Coddiwompling

Every Saturday around 11pm, I get a notification on my phone to write down the things I am thankful for... A lot of Saturday's I am already asleep or I am out and don't give myself time to really think about it or write them down. I usually put it off for a day or so and then scribble some generic things down so that I can check it off my to-do list. But yesterday when it popped up, I just smiled. I had just walked into my room from a very long day of hiking and it came at the perfect time. I have so many things to be thankful for and I got to write down some good ones from the week!! Hiking 15 miles with 50 strangers up to the highest point in Valencia - finishing the hike with a swim in a freezing waterfall, some new friends, a cold lemon beer, and an exhausted body Friday's dinner with delicious salmon, sushi, beer, chips and guacamole, edamame and good, fun conversation Doing my first private lesson and it being chaotic and fun and with happy happy kids My first ...

I knew teaching would be difficult, especially when I am coming with no experience and I am teaching to a classroom where 98% of the students don't really understand the language I can speak in, English. I am at a semi-private school in Valencia, Spain. The years I am helping in are fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, so ages 9-12 give or take. I wasn't expecting it to be easy whatsoever, but I completely overlooked how young 9-12 year olds actually are. I think I also forgot I am no longer 18 and I am viewed as an adult, instead of just a cool "big kid". It is so difficult being the adult because I am un-phased by a lot of things they do. I'd rather a kid sit on his desk and pay attention to me, than in his desk yelling or bothering their neighbor. I'd rather a kid practice their lines standing up or wherever than sitting doing nothing. The fourth graders are in the phase of still thinking I am cool and also want to tell me everything about themselves. It...

Currently working on #119: learn to speak Spanish decently; #122:  Read the Bible in 1 year; #97:  pay my loans off from undergrad before I'm 30;  ride in a helicopter complete the  Houston Bucket List eat at salt lick in Austin TX see all  seven natural wonders  of the world go to all 50 states  go to Mexico go on a mission trip run a half marathon (IAAF/Trinidad Alfonso World Half-Marathon Championships 2:08:08!!!) run a 5K  (Oaxaca, Mexico; Valencia, Spain) run a 10K try someone else's favorite food document a year of my life travel America cross country by  train buy a polaroid camera read Harry Potter series buy a soft top jeep wrangler drink a beerrita 1.12.16 read  Anna Karenina read the Bible from cover to cover go to Houston Cook-off climb a volcano go deep sea fishing and catch a fish eat something I have caught camp on the beach without a tent road trip out of the state with friends go ...

I seem to always be in a situation that is awkward or funny or uncomfortable. And sometimes all three!! I try and write them down because they always bring more laughs when you need them. SO here are some that have happened in the past few weeks that I can think of, hopefully you get a laugh like I did when they happened. June 16, 2018: While in Spain, I have followed some fashion trends - the most recent being platform sandals. AND THEY ARE SO CUTE. However, I wouldn't describe myself as someone who is good at walking taller than I actually am. While walking up a hill on cobblestone in one of the neighboring pueblos, I rolled my ankle in front of the 10 people in this town and almost went all the way down. BUT I caught myself, but my friend and I could not stop laughing hysterically.  May 17, 2018: When my grandparents came to visit, we only had a few hours to squeeze in so many things and people... so when I realized we had to make the next bus, I said, "we gotta run...

When I began this journey I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into . All I knew was that I had this ache in me to travel and explore and Spain seemed like a good idea. The rest really fell into place. There were a lot of doubts... like was this program legit? Was I going to fly into Spain and be kidnapped? Were the families going to want me in their house as one of their own or was I going to be that awkward guest that lived in the room next to them? Were the kids going to understand me or even want to learn English from me? Did I know how to teach a language at all? (Still wondering about the last question) The whole time before I arrived, I sent many silent prayers to ask God for guidance and to let Him know that I was trusting that all of this was going to work out. Of course I still worried and the anxiety that hit me (especially when my mom and sister flew home) was like a giant ton of bricks.  Every minute I was getting more anxious about the next step. ...

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy / Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy Pisa, Italy Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy Cornigila, Cinque Terre, Italy Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy Pellestrina Island, Italy Gaudi, Barcelona, Spain Bookstores in La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain Finally made it to my new home in Valencia, Spain. After 2 weeks of living out of a backpack, it feels good to sleep in a normal sized bed in my own room. Although these views and experiences were all completely worth it!!! I had an amazing time in Cinque Terre, Italy and on Pellestrina Island before I made my way to Barcelona.The food was fantastic and the people were even better. I got to explore Barcelona for a few hours with new friends - the market was my favorite with all the fruits and meats and empanadas!! I'll definitely have to go back and visit when I have more time. Bye, Ciao, Adios !!!