tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13252860528561687742024-03-13T01:55:09.996+01:00Don't Stop Believing...Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-91489125170860961792011-03-25T06:21:00.001+01:002011-03-25T06:21:33.604+01:00Oh dear.So, I'm sort of laughing because I just read my last entry, and the "sidenote" was actually about the guy that I am now dating...so apparently I did find someone that appreciates my quirkyness and my weird pick-ups, not to mention that he is the most amazing guy I have ever met. Literally. Best guy ever. It's pretty great being with someone that actually treats me how I deserve, appreciates me, and wants to be around me. It's also pretty great that he is defying every negative thought/feeling I've had toward relationships, since my last one was a major bust. Seriously, every time Jared says or does something, anything, I am reminded at how awful my ex-boyfriend was, but also how amazing Jared is. I think it's a good thing that he found someone who had such a bad experience because now I won't step all over him...I can easily see a girl taking advantage of how nice Jared is, and since I can respect it and I know he is super rare, I can appreciate it a million times more than the average girl. Sigh. I really like him.<br />
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Anywho, I just wanted to update and comment on how soon after my last entry, all of what I said came true. Ohhh dear. :)Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-62689223073669521562011-02-09T08:54:00.000+01:002011-02-09T08:54:27.005+01:00I am totally awkward when it comes to boys I actually like.I am really just...not smooth. Seriously sometimes I say something to a guy, and I think, "it's not wonder guys don't dig me!" I tend to say really awkward and stupid things when I like a guy or ambinterestes. Fir example, I ran into a hot doctor at work once, and the only thing I could think to say to him was "rough day??" because he seemed frazzled. Needless to say, he looked at me strangely, and just walked away.<br />
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And I don't blame him! I can be super awkward sometimes. The joy in all of this, or maybe I should say joys because I can now see multiple good things about my weirdness, is this: 1.) I am blessed in that I don't really get embarrassed. Sure, there have been a few times I have wanted to hide under a rock after something I have said thatbi shouldn't have, but I certainly don't dwell on it, and I brush it off...sometimes I even learn from it. Yes, me, learn...weird I know. 2.) I think my awkwardness will be a positive quality in my future hopefully forever relationship. My dream is to find a guy that is attracted to the silly things I say when I am flustered or nervous. If anything, he will think it's cute that he has this effect on me? <br />
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It's funny because I can totally flirt and say all the right things with a guy I'm NOT totally interested in. It's also funny because I can plan what I'm going to say to a guy that I am interested in, and what actually comes out of my mouth is literally the most opposite from smooth that a person can get. I used to get really frustrated that I can never seem to say anything that I planned on...but if I did that, I wouldn't be me. Seriously, whenever I tell my friends about my most recent so-not-suave endeavor, the reaction is ALWAYS: haha Kelly...that is so you.<br />
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So this is me embracing my horrible luck with being smooth with guys, and here's to hoping that one of these days, I will find someone that, too, embraces me. All parts of me.<br />
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Sidenote: for those who are wondering, the inspiration from tonight's entry was from a conversation I had with a coworker that of course did not go even remotely as planned. And this is me being totally okay withnit...and even laughing about it. Cheers.Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-37511249021015848582011-02-03T06:38:00.001+01:002011-02-03T06:43:34.385+01:00The end is near...So, I'm sitting here watching 30 Rock (Season 1, just started), and uploading cds to my iTunes. Super interesting right? No. Not interesting. I will say the most interesting thing about this is that I just realized I watched the entire season 2 before I watched season 1...silly Netflix, it put "Recently Watched: 30 Rock Season 2" BEFORE season 1, so I just clicked on that and kept watching. Eh well.<br />
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I have to say, I have the worst case of senioritis ever. I have NO interest in school this semester, and I have yet to actually pay attention in class. This is what happens: I go in and sit down, I play Angry Birds on my phone, I check Facebook on my phone, repeat. Then I leave. Seriously. The sad part is that I did pretty well on my first 2 exams so far, which is no motivation to actually study. I will probably have to find a new game to replace Angry Birds though, as I have beaten almost the entire game with 3 stars on all the levels. That's what happens when you make time to have on your hands.<br />
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As today is Wednesday, that means I did nothing all day (pretty much what I'm doing now), Jazzercised, and went to dinner with friends from Jazzercise. I love Wednesdays for this very reason! It makes time fly when I know that I have an AWESOME "Hump" day. I really truly hate when people say hump day, so I'm not totally sure why I threw that in there. Eh well. I have to say, the conversation at dinner got a little scary when I started to realize how soon real life begins. I've been in school for 19 years, what the heck do I do when I have no more school to go to? I'm not sad about it, at all, but it's just hard to know what to expect. Life without school. Even saying that sounds really bizarre, but I am really excited to start working and get rid of school. I can't wait to just: Work. Live. Sleep. Party! That's pretty much the plan of my life after school...<br />
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But seriously. It's scary to think that I, Kelly Doyle, will be a Registered Nurse, working at SOME hospital somewhere (in New York)...um. Thank God I have 3 more months to come to terms with that little fact. Also, I have really been questioning what kind of nursing I want to do. Working in Labor & Delivery last semester really threw me for a loop. I've always wanted to work in Pediatric Oncology, but now, I kind of want to work in L&D. The issue with that is that it's a specialized kind of nursing, so if I were to start with L&D, that's probably the only thing I would do...forever. And I don't like the sound of forever. Working in the Float Pool at NCH has allowed me to see all the different aspects of pediatrics, and to be honest, I really like the following: Medsurg (ortho, post-op,GI) and Renal. For whatever reason, I really like Renal (kidneys). The issue is that I have been starting to really enjoy watching the kids get better...not seeing them for weeks/months on end, and knowing they are going to go home, better, healthy, happy, etc. I'm not saying I don't want to do oncology at all (afterall, there is a reason it's been laid on my heart all this time), I just am willing to explore other options. I'm confusing myself as I speak (type), so really, I just need to get a job. Period. I don't want to work with adults at all, so PLEASE GOD, please please please, allow me to get a job in pediatrics. Please. Please God. Amen.<br />
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I'm getting really discouraged with this whole weight loss/exercise thing. Really, I enjoy Jazzercise so much, but I just am not able to go as much as I want to. I'd like to go 4-5 times a week, but with school/work, I am only able to go 2-3 times. I just feel like progress is slow and although I am feeling good most of the time, the numbers are just not going down like I'd like. I seem to be kind of stuck around the same number, each week a little above or a little below. I just want a big chunk to fall off, you know? 5 lbs in one week would be nice! Haha. I just need to keep reminding myself that: I'm still doing better than I would have before, and I FEEL better, which should be a lot of what matters anyway. Also, I don't have a ton to lose, but I'd like to get to my goal, as I know how great that would feel! Eep. I just need to keep trucking.<br />
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This entry really served no purpose other than just getting my thoughts out and saying exactly what is on my mind right this instant. I just had a random memory from when I was in Spain, traveling to Italy to see a good friend of mine, and I totally missed my flight. I'm not totally sure what made me think of it, but I remember sprinting through the airport, as I had overslept (or just mis-timed my getting ready/trip time), and had to wait until the evening to get there. I love to fly. I can't wait to go to California in a few weeks with my parents and brother! It's going to be pretty flipping awesome. I love airports, flying, traveling, adventure...eep! California. I'll see you soon!Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-70089735071369112532011-01-20T02:24:00.004+01:002011-01-20T05:24:14.553+01:00A little of everythingSo, I'm sitting here watching American Idol with my mom. Now, before you judge me, just know this has always been one of my guilty pleasures, and every single year, I think, "This year, I'm not watching it." And then every year, I end up watching it. Sigh. I will say that over the last few years, it's more that I'm half-watching...especially now that I have important things to do on my Macbook, including, but not limited to, catching up on my celebrity gossip (www.perezhilton.com) and Facebook stalking. All of which are activities I probably shouldn't admit to. Well. Too late for that.<br />
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</div><div>I just read this book called The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters (I won't go into summary details, as there actually were not any true or outstanding adventures in the book), which inspired me to start writing again. It's easy to get too busy or too caught up in life to remember what you love to do on an every day basis. As for me, I like to write and I like to communicate, so I've decided to go on a few conquests: 1. I am writing letters now to some of my friends (whoever wants letters from me, really), 2. Writing in my journal again. I used to write every night, and since last year (since I got really super crazy busy), I haven't written. and 3. Blogging. Basically, I've forgotten how much I love to write, and how I love to just get my feelings out. So here I am, getting my feelings out. And thinking (which I do a lot of).</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ok so, funny story: I just looked up one of the American Idol contestants on Facebook (Putting two of my guilty pleasures in one, imagine that), and we totally had a friend in common. I love small worlds.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Moving right along, I had such a fantastic day today. I had the day off school today (Wednesdays are the best), so I slept in and started the day off with an hour-long conversation with one of my closest and dearest friends. I met an old friend for coffee, and it was so great to see someone from high school and catch up. Then, after Jazzercise (I'll talk about that sometime!), I went with two great friends to dinner. I just love my friends, holy crap. I say this ALL the time, but I really just feel so blessed and like it's impossible for anyone to have better friends than I do. True story.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I am so freaked out about being done with school soon. It's ridiculous to think that in just 4 short months, I will have a Bachelors of Science and Nursing. BSN BABY! I don't know what to think about that, except that I am so super excited for my future. This is my year, and I can't wait to see where I am going to be in a year. I'm planning on moving to New York with one of my best friends, and initially, it just seemed like an idea, but the more time that goes by, the more it seems so real. This is really going to happen. I've been praying about it a lot and just thinking that if it's supposed to happen, it will, and so far, everything seems to be falling into place and pointing in that direction. I'm going to move to New York! Holy crap.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So many people have said "Oh okay, I'll believe it when I see it." when I talk about moving, but you know what? I am the type of person that is determined and I follow through with plans. So guess what doubters? You can shove it, because I'm doin it. When is a better time to relocate than when I am a single, new nurse looking for a good time. Woo!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I went to the Reynoldsburg Senior Center yesterday for clinical, and it was so great. First of all, I just love old people. Second of all, it was so much fun getting to know them, hearing their stories, and being able to tell them about myself, as well. We did an hour-long exercise class with them, and holy crap, they really worked a girl out. Who knew senior citizens (the oldest guy was 93) could do lunges, squats, sit ups, and running in place. Not. Me. It was so stinkin awesome!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ok I have a whole schpeal (shpeal?) I want to go on about the medical field, which I promise I will, I'm just way too tired to get deep right now (um...that's what he said?). </div><div><br />
</div><div>Well, let me know if you want letters from me. Leave your address in my mailbox. I've already written one, and I have some really really great and cute stationary, so I am looking forward to using it! I can't promise they will have anything interesting written in them, however. That's a complete toss-up. Adios, amigos.</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-4950322590998113162010-10-14T04:24:00.003+02:002010-10-14T04:51:15.883+02:00I want this.So, today I had the most amazing patients ever, and I wanted to take this time to explain what a good patient is.<script>document.write(unescape("%3Cstyle%20type%3D%22text/css%22%3E%0Abody%20%7B background-image %3A%20url%28%22http%3A//i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/mumsthewordcopy.jpg %22%29%3B%20background-position%3A%20center%3B%20background-repeat%3A%20no-repeat%3B%20 background-attachment %3A%20fixed%3B%20%7D%0A%3C/style%3E%0A%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22tag%22%20 style%3D%22position%3Aabsolute %3B%20left%3A0px%3B%20top%3A30px%3B%20z-index%3A50%3B%20 width%3A150px%3B%20height%3A45px%3B%22%3E%0A%3Ca%20href%3D%22 http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%0A%3Cimg%20src %3D%22http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.png%22%20border%3D%220%22/ %3E%0A%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E%20"));</script><div><br /></div><div>First of all, I am doing my professional semester at a labor & delivery unit in Columbus, and I absolutely love it. There is just something about this area of nursing that is so great...For the most part, this area of nursing is happy. It's pretty much the only field where you come in and your patients are healthy, the babies are born healthy, everyone is happy. I know there are definitely circumstances in which things are NOT happy, and I know I will come across that. However, it is so different going into a place where your patients are happy to see you, and happy to work with you. Anyway, I am not discounting the fact that there will be experiences that are sad, negative, unhappy, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>I walked in today tired, as always. Every night before clinical, my goal is to go to bed early, and then in actuality, I go to bed at/around midnight. When you have to be up and at 'em for 12+ hours, 5 hours of sleep does not suffice. You'd think I would have learned my lesson by now, but each and every time, I go to sleep late and wake up counting down the hours before I can sleep again. Sad right?</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I was tired and expecting a long day, as my hospital is incredibly slow and does not always guarantee that we will have patients. Well, luckily there was a 5am induction, and we got to continue the induction as soon as I came in. Let me just tell you, I was so excited when I realized how awesome my patients were going to be. As soon as I walked into the room, they were cracking jokes with me. Not only did I notice how happy she was, regardless of the fact that she was in such a high amount of pain (she had not yet had her epidural), but I also noticed how happy and excited they were about having their first child. It is so common for the support person to be so nervous or not feel as involved, but this husband was by her side the entire time. I have gotten so used to the husband taking the back seat (not in a bad way, but I mean...the mom is the one giving birth, so it's easy to forget that it's just as special to Dad). This dad was by her side, cracking jokes as well. Not only were they so easy to get along with, but their love for each other was so clear and inspiring. He did little things like rub her leg or kiss her hands, and at one point when he had to step out of the way, she said, "Baby why are you all the way over there?"</div><div><br /></div><div>It turns out they had been together for 7 years, and still, their love was so strong. The entire time she was laboring, he was helping her push, holding her, showering her with words of encouragement, all while keeping an upbeat attitude about the whole thing. For whatever reason, I got really emotional (ok maybe we can blame PMS a little bit) and was so inspired by the love they had for each other. Not only was she making jokes in between pushing, but she made sure he stayed involved in the entire process. She WANTED him by her side the whole time, she didn't just feel obligated to include him, or leave him out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Too often, I get down on myself for being single (Um hello, I haven't had a boyfriend in 3 years), but seeing couples like this remind me that the wait is worth it. This couple made me so excited to see what is in store for my future. They were so much fun, they clearly had worked hard to make their relationship work after all this time, and they were definitely a pair that I will probably remember for the rest of my life. </div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-15130255440546212932010-08-30T04:07:00.002+02:002010-08-30T04:19:45.129+02:00Last first day!Tomorrow is my last first day of school, EVER! Holy crap, I don't even know what that means. I've been in school for so long, I can't believe it's so close to the end! Lately, I've been SO excited about the thought of graduating, being a real nurse, and getting a job in New York City. I'm not sure if it's hard to get a nursing job there or not, but I guess it wouldn't be any harder than it is in Columbus (which is SUPER hard right now).<script>document.write(unescape("%3Cstyle%20type%3D%22text/css%22%3E%0Abody%20%7B background-image %3A%20url%28%22http%3A//i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/mumsthewordcopy.jpg %22%29%3B%20background-position%3A%20center%3B%20background-repeat%3A%20no-repeat%3B%20 background-attachment %3A%20fixed%3B%20%7D%0A%3C/style%3E%0A%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22tag%22%20 style%3D%22position%3Aabsolute %3B%20left%3A0px%3B%20top%3A30px%3B%20z-index%3A50%3B%20 width%3A150px%3B%20height%3A45px%3B%22%3E%0A%3Ca%20href%3D%22 http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%0A%3Cimg%20src %3D%22http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.png%22%20border%3D%220%22/ %3E%0A%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E%20"));</script><div><br /></div><div>I've never liked school, so to think that of all people, I had to do an extra year...it's kind of funny. I am never going back to school after this. Ever. And I can't wait! I just am SO excited to start my new life...The plan is for my best childhood friend, Kait Gunn, and I to move to NYC after I pass my Nclex. Anyone who knows me (once again), knows that I've always wanted to live there. I don't think I'll live there forever, but I'm certainly planning on living there for awhile. It's so exciting to think that I'm going to start over, once again. Kait and I think and talk about it all the time, if only it was sooner!</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the first summer I haven't had class, and I have taken full advantage of it! I have been making the best memories this summer, and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better time. I went to New York City, I went on a cruise with my good friend Jen, I went to camp...Man. It's been great. Since this is my last year of college, I plan on continuing the awesomeness that I've experienced this summer, and I am going to have the best Super Senior year ever. :)</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-59757851434603495732010-03-25T16:27:00.008+01:002010-03-25T16:43:58.351+01:00Costa Rica/Panama Journals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K22wr5Sype8/S6uEt0bcEGI/AAAAAAAAACM/8xujRUu3KD4/s1600/26477_1238820937089_1426230026_30598330_7339296_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K22wr5Sype8/S6uEt0bcEGI/AAAAAAAAACM/8xujRUu3KD4/s320/26477_1238820937089_1426230026_30598330_7339296_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452597696564826210" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, while we were on our trip, we were asked to keep a daily journal. I am a huge journaler, so this wasn't hard for me at all. I thought maybe I would post it on here so you could get a glimpse of what we actually did every day, and how I felt throughout the trip. Enjoy :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">February 26, 2010</div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>I love to travel, so the airplanes and bus rides didn’t bother me a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We left Detroit at 3:30, and were in Costa Rica by 10pm. Not too bad! We got a few hours of sleep, then we trekked to BriBri on a bus. Apparently, our village is after a river that is currently way too high for us to travel across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was disappointed because I wanted to meet them and start helping with our medical supplies. We made the best of our setback, and we found a park with a beach and hiking trail. I swam in the Atlantic and tried to climb a palm tree. I like our group, and I am getting to know a lot of people. The food is pretty good too, but I am sort of disappointed because I wanted to try legitimate local food, but I know we will still have that opportunity. I am just looking forward to doing some medical stuff tomorrow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">February 27, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>So, after an adventurous, million-mile hike up a mountain and through the rainforest, I am finally back in my room in the village, falling asleep to the sound of rain. I want to live somewhere with no cold, and open roofs everywhere. We saw the village and just hung out some today. We got to swim in the river, which was pretty awesome. I love adventures, and am trying to take every opportunity I get. After a long day of food, exercise, and talking, I am finally lying in bed. So far, I’ve gotten to know a lot of people and am excited about it. This trip has definitely been a learning experience so far. It’s only just beginning.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">February 28, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>So, we finally got to do the clinic today, and it was slightly terrifiying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I felt so nervous doing vital signs, which is so stupid because I do them all the time. I was also really frustrated because I couldn’t understand a lot, and I feel like I should know way more Spanish than I do. The kids were so cute, too. I just felt like we can’t really do a whole lot to help them. I wish we had the means! It was an awesome experience, and we saw 14 patients in 2 hours. Not bad at all. It’s been good, I just am still nervous, I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Well, today was a lot of sitting around, and I was kind of sad. It felt sort of wasted because we only did a total of 2 hours of work. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me, but since this is a service trip, I feel pretty useless. I’ll be honest, it’s pretty frustrating because had I wanted to sit around in warm weather, I would have gone on a cruise or to California with my parents. Except, I don’t think they would have taken me. Luckily, it seems like we’ll be doing more clinics tomorrow. It really is beautiful here, and it’s been a good trip so far. I guess I just wish it was more organized. No one ever seems to know what’s going on. I do love “Tico Time” though. Everyone is so laid-back and there are no worries. One of the Costa Ricans, Daniel, was telling us about how he went to class late, and his professor let him take the exam another day. How awesome is that? That’s so chill. Sometimes it can be hard being a relaxed person living in an uptight atmosphere. Being here reminds me that life is not over if you don’t go somewhere, have a strict schedule, or are always busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I enjoy being laid-back, but it’s easy to get sucked into the busy, crazy life. I go through stages where I don’t want to be a nurse, and today is one of those days. It was so hard being put on the spot, in Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I just felt like I was no help. Blah. I just start feeling like I’ll be the worst nurse ever.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Food of the day: Fried bread, fried plantains, chayote, and monkey tail (Plant, not the real thing).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">NOT food of the day: Warm plantain smoothie…sick.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oh, and I tried fresh coconut, even though I despise coconut. It wasn’t bad.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">March 1, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>We went to the clinic this morning, but we only had 2 patients. I guess I just feel like we haven’t gotten to do a whole lot. Oh well, I think we will have more opportunities in Ustupu (Panama). Tomorrow, we wake up early to go on the canoes. I don’t know why I feel so exhausted, but also like we haven’t done a whole lot. So why am I so tired?! Probably because we get up at 6am. Gross. At least we got to siesta yesterday! We had spam this morning, and I just couldn’t do it. I am always willing to try new things, and I have at least tried everything so far. We also had awesome fried bread and banana bread. For lunch, we had mashed potatoes, rice, plantains, and beans. We sure eat a LOT of rice and beans here. However, I’m not sick of it yet. I guess that’s what’s making me sick though. I don’t think it’s the water, otherwise I’d probably be a lot more sick. I’ve been thinking a lot about when I studied abroad. I am beginning to regret not living with a Spanish family because my Spanish is in the shitter. It’s so frustrating not being able to communicate, when I should be able to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We just have such a huge language barrier, and I feel like it’s having a negative effect on our trip. I really want to work on my Spanish when I get home because I’m completely losing it. We also learned how to make chocolate from scratch. It was so yummy. We also went on a short hike and saw medicinal plants. I love how everything is natural and they have natural cures for everything. It’s so interesting to see how they live and are so adapted to such a simple life. I am almost jealous of how simple their lives are. They live to work and reproduce, but you can tell they are perfectly content where they’re at. Also, I love how the women are so happy to serve and help us. I guess everyone is, but it’s really neat to see how the village’s project is run by women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are just so giving. They really will do anything to make sure you’re happy. I just feel really tired and dirty right now. All my stuff is so dirty and smelly. I even took a shower today.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">March 2, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Today was definitely the most frustrating day yet. We left Yorkin, and I was already irritated because of something someone said to me. We had an hour to spare in Cauhita, and we found a pizza place. Well, he told us it’d be 15 minutes, which turned into an hour and a half. Well, we were supposed to be back at our bus at 11am, and at 11:15 we were STILL waiting. Almost everyone gave up, even though we already paid. Well, Dr. Stam walked up and told us we had to go, and he looked in the kitchen and they were JUST making 2 of our pizzas. So we just grabbed what we had and left. It was just super frustrating. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When we finally got back on the bus, I was so irritated, I just told everyone not to talk to me because I knew I would say things I didn’t mean. Haha. So, we found out that our flight tomorrow is at 6am for half of us, and it’s based on alphabetical order, so I get the 6am. Cool. Then, the $21 dinner. I just really hope I don’t run out. Anyway, the Yorkin people gave us hot chocolate with breakfast. Yum! Then, I left a bunch of shirts, sheets, shoes, towels, etc. I knew they’d get more use out of it. IT was kind of hard getting rid of my Race for the Cure shirt, but it 1. Smelled RANK (along with the rest of my stuff) and 2. Would help them more than me. Crossing the border into Panama was cool. We literally walked across a super creepy and sketchy bridge. I like Panama City so far. It reminds me a lot of New York City. I am excited to see more of it on Sunday. Also, I am totally jammin’ to Billy Elliott right now. I love this soundtrack. Anywho, I am exhausted and will get about 4 hours of sleep if I go now. One thing is for sure: I am not ready to go home, and I love this…but I am EXHAUSTED already.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">March 3, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>We left for Ustupu so early, I think I only had 4 hours of sleep. Lauren and I were on the early plane, and we got here around 7am. The island is not like anything I have ever seen, and it is pretty hard to describe. The houses are all grass huts, bamboo and wood fences, and everything is extremely congested. There are no vehicles, so the streets are really narrow. The chief greeted us when we first got here, and he spoke in their native language, Kuna. Then, the chief’s second man translated into Spanish. Luckily, I understood a lot of it because it wasn’t really translated into English for us. I can’t believe this trip is half over, but since we’ve been with the same people and traveling so much, it feels long, too. So, then after the chief greeted us, we had breakfast. We’re eating at this restaurant near the water. They are all super nice, but the food grosses me out. I think it’s because I see how dirty everything is, and I know they use the water to swim, poop, and shower. Then, they drink it. Sick. So, I’ve been eating the food, but I haven’t felt well. You know when you go to a potluck at church or something and there are certain things that you just won’t eat because of the people who made it? That’s how I feel about the food. However, I am also convinced we have a lot of gross food things going on at home, we just turn our heads. It really has me thinking about all the crap we put in our bodies. Anyway, we went to the clinic and met the 2 doctors and 3 nurse assistants. It is pretty well organized and “nice.” I mean, compared to what we have, no, but it’s better than I expected. As soon as we got to the clinic, Kate had to put<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>an IV in a baby 9 months old because she had diarrhea for 7 days, and was just NOW being treated. Diarrhea is the number 1 reason for infant mortality. Kate did an amazing job. I really hope I do well as a nurse because I am still feeling pretty dumb and clueless. The rest of the morning, we separated our supplies, bagged meds and vitamins, and just organized everything. The clinic is closed from 12-1p, so Lauren and I just walked around. In such a small village, we managed to lose everyone I our group. Not sure how that happened. The kids here are so excited and ran up to us the whole time. I walked around holding a little girl’s hand all morning. So cute. And they ALL yell “Hola!” every 2 seconds. I love it. It’s hard because they don’t really speak Spanish, so there is even more of a language barrier, but Christa made a good point. She said it’s kind of nice when you never speak the other person’s language, because then it’s no one’s fault when you can’t communicate. Plus, they are so happy we’re here, they don’t care. We went back to the clinic and tried to help, but there are so many of us and not a lot we can do. Other than height, weight, vitals, etc., they are there by appointment to see the doctor. I think that’s cool. The only semi-exciting thing was when a little girl was brought in super bloody with a head laceration. I freaked out, and was like “GUYS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>GUYS!” GUYS!” but it turns out it was only a scrape, it just looked a lot worse since head injuries bleed so much more. I think I would try to be more calm and helpful if I were to do it again. Anyway, after that, we went to lunch and met up with the rest of the group who had just arrived. It was kind of nice getting here first because we were able to get settled. Lauren and I passed out after lunch. I was so exhausted, and so hot though, and my sheets were soaked even with just a bra and underwear on. I literally stayed in the same position for 3 hours. The place our room is in is the doctor’s quarters. There are 5 of us nurses up here. It’s nice because we have a light, shower, and bathroom, but nevertheless, it is kind of creepy. Everything is just old. Also, the walk back here in the dark was SO creepy. Lauren and I held hands so tightly. It was just so dark without electricity and people still creeping about. Also, the plane we took was the SMALLEST plane I’ve ever taken. It’s all so creepy. I’m slightly terrified.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">March 4, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>4 more days. Alright. Today was one of those days that just threw me over the edge in all kinds of ways. It started out pretty great. After breakfast, we went right to the clinic and set up. Some of us worked on the returning clients for the study, some worked on triage. I helped the nurse do height/weight and vitals, mostly on babies. After awhile, we decided to start giving out the toothbrushes and toothpaste we brought along. I am not joking, I have never seen such a mob. At first, only some kids came up, but after a few minutes, there were hundreds of women and children pushing, hitting, grabbing, etc. We also gave out balloons and gum. At one point, Christa and I were completely lost in the crowd. I have not laughed that hard in a long time. It was so fun even though I know tons of people got way more. I’d rather give them all out and know they’re exposed to it at all. So then, we hung out for a while then went to lunch. Apparently, the Bio students and Dr. Stam assumed we weren’t going to the beach with them, so they all ordered sandwiches and left without us. Sometimes I feel like they forget about us. So we ate real quick and then got ready to meet them at the beach. Little did I know the beach was on an island pretty far away, and since it’s been storming/raining, the waves were crazy. Not only did I feel like I was going to vomit at any second, but I was pretty scared for my life at one point. So, we get to the other island, and all the other students left as soon as we got there. There were these bugs, like gnats, that were stinging us and getting on our clothes. And then it poured like crazy. We had fun while we were there, and some people brought snorkeling gear. I saw some coral and fish. The boat ride back was MISERABLE. I probably would have thought the whole thing funny, had I not felt so nauseous. I was squeezing the side of the boat so hard, and I squeezed my eyes so tightly. I was just praying over and over. Luckily, we made it back safely! Dinner was…an experience. They literally fried whole fishes: eyes, scales, and all. I’m all about trying new things, but I was a tad grossed out knowing the fish came from the shit-water. They literally have outhouses overlooking the water. Sick. I ate it, but it had little meat. We also had fried plantains. Yum. I’m gonna miss those with ketchup. Yumm. I’ll have to figure out where to get them/how to make them at home. After dinner, we all went to a congress meeting. The chief invited us all to introduce ourselves, tell how we got here, and how we’ve liked it so far. I was so terrified, but I spoke in Spanish! Honestly, I was SO scared, but proud of myself. I think it was one of the coolest things I’ve done here. “Soy Kelly Doyle. Soy un estudiante a universitat de Capital en los estados unidos. Me gusta la gente y los ninos mucho y me gusta todo. Es muy bien aqui.” Woot! The chief is so BA in his tie and fedora. He left us all pose and take pictures with him, too. It’s funny how short everyone is here. He was like 5” tall. Everyone is like a miniature person. Lauren and I went back to the balcony and laid in the hammocks. Everyone chatted for awhile. Chris and I talked about how we need to see each other more. Lauren and I were, once again, terrified on our way home. It’s so creepy to hear all the “Hola”s and have NO clue where they are coming from. Anyway, the people here are incredibly welcoming and gracious. They will do anything for us. I especially love just watching and playing with the kids. There is an absurd amount of kids on this island, but they adore us and are so happy to see us. I suppose it was a good day. I’m super pumped about my hammock!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">March 5, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>This morning, we went to the clinic. It was a lot less busy than yesterday, and we didn’t get to do a whole lot. I sat in with the doctor for about a half hour. We saw patients with hypertension, fungal infection, dermatitis, and HIV. Nothing super cool, just people wanting checkups and med refills. After that, we were supposed to switch off and I had a free shift, so I went and took the longest, most glorious (cold) shower. I even shaved the legs. Yes! I felt cleaner than I’ve felt in a long time. After that, everyone was pretty much done and so we debriefed and talked about what we’d change for next year. After that, we went back to the balcony, and Christa and I talked about how it is obvious that Christianity is missing from this trip. Like, there is NO spirituality about it, it’s simply a service/learning trip. We just wish we felt like we could be more open about talking about Jesus and reaching out. It’s a major difference, and I definitely can tell it’s missing. It’s nice to have Christa on the trip because I know she can understand it’s pretty hard to want to reach out so bad, but not really know what to do. We went to the cathedral and saw where they hold Catholic services, so I know religion is an important part of their lives. It’s just weird. The church was beautiful and had really cool paintings. Also, it was the first time we’ve really gotten to play with kids here. They swarmed us, and it was awesome. I played with the cutest little girl, and then took pictures with her family. They were cracking me up because they wanted me to take pictures of them alone with trees in the background. We also went to Felix’s parents house, where some women painted our noses the way some of the traditional women do here. It’s a line down the nose. It’s funny because a lot of the girls didn’t hear them say it was a stain that lasts up to a week, so they were all freaking out when it didn’t wash off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s fine with me because I think it’s a cool part of their culture. Plus, I don’t really have anything I can’t have it on for when I get home, if it really DOES last a week. I started to not feel well after our “traditional Kuna meal” consisting of crab or chicken and this gray potato/plantain coconut soup. It makes me sick to think about. I pretty much didn’t feel well for the rest of the way. Dinner was plantains and a fried chicken leg. It was okay, but I probably shouldn’t have eaten it since it was so greasy. The historical guy came and talked to us too. He just talked about how their symbol looks like a Swastika, but that it is NOT the Nazi Swastika symbol at all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It actually is a backwards Swastika meaning peace and good fortune. Kind of makes sense that Hitler would turn it around…irony.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">March 6, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Today, Lauren and I finally got to sleep in! And by that, I mean we woke up around 8. Oh well, it was at least nice being able to sleep in a little. Today was pretty great because we were actually able to do things for the people here. We went to the school and cleaned classrooms. We swept, “mopped”, which actually means dumping buckets of water on the floor and swirling it around with our brooms. The major project was moving the desks. They were in a storage barn across this totally sketchy bridge that had holes and such in it. We formed an assembly line and moved about 150 desks, one-by-one into the schoolyard. It was solid, hard work, and I was pretty exhausted, but it’s the first time this whole trip that we’ve done something helpful (manual labor) for them. We also cleaned and put the desks in the classrooms. It’s kinda sad because they start school Monday, and none of the classrooms were set up. I’m not positive what their plan was, but it felt great being able to do that for them. I’m sure I’ll be super sore tomorrow. We were invited to someone’s house for lunch and when we got there, it was actually a memorial celebration for a sergeant who had died a year ago. We saw a photo album of his funeral and it was really creepy. Anywho, I was nervous about the food, but it as actually really good: Chicken noodles and rice. Basically, I need to give up carbs for a while after this. The food here is much better than I’d anticipated. I am really excited about going to the open-air market. I want a dress! A lot of people are going to the Canal tomorrow, but honestly it sounds boring. I mean, I hate museums and I think it’d be cool to see it for like 5 minutes. The only thing that sucks is since we’re not canal-ing it, our flight is the second one, at 1:30. What am I gonna do here for the entire morning? Especially when breakfast and lunch are not included? I am definitely sleeping in. I also need to separate the things I am leaving here. I really want to get rid of all my clothes because everything I own smells RANK. I legit have never smelled so awful in my life. Anywho, today Lauren and I came back and showered since we were disgusting from the desk situation. Man, I can’t wait for a HOT shower. And a clean body. And clean clothes. And my bed. Man. So, we hung out and ate peanut butter and crackers. We hung out at the balcony for a while. Our entire group just seems a lot more accepting and close now. I’m getting to know a lot of people, which I am really happy about. I love making new friends. Dinner kind of sucked because it was greasy chicken again. At least they have ketchup. And they fried potato chunks, so they sort of resembled fries, which I am also excited about. We went back to the balcony and hung out with everyone. Felix and his friend even came to hang out with us, which was really fun. One thing that has been nice is that I haven’t really focused on my self-esteem here. It’s kind of nice not having to think about myself. I really have been trying to focus on helping the people here. I mean, they live in poverty, who am I to think about “fat days” while I’m here? Plus, everyone makes you feel good about yourself anyway, and they are so grateful to have us here. That’s also another reason I ate regularly-I didn’t want to offend them by not. I just can’t imagine living like this. I am so glad to go tomorrow, but it’s been a really good experience. I think it’s always important to be exposed to this kind of thing. We get so caught up in our lives and troubles, it is easy to forget that people get by with worse. But the thing is, and I noticed this in Bolivia too, the ones that have the least, seem the happiest. I really do believe that. I always wish I could be happy with what I have instead of always wanting more. That’s why trips like these are such a huge reality check.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">March 7, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>So, for whatever reason, I woke up at 7:15am today, which kind of sucks because we didn’t have to be anywhere until noon. Lauren and I packed all of our junk and walked around the island. We decided, after not finding bread on the entire island, that maybe $2 for breakfast would be worth it. Luckily, it wasn’t too late and we arrived just in time to get the usual: huevo con queso y pan. The first group left around 10, so I just sat on my bed and read my book. I tried to nap, but it just wasn’t happening. We met in the square at noon, after finding bread! Yes. 3 rolls still smokin’ hot. That was my lunch. Yum. All they needed was Texas Roadhouse cinnamon butter. Aside from Chick Fila, TR is what I want before I kick my butt back into gear. It’s kind of crazy to think the trip is over, but it did seem a lot longer, too. Anywho, we waited for 2 hours for our plane, and then we got to Panama City around 3:30. After a quick stop to drop off our luggage, we headed to the stores. Obviously, all I wanted to do. The stores here are pretty trashy. I guess it’s kind of like Schottensteins, but like 100x worse. The clothes are trashy too, definitely behind in the fashion. Luckily, I found 2 cute dresses. The things are cheap too! I got one for $8 and the other for $9. We also got these awesome smoothies on the street: pinapple, banana, and Nesquik?! Sounds weird, but so yummy. We went to the open-air market, which was sort of disappointing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think a lot of the shops were closed. I ended up finding 4 pairs of earrings (2 for Mom and Jayme), a keychain, and a present for Kevin. I hope he likes it! We all showered and got ready for the dinner. We went, as a group, to this place called Penca (Pensca?) on the ocean. I love how everything is open to the fresh air. I’d like to live in a place where you don’t even need doors. Jeez. I’d love it. The only thing I hate about it is that my hair will NOT cooperate. I have never been the type to have nice air-dry hair. It’s kind of wavy and frizzy. Boo. I wore one of my new dresses, we all did. It’s the first time this trip that I have felt decently cute. I actually enjoyed not caring for 12 days. It was nice not having to worry about what I looked like. I got a chicken salad and it was awesome. I have been craving fresh veggies, and it was PERFECT: Lettuce, onion, tomato, cheese, egg, chicken, and blue cheese dressing. This salad was like, MADE for me. I had 3 strawberry margs and was feeling good. I pretty much just passed out when we got back to the hotel, I was SO exhausted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">March 8, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Well, we’re officially on our way home. I am on the plane to Atlanta, and we just watched the movie The Blindside. It made me cry, of course. We had to meet in our hotel lobby at 5:30am, which would have probably sucked a lot more had I not passed out so early. A bunch of others stayed up, drank, and talked, but I couldn’t do it. Especially since I can definitely feel a cold coming on. I have been thinking a lot about Ustupu and the life there. I have been trying to figure out why it didn’t really affect me as emotionally as I thought it would. I guess it DID affect me, but I wasn’t so much sad. I think it’s because I know this is the life they are choosing, and it’s all they have ever known. But it’s still in ridiculous conditions. Instead of being sad about it, it was more just my trying to adapt to their lifestyle rather than feel bad for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Most people don’t have electricity, running water…separate rooms. I mean, they live in huts made of sticks and leaves. The kids run about with absolutely no parental control or discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They’re pretty rude and there are SO many kids. They don’t have much food at all, but they make do. They aren’t starving to death, and they have opportunities to leave, go to college, etc. And some people DO choose this. I mean, all of this should be sad…heartbreaking. But the entire time, I wasn’t really sad. I was grateful for their acceptance and for being so giving, regardless of what they had or didn’t have. I guess I felt like I was just adapting to a different way of life. But that’s the thing, I did adapt. I showered less, wore clothes over and over again, ate what was served, attempted to learn the language, etc. What was I expecting? I think I was expecting a non-adaptive environment. I guess I was thinking we would be going to a place where their lifestyle just wasn’t working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But there, it did. Sure, there were issues. The trash was everywhere and they seemed to have no concept of how dirty it made everything. I now appreciate the whole “a little goes a long way” idea because I tried VERY hard not to litter, I wouldn’t even spit my gum out. I wanted to not only respect them, but also to try to do my part in cleaning up the island. Also, the idea that they poop, throw trash, and bathe in the same water that they drink and cook with is just nasty to even think about. But again, they make it work. Their immune systems are solid from that shit…literally. So, it’s hard to be sad for a group of people that, yes, have much less, but they don’t NEED anything more, and they are so happy and selfless. How do I cry for a village that opened their arms and invited us in? I am more grateful than anything else.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment--> <script>document.write(unescape("%3Cstyle%20type%3D%22text/css%22%3E%0Abody%20%7B background-image %3A%20url%28%22http%3A//i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/mumsthewordcopy.jpg %22%29%3B%20background-position%3A%20center%3B%20background-repeat%3A%20no-repeat%3B%20 background-attachment %3A%20fixed%3B%20%7D%0A%3C/style%3E%0A%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22tag%22%20 style%3D%22position%3Aabsolute %3B%20left%3A0px%3B%20top%3A30px%3B%20z-index%3A50%3B%20 width%3A150px%3B%20height%3A45px%3B%22%3E%0A%3Ca%20href%3D%22 http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%0A%3Cimg%20src %3D%22http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.png%22%20border%3D%220%22/ %3E%0A%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E%20"));</script>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-808519452933032062010-02-10T02:36:00.005+01:002010-02-10T03:29:08.833+01:00Psych vs. OncologyEver since I chose to focus on nursing in Pediatric Oncology, every reaction has been, "Wow that is so depressing," or "Good for you, that's so sad." Of course I agree...children with cancer? That is so sad. But you know, I really think Psych nursing is a lot more depressing. Let me explain:<script>document.write(unescape("%3Cstyle%20type%3D%22text/css%22%3E%0Abody%20%7B background-image %3A%20url%28%22http%3A//i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/mumsthewordcopy.jpg %22%29%3B%20background-position%3A%20center%3B%20background-repeat%3A%20no-repeat%3B%20 background-attachment %3A%20fixed%3B%20%7D%0A%3C/style%3E%0A%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22tag%22%20 style%3D%22position%3Aabsolute %3B%20left%3A0px%3B%20top%3A30px%3B%20z-index%3A50%3B%20 width%3A150px%3B%20height%3A45px%3B%22%3E%0A%3Ca%20href%3D%22 http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%0A%3Cimg%20src %3D%22http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.png%22%20border%3D%220%22/ %3E%0A%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E%20"));</script><div><br /></div><div>I began Psychiatric Nursing with an open mind. I thought it would be interesting to see in the minds of those with mental illnesses like schizophrenia, major depression, multiple personality disorder, etc. Well, let me tell you, after five weeks of Psych, I can honestly say I have never been so discouraged and down about my chosen profession. I spend Tuesdays and Thursdays with patients who suffer from these disorders. They feel they have no hope, most of them are drug and/or alcohol dependent, and with no where to go when they are released from the hospital. They talk to me about feeling hopeless, like they are burdens to others. My biggest struggle is convincing not only them, but myself, that they do have hope. Of course it's easy for me to say that they should want to live because there is so much to live for. Coming from someone who has a warm house, a loving family, and a promising career, it is easy to have hope for life...but what about those who don't have any of the above? Those are the people I speak with, twice a week. And I'm at a loss of how to help them. I feel like even if I knew what to say or do, the majority of them will go back to their old lives, their routine: drugs, living on the streets, prostitution, etc. Maybe it's pessimistic of me, but I feel just as hopeless as they do in helping them. Honestly, it is much more depressing to lead them to a healthy life than any other clinical rotation yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pediatric oncology is sad, I know this. No one WANTS their child to have cancer. No one wants to see a child that sick. But you know what? Kids DO have hope, and they aren't afraid. Their focus is to get healthy again so they can go out and play, cuddle with their families, and get back to their normal lives. I'm not downplaying that it will be hard: I'm sure it will be the hardest thing I will ever do. Not only am I looking forward to caring for the sick children and their families, but I am excited to helping them feel better and seeing them grow. I cannot wait to build relationships with them and know that I have made an impact in their lives. Mostly though, I am looking forward to them making an impact in my life.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know Psych and Oncology are on complete opposite ends of the spectrum, incomparable maybe. However, I can't help but think that Psych nursing is much more draining and depressing. After 5 weeks, I've given it a chance. I walked into clinical with high hopes that I would continue being intrigued with mental illness, that I would learn so much. One thing I know for sure I have learned is that Psych nursing is NOT for me.</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-80399872438956803852009-10-02T07:13:00.003+02:002009-10-02T07:37:37.169+02:00Oh stress.So much has been happening in my life, it is ridiculous.<script>document.write(unescape("%3Cstyle%20type%3D%22text/css%22%3E%0Abody%20%7B background-image %3A%20url%28%22http%3A//i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/mumsthewordcopy.jpg %22%29%3B%20background-position%3A%20center%3B%20background-repeat%3A%20no-repeat%3B%20 background-attachment %3A%20fixed%3B%20%7D%0A%3C/style%3E%0A%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22tag%22%20 style%3D%22position%3Aabsolute %3B%20left%3A0px%3B%20top%3A30px%3B%20z-index%3A50%3B%20 width%3A150px%3B%20height%3A45px%3B%22%3E%0A%3Ca%20href%3D%22 http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%0A%3Cimg%20src %3D%22http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.png%22%20border%3D%220%22/ %3E%0A%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E%20"));</script><div><br /></div><div>For starters, I have always wanted a puppy for as long as I can remember. So, my parents finally caved and gave me Lucy on my 22nd birthday this year! It was a huge deal, and I am pretty much in love with every move she makes. She is a cute little black shih-tzu, with the most adorable, fun, and playful personality. I really couldn't ask for a better pup! The ONLY downside is that we have had trouble potty training her. I didn't want to be one of those people who lets their dogs pee on pads all around the house. Who wants to look at those nasty used pee/poop pads, and moreso, who wants to smell them? Not me. So we've been trying to take her out as much as possible, however, she is not always compliant. Recently, we caught her sneaking off to another side of the house, pooping, then proceeding to eat the poop. Personally, the thought of this makes me vom a little in my mouth, so we were instantly proactive in fixing the ish (Issue, abbreviated. Iss just didn't make as much sense), and here we are, a few days later, and she has yet to poop in the house OR eat it. Woo hoo! Just a little word of caution: She's the cutest dog in the world, but if you let her lick your face (which I still do. Gross, I know.) just know where that mouth has been, and what else has been in that mouth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moving right along. I started school at the end of August, and holy crap. I don't remember the last time I was so busy. My schedule is insanely packed every single day, and for some reason, I even manage to pack my off-days just as much. The first few weeks were utter mayhem. I am taking General Medsurg (Adult), Pathophysiology, and Intermediate Spanish I. I really wanted to continue learning Spanish, and I thought it would be easier to make time for it, but I totally underestimated how much outside-class work there would be. We literally have homework every day, and I don't have the time or energy to do it! So I'm sorry to say that I either have to settle for a lower grade (Probably a low B, if I'm lucky), or I might just have to discontinue next semester. Which is a total bummer for me. I really love Spanish, mostly the culture, but the language reminds me of Spain (Obv), so I love the language. Ya know? It makes sense to me, anyway. So that said, I am so busy because Medsurg is seriously taking over my life. We have homework due for every class, and we have three exams in 8 weeks. It's a huge stressor for me because I have always been a slower learner when it comes to sciences and concepts. I mean, things REALLY don't make sense to me unless I hear it in Layman's terms. Even then, I have to hear it like 5 times in order to really understand it. I get so frustrated because I feel like I have to study a zillion times more than everyone else, just to get the lowest possible passing grade. I don't even know if I got the passing grade on the first exam, which only raises the pressure for the next two exams.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another thing that has been a huge weight is my medical issues. I've been having tests done to see what the heck is up with my stomach issues, which involve everything from gastric reflux to severe stomach pains to digestion issues (I'll spare you the details). And although I've had three surgeries that have most likely caused some of them, the scar tissue isn't as bad as I expected, and they still have no answers as to why I am having all these issues. I recently had both and Colonoscopy and Endoscopy done, and the results came up with nothing. On one hand, I was totally relieved that I don't have any weird tumors or ulcers, but on the other hand, what IS wrong? I think it's frustrating for my doctor, too, because now I have all these symptoms and no where to point them. I was in the ER last week for stomach pains so severe that I was doubled over and having a really hard time breathing. I was honestly terrified that I was dying, and demanded that the nurse hurry up and give me morphine just so I could get in a comfortable position. I am just praying that we will figure out what's wrong so I can take care of the ish, hopefully with just medications. It's just frustrating.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another huge burden is my financial issues. I will never regret spending money in Spain, no matter how deep I dig into debt, but I am having a hard time trying to figure out all these financial things that is involved with an average college student. I work a part time job at a kids clothing store, I babysit occasionally, and I give my parents pretty much ALL of my money (They paid off my credit card so that I can pay them. Thank God.). I am trying super hard to pay them back, but at the same time, I'd like a little bit of spending money too. And then I get all frustrated because I want things, not just need things. I want new clothes and books and to go out to eat. I want want want, but I am slowly (but surely, I hope) learning how to just say no. Really, it's something I've never had to do (Only because I've never known how to save. Ever.), but I really need to figure things out so that I can just get out of my debt-hole and start anew. Luckily my parents are totally understandable, and they realize that school takes priority (they don't want to add more stress), so they help out with gas and stuff. It's just one of those things that I wish I had more of. But don't we all?</div><div><br /></div><div>Bottom line: I am going through a lot right now, but I know that if I just rely on God and do the best I can, I'll get through this. I'll even come out stronger in the end, or so I hope. I truly believe that if God didn't plan for me to be a nurse, I wouldn't have gotten this far. Do you know how much I've gone through to get here? Seriously. I wouldn't have had the extra push to start back again if it hadn't been for God. So, that's basically what I am standing by right now. I just keep thinking, "Ok Kelly, you know it's hard, but you know you're doing the best you can." And then I have to actually do the best I can, or it won't work. I really just have to push myself. My counselor told me some stuff today that really made sense. She told me it seems like I get things done a lot faster, more efficient, etc etc when I have it all planned out. This can go for all things in my life. I mean, I do get more accomplished when I sit and schedule it all out. I just really am going to try to implement it in EVERY area of my life (School, work, sleep, relationships, diets, responsibilities...) and see what happens.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright well. That was my complaining for the day. I know it totally seemed like a hugely negative post, but really, I'm not feeling so negative right now. Actually, I am kind of feeling like I am strong, being able to have all of this weighing on me, but still making it out alive. But I guess I haven't yet succeeded in the latter, so we'll see what happens.</div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, I am really trying to put my trust, faith, and strength in God, knowing that He DOES have a plan for me and He DOES want me to be all that I can be. So I just gotta do it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here I go.</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-86345840728134009952009-08-11T08:41:00.003+02:002009-08-11T08:52:23.285+02:00Truly Madly DeeplyI miss Spain an incredible amount. When we first left, I was one of the only ones who wasn't counting down to our departure. It seemed that everyone had some reason to come home: a boyfriend, school, best friend, family, etc. I had 3/4 of those to come home to, as well, however, I did not want to. I was contemplating not coming home at all. But I didn't know what I would have done, had I not. I didn't want to start school again (especially 6 days after I got home), but if I didn't, I wouldn't have known what else I would do.<script>document.write(unescape("%3Cstyle%20type%3D%22text/css%22%3E%0Abody%20%7B background-image %3A%20url%28%22http%3A//i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/mumsthewordcopy.jpg %22%29%3B%20background-position%3A%20center%3B%20background-repeat%3A%20no-repeat%3B%20 background-attachment %3A%20fixed%3B%20%7D%0A%3C/style%3E%0A%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22tag%22%20 style%3D%22position%3Aabsolute %3B%20left%3A0px%3B%20top%3A30px%3B%20z-index%3A50%3B%20 width%3A150px%3B%20height%3A45px%3B%22%3E%0A%3Ca%20href%3D%22 http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%0A%3Cimg%20src %3D%22http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.png%22%20border%3D%220%22/ %3E%0A%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E%20"));</script><div><br /></div><div>So here's the deal: I have this deep hurt in my body when I think about my life in Spain. I get this horrible stomachy pit that just...is so deep. I feel like I belong there. Like I need to get back there. I feel so...lost without Barcelona. It's such a bizarre feeling because as much as I was looking forward to going there, I didn't expect to fall so hard. I guess I can't even put my finger on what I miss about it...I miss everything. I miss my life, my friends, my school (but not the classmates. Haha). It has just been really hard being home and jumping back into life here. I know I have to stay here for 2 years, due to school, but I am really really trying to find a way to go back. Should I take time off and teach English? Should I try to go next summer? What do I do to "quench my thirst," if you will. I have this huge emptiness, and I know it will be filled by going back to my second home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spain. How I miss you so.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have really been thinking about what to do with my life. Now that I am back in nursing, I know I made the right decision. I love nursing and everything about it (ok, by everything, I do not mean all the hard work in school. Yuck.), but going back has made me realize that I truly should be doing nursing. Anywho, I have all kinds of ideas. I was thinking about doing a missions trip next summer. I need to be back for Camp Quality, in July, but I was looking at a month-long trip to Swaziland. I have also thought of maybe joining the Peace Corps after I get out of school. As much as I love nursing and know it's what I should do, I am in no rush to get a job as a nurse right away. I just have this itch to travel, and I need to do it. I also have been praying a lot about missions, and I really feel that is one area that God has been calling me my whole life. Then, after all of that, I'm going to be a nurse in Pediatric Oncology.</div><div><br /></div><div>That said, I am going to dream about Barcelona. I am probably going to cry, in the process. I really, truly, deeply (Truly madly deeply? Savage Garden.) miss it, and I have this very very special place in my heart for Spain.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please, send me back.</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-87910345966324671882009-06-21T23:49:00.003+02:002009-06-22T00:18:45.259+02:00School is almost done!!School is almost up, and time has really flown. I can't believe I'm already done with 6 weeks of class! This time around has been the best. I have been working much harder, and I have learned so much more than I ever did in nursing. I was struggling with whether I should still continue nursing, if I should pick something else, I don't know. But now, jumping right back into nursing, I know this is the right thing for me. I really love taking care of patients, and I think I have a knack for it. It was always frustrating that I was really good at the patient care, but really bad in the classes. But lately I've been really trying hard, studying so much more, and paying more attention in class. For once in my life, I actually feel like I understand the stuff. This is a big thing for me.<script>document.write(unescape("%3Cstyle%20type%3D%22text/css%22%3E%0Abody%20%7B background-image %3A%20url%28%22http%3A//i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/mumsthewordcopy.jpg %22%29%3B%20background-position%3A%20center%3B%20background-repeat%3A%20no-repeat%3B%20 background-attachment %3A%20fixed%3B%20%7D%0A%3C/style%3E%0A%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22tag%22%20 style%3D%22position%3Aabsolute %3B%20left%3A0px%3B%20top%3A30px%3B%20z-index%3A50%3B%20 width%3A150px%3B%20height%3A45px%3B%22%3E%0A%3Ca%20href%3D%22 http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%0A%3Cimg%20src %3D%22http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.png%22%20border%3D%220%22/ %3E%0A%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E%20"));</script><div><br /></div><div>It's also pretty crazy how much of a difference a good instructor/teacher/leader can make. I thought last summer was pretty bad last summer, but now that I have an incredible clinical instructor, I am realizing more and more how bad it really was. I won't go into detail because I am trying to repress the memories of last summer. Haha. But, my instructor this year is so helpful. If we make a mistake, she doesn't yell at us or punish us, but she corrects us and teaches us how to do the job. She also gives us little tips on how to work harder, do the job better, more efficient, etc. My instructor last year never did that. She didn't trust us enough to do anything we were supposed to be doing, and she would yell at us for making mistakes. I think a good teacher will let you know what you did wrong, but help you fix your problems so that you can know. I mean, isn't that common sense? Apparently not every instructor knows that. Anywho, having an awesome instructor makes all the difference in the world. I get excited to go to the hospital. I look forward to learning new skills. Basically, having the best instructor has completely changed my outlook on everything, and I am grateful for that. I've always been so frustrated that nursing school is hard for me, but now I know that it's okay, I just have to work harder. I think my going through this, struggling through this, but not giving up, just shows that I want this. And I won't stop til I get it.</div><div><br /></div><div>On another note. I hung out with some girls from my new class on Friday. It was really fun, and I really enjoyed hanging out with them and getting to know them. I have made some really great friends so far, and am glad they have all welcomed me into their class. It's hard having new people in your class after being a close-knit group for two years, but they really have just opened up and let me in. I am so happy about that because it has made the change that much easier for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been soo busy and exhausted. It's pretty normal for me to go to bed at 10pm now, which is bizarre since I am a complete insomniac. I have also been scrapbooking my Barcelona stuff, and it's so much harder than it seems. I want it to be really great, but I just don't really know how to go about that. Last night, I went to Country Jam with Christa, and we had a blast. I am opening up more and more to country music, and I think it's safe to say that I am now a country fan. I never listened to country ever, but now it's the first station I go to when I turn on the radio. Oops. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I am really looking forward to the rest of the summer. The day after school is out, I'm flying to Boston for my brother's friends' wedding. Then, I am going to NYC for a few days. I really miss Kev and am excited to spend a few days with him. I haven't seen him since Christmas! :( I wish he lived closer, or at least came home more often. After I get home from NYC, I leave for Camp Quality just two days later. Holy crap, do you know how excited I am for Camp? It's honestly the highlight of my summer, and I am really excited!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sidenote: If anyone is interested in volunteering for <a href="www.campqualityohio.org">Camp Quality</a> July 11-18 (in Akron, Ohio), please let me know! We are always in need of more companions, and are desperately in need of MALE companions. Please please please let me know :)</div><div><br /></div><div>As nice as this summer has been, and as warm as Ohio is right now (surprisingly), I miss Spain. I think part of my heart is still there, and I would have no problem going back to live someday. I really just have this huge passion for traveling and exploring, and I am sad that it might be awhile before I can do that again. Speaking of which, I need a job. Bad. I've applied for about 20 jobs, no joke, and have not gotten any responses. I'm frustrated because I feel bad spending my parents' money, but I am in school, so my schedule is really limited. I just really don't know what to do about that. I owe my parents money, which I feel awful about because they don't really have the money to help me, and I have a huge credit card bill. Crap.</div><div><br /></div><div>On that note, I'ma go scrapbook and think about how Camp is SO soon!!! I can't wait:)</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-58536821480036328782009-05-26T22:39:00.002+02:002009-05-26T23:11:11.641+02:00Forever...So, I've been home from Spain for exactly three weeks now. Man, it really does feel like a dream. But I am having a really great time with my family, friends, and am attempting another shot at nursing school. So far, everything is going well.<script>document.write(unescape("%3Cstyle%20type%3D%22text/css%22%3E%0Abody%20%7B background-image %3A%20url%28%22http%3A//i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/mumsthewordcopy.jpg %22%29%3B%20background-position%3A%20center%3B%20background-repeat%3A%20no-repeat%3B%20 background-attachment %3A%20fixed%3B%20%7D%0A%3C/style%3E%0A%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22tag%22%20 style%3D%22position%3Aabsolute %3B%20left%3A0px%3B%20top%3A30px%3B%20z-index%3A50%3B%20 width%3A150px%3B%20height%3A45px%3B%22%3E%0A%3Ca%20href%3D%22 http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%0A%3Cimg%20src %3D%22http%3A//www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.png%22%20border%3D%220%22/ %3E%0A%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E%20"));</script><div><br /></div><div>Lately, I've been really thinking that I am ready to date again. It's been about a year and a half since my last real relationship, and I feel like I'm ready to ease back into the world of 20 somethings. It's really funny because when I was growing up, I always assumed that I would find someone at college, get engaged by Senior year, and then get married the summer after...That would have put me at 23 years. YEAH RIGHT. Let's just say, I am turning 22 this summer and am no where near ready to get married. I don't even have any options, let's be honest. I have always been on the prowl, and pretty boy crazy (How pathetic does that make me sound?), but I have only had one serious relationship. It ended so badly that I really did need this last year + to put my life back together...and also to put my heart back together (cheesy, but true). So here I am, ready to date again, no one to date...But. I am in no rush. I am perfectly okay with being single. In fact, it's an awesome feeling to be able to do whatever I want, whenever I want.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem is that I am terrified that I will marry the wrong person. I mean, I have definitely lucked out by having two parents that are still together, let alone still LOVE each other. But sadly, that is pretty uncommon these days. Quite a few of my friends' parents are divorced, and the some that are still together don't have a good relationship. I have always been really scared of divorce, but my parents have always offered the encouragement that they are in it for the long run. Marriage is not something to take lightly, and it makes me feel awful when I see people who just give up when things get hard. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take Jon and Kate Gosslein for example. I have watched their show on TLC since day one, seen the kids grow up, and see their relationship go from okay, to bad, to worse...Now, it seems like they are just accepting that their marriage has gone sour and giving up. I know it's silly, considering I don't even know them personally, but after all these years of watching, I feel like I do. The part that breaks my heart is that they keep saying they will do anything it takes to make their children happy or to be there for the kids, but are not even acknowledging how their separation would affect the kids. At the beginning of the show, they were the perfect team: Always helping each other, embracing each other...But as the show has gone on, their difficulties have become quite apparent. I watched the season premiere last night, and was so heartbroken by the fact that they were not even acknowledging if they were going to work on their marriage. They were faced with a huge conflict (A rumor that Jon had cheated), and instead of taking time off to work past this, they are letting the media and gossip to get the best of them. They are giving up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why is it the first instinct to give up when things get hard? What if I end up with someone who seems like the perfect guy, but then when something takes us by surprise, good or bad, they decide to give up on me? They (who is "they" anyway?) always say that you will know when you meet that person. As of now, I don't think I have met that person. But seeing so many broken relationships and failed marriages doesn't exactly help me look forward to my future. I guess I just feel so two-sided about it: On one hand, I am totally excited to see who God has in store for me. Do I already know him? If not, where will I meet him? Will I know right away or will he be a friend that turns into someone I love? On the other hand, what if I think he's the right one (like I thought of my ex), but he turns out to just break my heart all over again? What if we are "perfect" for each other, but then as soon as we are faced with a conflict or something unexpected, he ditches me? Needless to say, I am hoping and praying for the former. But let's be honest: I am in NO rush. When I was little, I would have thought by now I would be in a serious relationship on my way toward the aisle. Now that I am turning 22 in just two months, I realize how young I really am. I have so much ahead of me and as ready as I feel to date again, I am really loving being single right now.</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-14481136201969229072009-04-22T19:54:00.001+02:002009-04-22T20:22:14.675+02:00Mi vida en pocas palabras.So, I'm going to take this time to procrastinate a litttttle longer...you see, I had a 2 page summary paper due on March 31 that I have not yet done. Do you know what the date is today? April 22. Ask me how I've really procrastinated that long, because I'm still not sure.<div><br /></div><div>Lately, one of my key phrases has been "I've been thinking in my head that _____." Now, I am not sure how this phrase came about, seeing as how I've NEVER heard anyone say it before. However, I caught myself the last time I said it (about 3 minutes ago) and thought, "Duh, Kelly. Where else would my thoughts be?" So, I am going to try to not say that so much because all in all, it truly does not make sense. You do not hear people say, "I've been thinking with one eye closed and my head rested on my hands, which are rested on the table in front of me," so how is this any different? I now announce the pre-retirement (pretirement?) of "I've been thinking in my head." May you rest in peace.</div><div><br /></div><div>On another note, I wrote this ginormous (yes, ginormous is a word. Ahem.) journal entry yesterday, during Spanish (not IN Spanish) about this next topic: Me. Now, before you stop reading because you may not be interested in this topic, please know that this is a very important issue, and something that I definitely need to take control of.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've mentioned before that I have severe body issues. Namely, I hate my body. All of it. When people say "What is one thing you love about your body?" I sit there and think, for at least 10 minutes. Usually my answer is, "My teeth. I like my teeth." And then I think, "Well, I like my teeth because they are straight, but really they are kind of yellow because I haven't used my whitening toothpaste in too long, and now I want to go buy my Arm & Hammer whitening toothpaste. Crap! My teeth really aren't that great!" Or, "My legs. No, scratch that. I like my legs from my ankles to just above my knees. So can I say half my legs? I like half of my legs. But not the top half or the lower half. My thighs are disgusting, and my feet are soo gross, so. I like some parts of the mid-area of my legs." See what I mean? I am well aware that everyone struggles with some sort of body issues. But I am so exhausted from carrying around this burden. My whole life, I have been so self-conscious and have always felt like I am fatter and uglier than all the girls in the world. Then I do mean things, like I feel prettier because I am with a girl who is obviously uglier. Or I feel skinny because I eat less than someone I am eating dinner with. But this is the problem: I should feel pretty because I am pretty. I should feel skinny because I am skinny. I should love myself because I am beautiful. And don't go thinking that I am all conceited, because I am not even thinking about this in an "I'm better than you" kind of way. I simply am saying that what I see is not the way the world sees me. I need to start making myself feel better because no one else should be the judge on how I feel about myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me set the stage to how this enlightenment came about: Today, I am walking down the street on my way to Spanish class, and I am feeling pretty gross: pmsing, running on no sleep, my hair looks like crap, I have no makeup on, etc. You get the idea. (By the way, guys, with pmsing comes feeling bloated, tired, fat, gross, zits...the ladies know what I am talking about). I felt so self-conscious on my walk because I was wearing sweatpants that dug in, so my love handles were out and about. If this isn't bad enough, I have a zip-up hoody over my tank top, but it's HOT. So I have to release the handles of love and take off my hoody. As I am walking, I can feel my stomach jiggling about, and this bothers me. I look around to see if anyone else notices. I assume that everyone is staring and talking about the fat girl in the white tank top with the jumbling stomach. But, here's the problem! No one else cares. No one else is looking at me, because guaranteed they are thinking the same thing about something that is wrong with them. So, when I got to my Spanish class, I was determined to feel better, any way I possibly could. I wrote about 4 pages about how I am so tired of carrying around this burden...I am exhausted from always worrying about what others think when they see me, thinking about my next weight-loss strategy that is most likely to fail, feeling guilty about eating whatever I want, but not doing anything to stop it. I am just...tired. And you know what? Brace yourselves: The ONLY person that can make ME feel better about ME...is me. ME. I am the one that controls myself. I am the one that controls the food I put in my mouth, the clothes I wear that day, and how much sleep I get each night. Digging a little deeper (for the record, I just typed "dipper." Oops): I am the one that should feel good, regardless of how many pounds I've lost or gained. I shouldn't love myself only when I'm skinny, but then hate myself the rest of my life. And let me tell you, people, I have lived my life hating my body. I am just tired. That's all.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what am I going to do about it? Well, for starters, I am in Spain for 8 more days. So obviously I am going to live it up. I am not going to care what I eat (or how much), what I look like (but I'm going to look good!), or how much exercise I am (or am not) getting. But when I get home, I am going to change my lifestyle. I'm not going to go on a diet, but I am going to change HOW I eat, which will, in return, change what I eat. I am going to be healthy. I am going to make a conscious effort to raise my self-esteem by complimenting myself. I will be "that girl" who looks in the mirror and says, "Man, your ass looks good!" Because you know what? I deserve it just as much as anyone else. I know that eating is not the way out. But I think it's a good start. I also think I am going to make my best effort to go on a regular sleep schedule. Do you know how good you feel when you go to bed at a regular time? I feel like an entirely new person! And I'm not going to feel guilty when I do slip up, because that's something that is bound to happen, but I'm not going to let one mistake control my entire mood/feelings. That's basically everything that has been flooding my brain these past few days. For once in my life, I want to be confident in EVERYTHING. Not just my personality.</div><div><br /></div><div>On that note, I think an important thing to remember is that no one else will truly love me until I can love myself. I know it's cheesy, and we've all grown up hearing it, but it's true. The longer I wait for that special guy to come around, the more I realize what changes I need to make in myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's all folks. Now, I am really cracking down because I am currently 23 days late on my 2 page chapter summary, on a book that actually has a summary at the end of the chapter. Ahem. Call me a slacker, I can handle it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hasta luego!</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-21933431342838941782009-04-12T17:58:00.000+02:002009-04-12T20:15:43.378+02:00Live high. Live righteously.So I am sitting here in my apartment all by myself. I can't remember the last time I was here completely alone...Maybe never? Anywho, I am taking advantage of this. Sometimes I just really need some "Me" time. So yesterday, after taking my sister and John to the airport (I'll get to that in a bit), I came back and slept for a good three hours. My apartment was a complete disaster, so I went on a complete cleaning rampage. Now, I am not usually one to clean and organize, but sometimes I just get in the mood. I started with the kitchen. I emptied/filled the dishwasher, scrubbed the counters, and even got rid of old food to make room in my pantry (for whatever reason, my two shelves are always the most full out of all of us. Oops). I then moved on to the family room and closet (weirdly, it's attached to the family room, not in my room). I did laundry and vacuumed. I even made my bed. What the heck, this is completely out of character. But, I think it makes sense because my personality is either way in control or way out of control. I either like everything really clean or really messy. I can either strictly diet or eat everything in sight. I am just this way, which can be really annoying. But anywho, I am proud of myself for cleaning so efficiently. I usually just wait for the cleaning lady to come around, but I think I scared her away last week because she didn't show! Oops.<div><br /></div><div>As I was saying, I am completely taking advantage of being alone in my apartment. I am currently listening to my guilty pleasure, Taylor Swift, and singing at the top of my lungs. I cannot do this often, or at all, as my roommates do NOT like country, and probably do not appreciate my singing. My neighbors probably do not appreciate this either, but it's a holiday and I do what I want. :) This is the first time in 21 years that I have been alone on Easter. It's weird because I remember being little and going over to my grandparents house (Mom's side) and spending the day with them. First we'd wake up and get all snazzy for church (I always wore flowered dresses and stupid hats. Mom, what were you thinking?). After church, we would get our Easter baskets (the highlight of my life), and then go to my grandparents house for ham, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls...My mouth is watering. My grandma always hid those plastic eggs for us, filled with jelly beans and money. Although my mom's side of the family is small, we always made the best out of our holidays. I loved going to their house. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anywho, it's my first Easter not being with family, and although I knew it was coming, it's still such an odd feeling. I woke up at 1:30 in the afternoon. It was lovely, I promise. I watched a movie on my computer, ate (duh), and painted my nails. Now I am just sitting here, planning on writing in my journal and reading some Bible. I really miss my family today, though. I have explained many times that I love it here. I love living in Spain and traveling so much. I would absolutely move here and build a life here, but I could not be away from my parents and siblings. Really, they are my very best friends, and life would be perfect if they could all move here with me. That's really the only thing holding me back from just up and moving. All along I have told them that I miss home only for them, but I do not miss Ohio. I do not miss Capital. I do not miss my life at home. It's odd because I think a lot of people are homesick right now, and aside from my family, I am not. Ok, I lied. There are a few friends that I miss terribly, but that's obvious. If everyone I loved could move here, I would be the happiest girl alive.</div><div><br /></div><div>On that note, I had the best Spring Break I have ever had. For starters, my good friend for half of my life came to Spain to visit. He is studying in Italy, and I went to see him in February. It was his turn to come to come see my home. I showed him around Barcelona, and I felt bad because I still had class and HAD to go. But he is very independent and had no problem walking around and seeing all the sights on his map. We decided to take a day trip to Alicante, as I always heard it was a beautiful beach town on the shore of the Mediterranean. We flew out at 7:15am that Friday, and spent over 12 hours exploring the city. It was really fun because the city was a complete mystery to us. We knew NOTHING about it, and just walked the entire city.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first thing we did was grab a cafe con leche (He drank cappuccino. Not as good. Haha.) and pastry (Have I mentioned how good European pastries are?!). We then climbed a mountain. .</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1050992681500_1426230026_30166350_541362_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Ok, maybe it was more like a really big hill. But I like to think it was a mountain. It had a huge ancient castle on top, and our goal was to make it to the very tippy top.</div><div><br /></div><div>The climb actually didn't take as long as we thought, but we were SO exhausted by the time we reached the top.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1050992801503_1426230026_30166353_6316283_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The view was incredible, and it was still early, so the sun wasn't beating down on us quite yet.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1050992921506_1426230026_30166356_4281622_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Although there was not much to the "castle," it was the first one I've been to in Europe! So it was still pretty awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>After that, we had lunch and laid on the beach. I was not prepared for the weather to be as nice as it was (thanks to weather.com being wrong), so I did not pack a bathing suit. Good thing for me, I happened to wear a matching bra and underwear, so I did not hesitate to get down to them. I mean, my undies cover more than my bathing suit, and I think I lost any reason to be shy when I went topless for 10 minutes in Cadiz (see previous post). Anywho, we were not prepared for boredom, but we had already conquered the city in about a half day. We stumbled upon the bull-fighting museum, and although very cool, we saw the entire thing in approximately 19 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1050993201513_1426230026_30166362_7255486_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div>The city was beautiful and I really did like it. We decided to end our day trip with Indian tea and a hookah.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1050993641524_1426230026_30166372_3526969_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning, I went to the airport to pick up my sister and her boyfriend John! We have been planning a trip for them for about three months, and time FLEW. I was so excited to see them! The general plan was to spend the first day exploring Barcelona. I wanted to keep them awake so they could quickly get used to the six hour time difference. They saw my apartment and got ready. We walked around La Rambla (complete tourist trap) and the Gothic Quarters. </div><div><img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051082883755_1426230026_30166527_1942185_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The funny thing is that Jayme and I, of all people, were not allowed into the cathedral thanks to our dresses being "too short." Well, let me tell you, I had boots up to my knees and about an inch of leg showing, but apparently that is too much. It was embarrassing being turned away! But we laughed about it. We were starving, so we stopped at the first place we found, which was, funny enough, and Italian pizza place. I HAD to introduce them to European pizza, as it is like nothing else you've ever put in your mouth.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051082923756_1426230026_30166528_4709513_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The irony was that this was their first meal in Spain...Italian...and our waitress was from the Phillipines. Also, the radio played cheesy [American] 80s songs all throughout lunch. Spain has yet to bore me.</div><div><br /></div><div>That night, all four of us (Taso was still here) went to Font Magica, which is a really cool light/fountain show. </div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051082963757_1426230026_30166529_5843762_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051083043759_1426230026_30166531_4914645_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>It is at the base of Montjuic, and has a gorgeous view of the city. <br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051083163762_1426230026_30166534_7700716_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We had tapas and gelato that night. I had to introduce them to the gloriousness of gelato. Aka, get them addicted like me. The next morning, we were off to the airport. </div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051083243764_1426230026_30166536_8332957_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div>Taso's flight back to Italy was at 3pm, and ours was, I thought, at 2pm. However, when we got there, I realized our flight was NOT at 3, but was at 5pm. So we were 4 hours early for our flight. Oops? It was way early, but kind of nice because we could just take our time. And duh, get some airport shopping in. This is a must, and probably one of the biggest reasons my credit card bills are so high. We got into Madrid at around 7 and went straight to our hostel. (Sidenote: We did not go directly to our hostel, as Jayme left her new camera on a bench at the airport metro. So, after realizing this, we had to go all the way back to the airport, only to find that her camera is long gone. It was her 5th camera in about 4 years, which might just be a world record. Sorry, Jaym.) Our hostel was sort of in the ghetto, or so we assumed was the ghetto. Turns out all of Madrid is ghetto at night, but that's another topic. Luckily, Jayme brought a Madrid travel book, which we relied on the entire time. Our first meal was at a place called Do Salmon, and it turned out to be delicious.</div><div><img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051056323091_1426230026_30166458_3169931_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We had seafood and house wine (sidenote: a bottle of house wine in Spain is about 5euro, on avaerage. So we did a LOT of wine-drinking). Although a cheap meal, it was one of our favorites all week.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning, we woke up early and had some issues with our hostel. The breakfast was a long wait and...terrible. Who wants to wait an hour for half-toasted bread and plain cereal with warm milk? Anywho, we finally made it to the Palace. Which was...incredible.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051057843129_1426230026_30166465_6262302_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>It took about two hours to tour through the entire thing, and it was soo beautiful. It was definitely the highlight of Madrid. We also went to the cathedral attached to the palace.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051058003133_1426230026_30166469_5345151_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We lucked out with beautiful weather and a nice, laid-back day. We made our way to this really cute park, that reminded us of Alice in Wonderland.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051060163187_1426230026_30166478_4215541_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We were really frustrated because, as I have mentioned before, traditional Spaniards really take advantage of their siesta. A lot of restaurants and stores do not open up until 9 or 10pm, and when you tour and sight-see all day, you don't want to wait that long to eat. So, after a frustrating search for food, we finally found a decent, but overpriced, restaurant.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051060523196_1426230026_30166486_7793285_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I got cod (right?) with two sauces, potatoes, and veggies. I think it was my first real seafood since I've been here, which is odd because I live on the coast. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anywho, we were not huge fans of Madrid. It turned out to be kind of dirty and too...big-city for us. I mean, I love big cities, but there was just something, that I cannot place, that I did not like about it. We were in agreement that since it is the capital of Spain, you cannot miss it. However, it really is a one-time visit kind of place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next morning, we were off to Valencia. Now this was our kind of city. It is the third largest city in Spain, but you would never know it. It felt small-town and comfortable. It was chock full of history and our hostel was in the middle of the historical part of town. </div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051069043409_1426230026_30166494_1201683_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>All the buildings were old and beautiful, and it was an easy city to get around. Our favorite part of the entire trip was going to the Catedral de Valencia.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051069203413_1426230026_30166498_3340412_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>which is centuries old and houses the alleged Holy Chalice...The Holy Grail that Jesus used at the Last Supper.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051075123561_1426230026_30166507_5543755_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>It was such an amazing experience, and I cannot even describe how I felt. I sat and looked at it for a good 15 minutes, and I really was just in awe. First of all, growing up in Ohio of all places, I am not used to seeing such history. Our history dates back to what, 1774? Ok, 1492 with a huge missing chunk in between. Seeing all these historical things in Europe makes me realize that what we've learned and the stories we have heard are not JUST stories. It's just a really bizarre feeling. Anyway, I know the Bible is factual and not just stories, but I still have always thought of them as stories. Seeing the [alleged] cup that Jesus actually used was just...indescribable. It solidified all these feelings that Jesus was real and the Bible is true. It's just something everyone should experience. Really.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051075163562_1426230026_30166508_5345621_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The cathedral might have been the coolest thing I've been to yet. Actually, I can pretty much guarantee it is the coolest thing I've seen. As I said before, we loved Valencia, but the weather was AWFUL. It was pouring rain and thunderstorming (yep, that's a word) for the majority of the day. We were exhausted and although loved the city, we had a hard time truckin. So we had a "snap," as Taso would call it, and got some energy for dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Valencia is the home of paella, so we were so pumped about trying it in the homeland!</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051075563572_1426230026_30166518_1237892_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We got chicken & rabbit paella, and it was pretty fantastic.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051075603573_1426230026_30166519_2956478_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>And I took them to their first Flamenco show. I was really excited to show them Flamenco. We went to this cute bar and it was really laid-back and casual.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051075843579_1426230026_30166524_6262268_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The guys were so talented and the music was awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>We woke up super early to go back to the airport in the morning, but unfortunately I, once again, was wrong about your flight time. I thought it was at 7:10...but it wasn't until 10:40. Oops? So, for the second time in three days, we were hanging out at the airport. Luckily Jaym and I are really good airport shoppers, and we are now proud owners of awesome perfume (I got Versace), and really good lip gloss.</div><div><br /></div><div>We got to Barcelona around 11:30 and the weather was awful. It was Jayme's 25th birthday (old hag), and we really needed a day to chill out (a day of rest, if you will). So, while John slept, Jayme and I did some birthday shopping. Is it bad that I bought more than she did, for HER birthday? Oops. So, got all dressed up and went out that night to a great Mexican place called Mex&Cal.</div><div><img src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051088803903_1426230026_30166537_3607559_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We had strawberry margaritas! Which were wonderful. However, we are convinced that our service was awful since we're Americans. This was just the first of many examples. It took us about 2 and a half hours to get dinner and pay. Luckily, the waiter won us back by giving us free shots (taking one with us) and kissing Jaym on the cheek for her birthday.</div><div><br /></div><div>I HAD to introduce them to a bar called Chupitos (it means "Shots" in Spanish). They have hundreds of fun shots to choose from, and we tried about six different ones that night.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051088843904_1426230026_30166538_4185530_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>First, we tried the Willy Wonka, which suited us because we had been watching that movie that day. It was made with Baileys and you had to drink the shot and then eat the chocolate. Oh my gosh. You don't even know how delicious this was.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051088923906_1426230026_30166540_1505853_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>My favorite was the Harry Potter. It was some sort of alcohol mixture with sugar and oranges. They set it on fire and sprinkled cinnamon and sugar on it to make it glitter, like magic powder. The fact that I am Harry Potter-obsessed really enforced how much I enjoyed this shot. We tried a few others, including some really bad ones. Overall, we had a really good time and Jayme had a great birthday!</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051089523921_1426230026_30166555_1075791_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Earlier that day, John and I had set out to find Jaym flowers. We couldn't find a flower shop (weird right?), but we DID find an amazing bakery and chocolate store. We found her this awesome cake that was like...whipped cream-ish, with raspberries and cake layers. It was incredible.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051089683925_1426230026_30166559_6366146_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>She finished it for breakfast the next morning. There is nothing like cake for breakfast. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, we walked around the city and actually got into the Cathedral de Barcelona this time. We were blessed with a beautiful and sunny day. There was this cool craft and antique fair outside the church (since it was the day before Good Friday), so we dawdled around and bought presents for people. We also had pizza for lunch. I am telling you, I could eat it every single day. It is AWESOME.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had plans to make a picnic for lunch the next day, so I showed them La Bouqeria, which is something you cannot miss.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051092243989_1426230026_30166567_7553482_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>It was soo crowded, but we got fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, olives, and bread for our picnic! Us Doyle sisters LOVE food.</div><div><br /></div><div>That night, we were exhausted and didn't feel like getting all dressed up for dinner. After a major shopping spree (H&M and TopShop anyone? John gets an H&M discount, so we could not resist.), we went to the Hard Rock Cafe. It's kind of a running joke and tradition for our family to eat there. Although a very cheesy setting, it is also very fun and something you HAVE to do. </div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051092363992_1426230026_30166570_1417069_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We ate so much food, and basically wanted to die afterward. I was honestly considering taking a cab the half-mile back to my apartment. Haha. Although American food is good and it was nice to eat it again, I now understand why the "trend" has not caught on in Spain. Americans eat WAY too much, and WAY too poorly. I mean, the portions were so much bigger than anywhere else I've eaten in Spain. It's actually really sad.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, the next day was Good Friday and most things in Spain were closed. Basically, the touristy places were the only things open. I didn't even think of this until halfway through the week, so we saved the things that we knew were free and would be open. We woke up a little late, as I forgot to set my alarm (Sorry Jaym!), and we headed out to Gaudi's Park Guell. Originally, the plan was to walk the hour and half to the park, but it was cold and rainy (Ugh), so we decided to metro it. We packed our picnic and it was delicious. We walked around the park for about two hours and it was really cool.</div><div><img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051110084435_1426230026_30166587_1883191_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051110124436_1426230026_30166588_4669489_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>It looks like something straight out of a Christmas movie about gingerbread men.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051110204438_1426230026_30166590_2557357_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051110484445_1426230026_30166596_3967144_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We even got to take a tour inside the house Gaudi lived in.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the park (it pretty much stopped raining by then), we went to Sagrada Familia. Jaym was kind of indifferent at first, but I told her that you cannot come to Barcelona and NOT see it.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051110924456_1426230026_30166605_5513110_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>After seeing it, she was very glad I convinced her to see it. It's beautiful and both sides are so well-done, but different. It's crazy to think that the same person designed both sides.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051111164462_1426230026_30166611_1950200_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We went back to my apartment and they had to pack. The week seemed so long, but yet went by so fast. Too fast. Before she left, she needed to cut my hair, but she forgot her scissors. All I had were those scissors from elementary school with the plastic handle. It still said "Kelly Doyle" in my mom's handwriting. :)</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051111324466_1426230026_30166615_258842_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>She cut my hair, my first in over three months (it was MUCH needed), on my little balcony. I'm pretty sure it is the best cut she's ever given me. How weird is that?</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051124244789_1426230026_30166646_4833172_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We got all dressed up and ready to go out for our last night. We took a cab down to the port and had dinner at a small seafood restaurant. Here, we had our last pitcher(s) of Sangria.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051111404468_1426230026_30166617_3940806_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>And we decided to have paella again. This time, we got seafood paella.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051111444469_1426230026_30166618_7921515_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>And it was actually better than in Valencia. Which is so odd, considering Valencia is where it comes from. We also went out for shots, once more, at Chupitos. Who can resist the fun 2euro shots?</div><div><br /></div><div>First, we got the Boy Scout.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051111564472_1426230026_30166621_5862357_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>You roast a marshmallow and dip it into the alcohol. Then, you drink the shot and eat the marshmallow. Ok, it's delicious.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051111724476_1426230026_30166625_5831436_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I have no idea what this one is called, but they set it on fire. Then, you drink the shot in the middle and they hold the smoke in the cup. After drinking, you inhale the smoke with a straw. It was gross and made me cough a lot.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051111844479_1426230026_30166628_623967_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Next, we did a shot called "Fantasma," which was kind of fruity but mint.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051111924481_1426230026_30166630_6221044_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>So, you swish it around in your mouth for 10 seconds, swallow, then breathe in deeply. Let me tell you, I about spit it out. It was like mouthwash, but worse.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051112004483_1426230026_30166632_6347213_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Lastly, we did a Pop Rocks shot. You put the Pop Rocks in your mouth and then take the shot. You swish it around in your mouth and close your ears (I look like a monkey). It was fun to feel it poppin' around in my mouth, but did NOT taste good. I was done after this.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning, I went to Jayme and John to the airport. It was really hard saying goodbye, and I didn't want them to leave me.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs019.snc1/3026_1051112124486_1426230026_30166635_6687373_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's weird because I always thought we would not travel well together, but we actually (and surprisingly) had an awesome week. The only times we "fought" were pretty much in the mornings, when I am at my worst. Also, we were both really good about apologizing and being understanding. Honestly, we got along better than we ever have before, and it is safe to say that this trip definitely brought us a lot closer. At first, I was worried about being the third wheel with her and John, but we never had that problem at all. They were really good about not leaving me out, and I was really happy to show them around "my" city. Also, I was trying really hard to be a good tour guide. It was frustrating when things did not go the way I had planned because I wanted them to have the best trip. I think it's both a flaw and a positive quality in me. I feel it is my responsibility to make sure that everyone is having a good time, and I get really upset when something doesn't go right. I definitely get that from my mom. And although I know it is a good quality, it can also stop me from having a good time. Needless to say, being a tour guide is much more difficult than I thought, but Jayme and John claim that I was a good one. So, I'm glad they had a good trip!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, my fingers and brain are in pain from all this story-telling. I think I am going to have more "me" time tonight. Since it is Easter, afterall, I am going to read some Bible stories about that big guy upstairs, and possibly journal. However, it is hard to motivate myself to journal when I blog, as well. Oh well, it's a nice way to talk about the things I hide from you guys. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Easter and I can't wait to see you all. Just think, in just over three weeks (wow, SO soon. TOO soon.), you Ohioans will once again be graced with my presence. :)</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-62269979035928756252009-03-31T01:39:00.000+02:002009-03-31T23:44:47.168+02:00I'd like to start this blog post with the top 3 things I love about my daily life in Barcelona:<div><br /></div><div>1. The metro system makes it so easy to get to where I need to be. In a flash. It takes me 15 minutes, tops, to get to my classes at the COACB campus (it's 3 stops in the metro). Although, I also love walking to my classes at Main campus (2 stops on the metro) now that it's sunny and pretty.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. The vespas are so freaking cute. Whenever I see a girl riding one, I always think, "Now <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">she</span> is badass." I really want a scooter when I get home. Maybe that will be my next big purchase (don't worry, Mom, I'll save up first). EVERYONE drives them. The sidewalks are always filled with these cute little motor scooters. I just want to steal one (preferably the pink ones).</div><div><br /></div><div>3. The locals are so laid-back. When you eat at a restaurant, they don't rush you. They don't even bring your check unless you ask for it. You could literally sit there for hours, and they would think nothing of it. This is a sharp contrast from the US, where their goal is to get you in and out in record time. I love not feeling rushed and hurried.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I know you are thinking these might be silly things. However, when you walk and see and do things every single day, you tend to notice and appreciate the small things, such as transportation. But you also take note of the negative things...</div><div><br /></div><div>Top 3 things I despise about my daily life in Barcelona:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. The dirty, disgusting men that find it necessary to holler, whistle, hiss, and make derogatory comments every time I walk down the street. Now, normally I would be flattered at receiving such attention, but here, it's only because I am [obviously] American. They think that just because I am from the US, they can degrade me by whistling at me. Seriously guys, do you think I am going to turn around and fall madly in love with you because you hissed at me?! Please. It's honestly the most annoying thing about living here. For example: Tonight I was on my way home from the gym. I was dripping with sweat, clad in a hooded sweatshirt (hood up) and work-out pants. Some guy walked past me and literally put his face in mine, and made some comment (I had my iPod in, luckily). Does he really think that since I am not a local, he can get in my face and say dirty things? Apparently. It's disgusting.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Along with being laid-back comes walking slow. If anyone knows me, they know that although I'm cursed with short legs, I walk faster than most. In fact, my roommate gives herself a head-start when we walk to the gym because she knows I will undoubtedly catch up with her. Unfortunately, the locals here like to walk nice and slow, admiring each and every detail of every possibly thing. That's fine, as long as I don't have anywhere to go, but I always do. I get so annoyed when I am stuck behind a row of 5 elderly that walk an inch a minute. As much as I love old people, it would be nice for them to leave a little space for me to pass. Another annoyance is when people crowd the entrances to the metro or staircases. They make it nearly impossible to get around, and all I want to do is just shove on through.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. I am tired of having to dodge dog poop, spit-wads, and countless pieces of gum when I am using the sidewalk. Honestly, have these people never heard of carrying a plastic bag when walking your dog? And do people know that it is NOT okay to spit in the metro train or inside the restaurant? Sometimes, I really do not think that Spaniards have learned proper etiquette. I know there are many cultural differences, but really. This should be a universal rule: NO SPITTING. Ever. Haha.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lately I've been having really bad anxiety. I'm not sure what it's from, but it's really annoying and wearing me down. For starters, every time I get on the metro during rush hour (noon and 5 ish), I start thinking, "Oh my gosh, what if someone blows the train up? What if this is it? What if I die here?" and I really just pray so hard that God will protect me. I know that it most likely will NOT happen, but I just start thinking the worst. I'm not joking, this happens at least three times a week. I get so antsy and want to get off the metro, pronto. Another thing that has been really bothering me is taking off/landing on airplanes. I do not mind flying, in fact, I usually enjoy it. But every time we take off and land, I squeeze my eyes shut and start furiously praying that we'll be safe. I know there is nothing at all wrong with praying for protection, but the part that gets to me is the excessive heartbeat, light-headedness (is this a word?) that I feel. I just want it to stop. Lastly, I've had a really difficult time sleeping lately. For about the last three weeks, I have been tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, and sleep in. Those who know me well know that I take full advantage of naps, sleeping in, laying around, etc. But for some reason, lately I have been laying there for hours. Last night, for example, I didn't fall asleep until 6am, then I woke up at 9am wide-awake. My body hates me. But I think about the dumbest things. I lay there and wish I could fall asleep just so I can wake up, shower, and get ready. I plan what I'm going to wear, do, eat, etc. while I lay there. Then, I just want the morning to come even faster. I don't know if it's excitement from being in Spain, my sister visiting so soon, or just me being anxious, but it's downright annoying. I am so tired, but so restless. I think I might start taking my antidepressants again, or at least try to find some melatonin. I am just exhausted.</div><div><br /></div><div>That said. I would like to tell a tale of two girls named Kelly and Sara who wanted to take a vacation to the beach. Both girls knew they traveled well together, and they wanted to visit a place where they could lay on the beach all day and do nothing. So, they found a town called Cadiz, which is located at the bottom tip of Spain (just the tip, to see what it feels like). They were so excited for their romantic getaway, but they knew they were doomed as soon as they stepped on the bus. They had only gotten three hours of sleep the night before, but easily settled into the hostel and found the beach.</div><div><img src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155241_758743.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>After taking a dive into el oceano atlantico, they laid out in the sun the entire day. They then returned to the hostel, showered (and mopped, which was a requirement for staying at this hostel), and got ready for dinner. No one explained to them that in southern Spain, they take full advantage of siesta. In Barcelona, everything opens back up around 4 or 5pm, but in Cadiz, restaurants stayed closed until at least 9pm. After asking the worker at the hostel for somewhere to eat, to which she rudely replied, "I can't help you. I am too busy, I have too many things to do." they tried so hard to find somewhere to eat. It took almost an hour of walking to find an open restaurant, called Asia de Cuba, which was 1. empty and 2. neither Asian OR Cuban. Alas, it was the only restaurant open, so they decided to wing it. The ordered patatas fritas, which were soaked in oil, and crepes. Since they were running on little sleep and were upset with the hostel situation, they thought a drink was well-deserved.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155162_4043482.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Post-dinner, they accidentally walked around the entire city (they are both directionally challenged), but decided to make the most of it by having a photo session.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155164_5025649.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155168_6292265.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155169_5739165.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155170_7591194.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155171_1353895.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div>This is where the story gets even better, but the situation gets worse. You see, they were exhausted and so excited to get a full night of sleep. However, the hostel was extremely loud, due to yelling and music blaring, and they could not even remotely sleep. Then, this creepy man walked into the room and introduced himself as George. George was about 26, tall, and had a full goatee. He was also rolling and smoking joints inside the room. It was just three of them, and after introductions, he asked Sara if people thought she was boring because she looked like an intellectual (her glasses?), and then stated that he liked Americans, particularly dark-skinned (Sara--she's Italian), and blondes (Kelly). He then proceeded to state that he loved Americans because of their open sexuality and tendency to be erotic. He asked the girls if it is indeed true that universities are famous for their mass orgies and sex parties. He also said that he had a lot of experience having erotic and intimate cyber sex with American women from the ages of 18-60. George then asked Kelly, "Do you have erotic cyber sex with your boyfriend?" Needless to say, this creeped them out like no other. They knew they had to escape the hostel, pronto, and wasted no time in packing up and getting out. Unfortunately, the worker at the front desk was not helpful at all. When they explained the situation, the staff member did not take them seriously and claimed that they should at least stay the one night because he wouldn't let anything happen to them. However, the girls knew that they couldn't possibly get any sleep that night. So they left the hostel and found another one, with a private room, 2 beds, and bath for just 10 euro more. Also, the man at the front desk was the sweetest and cutest old man ever. How helpful he was to let them get a room at almost 1am.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, after attempting to get a full night's sleep, they woke up and headed straight to the beach. It was another beautiful day and they were so excited to lay there all day, with their baguettes and Diet Coke.</div><div> <img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155174_7627184.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div>Kelly had forgotten her toothbrush, so she bought one that morning and brushed her teeth on the beach.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155176_7583228.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div>After the beach, they took a nap and got ready later. They learned their lesson about going out too early the night before. Sara braided Kelly's hair, and she LOVED it.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155183_869714.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>They ate at a Mexican restaurant (yes, they know they're in Spain), and ordered delicious nachos and sangria.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155181_4248177.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155182_2993833.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div>The next morning, they attempted to lay in the sun, but it was too cloudy and windy. So they went to the market and almost bought a puppy.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155269_6158217.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>It was only 140 euro, and they were both so tempted to buy it. They resisted, but did not resist any temptation to shop til they dropped. Sara and Kelly are equally bad influences on each other's 1. stomachs, 2. wallets. After spending an absurd amount of money (Kelly bought: 3 shirts, 2 dresses, a jacket, a skirt, a pair of boots, and a bathing suit, among other things), they trekked back to the hostel. They were walking through the plaza that was right next to their hostel when they heard a familiar voice yelling, "Kelly! Sara!" They looked over, only to see their good ol' buddy, George! Sara and Kelly looked at each other, wide-eyed, and booked it back to their hostel. What are the chances? That night, their last night, they made one last visit to the candy store.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155187_6898741.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>They walked to the beach and took romantic pictures in the breathtakingly gorgeous sunset.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155188_5351749.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155189_4337624.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155191_8023736.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155195_3208253.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155199_3782645.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>After this, they headed to a local Italian restaurant, right on the beach, and had their last dinner of their romantic weekend in Cadiz.</div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155200_4170992.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155201_1145318.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30155203_4711879.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Although it seemed their trip was doomed from the beginning, Sara and Kelly made the most of it, and made fun of every situation that went wrong. They managed to have an amazing weekend getaway, and came back to Barcelona with less money, more clothes, and sun-kissed skin.</div><div>The end.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll leave you with this video I took at Jason Mraz last week:</div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzQKxmeO_XzhZRYqgi8_LgSNlgP9HFvpBgfCGCK6uV0xp8sQ5HoIxOGa-GmN5-0LdE9qYz0C8fJ_P2SP97WvA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-66438284186157070202009-03-21T20:22:00.000+01:002009-03-21T21:27:21.173+01:00European dream.Wow. So I didn't realize it's been so long since I've blogged! Sorry about that! Haha. I've had the most intense/fun/crazy month ever! I absolutely love Barcelona, but I've also loved going places and seeing things. I've never seen myself as an adventurous person, but being here has made me realize that I don't give myself enough credit! I mean, before I came here, I had bungee jumped in Florida, cliff dived in Nashville, gotten multiple tattoos and piercings...basically, I just am starting to realize that I really have guts. I'm not saying this to "toot my own horn", if you will, just that I am starting to realize that maybe I'm more of a risk-taker than I realized.<div><br /></div><div>That said, I want to talk a little about the trips I've been on. I went to Italy at the end of February to visit my friend who is living there. I flew into Torino, and from there we went to Pisa, Florence, and Milan. In 5 days, we saw 4 cities. Florence was my absolute favorite city that I've visited yet. I loved Tuscany so much, it was beautiful! It was honestly straight from the movies...we ended up walking all through the hills and saw farms and fields. Seriously, I was in heaven. It was warm. We were just walking, not having a clue where we were going. I didn't want to leave! Plus, did I mention the food? Italy truly has the best food. I ate pizza every day. I also ate gelato every day. Holy crap, if you've never eaten European ice cream, it's worth it to come here JUST for that. I have to force myself to NOT eat it every single day. My favorite kinds were tiramisu and stracciatella. I'm not sure if that's how you spell them. But really, I highly recommend getting them. Together. In one cone. And eating them. Why is food the only thing I blog about? Haha. Maybe that's just my favorite thing about being in Europe...or anywhere. I love to try not food. I'm all about trying anything once. Even though I generally don't eat red meat, I will try different meats if they are a "staple" of the culture or whatever.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of which...</div><div><img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v650/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30117443_7232453.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This was my first of four pizzas in Italia. It was amazing. I ate the whole thing.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v650/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30117446_6050482.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This is me in the very center of Turin!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v650/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30117462_2085394.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>You can't go to Italia without seeing the leaning tower and taking this stupid pose!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v650/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30117546_6717104.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>In Florence, we climbed 414 stairs to be able to see the entire city and more. I was obsessed.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v650/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30117565_17948.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This is me with the river behind me. Isn't it gorgeous?</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v650/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30117647_7530658.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This was the first, and only, pasta I ate in Italy. It was super good, but honestly, I enjoyed the pizza better. </div><div><br /></div><div>From Florence, we went on a train to Milan and saw the Duomo and went to a football game. We saw Inter-Milan v. Roma. It was super fun...Europeans love their football!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v650/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30117653_3583862.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This is me being Mary Poppins in front of the Duomo.</div><div><br /></div><div>I loved Italy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The weekend after, I went to Munich with my friend Mary. We stayed with my friend Marion that I know from Capital. She studied at Cap for a year, and I was so excited to get to see her again! I never had a huge interest in Germany. I mean, I have always been super interested in the Holocaust, so I definitely wanted to visit a concentration camp. But, I've never been like, "Oh I've always wanted to visit Germany!" So. My expectations were low. However, I was SO surprised by how much I loved it! It was freezing, but I thought it was fantastic. The language was awesome (Can someone teach me German, please?), the culture was just...so fun. Everyone was so nice and laid-back. And once again, the food was fantastic. Why is the food SO good everywhere I visit?</div><div><br /></div><div>We got to visit Dachau, which was the main reason I wanted to visit Munich. I was so grateful to be able to see a place that I've always learned about and read about. We stayed there for about 5 hours, and got to see and read so much about it.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130210_978264.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This is the main building where the prisoners checked in, showered, id numbers were administered, and they cooked and ate their meals.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130214_1542241.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>These are the toilets in each barrack. They had this many toilets for over 2,000 people.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130216_4121311.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The "shower" in the gas chamber. Apparently it was never used, but rumor is that it was used once or twice for experimentation.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130219_738080.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The ovens in the crematorium. For me, this was the hardest part about the entire experience. I couldn't help but imagine the bodies of so many innocent people burning. 2-3 bodies could fit in each oven, and it was used to get rid of the bodies, in order to not have to justify the deaths of so many.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130224_5503533.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This is the area where the prisoners stood for roll call each morning and night. They often had to stand for hours and hours just for roll call.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130225_629007.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The only entrance/exit to Dachau.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was an experience I'll never forget. It is such a different thing to be able to see where the history that you've always read about actually took place.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a happier note, that night we went to Hofbrahaus for beer and dinner. I'm not a beer drinker. I refuse to drink beer, but Marion convinced me that if I got the half-Sprite/half-beer, I wouldn't be able to taste it at all. She was right! I actually really liked it! I never would have thought to mix those two.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130230_1013871.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Who even knew pretzels were German? Not me. But this pretzel was huge an delicious.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130231_1558157.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This is my first German meal. It's called Spatzle, and it seriously tasted like straight macaroni and cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130234_2028304.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Me and Marion in front of the Hofbrahaus! Beerhalls were great.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130244_3981167.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Alright. This was my second German meal. It looks disgusting, but it was SO GOOD.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130260_2764287.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The three of us in Marienplatz.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2567/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30130262_3384730.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Me chillin in Germany! I lovedddd it. I want to go back and see more!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been so blessed to travel so much while I've been here. It's been so much fun and I am so glad I've gotten to see the world! My top three places so far have been:</div><div>1. Florence</div><div>2. London</div><div>3. Munich</div><div><br /></div><div>However, I am really looking forward to this next month because I will be seeing more Spain! From now on, apart from meeting my dad in London, I will only be traveling in Spain. I am pretty pumped about that.</div><div><br /></div><div>In general, I like life here. It's so laid-back and chill. I love knowing where I am going and walking everywhere. Lately, it's been really nice out, so I have opted to walk everywhere. I barely took the metro at all this past week. It's so sunny and beautiful! My friend, Sara, and I went shopping for sundresses yesterday. I bought 4. Oops? But I seriously LOVE to wear dresses and skirts when it's warm out. It's so fun and comfortable, plus it makes me feel all girly and cute. Every girl should wear sundresses.</div><div><br /></div><div>This weekend I stayed in Barcelona for the first time since the beginning of February. Can you believe that? It's been really nice just chillin and not having to worry about getting up and running around forever. Traveling really wears you out. Sara and I wandered through the streets today, and we had no idea where we were or where we were going. We walked for about 4 hours, but it was really fun to see parts of the city we haven't seen before. I am excited for my sister and John to come because we will be seeing all the parts of Barcelona that I have yet to see. I've been saving the tourist things for when they get here.</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-13066793053444927972009-02-26T09:58:00.000+01:002009-02-26T13:11:58.228+01:00Living out of a suitcase.As much as I love adventure and traveling, I think leaving every weekend is really taking it's toll on me. I am so tired all the time. I feel like I haven't slept in ages, and when I do sleep, I never want to wake up. This is pretty normal for me, however, because I am a complete insomniac and my sleep schedule has been messed up my entire life. It's tough getting up for class, even my 12:30 is hard to make it to! Hah. My ideal school schedule would be to start class at 3pm...:) Unfortunately, waking up early and starting class early is a universal thing. I wish more people were like me! Haha.<div><br /></div><div>So, I went to Paris this past weekend and it started off pretty poorly. Honestly, I think the trip was doomed from the beginning. After only being there for an hour, we took the metro to the Louvre and it was completely crowded. Everyone was shoving one another to get in, and then suddenly I felt a tug. I am usually cautious about my bag, considering pick-pocketing is such a huge thing in Barca, but I just was worried about getting on the metro. So, I look down and see a hand inside my purse. I yanked it out and shoved the girl. She must have been 14 years old, tops, and she just looked at me and kind of laughed. Are you joking! So, I was so upset. I was crying and so scared to look to see if she got any of my stuff...I had my iPod, passport, camera, and wallet with me, and she could have easily taken any of them. Fortunately, she didn't get anything, thank God. I was so distraught from that, I couldn't even appreciate my surroundings, you know? I was shaking so badly and really just wanted to be in my comfort zone, which is currently Barcelona. After that, a big group of us (about 8 girls) went to the Louvre, but Shanna and I weren't interested in going inside. I like art, but I'm not really one to appreciate it. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30103618_6113.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, we made plans with our friends to meet up at the Notre Dame, and Shanna and I went shopping. We seriously went into every single souvenir shop in Paris, it feels like. I ended up finding a few things for family/friends, but nothing special. I was on the search for a Fleur-de-lis ring, but I found everything EXCEPT a ring. I knew I'd regret it if I left without anything, so I bought a cute charm and chain. New necklace for me! We ended up not finding the Notre Dame...I mean, it sounds like it'd be so simple to find. However, we asked about 5 people where it was and NO ONE knew. How does that happen? It's one of the highlights of the city! We walked around and found a cute park. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30103630_9566.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I bought the best ice cream, to aide myself in feeling better after the pickpocketing incident. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30103619_6394.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That night, we ended up eating at an Italian restaurant near the Eiffel Tower, and hung out with our waiter (who turned out to be a huge jerk) and drank champagne. It was really fun, and the tower is BEAUTIFUL at night! By that time, the Eiffel Tower was the only good thing about Paris thus far.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30103634_812.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30103637_1793.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, Shanna and I were both pretty over Paris. She had been there before, so she didn't have an agenda. I sure did not either, so we opted for Disneyland Paris! Let me tell you, that instantly made me happy. I am obsessed with all things Disney, so this absolutely made the trip so much better. The park was basically identical to Magic Kingdom in Orlando, but a few of the rides were different. I loved every single minute! After we left the park, we walked over to Disney Village, where there are restaurants, shops, bars, and a movie theater. We ate dinner at Planet Hollywood and I bought the most postcards ever. :) I was a happy camper.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30103645_4656.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30103646_4999.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday we woke up late and just took our time getting ready to leave. We had lunch at a really cute French restaurant and then went to the Notre Dame (We actually found it this time!). It was a beautiful cathedral and I loved being able to walk through and see all the windows and paintings. I think it's so incredible that after all this time, the cathedrals are still a huge part of these big cities. I think it shows that religion is still such a huge part in our lives. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30103668_2949.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also walked around the outside, and in the back is a cute little park. We then HAD to shop some more, and we couldn't pass up the crepes being sold on every single corner. I am no longer a French Crepe Virgin...Mine was muy delicioso with Nutella (the death of me) and banana. It was fantastic. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30103673_4942.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From there, we ended up back at the airport just in time for our flight. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although it may sound like an amazing trip, the first day was such a downer that it was hard to make up for that. I was trying really hard to not let that ruin my entire trip, but when multiple people [try to] pickpocket you, burps in your face, elbows you, pepper sprays your metro card, and tries to take advantage of you...in one day...that pretty much ruins everything. Luckily I came home safe and sound, and I know what NOT to do on trips, from now on. Maybe someday I can go back to Paris when it's warm and pretty, and it can redeem it's poor reputation in my mind. We'll see.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the last week, the Carnaval celebration has been going on all throughout Europe and Latin/South America. Barcelona itself does not celebrate, but all the cities surrounding it do. It's basically an excuse to dress up, drink up, and go crazy! I dressed up like a ballerina, and Shanna was a devil. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30106196_4555.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30106197_4854.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30106198_5117.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30106199_5395.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We met some friends and hopped on the train to Sitges. It was so crazy. I have never seen so many people dressed up, inebriated, and ready to party. Seriously, I don't even think we walked two streets in the four hours we were there. It was so crowded, everyone was pushing everyone, and no one was getting anywhere. We saw all sorts of costumes like Mario, PacMan, Barbie, and Ronald McDonald. It's funny to see costumes that are so familiar...ie: Joker, Batman, Saw...I took TONS of pictures (too many to post them all), and had a really great time.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30106204_6795.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2356/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30106206_7374.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Class yesterday, however, did not happen. I was so tired, all I wanted was to stay in my bed. So I did, for the most part. Last night CEA hosted an event to learn how to cook Tapas! It was soo fun. About eight of us made four different dishes: Spanish omelet, roasted sausage and peppers, garlic mushrooms, and fried potatoes with two different kinds of sauces. It was basically a carb-fest, and we ate every ounce of what we made! It was really fun to learn about the different foods and how to make them! I feel so accomplished. We also got the recipes, so when I go home I can make Spanish food for my family. YAY!</div><div><br /></div><div>Today has been a really frustrating day. I was supposed to leave for Italy at 9am, and I caught the 7:15 Aerobus. It took longer than usual, 45 minutes instead of 25-30, so I ran to the self-check in, only to find that my name was not in the system. I had to wait in the LONGEST line, only to find that I am in the completely wrong terminal! I had to walk all the way to another terminal (about a 5-10 minute walk) and they had JUST closed the gate. UGH! It was so frustrating and I feel awful because my friend that I am visiting was supposed to meet me at the airport. So, I tried calling him, and my phone won't let me call him. I had to buy another ticket, 111euro, to leave later today. I took the Aerobus home (luckily it's cheap!) and had to go to class. This time, I'm leaving way way earlier, just in case, and I'll just sit in the airport and read or something. It's so frustrating when a day starts out like that because then for the rest of the day you feel like everything goes downhill. I guess it's one of those days/weeks/months! Haha. Seriously though, it's frustrating and I hope he understands. I feel awful! Now I have to add going to the phone place next week onto my agenda. I only have Tuesday, Wednesday, and some of Thursday before I jet off to Germany. Man, this traveling stuff can be so overwhelming. Luckily I will get to see a familiar face tonight, as I have known Taso since 8th grade. It will be good to spend time with someone who truly knows me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of which, I am so excited because my dad bought a flight to come to London on April 30 (my layover destination), and we are going to spend 5 days touring London! I am so excited, especially since London has definitely been my favorite city so far. I am also so happy because I didn't expect my dad to actually follow through with it! Money is definitely an issue for our family, so I am so grateful he went ahead and booked it. I have been really sad lately when I hear of people's parents coming to visit. I know it wasn't really an option for them to visit (because of my mom), but I still wish it could have happened. It would be fun to give them a tour of the city and show them what I see and do every day. Oh well, I am just grateful that my sister and John are visiting in April, and now I get to hang out with my dad in London! That's a close second to my mom and dad visiting here. :) </div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-68617270926483530142009-02-16T15:06:00.000+01:002009-02-16T21:53:42.543+01:002 for 1: Individuality and Seville.I've always thought of myself as an individual. I know, sounds cheesy, but let me explain: My whole life, I have been friends with all different groups of people, who usually aren't even friends with each other. I have my own style; I try to dress different, but nice at the same time (you know, for the most part). I'm not saying I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">better</span>, just that I value my individuality. I enjoy going against the grain and being my own person. I like me. In Barcelona, the locals dress in their own styles and seem to really respect their uniqueness. However, the majority of people within my program seem to be all the same. They all act, talk, and dress the same. I honestly have an extremely difficult time recognizing who is who, when they all blend together as the same person. I don't mean to generalize or stereotype, but these people, especially the girls, are all the same to me. One major issue I have is that they think they are entitled to everything. They walk into restaurants and expect the waiters to speak English. They complain about how "mean" the locals are, when really it's because they didn't respect them to begin with. Also, I have never seen anyone treat professors with such disrespect. We are now starting our fifth week of class, and I still have classmates asking if the professors will email the powerpoints so they don't have to take notes, or asking if we have to know certain things for the test. I honestly don't understand how they don't feel bad for interrupting professors with questions they have already answered 20 times. Have they never been in a college class before? I have yet to leave a class without a story about how rude someone was, or how they are not concerned that they didn't have the presentations ready. Last week, a classmate said to our professor, who is FROM Spain, that she thinks Spaniards are plain and boring. Also, they "BBM" (BlackBerry Messaging) and have full-out conversations throughout the entire class. I never want to hear the sound of Blackberry typing EVER again. Anywho, the point is that I am so grateful I was raised to be an individual. The fact that these girls all act the same and wear the same clothes just proves that they are afraid to be themselves, and will do anything to be accepted. It just shows how self-conscious, but still self-absorbed, they are. Although I often feel self-conscious and like I might not fit in, I try to embrace my unique traits. I am thankful to have my own style. <div><br /></div><div>That said, I am really loving Spain. I haven't had any huge issues with locals being rude. I think they are just like anyone else...people are allowed to have a bad day! I think it's so important to at least attempt to speak their language. Afterall, we are in THEIR country. We can't walk around and feel like everything should be handed to us. No wonder people hate Americans. The majority of people in my program are loud, obnoxious, rude, and...drunk. There is a reason it's a stereotype, and I am glad I go against that, for the most part. I do NOT want to be associated with the bad ones. Spaniards appreciate if you at least try to speak Spanish when you ask them questions. Usually they chuckle and ask where I am from, but I know that they like that I gave it a shot. Isn't that how you learn? By doing. So, I am trying. I am pretty awful at Spanish, I'm not gonna lie. But if I get the keywords, I can manage to get through. I have already learned so much in the last month that I have been here, I can only imagine how much more I'll learn in the next 2.5 months!</div><div><br /></div><div>This past weekend, my roommates went to Amsterdam. I honestly have never had an interest in going, and other than Anne Frank's hideaway, I don't know much about it. I mean, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">just </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">found out that it was in Holland...I thought it was in Germany for the longest time. Also, who knew Netherlands and Holland were the SAME thing? Not me. Needless to say, North Canton Hoover does NOT prepare you in world geography. Some people don't have maps...</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Anywho. I opted to stay home, but at the last minute my friend <a href="www.bonomosj.blogspot.com">Sara</a> invited me to go to Seville, Spain with some of her friends. We booked with RyanAir, which is REAL sketchy and I have heard a lot of negative things about it. However, it is cheap. We got a roundtrip flight for 80 euro, which is good considering we got it so last minute. I went to her apartment on Thursday night and we were planning on sleeping until 3am, when we had to leave for the bus, but we couldn't fall asleep. We ended up staying awake and talking until we had to leave. The bus ride to the airport was was FREEZING and all I wanted was to sleep. An hour and a half later, we got to the airport and hopped on our plane. It wasn't a bad flight, but we were a little sketched out by the fact that everyone applauded when we landed. Were they NOT expecting to make it?! Not sure. Well, we were looking forward to going to the hostel and taking an extra long nap. Afterall, it was only 8am, but our hostel room wasn't going to be ready until 2pm. It worked out for the best though, because that forced us to not waste the entire day sleeping. I hadn't known much about Seville, so I had no idea what to expect. I think that worked out for the best because then we weren't going to be disappointed, regardless of what we did.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332195_1117_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div>The buildings were so old and beautiful, and I loved the cobblestone streets!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332196_1437_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I couldn't resist taking pictures of the nuns walking to the cathedral. This is just one of the 20 pictures I took of them.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332197_1771_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Orange trees were all over the city, and I wanted one SO bad. Also, I am determined to buy a moped when I get home.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332198_2109_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>There were so many statues in the town square. I took full advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332199_2471_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Chillaxin.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332203_3894_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>They had some weird fixation with the KKK. I am sad I didn't actually buy one of these postcards just to have it. I mean, I don't get it?</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332204_4252_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Just perty.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332207_5325_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Almost all the streets were like this.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332213_7403_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Seville is on a river (don't ask me which one) and we walked all along it.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332214_7726_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I sure did eat McDonalds for the first time. And it was delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332218_9184_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Tiramisu. It was amazing. And just 4 euro!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332220_9883_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The hot chocolate in Spain is like...pure chocolate. Picture this: A melted Hershey's bar. In a cup. With more sugar. Yep.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332221_251_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>She forgot her pants, so I didn't want her to feel left out. Shopping!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332225_1765_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Sara and I with pretty Seville in the background.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332228_2869_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>While our friends were on a paddleboat in the middle of the river, we opted for drinks and food at an outside cafe. Strawberry Daquiri...YUM.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332232_4426_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Our 2 cocktails apparently added up...</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332233_4828_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>We sure did find a Ben & Jerry's! Brownie Cheesecake on top with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (my favorite kind of ice cream. Hands down.) on the bottom. I'd never had B&J's before this!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332235_5663_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>How sad. I'm in the middle of Spain, and they have McDonalds and Burger King side-by-side.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332237_6432_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Ready to go out for Valentine's Day! However, it took so long to get ready that we didn't feel like going out anymore. So, Sara and I opted for sweatpants, McDonalds, and more pretty dessert.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2162_6125611318273332240_7630_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This was delicious. No words.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs014.snc1/2182_6125611318273332250_4056_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I chose the wrong trip to either a.) pack a backpack, or b.) go on 2 major shopping sprees. I fit ALL of this into my backpack, but still had to wear 8 layers (3 on bottom, 5 on top) on the plane. Not joking. What can I say, I am talented!</div><div><br /></div><div>I had a really great trip and a really great Valentine's Day. I am so glad I got to go somewhere this weekend, and I hope I can see more of Spain in a few weeks! The next few weekends will be spent traveling Europe. Next stop: Paris!!!</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-24973596801352055192009-02-07T15:01:00.001+01:002009-02-08T12:45:17.070+01:00100 Facts for my own enjoyment.So, the Facebook note that has been going around (25 random facts) inspired me, along with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.rigsbys.blogspot.com">Michelle</a>, to try to come up with 100 random facts about myself. Seeing that I am not the most interesting person alive, I feel this will be quite a feat if I can do it.<div><br /></div><div>So here goes:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. I don't order dessert at restaurants. In fact, the only times I've ever gotten dessert are on my birthday or at Cheesecake Factory. I would always rather eat more salty carb dinner goodness than dessert. Unless that dessert is ice cream, in that case I'd rather eat more salty carb dinner goodness and top it off with a huge mound of ice cream.</div><div>2. I still sleep with my blanket from when I was born. My sister gets jealous because she lost hers a long time ago, but I literally cannot sleep without it. Yes, I am 21. Along with sleeping with my blanket still, I also try to wear my retainers as much as possible. I got my braces off 7 years ago, but I am terrified that my teeth will move back.</div><div>3. If I am laying on my side (fetal position), I cannot fall asleep without something in between my knees. I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">hate</span> the feeling of my knees touching. It makes me cringe.</div><div>4. Sometimes my tongue feels too big for my mouth. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when I start noticing it, I subconsciously start talking in a lisp and wish I never noticed to begin with.</div><div>5. I don't eat red meat, and I haven't eaten red meat since 4th grade. I will, however, try new things, just to say I tried it. ie: I tried Spanish sausage yesterday, and hated it. The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">only</span> red meat I will eat is Mids spaghetti sauce with meat and mushroom. It is literally heaven in a jar. But I have had a hard time eating it since I grabbed the expired jar out of the fridge and chomped onto a moldy mushroom...yeah...</div><div>6. I don't eat red meat because I had surgery on my digestive tract, and the doctors told me red meat was much harder on my stomach.</div><div>7. I had three surgeries on my liver/intestines. I had a cyst bigger than a softball in place of my bile ducts. They had to make bile ducts from parts of my intestines, but the bile leaked into my stomach instead of my intestines. So. My stomach was filled with bile and I apparently almost died. My second surgery was rerouting my bile ducts, and my third was when they had to remove scar tissue.</div><div>8. My hospital experience at Akron Children's is what inspired me to want to be a nurse. Before that, I wanted to be a teacher. Now I cannot imagine ever being a teacher.</div><div>9. I want to work with pediatric oncology. I know it's going to be tough, draining, and emotional, but someone's gotta do it.</div><div>10. I volunteer for a camp called <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.campqualityohio.org">Camp Quality</a>. It's for kids with cancer and their siblings to be able to get away for a week and enjoy being a "normal" kid for a week. Each volunteer is matched with a camper so they get plenty of one-on-one time. We spoil the crap out of them. I have done CQ for two years, but hope to work there every summer that I can. Forever. I can't wait to see my camper grow up. She's already grown so much in just the year and a half that I've known her. She's a pistol, but I adore her. Because of CQ, I have met so many people who's friendships I treasure. Some of my closest friends are fellow companions, and I am grateful for that. It's nice to be friends with people who understand.</div><div>11. I don't like washing my jeans. I wash them maybe once a month. I don't like how stiff they get, but I also don't like how fat I feel when my jeans are not stretched out. After I wash them, I make fists inside my jeans and do lunges.</div><div>12. I am always thirsty. Always. I need drinks with me at all times. I carry water in my purse, and I go through 8 liter bottles a week. When I am hanging out around home, I line up 3 or 4 drinks and drink them all. I have been tested for diabetes multiple times, but apparently I am just thirsty.</div><div>13. I didn't like underwear in high school. I barely ever wore it. Now, I love underwear and think it's the greatest thing ever.</div><div>14. I am addicted to tv. I never used to be this bad, but when I suddenly got more free time last December, I started recording at least 15 different shows and watching them regularly. My favorite show, hands down, is Gossip Girl. At home, I watch Ellen Degeneres every day. She is my hero and I adore her. One of my biggest goals in life is to meet her. Sometimes I apply to get tickets for her show, just to see if they randomly choose me. If they did choose me, my mom and I would fly to LA for a spontaneous trip. She already told me so. Maybe someday.</div><div>15. I hate being cold, more than anything. I am bitter about having grown up in Ohio, where the winters are frozen. I hate that my mom keeps the house at 64 degrees, and I feel like I cannot fully appreciate things if I am cold. I am miserable when I am cold. I'd rather sweat to death than be cold. </div><div>16. I think it is so important to have straight teeth. I think it is such an attractive quality for people to have nice teeth. If someone has nice teeth, it shows that they take care of themselves and want to make a good impression. Take care of your teeth, people!</div><div>17. I have loved Justin Timberlake since the very beginning. I'm not one of those fans that just says that...I truly was obsessed. In 5th grade, in the beginning of the Nsync days, I shook his hand. I cried for an hour and didn't use my right hand for the rest of the day. I saw them in concert 4 times, and I saw Justin when he came to Columbus. To this day, I still consider him my favorite music artist.</div><div>18. I used to change my screen name all the time when I was younger. AOL was the cool thing in 5th and 6th grade, until AIM came along. My past screen names include: MooMoo767, JCrlyNsync, HooverKel905, and HoneyGurl4ever7....Yep. I was cool. Now it's myneonlunchbox, and has been since 9th grade.</div><div>19. It is myneonlunchbox because I am a huge John Mayer fan, and my favorite of his songs were Neon and 83, where he talks about his lunchbox. I was creative and just put them together.</div><div>20. Since I got my Mac, I only use iChat. I don't understand people who use AIM on Macs. iChat is so much cooler, as are all things Apple.</div><div>21. I thought it would be so hard to learn to use my Mac, but it took me an hour to get used to it. Now, I get so confused when I use PCs, which is odd because I grew up using them. I don't understand people who waste money on Dells and Toshibas.</div><div>22. I didn't visit a single college I applied for. I applied for Akron U, Malone, OSU, Mt. Caramel, and Capital...I ended up at Capital, but the only reason I applied in the first place was because the online application was free.</div><div>23. I got into all of the above schools, but (aside from Mt. Carmel) Capital was the only school who's nursing school I was directly accepted to. I'm still not sure I made the right decision, but it's too late now.</div><div>24. I am not good at science and I'm awful at math. I took "Intermediate Algebra" my senior year of high school. Yep, I didn't even make it to Algebra 2.</div><div>25. Because of this, no one ever thought I'd make it through nursing school. Obviously I've had my fallbacks, but I'm still in it to win. I want to be a nurse, and no one can tell me otherwise.</div><div>26. I am a journalism minor. I know nursing and journalism are complete opposites, but journalism and English have always come easy to me. I wanted to take classes that I enjoyed and in which I didn't have to work my ass off. This was a good decision for me because I raised my GPA a ridiculous amount and only went to class half the time.</div><div>27. In high school, I applied for a scholarship I was sure I wouldn't get. I wrote an essay about losing my grandma, and I won the scholarship. I distinctly remember being shocked, and I still do not understand why they chose me, of all people. A good friend came to me and complained about not having received the scholarship, having no idea that I was the one who got it. I was pretty bitter about that.</div><div>28. Losing my grandma was so hard on our family for different reasons. It was so difficult living two hours away and knowing I would rather be spending time with her. To this day, one of my biggest regrets is not making more time to go see her while she was sick, but also when she was healthy.</div><div>29. My sister and I got tattoos for her on the year anniversary of her death. I went the subtle route, getting her handwriting on my foot. It says "I love you right back" because that is what she'd tell us when we said I love you. My sister, having the more loud personality, got an enormous yellow rose (my grandma's favorite flower) on her arm with a banner.</div><div>30. Apparently, my grandma thought I was annoying as a child, and she always favored my sister. My mom said it's because I was so ornery, which doesn't surprise me a bit. I vaguely remember feeling like she liked my sister more.</div><div>31. Jayme and I did not get along until she moved out. The best memories I have with her are when she had already graduated high school. Actually, the best memory I have with her is when we laid on her bed and went through all of our yearbooks. Instead of looking back on memories of people, we were trying to find the funniest names ever. We still have that list somewhere, number 1 is Angust Webendorfer. Yep, that's really his name.</div><div>32. My brother and I started getting along when my sister moved out. I remember telling him I hated him and wanted him to die, but then when Jayme moved out, we were best friends. My best memories with him are when we would drive to and from school together, blasting whatever music (his choice) and singing at the top of our lungs.</div><div>33. I worked at a nursing home for 2.5 years, and I loved it. I miss it a lot, and I miss taking care of the older people. I was a dietary aide, but my favorite part was getting to know the patients. I loved working holidays because I knew most of them didn't get visitors. I think it was the best job to have in high school.</div><div>34. I love "crappy" candy. My favorite candy ever is Wild Berry Skittles (the purple bag), but I'll eat all Skittles. I also love Gobstoppers, Nerds, Runts, FunDip, and Blowpops.</div><div>35. I also love gum, and I always have it on me. I only buy Orbit, and my goal is to try every single flavor they ever come out with (Yes, I set high goals in my life). My favorite is Maui Melon Mint, but I only chew that in the summer. I also chew BubbleMint in the summer. My winter flavor is Sweet Mint.</div><div>36. I try to be a healthy eater, but I have my temptations. My number one temptation is peanut butter, and I've already gone through two jars since I've been in Spain. I am determined to not buy it again while I'm here. For one, it's expensive since it's imported. And two, it's SO fattening.</div><div>37. Since being in Spain, I have discovered Nutella, which is equally as bad as peanut butter, but sadly, they make the best pair. My roommate and I made a pact to never buy either, as they are both our biggest temptations.</div><div>38. I don't consider myself a huge carb lover. I hardly eat sandwiches, and I always opt for a wrap instead of bread. However, one of my biggest weaknesses is a bagel and cream cheese. Yum.</div><div>39. Salads are my favorite food. I love grilled chicken salads from Texas Roadhouse. I also love Ruby Tuesday's salad bar. The weird part is that I love to dip them in barbecue sauce. Weird, but it's healthier than salad dressing anyway.</div><div>40. While we're on the topic of food, I have this weird habit with sandwiches. I eat a little more than half of it, but then I take them apart and eat it layer by layer. I'm not sure why I do this, but I've done it my whole life. I also do it with wraps, burritos, and even grilled cheese. When I eat a bean burrito from Taco Bell, I eat half of it, squeeze the insides onto the paper. I dip the insides into mild sauce, then I eat the rest of the tortilla. I know it's ridiculous.</div><div>41. I always ask for sauce/dressing on the side, and I dip it. I need sauce. I dip everything in some sort of sauce...Even if it already has enough flavor. I just like sauce.</div><div>42. I have tried many diets in my day, but the ONLY times I've ever lost weight successfully were unintentional. In 4th grade, I lost 30 lbs because of my surgery. This past year, I lost 20 because of depression. Maybe I shouldn't say "successfully" because I've gained most of it back.</div><div>43. I don't like my body, and the only time I've ever been confident about my looks were last year, when I was depressed. So even though I was down about life, I at least felt good about how I looked.</div><div>44. I pretend to be confident. Inside, I am insecure and dislike so many things about the way I look. But guys (and friends) don't like self-consciousness. So I pretend, which I think is better than nothing.</div><div>45. The best way to make a friend is to go up to them and start chatting. This is how I've made most of my greatest friends. You cannot just wait for them to come to you.</div><div>46. My freshman year roommate didn't like me at first. She thought I had too much of a loud and colorful personality. A few months later, we were great friends, and still are to this day. We plan on living together again, someday, and we've helped each other through a lot. Living together brings you so much closer.</div><div>47. I've never been able to have just one best friend. I've always had different friends in different groups. Usually, my best friends aren't even friends with each other.</div><div>48. I've had three "best friends" named Kaitlyn(n) in my life. My other "best friends" were Heather Quinlisk, Geoff Peterfy, Amanda Davidson, and now, Brittany Wasko. But I need a close clump, if you will, of good friends in my life.</div><div>49. I went to school with my current (and forever!) best friend since I was in 2nd grade. We were in the same Girl Scout troop in 5th grade, and were in the same classes all throughout our lives. However, we did not become friends until Junior year of high school. I don't understand how that happened, but I'm glad we discovered each other.</div><div>50. We are opposite in so many ways. She is clean, organized, goal-oriented, and always on time. I am messy, scatter-brained, and I work just enough to get through in life. She used to get SO mad at me in Speech class. She would spend a week practicing a speech, I would not know what I was going to say until I stood up in front of the class. For some reason, I always got better grades. I adore her.</div><div>51. As much as I want to be a nurse, the main thing I've always wanted is to be a wife and a mom. I think I'm going to stop working when I become a mom, but only for a little while. My "goal" was to be married by 23, but now that it's coming up fast, I don't think it's going to happen. I used to think that was so old, but now I realize I don't want to rush anything.</div><div>52. I struggle with knowing if I was ever in love. I have been in one serious relationship, and I loved the crap out of him. Looking back, however, I wonder if I was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">in</span> love with him or just trying to...save him, save us. Anyway, I still think true love lasts forever.</div><div>53. I hate when people say "anyways" and "towards." There is no s! I also hate when people say "expecially" and "I should have went." Ridiculous is not rediculous, know the difference between you're/your, and do NOT use apostrophes when you don't need them! Bad grammar and spelling are huge turn-offs for me.</div><div>54. So far, my favorite college course is Editing. Surprised? My favorite class in Spain is International Journalism. It's the only class I look forward to and pay complete attention to.</div><div>55. I won the spelling bee in 4th grade. I still have the trophy to prove it. However, I couldn't go to the district spelling bee because I wasn't old enough.</div><div>56. I laugh when people shorten their words on AIM/iChat. I will never use LOL, u, urs, or thanx. However, I do say omg and wtf.</div><div>57. I don't enjoy the taste of alcohol, and I only mix drinks that are fruity deliciousness. I cannot and will not drink beer. I don't understand why people tell me to drink it until I get used to it. I don't want to drink something that tastes bad, ever.</div><div>58. Drinks are too expensive and that's most of the reason I don't drink often. I didn't drink any alcohol until the summer after freshman year of college. Until recently, I could count how many times I'd been drunk on one hand.</div><div>59. I have learned not to be too embarrassed about what I do or say when I am drunk. People understand that you are not in the right state of mind, and usually brush things off. I am an AWFUL drunk texter/caller.</div><div>60. I had the flu on my 21st birthday. I woke up at 7am with the most awful stomach pains, and I laid in bed until 4pm. Then, I went to a baby shower for my sister's friend, and went back to sleep. My sister took me out that weekend, and it was the best birthday I could have ever asked for. I drunk dialed my mom (that's usually who I call anyway), and my night was even sealed with a kiss.</div><div>61. I never worked out in my life until this past year. I hate running and I refuse to run. It's kind of like drinking beer, I'm not going to do something I don't enjoy. So, I walk on the treadmill and I do the elliptical. I was determined to walk everywhere and NOT join the gym in Spain, but the classes they offered sounded super interesting. So, I caved. Joined the gym. And now I go at least three classes a week.</div><div>62. I failed my summer clinical last summer and am now a year behind in nursing. At first, it was the worst thing that could have happened. I had a really tough year (my previous posts have explained that) and this topped it off. It turned out to be the best thing that happened. I picked up a minor, was able to take fun classes and raise my GPA, and now I'm studying abroad in Barcelona.</div><div>63. I am nervous about going back to nursing because I am scared it's not what I'm supposed to be doing. If I'm not supposed to be a nurse, I'm not sure what I would do. It's all I've ever wanted to be.</div><div>64. I've thought a lot about being a flight attendant lately, but I think it's due to my being scared (#63).</div><div>65. I pride myself in my good taste in music. I love bands like Muse, MuteMath, Eisley, Copeland, Radiohead, and Coldplay. But I admit to liking awful, pop music on the radio. I also admit to country music being my guilty pleasure.</div><div>66. I hate drinking calories. I'd rather eat more, and drink water/diet pop/iced tea. Diet Coke is my favorite drink. I drink entirely too much artificial sweetener in coffee and tea.</div><div>67. I love Starbucks, but because of #66, I try to only drink the regular coffee. If I get a real drink, it's either a caramel macchiato (sometimes on ice) or a caramel light frappucino. If I drink these, I have to plan it so I don't eat as much. It's weird.</div><div>68. I count my calories, and I use www.thedailyplate.com regularly. It makes no difference because when I eat poorly, I get too embarrassed and ashamed to record it. So, it's sort of pointless.</div><div>69. I am a night owl. I think I am going to be a night nurse, at least to begin with, because I would much rather stay up late than wake up early. I love staying up at night and doing nothing.</div><div>70. I don't think sleeping too much is a waste. It's something I enjoy, and I don't think I am wasting time doing so. Knowing I can take a nap later is the best feeling, and I love random days where I can go to bed early and sleep in late. I love sleep.</div><div>71. I don't think my life is too hard to handle, and I don't like to complain about things that happen because I know that I will get through it. I know I still complain, but I don't do it to get attention. Sometimes I just need to vent.</div><div>72. I get really annoyed when people complain to me about "bad grades" that I would consider really good. ie: people who cry over getting B's...really? C's get degrees, people.</div><div>73. I am NOT an overachiever, and I don't think it's physically possible for me to be. I am a procrastinator, and you cannot be both. I am proud of myself when I start a paper before the day before it's due. I work much better under pressure. ie: getting an A on a 12 page research paper I started 8 hours before it was due, but getting a B on a paper I started a week before it was due.</div><div>74. I am a virgin and I am proud of it. It makes me sad that more people don't consider it such a prize...I would like to marry a virgin, too, but I haven't met a ton of those.</div><div>75. This does NOT mean I am innocent. I love to makeout and I don't see anything wrong with random makeouts. I mean, as long as I am not going past my personal boundaries, it shouldn't matter. I like to have fun.</div><div>76. I have a crush on my doctor and my gynecologist. I look forward to doctor's appointments so I can see Dr. Buchanan. Sometimes I make appointments for minor things JUST so I can see him. My gyno is a hot Indian, and my sister and I both want him.</div><div>77. I have really awful hearing. I like to blame it on the endless ear infections I've had and the tubes that were embedded into my ears. When doctors look in my ears, all they see is scar tissue. I know it's annoying when I say "what?" and "huh?" Most of the time, I actually didn't hear you. Other times, I just say it so I can comprehend what was said.</div><div>78. I used to hate feet. Not really because I thought they were disgusting, but because I thought I should hate feet. I mean, everyone hates feet. But. Now, I just hate my own feet. I also hate feet that are dry, crusty or smelly. So basically, take care of your feet and we'll be okay.</div><div>79. I have this weird idea in my head that if I eat things out of big bowls/bags/cartons, I am not eating as much as if I were to measure it out in a bowl. This is probably why I am overweight. I feel like if I am eating out of a carton of ice cream, there aren't many calories as eating an entire bowl. It's completely psychological and illogical, but I do it anyway. I don't like eating things when I know I am eating more than the serving size.</div><div>80. I have had really bad luck with guys in the past. In middle school, I was dumped after a day because he was embarrassed to be seen with me. I was also dumped via note that said "I'm dumping you." The best was junior year of high school when I was dumped at Ground Zero after three days of "dating." Basically, I should give up.</div><div>81. On that note, I really think the guy should be the initiator when it comes to relationships. The next guy I date, I want him to chase me and prove to me I am worth it. I think I deserve someone who goes out of his way to prove I am worth it. Then, I will spend my life proving to him that he is worth it. I have a lot to give, and I can't wait for him to find me.</div><div>82. I am awful at saving money. In fact, I didn't have a savings account until I decided to go abroad. However, I spend my money wisely. Aside from eating out way too much, I am really careful about where my money goes. I am a bargain shopper at heart, and only shop at places that are cheap to begin with or have really good sales. ie: Target, Forever 21, H&M, Wal-Mart, etc.</div><div>83. I love big cities. I love being overwhelmed by the size of cities. I love being on crowded streets. My favorite city in the US is New York City, New Orleans is a close second. I also LOVE Nashville, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Orlando. I've only been to 3 cities outside the US, but I adore London. I would live there.</div><div>84. I love being spontaneous and going on adventures. I have so much fun on random road trips and am always up to go on adventures. At the same time, I love routine and hate change. I think my issue is with adapting to change...It's just hard. But obviously a necessary part of life. I like change after it becomes routine...ya know?</div><div>85. I am a Christian and I love Jesus, but I hate when people shove it in your face. I also hate when people preach but don't try to live their lives for God. ie: Guy in my nursing class who preaches in your face and claims that he doesn't lust, but posts Facebook pics of him and his girlfriend all over each other. People like that make legitimate Christians look bad.</div><div>86. I wish I had a stronger relationship with God. I want to go to Him for more than favors and thank yous. Reading Christy Miller again inspired me to talk to Him like my friend, not just when I want something. I'm trying, but it's hard. I guess that's part of it.</div><div>87. I really like to take showers, but I hate the getting-ready process after. I mean, I would be much more motivated to shower if I could magically be ready: hair dried/straightened, makeup on, dressed, etc. I just felt the need to explain what exactly getting ready is, to me.</div><div>88. I went on a missions trip to Bolivia after my sophomore year of high school. It was really great and I loved it. The downfall was when we all got sick, and had to leave a few days early. It sucks being sick in a foreign country, when all you want is your mom.</div><div>89. Speaking of which, I cannot imagine (nor do I want to find out) life without my parents. My mom is my best friend, and I am really close with my dad, as well. There is nothing better than curling up with my mom to watch American Idol or Food Network. Honestly. There is also nothing better than my mom's grilled cheese, cheesy potatoes, sesame chicken, and chili.</div><div>90. I grew up in North Canton, and will always consider it my home. However, I really like living in Columbus. I don't miss high school and I don't miss North Canton. I thought I would, but I don't. I feel weird going back there because I don't have a permanent place there.</div><div>91. The only things I miss about high school are choir and the cafeteria food. I was in choir for 4 years, and in the select ensemble for 2. I really miss choir. I haven't sung since high school, and I miss it so much. I also miss chicken patty day. Wasko and I lived for that day. It came with spicy fries, california blend vegetables with cheese, and peaches. I want it now.</div><div>92. I learned how to knit for my first ex boyfriend. I made him a scarf for Christmas. Since then, I have only knitted a few scarves, and that's all I know how to knit. However, I love it, and I like giving them as gifts. I also made a striped one to match my winter coat, and I am proud of it. I'd like to learn to knit other things, but I don't know how to learn. I also want to learn how to crochet.</div><div>92. I think morning breath is disgusting. I don't open my mouth until I've brushed my teeth in the morning. I only mumble. If I know someone hasn't brushed their teeth yet, I hold my breath when talking to them. When I watch movies and they start talking to each other in bed or wake each other up, I often wonder if they have bad morning breath. Even though it's not real. I refused to kiss my ex-boyfriend when we first woke up, and he made it his goal to try to get me to cave. I never did.</div><div>93. I would much rather be a wizard than a vampire. I'd rather have magical powers and a wand. I started reading Harry Potter in 5th grade, and I still adore them. I also have a crush on Harry. I mean, what's not to love? Also, I will never think Twilight is better. Never. Also, I think Edward Cullen is overrated. I like Jacob, I've always liked him better. </div><div>94. I always said I would never buy skinny jeans...I have a pair. I said I would never wear Uggs...I bought a pair of knock-offs. I also said I would never wear leggings. I started wearing them under dresses/long shirts. Today, I wore them AS pants. I washed all my jeans at once, and we don't have a dryer...So I resorted to leggings. I always swore I would never wear Crocs. That is one thing I WILL NEVER DO. Crocs are bad. Always. Just so bad.</div><div>95. I love to read, and I always have. I refuse to read anything for school...I've gotten through 3 years of college without opening a book. But I will read book after book for entertainment. I learned to read thanks to Sesame Street at age 3, and I read my first chapter book when I was 5. I like romances best. But you know, I'll read anything. For the most part, I enjoyed reading books in high school English. My favorites are: Catcher in the Rye, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Color Purple, The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, Go Ask Alice...Ok, I could keep going. Right now, my favorite authors are Jodi Picoult and Sarah Dessen. You should try them sometime.</div><div>96. I like to walk places, ride my bike, rollerblade (ok I haven't done this in years, but I'd like to again.), and kayak. I would always rather walk somewhere if I can. My dad bought two kayaks, and I love to go out on the water with him.</div><div>97. I get really bad motion sickness. I think it might have to do with my ear condition, but I get really sick in cars, buses, subways, boats, airplanes...you name it. I can't swim in the ocean for a long period of time. I get sick texting in the car. I also get sick kayaking with my dad. Needless to say, Dramamine is my best friend.</div><div>98. My first kiss was the worst scenario possible. I snuck out to meet this guy, the one who dumped me because he was embarrassed of me. Anywho, it was in 8th grade, in the middle of winter. I had approximately 5 layers on, and we were sitting in someone's backyard talking. He literally pounced on me. I wish I could say my first kiss was cute and unexpected...and it was unexpected, but not remotely cute. Or fun. Or enjoyable. Gross.</div><div>99. I got lightheaded the first day of clinical last summer. This lady showed me all of her gaping wounds from a botched plastic surgery: tummy tuck, butt tuck, and liposuction. It was bad. Well, I got lightheaded a few weeks later when a lady had a gaping wound down her entire tibia. I tried to handle it. Wound dressings just are NOT my thing. I know I will have to do it countless times in nursing, but I think it's just something I have to get used to. Infected wounds floor= not my favorite.</div><div>100. I have asked for a puppy for my birthday and Christmas every year since I was born. Every year, there is another reason why I can't/don't get one. This year, after 22 years, I am going to be extremely disappointed if I don't get to pick a puppy out. I plan on naming her Lucy, after my favorite patient at my nursing home. I am going to get a purse and put bows in her hair. I am going to buy her pink sparkly collar and cute shirts. Yes. I will be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">that girl</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well. There you have it. I'm sure I could have gone on and on. But, I like to think I am not <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">that</span> conceited. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, we had our day trip to Torres Winery and Sitges Beach. I am in love with the beach, and I plan on taking my sister there when she visits.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2282/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30101097_991.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I couldn't resist walking into the water.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2282/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30101100_1892.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Me with Sitges in the background.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2234/18/9/1356540138/n1356540138_30889863_194.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I was basically obsessed.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2282/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30101101_2202.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I can't wait until it's warm and I can go back.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2282/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30101104_3119.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This will be fantastic in the Spring when I can wear a sundress and walk on the beach barefoot.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2282/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30101109_4722.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Couldn't resist this sexy man.</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-85590638379849720022009-02-02T22:30:00.000+01:002009-02-02T23:30:48.239+01:00London calling...My roommates, two friends, and I went to London this past weekend. Let me tell you, I never knew I could love a city so much! For one, it was really relieving being in an English-speaking country temporarily. The people are SO nice and helpful. When we got off the airplane, a lady rushed past us. Apparently she saw that we were trying to figure out where to go, and she stopped, offered us some advice and pointed us in the right direction. It was so crazy to think that she was obviously in a rush to get somewhere, but still stopped to help us. How great.<div><br /></div><div>So the first night, we got there late and since it was Thursday, there wasn't really a lot to do. We went to the 24 hour deli next to our hostel and got sandwiches. </div><div><img src="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100522_1694.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div>Mary is the friend I met on the bus on the first day. She's turned out to be a great friend.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100523_2024.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The Tube is so easy to take. We didn't get lost or go the wrong way at all.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100524_2319.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The first day, we walked through Green Park to go to Buckingham Palace.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100525_2601.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Does the queen actually live there?</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100526_2893.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I didn't even get to see the changing of the guards. I couldn't see a single thing, and the only reason I got this picture is from lifting the camera far above my head to catch it. Who knows what actually happens during this event?</div><div><br /></div><div>We took a bus tour for about a half-hour, but we ended up stopping at the free art museum. We saw all kinds of paintings from the 1400s to present-day. Outside the museum, an artist had drawn on the sidewalk in chalk.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100527_3199.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Of course I had to get a picture with this art. I mean, really. It's a masterpiece.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100529_3789.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I took a ton of pics like this because I wanted to get me with London, but felt bad asking my friends to keep taking pics.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100531_4368.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Big Ben was the most beautiful building in the city. No joke, I was in love.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100533_4961.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The London view from the London Eye. It was a thirty minute tour-ride where you could see all of London...basically a really slow, enclosed ferris wheel.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100534_5264.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Like I said, Big Ben was the most beautiful building. This reminds me of Peter Pan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday night, we went to a musical called Blood Brothers. I had never heard of it, but read the reviews. It was amazing, and the story line was really intriguing and entertaining. It was a serious musical...maybe the most serious one I've ever seen, other than West Side Story. But I was really happy with it! Afterall, London Broadway is a must.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Saturday, Mary went to hang out with a friend that was studying abroad in London. The rest of us walked on Oxford street and shopped a little. We stopped at Hamleys, a five floor toy store. I was basically in heaven.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100538_6518.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I'm 5.</div><div><br /></div><div>We ate at the Hard Rock cafe for lunch. It was so good, and such a relief to eat legitimate American food for once.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100540_7166.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The London Hard Rock Cafe is the original one, and our waitress was one of the first workers ever!</div><div><br /></div><div>So. The absolute highlight of my weekend, being the nerd that I am, was going to King's Cross station. Those of you who are bookworms like myself know that this is where the Hogwarts Express is...At Platform 9 3/4, I tried my hardest to get to the train.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100545_8837.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, I didn't make it.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100548_9875.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>So we just took a silly picture instead.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100550_4483.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The best part. Honestly, I wanted to go to London JUST for this. I mean, who wouldn't want to visit the spot where the idea for Harry Potter was born?! </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100551_4881.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>After that, we went to Camden Market. It was basically a huge area full of knock-offs and cheap souvenirs. I loved every bit of it. I got a scarf and a fake Puma bag. I also got an I <3><div><br /></div><div>We ate these amazing Belgian waffles with Nutella...mine had caramel too...Holy crap, I've never eaten anything more amazing in my life. No joke. (Notice how all of my entries ALWAYS seem to revolve around food? I'm fat.)</div><div><br /></div><div>After a great, much-needed two hour nap, we headed to the bar downstairs in the hostel. It was full of young people like us that were traveling through Europe. It was fun to get to know people, and of course get free drinks. Around midnight, we headed to the Absolut Ice Bar. It was FREEZING, but so much fun!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100553_5511.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Shanna and I got there first. They gave us parkas and mittens!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100556_6471.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>And a fun drink was given to us upon entering...in an ice glass!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100559_7423.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Shanna told me to pretend like I was licking the pillar...of course, me being the crazy girl that I am, actually licked it. Booyah.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100562_8400.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>All of us, minus Mary, in the ice chair!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100566_9725.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The toilet paper in London was just tissues...from a tissue holder. I thought it was amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100568_432.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Roomies outside the Ice Bar! With roses that we found.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the Ice Bar, we went to another bar called Digress.</div><div><img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2059/9/57/513829094/n513829094_1266181_8794.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>It was expensive to get in, but after a few drinks, none of us cared! :) I met a guy named Matthew and he was so cute and nice.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30100570_1103.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>How cute is he? Honestly. I was really excited about that.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, we came back Sunday afternoon. Mary, Mackenzie, and I all had the same flight, so we got to the airport and ate lunch before our flight. The flight was delayed about an hour. I took full advantage of being in an English speaking country, so I bought two books.</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, I truly loved the city. I wished it was warmer because I can never fully appreciate things if I am cold and miserable. I am hoping to extend my layover at the end of my trip and stay in London for a few extra days. Maybe my dad can come meet me for an adventure before I start school again, May 11. As much as I love Barcelona, I really did LOVE London. It is a lot more Americanized...The first thing I saw when we got there were McDonalds and Burger King. AWESOME. Haha. But it was just a really beautiful and fun city. Three days is not enough time in such a great city.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our next trip we have planned is Paris in a few weeks, but I am hoping to meet Taso in Italy at the end of February. We will see how that works out. For now, it's back in the old routine. I got a really bad cold while I was gone, and now I am struggling to stay awake and alive. I am exhausted, but can't sleep because of my stuffed nose and cough...It's miserable. I had to force myself to be productive today, otherwise I would have skipped class and stayed in bed the entire day. Since my roommate moved out last week (Single room, YEAHH!), I am now using her bed as a dryer for my clothes. I cleaned my room completely, even vacuuming and dusting. I know, very out of character. I also made a very important purchase today: Nutella, my new love.</div></div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-70721396345037367472009-01-25T18:14:00.000+01:002009-01-25T18:59:45.353+01:00Love at 13th sight.I fell in love with Barcelona yesterday. When I first arrived last Monday, I was too nervous and frazzled to admire the beauty of the city. We took a bus tour and my friends and I walked around some. However, I still didn't LOVE the city. I loved being here, but I didn't see as much as I would have liked. Yesterday, we were supposed to go on a field trip with CEA, but it was cancelled because the wind was ridiculous. The wind was so bad that motorcycles were scattered on the streets and roofs were falling. Anywho, a few friends and I decided that instead of going back to sleep (like we wanted!) we would walk the city. My friend Mary took me to the Gothic Quarter. There, we walked around for over four hours, and I fell in love with Barcelona. With cobblestone streets and buildings more beautiful than anything I've ever seen, the Gothic Quarter took my breath away.<div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099193_4207.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of my first thoughts was that I could not wait for Jayme to visit, because I KNOW she will love it here.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also found the famous La Bouqeria (Featured on Rachael Ray AND Bizarre Foods)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099191_3543.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is market where I saw the most amazing candy and ice cream I've ever seen!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099187_5684.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099189_6166.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't get any though, because I was saving my stomach for the bagel I was promised.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099203_1493.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Yes, it's true. Barcelona has bagels and cream cheese. It's called The Bagel Shop, and I will become a regular.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also found a shop that carried English books!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099192_3908.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>I was SO excited that I didn't even care that I spent 25e on just two books.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099196_5195.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This is the port where we ended up sitting and basking in the sun. Isn't it beautiful?</div><div><br /></div><div>After getting our Vitamin D, we watched some street dancers perform.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099198_9121.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>This guy spun on his head for a solid minute. Legit.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099199_9409.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Who knew we were so close to La Segrada Familia? After so many years, the cathedral is still under construction. Hop on that, Barcelona!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099202_366.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These are only some of the reasons I have fallen so hard for the city. I have never been one for pretty scenery. I'm the type of person that is like "Ok, that's pretty. Now what?" But here, I could just stare for so long...I love it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've made some really good friends. My roommates and I get along so well, and we are all on the same page about taking classes seriously, not going out every single night, appreciating our time here, etc. I also have found a really good friend in a girl named Mary. We met on the first day, on the bus on our way to our hotels. I can already tell she's someone I can trust and become close to. We are all leaving for London on Thursday, and are so pumped for it! There is a big group of us going, probably 8 of us, and I am so excited! London is one of the places I've been wanting to go, and it's coming up so fast!</div><div><br /></div><div>Classes are great. It's really interesting to learn about Spain's history because our entire lives we've just been learning about American history. It will be hard to learn all this brand new material, but I am really enjoying it. Three of my professors are from Spain, and one is from England. It's fun learning from professors that are from here. Also, I cannot believe how rude some of my classmates are. It floors me how entitled some of these girls (and guys) think they are. On the first day of class, they were interrupting the professors, texting, sleeping, being loud, etc. I couldn't believe the rudeness. Anywho, I am just glad I'm in my apartment and only have to be with some of these people in class. Unfortunately, even an hour and a half of class is too much time to spend with them. Oh well, at least I don't live with them! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, today has been a lazy Sunday, and I've loved every minute. We all slept in, and have just been laying around all day. I am putting off my readings for class and watching an old Hugh Grant movie instead. My roomies and I went out last night. Before our departure, we had a few drinks and a spontaneous dance party. I have to say, I would rather dance in the comfort of my own living room than pay to get into a club here. We ended up at a bar where everyone spoke English. I talked to an older man named Roberto for a good hour, but it's not what you think. I was legitimately getting a Spanish & grammar lesson. Thanks for that, Roberto. Unfortunately, I don't remember any of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>At approximately 3am, we decided burritos would be the best idea.</div><div><br /></div><div> <img src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30099208_3127.jpg" id="myphoto" /></div><div>Better than Chipotle, and just 4 euro!</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems like all my experiences revolve around food, that's okay. I'm in Spain, I'll diet later. :)</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-84620574443983549122009-01-20T16:44:00.000+01:002009-01-20T17:32:00.705+01:00Starbucks en Espana? Si, por favor!So here I am, sipping my Starbucks and sitting in my apartment. I am also drinking some good ol' agua. Those who know me well know that I can never just have one drink at once. :) I actually scored this Starbucks for free. I have been looking everywhere for a travel mug. Well, here en Espana, they don't drink coffee on-the-go, so travel mugs are difficult to come across. Luckily, Starbucks saves the day. Although 9,50euro is a hefty amount to spend on a mug, I decided it would be worth it. It does say "espana" on the side, afterall. I will just take it home! When it gets home, however, I must put a sign on it saying "DO NOT PUT IN DISHWASHER." My parents are infamous for ruining our travel mugs from the dishwasher. So back to the no on-the-go topic. Spaniards don't eat or drink while walking or in class or anything. They sit down and eat and drink and just chill. It's such a...stress reliever. You know? I mean, honestly, not everyone actually "siestas" from 2-5, but they at least chill out. It's a great concept. Why can't Americans learn to just...chill? Honestly. We would be SO much less stressed if we took a 3 hour siesta each day. A lot of stores honor the siesta, 2-5pm is a great time to go back to the apartment, take a nap, watch tv, etc.<div><br /></div><div>Anywho. Yesterday was my first day of class. I was originally signed up for 5 classes, 15 credit hours, but that is obviously way too much. Here, our classes are an hour and a half, twice a week. Five of those are just TOO much. So. I dropped Media & Politics in Western Europe: Spain. It doesn't sound all that interesting anyway. My first class yesterday was International Journalism. My roommate Monica is in it, so we had no trouble finding our way. We then had lunch and took a self-led tour of the gym (I'll get back to that in a sec.). Then I had my second class of the day, Spanish Civilization and Culture. I really like my professors for those classes...actually, all my professors seem really awesome. Today I had Sport & Culture in Contemporary Spain and Beginning Spanish II. I really wanted to take as many Spain-esque classes while I was here. I want to learn all about the country I am temporarily living in! My professors are all really young and three of the four are Spanish. I am taking Beginning Spanish II because, although I scored Intermediate on the exam, I didn't want to get ahead of myself. I wanted to review, learn, and try to comprehend everything. Spanish is SO much harder to speak when you are put on the spot. So. That's that.</div><div><br /></div><div>All last semester I was pretty confident in my Spanish-speaking abilities. I am actually having a tough time using it. It's difficult to think in Spanish. Ya know? A lot of times I have to pause, think, speak. My roommates get frustrated with me because I respond in English, a lot of times, but not because I expect people to understand...it's more like me trying to translate it, in my head. So, I am really working on being able to comprehend and answer in Spanish.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the gym thing. At home, I generally just walk on the treadmill. As we do SO much walking here, I didn't think I would even WANT to join a gym. However, this really nice gym (about 2 blocks from our school) offers a special for CEA students. Not only is it 195e for the entire time we're here, but all the classes are free. Since I am getting my regular exercise in (stairs/walking/etc), I am more interested in the classes: Step, spinning, yoga, pilates, dance, etc. Monica and I both have the same breaks between classes each day, so we might just take a fitness class every day. The more I think about it, the more fun it sounds. We'll see.</div><div><br /></div><div>So. That's the latest scoop. I am really proud of myself for getting to and from class today, on my own! Again, those who know me well know that I am the most directionally-challenged person alive. Ask my dad. I get lost EVERYWHERE I go, so the fact that I walked 2 miles to school and back without getting lost is pretty great, in my book. I really miss my parents, but luckily I taught them how to use iChat to video chat. It's really funny because they both look down while they are talking to me, like I am on the keyboard or something. Haha. It helps me not miss them as much.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh. So originally I wanted to tour all of Europe while I was here. We have already booked London and Paris, but the more I think about it, the more I want to see SPAIN. I mean, I am living here. So I want to just see all of Spain that I can because I don't want to go home regretting not spending enough time in my (temporary) country. So, when Jayme comes, I might suggest we just tour all of Spain? We'll see. Adios, amigos! Muchas gracias por lectura mi blog!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2051/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30098186_1280.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The view from my room:)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2051/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30098187_2624.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Some of Barcelona.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2051/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30098190_5770.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Coca-Cola light. My weakness.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2051/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30098193_8771.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>The BEST ice cream bar I've ever tasted. No joke.</div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><img id="photo_story_primary_30098749:1426230026" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2097/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30098749_6379.jpg" class="photo_story_primary story_photo" /><br /></div><div><div>My first time using the metro!<br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2051/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30098195_738.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>A scooter that was basically made for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2051/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30098199_4624.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Monica y yo con Barcelona!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2051/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30098202_7707.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div>Cafe con leche. Seriously, it's amazing.</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-41609988839183456242009-01-17T01:49:00.000+01:002009-01-17T14:20:40.028+01:00Hola de Barcelona, Espana!!!Hi guys! This is my first real post from Spain, and I will try to at least post once a week so you can have an update on my life.<div><br /></div><div>So far, so good. First, it was really hard leaving my parents on Sunday, especially Mom, for obvious reasons. I was so scared the entire day. My family had dinner at Texas Roadhouse (which I miss already! haha.), and then they took me to the airport. At first, I was freaking out because my flight to Newark was delayed, and so I was going to miss my flight to London (connecting to Barcelona), and I was going to be a day late. Luckily my nice helper at Continental Airlines helped get me on a flight from Newark to Madrid. So anywho, getting to Madrid was fine. I had an overnight flight, and I took Tylenol PM and just passed out. I was actually extremely comfortable. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1941/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30097468_2465.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I had a layover in Madrid, which was incredibly scary. I had no idea where to go or how to do anything. Luckily I had four hours to figure out where I was going and when my flight was.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1941/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30097469_2752.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When I got here, we went straight to a hotel. I met my roommates and they all seemed really great. We went to an Australian-themed bar that night and pretty much just walked around the city for awhile. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1941/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30097473_3906.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>On Tuesday, my roommate Sarah and I slept through orientation and woke up at 2pm. This time change is really screwing me up! Well anywho, we found a legit Spanish restaurant for dinner. I got veggie paella, which was honestly great. The problem is the service here pretty much sucks. You're not supposed to tip waiters/cab drivers/etc., so they don't care enough to be nice.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also had a three hour tour of the city, which I absolutely loved.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1941/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30097474_4209.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We moved into our apartments on Wednesday, and ours is beautiful. It's located 5 minutes from the town center, and it's within walking distance from pretty much everything. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1941/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30097477_5126.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1941/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30097479_5760.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So far, we've spent a lot of time exploring the city and figuring out where to go. I, being the most directionally challenged person alive, am having a really tough time knowing where to go/where I am. Hopefully when I am forced to go somewhere alone I will be able to figure it out more easily. Our intentions have been to spend the days exploring, but the time change has been screwing us up so much that we have yet to wake up before 2pm. Yesterday, we walked around and I got a lot of fresh fruits and veggies. I made my first dinner!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v650/203/75/1426230026/n1426230026_30097603_8802.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last night, we went to a club called Opium. We dressed up and all went out with a group of people. It was a lot of fun, and the club was on the beach, so it was beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1951/81/75/1242360104/n1242360104_30097253_2537.jpg" id="myphoto" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am really looking forward to getting to know the city, since it is my temporary home. The food is great, my friends are a lot of fun, and the city is just beautiful. We start class on Monday, and I am hopefully going to drop one because there is no way I'm actually going to take five classes. No chance. Also, we are planning lots of weekend trips. We already bought our flight to Paris for February. I am really excited about that. We are also going to London at the end of the month. Yay for traveling! It seems a lot of people came here just to spend money and party. I, however, came for more. I want to see all the sights and be as adventurous as possible in the next few months. When else am I going to have this opportunity? 4 months in Europe. I'll take it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I found a church that has an English service. I am going on Sunday for the young adult service, and I really hope I find a good, solid community here. I hope I like it!</div><div><br /></div><div>I miss my family, but other than that, I really am not thinking about home much. I am just thinking about how much I love it here, and how much I have to look forward to.</div><div><br /></div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-77734945931241414282009-01-11T08:46:00.000+01:002009-01-11T08:58:19.265+01:00Adios, amigos.It's hard to believe that the time has finally come for me to leave! I feel like all this time, I've been saying "In January, I'm going to Spain." Well, it's January! And guess what? I leave in 14 hours. Wow. I feel like I was only just deciding if I was going or not, and now...I am! Well. I really just picked Barcelona on a whim. It was one of those things where I was like "Ok, wherever." I didn't know a lot about the city, I still don't, but I keep hearing fantastic things about it. It is known for its nightlife, which might seem funny since I am not exactly a party girl. However, I am planning on living it up while I am there. I'm not about to be the lame girl who doesn't go out! Also, I am excited to just travel. Here, there, everywhere. I want to explore, make new friends, eat new food, see new things! I just can't even wait. I am such an adventurer. I think this will be AWESOME. I am not really nervous right now. Everyone keeps asking if I am. I think it really won't hit me until I am there...or at least on the plane. That will most likely be the hardest.<div><br /></div><div>I've been trying to spend as much time with my mom as I can. I honestly haven't done a lot this break just because I've been hanging out at home. I've always been so close with my mom, it's going to be really hard leaving her. I can't wait to send postcards and presents though. I think she'll like that. :) I am really praying that God will match me up with a really good friend while I'm there. If I get anything while I am abroad, I want a great friend. Not just a girl I can go out with, but one that I can talk to, relate to, keep in touch with, etc. So if you are praying for me, that is my one request (besides safety!). I am really proud of myself because this is the first time I've planned, paid, and followed through with something completely on my own. It's hard to describe, but it has definitely helped me feel more independent! I have NO idea what to expect, which is both scary and thrilling. I am hoping to just take things as they come. Which is pretty much how I live my life anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>In other news, my mom has lost her hair. It's really not as weird as it sounds. She looks the same to me, and honestly, the baldness doesn't freak me out. I keep forgetting that she doesn't have hair! Haha. Also, they matched a fingerprint with one of the guys who broke into my grandparents house. I just am hoping that they charge whoever did this. My parents have been talking a lot about moving into that house when it is all finished again. It's weird to think about living in their house without them there, but it is even more odd to think of strangers living in the house. So, needless to say, I am all about buying it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I am pretty exhausted. I am so grateful that all my friends came last night! Honestly, it just shows who my true friends are. I am so thankful for the friendships I have, and am also really looking forward to making new ones! It will be nerve wracking, I know. But friends have always been so important to me, I can't wait to see what is in store!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Love love love <3</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325286052856168774.post-53306267639459558042008-12-28T07:25:00.000+01:002008-12-28T08:27:00.736+01:002008 Remembered.Here it is: My recount of the year. The typical theme that most blog about. I can't help but follow the trend.<div><br /></div><div>This has been an incredibly rough year. For starters, not long before the New Year, I was left heartbroken by a guy I truly thought I would be with forever. I had never experienced a hurt like that before, and I cannot imagine having to go through that again in my lifetime. It was the kind of pain that you can do nothing to stop. You cannot just pop an aspirin (or 3 in my case) and hope the pain subsides. Instead, you just have to let it take its course...It's 100% true when people say, "It just takes time." Because really, that's all you can do. I spent the first half of the year on anti-depressants, sleeping as much as possible, and not eating nearly as much as I should have. I struggled through school, and I was lucky to have passed my first semester of a real nursing class. Although I was hurting more than anyone can imagine, I still had fun. In the Spring, I visited my brother in Pittsburgh six weeks in a row. I know it sounds like a lot, but honestly, it was the most fun I had all year. Some of my best memories are from those trips I made to hang out with Kevin and his friends. My brother, along with my entire family, really helped me cope with my heartbreak. Looking back, I realize that I do deserve better. I could never have spent my life with him, and I know that now. I also know his ignoring me and treating me the way he did helped me to realize that I deserve much better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next came Summer Clinical. I have completely struggled through my Nursing classes. Although Nursing is truly what I want to do with my life, it does not come easily to me. My first two years of college, I had countless tutors and other help with my sciences. I even failed Biology and had to retake it. The point is, I was so happy to have gotten through to Summer Clinical because so many hadn't. It was really hard and I definitely had to study my ass off. I would say I have to study three times as much as most others just to even somewhat understand the information. The most difficult part was that my clinical instructor was especially hard on me. She claimed she was just trying to teach me a lesson, but honestly, I know she had something against me. From the start, we butted heads. I'm not sure <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">why</span>, because all I ever did was try my hardest. Anywho, she ended up accusing me of lying about a patient, and she failed me. This was so hard for me because I had worked so hard. I had passed the class, which was what I was concerned about passing in the first place, but then I failed anyway. I was so upset about it, especially since all of my good friends had really good experiences with their instructors.</div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily, after only a little while, I figured out how to make the best of failing clinical. Failing meant having to wait an entire year before I had the opportunity to retake it. Since I go to a small school, they only offer each class every once in awhile. So, here I am, a year behind and having no idea what to do. The idea came to me not long after the end of clinical: Pick up a minor. So, I chose Journalism, since I've always had a knack for writing. Then, about a week before the start of Fall semester, I decided to study abroad in the Spring. I wasn't going to waste an entire year taking dumb classes and wasting my money. Fall semester was SO much fun, since I was so used to ALWAYS being busy and never having free time, energy, etc.. I met tons of new people that I wouldn't have met otherwise, I had a job, and I was able to spend more time with my friends. I also got to relax and not have to worry about HAVING to get that 76% on the exams. Since I chose to study abroad in Spain, I also took a Spanish class. I loved the semester and ended up doing really well in all my classes. And I didn't even have to work half as hard as I did in Nursing. I just think I really needed a semester that was laid back. And that's what I got...</div><div><br /></div><div>...With the exception of my mom. She was diagnosed just two days after returning from Florida with my dad. Breast cancer runs in our family, but it was still a shock to hear that my mom had it. My mom is so strong and although she has to be scared, she has never really expressed it. She had to have a double mastectomy, and is now undergoing chemotherapy. Basically, she has just been thinking, "I am just doing what I have to do." and not really questioning anything. It's so sad to see her go through this, but she is being so strong. It only makes me adore her even more. It has also brought us closer, for which I am thankful. She's amazing, and I love her to pieces.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Monday, two days before Christmas, my parents got a call from their realtor. My mom has been working for months on cleaning up my grandparents house, and it has been on the market for awhile now. Since her brother and sister are out of state, my mom is the one who has done virtually everything in preparation to sell it. The realtor called and said that it had been broken into. Not only was there glass shattered from their break-in, but everything inside is destroyed. Although nothing was stolen, the furniture was completely sliced up, mirrors shattered, spray paint on all the walls, etc. Everything was thrown around and it looked like the scene from a movie. Apparently it was some gang called the North Side Boys, and we only know this because they spray painted their name all over the basement walls. As disgusting as this is, the worst news is that my mom had thought it would be covered by insurance. However, the insurance company failed to tell her that the insurance was not valid since no one was living in the house. I'm not sure how all of this works, but the point is that my parents are going to have to figure out a way to pay for all this destruction. It breaks my heart that a group of people could do something like that. It just makes me sick to think that people were in my grandparents house, destroying it, and not having any idea about the history, the memories, and the work that has been put into it. I grew up in that house, visiting my grandparents, and watching them die...It just...breaks my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>So. That's where I'm at right now. In two weeks, I will pack up and head off to Spain for almost four months. It still hasn't quite hit me that I am leaving. I think it will get scarier and more real the closer it gets. The few things I am scared about right now is 1. Leaving my mom, but knowing that she is okay with my going. There is also nothing I could be doing if I stayed. 2. Going completely on my own, not knowing anyone in the program. It seems like everyone going knows at least one other person. Not me! 3. Being homesick. I'm a homebody, what can I say? All of these fears are probably not surprising to anyone, and I know they will subside as soon as I get there and realize it really won't be so bad. I am really looking forward to completely starting over...making new friends, being in a new place, and being me. </div><div><br /></div><div>As bad as this year has been (did I mention that my dog of 14 years died too?!), I am just glad that I have found little things to be happy about. It hasn't ALL been completely awful. Memories and new opportunities have gotten me through the year. I don't mean to be a "Negative Nancy," if you will, because I definitely can see the good that has come from my experiences. I can't wait to see what the new year has to offer. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!</div>Kelly*Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11361717581920142232noreply@blogger.com0