Although physically I am in Ohio, back to where I came from, my heart has never left Spain. Im trying to let go so I can move on with my life even if I am here temporarily (who knows) I need to move on...its hard and having a boyfriend in Spain doesnt make it easy. My heart aches more and more everyday without him. He is strong and seems to be doing fine without me but when he shows me his weak side, it truely helps me. I guess because I know he is having as hard of a time without me as I am without him.
I visited a friend tonight, Rasa from Lithuania. She is studying here in The States but from Europe. She told me that wherever you are in the present moment is where you need to make your life, your happiness. It helped me. I need to let go of Spain. I had such a great time there and I dont feel like saying goodbye knowing I will be back. I just need to be able to focus now on what Im doing here, why Im here and to enjoy life here. Things have to get better. They will. My car breaks broke and my dad and I fixed them. I could have spent $400 on them but we did the work, three times as long but it only cost me $30. It was worth it.
ok so what makes me happy?
dancing...salsa...
watching movies and hanging out with friends
studying...feels like Im working towards something
finding a job...this is important...not impossible
Life will get better....patience i need a bit of patience!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Life turned upside down
I was enjoying my job (teaching english with a Canadian company) when within a week, my life turned upside down. I would be working with this company for the next year. They had promised to contract me and later changed their minds. I didn't feel it would be a problem working under the table because I had done it before without any problems but I was planning to go home and get the visa anyways. A week before the summer camp that they were running started, they called and told me they would be paying me to work the same amount of hours but with less kids for 2oo euros less. I didnt have a choice in the matter so I verbally agreed to it. After two weeks in the camp, I realized that I still had the same amount of kids and 3 kids were paying my salary. They were ripping us off. When I tried to say something in the meeting (I had several people backing me up that they too would be behind me that they were paying us too less) and only the americans backed me up. One was let go and the other treated badly after that meeting. As for me, they tried to make exuses for me and were intending to fire me. I asked for one more chance because I needed to work at least till the end of the week. I thought for sure they wouldnt give me another chance but I fought for it and wouldnt leave until they did. I was sure they would fire me the next day, however they didn't bother to show up for work. I ended up finishing up the job and knew that they wouldnt hire me for next year.
I had two choices, go home and try to finish my boards and make something of my life or stay in Spain for a few more months and try to find a job. I took the flight home that I had re-arranded in August. I had three weeks to say goodbye to my friends that I had made the last two years and pack up and leave. It didn't hit me until now...that Im home. I wonder if it was a bad choice? I was happy in Spain with my boyfriend, my friends and my life but in one moment and a flight home, life had changed and was turned upside down. I became depressed, cried for no reason, stayed in bed and desperate to find a way back. I made this decision so I have to live with it. My passport was either stolen or lost in Philadelphia when I had come home so I was stuck here until my new one showed up on my door two months from now.
I have paid for my exam and am trying to start to study. My mind wonders and I think of Spain, my Tomas and my friends over in Malaga, Spain. It wouldnt be any different over there. I might be thinking- Why didnt I go home or why didnt I take the chance to make my life better? I would regret it either way. Life is hard and right now it sucks. I love being able to fly to another country so quickly and cheaply but maybe one day I will be back there and actually have money to do it. Right now my priorities are to pay off my dept and to become a nurse. I need to focus on it. My luxury life of living on the beach has ended. I did treasure it while I was there. Now I have to try to adjust being back which might take a while. Ohio has changed along with the people in it. Life went on and so did mine but somewhere else. Here I go...wish me luck!
I had two choices, go home and try to finish my boards and make something of my life or stay in Spain for a few more months and try to find a job. I took the flight home that I had re-arranded in August. I had three weeks to say goodbye to my friends that I had made the last two years and pack up and leave. It didn't hit me until now...that Im home. I wonder if it was a bad choice? I was happy in Spain with my boyfriend, my friends and my life but in one moment and a flight home, life had changed and was turned upside down. I became depressed, cried for no reason, stayed in bed and desperate to find a way back. I made this decision so I have to live with it. My passport was either stolen or lost in Philadelphia when I had come home so I was stuck here until my new one showed up on my door two months from now.
I have paid for my exam and am trying to start to study. My mind wonders and I think of Spain, my Tomas and my friends over in Malaga, Spain. It wouldnt be any different over there. I might be thinking- Why didnt I go home or why didnt I take the chance to make my life better? I would regret it either way. Life is hard and right now it sucks. I love being able to fly to another country so quickly and cheaply but maybe one day I will be back there and actually have money to do it. Right now my priorities are to pay off my dept and to become a nurse. I need to focus on it. My luxury life of living on the beach has ended. I did treasure it while I was there. Now I have to try to adjust being back which might take a while. Ohio has changed along with the people in it. Life went on and so did mine but somewhere else. Here I go...wish me luck!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Cordoba half marathon gone wrong
I ran a marathon about a month ago. When Camilla asked me to do a half marathon, I told her yes right away. It wasn´t until two weeks into our training that I looked it up to sign up. It was in the mountains of Cordoba and it was all up-hill. The last 7 kilometers were more down hill but from kilomete 7 up to 14 was completely up hill. Not only that but it was in Cordoba which is from 30 Celcius up to 40 degrees Celcius or 90-100 Farenheit. It was a crazy idea not worth doing. So from that point on, I did my best to convice her not to run this. I convinced her finally and we decided to go to Cordoba for fun. After a cold front came in, we realized that the weather would be only 20 Celcius or around 70 Farenheit. At this point, we decided to do it for fun.
We didn´t train very well for this half marathon but I had convinced myself it didn´t matter. When we started, we realized there was only 350 people signed up with only 21 girls besides us. It gave us a shock when we heard this. Also, we only had 2 hours and a half to finish it. In my marathon time, my half was 2 hours 20 minutes so up hill would change that. We started off fast because there were bikers behind us pushing us faster than our pace. The first 7 kilmeters were slowly uphill so we were doing ok at this point although we were the last runners. The bikers left us at this point and we now had cars behind us...so we were holding up traffic. I didnt care at first...but little by little it got to me. Camilla started to have breathing problems shortly after so I asked the guy in the car (it was called the escoba(broom) to clean us up or pick us up) if she could ride with them for a bit until she caught her breath and then get back in the race...we were only doing this for fun...they said yes so she got in.
I found it hard knowing that I was the very last runner and I alone, was holding up traffic. I was sweating soo much and had a huge stomach ache from eating too much. I pushed myself as hard and as far as I could. It was very difficult and worse than Prague. There were no hills in Prague. Although I ran twice as much, the marathon was so much easier than the race I was running in Cordoba. I would tell myself, you can do this, you can finish, just run to the kilometer marker 14 then, its down hill...(it was in the map of the race at least). When I got there, it didnt change-it was still uphill and my music died. I decided to throw in the towell. I quit. The guys in the car made me laugh and feel better about the race. They told me there are alot of people that quit during this race, it was the 3rd hardest half in all of Spain and the hardest half marathon in Andalucia. They were giving nic names to all the slowest runners and mine was orejas grandes-los españoles saben que significa pero no voy a traducirlo. Camilla´s was rubia.
It was quite interesting riding with the guys, they took a bathroom break and the ambulance pulled over so I decided to ride with them. I was dizzy but riding in the back of the ambulance, they didnt do anything and it made me more dizzy riding backwards with no windows. The other guy that quit was in there as well. I talked to him a bit-Tony and he told me he had ran 4 half marathons and a marathon but this was psycotic and not worth the pain. After another stop, I switched cars again so I could at least have wind in my face. When I reached the top, I went and got my bag with my shirt in it...it also had another shirt, shorts, a pen, two pins of Cordoba, and socks. There was a pool to swim in, free beer, free sandwiches, free aquarius and water. It was awesome but Camilla wasnt there and I felt like a loser because I really didnt finish the race.
Then all of a sudden, someone shouted my name. I thought I was mistaken but it was Camilla. We were so excited to see each other. She had gotten a ride up as well. I didnt know if she had or not because the guys in the car told me she turned around and walked back.
We laughed about not finishing, we ate, and even got a beer to celebrate trying to accomplish it. Then we got out of there as quick as we could...we were feeling a bit bad since we didn´t finish it. While we were waiting for the bus, the guys from my car offered us a ride back down to the city instead of the bus so we quickly took it. It was quite a funny experience with them and much more comfortable than the bus. When we got back, we showered, ate Salmorejo and some fried fish of Cordoba and headed home. Never again will I run that marathon but one day I will go and run another half marathon- just not as hard as this one.
We didn´t train very well for this half marathon but I had convinced myself it didn´t matter. When we started, we realized there was only 350 people signed up with only 21 girls besides us. It gave us a shock when we heard this. Also, we only had 2 hours and a half to finish it. In my marathon time, my half was 2 hours 20 minutes so up hill would change that. We started off fast because there were bikers behind us pushing us faster than our pace. The first 7 kilmeters were slowly uphill so we were doing ok at this point although we were the last runners. The bikers left us at this point and we now had cars behind us...so we were holding up traffic. I didnt care at first...but little by little it got to me. Camilla started to have breathing problems shortly after so I asked the guy in the car (it was called the escoba(broom) to clean us up or pick us up) if she could ride with them for a bit until she caught her breath and then get back in the race...we were only doing this for fun...they said yes so she got in.
I found it hard knowing that I was the very last runner and I alone, was holding up traffic. I was sweating soo much and had a huge stomach ache from eating too much. I pushed myself as hard and as far as I could. It was very difficult and worse than Prague. There were no hills in Prague. Although I ran twice as much, the marathon was so much easier than the race I was running in Cordoba. I would tell myself, you can do this, you can finish, just run to the kilometer marker 14 then, its down hill...(it was in the map of the race at least). When I got there, it didnt change-it was still uphill and my music died. I decided to throw in the towell. I quit. The guys in the car made me laugh and feel better about the race. They told me there are alot of people that quit during this race, it was the 3rd hardest half in all of Spain and the hardest half marathon in Andalucia. They were giving nic names to all the slowest runners and mine was orejas grandes-los españoles saben que significa pero no voy a traducirlo. Camilla´s was rubia.
It was quite interesting riding with the guys, they took a bathroom break and the ambulance pulled over so I decided to ride with them. I was dizzy but riding in the back of the ambulance, they didnt do anything and it made me more dizzy riding backwards with no windows. The other guy that quit was in there as well. I talked to him a bit-Tony and he told me he had ran 4 half marathons and a marathon but this was psycotic and not worth the pain. After another stop, I switched cars again so I could at least have wind in my face. When I reached the top, I went and got my bag with my shirt in it...it also had another shirt, shorts, a pen, two pins of Cordoba, and socks. There was a pool to swim in, free beer, free sandwiches, free aquarius and water. It was awesome but Camilla wasnt there and I felt like a loser because I really didnt finish the race.
Then all of a sudden, someone shouted my name. I thought I was mistaken but it was Camilla. We were so excited to see each other. She had gotten a ride up as well. I didnt know if she had or not because the guys in the car told me she turned around and walked back.
We laughed about not finishing, we ate, and even got a beer to celebrate trying to accomplish it. Then we got out of there as quick as we could...we were feeling a bit bad since we didn´t finish it. While we were waiting for the bus, the guys from my car offered us a ride back down to the city instead of the bus so we quickly took it. It was quite a funny experience with them and much more comfortable than the bus. When we got back, we showered, ate Salmorejo and some fried fish of Cordoba and headed home. Never again will I run that marathon but one day I will go and run another half marathon- just not as hard as this one.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Life goes on...
ok so I got up today cold. I slept on the balcony again. It was cold but I loved being able to wear my Prague sweatshirt and hide under my blanket which I haven´t been able to do for awhile. I only had one private lesson today before my boss had called me to do another. She is the reason I was able to stay in Spain for the summer. So I had to go to Málaga for it. I took this lesson in a second because everything counts now...I met with Tomás afterwards and now I´m back in the library. It is quite funny here-you cant talk at all in any part of the library. The girls phone went off next to me and everyone stared at her for over three minutes....I was laughing because the noise that her phone made because it had a message was quite annoying and the fact that everyone, i mean EVERYONE was watching her afterwards was quite halarious. It happens all the time in our libraries back home but no one pays attention or reacts the way the spaniards do.
Its been quite a while since Ive been in a place without foreigners but I am definately the only one here. Its a bit wierd but also, its just a library. I am trying to live life with a positive attitude and apply my life as THE SECRET tells you to. It was a fantastic book that helped me run a marathon, do things I never thought I would do and frankly, live life in a better way with a better attitude. I made up this list that I told myself i would finish or at least work on. 30 things to do before 30. Some guy gave me the idea and I put it into practice this year. It was quite overwhelming at first so I put the list down for a bit. Then I picked it back up some time later after THE SECRET and I realized I had been doing the things on the list without realizing. I believed the whole time, it would happen and it is. Interesting huh? I think so. It is amazing what I am learning this year. THE SECRET was the first book I read in Spanish. I completed it and picked up a new one.
There are a few things on my list that will be impossible to accomplish without returning to the States. I want to re-unite with Milda and see her in California but if I stay in Spain, that won´t happen. She is only there for another 3 years...maybe that. Life is full of hard decisions and I havent regreted mine yet. I just know that if I want stability, I will have to head back to the States. I don´t know what to do...Dad warned me about this...if I was gone too long, it would a difficult decision to make. How in the world did a 5 month break turn into 2 and a half years?
Its been quite a while since Ive been in a place without foreigners but I am definately the only one here. Its a bit wierd but also, its just a library. I am trying to live life with a positive attitude and apply my life as THE SECRET tells you to. It was a fantastic book that helped me run a marathon, do things I never thought I would do and frankly, live life in a better way with a better attitude. I made up this list that I told myself i would finish or at least work on. 30 things to do before 30. Some guy gave me the idea and I put it into practice this year. It was quite overwhelming at first so I put the list down for a bit. Then I picked it back up some time later after THE SECRET and I realized I had been doing the things on the list without realizing. I believed the whole time, it would happen and it is. Interesting huh? I think so. It is amazing what I am learning this year. THE SECRET was the first book I read in Spanish. I completed it and picked up a new one.
There are a few things on my list that will be impossible to accomplish without returning to the States. I want to re-unite with Milda and see her in California but if I stay in Spain, that won´t happen. She is only there for another 3 years...maybe that. Life is full of hard decisions and I havent regreted mine yet. I just know that if I want stability, I will have to head back to the States. I don´t know what to do...Dad warned me about this...if I was gone too long, it would a difficult decision to make. How in the world did a 5 month break turn into 2 and a half years?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Last days of work
So as the days grew closer and closer to the end, I knew it wasn´t the end. It was just a new beginning. As my friend, Corey´s mom, once told me- it is just another path we are taking, some of us will travel with us on the same path for a while and then might take another path of their own but we are all on our own special paths trying to find where we are heading. It is a journey but we are there for a reason and as we travel together we will find out who we are and who we will become.
Corey´s mom made such an impact on me...and so did my friends here in Spain. Corey, has left for Italy, thank goodness its only for a couple weeks. It gave me a bit of stability knowing that she was coming back. Christine, a great friend of mine that I have known for two years left last week. There was a mixup and it cost me not being able to say goodbye to her....I was furious. I knew I wouldnt see her for another year or two. I took an extra trip just to make sure I could say goodbye on a day that I was supposed to make up hours for the school but I checked with the teachers and quickly head into Malaga to say goodbye to her and Alex, her fiance. I spent a quick breakfast with them and headed back. I thought for sure I would cry, but didnt. I turned back to see her and Alex waving at me, and I knew....I would see them again. As much as I make Christine nervous, she told me that she wouldnt come back and live here forever without her girls, Corey and me. I dont know if its true...she would be happy here without us but the comment will stay in my heart forever.
Christine´s friend, Melissa had come over from Extramadura, a friend of hers from back home and we had realized we are quite alike. I enjoyed Melissa´s visits every time she came down. It was really hard seeing her go although technically I didnt say goodbye...face to face. It had to be done on email and sometimes life hands you a curve ball and you have to run with it. I hope to see her again...I will see her again...and when I do unite with Corey, Christine and Melissa again, it will be a memory that will never be forgotten.
My old roommate was from Denmark. Her name Sanne, she was amazing. The sweet, caring girl who always was a great listener was an amazing friend-kind of roommate. Her plans were to move out at the end of April but when tables were turned, the Argentian woman, Irene decided to move, we all ended up moving at the end of April. Sanne rented a place with her boyfriend in another part of town. I moved in with her Danish friends, Camila, Mette, and Anita, three amazing girls from Denmark. I didn´t see much of Sanne after that. It was crazy and time passed quickly. All of a sudden, it was time to say goodbye. We spent our last day on the beach-claro! It was fantastic. We took the boogie boards out into the meditterean...really cold but oh so much more fun on the boogie board. It wasnt like a goodbye-it was more like a Ill see you later...but I didnt know if it was really true.
Nandi, my co-worker, my friend, my closest gal pal who was by my side most of Spain (Oct 09-June 10) experience left as well. It was a hard decision and at last minute, she decided to go. We spent most of our time together in cafe´s, salsa clubs or on the paseo (me running and her on a bike encouraging me to run)...she was a strong character and of course we bumped heads alot but she was dependable. She walked 45 minutes to come to my apt just to do yoga with me because I was in so much pain from training. She rode a bike to pass me my aquarious-(the gatoraide of Spain) while I was running. She spent hours explaining about monkey balls-she studied them and did lab work on them...it was quite interesting and we loved our time at the Sandpiper discussing it. We also went to "study" at a bar to see Hannibal, the bartender. We went to the mezquita to have the best morrocan tea and to talk to Butt picker and Franco...Nandi was the best at nic names. I wont forget all of her silly nicnames for everyone here. It hasnt hit me yet although I went to the airport with her and knew she was really going. Its beginning to hurt.
I never got to say goodbye to some of the other americans in Fuengirola...time cut too short and some goodbyes are still happening but last week was too much for me. Today was my last day of school. A few of the children got me gifts which are totally ok to accept in Spain. I recieved a purse, a butterfly case to hold my jewelry and a necklace. The four year olds all gave me a hand colored page with "thanks Tracy" across the top. It was so cute that I thought for sure I would cry. I am sooooo sensitive. I didn´t. Wierd really...I did last year and I knew I was coming back but this year I know I am not and I didnt cry. I ran into one of the students at the supermarket. It was one of the most problematic students I have and he never does his work. I am always picking on him and telling him to work. His mother told me how much he talks about me and loves english class with me. It was shocking and when she told me this, I knew Milda, my best friend was right, when she told me that teaching does make a difference. I always wanted to be a nurse do to the fact I could see the difference I was making in everyday work. Teaching is harder to see that difference. You dont always see the differences that you make daily. I saw that students mother today again. She told me she organized a letter with students names and parents names on it to petition to the Spanish government to let me stay at the school one more year. It took me back really, I told her thanks but I knew it wouldnt do anything. I made a difference. I told all the students as I headed off that this wasnt goodbye, I would come back on the last day of school to say goodbye. Maybe thats why I didnt cry. Who knows.
I showed all 5th and 6th graders the cd I made for Carroll High School. I went back to my highschool last summer to encourage the students to travel to Spain and I showed pics of the students and all the festivals I celebrated in Spain- día de la paz, día de la mujer, día del juego, Carnaval, Navidad en Madrid, el año nuevo-noche vieja and more. So I decided to show them the cd powerpoint with photos of them in it. They all loved it. It was quite a long day and when I came home, we had another visitor. I dont have 3 roommates...i have much more than that. Camila has her friend Enya over and now Monica came for a week, friend of Mette...it is crazy and I love every second of it. Dennis was there cutting everyone´s hair. He is a friend of Camila´s and he gave us all a deal. I got my hair highlighted as well.
I headed off to a dinner which Ellena had made, another american in Fuengirola but she just moved to Malaga. So when Lacy, Tomas and I entered, we were late but it was worth it. An international dinner, there were people from China, Korea, Granada, France, Senegal, Venezuela and of course America-we were all joined together to eat. It reminded me of Alabama-all the dinners Milda and I put together for our international friends...feeding foreigner fridays....oh the memories. We never should be content in our lives because we never know if it will get better....and it has for me. I have grown up so much while here in europe. Passing through one country after another learning about cultures and food and languages has changed me forever. I found a boyfriend from Antequera, Spain and am very happy. I never thought I would find a boyfriend here...although I was looking for a bit. It came when I decided I was done looking. It always happens that way right? I was crushed, crying daily over a stupid guy that treated me like crap. Tomás found me in the moment of weakness and I learned quickly he is so different. I have never been treated so well before like the way he treats me.
Anyways, life is changing as always. My path is ahead of me but my friends have split off from mine. I sometimes stand on my path looking out to the four paths that broke from mine and I can see my friends continuing on their own paths walking away from me. Its a bit sad to see them go but I will keep them close to my heart and hopefully our paths will join again even if its just for a small period of time. Life is like that....
Corey´s mom made such an impact on me...and so did my friends here in Spain. Corey, has left for Italy, thank goodness its only for a couple weeks. It gave me a bit of stability knowing that she was coming back. Christine, a great friend of mine that I have known for two years left last week. There was a mixup and it cost me not being able to say goodbye to her....I was furious. I knew I wouldnt see her for another year or two. I took an extra trip just to make sure I could say goodbye on a day that I was supposed to make up hours for the school but I checked with the teachers and quickly head into Malaga to say goodbye to her and Alex, her fiance. I spent a quick breakfast with them and headed back. I thought for sure I would cry, but didnt. I turned back to see her and Alex waving at me, and I knew....I would see them again. As much as I make Christine nervous, she told me that she wouldnt come back and live here forever without her girls, Corey and me. I dont know if its true...she would be happy here without us but the comment will stay in my heart forever.
Christine´s friend, Melissa had come over from Extramadura, a friend of hers from back home and we had realized we are quite alike. I enjoyed Melissa´s visits every time she came down. It was really hard seeing her go although technically I didnt say goodbye...face to face. It had to be done on email and sometimes life hands you a curve ball and you have to run with it. I hope to see her again...I will see her again...and when I do unite with Corey, Christine and Melissa again, it will be a memory that will never be forgotten.
My old roommate was from Denmark. Her name Sanne, she was amazing. The sweet, caring girl who always was a great listener was an amazing friend-kind of roommate. Her plans were to move out at the end of April but when tables were turned, the Argentian woman, Irene decided to move, we all ended up moving at the end of April. Sanne rented a place with her boyfriend in another part of town. I moved in with her Danish friends, Camila, Mette, and Anita, three amazing girls from Denmark. I didn´t see much of Sanne after that. It was crazy and time passed quickly. All of a sudden, it was time to say goodbye. We spent our last day on the beach-claro! It was fantastic. We took the boogie boards out into the meditterean...really cold but oh so much more fun on the boogie board. It wasnt like a goodbye-it was more like a Ill see you later...but I didnt know if it was really true.
Nandi, my co-worker, my friend, my closest gal pal who was by my side most of Spain (Oct 09-June 10) experience left as well. It was a hard decision and at last minute, she decided to go. We spent most of our time together in cafe´s, salsa clubs or on the paseo (me running and her on a bike encouraging me to run)...she was a strong character and of course we bumped heads alot but she was dependable. She walked 45 minutes to come to my apt just to do yoga with me because I was in so much pain from training. She rode a bike to pass me my aquarious-(the gatoraide of Spain) while I was running. She spent hours explaining about monkey balls-she studied them and did lab work on them...it was quite interesting and we loved our time at the Sandpiper discussing it. We also went to "study" at a bar to see Hannibal, the bartender. We went to the mezquita to have the best morrocan tea and to talk to Butt picker and Franco...Nandi was the best at nic names. I wont forget all of her silly nicnames for everyone here. It hasnt hit me yet although I went to the airport with her and knew she was really going. Its beginning to hurt.
I never got to say goodbye to some of the other americans in Fuengirola...time cut too short and some goodbyes are still happening but last week was too much for me. Today was my last day of school. A few of the children got me gifts which are totally ok to accept in Spain. I recieved a purse, a butterfly case to hold my jewelry and a necklace. The four year olds all gave me a hand colored page with "thanks Tracy" across the top. It was so cute that I thought for sure I would cry. I am sooooo sensitive. I didn´t. Wierd really...I did last year and I knew I was coming back but this year I know I am not and I didnt cry. I ran into one of the students at the supermarket. It was one of the most problematic students I have and he never does his work. I am always picking on him and telling him to work. His mother told me how much he talks about me and loves english class with me. It was shocking and when she told me this, I knew Milda, my best friend was right, when she told me that teaching does make a difference. I always wanted to be a nurse do to the fact I could see the difference I was making in everyday work. Teaching is harder to see that difference. You dont always see the differences that you make daily. I saw that students mother today again. She told me she organized a letter with students names and parents names on it to petition to the Spanish government to let me stay at the school one more year. It took me back really, I told her thanks but I knew it wouldnt do anything. I made a difference. I told all the students as I headed off that this wasnt goodbye, I would come back on the last day of school to say goodbye. Maybe thats why I didnt cry. Who knows.
I showed all 5th and 6th graders the cd I made for Carroll High School. I went back to my highschool last summer to encourage the students to travel to Spain and I showed pics of the students and all the festivals I celebrated in Spain- día de la paz, día de la mujer, día del juego, Carnaval, Navidad en Madrid, el año nuevo-noche vieja and more. So I decided to show them the cd powerpoint with photos of them in it. They all loved it. It was quite a long day and when I came home, we had another visitor. I dont have 3 roommates...i have much more than that. Camila has her friend Enya over and now Monica came for a week, friend of Mette...it is crazy and I love every second of it. Dennis was there cutting everyone´s hair. He is a friend of Camila´s and he gave us all a deal. I got my hair highlighted as well.
I headed off to a dinner which Ellena had made, another american in Fuengirola but she just moved to Malaga. So when Lacy, Tomas and I entered, we were late but it was worth it. An international dinner, there were people from China, Korea, Granada, France, Senegal, Venezuela and of course America-we were all joined together to eat. It reminded me of Alabama-all the dinners Milda and I put together for our international friends...feeding foreigner fridays....oh the memories. We never should be content in our lives because we never know if it will get better....and it has for me. I have grown up so much while here in europe. Passing through one country after another learning about cultures and food and languages has changed me forever. I found a boyfriend from Antequera, Spain and am very happy. I never thought I would find a boyfriend here...although I was looking for a bit. It came when I decided I was done looking. It always happens that way right? I was crushed, crying daily over a stupid guy that treated me like crap. Tomás found me in the moment of weakness and I learned quickly he is so different. I have never been treated so well before like the way he treats me.
Anyways, life is changing as always. My path is ahead of me but my friends have split off from mine. I sometimes stand on my path looking out to the four paths that broke from mine and I can see my friends continuing on their own paths walking away from me. Its a bit sad to see them go but I will keep them close to my heart and hopefully our paths will join again even if its just for a small period of time. Life is like that....
MARATHON IN PRAGUE May 9th
I dont know how to start this. I thought of how and what I was going to say during the whole marathon. Now that Im writing it, I dont know where to start. I told myself that I had to think positively the whole time. So I told myself, there would be no pain until Kilometer 28. I didnt feel pain until Kilometer 33. It was amazing. I was smiling the entire time, until Kilometer 34. Then it got hard, really hard.
The beginning, I woke up from a dream of my swim coach, Matt Liddy, who recently passed away, telling me how to run the race. He told me that I was prepared to do this, to not start off too fast and to finish strong. It was wierd, it was exactly what I needed to hear and it was very comforting to hear it from him. I caught the train and started talking to another marathon runner, a guy from Czech named Mark, well that was his english name for me. I stayed with Mark and met two others-a Swedish couple. I met a couple of americans yesterday named Jessi and Margaret. When we lined up, I thought I would see them but i didnt. They started us off and a bunch of balloons were let go in the air. I was in the last group to leave so it took about 8 minutes to get to the starting line. When we did, I wasnt nervous..I knew I could do this. As we approached the start line, and everyone was chearing, that is when I started to tear up and get nervous. I heard it is an emotional experience and that it was.
We took off and in no time, I found the american girls who were trying to run it in 4.30. Jessi told me I was running way too fast and I would never finish if I was going out that fast. So I slowed down. I ran the first 14 kilometers without any problems. There was plenty of bananas and lemonaide to keep me hydrated. They even had sponges which helped with the heat. It was 60 degrees with the sun shining and it went up to 65 but it was hot. There were cheerleaders and bands and lots of people screaming to keep us going. I couldnt understand anyone. My music kept me going and when I heard any english, I was super excited. I tried to make eye contact with the people cheering us on. They were sitting out there eating, drinking, and waiting like a parade. It was painful to watch sometimes. One group actually had a sign up that said BEER STOP. I read it out loud and then it caught the groups attention. Then i said that is so wrong...and I heard em laughing. Each person that gave me a high five or a nod like YES you can do this...gave me hope and inspiration. I was good to go when I caught up with Jessi who told me she ate too much and thought she was going to be sick. I knew I was behind my schedule when I reached the half. I was at 2:18 instead of 2:10. I did stop for the bathroom though which I had to wait in line for but it took five minutes or so.
I picked up my pace and only thought of the next 7K. I wouldnt allow myself to think of anything but the next 7K. It helped me alot. There were times where I pictured Camila and Mette running along side of me or Will or Cristina-the ones that ran with me while training. Then i thought of a bunch of my OHIO friends cheering me on, the ones that ran a marathon before-Ananda screaming out...You got this girl..I did it and you can too. After 33, I hadnt run more than that in practice and i knew it would get harder. The time it took between 34 and 35 was an eternity. It was only at 35 where I could allow myself to think about the finish. It is when it really hurt and the thought of beating my sister came into my head. Dawn ran a marathon in a great time. She did so awesome that i didnt think of beating her but then she wrote an emotional email to me and brought up how we were always competitive and how I never let her win. That did it. She brought the competitive edge out that has been dead and buried for years now. The last painful 7 kilometers I was hurting, aching with knee pain and hip pain and everytime i started walking, my competitive edge would yell at me for walking. You think u can achieve this with no pain...well forget it, cry after, now is the time to run. I would be sooo close that I couldnt walk at all. When I hit 40 and the people started cheering, I started to run hard, I would call it sprinting but I was running slow...harder than i had run the whole race. When I turned the last corner and was heading back into the city, I heard all the cries and screams of the people. Tears filled my eyes and I knew I had done it. I had dreampt a challenging dream that I never thought I would carry out and finish and I had done it...finished it. I had ran a marathon in the country where my ancestors had come from. Not only did i do it, but I did it by myself. I came to Prague and ran by myself. I wanted to celebrate with someone but it wasnt in the cards this time around. Maybe next time. I was sooo proud of myself.
Now the feeling of finishing this thing was amazing but I came in at 4:54 and my sisters time was 4:53. I gasped as I sprinted through the finish line but then I remembered I didnt start at 9:00. I was delayed. Dawn, hearing the news told me that she was now going to have to beat me and would be running another marathon in October. Huh. Bring it on...I never wanted to do this again but if she beats my time, I WILL compete in another, now that i know i can do this. Dawn, you did this...this competive edge, you started this. I decided to do a half in Cordoba in June...it may be more challenging than the full because it is sooooo hot there.
I went into the health tent to get my knee wrapped, it was way swollen although it didnt hurt much. After sitting down for 5 minutes, I got super dizzy and almost fainted. Its a normal thing when I run so much. Then the nurses took my blood sugar and blood pressure. My BP was a little low 100 over 60-nothing to worry about. I ate something, stayed for 25 more minutes and then left, feeling much better. It was a different experience when they were all trying to talk to me in czech. I didnt stop them till they finished then i told them i dont speak czech and they would have to find a translater. The two guys that did come to help me felt really important and proud, I could see it on thier faces. I then went over and got a free massage-I picked the wrong line. I ended up with two blind guys-not normally a problem but when they dont speak ur language and they cant read my body language, it was kind of hard to communicate. It wasnt very good. oh well. Then i went and got my metal engraved. 4 hours 45 min.
Afterwards, I was on such a high, I walked home. It was a 20 minute walk and I could have caught the trolley...it was free for all marathon runners. It wasnt worth standing around if I didnt know anyone. Its hard to celebrate too when I dont know anyone. i heard there was volcanic ash causing more havic with flights but I will be pissed if it blocks me from going home. I want my hot weather...I want to go to the beach and I miss my students. i am having an awesome time though. I spent all day today stretching, hurting, watching tv and waiting for the pain to go away. Its not as bad as after my triatholon 5years ago, i did it without preparing for it at all-duh I was sore after that one. My knees are good...I just have really sore calves and quads. I didnt take many photos, i wish i could have but i was more concerned with finishing. There were some funny things i saw on that race...a guy dressed up like a playboy bunny, a couple from Korea with a huge sign attached to their backs that said We are traveling around the country to tell u about Korea. Also, a guy with an embrella on his head, he made me smile everytime I saw him. We ran alongside each other 3 times, we made a loop so I was able to see the people that were ahead of me and behind. I even caught up with Mark who ran with me for a bit but he wanted to chat and I couldnt...had to listen to my music that kept me going. There was this english guy on the last 5kilometers that was really encouraging...never saw him again though...wish i could have thanked him. I kept walking and letting people pass and then running again, passing them. There were over 7000 runners and i came in 4126.Pretty good for my first time I think.
10K 1:03.40
20K 2:10.21
HALF 2:18.19
30K 3:18.46
40K 4:31.27
Finish of 42K 4:45.01
TRACY
The beginning, I woke up from a dream of my swim coach, Matt Liddy, who recently passed away, telling me how to run the race. He told me that I was prepared to do this, to not start off too fast and to finish strong. It was wierd, it was exactly what I needed to hear and it was very comforting to hear it from him. I caught the train and started talking to another marathon runner, a guy from Czech named Mark, well that was his english name for me. I stayed with Mark and met two others-a Swedish couple. I met a couple of americans yesterday named Jessi and Margaret. When we lined up, I thought I would see them but i didnt. They started us off and a bunch of balloons were let go in the air. I was in the last group to leave so it took about 8 minutes to get to the starting line. When we did, I wasnt nervous..I knew I could do this. As we approached the start line, and everyone was chearing, that is when I started to tear up and get nervous. I heard it is an emotional experience and that it was.
We took off and in no time, I found the american girls who were trying to run it in 4.30. Jessi told me I was running way too fast and I would never finish if I was going out that fast. So I slowed down. I ran the first 14 kilometers without any problems. There was plenty of bananas and lemonaide to keep me hydrated. They even had sponges which helped with the heat. It was 60 degrees with the sun shining and it went up to 65 but it was hot. There were cheerleaders and bands and lots of people screaming to keep us going. I couldnt understand anyone. My music kept me going and when I heard any english, I was super excited. I tried to make eye contact with the people cheering us on. They were sitting out there eating, drinking, and waiting like a parade. It was painful to watch sometimes. One group actually had a sign up that said BEER STOP. I read it out loud and then it caught the groups attention. Then i said that is so wrong...and I heard em laughing. Each person that gave me a high five or a nod like YES you can do this...gave me hope and inspiration. I was good to go when I caught up with Jessi who told me she ate too much and thought she was going to be sick. I knew I was behind my schedule when I reached the half. I was at 2:18 instead of 2:10. I did stop for the bathroom though which I had to wait in line for but it took five minutes or so.
I picked up my pace and only thought of the next 7K. I wouldnt allow myself to think of anything but the next 7K. It helped me alot. There were times where I pictured Camila and Mette running along side of me or Will or Cristina-the ones that ran with me while training. Then i thought of a bunch of my OHIO friends cheering me on, the ones that ran a marathon before-Ananda screaming out...You got this girl..I did it and you can too. After 33, I hadnt run more than that in practice and i knew it would get harder. The time it took between 34 and 35 was an eternity. It was only at 35 where I could allow myself to think about the finish. It is when it really hurt and the thought of beating my sister came into my head. Dawn ran a marathon in a great time. She did so awesome that i didnt think of beating her but then she wrote an emotional email to me and brought up how we were always competitive and how I never let her win. That did it. She brought the competitive edge out that has been dead and buried for years now. The last painful 7 kilometers I was hurting, aching with knee pain and hip pain and everytime i started walking, my competitive edge would yell at me for walking. You think u can achieve this with no pain...well forget it, cry after, now is the time to run. I would be sooo close that I couldnt walk at all. When I hit 40 and the people started cheering, I started to run hard, I would call it sprinting but I was running slow...harder than i had run the whole race. When I turned the last corner and was heading back into the city, I heard all the cries and screams of the people. Tears filled my eyes and I knew I had done it. I had dreampt a challenging dream that I never thought I would carry out and finish and I had done it...finished it. I had ran a marathon in the country where my ancestors had come from. Not only did i do it, but I did it by myself. I came to Prague and ran by myself. I wanted to celebrate with someone but it wasnt in the cards this time around. Maybe next time. I was sooo proud of myself.
Now the feeling of finishing this thing was amazing but I came in at 4:54 and my sisters time was 4:53. I gasped as I sprinted through the finish line but then I remembered I didnt start at 9:00. I was delayed. Dawn, hearing the news told me that she was now going to have to beat me and would be running another marathon in October. Huh. Bring it on...I never wanted to do this again but if she beats my time, I WILL compete in another, now that i know i can do this. Dawn, you did this...this competive edge, you started this. I decided to do a half in Cordoba in June...it may be more challenging than the full because it is sooooo hot there.
I went into the health tent to get my knee wrapped, it was way swollen although it didnt hurt much. After sitting down for 5 minutes, I got super dizzy and almost fainted. Its a normal thing when I run so much. Then the nurses took my blood sugar and blood pressure. My BP was a little low 100 over 60-nothing to worry about. I ate something, stayed for 25 more minutes and then left, feeling much better. It was a different experience when they were all trying to talk to me in czech. I didnt stop them till they finished then i told them i dont speak czech and they would have to find a translater. The two guys that did come to help me felt really important and proud, I could see it on thier faces. I then went over and got a free massage-I picked the wrong line. I ended up with two blind guys-not normally a problem but when they dont speak ur language and they cant read my body language, it was kind of hard to communicate. It wasnt very good. oh well. Then i went and got my metal engraved. 4 hours 45 min.
Afterwards, I was on such a high, I walked home. It was a 20 minute walk and I could have caught the trolley...it was free for all marathon runners. It wasnt worth standing around if I didnt know anyone. Its hard to celebrate too when I dont know anyone. i heard there was volcanic ash causing more havic with flights but I will be pissed if it blocks me from going home. I want my hot weather...I want to go to the beach and I miss my students. i am having an awesome time though. I spent all day today stretching, hurting, watching tv and waiting for the pain to go away. Its not as bad as after my triatholon 5years ago, i did it without preparing for it at all-duh I was sore after that one. My knees are good...I just have really sore calves and quads. I didnt take many photos, i wish i could have but i was more concerned with finishing. There were some funny things i saw on that race...a guy dressed up like a playboy bunny, a couple from Korea with a huge sign attached to their backs that said We are traveling around the country to tell u about Korea. Also, a guy with an embrella on his head, he made me smile everytime I saw him. We ran alongside each other 3 times, we made a loop so I was able to see the people that were ahead of me and behind. I even caught up with Mark who ran with me for a bit but he wanted to chat and I couldnt...had to listen to my music that kept me going. There was this english guy on the last 5kilometers that was really encouraging...never saw him again though...wish i could have thanked him. I kept walking and letting people pass and then running again, passing them. There were over 7000 runners and i came in 4126.Pretty good for my first time I think.
10K 1:03.40
20K 2:10.21
HALF 2:18.19
30K 3:18.46
40K 4:31.27
Finish of 42K 4:45.01
TRACY
Running in Prague May 8
I never thought I would run a marathon. When my sister Dawn had done it, I thought what a psycotic thought. She lost tons of weight from training and that did motivate me but I never thought to do it. Three years later, I found myself doing it. I met Cristine who told me how exciting it was to run a marathon abroad. She ran one in Ireland and also in Spain. When she told me this year she would be going to Prague, Czech Republic, I told her i was in. I never expected myself to follow through though. I started running my normal 20 minute run and thought how in the world would I be able to do this for five hours and a half....there is just no way.
I signed up for it on December 31st in the locotorio, the last day to sign up for it at the price of 60 euros. Otherwise, it would be 80 euros. Training took place on the paseo, next to the meditterean sea. I was supposed to run hills too but I could never pull myself away from the beautiful sight of the sea. I trained my long runs with Cristine in Malaga every weekend which was a lot easier to run because I was running with someone instead of by myself. A month before the marathon she told me she couldnt go due to funds and my confidence fell along with my desire to do it. No tenia ganas nada mas. I had a hard desicion to make...to go through with this alone or not do it. What would I regret if I did or didnt do? I had to do this. I cried through my doubts in my boyfriends arms and he kept shaking his head and saying...just dont do it then if you are so worried. I never quit..I cant just leave something and not do it when I ve been training for so long and giving up so much. I gave up salsa and going out alot, drinking socially and much more. So I bought an expensive ticket and found a place to stay through couchsurfing and put on a brave face.
I headed out to the country of my ancesters and when I got here, my confidence dropped again. It was rainy and 50 F cold. My couchsurfer dropped me off at her house at 6pm and said she needed to attend to some business...aka wanted to go out for a beer and speak her own language. I can accept that. I went to facebook and found support from Nandi, Cristine, Tomas, Amanda and Dawn. They talked to me and reassured me that I still could do this although it would rain all day and be 55F only. My self esteem slowly climbed back up. I found an american girl Jenna who is doing the same program as me who was on vacation inPrague the same time as me...a friend of mine, thanks Cat, put me in contact with her. I met her the next day and we went on a free walking tour that took us around the Jewish area, the center and near the castle. It lasted 3 hours. It was awesome...we tipped big...it was an american guide trying to make it...in Prague..we knew how that was. The culture here is amazing and there are parts of this wonderful city that reminds me of Germany, Lithuania and Switerland. Its beautiful.
Afterwards, we went to the castle and explored the beautiful Cathedral. It started to rain so we went into a museum about a family who lost their inheritance during the Wars from the Nazis. They got it all back and have a number of castles and thousands of paintings and historical momentos now in museums. It made me want to look up my family...but we dont have any family here in Prague..they are up north and south of here. Another time I guess.
So I went out today to run my last practice run. My crazy visions and dreams of finally running here in Prague is actually coming true. I ran with a huge smile on my face and when people passed me, i know they were thinking OH, there goes one of the marathon runners. Thats what Iam..a marathon runner. It was so exciting I couldnt stop smiling. Before my run, i went to the Marathon Expo and picked up my number F1006. There are over 7000 runners, 3000 from Prague and 4000 internationals. I bought an american flag tatoo and a 1st time marathon runner tatoo to wear in two days. I am ready and excited. Will head to the expo tomorrow for a pasta party. I didnt see too many americans there...maybe i will run into a few later. There is a party for us afterwards too. I got my bag and tshirt. You can track my run on live.praguemarathon.com
I signed up for it on December 31st in the locotorio, the last day to sign up for it at the price of 60 euros. Otherwise, it would be 80 euros. Training took place on the paseo, next to the meditterean sea. I was supposed to run hills too but I could never pull myself away from the beautiful sight of the sea. I trained my long runs with Cristine in Malaga every weekend which was a lot easier to run because I was running with someone instead of by myself. A month before the marathon she told me she couldnt go due to funds and my confidence fell along with my desire to do it. No tenia ganas nada mas. I had a hard desicion to make...to go through with this alone or not do it. What would I regret if I did or didnt do? I had to do this. I cried through my doubts in my boyfriends arms and he kept shaking his head and saying...just dont do it then if you are so worried. I never quit..I cant just leave something and not do it when I ve been training for so long and giving up so much. I gave up salsa and going out alot, drinking socially and much more. So I bought an expensive ticket and found a place to stay through couchsurfing and put on a brave face.
I headed out to the country of my ancesters and when I got here, my confidence dropped again. It was rainy and 50 F cold. My couchsurfer dropped me off at her house at 6pm and said she needed to attend to some business...aka wanted to go out for a beer and speak her own language. I can accept that. I went to facebook and found support from Nandi, Cristine, Tomas, Amanda and Dawn. They talked to me and reassured me that I still could do this although it would rain all day and be 55F only. My self esteem slowly climbed back up. I found an american girl Jenna who is doing the same program as me who was on vacation inPrague the same time as me...a friend of mine, thanks Cat, put me in contact with her. I met her the next day and we went on a free walking tour that took us around the Jewish area, the center and near the castle. It lasted 3 hours. It was awesome...we tipped big...it was an american guide trying to make it...in Prague..we knew how that was. The culture here is amazing and there are parts of this wonderful city that reminds me of Germany, Lithuania and Switerland. Its beautiful.
Afterwards, we went to the castle and explored the beautiful Cathedral. It started to rain so we went into a museum about a family who lost their inheritance during the Wars from the Nazis. They got it all back and have a number of castles and thousands of paintings and historical momentos now in museums. It made me want to look up my family...but we dont have any family here in Prague..they are up north and south of here. Another time I guess.
So I went out today to run my last practice run. My crazy visions and dreams of finally running here in Prague is actually coming true. I ran with a huge smile on my face and when people passed me, i know they were thinking OH, there goes one of the marathon runners. Thats what Iam..a marathon runner. It was so exciting I couldnt stop smiling. Before my run, i went to the Marathon Expo and picked up my number F1006. There are over 7000 runners, 3000 from Prague and 4000 internationals. I bought an american flag tatoo and a 1st time marathon runner tatoo to wear in two days. I am ready and excited. Will head to the expo tomorrow for a pasta party. I didnt see too many americans there...maybe i will run into a few later. There is a party for us afterwards too. I got my bag and tshirt. You can track my run on live.praguemarathon.com
Marathon May 8
I have ran through the sun, wind and cold but not the rain...and what is the weather like in Prague? It will be raining...good, fantastic! Im already nervous as it is...Oh well. My friend, Amanda told me its 80% mental...so I hope I will be mentally ready by Sunday. This training brought me back into focus on thinking positively, got me out of a funk with a stupid boy and helped me get fit. I have been running since October and signed up in December after my injury. I realized how different running is from swimming and how to train properly (although I didnt follow all the recommendations).
I should have stretched more, ran longer, ran in the rain, done more strength building and ate better but ready or not, here I go. Im heading to Madrid tomorrow and then to Prague. Im staying with a couchsurfer named Eliska who is from Prague. I am so excited to see the city and nervous to run the marathon. I am afraid of the pain in my ankles, my knees especially and my hips (which start to hurt after 4 hours). i want to enjoy myself as well but at the same time, I want to stay focused. I think this is the hardest training Ive put my body through...my joints are killing me! Swimming was better on the body...I will have to swim more in the sea when I come home. The beach will be calling my name when I get home. All right, thatś it then..Prague here i come!
I should have stretched more, ran longer, ran in the rain, done more strength building and ate better but ready or not, here I go. Im heading to Madrid tomorrow and then to Prague. Im staying with a couchsurfer named Eliska who is from Prague. I am so excited to see the city and nervous to run the marathon. I am afraid of the pain in my ankles, my knees especially and my hips (which start to hurt after 4 hours). i want to enjoy myself as well but at the same time, I want to stay focused. I think this is the hardest training Ive put my body through...my joints are killing me! Swimming was better on the body...I will have to swim more in the sea when I come home. The beach will be calling my name when I get home. All right, thatś it then..Prague here i come!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Marathon here i come
I have ran through the sun, wind and cold but not the rain...and what is the weather like in Prague? It will be raining...good, fantastic! Im already nervous as it is...Oh well. My friend, Amanda told me its 80% mental...so I hope I will be mentally ready by Sunday. This training brought me back into focus on thinking positively, got me out of a funk with a stupid boy and helped me get fit. I have been running since October and signed up in December after my injury. I realized how different running is from swimming and how to train properly (although I didnt follow all the recommendations).
I should have stretched more, ran longer, ran in the rain, done more strength building and ate better but ready or not, here I go. Im heading to Madrid tomorrow and then to Prague. Im staying with a couchsurfer named Eliska who is from Prague. I am so excited to see the city and nervous to run the marathon. I am afraid of the pain in my ankles, my knees especially and my hips (which start to hurt after 4 hours). i want to enjoy myself as well but at the same time, I want to stay focused. I think this is the hardest training Ive put my body through...my joints are killing me! Swimming was better on the body...I will have to swim more in the sea when I come home. The beach will be calling my name when I get home. All right, thatś it then..Prague here i come!
I should have stretched more, ran longer, ran in the rain, done more strength building and ate better but ready or not, here I go. Im heading to Madrid tomorrow and then to Prague. Im staying with a couchsurfer named Eliska who is from Prague. I am so excited to see the city and nervous to run the marathon. I am afraid of the pain in my ankles, my knees especially and my hips (which start to hurt after 4 hours). i want to enjoy myself as well but at the same time, I want to stay focused. I think this is the hardest training Ive put my body through...my joints are killing me! Swimming was better on the body...I will have to swim more in the sea when I come home. The beach will be calling my name when I get home. All right, thatś it then..Prague here i come!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Marathon preparation
So I have been doing my long runs the last couple of weeks. I was very stressed about it thinking it was an impossibility to run more than 2 hours straight especially since I hadnt done it before. My first long run was 3 hours and a half-28 kilometers or 16 miles-hard work. I ran into a few problems, my ipod was out of juice although I charged it and I started aching in places where I hadnt before. It was challenging but I kept running into people I knew so I took little breaks to talk to them. It was like taking a break for 2 minutes or 5 minutes every 7 kilometers or 4 miles which gave me enough of a break to keep going. It wasnt as hard as I thought.
My 4 hour run was more challenging-claro! I asked a friend of mine to bike with me...Nandi(from California)! She biked 16 miles of it with me...and I ran 19 miles or 33kilometers, only 3 miles alone. My friends Camila and Mette (danish )ran with me 8 miles of it with me or 14 kilometers and Will, another american friend of mine sang me a song for me with his guitar to encourage me at the end of 16 miles. Nandi even went to my house afterwards to cook me dinner so when I got home, I could eat right away. My knees, ankles and hips have been hurting for three days straight now. Im exhausted. I bought my flight for 330 euros...a bit expensive but worth every penny. I found a couchsurfing host for a week so I only have to pay for one night in a hostel. Im excited about that. Prague-here I come! Im so excited!
My 4 hour run was more challenging-claro! I asked a friend of mine to bike with me...Nandi(from California)! She biked 16 miles of it with me...and I ran 19 miles or 33kilometers, only 3 miles alone. My friends Camila and Mette (danish )ran with me 8 miles of it with me or 14 kilometers and Will, another american friend of mine sang me a song for me with his guitar to encourage me at the end of 16 miles. Nandi even went to my house afterwards to cook me dinner so when I got home, I could eat right away. My knees, ankles and hips have been hurting for three days straight now. Im exhausted. I bought my flight for 330 euros...a bit expensive but worth every penny. I found a couchsurfing host for a week so I only have to pay for one night in a hostel. Im excited about that. Prague-here I come! Im so excited!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Running
So the marathon is in a month and a five days. I m way behind in my running and every time I try to run more than an hour, my sugar drops. Im hypoglycemic and when I run, its worse. I get dizzy and can´t talk-especially in spanish, sometimes I cry and even faint. I was close to fainting a couple of times but I did faint when my parents were here during Semana Santa last year. I am really nervous how my body will react when I push it to do the marathon. I might be going alone which makes me realize I cannot push myself too hard...have to take it easy. My coach, Cristina may not make it- a friend of mine that has been teaching me and helping me learn how to run a marathon. I think she will though. Shes been training too hard to not go. Its in Prague and I have been waiting to see this city for two years now. Back in Alabama, a friend of mine went and brought back a book on Prague, I knew I was heading to Europe at the time and made it a goal to see it. Last year, I saved as much as I could to go to weddings in Madrid, Lithuania, Germany and in Key West on a cruise. I couldnt make it to Prague but this year I have been saving all year long, staying in Fuengirola to see it and Italy. Im super excited and can´t wait to go. Also, I will be running a marathon, maybe the only one in my life. I will run for myself, my sisters, my aunt and my country. It will be my olympics although its not. The goal is to finish the race without fainting. I have to carry glucose tabs with me and gel packs of sugar. I plan to eat those gross protein bars before and after the race. Today I ran 7 kilometers or 4 miles. In a few minutes, I will go run another 7k or 4miles. Will and I ran 3 and a half yesterday and up the castle...that is a big hill to run up. He just quit smoking but beat me up the hill. He told me he´s going to train me for the marathon which will be nice but its me that has to make sure the miles get run. Some days are harder than others...sometimes I just don´t feel like running. If I miss a week, my body is still in shape to run which is nice. Anyways, I have to go run.
Semana Santa
The first two days of Semana Santa, I went into Málaga to watch and learn more about the processions. The culture of it all and the environment really is quite interesting to learn about and watch. I was surrounded by spaniards with a few different accents which made it hard to listen to the conversations. Two girls were from Cordoba and a couple was from Málaga. They are quite different. It is like two people from Cinci and two from Kentucky. For a foreigner, I was quite confused at times but they were sweet to repeat themselves. I stayed with a friend in Torremolinos so I could get out of Fuengirola a bit. Asún y Sol were quite hospitable and I loved staying with them.
The next night my spanish chico came over and we went out to a Danish party. So we were speaking english, danish, and spanish at the party. It reminded me of our (Milda´s y yo) parties with lots of foreigners and all types of different languages. I loved it. We went out all together for a night on the town after sipping on sangria and eating the fruit that was soaking in it. It was quite fun but we went to the same place we always go to-TRAMPS! Its a local bar that we always go to. Its a bit old but we seem to end up there anyways. Im excited to change the environment soon which will happen with summer....i believe its here.
I went over to Malaga with mi chico español and spent a relaxing night with him after running a 14 Kilometers without eating properly. My sugar level dropped and I couldnt function to do anything. I think my spanish is improving after spending some time with mi chico but I hope it improves more. The next four days, mi chico took me up to Antequera where I met his family and friends. I was so nervous. I have never met parents or family of a boyfriend before. I passed with flying colors...they liked me! This is what I was worried about...Anyways, we went camping, had tons of fun. I watched the spaniards dance and be crazy with songs that they listened to from their childhood. I was lost in translation. It was interesting and I enjoyed every moment of it. We spent some time with his family, on Easter and it wasn´t as hard. I always get so emotional on holidays but being around a family and lots of people made it easier. I noticed my spanish was worse because I was emotional. I had a really good week up there in Antequera. We went out for the night as well and Tomás taught me a few more salsa moves. I love when we dance together, everyone watches. Its awesome. I am living my dream daily. I will head off to Barcelona for the weekend and then to Torox, a small white town next to Nerja, my favorite Andalucian city where the beaches are so awesome.
The next night my spanish chico came over and we went out to a Danish party. So we were speaking english, danish, and spanish at the party. It reminded me of our (Milda´s y yo) parties with lots of foreigners and all types of different languages. I loved it. We went out all together for a night on the town after sipping on sangria and eating the fruit that was soaking in it. It was quite fun but we went to the same place we always go to-TRAMPS! Its a local bar that we always go to. Its a bit old but we seem to end up there anyways. Im excited to change the environment soon which will happen with summer....i believe its here.
I went over to Malaga with mi chico español and spent a relaxing night with him after running a 14 Kilometers without eating properly. My sugar level dropped and I couldnt function to do anything. I think my spanish is improving after spending some time with mi chico but I hope it improves more. The next four days, mi chico took me up to Antequera where I met his family and friends. I was so nervous. I have never met parents or family of a boyfriend before. I passed with flying colors...they liked me! This is what I was worried about...Anyways, we went camping, had tons of fun. I watched the spaniards dance and be crazy with songs that they listened to from their childhood. I was lost in translation. It was interesting and I enjoyed every moment of it. We spent some time with his family, on Easter and it wasn´t as hard. I always get so emotional on holidays but being around a family and lots of people made it easier. I noticed my spanish was worse because I was emotional. I had a really good week up there in Antequera. We went out for the night as well and Tomás taught me a few more salsa moves. I love when we dance together, everyone watches. Its awesome. I am living my dream daily. I will head off to Barcelona for the weekend and then to Torox, a small white town next to Nerja, my favorite Andalucian city where the beaches are so awesome.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Spring has sprung
The beautiful orange trees are blooming and the smell of the flowers on the trees send a chilling feeling up my spine, its amazing. Its so good! I have seen a lot of rain this year and through all the ickyness, I still love this little town. It consists of going out with friends from Denmark, Sweden, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, France, Chile and of course other Americans. I love it. I am consistently learning about new cultures, geography, new foods and new traditions. It is amazing that I can look for a trip on a plane to another country for a cheap price. I met a small town spanish boy and he has made me see things in another light. The other night we were sitting on my couch listening to Alejandro Sanz and Alicia Keys- Looking for Paradise. I would whisper in his ear translating the english words to spanish and he would do the same in spanish so I could understand. It is hard for me to understand songs for some reason. It was cute and I wished the moment could have lasted longer. It seems too good to be true sometimes but I am enjoying every moment of it.
I was sick for three days straight with the flu-AGAIN! I felt so alone, in my stupid bed for three long days. Tomorrow is the day of the juego...game...where we will be given teams of students of all ages in the school and we will go around to play games and learn about Europe as we go. I have Sweden, a country I dont really know too much about so my friend, Emilie from Sweden is meeting me to tell me more about her country. I plan to bring yellow and blue face paint tomorrow to paint on the childrens faces. There are alot of Suecos or Swedes in this area and I never thought to ask them about their country but with a school project, I will. I found out that they were a pagist country at first before Christianity and Catholism became influent. They can have up to 11 hours of sunlight in the summers and 9 hours of darkness in the winters. It is the third biggest european country after Spain and France. They have the longest life expectancy in Europe of 80 years, teh highest percentage of working females, and highest number of Mc Donalds in Europe which is only half of the number we have in the USA. ABBA, The Cardigans and Ace of Base came from Sweden. They speak Swedish but it will be hard to find someone from Sweden who doesnt speak English. Interesting huh? I thought so! Now, Im off to meet Emilie who we all call Fergie (because of the first time i met her, she looks like Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas...the nickname caught on and everyone calls her that now).
I was sick for three days straight with the flu-AGAIN! I felt so alone, in my stupid bed for three long days. Tomorrow is the day of the juego...game...where we will be given teams of students of all ages in the school and we will go around to play games and learn about Europe as we go. I have Sweden, a country I dont really know too much about so my friend, Emilie from Sweden is meeting me to tell me more about her country. I plan to bring yellow and blue face paint tomorrow to paint on the childrens faces. There are alot of Suecos or Swedes in this area and I never thought to ask them about their country but with a school project, I will. I found out that they were a pagist country at first before Christianity and Catholism became influent. They can have up to 11 hours of sunlight in the summers and 9 hours of darkness in the winters. It is the third biggest european country after Spain and France. They have the longest life expectancy in Europe of 80 years, teh highest percentage of working females, and highest number of Mc Donalds in Europe which is only half of the number we have in the USA. ABBA, The Cardigans and Ace of Base came from Sweden. They speak Swedish but it will be hard to find someone from Sweden who doesnt speak English. Interesting huh? I thought so! Now, Im off to meet Emilie who we all call Fergie (because of the first time i met her, she looks like Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas...the nickname caught on and everyone calls her that now).
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Teaching english in Benalmadena
I was invited to go to a high school in Benalmadena to answer questions that the kids had prepared so that they could hear the American accent. One of my friends from one of my intercambios had invited me and I thought it could be a fun experience. When I got there, I found myself a bit nervous but when I entered the class, it was like teaching back in the States. (Over the summer, I volunteered to teach the highschool kids about Spain and traveling outside of the States to learn about other cultures and learning the language in the culture.)
I found the students were nervous to ask questions so I talked a bit about myself. I told them how I got to Spain and what I discovered while I was here, why I came and how I planned to stay only 6 months....which turned into 2 1/2 years. The students started to ask me about things...What did I think of the Spanish people, what was the worst thing that happened while I was here (my coat and ipod were stolen in Madrid) and one student asked me how i liked the guys here. I couldn't answer this question. Overall, in the Costa del Sol, it seemed that the guys cheated a lot. It happens everywhere but here in the coast, where lots of tourists come in for the summers, it seems oh so easy to have a fling without anybody knowing. It causes a huge trust issue in relationships. I was dating a guy recently and he broke it off we me because he thought I was cheating. I didn't do anything and he was really paranoid that I was cheating so he broke it off.
I couldn't answer the students question because I was still really hurt and the pain from the relationship was so fresh still. I don't think all the guys are like this because two of my really good American friends found really nice trustful Spanish boyfriends. There are good guys out there... We can always find nice people in every culture, we can't generalize, its not fair to. I had a great time talking to the students and thought it would be fun to do it again maybe at the end of the year in May. Afterwards, I set up an intercambio in Benalmadena with a few friends and we spent the day walking around Benalmadena talking in Spanish and English. I always speak both languages these days. Its hard to stay in one. Sometimes, I'll speak in one language and a word will come out in the opposite language in the middle of the conversation. Its kind of funny. All of us do it.
Luciano, Katarina, Nandi, Irene y yo quedamos y pasemos muy bien alli en Benalmadena. Afterwards, I went home to Fuengirola for a short while then back out to Malaga for a night of fun (although it was raining). Karmen and Luciano were trying to hook me up with a friend of theirs and I wasn't going to have it. He was a Spaniard and I was content on being alone with my girls. He took my hand a spun me into his arms. He spun me back out and started to dance salsa with me. I was shocked that he knew how to lead me so well. Little by little the people in the dance club backed away and started watching us in admiration. I felt like I was in Dirty Dancing. My heart jumped when he dipped me at the end of the song and I knew I couldn't avoid him any longer. It is amazing that you always find things when you aren't looking.
I found the students were nervous to ask questions so I talked a bit about myself. I told them how I got to Spain and what I discovered while I was here, why I came and how I planned to stay only 6 months....which turned into 2 1/2 years. The students started to ask me about things...What did I think of the Spanish people, what was the worst thing that happened while I was here (my coat and ipod were stolen in Madrid) and one student asked me how i liked the guys here. I couldn't answer this question. Overall, in the Costa del Sol, it seemed that the guys cheated a lot. It happens everywhere but here in the coast, where lots of tourists come in for the summers, it seems oh so easy to have a fling without anybody knowing. It causes a huge trust issue in relationships. I was dating a guy recently and he broke it off we me because he thought I was cheating. I didn't do anything and he was really paranoid that I was cheating so he broke it off.
I couldn't answer the students question because I was still really hurt and the pain from the relationship was so fresh still. I don't think all the guys are like this because two of my really good American friends found really nice trustful Spanish boyfriends. There are good guys out there... We can always find nice people in every culture, we can't generalize, its not fair to. I had a great time talking to the students and thought it would be fun to do it again maybe at the end of the year in May. Afterwards, I set up an intercambio in Benalmadena with a few friends and we spent the day walking around Benalmadena talking in Spanish and English. I always speak both languages these days. Its hard to stay in one. Sometimes, I'll speak in one language and a word will come out in the opposite language in the middle of the conversation. Its kind of funny. All of us do it.
Luciano, Katarina, Nandi, Irene y yo quedamos y pasemos muy bien alli en Benalmadena. Afterwards, I went home to Fuengirola for a short while then back out to Malaga for a night of fun (although it was raining). Karmen and Luciano were trying to hook me up with a friend of theirs and I wasn't going to have it. He was a Spaniard and I was content on being alone with my girls. He took my hand a spun me into his arms. He spun me back out and started to dance salsa with me. I was shocked that he knew how to lead me so well. Little by little the people in the dance club backed away and started watching us in admiration. I felt like I was in Dirty Dancing. My heart jumped when he dipped me at the end of the song and I knew I couldn't avoid him any longer. It is amazing that you always find things when you aren't looking.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A big surprise for the 5th and 6th graders
Hace dos semanas los estudiantes de quinto y sexto recibieron ordenadores. Son portatiles de la Junta de Andalucía. Cada estudiante recibió y tiene que guadarlo durante cuatro años. Despues de los cuatro años, los portatiles son suyos. La Junta los dio a los estudiantes para que ellos sepan como usar ordenadores. Ellos tienen que entregar su tarea por coreo y tambien hay muchos tareas durante la clases que los alumnos tienes que hacer con los ordenadores. Me sorprendí mucho porque la Junta dió un portatil que cuesta 3 o 4 cientos cada alumno. Tambien ellos recibieron mochilas para llevarlos portaliles. Los estudiantes estan aprendiendo cosas con el ordenador muy rapido. Ellos estan cambiando música y fotos con un pen drive. No sabía mucho de estos cosas cuando tenía la misma edad. La tecnología esta mejorando cada día más.
Two weeks ago my students in 5th and 6th grade recieved portable computers along with backpacks to carry them in. The board of directors from Andalucía, the southern providence in Spain gave each child a computer. It costs about 300-400 euros but was given to each child so they could learn how to use a computer. The kids have assignments in class and have to turn their homework in by email. They are learning quite rapidly how to use a pendrive and share music or pictures with each other. It is on loan to them for four years until they reach highschool. At the point of graduation, the computer becomes thier own. Next year, the new 5th graders will get more computers. Every year following, the 5th graders will get new computers as well. It is amazing how technology is improving. By doing this, the children will learn quicker and be more encouraged to use computers.
Two weeks ago my students in 5th and 6th grade recieved portable computers along with backpacks to carry them in. The board of directors from Andalucía, the southern providence in Spain gave each child a computer. It costs about 300-400 euros but was given to each child so they could learn how to use a computer. The kids have assignments in class and have to turn their homework in by email. They are learning quite rapidly how to use a pendrive and share music or pictures with each other. It is on loan to them for four years until they reach highschool. At the point of graduation, the computer becomes thier own. Next year, the new 5th graders will get more computers. Every year following, the 5th graders will get new computers as well. It is amazing how technology is improving. By doing this, the children will learn quicker and be more encouraged to use computers.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Running
Last year, I came to Fuengirola and worked as an auxiliar in a primary school for 12 hours a week. I realized how much time I had on my hands. To avoid that this year, I made a list. 30 things I want to accomplish by 30! After two months of trying to do alot of them at the same time, I threw the list at the wall. Frustrated, I decided at New Years to take it one at a time. My biggest and hardest challenge was to run a Marathon! I also put half marathon on the list in case I wouldn´t make it. I signed up for it and talked about it only because I had met a girl last year named Cristine. She encouraged me last year but the thought of running 26 miles or 42 kilometers was just a silly idea that didn´t take long to get rid of. This year, when we returned to Spain, she told me instead of going to Madrid to run it, she was heading to Prague. That sold me! I wanted to go to Prague (it was on my list) sooooo bad and to run a marathon in the place where my relatives and ancestors came from was more than enough to convince me. The training started in October and November. When December came, I ran 13 miles to see if I could do a half marathon for practice. It was too early...I did it-2 hours 10 minutes but I injured my foot.
So when I signed up for the marathon online for 60 euros...I was scared. I hadn´t been training and a marathon seemed kind of crazy...what made me think I could do this. Its completely crazy! I wrote on facebook asking for encouragement and the responces I got helped me so much. I was doing it. I asked Cristine for a training schedule and train mostly on my own. Once in a while, I head over to Malaga and run with Cristine and her boyfriend. Its usually our long run of 14 kilometers or 8 miles...
Today, it was cloudy and I didnt feel like running so much! Yesterday, I ran 10 K without a problem and today was challenging. It varies like that. March starts the speed runs, hills and the ice baths...ugh! Im not looking forward to it. The weather is changing though and I love running in the heat, well, its better than running in the rain, wind and cold. In Prague, I think it will be a weather shock to me. The marathon is in May, but in Spain its like 80s and in Prague, a lot less. I still havent trained in the rain but I m sure I ll have another opportunity. Its rained here so much in 5 months that it is equal to five years usually. Does that make sense? My english is getting worse. Anyways, alot! Too much...this is the city of the sol! Fuengirola ciudad del sol! Not anymore! Well, wish me luck...and more to come.
So when I signed up for the marathon online for 60 euros...I was scared. I hadn´t been training and a marathon seemed kind of crazy...what made me think I could do this. Its completely crazy! I wrote on facebook asking for encouragement and the responces I got helped me so much. I was doing it. I asked Cristine for a training schedule and train mostly on my own. Once in a while, I head over to Malaga and run with Cristine and her boyfriend. Its usually our long run of 14 kilometers or 8 miles...
Today, it was cloudy and I didnt feel like running so much! Yesterday, I ran 10 K without a problem and today was challenging. It varies like that. March starts the speed runs, hills and the ice baths...ugh! Im not looking forward to it. The weather is changing though and I love running in the heat, well, its better than running in the rain, wind and cold. In Prague, I think it will be a weather shock to me. The marathon is in May, but in Spain its like 80s and in Prague, a lot less. I still havent trained in the rain but I m sure I ll have another opportunity. Its rained here so much in 5 months that it is equal to five years usually. Does that make sense? My english is getting worse. Anyways, alot! Too much...this is the city of the sol! Fuengirola ciudad del sol! Not anymore! Well, wish me luck...and more to come.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Fuengirola, tiny town that is not so safe
Last year, I lived in Fuengirola for about 8 months. No problems...small town with lots of foreigners and a bit hard to stay in spanish due to too much english around. This year, the murders started to happen. The first, a swedish homeless guy. It was about 15 minutes walking away from my home. It happened at 4am on a Saturday night in December. Someone killed him while he was sleeping. He was innocent! He was killed with an axe to his head. My friend, Nuria told me about it and how she talked to him for 3 months now everyday. She told me how innocent and sweet he was. Surely, she told me, he wasn´t killed for anything he did.
The second, a month later almost to the day in January. About 20 minutes from my house, another was killed with an axe to the head to a homeless while sleeping AGAIN! It happened around 3am. Do we have an axe murderer in small town Fuengirola? How could anyone do this...well, I asked around and found out some interesting news. Under 18 years old, a person who kills or breaks the law usually goes to a correctional home for a year or two and then is placed right back on the street! With help from the government...a stipend to get on their feet again. I dont understand this and it made me so mad when I heard about the laws here. I thought for sure....a kid is doing this because the punishment is nothing! The culprit has not been caught yet.
The third, last night! Not even 2 minutes from my apt, at 830pm...different situation. I passed the scene of the crime just one hour before it happened. A 20 year old morrocan male came upon a 17 year old spanish male and asked for 5 euros. The spaniard said no and tried to pass him. There was a ramp that heads down to a tow place and somehow the morrocan surrounded the spaniard and the spaniard had nothing to do but defend himself which he did. As they fought, the spaniard was obviously stronger so the morrocan pulled out a knife. He stabbed him in the back first, slowing him down to try to get away, then a stab to his chest followed by slitting his wrist. The ambulance didn´t come quick enough and a neighbor who saw it, took him in car to the hospital where he later died.
The fact that it was right by my house scares me. The fact that I almost came across it all makes me feel aweful. As a nurse, I feel I could have helped if I was there which I almost was. And he goes to the school next to mine, a senior, ready to start his life. My friends that work there probably know him. Knowing, this kid who did get caught for killing the spaniard will probably not get a very tough punishment makes me ill. I don´t feel safe in this town anymore.
The second, a month later almost to the day in January. About 20 minutes from my house, another was killed with an axe to the head to a homeless while sleeping AGAIN! It happened around 3am. Do we have an axe murderer in small town Fuengirola? How could anyone do this...well, I asked around and found out some interesting news. Under 18 years old, a person who kills or breaks the law usually goes to a correctional home for a year or two and then is placed right back on the street! With help from the government...a stipend to get on their feet again. I dont understand this and it made me so mad when I heard about the laws here. I thought for sure....a kid is doing this because the punishment is nothing! The culprit has not been caught yet.
The third, last night! Not even 2 minutes from my apt, at 830pm...different situation. I passed the scene of the crime just one hour before it happened. A 20 year old morrocan male came upon a 17 year old spanish male and asked for 5 euros. The spaniard said no and tried to pass him. There was a ramp that heads down to a tow place and somehow the morrocan surrounded the spaniard and the spaniard had nothing to do but defend himself which he did. As they fought, the spaniard was obviously stronger so the morrocan pulled out a knife. He stabbed him in the back first, slowing him down to try to get away, then a stab to his chest followed by slitting his wrist. The ambulance didn´t come quick enough and a neighbor who saw it, took him in car to the hospital where he later died.
The fact that it was right by my house scares me. The fact that I almost came across it all makes me feel aweful. As a nurse, I feel I could have helped if I was there which I almost was. And he goes to the school next to mine, a senior, ready to start his life. My friends that work there probably know him. Knowing, this kid who did get caught for killing the spaniard will probably not get a very tough punishment makes me ill. I don´t feel safe in this town anymore.
Friday, February 19, 2010
El dia de San Valentin
La ultima cosa en mi mente en el dia de San Valentin, era el amor. Nunca pense en ello antes, pero este año la cosa fue un poco diferente. Estuve con alguien antes, un chico espanol, y no podia pensar en nada mas que el. Cuando sali con mis amigos esa noche y mi amiga Nandi hablo con el como diciendole que no podia hablar conmigo...me di cuenta del poder de la amistad. Ella me habia visto dolorida por alejarme de el, y sabia que yo estaba mejor sin el. Lo unico que importaba en ese momento era aliviar mi dolor. Yo confie en ella mas que en mi misma esa noche. Nos fuimos sin hablar con el. El dolor se fue en unos instantes despues, hubiera estado ahi siempre, pero se fue. Que ridiculo es lo que a la gente nos puede afectar...quiero decir...el amor! Me encapriche con el demasiado rapido. Me llevo el doble de tiempo olvidarme de el durante el tiempo que estuve con el. Decidi concentrarme mas en lo que es importante para mi: disfrutar mi tiempo en Espana y hacerlo con la gente a la que le importo, mis amigos.
The last thing on my mind on Valentine's day was love. Never was it on my mind before but this year was a bit different. I was with someone before, a Spaniard, and I couldnt think of anything but him. When I went out with my friends that night and my friend Nandi told him that he wasnt allowed to talk to me...it made me realize the power of friendship. She had seen me through my pain of getting over him and knew I was better off without him. It was only a matter of time that my pain would go away. I trusted her more than myself that night. We left and I didnt talk to him. The pain went away shortly after that, it had taken forever but it went away. Isn't is funny how much people can affect us...I mean...love! I fell for him so quick and too quick. It took me double the time to get over him then when I was with him. I decided to concentrate more on what is important for me, to enjoy my time here in Spain and do it with people that care about me, my friends.
The last thing on my mind on Valentine's day was love. Never was it on my mind before but this year was a bit different. I was with someone before, a Spaniard, and I couldnt think of anything but him. When I went out with my friends that night and my friend Nandi told him that he wasnt allowed to talk to me...it made me realize the power of friendship. She had seen me through my pain of getting over him and knew I was better off without him. It was only a matter of time that my pain would go away. I trusted her more than myself that night. We left and I didnt talk to him. The pain went away shortly after that, it had taken forever but it went away. Isn't is funny how much people can affect us...I mean...love! I fell for him so quick and too quick. It took me double the time to get over him then when I was with him. I decided to concentrate more on what is important for me, to enjoy my time here in Spain and do it with people that care about me, my friends.
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