doner kebab

Since I'm a posting maniac, I thought I'd keep going since I missed a bunch of days during the Christmas vacation.

Dan and I walked around today and looked at some shops. The women here wear jean that look like dress pants and I found them for 8 euros. Her shop was closing and Dan asked if they hemmed them and she said for 3 more euros they can hem them. I decided to come back later to get dressing jeans.

Rebajas (sales) should be coming soon and since my wardrobe is about 8 years old, I will hopefully have fun looking even if I can't buy.

My dear friend Lynsi sent me a Christmas package full of goodies. I was so excited for paper, gel pens, a Christmas tree grow kit and much more. She is very thoughtful and it makes me miss home even more so!

Since I titled this doner kebab, I must share that I had this for lunch. I am so full, but it was soooo good. I highly recommend indulging!

grapes

So, I've heard the Mexicans ate grapes for New Years, but I looked on Wiki to find the answer of why Spaniards do it as well. This was their answer:

Spain
The Puerta Del Sol in 2005 New Year's Eve

Spanish New Year's Eve (Nochevieja, or Fin de Año) celebrations usually begin with a family dinner, traditionally including shrimp and lamb or turkey. Spanish people believe that wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve brings good luck. The actual countdown is primarily followed from the clock on top of the Casa de Correos building in Puerta del Sol square in Madrid. It is traditional to eat twelve grapes, one on each chime of the clock. This tradition has its origins in 1909, when grape growers in Alicante thought of it as a way to cut down on the large production surplus they had had that year. Nowadays, the tradition is followed by almost every Spaniard, and the twelve grapes have become synonymous with the New Year. After the clock has finished striking twelve, people greet each other and toast with sparkling wine such as cava or champagne, or alternatively with cider.

After the family dinner and the grapes, many young people attend New Year parties at pubs, discotheques and similar places (these parties are called cotillones de nochevieja, after the Spanish word cotillón, which refers to party supplies like confetti, party blowers, party hats, etc.). Parties usually last until the next morning and range from small, personal celebrations at local bars to huge parties with guests numbering the thousands at hotel convention rooms. Early next morning, party attendees usually gather to have the traditional winter breakfast of chocolate con churros (hot chocolate and fried pastry).


Since one of my favorite things to do is watch the ball come down in Times Square (I even remember sitting by myself in my apt watching 2000 come in), but I'll be in bed when the US turns to 2009...so I'll miss the ball.

Happy new year y'all! Miss you!

Dan's View

Dan has a bit of a different view on the holidays if you are interested in reading his blog.

http://benficafiend.blogspot.com/

I didn't mention New Years. Well, we bought some sparkling wine to pop since we haven't been invited to a "celebration" (except the 55 euro/person one). Maybe we'll invite others to our home to celebrate, but there really isn't much going on here that I know of yet.

Christmas in Portugal

We left Mérida on Friday Dec 19th. We took the old highway so we didn't have to pay tolls and so we could enjoy the scenery. Mary and I blasted songs from the 90s to which Dan and Alex cringed...I think. We also listened to Christmas songs from Sinatra and Elvis, but it was still hard to get into the Christmas spirit.

Portugal was gorgeous for our entire trip. Even though it is the rainy season, there wasn't a drop of rain. A man even started a fire that got out of control because of the dry ground.

The first coffee was unfortunately not Delta, but we started at the bottom of good tasting Portuguese coffee (which blows away anything you can get in Spain!) and worked our way up to the best, Delta! A toasta mixta (an ironed toast with ham and cheese) was also ordered and we went from there.

The first dinner in Portugal was at a place that Dan's parents recommended. I had Bacalhau com natas (salted cod with cream...a Portuguese traditional dish), Mary had meat on the spit and Dan got a beef steak with mushrooms in the most wonderful sauce! We started out eating well!

The next morning we took them to our favorite coffee shop for some real Delta coffee with milk! The pastries were a bit lacking since the workers were preparing big fancy cakes for Christmas. The pastries only got better!

As you can tell, this posting is all about food...

We went to the coast for seafood. My favorite is arroz com marisco (seafood rice) which was fantastic!!!

We had mall food one day while shopping, but that was unenjoyable because the amount of people was insane due to Christmas.

I ate a traditional Portuguse stew that I've never had, but it had blood sausage and a pig's ear in it, so even though it tasted amazing, it wasn't my favorite due to the strange contents.

Speaking of not the best, Chinese food in Portugal is better than what you can get in the States! Unfortunately, one of our favorite places turned out to not be very good. I was so disappointed, especially because we told our guests that it was better than in the States. I still got shrimp in a pineapple boat with fresh pineapple. I was for sure the "winner" of that meal!

My favorite restaurant is in Sintra, a gorgeous city with palaces, a castle and much more quaint things to take in, but it is also a tourist trap. This restaurant was so enjoyable, but I ordered the lower class meat than what I usually order, and I realized that 2 euros is worth the tenderness of a beef loin!

We ordered roasted chicken to go a few times because it is so amazing in Portugal! They put on piri piri sauce and have crispy chips to create the perfect meal.

We ended our trip with a stop at an Indian restaurant. Yumm! Portugal has amazing cuisine!

Christmas was funny. I never felt in the Christmas mood because we weren't with family. Even though we had a sing-a-long and played lots of Christmas music, it just wasn't the same. Mary lit some candles and we had some wine (from a vineyard that we toured) in goblets, while eating onion soup. Yes, everything was closed, so we raided Dan's parents' cupboards for soup.

Overall, I had a wonderful time! It was relaxing and perfect! I miss my family, but I look forward to enjoying many future Christmases with them!

I hope all of you enjoyed Christmas! I look forward to a good New Years! I'm hoping I can set some short- and long-term goals for 2009. School starts on the 5th, so I will relax during this last week!

As to Mary and Alex, I enjoyed your company so much! Thank you for all your generosity! The amber ring is perfect! Hopefully you are able to relax (at HOME) before you start back at your work! Cheers!

Sevilla and Mérida

On Dec 14, Dan and I caught the bus to Sevilla (Seville in English). We met our friends there and enjoyed food and more food! There were a few interesting sights like the cathedral and plazas as well, but our main focus was tapas!

I just have to mention that we ate at a "Mexican" place and Mary ordered "habanero peppers". I thought she was crazy because they are so HOT! The tapa that came out was jarred red and green peppers. Nothing hot, but it made a good joke throughout our trip!

Our friends had been traveling all over southern Spain when we met them, so we didn't see all that Sevilla had to offer. That was fine with me because the food was fantastic! Did I mention the food yet?

On Dec 16, we picked up our rental car and drove to Mérida. We were able to get a car for 150 euros for 11 days which is unheard of. Thank you Hertz!

I knew our guests were a bit weary, so we took three days to see the town's sights. We rested and ate some good food and they cooked for us...Jucy Lucys. Thankfully I did not burn myself, but enjoyed BEEF (not veal, which the Spaniards eat) and cheese!

We returned to a Christmas package from my parents. It was a cheese, sausage, jam, cake, etc platter from Figis! Yumm! The "Standing Ovation" Platter deserved a standing ovation! There is nothing better than cheddar cheese from WI while in Spain!

After Spain, we ventured to Portugal...
next posting!

So much to write

I have so much to remember and blog about. Our vacation to southern Spain and Portugal was so amazing, but I can't type it out on my iPod. Soon I'll be posting about my fun Christmas adventures.

ADD and audio books

No, I'm not ADD, but I definitely lack the discipline of a good attention span. I'm getting better (school helped a lot!), but I have a long way to go before I can truly pay attention for a good period of time.

So, I wanted to read Pride and Prejudice over the Christmas break, but I decided that I needed a huge break from reading and decided to get audio books instead. iTunes has a great selection and I got A Christmas Carol and Around the World in 80 Days for $1.95 a piece. A Christmas Carol was just over 3 hours and yes...I spent the day captured by the book. I was able to hang a bit of laundry and play a few games all while being completely engrossed in the "book". I enjoyed it immensely and I can't wait for the other that happens to be over 8 hours.

We are off to Sevilla (Seville) tomorrow. I'm very excited, I just don't feel like getting robbed...especially my ipod, but I want to listen to my "book" on the bus. I guess we'll see.

Free!

I ended the quarter with success! There were days in which I felt that this was too much and would have to quit or negotiate with my professors, but NO...by the grace of God...I was able to finish and finish successfully!

As I was organizing my desk and bookshelf...getting everything set for the next quarter, I was reminded of the Christmas season. Yes, the lights are up in Mérida, but it still doesn't feel like Christmas. Maybe it's because I'm not going to be with family, maybe because there is no snow...I don't know...it just isn't Christmasy. Last year we were in Brazil and it for sure didn't feel like Christmas, even though we were with family.

Well, I watched a sermon again and they had this little video from Advent Conspiracy. It challenges Christians to exam how Jesus would like them to celebrate Christmas. One of the ways is by spending less on gifts that people don't need and giving to this organization to provide clean water to those who don't have any.

I was compelled by this. It's not just this organization...we can give (not just $$) to so many people that are in our back yards. Our time...wow...how delighted I am when people give me their time. It can be isolating and when I receive and email or letter or phone call...it is amazing! I'm not even in NEED...real need.

May Jesus open our eyes to see like He sees. Lord, what are we to do with our material possessions, our time, our energy?

St. Eulalia of Mérida

First of all, I have to say I finished my Physiology final and aced it! How exciting. One final tomorrow and then I am officially on vacation.

As for vacation, the Mérida peeps have had quite a week. As I pasted Dan's posting below, it was Constitution Day last Saturday (celebrating Franco's death) which they hold off till Monday to celebrate so they can have a day off. Then, today is St. Eulalia Day, the patron saint of Mérida...so everyone has off again. I'm sure no one showed up to work yesterday because that would be quite a break in the fiesta.

We did see fireworks last night and saw the parade of pilgrims. It's all kind of freaky to me...worshiping a saint. People walk miles and miles, just to pay homage. I have photos, but they are on my cell and didn't turn out very well.

Jesus Loves Me

So yesterday I copied Dan's blog to tell the story of our weekend and the weekend of non-stop partying. Today they are celebrating Saturday's holiday, but I sat and studied most of the day. Not too fun!

A couple of weeks ago, my Romanian friend asked if I could teach the children "Jesus Loves Me" in english. I agreed, but said it would have to be in two weeks. I printed the lyrics to give to her and found her. She said it would have to be another day, but asked if I could help her. I agreed, but didn't realize that I was agreeing to help out with the children's program...you know...those one's INFRONT of the church. OH NO!!! Soon I was up on stage and helping. She sang songs with the kids and then sang Jesus loves me...but she wanted me to sing it in english. I shook my head no. I feel badly about this action, but I was already so uncomfortable.

Soon I will be teaching the children the english words of the song. Hopefully they won't make me teach the entire congregation :)

Dan's Blog

Dan sums up my thoughts so eloquently! The following is from Dan's blog:

"So that all happened last weekend: fast-forward to this weekend (the week flew by with writing and writing and more writing, but the details of that activity are by no means worth discussing). This weekend, a couple of friends who are living in Madrid came out to visit us in the quaint countryside, which gave us a rare opportunity to visit a lot of the archaeological sites that I haven't been able to visit and photograph properly since we got here. I am hoping that at least some of the pictures that I took will turn out to be useful, but more importantly, we managed to drag our visitors to nearly every monument in the city in just two days. This is promising news for our Salamantican friends, whose visit later this month will prove a VERY welcome break from my upcoming days of toil and tedium.

See, here in Mérida, and maybe in Spain more generally, they have this thing called a fiesta. Back in the new country, we think of a fiesta as a chance to get together with some of our friends and celebrate. But note that we think of it as a punctual event, which has a finite slot of time (or at least a beginning, with perhaps a more indefinite end in the not-too-distant future) in our busy schedules. Thus, a Friday fiesta will only on the rarest of occasions bleed over into a Sunday afternoon event. By contrast, life in Spain seems to be a single, never-ending fiesta. Sure, people do occasionally go to work in the morning, which interrupts the party for a while, but breakfast comes soon enough, and lasts long enough, to remind them what life's really all about. Just as the average person is getting settled back into the tasks of "work" after desayuno, the clock tower strikes 2 or 2:30 or 3, and off they all scoot to their homes. The lunch section of the fiesta is a pretty serious one (not that desayuno isn't a biologically-mandated necessity, it's just not as intense as lunch), lasting between 2 and 3 hours and including the consumption of large quantities of everything, occasionally followed by a time of rest and relaxtion often referred to as a "siesta" (which I suspect may in fact be a simple mispronunciation of "fiesta"). The lunch hours are often interrupted later in the afternoon by a return to work, but the afternoon work hours are only long enough, as a rule, to inspire a hunger and thirst that can only be quenched on the way home by a visit to a tapas joint. Once the reveler has again staved off immanent starvation, he or she heads for home, where, the hour being advanced beyond 9 pm, dinner is just beginning to materialize. Since it's still just a little too early to dine, perhaps the entire family gathers to roam the streets with the countless other party-goers of the city, window-shopping down the walking streets and spitting their sunflower shells (or tossing their chestnut shells, now that it's the season!) all over the ground. The luckier partiers will arrive in the Plaza de España at just the right time to score an open table at one of the four corner cafes, and will thus be able to kill another hour in anticipation of dinner - over drinks and salty snacks.

So that's life on an average day. But now imagine that you don't have to work at all on Saturday, because it's an official, calendar fiesta. Since that fiesta happens to fall on a Saturday, you naturally can't be expected to have to undergo the pain and suffering of a normal "work day" on Monday, can you? Of course not. Then, imagine that Wednesday is the official fiesta of your town's patron saint, say Santa Eulalia, for example. Why in the world would anyone show up for work on Tuesday, since they've already had Monday off? They wouldn't. So what you're looking at here is a five-day weekend. Not bad, right? That's what I thought, anyway. But as it turns out, I was wrong. You see, the standard work week is really just a series of interruptions that are imposed on the fiesta that comprises real life. So a five-day weekend is really just a return to what should be, whereas the normal two-day weekend is more reasonably a set of concessions designed to prevent the rest of the world discovering how life really ought to be lived."

60 and sunny

Yes, the sun has come out to show her beautiful face! I haven't seen her in awhile. It's been so drizzly here, but the clouds did warm it up to the 50s and now it's 60! Too bad it is the evening because now it will only get chillier.

I thought the rain would stop today, so I did another load of laundry. Well, I was wrong and had to hang them inside and our living room floor is now wet from the clothes and the humidity outside. So strange.

My studies are going slow today. It's taking me forever to read Physiology, but hopefully I can finish tonight because there is a Fulbrighter and her friend coming in from Madrid tomorrow to spend the weekend with us. It will be nice to have company, but not great that it's the weekend before finals. Hopefully I will get a lot done this evening so I'll be able to enjoy the weekend!

Prayer

I have never been able to discipline myself very well to pray consistently (whatever that means). I definitely do not have the gift of intercession, but I do have a passion within me to call on God, even if I don't do it consistently (that is the word of the day I guess). Singing is the best way for me to communicate with God, but many times there is a need to find a place without distractions (really hard for my undisciplined mind to stay focused) and pray for those I love and for those who drive me insane.

It's much easier to pray for my friends and family than for those who I don't care for (what a revalation! hee hee), but my prayer life has been struggling this week. I actually feel much freer from school, so maybe I don't feel the desperation that I did before. I never want to use God as my bag of magic tricks...call on Him only when I NEED something. I also don't want to get stuck in the same old prayers.

There is an amazing written out prayer, "A daily prayer for freedom"by John and Stasi Eldredge in their book "Captivating". I have to admit that it is very lengthy, but it's based on the scriptures and I find it amazing! It takes discipline to read each word and pray it with my heart and not just say the words to unconsciously pat myself on the back for a good job well done.

That brings me to another thought. Prayer can definitely be looked at as "accomplishing a Christian task" for the day. I never want to compare myself to what I think I should be doing. Of course I need to stay disciplined, but not live under guilt for not doing something. Guilt slips in so easily and that is not what God wants.

My discipline as of late has been to just be aware of God at all times. To consistantly (there's that word again) be aware of His presence; to know that He is always with me. I want to always abide in my refuge, the shelter of the most high God. There is such a comfort in knowing that God is always with me, and easier to talk to Him when He's just there.

Ps 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Ps 25:4-5 Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me...

Slowly but surely!

Yup, I can't believe it is almost over. I've gotten the hardest things done and now I have two exams left to complete! Yup, hard for me to think that exams are easier than papers, but I am unable to write well.

I'm going to the ladies meeting at church tonight. Dan and I both figure it's the only way I'll get full-on Spanish without relying on him to translate...so here I go to explore my compensatory skills (sign language--hee hee!). It doesn't feel as if I've learned anything in Spanish, but with the high school Spanish background, I've realized I understand a lot more than I did when we moved here. Getting past the accent, double L (ll is "j" not "y") and the lisp (I mean "th") was the first part, now I need to strengthen my vocab and skills in conjugating verbs!

online classes

People always said to me, "oh, I don't have enough discipline to take an online class." Well, these classes are a bit more structured than other ones since everything is due the same time as the in class people. There is one thing, I don't have to watch the lectures when they take place.

I handed in my two big papers and I usually get motivated when I don't have a lot of work hanging over my head. Well, I was tempted to "skip" class (my last one mind you) and do something else. Now really, what would I do? It's cold outside and Dan is working, so thankfully I put that laziness aside and am blogging while others are on a break. A four hour class is killer...but again...it's my last class until January!

back to reality

Yup, the weekend was a hit full of food and traveling. We had a great time with my in-laws! We ended up driving to a couple towns. Trujillo and Zafra.

Trujillo is this medieval town that would have been wonderful if it was warmer. We froze, but enjoyed a bocadillo.

I would love to go back to Zafra. It was a mix of all the centuries. Very beautiful, but again, cold and it was hard to walk around much with the freezing wind.

I had to work on my papers a bit while they were here, but yesterday I worked all day on them and they still aren't that great. I have a test tomorrow morning, so I will not be working much on them today.

Time for me to study. (I'm sick of writing that!) I'll be done on the 11th!

Thanksgiving 2008

It's Thanksgiving and it's the first one in a long time that we've spent with family. Dan's parents will be here in a few hours and look forward to having some good food and seeing them. Beth prepared an entire feast in Portugal and since it's only a 2.5 hour drive, they are bringing it all. Dan and I are making green bean casserole and cheesy potatoes, but with different ingredients. We'll see how it turns out later :)

I got the drafts done for my papers, but they are quite rough! I'll have to work on them while the in-laws are here a bit, but it is hard for me to read the drivel! OH well...it must get done and soon Christmas vacation will be here.

I was able to talk to my mom yesterday, which was nice, but it seems more lonely when I do talk with people. Usually Dan and I carry on with our day and time flies by, but when I hear from family or when his parents leave again, it will be terribly lonely for a few days. Thankfully Dan and I enjoy each other's company and just try to snuggle close and do things together, not just side-by-side.

I've been listening to podcasts from Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, MN. Greg Boyd is the pastor and a well known writer. I've been so moved by his teaching; he gives practical ways to incorporate Christianity into our lives. I highly recommend listening to him if you need a little extra something in your life. You won't be disappointed.

Well, it's time for me to turn up the Christmas music. Yup, I'm one of those. Love the classics!

God, thank You for Your ever present grace in my life. Thank You for opening my eyes to Your greatness and presence. May I love everyone that passes in my life. Teach me Your ways, that I may spread Your love to those that are in need. I don't have much to offer, but I know You do. Thank You for this day! I want to give you all the praise! Thank You Jesus!

Late Fall

I can't thank Dan enough for asking me to go for a walk yesterday to take pictures of the fall colors! It was 70 degrees and gorgeous! We walked a bit of the roman bridge and some of our running path. I was amazed at the array of trees: olive, poplar, evergreen, palm and I even have pictures of cacti. What a place!

My pictures turned out well and I was thankful for the break that we took from writing!

Today was hard for me to get motivated, but I finished the first draft of my 10 page paper. I will set it aside and start my 20 pager. I have no experience in writing paper after paper, do you think this is a good idea, or should I finish the first one? All I know is that the first one needs A LOT of revising and it could take awhile!

I have a stats exam on Wed and I wanted to get the first draft of my 20 pager done before Dan's parents get here on Thursday. Let's just say I need a lot of help! Thankfully I can try to keep perspective and tackle one thing at a time!

O What a Night...and Day!

Last night was wonderful! Our friends invited us and another couple to have an exquisite Galician feast! We had lots of hors 'douvres, and seafood, and wine! Big shrimp, and mussles, and clams and lots of my favorite seafood!! Pate and fruit and cheese, and salad. YUM!!! They have never disappointed our pallets.

We got home and 2am and I slept in a bit. I woke up with the sickness still in my lungs and was annoyed with the unrelenting coughing spells.

I've been working hard on my research and trying to prepare for two big papers that are due soon. Dan has been outside this morning and said there was a band concert in the plaza and suggested that we get cafe con leche and enjoy the music. I told him I had a lot to do, but that I agreed we should go enjoy. We did! It was a marvelous array of old familiar band classics (in which I do not know the name), Frank Sinatra, and the Beatles. I loved it and the SUN!!! Can't beat mid-60s in November!

Now it's time for work again. I have to stay diligent because of church tonight and tomorrow night. I haven't been to church is so long (because of being sick) and it's a weird thought when we were going 3-4 times a week.

One great thing: My legs are sore from our two treks across the bridge yesterday! Yeah for exercise!

Outside!!!

Wow, what a day! I was able to meet Dan for tapas at his favorite place. We decided to trek across the roman bridge to CarreFour and get groceries. We planned on taking the bus back, but Dan was ambitious and said he's carry all the groceries across the bridge in our new grocery (save the environment) sacks.

Anyway, our trip was extremely wonderful for me. I haven't been out except 2 short (5 min) trips, so walking without a jacket and getting sweaty because the sun was so intense felt amazing! On the way back home I couldn't believe Dan was carrying all the groceries, but I'm still sick so I didn't feel too badly.

In a short while we are trekking back across the bridge to our friends' home to have a wonderful meal and wine! The past 2 summers we were invited over and it has been some of the best food that I've ever had. Our plan was to have them over, but with their two kids, they said it was easier to have us over there. I felt badly...but they insisted! I'm just praying I don't cough up a lung on the table!

Wow, two big physical activities in one day. Hopefully this helps me and not hinders my health!

caught in the middle

Poor Dan. I decided that since I'm on day 7 of being sick with a cold, it would be a good idea to get some cough syrup. Dan and I walked to the pharmacy. I got outside!!!! It is gorgeous outside!!!! Warm! I wanted him to ask for cough medicine and the pharmacist wanted to get me an expectorant. I said I'd rather have a suppressant b/c my lungs are so sore from coughing and that nothing really comes up. Dan translating between the two of us made me feel terribly uncomfortable for him. He hates that situation.

Anyway, I got the suppressant like she said b/c otherwise I was going to get an infection and die...according to her. Probably will die, since I'm on day 7.

Well, I'm suppose to be taking a test now, but I guess I've decided to delay it a bit until my head stops swarming.

Wish I could report good news. Getting outside was wonderful, especially because it is sunny and quite warm (mid-60s).

Not as bad as I thought

Every time I think that a school week is going to be so difficult, it ends up not being to bad. I keep thanking God for His grace and mercy because if I look at all the work I have to complete on paper, it is overwhelming. Thankfully I've been able to focus on one thing at a time (for the most part) and accomplish each task.

I cannot exclude my husband's help! I had an "up to" 20 page paper to write and like I have said before, I am not a good writer. I was able to get my thoughts out, run through it and then he helped me put together a pretty good 14 page paper. I don't know what I'd do without him.

I keep wondering how people can write well. How will I be able to teach my kids (if I ever have any) when I can't write well in the first place. I guess it will be my duty in the next year (for myself and possible future kids) to learn to write decently. With all the future papers I'll have to write, I definitely get some practice!

Well, Dan went to church again without me. I'm just not feeling well enough. Two days in the house...who knows what I'll write tomorrow :)

Dan's 30th and I'm sick

Yup, yesterday was Dan's 30th birthday and my cold was sick with a cold. I felt miserable all day and only wanted Dan to have a nice day. We worked all day...boring, huh?

Thankfully we went out for tapas at lunch and then to a German bar (Bremen) for patatas fritas y bocadillos: ensalada de queso y chorizo y jamon.

It was an early night. We came home with a tub of ice cream and a tarta de helado, and went to bed at 10pm. Our friend called and said he was going to this certain place to meet friends and that we should celebrate Dan's b-day. Of course I said yes, even though my bed was just beginning to get warm.

We waited for 45 min for him to show up and then we stayed out till 1...which is not late here, but late for me. I was sick so sitting in the smoky bar made it feel as if I smoked a pack. Gross!

I had to leave.

Dan says that I have to get sick or hurt on his special occasions. I had my back injury on day of his master's thesis defense and I was sick on his 30th. He said I can't handle anyone else having attention :) cute! humph!

Cooped Up

So my rant yesterday was nothing more than mindless drivel. I was cooped up in the house for two days working hard on my studies. I just got done with a run and hot shower and feel much more alive. Staying in the house, especially for 2 going on 3 days straight was making me a little wacky and I was not thinking straight.

And...I think I'm just jealous of my amazing friends. They are all so talented and creative. They give the best presents while I give what seems to be a rock in a sack.

Sure, we are all plagued to some degree by consumerism, but thank God our needs are met and we are given extra bonuses to enjoy much more too!

I ran the first loop in under 12 min and walked the 2nd little loop. I think I picked up a chest cold and could barely breathe. Thankfully it's in the mid 60s and it's enjoyable to be in a t-shirt in the sun!

Tomorrow is a day to celebrate! Dan's 30th!

Consumerism

I'm always haunted by this concept of consumerism. I get annoyed with the way people talk about their possessions. I can't tell if this is because I never made a lot of money, or because I really am not good at dressing well, making a nice home, etc.

I was able to spend sometime with my in-laws who just got back from 4 months in Angola. I was hoping that they would be moving back to the states sometime, so they'd be around when we have kids. It looks as if they'll be moving to Angola, so there goes my plan. Anyway, my mom-in-law always talks about how she can't stand being back in the states with all the spending and greediness. I know she would never get used to it, but I notice that I get caught up in it a bit, but have never had enough money to really know how to spend.

Anyway, it's hard for her coming from a place where people are starving and kids are half naked to looking at people (not just Americans) spending every last penny, or money they don't have....to buy the next greatest thing. It seems as if people are advertising their possessions as well. Talking about how amazing this color is, versus this shirt, versus this car, versus this _______.

Don't get me wrong. Spending is good for the economy, but you can't disagree with me that it's kind of sickening when their are starving people all over the world. I'm not saying we all have to live in poverty. I'm just sitting here chilly, in front of my space heater, wishing I had more heat, warmer (and cuter) clothes, and possibly some good company to talk about this issue in my head.

:) I know very well that this isn't any new concept or idea. It has haunted me for years, but is back today...so I needed to express myself a bit. I'm pressed, but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed...Jesus, please manifest your life in my body. May I live for you alone. Teach me to love others, especially those that annoy me.

I have clothes to wear and have food to eat and have the most wonderful husband in the world. That's a good life and a good ending to this rant

yesterday's run

Well, Dan and I got out and ran yesterday evening. It was brisk, but nice for running. I decided to go slower and run farther, but I was dying. My first loop was 12:26. Then I ran the second small island in 6:39. I had so much garbage in my lungs, I felt that I couldn't breathe. Taking over a week off from running is not a good idea.

Today is sunny, so I feel as if I'm getting a bit more work done. I wish I was a paper writer. I have to say it is the one thing that I am terrible at. Going to grad school was probably not the smartest move for me, but I'm thankful for now that it will be over in a year.

Dan's 30th b-day is on Friday. I wish we could celebrate with people, but Spaniards don't seem to share their house with anyone but family. Maybe we'll get a cake and eat the whole thing. Possibly go out and enjoy a night on the town.

Anyway...back to my paper and studies

Portugal Vacation

Where to begin. Our bus ride to Portugal was uneventful. We arrived one hour earlier than expected because of the time change. We picked Dan's parents up at the airport the next day and had a lovely week with them. We ate at some wonderful restaurants and got my favorite pastry down in Lisbon.

I was shocked at the little amount of work I did. I made it to my classes and got my work done, but I barely did a thing. I was able to spend a good amount of time with my in-laws and that was very enjoyable.

They took us back to Spain and stayed for the weekend. It's chilly here, especially without central heating, but we got to walk around the city quite a bit.

Now the reality of school has set in. I am trying not to panic or get too excited about the two 20 page papers I have due in Financial Management. I have to call my brother today for an interview for one of the papers. I have two exams this week and a big one next week, let alone other papers.

Phil 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Noon, are you crazy?

Well, the weather has cooled down a little bit, so I thought running earlier today would be beneficial. We had daylight savings and were starving, but didn't want to get our lunch schedule off, so we decided to run. Yes, I ran the entire island in the hot sun despite it being quite beautiful.

The first loop was 12:30 min and the whole thing was a total of 28:45. Whoo hoo!

Now to write papers!

Restful weekend

Yes, the stress got to me on Saturday, but I knew everything would be fine and that I'd make it through, like I always do. Yesterday I got a couple assignments finished and rested. The Americans were still here, so they took us out to a nice lunch at a restaurant that I've wanted to go to for a long time. The sun was shining and it was just overall pleasant.

Dan and I walked a lot, just to enjoy the sunshine. I even took a mid-day nap, very
Spanish of me, which was thoroughly enjoyed!

Church was quite amazing. We showed up and it was standing room only. We found seats, but were surprised by the shortened worship time. We then experienced and amazing cultural experience with the gypsies. The pastor and a visiting pastor from Barcelona (who preached Saturday evening) were combining their families. The Barcelona pastor's son asked for our pastor's daughter's hand in marriage. It was quite amazing.

I still don't know how the whole culture works. I know arranged marriages are still done, but I don't know if the pastor's daughter was happy, indifferent, or what. It was quite an experience to watch and be apart of and I can't wait to learn more about the culture.

Anyway, I have to get myself to write some papers! No more tears!

The Whole Island!

Well, today I decided that I'd run for 30 minutes at a slower speed and just see where it took me. Dan ran with me, speeding around many loops to get the energy out of him. The funny thing is that it took 30 minutes to run the entire island slowly! I was shocked.

The worst part of running slowly is that it seems harder on my knees because I'm taking shorter strides. I did have a lot of energy at the end, so next time I know where to speed up.

You may be wondering what it took me to run the first loop slowly that I always wanted to get under 12 min. It only took 13 min. I can handle that!

As for the week, I made it through finals and was quite excited for the weekend to get caught up on my reading. I have two papers to write still and a lot of financial management work. I was reduced to tears again for that class. I am not understanding the material and then to write a 20 page papers is so overwhelming, I just was beside myself. Luckily, Dan forced me out of the house to run and I feel so much better!

There is a wine festival going on in Mérida to promote local vineyards. You can get tinto for 1.50 euros and get a stamp. After three stamps you get a prize. I'm hoping for an umbrella so we are ready for winter :)

It's a Beautiful Day

I am reminded of U2's song "beautiful day" because it is a beautiful day in Mérida! I just got back from running. Again, I kept the first loop under 12 minutes )11:42, walked a minute and then ran to the Lusitania and back in 5:35. All in all, 18.5 minutes. I feel good!! It was so sunny with a wonderful breeze to keep me pretty comfortable.

The other part of my good day is that I'm done with midterms! Now I must work hard to catch up on all my reading and work to get ahead before we go to Portugal.

While I was stressing about school today, Dan took the mission team around the city and was their personal tour guide. He enjoyed it until they had lunch and he ordered stomach in tomato sauce, even though he specifically asked the guy what it was. He isn't feel that well. I wanted to go to the sushi house that is going out of business tonight to celebrate the end of finals week. I'm not sure if I can convince him to go eat old fish after eating stomach.

Suppose to Run

Today was suppose to be a running day, but it was quite rainy and cold. I had my physiology midterm and ACED it!!! I was so happy. It was so difficult and I was terrified and ended up doing well! Thank God! His grace is sufficient for all that I lack. I can study, exercise, have fellowship, and rejoice because of His mercy and grace! I can accomplish all things through Him who strengthens me!

Well, I was about to go for a run until a missionary to Spain called Dan. There is a team here from California working with a small church plant. Dan and I first had to go to bus station to get our bus tickets to Portugal on the 30, and then we met up with the team. Whoa...over an hour of walking!!!! It was great!

Tomorrow is the other big midterm...assessment! It's only 8:30 and I'm exhausted, so I should get a good night's sleep and be rested for tomorrow!

In really good news: my Brazilian sister-in-law in reunited with her husband in Washington DC! I am so happy for them! They were married last December, saw each other in March, and can now BE together forever!

My brother's 40th

Well, yesterday was my brother's 40th b-day. I was thrilled to have caught him at home when I called. It's hard to catch people with a 7 hr difference from here to Wisconsin.

The church is really surprising me with their passion for scripture. When we first started going, no one ever quoted the Bible, but now there is a new passion to read from it, quote it, and they just started a class to teach it (only for youth).

It was good to walk yesterday, but even better to run. Reliant K and Switchfoot got me around the first loop in 11 min 38 sec!!!! I walked a minute (I have to stop doing this) and then I ran the second loop in 5:30!!! Whoo hoo!

I wish this took away the exams that I have this week! As for studying, it's going slowly, so I should end this.

Hilarity of Spain

Yes, Spain is a different place. It's a much more relaxed environment than my preferred, Northern European/American ways. So, you all know that I have a terribly busy week ahead and was quite flustered about all my exams, reading, assignments, papers, etc.

Well, Dan and I have to get these residency card to stay in the country because our visa is only for 90 days. Who knows why, because you don't need a visa if you're staying less than 90 days, and you need a residency card if longer than....well...you get my drift.

So, we get to the police station before 9am. Spaniards tend to be on the late side, but we got in around 9ish and waited for the people to get our forms together. We were then given a bill for the cards, but it had to be paid "at a bank". We go to our bank, expecting long lines, and they processed Dan's but my number was wrong. We walk back across town (this helped me get my exercise in for the day) and butted in line to get the right number. We go back to a closer bank and they don't process codes that begin with a 'Y'...of course mine started with 'Y'. Well, we go to another bank and wait and wait and wait. I was getting so nervous that Dan sent me home to get work. I was sweating as I got my stats book and ran back to the police station, where I was questioned by the police. Oh no...my spanish is horrendous. Here I am trying to say that my husband is in there waiting for me. He let me pass, kept an eye on me, and Dan wasn't there. I tried to read. Dan came and there was no line!!! The police officer was much calmer, we got the bills submitted and then found out we can get our cards for another 40-45 days. What????!!!!

So it was 3 weeks ago that we applied for these cards. You have to wait for the application to go through, then pay the bill, then wait for processing! Ha! I love it here!

So...no real exercising yesterday, but I worked up quite a sweat with worrying and running all over town. Good thing I don't have a car.

Today, Dan and I ran this morning for 18 min 30 sec. My first loop was under 12 min again! Oh, it was so windy and a bit chilly. My lungs are still a bit hoarse from gasping for air. I still feel so out of shape.

Good news: I am getting my work done! Soon I will only have the big exams to study for.

Hot and Windy

First I have to say it was great to get out of the house and run. Unfortunately I chose 5pm, the hottest and windiest part of the day. It was so hot and windy that I thought I was going to collapse.

I am proud to say I broke another record for my 1.3 miles: 11 min, 45 sec!!!! I then walked for 1:09 and then ran to the Lusitania bridge and back in 5:34! I ran only 17 min, but it was a hard one with the wind and heat.

I have to say that I'm quite concerned about this weekend and next week. I have an exam in Physiology and in Assessment. I have a quiz in Stats and a homework that I don't have a program in which to do the homework at home. I have an assignment in Financial Management and in Assessment, not to mention the reading that must be done. Needless to say, I am quite overwhelmed!

I promised myself I'd take it a day at a time. Really, when I compare myself to my other classmates, they all have jobs and kids and teaching responsibilities, etc. I have nothing going on and I am stressed.

Matthew 6:27,31,33-34 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Therefore do not be anxious...But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Psalm 46:1,10-11 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

11:55

Well, the good news is that I ran the first loop (1.3 miles) in 11 min, 55 sec. I wanted to get under 12 min and there I did it :)...barely. I planned to run to the Lusitania bridge like I did yesterday, but my stomach cramped up so badly on the first loop, I was forced to walk to Lusitania (5:15), and then I ran back to the Roman bridge (2:36). Total time: 19:30, total running: 14:15.

Tonight is church across the Roman bridge which is one mile there and back, so I'll get another outing before my full day indoors tomorrow.

Google Earth Experiment

Here is me experimenting with Google Earth. This is my running path from Start/End and follow the numbers.

I just finished running 23 minutes. I ran the first loop of the island (1.3 miles) in 12:25. I felt that I was running quicker than normal, but I guess not. I'd like to get it under 12 someday soon. Other than that, I usually cop out and walk, and I'm proud to say that I made it to the Lusitania bridge.

Salamanca

We got to travel to Salamanca for the weekend! It was a wonderful city and our new found friends are just a joy to hang out with. They showed us around the medieval city and I got lots of pictures.

Fortunately our friends are runners, so we went Saturday and ran for 20 mins. Over the whole weekend, Dan and I did a ton of walking with site seeing, walking to and from the bus station in Mérida and in Salamanca.

Even though I was sick last week, the weekend made up for my lack of exercise! I'm looking forward to a nice run this evening!

Feeling better!

I guess I had one of those 24-48 hour things. I just felt like crap yesterday and today I am almost 100%. I have class most of the day and have a big exam either tonight or in the morning (whenever I choose to take it), so I will not run again today.

Church is going well. Almost 100% of the people do not know the Bible and the only church that they have is worshiping with music. Some people are interested in learning more and I'm hoping that they will incorporate more of the word into the service and not just depend on emotions to "move" them. I'm surprised I haven't gotten to cynical. I actually really love the people and their hearts are in the right place, they just need some guidance.

Pray for Dan and me and our ministry that would be here in Spain. We are definitely being ministered to and would like to give back. We know we are here for a purpose and would like to find that!

sunday

This past Sunday Dan ran around the entire island in 22 min.

ran for 12:25 my 1.3 miles
walked 1:08
ran 3:02
walked 2:32
ran 3:06

So my running total was 18 min, 30 sec. That's pretty good for me.

Yesterday I needed a break, so we didn't run. We did walk to Carrefour and back with our groceries. We usually take the bus back, but we were adventurous.

Today I am under the weather. My tonsils are swollen and my lymph nodes in my neck are swollen. I'm taking it easy again and trying to stay motivated to study for my exam. Good thing it's cloudy and possibly raining. I have all the excuses not to run :)

Exercise Blog

I have a class, Health Behavior and Health Education, which is about teaching patients and being role-models and using many different theories to do that teaching. We are to look at our self first and come up with a plan to become more healthy based on a health assessment. My assessment said to cut out fat and continue with my exercise program. Now, I've been running with Dan, but I thought that would stop as soon as classes started.

I'm happy to say I haven't stopped! I have signed a contract to say I would run and walk a certain amount and one way to keep me motivated is to blog about it.

So I can say that I started running on September 19!!!

Sept 19--ran 1.3 miles
Sept 20--ran 1.3 miles
Sept 21--ran 1.3 miles
Sept 22--ran 1.3 miles
Sept 24--ran 1.3 miles
Sept 25--ran 1.3 miles
Sept 28--ran 1.5 miles

Oct 03--ran 1.8 miles
Oct 04--ran 2.0 miles (I ran my 1.3 in approx 13 min)

Now, the days that I didn't run, I had to be outside and walking for 30 min and I am proud to say that I think there was only one day that I didn't get out and walk. I am feeling a lot better, but I still get these pains in my upper neck and right shoulder when I run too fast. The side aches get me everytime, but my legs aren't as sore, so I've been pushing myself a bit farther.

I have a timer on my ipod that I'm going to start taking out. You'll see that I'm not a runner, but I will hopefully track my progress.

Reduced to Tears

School has been tough. Having the 6 hour delay is a bit challenging because professors don't post things until later their time, so I don't get things until the next day which seems to put me a day behind. I have lots of reading and more reading on top of that.

This weekend I was trying to do my Financial Management homework. The assignments are so difficult and I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know what the terms are or how anything functions. I read but it doesn't make sense. I was overwhelmed with everything and actually cried. Silliness.

That evening, I found out that I didn't get the government scholarship that would have paid for all of school and gives a $1000 monthly stipend for a commitment of 2 yrs of service to a hospital in need. I was disappointed and asked Dan if that was a sign from God that I could quit school :) He of course answered, "NO!"

As for everything else, I'm still running. Exercise is always the first thing to go when I get in school. I feel guilty if I'm not studying, but Dan has kept me motivated and I feel better overall. I pushed myself yesterday and ran farther. Someday I will get around that entire island!!!

First Day of School

I am usually all nervous on the first day of classes, but not today. Dan and I got up early and went for a run (it's my new thing to do with him). We walk to the Roman bridge, run around part of the island and then walk briskly about 3 miles in total. I realize, running before breakfast doesn't take away the cramps away that I get when there's food in my stomach. I guess I can't win.

Here is the map of the city. Our house is pointed out. We live right by the Roman Bridge and we run around the island in the river.


View Larger Map

Anyway, today is my first day of online classes. I'm a bit nervous, but I think it will work out well. I only have classes on Weds and Thurs, but two are at night, so for me they are from midnight to 3am. I won't be able to do those until the next day.

I still have to catch up on reading for today. Some of the classes have 5 chapters a week. I'm in 5 classes, so the reading is going to slow me down a lot. It seems like a lot of writing. My physiology class will have an exam on 10 chapter every other week...man I hate quarters :)

Well, off to start my reading and prepare for class.

My first Spanish meal

A couple of days ago I was looking up Spanish recipes so I could cook with ingredients here and have people over for a Spanish meal. I found a recipe for Lomo con Chorizo. It was awesome! I was really happy with how it turned out!

We made it to church last night and will go again tonight. There was a sermon from the pastor's daughter which was good. After the service, the pastor approached Dan and asked him if we'd like to get up and talk tomorrow, but Dan declined. I think he was a bit shocked. I'm not sure what a melancholy personality would do in this church :)

It rained for the first time since our stay. It was kind of refreshing. The weather has been beautiful.

Dan and I are now running almost everyday. I've never been a runner (except for one season as a chunky hurdler in 10th grade). My first run started out going against the wind. That was so hard. I was almost in tears. The next day was much easier, but my quads hurt a lot. Speaking of running...I should get out there now!

Time is flying

You would think that since I don't have much going on at the moment, that time would be dragging on. That is not the case. I find that I'm getting a bit nervous for school to start on the 24th.

We have our internet hooked up, so you can reach me at skype.com. I can now relax, knowing that I have internet for my online courses.

Nothing too new to report. We are settling in well. We have bought a lot of necessities for cooking/living at the Chinese shops in town. They have the best prices and I don't feel like I have to live without certain things, like a frying pan.

Dan made Spanish tortillas for lunch yesterday. They are our favorite and he did a great job! We've been enjoying all this time together now that we have it before the busy-ness kicks in.

We are hoping to visit relative in Milan, Italy and also visit other Fulbrighters all over Spain. Christmas is up in the air, but many people said they'd like to visit, but we'll see.

Church

Oh my, what a day. A couple of years ago, Dan and I were walking along the roman bridge and heard music that we recognized. The building was unmarked, but we knew it was a church.

Last year, we tried to visit, but were busy or not near enough.

This year, the building is still unmarked, but we heard a familiar tune playing last night. Today we woke up bright and early to attend. It took 5 trips and eventually it started. Wow!

It was like being at a Gypsy Kings concert. The music was beautiful and Dan and I obviously didn't have much rhythm.

The other highlights were getting telepizza and buying odds and ends from the Chinese store.

Madrid

Wow, Madrid was amazing! Dan and I didn't get to tour very much, but what we did see was amazing! The buildings and layout reminded me a lot of Paris. It was quite noisy. The Spaniards never sleep and that is why I'm exhausted. We had a 5 hour bus ride back to Mérida last night which wasn't too bad. It feels great to come back "home".

In Madrid, Dan had a lot of conferences. We met most of the Fulbrighters. There was a great couple our age who were on their way to Salamonca. We were able to hang out with them quite a bit and it was pretty awesome! I feel as if we are all kindred spirits. I hope we'll be able to visit them or that they'll visit us soon.

Now that Dan and I are back, we walked all over Mérida for a printer. No luck. We'll have to go to CarreFour later today or tomorrow.

We got our first piece of mail today stating that we missed a package (probably text books) and we won't be able to pick it up until Monday. Hopefully the internet will be hooked up then too.

lazy Sunday

Dan and I have finally been able to relax a little now that we have a place to live. We still need some gas tanks to make food and have warm showers, but the place is great! The festivities are ending, but we´ll be in Madrid for a week, so we´ll get the gas when we come back home.

I was nervous about our internet not being hooked up until the 30th, but the library has free wifi (wee fee)!!! That takes a lot of worries away.

We will take the bus to Madrid tomorrow and return on Friday. I'm excited to see a known city!

A flat in Spain

Wed Sept 3:
Dan and I tried to get money out of 3 different ATMs and it wouldn't work. I was in panic mode, but our friend lent us 80 euros. We arrived in Spain by bus and were able to get money from the ATMs!
We took a taxi to our favorite hostel, but it was full because Mérida is in ferias. We then went to our least favorite hostel, but the cheapest. It was beastly hot, but it worked for 2 nights.
Dan called multiple property owners and scheduled apartment viewings. He was excited about a place near the Plaza de España. He said that would be the place.

Thur Sept 4:
We spent the day looking for apartments. I liked a lot of the places, but the locations were not ideal. Our legs were crying out in pain by the last visit. Dan swore we would sign on the last place. I said, "How do you know it will be so great?"
Now in Mérida, no one speaks English. We were looking at the place and I asked Dan if one of the windows opened. The lady answered me in English. I was shocked. We found out that she speaks English and her husband is Australian. They are both English teachers in Mérida. We began speaking in English and after a café, we signed the lease!
We wandered around the feria. It was just like the Marshfield fair but a little bigger. Very fun!

Fri Sept 5:
We moved in the morning and trekked all the way to CarreFour (Wal-Mart equivalent). Our legs were in pain from the days before. We were going to get a taxi, but we thought we'd be able to carry everything. Uggghhh. It was hot and the stuff was heavy...carrying it over the roman bridge.
It was our first evening in our new flat. The fireworks banged for the last day of the ferias.

Today:
Dan and I bought some necessities from the Chinese stores. Everything is quite cheap! I was disappointed that I skimped on the sheets. Ouch...they're scratchy.
I had to finish up an assignment for my nursing class this summer. I was a stressed about it's quality, but hopefully it will be sufficient.
We will head to Madrid on Monday for the week. I'm excited to see an actual known city in Spain!

Otro Cosas:
Signing up for internet was a process. It will not be connected until Sept 30th. Ughh, my classes started on the 24th. Dan and I laughed at this offer, "The first month is free if you don't use the service for 30 days!"

Portugal First

Sunday we finished up packing and headed to the Central Wisconsin Fair in Marshfield. I enjoyed it very much. I ate fried cheese curds, fried mushrooms, and mouse ears.

I took my 57 year old mother on The Zipper which was cruel and unusual punishment. I was so sentimental about it at first because she was the first one to ride with me when I was around 12 or 13 years old. I think we both vowed to never go on it again.

Dan and I rode a circling umbrella ride which was quite dizzying and then the Farris Wheel. The last ride my mom, dad, Dan and I rode was the Spider. Dan said he'd get sick, but I thought he was just not wanting to go on it. About halfway through the ride, he stopped talking and got really sick. We stopped (after a really long ride) and he was soaked in sweat. I can't believe he didn't puke, but he was pale for quite awhile...until he got ice cream :) Poor Dan.

5am: Off to Minneapolis airport with my mom and dad. We read online that they were going to charge for our checked luggage ($15 for the first piece and $25 for the second). That would be $80 together plus another $50 for our one bag that is over 50lbs. They didn't charge the checked luggage, so we were more than happy to pay the $50 overage.

Philly: What a stupid airport! We had to walk outside to the furthest terminal with all our carry-on luggage (we had a lot because of the 9 month stay).

Atlantic Flight: Dan had a 2 year old ninja (AKA: seat kicker) behind him. He managed to get a bit of sleep after the 8 year old (sitting in the seat a head of him) spilled apple juice and got his feet wet. Poor Dan! (there is a trend here).

London: uneventful. Aimless wandering.

Portugal: good friends, good food, nap!

We're off to Spain tomorrow. We're hoping to not have to pay too much for all our luggage.

Almost Packed

Packing 9 months into 2 suitcases is quite difficult. I am having a trying time getting everything to fit right and to keep the bag under 50 lbs. Dan and I have settled on paying the overage for going over 50 lbs.

I'm getting nervous. I'm glad that we'll have it all done tomorrow and be ready to leave at 5am on Monday morning.

I've been able to see a lot of my family and a few friends, so that has been a highlight. Spending time in my hometown and with my parents has always been quite relaxing.

I'm off to relax a bit.

Hometown girl

We have been in my hometown since Wednesday and I'm so happy to be "home". Marshfield is a very relaxing city. It's small, people are friendly, and I am quite comfortable here.

I have been trying to get everything ready for school and Spain. We have a lot of packing and choosing what to take, left to do.

I recently got an iPod Touch and cannot access the iTunes store from iTunes. Now I can't get some features of my iPod to work. I am so new to all this. I hate spending money, but I had graduation money, so I bought the iPod, but it's not working as smoothly as I had hoped.

At least I'm in a relaxing atmosphere to get annoyed :)

Alicia Osland RN, BSN

Yesterday Dan and I spent the entire day packing and moving. It was not fun. Every time we move, I realize how much I remember hating to move and despise it even more. Unfortunately I couldn't stop thinking about my results and would check every hour to see if I passed my boards. Finally my friend called and said congratulations! I was so excited!

I passed!

The day ended at a local pub with 25 friends. My 29th birthday, passing my boards, and our going-away party was a great celebration!

no results

I didn't get the results of my exam on Friday. Dan and I moved most of the day and I kept checking. We had dinner at our pastor's house and that was enjoyable.

My friends and I all went out for sushi and hibachi food Saturday night and it was so relaxing and enjoyable! Actually I started my first master's class and had a headache the entire day. I drank lots of Coke and took Excedrin and was fine for sushi!

Today I finished my class (it was only 2 days). I enjoyed it so much. It was "novice nurse educator institute" and I was the only student who wasn't a faculty person. They all had lots of experience in nursing and teaching and I gave the student's perspective (which they all actually appreciated). I learned so much but was a bit intimidated! I have no experience and no knowledge of a lot of this stuff. It was amazing though!

While I was taking my class this weekend, Dan packed and moved almost our entire apartment to the storage place. I was so shocked, amazed and thankful! He never asked for help though and I wish he would have. We have plenty of friends who would have offered their services...maybe :)

I hope to get my NCLEX results tomorrow. If not, I will pay the $8 to get them.

Finished!

First of all, if you were praying for me, thank you very much! I have finished my boards!

I only had 75 questions (the minimum amount) and it took me an hour (out of the 6). The 75 questions part is a good sign, but the test makes me doubt that I passed. It was almost so basic that I found it quite hard. I kept thinking, "once they ask the harder questions, I can get some right" but that never happened. Ughh! Silliness.

I hope to find out tomorrow or on Monday. Until then, I am happy that I am done! I hope my stomach heals itself and that packing and moving will go smoothly.

Boards and Masters

Well, the big day is tomorrow! I will take my boards in Dayton at 8am, so that means Dan and I will be getting up around 5:30 to get ready and drive up there. I am not that nervous for some reason. I need to brush up on some basics, but otherwise, I am ready!

In other news, some of the professors that I have for class this fall were not responding back to my emails about what books I should buy for class. I talked to the head of my program and she talked to all of them and I got my books! Also, one of the profs questioned her about a clinical component of the class. She asked if I would be back for Christmas so I can make up this clinical. I informed her that I would not be back until June. She also asked about me doing a clinical in Mérida, but no one speaks English and my Spanish is so elementary. I don't even know if they have master's prepared nurses.

Well, nothing goes smoothly as I would like, but I am fine. My worrying days are over...hopefully for a long time! I will get this test out of the way and enjoy the time with my family and settling down in Spain!

Now to brush up on some labs...

Who am I?

Asking people to pray for me about a test has always been hard for me. There are people who are starving, lost, having marital problems, missionaries...anything seems more important than an exam.

When the Lord answered prayer last Monday, the only thing that came to mind was, "Who am I?" Casting Crowns has the perfect song for this:

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Bridge:
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am yours.
I am yours.

Then I was reminded of a sermon that I recently heard about David. Nathan tells David about the covenant that God wants to make with him about his family being blessed and his son building the temple and so on. Anyway...David responds like this:

2 Sam 7:18-19
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD?

So, all this to sum up that God cares! Even the smallest thing that may not seem important in the big picture...He cares about you! I cannot wait to see what great things He holds in our future!

New Glasses

Dan and I got new glasses the a couple days ago. We went to Wal-Mart to check them out, but I was not impressed with the prices. We looked for "deals" online, and found that Lens Crafters had a buy the frame (>$170), get the lens free. Well, they do not tell you that nothing is included and it was outrageous in price. We went back to Wal-Mart and were very impressed with the prices :) Everything was included on the lens, so I am quite happy.

The Lord is always GOOD

So if you have been reading my past posts, you could tell that I was getting quite depressed about not getting my ATT#.

I was finally fed up and asked everyone in my life who was close to me to pray for a miracle. My mother-in-law (who is in Angola right now) had the day off, so she prayed. My friends took time out of their busy schedules to pray.

One lady at church works with a Senator and had his intern call the OBN and I got my ATT# TODAY! Can you believe it? Praise God!

Everyone pulled for me and the Lord was always for me, I just had to wait. How amazing!!

I take my exam on Aug 14th at 8am in Dayton! Now the real stress...ha!

Sad

I wish I could write only happy things, but I just don't have that many happy feelings. I am always studying and worrying about my NCLEX exam.

My friend had a lot of trouble with her background check. She found that it didn't even get sent, but that was the day I got through to the Ohio Board of Nursing and found that they had all my stuff and were going to change my application from LPN to RN. My friend got her ATT# today with a test date of Aug 29th. Now maybe she picked a later date, but that is way too late for me. I want to take it around the 14th, but I don't even have permission to schedule.

A month of this garbage has been so trying on my body. My stomach is constantly sick. Nausea and dizziness is not helping me studying.

I guess in good news, I've been able to see some good friends and say my goodbyes. I also was given permission to take my first graduate class this summer (it's only 2 days).

Please pray for peace in my life. This is becoming long and wearisome. It does not matter how much I rationalize everything, I'm tired.

Visa Ready

Dan said that he got an email that says my Spanish Visa is ready! We will stop in Chicago and pick it up on our way to Mfld in August. I'm glad I'll be able to go with my husband to live in Spain!

Dan got tickets to the Cincinnati Master's Tennis Tournament Final (which was suppose to be Nadal and Federer), but Federer lost today. He has 3 tickets to sell and I think it will be harder for him to sell them now that Federer is out.

We bought glasses today. I can't remember the last time I wore glasses. Lens Crafters is a terrible place (or maybe it was just the snobby place that we were at today). There were fees for everything. Walmart did the job again! I know people hate Walmart but if you're poor, it's the place to buy your daily living supplies.

Studying is going well.

LPN--RN Status

I am not an applicant for both RN and LPN. That is fine! I finally talked to a REAL person by going through a different department. They have all my stuff and it will probably take a week or so to get my ATT#.

Dan quited my nerves a bit by saying we could drive a 100 miles and stay at a hotel to get a closer testing date. I've never been to Lexington, Louisville or other places, so we'll see.

The nursing scholarship is still pending. It would be quite a blessing to get it.

No progress on packing. Half our stuff is in boxes and the other half is collecting dust. Studying is my priority. I have 20 chapters left of my 69 chapter book!

Speaking of...I should get back to it!

LPN

I am finally in the system of the Ohio Board of Nursing, but as an LPN instead of an RN. This is not good! I have tried to contact them, but it is impossible to get through. Can I ever win?

I know I cannot get through this life alone. I have an amazing God who is in control and a wonderful family who supports me despite my stress. My friends can make me laugh and console me during this time as well, so things are going well.

I have 10 days (30 chapters) left in my NCLEX study book. I hope to finish the first week of August.

Nothing has changed

Nothing has changed since my last post except having some relaxation in northern Minnesota. We were at the annual Cummings gathering (Dan's mom's side) and it was quite enjoyable. Dan and I said our good-byes and came back to Minneapolis last night.

We saw Batman...The Dark Night last night and it was very good. I was so disturbed that Heath Ledger is really dead and that was his last role. It was so creepy!

Today we are having lunch with Dan's grandmother and then seeing my best friend from 3rd grade!

Tomorrow we return to the chaos of still not having an ATT#, studying for boards and packing our things to put in storage.

Until tomorrow, I will enjoy my day today!

Short & Sweet...and stressed

I am feeling the stress of everything at the moment. I still have no "Authorization To Test" (ATT#) for setting a date for NCLEX (nursing boards). Dan and I are packing for our trip to MN, for Spain, Goodwill, and for our storage locker. It is refreshing to throw so much out, and yet frustrating to know what to bring to Spain.

I feel deep breaths coming...

School is another matter. I am trying to contact my professors about my situation, but they are slow to respond and unable to help me. I hope that they are lenient with me being in another country. It is an online program, but I can see some problems arising already.

I still have not heard about the amazing government scholarship. They would pay for all of grad school plus a thousand dollar monthly stipend all for 2 years of service after my completion. Dan and I have always had our financial obligations met and this would be a great blessing, but if not, we will be taken care of by some other means.

Well...I said I would keep this short. I am off to pack and prepare for my last day of work tomorrow morning. No more getting up at 4am!!!!

We are off to MN tomorrow!

100 questions

I was so thankful to have a nice weekend with Marah and Matt. We saw the Reds play and a fireworks show after that, played some guitar hero, got Skyline chili, Graters ice cream, Steak n' Shake, and also went up to enjoy the view in Mount Adams.

Now I'm back to studying. I am aiming for 3 chapters of review and 100-300 questions a day. This is difficult with only a month left to study and having trips planned throughout the month.

I have been working at the hospital some mornings, but will stop on July 17.

I am "patiently" waiting for my permission from Ohio to set a test date. I am a bit nervous that I haven't heard from them, but then again, it's a government thing. I guess I'm destined to be nervous or worried at all times.

July 2nd

I'm very excited that my friends, Marah and her boyfriend Matt, are coming to visit here in Cincinnati. They live in St. Paul, MN (where Dan and I got married) and it is quite a long drive. We plan to go to a Reds baseball game and then we'll do whatever comes our way for a 4th of July weekend.

I have sure been busy even though it seems like I have nothing to do. I've work the past two days (yeah...getting up at 4am to draw blood at 5am), which throws my whole day off. I try to study for NCLEX, but I keep falling asleep (5 naps a day is not good!). It was suggested during our review to practice 100 questions a day. I have a month to do this, but with friends visiting and going to MN in a few weeks, I will be freaking out at the beginning of August when I have to take my boards. A month will go by too quickly!

Besides studying, I've had to deal with so much red tape concerning getting registered for a class that I'm taking this summer. I'm trying to deal with all the profs for the entire year (yeah 3 quarters) to get all the books before I leave for Spain. Yeah right! They don't have anything planned. Cleaning, thinking about packing for Spain, man...I can worry myself to death. It wouldn't be a normal Alicia if I wasn't worrying about something.

Web Cam

I just got a web cam so I can stay in touch with family and friends while in Spain! It has some silly features that I had to play around with. Here are some "GREAT" photos for your enjoyment!



Also, I took the GRE this morning. I am so glad to be done and I got a score that I was hoping for. Unfortunately I woke up with the worst stiff neck. It hurt throughout the exam and is now moving into my other shoulder. Hopefully it will be gone by this evening!

Notary

Notarizing things is a pain in the butt. I had to get my nursing boards application notarized and get a money order. The government sure puts a lot of red tape into an easy process.

Anyway, it was quite a challenge getting the notary. The first couple of places (banks) didn't even have a notary there. Then I went to one bank and I had accidentally signed it beforehand (I know...not very smart of me). I pleaded, even asking if I could sign again or anything. She said that would be breaking the law. Then I went to my other bank, which happens to be right next door to the other. The woman was completely pleasant and she had me resign and she notarized it.

Now, if I was smarter, I would have noticed that I needed a money order. I ran home to place my app in the mail and realized they didn't take personal checks. BOOOO!

Now for good news:
1.
I'm a part of a market research team and I get paid $50 for my time to smell things and use free products and get interviewed. This time I smelled some fragrances and answered a questionnaire in 30 min and got $50. I need that since I'm going to take a summer class that will probably cost me $1000.

2.
I met with my prof concerning my master's degree and she had to shuffle classes around and I will graduate in Dec '09. It was a miracle b/c there is a set schedule, but it so happened that some classes were offered certain quarters, so she worked with me to make it happen! I'm quite excited!

Now for the GRE on Saturday and NCLEX (boards) in early August!

Our Visas

Dan and I went to St. Louis for his high school reunion. Even though he went to high school in Portugal, the person that set up the reunion lives in St. Louis. It was my first time there and I really enjoyed the city. It is very beautiful but extremely dead. The architecture is beautiful, but there was no one in the city.

I met Dan's classmates and they were all very kind. It was a great pleasure to put faces with the stories that I had heard and meet some wonderful people.

On our way out of St. Louis, we were able to stop and my aunt and uncle's place. They are a fantastic family with 6 kids. They are going to be living in Italy this year, so we are hoping to meet up with them this fall! They cooked dinner for us and we had a lovely time chatting about living in Europe and creating blogs. I'm sure their's will be much more up-beat :)

We went to Chicago after our MO trip. Monday we learned how to play "Rock Band" drums, guitar and sing. I had such a fun time. I might have to get that game someday...along with Mario Galaxy, Mario Kart, Mario Striker...

On Tuesday we had an interview at the Spanish Consulate at noon. We were 2 hours early and they let us in after a short wait. I was impressed that it went so quickly. They took all our paperwork and said they'd contact us when it's ready. Unfortunately, we are dealing with southern Europe. We have to go back to Chicago to pick up the visas in 5-6 weeks. That's a lot of traveling, but it is always great to see our great friend, GRANT! He is always quite hospitable and we enjoy hanging out with him.

Today we got back to Cincinnati. I have to study for the GRE, so I ran through a practice test. I'm not impressed with my scores, but they should be sufficient.

Dan is off to play soccer, so I'll go back to studying for a bit.

Chillin' Out!

So, y'all have to forgive me for the previous posts. I was in an emotional state (when am I not?) and I wrote down everything that I was feeling. Now I will be a bit better. I'm not guaranteeing that the content will be interesting, but I am opening up to the public.

I hope to capture the summer:

GRE
NCLEX
packing for Spain

and then eventually:
Spain

I wish I was quippy! I know that isn't a word. How about witty?

Spanish Visa

The last thing I thought would happen after graduation is more stress. Today I met with the Student Health Insurance ppl. They were nice, but couldn't help me do a thing.

I had my travel physical and the NP was very kind. She didn't do anything really. She'll write me a letter for the visa.

The Meds Pub NCLEX review is going on now. Two days done, two to go. It's been a bit boring. I was hoping for more content, but she just goes over questions. I LOVE studying!

As for the GRE, I'm getting nervous even though I don't have to get a great score. I wish that I didn't have to take it, but it will be great when it's over.

As for now, I'm going to finish the math studying. The essays are what I'm scared of.

I'm a Nurse!

I am done! I was finished with my last final at noon on Tuesday. I was so happy to have completed the year with 3 A's. Dan and I celebrated by going out to lunch with Bob and Juanita Prugh. They are a loving couple at our church and I was so thankful to spend the afternoon with them!

This week has been a bit lazy. I have been trying to get the rest of my paperwork in for UC grad school. I also registered for the NCLEX (can't set a date yet) and organized stuff for the GRE. I should be studying, but I find other things to do.

I am in the process of ordering a library book embosser for Brian. We went out to dinner with him and Victoria and told him for graduation that we wanted to get him the embosser. It's a hard gift to pick out because it's so personal, so we let him pick the design. Now we just have to order it.

I got Office 2007 and it had a note program that I'm quite interested in, but that took a couple of hours of my day. I really need to study!

The Sowers/Thoman Wedding is this weekend. We'll go tomorrow morning and try to be of use. I'm excited for them!

Also, the Euro is going on. Portugal won their first 2 games, so they are through to the next round!!!!

Time is flying by. Matt and Marah are going to visit over the 4th of July. I'm quite excited.

Time to work again and time to plan Mom and Dad's trip to Spain!

the stress is settling

I am done with my presentations and 1 final so that means I have 1 final left on Tuesday and I'm done with my undergraduate degree!

Two days ago I got the acceptance letter from UC that said that I was admitted in the master's program. It will be an online program so I can move to Spain with Dan and take classes as well! I'm very excited, but I need to find funding!

Dan just finished teaching, so we can focus on cleaning up and packing our apartment. I will also be studying for my nursing boards and GRE. I'll be taking the GRE on June 28th and hopefully the boards at the end of July or beginning of August.

oooo...craziness. What am I doing?

stress setting in

I have not had a lot of school work, so I've been studying for the GRE. In the mean time, I've also been applying to grad school. Everything is in except taking the GRE and passing NCLEX. This is a bit stressful, but it will happen.

I had to talk to advisor today and they are doing everything in their power to present me to a council this Monday. They will go over my application and "stuff" and give me a provisional acceptance that would be pending my GRE score and obtaining my license.

I also applied for a governmental scholarship. I had to get all these documents turned in with signature from everyone, so I really hope I get it. If I do not get funding, I am not sure that I'll be able to go to grad school. I guess we will see.

As for school. I have 2 presentations, a make-up take-home quiz and 2 finals left! Shouldn't be too bad. Then I have to take the GRE and study for boards and pass them!

Oshkosh, WI

It was so good to be back in WI for my grandmother's funeral. All of my mom's siblings were there and most of the cousins. It was great to catch up and exchange emails for staying in contact.

Dan got to meet Pat (bio-dad) and Shawn (my little brother), but not Derek (the other brother). Shawn was just too much for words. He is amazing. If we had grown up together, he would have been one of my best friends. He is the biggest sweet heart! Pat was well. I couldn't believe how much of Grandma Fletcher is in him. He brought me a photo album from the trip to Florida that I went on with mom and grandma.

It was a bit of an emotional weekend, but all good emotions. I missed my family a lot, so it was great to see them all.

Now off to finish up school. 3 more wks!

Grandma Thomae

Grandma Thomae passed away last night in a nursing home in Oshkosh, WI. She was in the end stages of Alzheimer's. Last year, when Uncle Dan had passed away, she had her medications changed and was placed into a home that she didn't want to go into. Aunt Bev had tears in her eyes and told me that she was the happiest that she had ever seen her. I'm so glad that the end of her life was a pleasant one, except the Alzheimer's part.

So, I have to say that Grandma was amazing. Her and Grandpa (who passed away from oral cancer in 1995) used to travel all over the US visiting their 8 kids who resided in the following states: AZ, AL, NC, FL, IL, WA, WI, TX, etc. I loved my grandmother's cooking and my grandpa's sense of humor. We always spent holidays at the Thomae home when I was a kid.

I just have so many good memories of them! I miss them!

I have no grandparents left. It is such a strange feeling! I guess that's the definition of getting older, not having grandparents. Mom told me she'd live till 120, so I don't have to worry for awhile :) She's cute.

So, Dan and I leave for WI on Sunday. I'm so glad he can go with me. I'm looking forward to seeing all my family again! God was amazing in clearing my schedule (and Dan's)!

Candles and FemmCare

Marketing Research is the coolest way to make money! I just got some products and will make quite a bit of money for just testing out products. In the past I've gotten to eat meals, turn in my white clothes that aren't so white (especially socks), talk about dish soap, and test out other things that wouldn't be appropriate to talk about. I get paid $50-$100 for each item tested and it saves me money because I won't have to buy those products.

Right now I'm burning a wonderful smelling candle. After 2 weeks of using it, I'll fill out a questionnaire and get paid $50. Nice!

I'm hoping to do this a lot this summer, because I do not want to work my phlebotomy job very much this summer. I hate getting up at 4am, especially after getting my nursing degree and not practicing that. It's not that much of pride thing. I love working with patients, but the department is run quite poorly. The staff are all stressed and I do not want to be in that environment for the entire summer. Dan and I do need the money though, especially if I go to grad school.

Speak of the master's program. I applied yesterday. Now I have to write a goal statement and do a few odd and ends and hopefully I'll get accepted (pending my GRE scores and acquiring my license).

Maybe I should be concentrating on my current studies though! A few projects and two finals left and I will have my BSN in nursing!

Rain

It has been raining this entire week. Not seeing the sun and being cold and damp has really lowered my mood. I am not motivated to do my work, I'm feeling down, and overall, I just feel blah. I need the sun. Maybe it's just being a senior and ready to graduate, but I cannot shake these down feelings.

I'm quite anxious to move on with life. People at school seem worse than me, but I'm actually getting my work done. I'm sick of their careless attitudes and rude demeanor. I'm ready to move to Spain and never see most of them again. Quite an attitude, eh?

It's almost done! I have to plug away and get my projects done. I only have one more clinical left!

Since I'm feeling whiny, I'll end this.

Racism

I seem to complain a lot about Cincinnati. Racism, bad drivers, no thought are a few, but I really don't want to criticize. I mean, I love the weather, the blooming flowers, the rolling hills...but here are my current struggles.

I am working in hospice home care. My nurse is great. She has a bunch of issues (disabled husband, two teenagers, a mom who lives alone and has dementia, etc.), but she treats one of our patients horribly!

Sure, the man is black, 55, uses crack and drinks a lot, but that is no reason for him not to be treated with dignity and receive good care. My nurse constantly calls him a manipulator, drug addict, player, etc. She has NO HOPE for him.

I talked with my prof about him and she said that I needed to be his advocate. I found a lot of resources in the area and with my nurse's permission, gave them to him. He was amazed and thankful!

After our visit, the nurse talked to the doc and they proceeded to belittle him together. She asked if he should get oxygen for his shortness of breath and he said that was fine. She called the agency to order it and said, "well it's _________, so there's no rush. He'll either not use it or abuse it anyway" I was so appalled.

At the end of our day I brought up that that patient was my favorite and that I have all the hope in the world that he'll be able to enjoy life before it ends. I said that I had made bad decisions in my past and people turned away from me, but I am truly thankful for those who didn't.

We are all sinners. I hope I NEVER turn my back on anyone, especially a patient. May the grace that covers me each day, abound and overflow so that everyone knows that they are loved and cared for. We have a true HOPE! Every breath is proof that we should be on this earth, so we must find our purpose for this day!

time goes by...so quickly

Projects, papers and my hospice work are getting me flustered. Most days I feel as if my time is being taken up by crazy details of life...especially by sleep!

Planning the details of Spain is crazy too:

-finishing school and passing the NCLEX
-completing my fafsa
-getting money for grad school
-studying/taking the GRE
-starting Master's class this summer
-applying for jobs in Mérida

My mind is just getting a bit burnt out, but I am thankful for all the opportunities!

I am ready to be done with hospice home care. I don't do any care. I just take a blood pressure and pulse while the nurse spends HOURS behind a computer while I just try to chit chat with the patient. I love hands-on care, so working in a patient's home is not my first choice. 11 hour days of just sitting there does not prove that I got my bachelors in nursing nor prove that I have any knowledge of the nursing practice.

Oh well...it will soon be another chapter of my life.

CA free

My mother-in-law's second surgery was clear! No cancer in the tongue or the lymph nodes!!!! This is a big deal! Thank you God!

I had my first productive day in a long time. This year I've been shutting down at 4 or 5pm. Today I started early and stayed focused until 6pm. That's pretty good if you consider I only have 6 wks of school left.

I was hoping to get more work done, but I've been browsing facebook for the past 30 min, so that might not happen.