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.