfilled. Obviously, I am not going to resort to getting food stamps and goverment aid while "searching" for that one special job.
But, I am kind of at a fork in the road of life and have the opportunity to be creative with where I choose to go, and in an economy such as this, I think success will be only be found if we are enjoying what we are doing and can be self sustained.
I am seriously contemplating writing a book. I have had lots of experiences and I feel like many young women could learn, or at least be slightly entertained by my single life, financial struggle, different relationships and people I have met along the way, and struggle to be that person you want to be, and how the heck you are supposed to get there. That part I obviously haven't figured out.
Now, don't all roll your eyes at me and think that I live in some la-la land where I would think that I don't need to work and can hole up in some Starbucks somwhere cracked out on over-caffeinated coffee typing away on my Mac, while living some pipe dream that I am gonna be the next Emily Giffin (who I am actually completely obsessed with).
I WILL be doing that--just under different circumstances-- at home, at a desk, and with much cheaper coffee in hand...and at night, AFTER work.
In closing, I would like to say that after a depressing few days, I have decided to go out with two of my favorite guys in all the land, tonight. I need a good laugh and some male reassurance of how cool and beautiful I am...and they do it everytime--you need that every now and then.
One of them who will not be named...wait, actually I think he wanted me to name him...Dylan, just emailed me and begged me to come tonight, and said..and I quote:
"you're laugh is like going from 1st to 5th gear in a sports car. When you hit 5th, there's no turning back."
Which of course, made me die out laughing unexpectedly in the middle of Panera and garner many stares. Whatever people....it was funny.
So, I will be emptying my jar of quarters beside my bed to join the boys for the evening, and grace them with the presence of myself and my laugh...and yes, I am VERY glad to be back. Back to the blog, and back from that hell hole they call Spain.
haha
LQS
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I'm Back.
I am sitting at Panera in Greensboro, NC right now totally exhausted. I finally landed at about 8:30 last night and after eating and driving back to my mom's, made it at about midnight. I only slept till 8, and I can tell that it was definitely not enough. I think I was up for about a day and a half straight through the journey.
Well, Bo was not accurate on the chickend on the Air India flight, but he was definitely accurate about the sub par flight crew, plane, and massive amount of Indian people. I have never had a panic attack--until yesterday. I was a breath away from walking off the plane and going to BEG the British Airways personnel to get me on something, US bound.
It was the largest plane I have ever seen in my life--double decker thing...and larger plane=larger amounts of Indians. Unbelievable. The crew wore Indian garb, and every single person besides me and about 3 other people, of the 400 on the plane, were full on Indian. I am not talking like my friend Santosh Indian--I am talking...didn't speak English and had the dots on the forehead and all dressed in "garb"--the smell was overwhelming and the food was horrendous.
I don't even know what else to say. It was unbelievably uncomfortable and I have never been so excited to get off a plane in my life.
Then I had a 2 hour layover in Newark, NJ and with a snow storm looming, they told me that there was a chance I was going to get stuck there. At that point, I just said...whatever. I did make it though and my mom and Granny were waiting on me waving little American flags..it was so cute and I was so happy to see them both.
Now I must hit the ground running and find a job...life is a learning process, right??!!
love
Well, Bo was not accurate on the chickend on the Air India flight, but he was definitely accurate about the sub par flight crew, plane, and massive amount of Indian people. I have never had a panic attack--until yesterday. I was a breath away from walking off the plane and going to BEG the British Airways personnel to get me on something, US bound.
It was the largest plane I have ever seen in my life--double decker thing...and larger plane=larger amounts of Indians. Unbelievable. The crew wore Indian garb, and every single person besides me and about 3 other people, of the 400 on the plane, were full on Indian. I am not talking like my friend Santosh Indian--I am talking...didn't speak English and had the dots on the forehead and all dressed in "garb"--the smell was overwhelming and the food was horrendous.
I don't even know what else to say. It was unbelievably uncomfortable and I have never been so excited to get off a plane in my life.
Then I had a 2 hour layover in Newark, NJ and with a snow storm looming, they told me that there was a chance I was going to get stuck there. At that point, I just said...whatever. I did make it though and my mom and Granny were waiting on me waving little American flags..it was so cute and I was so happy to see them both.
Now I must hit the ground running and find a job...life is a learning process, right??!!
love
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...Spanish Style
Well, lots to tell. It is now 11:45 PM and I have a bus to catch at 5:40 AM...yeah, you do the math. WOW. I am going to give a quick recap of what I have been dealing with in the past 24 hours, so the next time you watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (as notated above..) you will think of me and chuckle.
I originally booked a flight on a discount airline to London. It was an afternoon flight, and the international flights all leave in the afternoon, so I was FORCED to stay in London. One arrived into Gatwick, and the net day I flew out of Heathrow, so I was going to wake up and take a bus to Heathrow to board my flight to the US.
Well, then I read the restrictions online about excess baggage and after hours (literally) of converting kilograms to pounds, euros to dollars, and British pounds to dollars...I realized that the $65 flight to London would cost me an additional---drum roll please....$649.00 for my luggage.
Yeah, I know...
So, I began hunting for other flights. Well, it seems all discount airlines have these policies pretty much, and they are the only ones flying out of Girona that I could find. So I then realized on British Airways I would only pay $85 for luggage charges. So, then I thought...well, they don't fly out of Girona...only Barcelona!
So, catching a bus in the morning to Barcelona, getting on a British Airways flight, arriving now into Heathrow--had to cancel the room at Gatwick--and departing out of Heathrow on Tuesday.
And if you think that's bad....I booked the first British Airways flight on my mom's AMEX. Got a confirmation email and everything. 24 hours later they decide to send me an email (this morning) that it was not processed because of suspicious activity.
So then I had to find another flight and use my credit card to pay for it. Which I also had to do with the bus ticket that I bought online tonight. Then I coe upstairs and check my email and I have an email from bank of America saying that MY card is being cut off because of suspicious activity. I try to log on to verify that it is me, and they ask me questions like--what is the 2nd cousin's name of your 1st grade teacher?
So I email my mom in a total panic and we Skype and call Bank of America and I spoke to them over Skype and verified myself and ALL IS WELL.
DEAR GOD.
My bags are in the car, I have two hands, and 3 enormous 50 lb. bags and SOMEHOW I have to make it to the United States of fucking America. (excuse my french)
Wish me luck...and in the words of Ozzy Osbourne,
"mama, I'm comin' home..."
I will write a more upbeat happy post tomorrow once I get to my first of many destinations!!!
And I am still laughing my way through this journey...cannot WAIT to see you all.
LOVE
I originally booked a flight on a discount airline to London. It was an afternoon flight, and the international flights all leave in the afternoon, so I was FORCED to stay in London. One arrived into Gatwick, and the net day I flew out of Heathrow, so I was going to wake up and take a bus to Heathrow to board my flight to the US.
Well, then I read the restrictions online about excess baggage and after hours (literally) of converting kilograms to pounds, euros to dollars, and British pounds to dollars...I realized that the $65 flight to London would cost me an additional---drum roll please....$649.00 for my luggage.
Yeah, I know...
So, I began hunting for other flights. Well, it seems all discount airlines have these policies pretty much, and they are the only ones flying out of Girona that I could find. So I then realized on British Airways I would only pay $85 for luggage charges. So, then I thought...well, they don't fly out of Girona...only Barcelona!
So, catching a bus in the morning to Barcelona, getting on a British Airways flight, arriving now into Heathrow--had to cancel the room at Gatwick--and departing out of Heathrow on Tuesday.
And if you think that's bad....I booked the first British Airways flight on my mom's AMEX. Got a confirmation email and everything. 24 hours later they decide to send me an email (this morning) that it was not processed because of suspicious activity.
So then I had to find another flight and use my credit card to pay for it. Which I also had to do with the bus ticket that I bought online tonight. Then I coe upstairs and check my email and I have an email from bank of America saying that MY card is being cut off because of suspicious activity. I try to log on to verify that it is me, and they ask me questions like--what is the 2nd cousin's name of your 1st grade teacher?
So I email my mom in a total panic and we Skype and call Bank of America and I spoke to them over Skype and verified myself and ALL IS WELL.
DEAR GOD.
My bags are in the car, I have two hands, and 3 enormous 50 lb. bags and SOMEHOW I have to make it to the United States of fucking America. (excuse my french)
Wish me luck...and in the words of Ozzy Osbourne,
"mama, I'm comin' home..."
I will write a more upbeat happy post tomorrow once I get to my first of many destinations!!!
And I am still laughing my way through this journey...cannot WAIT to see you all.
LOVE
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Besalu
Today we worked until about 2PM and then Ursula's friend, Natalia came over and we all drove to Besalu, a small mideival (why can I NOT spell that word??) village called Besalu about 30 minutes away.
It was beautiful. Kind of like you hopped into the story of Rapunzel or something...a little creepy, but beautiful. And Natalia is single and 40 and hilarious. She is very "free" and adventurous and had lots of men stories to share with us. She was really funny.
Anyway, my flight is booked and I will be on U.S. soil in less than a week. I get in next Tuesday night about 8:30 on Air India...Bo has put money on the fact that there will be chickens on my flight. I am a little worried--not gonna lie.
I cannot wait, but I have such a remorseful feeling about all that has happened and how I got to this point. It is all so strange. I have learned that sometimes, I make poor decisions. Bottom line. I wish that I had really thought about all of this and the effect the choices I make, have on others around me. I am ashamed, and it is not a good feeling to have. I apologize and will do everything to make my next transition as smooth as possible...and then I am going to become a recluse and talk to no one...haha
I am quickly learning also that Albert is majorly deprived of attention from his parents. They do not "play" with him. Gloria just left and I walked downstairs after taking my shower--she said to ursula, who was in her office, that she was leaving..then Ursula turned to me and said..can you watch him for about 30 minutes? I said--SURE.
Mind you, this was at 8:30 and he got home from school at 6. So of the 3 hours or whatever she has with him at night, she tries to sneak off and work, rather than give him attention. So he cries and bangs on the office door and jerks the handle, and screams.
AHHHHHH.....poor little Albert. It is actually pretty pitiful.
Sleep tight...love to all
It was beautiful. Kind of like you hopped into the story of Rapunzel or something...a little creepy, but beautiful. And Natalia is single and 40 and hilarious. She is very "free" and adventurous and had lots of men stories to share with us. She was really funny.
Anyway, my flight is booked and I will be on U.S. soil in less than a week. I get in next Tuesday night about 8:30 on Air India...Bo has put money on the fact that there will be chickens on my flight. I am a little worried--not gonna lie.
I cannot wait, but I have such a remorseful feeling about all that has happened and how I got to this point. It is all so strange. I have learned that sometimes, I make poor decisions. Bottom line. I wish that I had really thought about all of this and the effect the choices I make, have on others around me. I am ashamed, and it is not a good feeling to have. I apologize and will do everything to make my next transition as smooth as possible...and then I am going to become a recluse and talk to no one...haha
I am quickly learning also that Albert is majorly deprived of attention from his parents. They do not "play" with him. Gloria just left and I walked downstairs after taking my shower--she said to ursula, who was in her office, that she was leaving..then Ursula turned to me and said..can you watch him for about 30 minutes? I said--SURE.
Mind you, this was at 8:30 and he got home from school at 6. So of the 3 hours or whatever she has with him at night, she tries to sneak off and work, rather than give him attention. So he cries and bangs on the office door and jerks the handle, and screams.
AHHHHHH.....poor little Albert. It is actually pretty pitiful.
Sleep tight...love to all
Monday, January 19, 2009
King of Beers
Work was okay today..I woke up and ate breakfast and got down there about 9:25. I had finished the last task Ursula had given me, so when she came in I asked her what else she needed me to work on. She said, well, have you decided what you're doing (ie, leaving or not) and I said--oh, yes, I am so sorry, but I have decided to go. I am really sorry but it is just not working out.
So she says fine and asks when-I say, I think the beginning of next week, but I am not sure, and my mom is looking at flights, etc..so she looks very disappointed and gives me a smaller task to do, that I will have time to actually finish.
Anyway, at least that's over with...dear god...I had been dreading it all weekend.
She did kind of say to me later that she didn't understand, etc. And I said "Ursula you have to understand that this is not for everyone!" She acted as if someone would be mentally insane to not want to live there and do what I was doing. I said, you know, I thought this was what I wanted, but it's not!
God. Bless. America. I want to run through the streets of Nashville in a cowboy hat, boots, and an American flag Budweiser string bikini singing Lee Greenwood at the top of my lungs. And then drink a Budweiser. With some redneck that came in town from the outskirts. That is what I want to do.
Okay, this is the moment you have all been waiting for.....the infamous glass and marble museum!!!
This is obviously my bedroom and desk, where I am right this moment!
This is right when you walk into the bathroom, and shower is behind you.
This is the living room. I am standing in the dining room (pictured below) taking it. I have not seen anyone sit down in here since I have been here. It is the largest room in the house, and it is not used AT ALL...they don't EVER sit down in the living room. SO WEIRD.
Dining room...just plain weird. These pics actually make it look like there's a whole lot more color than there is. There is not.
The kitchen with the grill in the middle that literally is coals and a grate that is connected directly to a chimney. Notice on the counter....the slicer.....and ALL THE WHITE.
I must take a video of the juicer before I leave. It is unbelievable. This does not do it justice. The basket on top should be full of oranges and this thing goes to town.
This is when you walk in the front door. It is obviously sideways--the stairs go up on the left. And all that glass is an elevator that goes from the garage, to this floor, and then up to the bedrooms. In the middle of the house.
I hope everyone enjoys. Off to read my book. I read over 100 pages yesterday. Unbelievable. Get me outta here!!!! haha
love
So she says fine and asks when-I say, I think the beginning of next week, but I am not sure, and my mom is looking at flights, etc..so she looks very disappointed and gives me a smaller task to do, that I will have time to actually finish.
Anyway, at least that's over with...dear god...I had been dreading it all weekend.
She did kind of say to me later that she didn't understand, etc. And I said "Ursula you have to understand that this is not for everyone!" She acted as if someone would be mentally insane to not want to live there and do what I was doing. I said, you know, I thought this was what I wanted, but it's not!
God. Bless. America. I want to run through the streets of Nashville in a cowboy hat, boots, and an American flag Budweiser string bikini singing Lee Greenwood at the top of my lungs. And then drink a Budweiser. With some redneck that came in town from the outskirts. That is what I want to do.
Okay, this is the moment you have all been waiting for.....the infamous glass and marble museum!!!
This is obviously my bedroom and desk, where I am right this moment!
This is right when you walk into the bathroom, and shower is behind you.
This is the living room. I am standing in the dining room (pictured below) taking it. I have not seen anyone sit down in here since I have been here. It is the largest room in the house, and it is not used AT ALL...they don't EVER sit down in the living room. SO WEIRD.
Dining room...just plain weird. These pics actually make it look like there's a whole lot more color than there is. There is not.
The kitchen with the grill in the middle that literally is coals and a grate that is connected directly to a chimney. Notice on the counter....the slicer.....and ALL THE WHITE.
I must take a video of the juicer before I leave. It is unbelievable. This does not do it justice. The basket on top should be full of oranges and this thing goes to town.
This is when you walk in the front door. It is obviously sideways--the stairs go up on the left. And all that glass is an elevator that goes from the garage, to this floor, and then up to the bedrooms. In the middle of the house.
I hope everyone enjoys. Off to read my book. I read over 100 pages yesterday. Unbelievable. Get me outta here!!!! haha
love
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Good Eats
Today was a very interesting day, with a touch of the south intermingled..
Last week Ursula mentioned to me this lady named Donna from Dallas, Texas who was arranging a trip to Spain for the chef that she works for, and other foodies from around their area to go on a culinary tour of Spain. We are not doing the entire tour, but they contacted us to do a Catalan cooking class. Ursula is friends with the cousin of one of three brothers that own this REALLY unbelievable restaurant here. It has two Michelin stars which is the grading scale of restaurants, and there are only like 3 Michelin starred restaurants in the entire country. It is called Cellar de can Roca if you would like to google...I will post pics later.
Anyway, I asked who the American chef was because I was interested..she said, yeah, I think he was on some tv show or something..So of course then I am VERY interested. Well, ends up his name is Kent Rathbun, and he owns two different restaurants in Dallas, with 5 locations in total. AND, he was on Iron Chef AND BEAT BOBBY FLAY.
So, I of course try to explain this Ursula because she has NO idea what it is, what it means, etc. So I tell her that she needs to get this guy on the tour--it could bring press, and get her company started off on the right foot. So Donna emails the beginning of the week last week and says that she is coming this weekend to check things out, etc. So we frantically contacted Cellar de can Roca to see (they are closed on Sundays) if 1 of the 3 brothers could give us a tour.
They agreed, and Jordi, the pastry chef, and youngest brother, met us there at 11:30 today along with the infamous Donna and suprisingly, Kent's wife. We got a complete tour of the kitchen, the lab basically where they distill things for their dishes, the HOLY SHIT wine cellar, and the seating area.
Jordi is 30 and became pastry chef at 21. And his oldest brother Joan is head chef and 14 years older, and then the middle brother is Jossep, and he is the sommelier. If you are interested at all in this kind of thing, these guys are unbelievable. They are wildy creative with the foods they serve and have 45 waitstaff for 50 guests per night. For example, Jordi is famous for doing perfume dishes. They are named after famous perfumes, such as Miracle by Lancome, or Ralph Lauren, or whatever. He distinguishes the scents found in the perfumes, and creates desserts around them. And then, to prove his talent, they serve the dishes with a piece of paper (in a side dish) that has been sprayed with the scent, so each guest can realize what he has done.
I know..absolutely insane. We were going to have lunch with them today there if it were open, but it was not. Damn...anyway, they obviously loved it and we totally sold them. Then we took them on a walking our quickly through Girona and then had lunch at a really nice restaurant--another $300 lunch. Oh, I didn't post yesterday, but we had lunch overlooking the Mediterranean at another REALLY nice place--bottle of wine, champagne, and $300.
And of course, Kent's wife, Tracy totally loved me. We talked the whole time and laughed and she was hysterical. Very down to earth and nice. Then she tells me that she owns a restaurant as well. She was the manager of a Porsche dealership in Dallas for 13 years, quit, and asked a friend if she would open a restaurant with her so they could each spend more time with their children and take vacations when they wanted to. (I know...doesn't make sense to me either, but whatever)
So, that was 3 years ago, and they have just expanded. Her restaurant business is booming--it is called Shinsei (I think) and is obviously japanese. Then, Tracy mentions Top Chef, and I am like, OMG I love that show!!! And she says....Taylor, are you ready???? Drumroll please!!!!!!!!
TRE WAS HER CHEF WHEN HE WAS ASKED TO BE ON TOP CHEF!!!! I was like, NO WAY!!! He was my favorite!!! My friend Taylor is going to die! So of course I asked her all about him--and then Carly (I think that was her name..she came in 3rd) also worked for her, but they both got fired!!!! She said that they just got too big for their britches...I don't think Ursula understood. HAHA
Anyway, I almost didn't write all this because I know everyone is like, oh my god! That is so cool, you should stay! Well, no. Ursula, as well as her lack of parenting skills are driving me mad and I can't even take it. And she is totally one of those people that wants to put on a front instead of being honest. In the car on our way to meet them at the restaurant, I said...you know they are going to ask how I got here. What would you say? And she said...oh, I don't know...a website would sound so tacky. I don't think we should say that...and I said, well they would ask ME, not YOU, and I am not lying. I said, we can change it to Monster instead of AuPair.com, but I am telling them the truth. And then she said what about if we said we met through friends?? And I said..ummm.. NO.
And of course, they were like, oh Lauren, where are you from? Where did you go to school? So nice, adn could have cared less how Ursula found me..
And sidenote of the evening--anytime Albert does anything he shouldn't, she thinks it's cute. And giggles. He was refusing to eat what she had made for him and kept shoving it away and only would eat cheese. And then grabbed the glass olive oil container off of the table and starts putting his cheese into it--she laughs. I am thinking...olive oil is SO expensive, as is the GLASS container he is holding...Aww he wants to be so grown up...she says.
CRASH!!!! It breaks into a million pieces on the floor. And I said, chuckling, that is why you don't let 2 year olds play with olive oil! I can hear a faint scream in the distance as I type...
Ursula is sweet but will take, take, take, until you tell her no. She is trying to take advantage of me in so many ways. And it's as if the nice house and nice lunches should make up for it. It doesn't. For example, me working today...she never once asked me, and then joked about how she never asked me...haha...not funny. It was fun, but I finally said, so what do I get for working on a Sunday??? And she said real quick--well, we ARE going to Barcelona on Thursday! So, I said..fine...you're right. I hope they do drop me off on a corner so I can be by myself!!! There are so many idiosynch (I have no idea how to spell it..) that I cannot explain through a computer, but I have been practicing imitations. WOW.
I know that many people don't understand why i am leaving, but I do...and that is what matters. I do not see it as a failure....life is a learning process.
Enjoy these pics of the restaurant and the wine celler. They honestly don't do it justice, but here ya go!
Cellar de can Roca wine cellar--they had all these different little areas where each type of wine was represented and studied by Jossep, etc. This was the champagne area..with the flat screen in each area and things that represent the type in the middle--so hard to explain, but this glass box has silver little pebbles in it representing the bubbles of the champagne. Jordi said that vineyard owners come in and see what they are doing with their wines, and how much they understand it, and the vineyard owners leave crying they are so touched.
This is looking from the lounge (pictured below) across a courtyard to the outside of the wine cellar. Those are ALL old crates of wine, built to make the walls.
This is where they experiment distilling things and analyzing the molecular structure of ingredients. I know...weirdest thing ever. They have a recipe online that I found that calls for 10 oz. of distilled earth from moist soil...not even kidding. HAHAHAH
This is the Cabernet area..
Can't remember--something with earthy tones
It's like a museum for Hellen Keller or something, isn't it????
One tiny area of the cellar, turned around from the picture above.
The lounge area for before dinner or after dinner cocktails and smoking are permitted.
Like an IDIOT I didn't take any of the actual restaurant, but it's online.
The kitchen
Hope you all enjoy! And yep, still wanna come home! :)
can you tell my mood has changed now that I have made a decision and there is a light at the end of the tunnel??!!!! YAY!!!
love
Last week Ursula mentioned to me this lady named Donna from Dallas, Texas who was arranging a trip to Spain for the chef that she works for, and other foodies from around their area to go on a culinary tour of Spain. We are not doing the entire tour, but they contacted us to do a Catalan cooking class. Ursula is friends with the cousin of one of three brothers that own this REALLY unbelievable restaurant here. It has two Michelin stars which is the grading scale of restaurants, and there are only like 3 Michelin starred restaurants in the entire country. It is called Cellar de can Roca if you would like to google...I will post pics later.
Anyway, I asked who the American chef was because I was interested..she said, yeah, I think he was on some tv show or something..So of course then I am VERY interested. Well, ends up his name is Kent Rathbun, and he owns two different restaurants in Dallas, with 5 locations in total. AND, he was on Iron Chef AND BEAT BOBBY FLAY.
So, I of course try to explain this Ursula because she has NO idea what it is, what it means, etc. So I tell her that she needs to get this guy on the tour--it could bring press, and get her company started off on the right foot. So Donna emails the beginning of the week last week and says that she is coming this weekend to check things out, etc. So we frantically contacted Cellar de can Roca to see (they are closed on Sundays) if 1 of the 3 brothers could give us a tour.
They agreed, and Jordi, the pastry chef, and youngest brother, met us there at 11:30 today along with the infamous Donna and suprisingly, Kent's wife. We got a complete tour of the kitchen, the lab basically where they distill things for their dishes, the HOLY SHIT wine cellar, and the seating area.
Jordi is 30 and became pastry chef at 21. And his oldest brother Joan is head chef and 14 years older, and then the middle brother is Jossep, and he is the sommelier. If you are interested at all in this kind of thing, these guys are unbelievable. They are wildy creative with the foods they serve and have 45 waitstaff for 50 guests per night. For example, Jordi is famous for doing perfume dishes. They are named after famous perfumes, such as Miracle by Lancome, or Ralph Lauren, or whatever. He distinguishes the scents found in the perfumes, and creates desserts around them. And then, to prove his talent, they serve the dishes with a piece of paper (in a side dish) that has been sprayed with the scent, so each guest can realize what he has done.
I know..absolutely insane. We were going to have lunch with them today there if it were open, but it was not. Damn...anyway, they obviously loved it and we totally sold them. Then we took them on a walking our quickly through Girona and then had lunch at a really nice restaurant--another $300 lunch. Oh, I didn't post yesterday, but we had lunch overlooking the Mediterranean at another REALLY nice place--bottle of wine, champagne, and $300.
And of course, Kent's wife, Tracy totally loved me. We talked the whole time and laughed and she was hysterical. Very down to earth and nice. Then she tells me that she owns a restaurant as well. She was the manager of a Porsche dealership in Dallas for 13 years, quit, and asked a friend if she would open a restaurant with her so they could each spend more time with their children and take vacations when they wanted to. (I know...doesn't make sense to me either, but whatever)
So, that was 3 years ago, and they have just expanded. Her restaurant business is booming--it is called Shinsei (I think) and is obviously japanese. Then, Tracy mentions Top Chef, and I am like, OMG I love that show!!! And she says....Taylor, are you ready???? Drumroll please!!!!!!!!
TRE WAS HER CHEF WHEN HE WAS ASKED TO BE ON TOP CHEF!!!! I was like, NO WAY!!! He was my favorite!!! My friend Taylor is going to die! So of course I asked her all about him--and then Carly (I think that was her name..she came in 3rd) also worked for her, but they both got fired!!!! She said that they just got too big for their britches...I don't think Ursula understood. HAHA
Anyway, I almost didn't write all this because I know everyone is like, oh my god! That is so cool, you should stay! Well, no. Ursula, as well as her lack of parenting skills are driving me mad and I can't even take it. And she is totally one of those people that wants to put on a front instead of being honest. In the car on our way to meet them at the restaurant, I said...you know they are going to ask how I got here. What would you say? And she said...oh, I don't know...a website would sound so tacky. I don't think we should say that...and I said, well they would ask ME, not YOU, and I am not lying. I said, we can change it to Monster instead of AuPair.com, but I am telling them the truth. And then she said what about if we said we met through friends?? And I said..ummm.. NO.
And of course, they were like, oh Lauren, where are you from? Where did you go to school? So nice, adn could have cared less how Ursula found me..
And sidenote of the evening--anytime Albert does anything he shouldn't, she thinks it's cute. And giggles. He was refusing to eat what she had made for him and kept shoving it away and only would eat cheese. And then grabbed the glass olive oil container off of the table and starts putting his cheese into it--she laughs. I am thinking...olive oil is SO expensive, as is the GLASS container he is holding...Aww he wants to be so grown up...she says.
CRASH!!!! It breaks into a million pieces on the floor. And I said, chuckling, that is why you don't let 2 year olds play with olive oil! I can hear a faint scream in the distance as I type...
Ursula is sweet but will take, take, take, until you tell her no. She is trying to take advantage of me in so many ways. And it's as if the nice house and nice lunches should make up for it. It doesn't. For example, me working today...she never once asked me, and then joked about how she never asked me...haha...not funny. It was fun, but I finally said, so what do I get for working on a Sunday??? And she said real quick--well, we ARE going to Barcelona on Thursday! So, I said..fine...you're right. I hope they do drop me off on a corner so I can be by myself!!! There are so many idiosynch (I have no idea how to spell it..) that I cannot explain through a computer, but I have been practicing imitations. WOW.
I know that many people don't understand why i am leaving, but I do...and that is what matters. I do not see it as a failure....life is a learning process.
Enjoy these pics of the restaurant and the wine celler. They honestly don't do it justice, but here ya go!
Cellar de can Roca wine cellar--they had all these different little areas where each type of wine was represented and studied by Jossep, etc. This was the champagne area..with the flat screen in each area and things that represent the type in the middle--so hard to explain, but this glass box has silver little pebbles in it representing the bubbles of the champagne. Jordi said that vineyard owners come in and see what they are doing with their wines, and how much they understand it, and the vineyard owners leave crying they are so touched.
This is looking from the lounge (pictured below) across a courtyard to the outside of the wine cellar. Those are ALL old crates of wine, built to make the walls.
This is where they experiment distilling things and analyzing the molecular structure of ingredients. I know...weirdest thing ever. They have a recipe online that I found that calls for 10 oz. of distilled earth from moist soil...not even kidding. HAHAHAH
This is the Cabernet area..
Can't remember--something with earthy tones
It's like a museum for Hellen Keller or something, isn't it????
One tiny area of the cellar, turned around from the picture above.
The lounge area for before dinner or after dinner cocktails and smoking are permitted.
Like an IDIOT I didn't take any of the actual restaurant, but it's online.
The kitchen
Hope you all enjoy! And yep, still wanna come home! :)
can you tell my mood has changed now that I have made a decision and there is a light at the end of the tunnel??!!!! YAY!!!
love
Friday, January 16, 2009
Confusion
Well, I thought I had it all figured out..I thought that I was for SURE coming home. Until tonight. I told Ursula that I just couldn't do it and that I needed to leave. She basically tried to talk me into staying for the next 20 minutes.
I explained to her my frustration with working in the same environment that I am living and my lack of transportation issue. She said she would work out my work schedule and that they would be willing to buy me a bike to get around.
Then she left and Joan said he wanted to talk to me--he (via Ursula) said he feel so comfortable with me around and that he feels like I am part of the family. He is really so sweet. I actually like him the best..too bad we can't even talk.
There was much more than this said, but I just wanted everyone to be informed of the situation. I am trying not to be hasty either way, and I think I do owe it another week or two. In two days I may feel differently. In two hours, I may feel differently. Who the hell knows. I just wish time would speed up and it would be warm. It is so damn cold here. I know it is there too, but I mean, moving to Spain you think it would at least be 60--NO...it is not.
Another day, another day...the roller caoster of my life.
I explained to her my frustration with working in the same environment that I am living and my lack of transportation issue. She said she would work out my work schedule and that they would be willing to buy me a bike to get around.
Then she left and Joan said he wanted to talk to me--he (via Ursula) said he feel so comfortable with me around and that he feels like I am part of the family. He is really so sweet. I actually like him the best..too bad we can't even talk.
There was much more than this said, but I just wanted everyone to be informed of the situation. I am trying not to be hasty either way, and I think I do owe it another week or two. In two days I may feel differently. In two hours, I may feel differently. Who the hell knows. I just wish time would speed up and it would be warm. It is so damn cold here. I know it is there too, but I mean, moving to Spain you think it would at least be 60--NO...it is not.
Another day, another day...the roller caoster of my life.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Anne Frank...
So, I was lying on my bed earlier with like 15 blankets on me because the house is so cold, and I started giggling to myself and thought...I AM LIKE ANNE FRANK!!! Holed up in her room, reading instead of writing, but you get the gist...
I have nothing of eloquence to say this evening. I had a wonderful first conversation with my mom tonight on Skype and it was so good to see her sweet face!!! We were laughing at how it only been 9 days since I left!!! I feel like I have been gone an eternity!! It is so strange.
I need to get to bed, but I think I have come to the conclusion that this is just not for me. I don't know why God led me here and why this all fell into place, other than to show me what I DO have. I miss my friends tremendously and I miss my life. And with the circumstances as they are, I don't see anything getting any better. So, I am beginning to look at flights...not tonight, but soon--haha
I can't even think..I am exhausted and need to get some shut eye...
LOVE
I have nothing of eloquence to say this evening. I had a wonderful first conversation with my mom tonight on Skype and it was so good to see her sweet face!!! We were laughing at how it only been 9 days since I left!!! I feel like I have been gone an eternity!! It is so strange.
I need to get to bed, but I think I have come to the conclusion that this is just not for me. I don't know why God led me here and why this all fell into place, other than to show me what I DO have. I miss my friends tremendously and I miss my life. And with the circumstances as they are, I don't see anything getting any better. So, I am beginning to look at flights...not tonight, but soon--haha
I can't even think..I am exhausted and need to get some shut eye...
LOVE
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Washer
So, totally random poast but I meant to put this in the one last night and forgot. I got home from going out with Maria and decided I needed to do some laundry.
So I gathered all my dirty clothes and walked them downstairs to the laundry room. I couldn't find the detergent and I also had no idea how to run the thing. So I tapped on Albert's door because she was in there reading him a story. I said..."do you mind coming down after you put him down and showing me how to use the washing machine?" She said, Oh no problem.
So I patiently sat in the hard white wicker chair at the hard white kitchen table that sits on the hard white marble floor surrounded by hard white walls (you get the point...total hospital) and waited for her. She came down about 10 minutes later and we went into the laundry room and she shows me the detergent. And then puts it in, and then says, "You know, actually, I am not exactly sure how to do this. Maybe we should wait on Gloria in the morning?!"
I said...okay, sure, not a problem.
WHAT? What woman on earth doesn't know how to work her own washing machine? And with a 2 year old? SO STRANGE. A very telling incident I might add... :)
okay, devotional, breakfast, and work.
love
So I gathered all my dirty clothes and walked them downstairs to the laundry room. I couldn't find the detergent and I also had no idea how to run the thing. So I tapped on Albert's door because she was in there reading him a story. I said..."do you mind coming down after you put him down and showing me how to use the washing machine?" She said, Oh no problem.
So I patiently sat in the hard white wicker chair at the hard white kitchen table that sits on the hard white marble floor surrounded by hard white walls (you get the point...total hospital) and waited for her. She came down about 10 minutes later and we went into the laundry room and she shows me the detergent. And then puts it in, and then says, "You know, actually, I am not exactly sure how to do this. Maybe we should wait on Gloria in the morning?!"
I said...okay, sure, not a problem.
WHAT? What woman on earth doesn't know how to work her own washing machine? And with a 2 year old? SO STRANGE. A very telling incident I might add... :)
okay, devotional, breakfast, and work.
love
My Mariiiiiiiiaaaaa!!!!
That is supposed to sound like Brooks and Dunn...haha--
To sum up today, well it has been one of lots of.....thinking. I am sitting at my desk listening to George Winston's album December. It reminds me of my mom's at Christmas. It is soothing...there are no sounds in the house and I still have a twinge of a headache.
The day was fine--basically sat at a computer from 9:30 this morning until 6:30 tonight, ran upstairs and wrote my mom an email, and then changed clothes with tears in my eyes and re-did my makeup. Maria came at 7 and we drove to the center of town and parked and walked to a cafe. We each got a cup of coffee and I basically told her everything I was feeling in the simplest words possible with lots of hand gestures. She is SO sweet and I am so glad we got to spend time together.
I explained to her how I felt like I didn't know if I made the right decision by coming, and that I felt trapped and was not sure how I would make things better. To fill you all in, Ursula is very strict. She is very generous and always wants to make me comfortable in the house, etc. but is also very clear about how I am supposed to clean up and do the dishes, whatever. Which is fineand I totally understand. The "work" part is the issue. The other girls that came here worked many less hours than me. They would work maybe 20 hours a week, while I am working 40.
I work everyday from 9:30 to 6:30 with an hour lunch break. The buses of Girona run every 15 minutes from very near the house, down to the center of town, or to the train station to Barcelona. I have yet to take it, but it is supposedly very safe and clean, and I have seen them--they are like nice buses...not what you are picturing I am sure. The problem is that they stop their service at 9:30 PM. Also, this time of year it gets dark at 5:30. Anyway, I could leave and take the bus to the town center when I got off work, but there would be no way for me to get home. And Maria basically said to me that for me to have a social life, I need to work less hours. So that maybe I would get off at 2pm and get to walk around, go read in a park, look at the buildings, shops, etc. while it is daylight and there are people out.
You also need to understand that the nightlife doesn't start here until at least 10PM. So, I don't know what to do. I have credit card bills to pay and am not afforded the luxury of only working 20 hours a week as the "college" girls did. It is so difficult to be first off living in someone else's home when you have had so much. I have had my own home and am older and need my space. And then to add the lack of transportation into the mix, it just makes for a precarious situation. She said that Ursula has a lack of empathy in that regard because she basically does whatever she wants to do, whenever she wants to do it.
It is so confusing because you have this picture painted in your mind about how something is going to be, and when it is not what you expected, you feel disappointed. I do think that attitude can make or break situations too, but I just don't know how I can make this one better. I don't know where my place is and I am feeling like I am being taken advantage of a bit. Or that she is going to try and take advantage of me. Maria said she was very surprised I was feeling this way...already...
They are supposed to have friends over this weekend for a barbecue, which would be fun, but I am like...GOD....get me out of this house!!!!! It would be so different living in a city where there was public transportation near by and I could come and go as I pleased. However that is FAR from the case. Maria thinks I need to talk with Ursula about everything--but I just need to figure out what it is I even want!!! haha
Thank you for all my emails and thoughts and prayers. I have learned, if anything, through all of this, that I love my friends. I love my social life and I love going places I know people. I thought I wanted anonymity, but I do not. It is so strange to be so removed from my own comfort zone. I did this because I felt stangnant in my life. I felt that I wasn't progressing and that there was "more to see". And maybe there is...maybe there is more for me here in this country. Only time will tell.
Each morning I get up and do my best to start the day as a new one. As a new beginning, and to not approach it with the burdens that I had yesterday. I know that not many people get to experience what I have experienced and live where I am living, so I try to be grateful for that. I was thinking today about if I moved back...what would happen. My mom emailed me and asked me where I would go. I said...Nashville for sure...I miss Nashville right now more than anything in the world, and if anything, this "jaunt" has definitely confirmed that. I have such wonderful friends and people that would do anything for me. The amount of emails I get a day from friends is amazing....now just 'cause I said that does NOT mean they should stop...haha--but I am so BLESSED to have the amount of friends that I do!!! I know I bitch about how I have LITERALLY been in 17 weddings (I will name them if you need me to), but I am so fortunate to have that!!!
So, that is where I am today. TODAY. Tomorrow I will probably be crying my eyes out again, but right NOW I am feeling fortunate. And like I want to go out downtown in cowboy boots, with a Bud Light in my hand and scream at the top of my lungs "you and me going fishin in the park!" HAHAHAHA
I love you all
To sum up today, well it has been one of lots of.....thinking. I am sitting at my desk listening to George Winston's album December. It reminds me of my mom's at Christmas. It is soothing...there are no sounds in the house and I still have a twinge of a headache.
The day was fine--basically sat at a computer from 9:30 this morning until 6:30 tonight, ran upstairs and wrote my mom an email, and then changed clothes with tears in my eyes and re-did my makeup. Maria came at 7 and we drove to the center of town and parked and walked to a cafe. We each got a cup of coffee and I basically told her everything I was feeling in the simplest words possible with lots of hand gestures. She is SO sweet and I am so glad we got to spend time together.
I explained to her how I felt like I didn't know if I made the right decision by coming, and that I felt trapped and was not sure how I would make things better. To fill you all in, Ursula is very strict. She is very generous and always wants to make me comfortable in the house, etc. but is also very clear about how I am supposed to clean up and do the dishes, whatever. Which is fineand I totally understand. The "work" part is the issue. The other girls that came here worked many less hours than me. They would work maybe 20 hours a week, while I am working 40.
I work everyday from 9:30 to 6:30 with an hour lunch break. The buses of Girona run every 15 minutes from very near the house, down to the center of town, or to the train station to Barcelona. I have yet to take it, but it is supposedly very safe and clean, and I have seen them--they are like nice buses...not what you are picturing I am sure. The problem is that they stop their service at 9:30 PM. Also, this time of year it gets dark at 5:30. Anyway, I could leave and take the bus to the town center when I got off work, but there would be no way for me to get home. And Maria basically said to me that for me to have a social life, I need to work less hours. So that maybe I would get off at 2pm and get to walk around, go read in a park, look at the buildings, shops, etc. while it is daylight and there are people out.
You also need to understand that the nightlife doesn't start here until at least 10PM. So, I don't know what to do. I have credit card bills to pay and am not afforded the luxury of only working 20 hours a week as the "college" girls did. It is so difficult to be first off living in someone else's home when you have had so much. I have had my own home and am older and need my space. And then to add the lack of transportation into the mix, it just makes for a precarious situation. She said that Ursula has a lack of empathy in that regard because she basically does whatever she wants to do, whenever she wants to do it.
It is so confusing because you have this picture painted in your mind about how something is going to be, and when it is not what you expected, you feel disappointed. I do think that attitude can make or break situations too, but I just don't know how I can make this one better. I don't know where my place is and I am feeling like I am being taken advantage of a bit. Or that she is going to try and take advantage of me. Maria said she was very surprised I was feeling this way...already...
They are supposed to have friends over this weekend for a barbecue, which would be fun, but I am like...GOD....get me out of this house!!!!! It would be so different living in a city where there was public transportation near by and I could come and go as I pleased. However that is FAR from the case. Maria thinks I need to talk with Ursula about everything--but I just need to figure out what it is I even want!!! haha
Thank you for all my emails and thoughts and prayers. I have learned, if anything, through all of this, that I love my friends. I love my social life and I love going places I know people. I thought I wanted anonymity, but I do not. It is so strange to be so removed from my own comfort zone. I did this because I felt stangnant in my life. I felt that I wasn't progressing and that there was "more to see". And maybe there is...maybe there is more for me here in this country. Only time will tell.
Each morning I get up and do my best to start the day as a new one. As a new beginning, and to not approach it with the burdens that I had yesterday. I know that not many people get to experience what I have experienced and live where I am living, so I try to be grateful for that. I was thinking today about if I moved back...what would happen. My mom emailed me and asked me where I would go. I said...Nashville for sure...I miss Nashville right now more than anything in the world, and if anything, this "jaunt" has definitely confirmed that. I have such wonderful friends and people that would do anything for me. The amount of emails I get a day from friends is amazing....now just 'cause I said that does NOT mean they should stop...haha--but I am so BLESSED to have the amount of friends that I do!!! I know I bitch about how I have LITERALLY been in 17 weddings (I will name them if you need me to), but I am so fortunate to have that!!!
So, that is where I am today. TODAY. Tomorrow I will probably be crying my eyes out again, but right NOW I am feeling fortunate. And like I want to go out downtown in cowboy boots, with a Bud Light in my hand and scream at the top of my lungs "you and me going fishin in the park!" HAHAHAHA
I love you all
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Right Now, I Hate Europe
Well, just finished up dinner when Albert was screaming the whole time, and any time I tried to help him, etc. he scowled at me. Then I came upstairs and was going to watch The Bachelor that I never got to watch last night because of trying to upload the pictures, and I click play, and it reads
"This option only available to those viewers that are in the U.S."
I just burst into tears and am literally crying as I write this. I just want to watch tv!!!!! I just want noise besides ALBERT!!!! And this house is like a freakin hospital!!!!! Everything is marble, and there is LITERALLY no carpet, and no fabric anywhere besides on the beds. I am not even exaggerating. Think about that for a minute...no toile, no monograms, nothing.
Orange. Orange. Orange. (I'm really not trying to be funny.)
And tile and more tile, and marble and more marble. Yeah, now do you understand about the echoing of Albert's screams? I have had a headache all day and I just wanted tv. I feel like I am so trapped right now. I guess I'll watch Love Actually again.
I really don't know if I can do this. I don't even know what to say. I just want to go home.
LQS
"This option only available to those viewers that are in the U.S."
I just burst into tears and am literally crying as I write this. I just want to watch tv!!!!! I just want noise besides ALBERT!!!! And this house is like a freakin hospital!!!!! Everything is marble, and there is LITERALLY no carpet, and no fabric anywhere besides on the beds. I am not even exaggerating. Think about that for a minute...no toile, no monograms, nothing.
Orange. Orange. Orange. (I'm really not trying to be funny.)
And tile and more tile, and marble and more marble. Yeah, now do you understand about the echoing of Albert's screams? I have had a headache all day and I just wanted tv. I feel like I am so trapped right now. I guess I'll watch Love Actually again.
I really don't know if I can do this. I don't even know what to say. I just want to go home.
LQS
Monday, January 12, 2009
Address!
Here is my address for all the packages I know that everyone is just DYING to send me! :)
I would sure appreciate them!!!
Lauren Staley
c/o Joan y Ursula Capdeville
c/ Osca 4
17003 Girona
Spain
I have no idea if that is the way to write my name and theirs, but I am sure it would be fine.
Love to you all--devotional time and off to work.
lauren
I would sure appreciate them!!!
Lauren Staley
c/o Joan y Ursula Capdeville
c/ Osca 4
17003 Girona
Spain
I have no idea if that is the way to write my name and theirs, but I am sure it would be fine.
Love to you all--devotional time and off to work.
lauren
FINALLY!!!
These are all backwards--you should look at them from top to bottom for the full effect! Next ones will be in order! I am learning!
And the marina and town again from another view!
The view looking out. This is an uninhabited island that if you look closely there is one building on top. It used to be a prison before WWII! It was pretty cool..
The view from the boat! That is the marina in the town we had come out of, looking behind us. It was beautiful.
Albert in the pizzeria making pizza! The nice men picked him up and let him play with the dough. It was so sweet.
This is for you, Bo. HA! Muy delicioso!
Chef Joan making his incredible paella!
Another pic off the baclony of the condo. Nice pool, huh?
Above is the view from the deck of the condo in Calella--you can't see really well, but that is ALL ocean. Gorgeous views!!!
Albert the crazed Rockstar!!
From left to right, Fine, Joan's cousin who is so funny, Maria my first friend, me, and Ursula, mi Espanol madre.
Okay--I literally was looking for the cord to my computer for about 20 minutes then couldn't figure out how to upload them for a good 2 hours--then read online that I needed a cd that was in the packaging..which OF COURSE I didn't bring to Spain. I was about to burst into tears when all of a sudden they started uploading!!!!! MUCHAS GRACIAS JESUS!!!
So, I am going to be better about putting them with the corresponding post obviously, but as for now, here ya go! It is getting late and I wanna watch The Bachelor on ABC.com--I know, I am so lame. But, my American "fix"!!!
And some special sidenotes that came to me while I was working today that I thought everyone would enjoy. SO FUNNY
- First off, just so you understand what I hear all day long and to add to lack of communication, picture this in your head: in the region where I am, everyone speaks Catalan. They also speak Spanish, but primarily, Catalan. (they will switch to Spanish for foreigners, you just have to be gracious.) SO, Joan and Ursula speak Spanish to each other in front of me so I can learn. Joan speaks Catalan to Albert, and Ursula, because she is Polish, only speaks Polish to Albert. Does your head hurt yet? Because mine sure as hell does.
- Albert screams at the top of his lungs all the time, like at the dinner table, walking around the house, etc. No one tells him to be quiet. SO WEIRD. And did I mention he bites? He can definitely be sweet, but WOW. He has some lungs.
- The other woman that works for Gourmand Breaks with me, is named Ellie. She only works a few days a week, and thankfully speaks some english. Today, was our first day that we worked together. She is very nice but has very masculine tendencies and looks like a lesbian...all of a sudden her cell phone rings in the office SO loud and guess what her ring tone is? HAHAHAHHAHA--"I kissed a girl and I liked it!" It took every ounce of my being to not burst into laughter. I just kept thinking CAROLINE if you had been there we would have died laughing. (AKA Montgomery/Waller's christening and the lord of the rings dancers in tights)
- Also, Joan used to own a restaurant in the nearby town of Vic, but he sold it. Ursula had a chocolate and coffee shop in downtown Girona that she sold. So, when they closed they got some things from the restaurants. They have the biggest juicer I have ever seen in my life. I am going to take a pic of it. It is so phenomenal and makes the best OJ ever. Dad, maybe one day I will get you one. Also, they have one of those slicers that slices big hunks of meat and huge things of salami or cheese--just out on the kitchen counter!!! And they have a huge thing of cheese--like at Jersey Mike's-- (don't you love my comparison)--in the fridge that you just pull out and slice however much you want! YUM
- Gloria the cook/housekeeper and I had lunch together today. Ursula went to the gym and then met her friends for lunch downtown and so Gloria made lunch for me. It was rice, salad, and these huge sausages, and lamb. They eat the craziest shit. But it was delicious! And before leaving, Ursula asked if I had a pocket dictionary of some kind so that Gloria and I could try and communicate. I said yes so I ran upstairs and got it. And we ACTUALLY communicated a bit! She was hysterical. She asked me if I had cried anymore and asked me about the weekend and I could NOT for the life of me remember ocean or boat--but finally after many hand gestures she got it. I wish ya'll could see me at times. WOW.
This is such an experience and I just love Gloria. It is almost easier for me to talk to her instead of Ursula, for one because I know Ursula knows English, and because I don't feel as dumb. She doesn't know a lick of English, ya know? We need a Gloria pic for sure...stay tuned..
Also, Maria and I are going out either tomorrow night or Wednesday night! YAY!!! She is going to pick me up from the house so I am very excited! We are going to go to some bar downtown. Oh, and she is the on across from me in the pictures of the four of us at dinner and Ursula is the blonde next to me.
I am thinking Maria and I will do tomorrow night because Ursula just told me tonight at dinner that on Thursday Joan has a meeting in Barcelona and a lunch that he wants her to go with him to. So, they thought that if it works out Ursula and I could drop Albert off to school and then drive to Barcelona and she could drop me off and I could walk around exploring Barcelona while they did their thing!!! I am SO excited. I hope it works out. Would be so fun to be able to get out!!! And very nice that they even thought about me! She did say though, maybe you could work longer Wednesday and Friday and we will just make up for it?? haha--still worth it though.
That uploading just took forever--it is late and I gotta get some shut eye!!! Off to read my book and I can't wait to read everyone's emails in the morning!!! YAY!!!
love
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The First Weekend!
Well, I am actually in decent spirits at this moment (which let me tell you is a moment by moment feeling...) I can be fine one second and then the next have tears welling up in my eyes. This is such a roller coaster of emotions and overall feelings about the entire situation.
At one moment I will be thinking..GOD, I am so lucky to be able to see these places and live in this environment. What an experience! Then I will think about friends, and the Corner Pub, and dinners with friends, and my SWEET mom, and I will get so depressed feeling. I have been reading my devotional my friend Dana gave me every morning and it has been such a saving grace. And Laura has been emailing encouraging scriptures too that at first make me cry but after the second or third time, I think.......I think I can.....I think I can.....If only God could zap me and I could be funny in Spanish. I know I am in English, ya know?
First off, Maria, the 29 year old that I met the other night emailed me...PRAISE GOD. She wants to meet up at a bar this week sometime to do a language exchange because she wants to know English better. So great news!!!! My first Spanish friend!!! :)
So we went to Calella where they have a condo, for Saturday night. Ursula woke me up on Saturday and we all drove an hour to the condo. It was a beautiful drive and so....foreign. No other way to describe it---rice fields, and desolate and then a teeny little town, more rice fields, another little town, and so on and so forth. We unloaded the car and then Joan the dad, made a wonderful meal of paella. This is a very traditional dish of rice, vegetables, and chicken, or sometimes shrimp. We had chicken.
Anyway, he is a great cook and it was fabulous. It is called paella because of the dish it is made in--one pan, and absolutely delicious. We ate and cleaned up and then Ursula and I went on a walk through the town along the shore. It was really cool and reminded me a lot of Cinque Terra for those that have been there--which was my fave place in all of Europe. She knows a lot about the history and it was cool to hear about everything. And nice to be out of the house with such amazing scenery. My camera battery died on the walk so I didn't get to take any pics of it though...next time..
We went back to the condo and headed to a town about 20 minutes away where there is good shopping and Ursula and I walked around and shopped while the boys did their thing. We met back up and then went to get pizza at a really neat pizzeria. SO fresh. It was amazing. Oh, and they drink all the time. At all meals there is a bottle of wine, except at lunch during the week. It is funny..and always GREAT wine.
Sidenote: at the pizza place we were all laughing and having a good time, and Ursula translated from Joan to ask me, "delicate subject, but are you doing better?" I said...yes, currently...haha
So we came home about 12:30--not even kidding...with a 2 year old. It is insane how late they stay up. I don't know how they do it. The day is just so different. Albert goes to school between 9 and 9:30, and I have to be in the office at 9:30. Then we break for lunch (when Gloria says it is ready) around 2 or 2:30. That is the large meal of the day, and then dinner can be anywhere from 9 to 11. Later if you are going out to eat. If you eat at home, then it is around 9.
back to the weekend...so we came home and went to sleep and then Ursula woke me up this morning and said it was beautiful out and we were going to go sailing. They had asked me Saturday if I enjoyed sailing and I said of course, that I had been a few times and I would love to..So I think they wanted to do soemthing that they knew I would enjoy, which was nice and thoughtful.
So we drove to a town about 30 minutes away where they keep their boat, and another couple joined us. They have a 25 year old daughter that JUST left to go back to University...so unfortunately didn't get to meet her, but they were VERY nice. They spoke small sentences to me and slowly---sometimes I could understand, sometimes not, but they were sweet to even try.
So we went sailing all bundled up--it was blue skies, but freezing. We didn't put the sails up because it was so windy, but it was very fun and nice to finally see the sun and envision what it would be like in 2 months...tan, sun, fun. And maybe even be able to communicate at that point. ha!
We went out for a couple hours and then we all headed back to the condo and Joan made mussels, clams, and squid for lunch all sauteed in olive oil and parsley. It was actually pretty good. (however I did have to chew on a few pieces 427 times and then chug wine to get it down..)
There is something SERIOUSLY wrong with my metabolism and thyroid if I don't come back a good size 6. I have eaten more vegetables and good fats in the past 4 days than I have in months. Everything is fresh and so much healthier than American's eating habits. Oh, another interesting thing--they only use olive oil and vinegar on salads. There are no pre-made dressings.
We ate and drank 2 more bottles of wine, and then cleaned up (which is my job) and then drove back to Girona. There is no internet in the condo, which was a bit difficult, but I will say that it made coming back not as depressing, when I knew that my wonderful friends would have emailed me, and I could look forward to them!!!! And I was right!!! :)
So, work tomorrow, which is kind of a drag, but another day, another experience, right? At this point, that is how I HAVE to look at it. Once again, none of this year mentality...one day at a time. Joan and I have a race to see if he can learn English first, or me Spanish..haha...he is so funny. He asked me in the car today---via Ursula--one, two, three, four! Like the rockstars! HAHA---hysterical.
Can't find the cord to my camera....of course, so I will post pics as soon as I can. Please continue with the emails. I enjoy reading each and every one of them. It really does MAKE my day. And one week without me may not seem like long (not even..), but I feel like I have been in Spain and away from EVERYTHING that is normal and near to me, for a very long time. Emails mean the world. It is tough.
love to you all and I hope people are actually reading this...haha
At one moment I will be thinking..GOD, I am so lucky to be able to see these places and live in this environment. What an experience! Then I will think about friends, and the Corner Pub, and dinners with friends, and my SWEET mom, and I will get so depressed feeling. I have been reading my devotional my friend Dana gave me every morning and it has been such a saving grace. And Laura has been emailing encouraging scriptures too that at first make me cry but after the second or third time, I think.......I think I can.....I think I can.....If only God could zap me and I could be funny in Spanish. I know I am in English, ya know?
First off, Maria, the 29 year old that I met the other night emailed me...PRAISE GOD. She wants to meet up at a bar this week sometime to do a language exchange because she wants to know English better. So great news!!!! My first Spanish friend!!! :)
So we went to Calella where they have a condo, for Saturday night. Ursula woke me up on Saturday and we all drove an hour to the condo. It was a beautiful drive and so....foreign. No other way to describe it---rice fields, and desolate and then a teeny little town, more rice fields, another little town, and so on and so forth. We unloaded the car and then Joan the dad, made a wonderful meal of paella. This is a very traditional dish of rice, vegetables, and chicken, or sometimes shrimp. We had chicken.
Anyway, he is a great cook and it was fabulous. It is called paella because of the dish it is made in--one pan, and absolutely delicious. We ate and cleaned up and then Ursula and I went on a walk through the town along the shore. It was really cool and reminded me a lot of Cinque Terra for those that have been there--which was my fave place in all of Europe. She knows a lot about the history and it was cool to hear about everything. And nice to be out of the house with such amazing scenery. My camera battery died on the walk so I didn't get to take any pics of it though...next time..
We went back to the condo and headed to a town about 20 minutes away where there is good shopping and Ursula and I walked around and shopped while the boys did their thing. We met back up and then went to get pizza at a really neat pizzeria. SO fresh. It was amazing. Oh, and they drink all the time. At all meals there is a bottle of wine, except at lunch during the week. It is funny..and always GREAT wine.
Sidenote: at the pizza place we were all laughing and having a good time, and Ursula translated from Joan to ask me, "delicate subject, but are you doing better?" I said...yes, currently...haha
So we came home about 12:30--not even kidding...with a 2 year old. It is insane how late they stay up. I don't know how they do it. The day is just so different. Albert goes to school between 9 and 9:30, and I have to be in the office at 9:30. Then we break for lunch (when Gloria says it is ready) around 2 or 2:30. That is the large meal of the day, and then dinner can be anywhere from 9 to 11. Later if you are going out to eat. If you eat at home, then it is around 9.
back to the weekend...so we came home and went to sleep and then Ursula woke me up this morning and said it was beautiful out and we were going to go sailing. They had asked me Saturday if I enjoyed sailing and I said of course, that I had been a few times and I would love to..So I think they wanted to do soemthing that they knew I would enjoy, which was nice and thoughtful.
So we drove to a town about 30 minutes away where they keep their boat, and another couple joined us. They have a 25 year old daughter that JUST left to go back to University...so unfortunately didn't get to meet her, but they were VERY nice. They spoke small sentences to me and slowly---sometimes I could understand, sometimes not, but they were sweet to even try.
So we went sailing all bundled up--it was blue skies, but freezing. We didn't put the sails up because it was so windy, but it was very fun and nice to finally see the sun and envision what it would be like in 2 months...tan, sun, fun. And maybe even be able to communicate at that point. ha!
We went out for a couple hours and then we all headed back to the condo and Joan made mussels, clams, and squid for lunch all sauteed in olive oil and parsley. It was actually pretty good. (however I did have to chew on a few pieces 427 times and then chug wine to get it down..)
There is something SERIOUSLY wrong with my metabolism and thyroid if I don't come back a good size 6. I have eaten more vegetables and good fats in the past 4 days than I have in months. Everything is fresh and so much healthier than American's eating habits. Oh, another interesting thing--they only use olive oil and vinegar on salads. There are no pre-made dressings.
We ate and drank 2 more bottles of wine, and then cleaned up (which is my job) and then drove back to Girona. There is no internet in the condo, which was a bit difficult, but I will say that it made coming back not as depressing, when I knew that my wonderful friends would have emailed me, and I could look forward to them!!!! And I was right!!! :)
So, work tomorrow, which is kind of a drag, but another day, another experience, right? At this point, that is how I HAVE to look at it. Once again, none of this year mentality...one day at a time. Joan and I have a race to see if he can learn English first, or me Spanish..haha...he is so funny. He asked me in the car today---via Ursula--one, two, three, four! Like the rockstars! HAHA---hysterical.
Can't find the cord to my camera....of course, so I will post pics as soon as I can. Please continue with the emails. I enjoy reading each and every one of them. It really does MAKE my day. And one week without me may not seem like long (not even..), but I feel like I have been in Spain and away from EVERYTHING that is normal and near to me, for a very long time. Emails mean the world. It is tough.
love to you all and I hope people are actually reading this...haha
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Night Out!
Okay, so things are getting a little better...I think I will be able to tell a lot within the next week or so about where I stand (aka--whether I am on the next flight out or not..). We went to this restaurant in Girona for dinner..Maria, a 29 year old who speaks a little English but can understand most, and Fine, Joan (the dad's) cousin.
The four of us got tapas and a bottle of red wine and just sat there and talked. Most of it was in Spanish, but then Ursula would stop and say..Oh, sorry! And start translating as I sat there like a bump on a log. You know if you have ever been on a date with someone and not known what to say--and that uncomfortable feeling comes over you..(me, I start getting splotchy) Well, that is what it feels like ALL THE TIME. haha
We ate and then went to a REALLY cool bar in the Jewish quarter, but I can tell you right now...the guys did NOT look Jewish. haha--It was actually set inside this like cave of stone, so the floor, walls, and ceiling were all stone. It was REALLy neat. The bartender was asking us what we wanted to drink, and Ursula asked me if I wanted a mojito..I said sure, and he looked at me and said--sweet, or bitter? I got a BIG smile on my face and said--ENGLISH!!!! He laughed. It was funny.
Then we went to another bar and had another drink, and then came home. It was VERY nice to be out of the house and actually see some of the things I came here to see--people, nightlife, architecture, quaint shops, etc. Maria is trying to learn English and is very sweet, so we are going to meet up next week so that we can do a language exchange. I PRAY that it gets me somewhere. Otherwise, I can't even go into town by myself...I am not even kidding...Rosetta Stone is full of shit. haha
So, Ursula just woke me up because I have no alarm clock and it is already noon! We are leaving in 1 hour for Calella even though the weather is still shit. At least it will be nice to see the water. I took a picture last night at dinner of all of us, and will post later. I don't have time to do it now! And I will take pics of the family tonight at dinner. Joan is teaching me how to make paella today...did I mention he speaks no English??? yeah, should be interesting.
Oh, and I broke down to Ursula last night before we went out. I couldn't help it. We were going into the office to go over something for work, and the tears just started flowing. I said, "I don't know if I can do this.." I just wanted her to know so she would be sensitive in a way to me, and so if I do decide to leave, that it would not be so abrupt. Joan came in accidentally and she explained to him why I was sad, etc. and he said he totally understood (in Spanish) and that he was sent to a family when he was young and it was a very traumatic time in his life...which I thought was a very nice thing to say.
Homesickness is just the WORST feeling. Especially when you can't even talk to anyone.
One day at a time. One day at a time. None of this year B. S., but I can assure everyone that I am doing my VERY best.
love to you all and keep the responses coming....Congrats to Anne and Woodson on lil' Woodson, Jr. (which of course made me start bawling..) haha
The four of us got tapas and a bottle of red wine and just sat there and talked. Most of it was in Spanish, but then Ursula would stop and say..Oh, sorry! And start translating as I sat there like a bump on a log. You know if you have ever been on a date with someone and not known what to say--and that uncomfortable feeling comes over you..(me, I start getting splotchy) Well, that is what it feels like ALL THE TIME. haha
We ate and then went to a REALLY cool bar in the Jewish quarter, but I can tell you right now...the guys did NOT look Jewish. haha--It was actually set inside this like cave of stone, so the floor, walls, and ceiling were all stone. It was REALLy neat. The bartender was asking us what we wanted to drink, and Ursula asked me if I wanted a mojito..I said sure, and he looked at me and said--sweet, or bitter? I got a BIG smile on my face and said--ENGLISH!!!! He laughed. It was funny.
Then we went to another bar and had another drink, and then came home. It was VERY nice to be out of the house and actually see some of the things I came here to see--people, nightlife, architecture, quaint shops, etc. Maria is trying to learn English and is very sweet, so we are going to meet up next week so that we can do a language exchange. I PRAY that it gets me somewhere. Otherwise, I can't even go into town by myself...I am not even kidding...Rosetta Stone is full of shit. haha
So, Ursula just woke me up because I have no alarm clock and it is already noon! We are leaving in 1 hour for Calella even though the weather is still shit. At least it will be nice to see the water. I took a picture last night at dinner of all of us, and will post later. I don't have time to do it now! And I will take pics of the family tonight at dinner. Joan is teaching me how to make paella today...did I mention he speaks no English??? yeah, should be interesting.
Oh, and I broke down to Ursula last night before we went out. I couldn't help it. We were going into the office to go over something for work, and the tears just started flowing. I said, "I don't know if I can do this.." I just wanted her to know so she would be sensitive in a way to me, and so if I do decide to leave, that it would not be so abrupt. Joan came in accidentally and she explained to him why I was sad, etc. and he said he totally understood (in Spanish) and that he was sent to a family when he was young and it was a very traumatic time in his life...which I thought was a very nice thing to say.
Homesickness is just the WORST feeling. Especially when you can't even talk to anyone.
One day at a time. One day at a time. None of this year B. S., but I can assure everyone that I am doing my VERY best.
love to you all and keep the responses coming....Congrats to Anne and Woodson on lil' Woodson, Jr. (which of course made me start bawling..) haha
Friday, January 9, 2009
Day Two
I cannot even believe it has only been two days. Why is it that when you are home and doing everyday things, time goes by so quickly, but when you are completely out of your comfort zone, time creeps by.
I already feel like I have lived in this house for a good two weeks. I am very depressed and constantly feel ignorant. I know that they are not doing that on purpose by any means. It is just extremely difficult and MUCH lonelier than I anticipated. Emails are great and all, but not having a phone, and not having any way to leave a house in 2 days, will drive anyone a little crazy. I kind of feel like it is Ground Hog's Day EVERYDAY.
I started work this morning about 9:30 and basically just researched our company and the competitors, and wrote up a document about what I liked and didn't like, etc. Then worked until about 2, and Gloria served lunch. Lunch today was a salad and then a casserole with meat (like hamburger) and mashed potatoes, with hard boiled eggs in it, and olives. Weird, but actually pretty tasty.
I was wrong about having friends over for dinner tonight. We are going out for dinner with some friends of Ursula's. She arranged it for me to meet some more people and for me to see more of Girona (thank GOD). The restaurant is in the middle of the city, so that should be fun. I am excited about getting out of the house at least.
Tomorrow our plans are up in the air because of the weather. We were going to go to another town a little south of here where they have a condo at the beach. But, it has been raining so much that if it continues we will not...GREAT. She said there would be no point because we would be walking around so much there and can't walk in the rain.
I am not sure I can do this..I feel incredibly homesick and KNOW this is not going to be for a year as originally planned. It may not even be for a week! Who wants to pick me up from the airport??!!!
I haven't looked at flights yet, but I am considering...Jessica, are you ready for a roommate again??? Sure do miss my Lily too...sad.
love
I already feel like I have lived in this house for a good two weeks. I am very depressed and constantly feel ignorant. I know that they are not doing that on purpose by any means. It is just extremely difficult and MUCH lonelier than I anticipated. Emails are great and all, but not having a phone, and not having any way to leave a house in 2 days, will drive anyone a little crazy. I kind of feel like it is Ground Hog's Day EVERYDAY.
I started work this morning about 9:30 and basically just researched our company and the competitors, and wrote up a document about what I liked and didn't like, etc. Then worked until about 2, and Gloria served lunch. Lunch today was a salad and then a casserole with meat (like hamburger) and mashed potatoes, with hard boiled eggs in it, and olives. Weird, but actually pretty tasty.
I was wrong about having friends over for dinner tonight. We are going out for dinner with some friends of Ursula's. She arranged it for me to meet some more people and for me to see more of Girona (thank GOD). The restaurant is in the middle of the city, so that should be fun. I am excited about getting out of the house at least.
Tomorrow our plans are up in the air because of the weather. We were going to go to another town a little south of here where they have a condo at the beach. But, it has been raining so much that if it continues we will not...GREAT. She said there would be no point because we would be walking around so much there and can't walk in the rain.
I am not sure I can do this..I feel incredibly homesick and KNOW this is not going to be for a year as originally planned. It may not even be for a week! Who wants to pick me up from the airport??!!!
I haven't looked at flights yet, but I am considering...Jessica, are you ready for a roommate again??? Sure do miss my Lily too...sad.
love
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Day One
Well, to be perfectly honest, I am completely and utterly overwhelmed!!!! I arrived last night bout 8 PM and Ursula picked me up at the Barcelona airport. She had a sign with my name on it, but we didn't need it at all! We completely recognized each other immediately. We got my luggage and loaded the car and drove the hour back to their home in Girona. Loaded the elevator with my stuff, my mom called, which was soo tough. I almost started crying immediately. I have the weirdest feeling--so out of place and not understood, if that makes sense.
I took a quick shower and then came downstairs and they had some soup for dinner and some red wine, and I met Joan, the father. He is a lot nicer and friendlier than I was anticipating, but does not speak a word of English. So Ursula translated the entire dinner for us both. Then I went to bed and did not wake up until 1:30 today when Ursula was knocking on my door!!!! Lunch was ready and she was letting me know!
The room that I am in is definitely comfortable. very modern and clean, straight lines. Everything is orange, which is a little funny..GO vols! haha--Nice shower and bathtub, all new fixtures, toilets, etc. But the house is a little cold, if you know what I mean...
Oh, and also there are remote controlled blinds through out the house I have a sliding glass door in my room and also a window, and then a smaller window in my bathroom. They all have the blinds on them, which shut out ALL the light. It is so crazy...so of course I had no idea that it was so late in the day today!! I guess the jetlag caught up with me!
Then I jumped up and had lunch with she and Gloria (who also speaks no English). We had a large salad, fried fish, and mashed potatoes. They obviously eat a larger lunch and smaller dinner here. Over lunch she and Gloria would say things to me and then look at me to see if I understood, which of course I didn't, and then they would start giggling. I literally almost started bawling at the table.
It is SO overwhleming and such an uneasy feeling. Like an uphill battle with no legs. I have cried on and off today and am just trying to stay positive. It is really very hard though...but it is only Day one.
I came up to my room after lunch to unpack and organize and email everyone etc. and the tears just started flowing! I feel like I am being such a baby!!! haha--In time this too shall pass, right???
Dear Lord I hope so. I am not even kidding.
I just met Albert for the first time and gave him the Corduroy doll and book, and he loved it. He mumbles and I can't really understand what he is saying, or trying to say...I am not sure I could even if I could speak Spanish!!! haha--he kissed me on the cheek for it, which was so cute. The he grabbed my hand and led me to his room and got ALL of his toys out and then got excited and grabbed my hand again and gnawed into it...I was like, NO NO NO!!!! Then he grabbed the little race car I gave him as a gift also, and slammed it into my head.
Lovely to meet you, Albert.
Will of course write more tomorrow. They are having some friends over for dinner in honor of me tomorrow night. Should be fun. Can someone come visit this weekend? DEAR LORD.
love
I took a quick shower and then came downstairs and they had some soup for dinner and some red wine, and I met Joan, the father. He is a lot nicer and friendlier than I was anticipating, but does not speak a word of English. So Ursula translated the entire dinner for us both. Then I went to bed and did not wake up until 1:30 today when Ursula was knocking on my door!!!! Lunch was ready and she was letting me know!
The room that I am in is definitely comfortable. very modern and clean, straight lines. Everything is orange, which is a little funny..GO vols! haha--Nice shower and bathtub, all new fixtures, toilets, etc. But the house is a little cold, if you know what I mean...
Oh, and also there are remote controlled blinds through out the house I have a sliding glass door in my room and also a window, and then a smaller window in my bathroom. They all have the blinds on them, which shut out ALL the light. It is so crazy...so of course I had no idea that it was so late in the day today!! I guess the jetlag caught up with me!
Then I jumped up and had lunch with she and Gloria (who also speaks no English). We had a large salad, fried fish, and mashed potatoes. They obviously eat a larger lunch and smaller dinner here. Over lunch she and Gloria would say things to me and then look at me to see if I understood, which of course I didn't, and then they would start giggling. I literally almost started bawling at the table.
It is SO overwhleming and such an uneasy feeling. Like an uphill battle with no legs. I have cried on and off today and am just trying to stay positive. It is really very hard though...but it is only Day one.
I came up to my room after lunch to unpack and organize and email everyone etc. and the tears just started flowing! I feel like I am being such a baby!!! haha--In time this too shall pass, right???
Dear Lord I hope so. I am not even kidding.
I just met Albert for the first time and gave him the Corduroy doll and book, and he loved it. He mumbles and I can't really understand what he is saying, or trying to say...I am not sure I could even if I could speak Spanish!!! haha--he kissed me on the cheek for it, which was so cute. The he grabbed my hand and led me to his room and got ALL of his toys out and then got excited and grabbed my hand again and gnawed into it...I was like, NO NO NO!!!! Then he grabbed the little race car I gave him as a gift also, and slammed it into my head.
Lovely to meet you, Albert.
Will of course write more tomorrow. They are having some friends over for dinner in honor of me tomorrow night. Should be fun. Can someone come visit this weekend? DEAR LORD.
love
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Holy Shit
Well, I am at the gate about to board! I am so grateful for this opportunity and what lies ahead. Saying goodbye to my mom was terrible. It was very very sad and lots of tears and hugging. I think she is going to have to come before June. Don't know if I can wait that long...
Please stay in touch and the fun stories will begin tomorrow! Had so much fun last night with the girls--Laura, Lorri, and Tay..THANK YOU.
I was feeling it this morning...in fact, my head is still pounding--despite the bloody mary my mom and I had in the airport.
Love you all and come visit!!! Say prayers for me friends!
love
Please stay in touch and the fun stories will begin tomorrow! Had so much fun last night with the girls--Laura, Lorri, and Tay..THANK YOU.
I was feeling it this morning...in fact, my head is still pounding--despite the bloody mary my mom and I had in the airport.
Love you all and come visit!!! Say prayers for me friends!
love
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