settled?

Wow, it has been awhile since I've written, but a lot has happened. We finished packing and said all our goodbyes. Dan's parents picked us up in the afternoon of the 11th. We ate at McDonald's and enjoyed the last blast of heat from Spain.

Portugal was anything but relaxing. It was graduation weekend, so we were helping to wash, clean, prep, etc. for the grand event. I can say it wasn't much fun, but it's nice to know that we could help. We did get to see Cirque Du Soleil! It was awesome. I didn't know there were multiple different shows, but we saw Verakai.

We had a quick, but sad goodbye with Dan's parents. Thankfully they dropped us off at the airport instead of a long goodbye.

Oh the airport. Our flight was changed right after we got to Spain in September. Because of the change, they had to reissue us new tickets. We were early, but it took them an hour to find the right codes to issue us tickets. All our bags were over 50 lbs., but they only had us pay for one overage. We had to be scooted through security and ran to catch the flight. I couldn't believe we made it.

In London, we ate at a pub and it was great food! The long haul flight was okay. I had a difficult time sleeping, but it was nice to have an empty seat by me. Chicago was a long layover (especially after 4 hrs in London, 5 hrs in Chicago sucked). We made it to Minneapolis at midnight at caught a cab to a hotel where my mom and dad were (I didn't want them driving to the airport). They enjoyed the pool and we all slept well.

Dan and I were up early to have breakfast with Grandma Osland. Yum, American breakfast is hard to beat! She was doing well, but it was a quick visit. Lynsi then came to our hotel for a quick visit. It was so great to see her. I missed all my other Twin City friends, but we only had 10 hrs there and 6 were sleeping.

Marshfield was great! I was able to relax a bit and get a little organized. We got phones (prepay this time) and I got to see my brothers and their families. We left on Friday and hit major traffic in Chicago due to thunderstorms and flooding. It wasn't too bad, but we sat forever in Indiana because they have traffic go to one lane. I suppose it was silly for us to leave on Father's Day weekend on a Friday!

Cincinnati was hot!! Yeah, high 80s, high humidity, not fun! I have been slowly settling in. I was able to visit Target and found a place with cheap scrubs. Now I'm waiting for paperwork to go through so I can start working 60+ hrs/week.

I think I am caught up now. Besides seeing everyone here and trying to catch up, I'm just preparing for a busy summer. I have to make up an assessment lab too, and I'm nervous since I haven't touched a patient in over a year. I know it will all work out, but I'm still nervous.

Dragging on

How funny. I've been so surprised how quickly time has flown by and now it is time for us to leave. Well, I have said all my goodbyes and took one final this morning and have more tomorrow morning and time is not going fast enough. It feels as if it is dragging. I know we'll be in Portugal for a few days and I look forward to that time and time with my family, but it will be good to "settle" a bit into Cinci and start my practica.

Everything seems to be settling into place already. I have a lot of hospital hours to complete this summer, so I'm hoping for an over-achieving preceptor who will work 50 hrs/week so I can get my 360 hours completed!

Well...back to "studying" the material that I've been studying for the past 4 days.

Done with goodbyes...

Well, I'm am done with goodbyes for a week. Last night at church we were able to thank the church for being our family here and express our sadness for leaving. People crowded around us after the service to hug and cry and say goodbye. It was so touching.

I was given some presents that they sell at the market. I got a cute Betty Boop shirt that I don't know if I could ever wear, but it was so thoughtful. I hope it will not be too long before we'll see them again. Well, Dan does come back in Sept (I'm jealous), but I'm happy for him.

I now have two finals Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. The rest of Wednesday will be packing and cleaning. I hope to eat a bit more regional food and then we're off to Portugal on Thursday.

Our last goodbye in Portugal is not one that I look forward to. Dan's parents are moving to Angola, so we do not know when we'll see them next, so it will be hard to leave.

I am happy about seeing my family and friends again. Thank you for all who have stayed in touch and kept supporting me while I've been so far away. I miss you all dearly and look forward to spending as much time as possible together.

More goodbyes

Yesterday we went to a pub to say goodbye to some archaeologists who have been good friends. We spent a long time there, but it was a good visit and a nice good-bye. Tonight and tomorrow we have our last services at church. So far our goodbyes have been pleasant (for goodbyes), but I may cry tonight or tomorrow.

I am looking forward to getting the finals done, visiting my in-laws in Portugal, and then seeing my family. I also look forward to getting into the hospital and applying all my knowledge. Nobody likes change, but it can be a good thing too.

Desayuno

Breakfast is a very cultural experience in Spain. Everyone takes a break from their job to get a coffee and munchie. I never go out, but we were talking with our friend and he likes the same breakfast as me. I decided to meet him for breakfast this morning, thinking it would be with all his co-workers. It was just us and everyone in the city passed by and he told them I was the wife of Dan. It was awkward, but ok. I did enjoy my Catalana (toast with tomato paste, jamon, and olive oil) and cafe con leche!

Then I went home and a man in our neighborhood asked if I wanted to get a drink with him. I decided a coke would be nice. This man speaks slowly and is paralyzed on his right side due to a severe stroke. I could understand him well and I practiced my Spanish and I think we both did a good job. I asked him his name and then he decided he wanted to give me kisses. He tried to kiss me on the lips and I had to pull away. Then he started to wink at me and ask me if I understood. I said no and then said I was married and he gave me the "shhh" sign. He continued to wink and I told him that I love my husband and that I didn't like his wink and left.

Uggghhh...two awkward moments. I don't like anything that makes my marriage look bad. I don't enjoy being seen with a man my age, especially in a small town where everyone talks. I also don't like old men hitting on me. I definitely prefer being with Dan. Oh well.

I am studying for finals now. Two left and one group project!

Marah

Happy Engagement Marah and Matt!!! I'm so happy for you both!

the rest of the weekend

The fruit tree visit was the start to a wonderful weekend. Sunday we created a taco bar for our long time friends. I made guacamole, salsa, chicken, beef, and chorizo tacos, and Corona (called Coronita here) to drink. It was so good, but it was 95 degrees, so we could barely eat. Thankfully Dan and I bought limón sorbet for dessert which we all ate up.

That evening we met an English archaeologist who has studied Mérida since 1980 and is a university professor in Toronto. We enjoyed a drink on our lovely Plaza de España and then headed to dinner. We enjoyed a great smoked salmon salad, plate of cheeses, and a type of shark in adobo...amazing! I was so full after a full day of eating, but it was so enjoyable.

Last night I finished my work early and Dan and I watched "He's just not that into you", which I thought was kind of cute.

Today I turned in all my projects except the group one that is due next Tuesday. I have 2 exams next week as well, so now I will start studying, though I feel okay about them. I take my last final on June 10th at night or in the morning on June 11th. Dan's Dad is picking us up at noon on the 11th and taking us to Portugal so we'll get to spend some time with them before heading back to the States on the 15th.

Wow! I cannot believe time is flying! At least I got to experience my 100 degree Mérida before leaving!