I'm off to Granada. Pointless Video Blog #2! haha. Adios!
A narcissistic video that will truly change your lives; A must see!
(OK, that's sarcasm, this vid is meaningless, a waste of your life to watch!)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Spain/3 Kings day/ Animals/ Drunkiness
Click on blog title.
Interesting and unique article. Had to share it. Responses welcome.
Interesting and unique article. Had to share it. Responses welcome.
a running story
It was just warm enough for me to wear my spandex black short shorts which hugged my upper thighs at just the right point, not too revealing, but short enough to provide me with the air I needed in order to run 6 miles on an abnormally warm January day in Malaga. My white cotton tank top was loose, the arm holes hung down a bit lower than my support system underneath and the bottom of the tank fell to just below my waist, the soft cotton gently rubbing against the top of my backside, my shoulders, collar and neck were exposed to the warm air. The comfortable running clothes matched my cola. A few stray strands of my dark wavy hair fell and blew over my eyes and mouth, but nothing distracted me from what I noticed to my left.
My feet sunk into the sand, my thigh muscles in constant use pulling me out of the sand every step I took. My arms were strong, moving back and forth almost in a rhythmic robotic motion. To my left, on the paseo was a guy.
I didn’t notice him until I saw him from the corner of my eye turning his head to look at me down on the beach with the Mediterranean Sea as my backdrop. Usually I dismiss these guys, it happens a lot, after all, running with running gear seems to be a very sensual sport, especially in the heat. The strong sun gleaming down creating glowing skin, producing the slightest hints of sweat on exposed shoulders and legs. The hair in my face created a mysterious feel and the rhythm and breathing involved in running creates something uniquely appealing.
I only saw his upper body, a fitted light blue t-shirt, dark hair, deep-set eyes. He was handsome.
We continued with this back and forth exchange, for the next two miles, me on the sand, him running parallel to me along the beachfront street. I was completely aware of him, thinking of playing with him a bit by running faster to see if he kept up. At one point, I ran behind a sand hill, we lost sight of each other for a few seconds. I emerged to see him glancing over to find me again.
We reached the out-door gym where the machines are laid out back to back along the sea, the machines are fit for two people to use at once. I followed him to the shoulder machine. Back to back we sat, our skin almost touching, only a slab of hard plastic separating us, our breath still strong and deep. We started working on our bodies, 3 sets of 12. The whole time I was imagining what he might be thinking. It was strange, being so close to someone, and knowing that there was something there but no words spoken. After my sets, I got up, stretched on one of the huge white rocks which separate the sea and land. I saw him watching me so I took advantage of the situation, holding my stretches longer than normal, reaching my toes, pulling my arms behind my waist, rolling my neck, elongating my inner thighs, lower back, I stretched it all; it felt so good.
Then I started back. I didn’t wait for him. I took the experience as it came, I kept it for what it was and I was ready to move on, to start on my 2 ½ mile run back, following the same path I took to get there, feeling good, feeling sexy, feeling strong, feeling frisky. Two minutes into my run, there he was. He ran in front of me. Now I was able to see it all. He wore black shorts, they seemed as though they were swimming trunks. I had the sudden urge to go swimming, but didn’t.
I hopped the barrier and continued along the beach, in the same fashion as before, parallel to him— him on the paseo, me on the rich tan sand. We repeated the same pattern, only this time, we were faster, our breathing was heavier. The sea breeze did not provide enough relief from the heat. It was HOT!
Then I got to the end of my run, ready to head away from the beach up into the city and back home. I paused for a second, he did too, I faked another short stretch. Then it came:
Him: hola, ¡eres una buena corradora!
Me: ¿Mí? No, pero gracias, pero tu eres.
Him: Gracias, corro casi todos los días.
At that point, I cant even remember what was going through my mind. We stopped talking for a split second, things got awkward, I forgot all my Spanish, I was uncharacteristically nervous.
Then...
Him: Me voy a Malafama (A bar in the center) esta noche a medianoche , vamos a encontrar.
Me: Bueno, hasta luego.
(the short conversation was a bit of a blur to me, but it went something like that)
And I was off. I never met him there, I don’t know why. I wanted to keep the experience as it was, who knows, maybe I’ll see him along our path again. This time it’ll be different; the wall has been broken down. Our breaths and voices exchanged, it was a sensual experience, unique, cherished.
My feet sunk into the sand, my thigh muscles in constant use pulling me out of the sand every step I took. My arms were strong, moving back and forth almost in a rhythmic robotic motion. To my left, on the paseo was a guy.
I didn’t notice him until I saw him from the corner of my eye turning his head to look at me down on the beach with the Mediterranean Sea as my backdrop. Usually I dismiss these guys, it happens a lot, after all, running with running gear seems to be a very sensual sport, especially in the heat. The strong sun gleaming down creating glowing skin, producing the slightest hints of sweat on exposed shoulders and legs. The hair in my face created a mysterious feel and the rhythm and breathing involved in running creates something uniquely appealing.
I only saw his upper body, a fitted light blue t-shirt, dark hair, deep-set eyes. He was handsome.
We continued with this back and forth exchange, for the next two miles, me on the sand, him running parallel to me along the beachfront street. I was completely aware of him, thinking of playing with him a bit by running faster to see if he kept up. At one point, I ran behind a sand hill, we lost sight of each other for a few seconds. I emerged to see him glancing over to find me again.
We reached the out-door gym where the machines are laid out back to back along the sea, the machines are fit for two people to use at once. I followed him to the shoulder machine. Back to back we sat, our skin almost touching, only a slab of hard plastic separating us, our breath still strong and deep. We started working on our bodies, 3 sets of 12. The whole time I was imagining what he might be thinking. It was strange, being so close to someone, and knowing that there was something there but no words spoken. After my sets, I got up, stretched on one of the huge white rocks which separate the sea and land. I saw him watching me so I took advantage of the situation, holding my stretches longer than normal, reaching my toes, pulling my arms behind my waist, rolling my neck, elongating my inner thighs, lower back, I stretched it all; it felt so good.
Then I started back. I didn’t wait for him. I took the experience as it came, I kept it for what it was and I was ready to move on, to start on my 2 ½ mile run back, following the same path I took to get there, feeling good, feeling sexy, feeling strong, feeling frisky. Two minutes into my run, there he was. He ran in front of me. Now I was able to see it all. He wore black shorts, they seemed as though they were swimming trunks. I had the sudden urge to go swimming, but didn’t.
I hopped the barrier and continued along the beach, in the same fashion as before, parallel to him— him on the paseo, me on the rich tan sand. We repeated the same pattern, only this time, we were faster, our breathing was heavier. The sea breeze did not provide enough relief from the heat. It was HOT!
Then I got to the end of my run, ready to head away from the beach up into the city and back home. I paused for a second, he did too, I faked another short stretch. Then it came:
Him: hola, ¡eres una buena corradora!
Me: ¿Mí? No, pero gracias, pero tu eres.
Him: Gracias, corro casi todos los días.
At that point, I cant even remember what was going through my mind. We stopped talking for a split second, things got awkward, I forgot all my Spanish, I was uncharacteristically nervous.
Then...
Him: Me voy a Malafama (A bar in the center) esta noche a medianoche , vamos a encontrar.
Me: Bueno, hasta luego.
(the short conversation was a bit of a blur to me, but it went something like that)
And I was off. I never met him there, I don’t know why. I wanted to keep the experience as it was, who knows, maybe I’ll see him along our path again. This time it’ll be different; the wall has been broken down. Our breaths and voices exchanged, it was a sensual experience, unique, cherished.
Malagueños
So I was taken under her wing; this sophisticated , smart, beautiful woman took a liking to me and brought me into her family. Her and her husband (a former chef) cooked me Thanksgiving dinner, invited me over for Christmas Eve & Three Kings dinner, they introduced me to their daughter who I love, we go out with all the time together; they take me to shows and out to eat.
On Sunday morning I had breakfast with them in their restaurant (they own a series of restaurants in Plaza Constitution-- the historic and most popular district in Málaga). It was so sweet, we had coffee, food, read newspapers, spoke about future plans, with her, her husband and son. Later we went to pick up her daughter, my friend, to drive her to the airport (shes spending the next two weeks in Edinburgh, Scotland).
The Malagueños are the most open people in Spain. They are friendly, happy (of course, they live on the Mediterranean, every day is a holiday for them!), fun-loving and beautiful! I love the Malagueños! Especially this family in particular. they are always there for me and have made my time here extra special.
Her husband caught me with food in my mouth while eating breakfast with them yesterday:
Me & her daughter dancing the night away with her friends:
Mí y su hija bailando toda la noche con sus amigos:
Por lo tanto, se tomó bajo su ala, lo sofisticado, elegante y bella mujer tomó un gusto para mí y me trajo a su familia. Ella y su marido (él era un chef) me cocinó la cena por el Día de Acción de Gracias, me invitó en la víspera de Navidad y de Reyes Magos para cena, que me presentó a su hija que me encanta, salimos con todo el tiempo juntos, que me llevan a espectáculos y a comer.
El domingo por la mañana he tenido con ellos el desayuno en su restaurante (que poseen una serie de restaurantes en la Plaza Constitución - el histórico y el más popular en el distrito de Málaga). Era tan agradable, tuvimos café, la comida, leemos periódicos, habló sobre los planes para el futuro, con ella, su marido y su hijo. Más tarde fuimos a recoger su hija, mi amigo, para conducir a su aeropuerto (ella va a Edimburgo, Escocia a pasar dos semanas).
Los malagueños son los más abiertos personas en España. ¡Ellos son amigable, feliz (¡por supuesto, viven en el Mediterráneo, cada día es un día festivo para ellos!), Alegre y hermosa! ¡Me encanta el malagueños! Esta familia en particular. Ellos siempre están aqui para mí y han hecho mi tiempo muy especial aquí.
On Sunday morning I had breakfast with them in their restaurant (they own a series of restaurants in Plaza Constitution-- the historic and most popular district in Málaga). It was so sweet, we had coffee, food, read newspapers, spoke about future plans, with her, her husband and son. Later we went to pick up her daughter, my friend, to drive her to the airport (shes spending the next two weeks in Edinburgh, Scotland).
The Malagueños are the most open people in Spain. They are friendly, happy (of course, they live on the Mediterranean, every day is a holiday for them!), fun-loving and beautiful! I love the Malagueños! Especially this family in particular. they are always there for me and have made my time here extra special.
Her husband caught me with food in my mouth while eating breakfast with them yesterday:
Su marido me agarró con los alimentos en mi boca mientras come el desayuno con ellos ayer: |
Me & her daughter dancing the night away with her friends:
Mí y su hija bailando toda la noche con sus amigos:
Por lo tanto, se tomó bajo su ala, lo sofisticado, elegante y bella mujer tomó un gusto para mí y me trajo a su familia. Ella y su marido (él era un chef) me cocinó la cena por el Día de Acción de Gracias, me invitó en la víspera de Navidad y de Reyes Magos para cena, que me presentó a su hija que me encanta, salimos con todo el tiempo juntos, que me llevan a espectáculos y a comer.
El domingo por la mañana he tenido con ellos el desayuno en su restaurante (que poseen una serie de restaurantes en la Plaza Constitución - el histórico y el más popular en el distrito de Málaga). Era tan agradable, tuvimos café, la comida, leemos periódicos, habló sobre los planes para el futuro, con ella, su marido y su hijo. Más tarde fuimos a recoger su hija, mi amigo, para conducir a su aeropuerto (ella va a Edimburgo, Escocia a pasar dos semanas).
Los malagueños son los más abiertos personas en España. ¡Ellos son amigable, feliz (¡por supuesto, viven en el Mediterráneo, cada día es un día festivo para ellos!), Alegre y hermosa! ¡Me encanta el malagueños! Esta familia en particular. Ellos siempre están aqui para mí y han hecho mi tiempo muy especial aquí.
Friday, January 23, 2009
I'm over my bronchi and back livin the HIGH LIFE!
:)And JUST IN TIME for the weekend, SUMMER-LIKE weather! How lucky!
xo.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
the possibilities are endless... moving on.
So it's been over two months since me and my ex split up. We lived together before I moved here and the original plan was to move back to Brooklyn with him, but things changed and we decided to go our separate ways. I was so upset for a while, BUT NOW, the pain is gone and I can see clearly...
the possibilities are endless, yippie skippy!
So I got a job in NYC when I return in June, full-time, fun, good pay, so that's out of the way, something I don't have to worry about.
THEN just today I got an epiphany, how great! I can live where ever I want, with who ever I want, or alone, I can select my own apartment, or I can buy a condo! I am COMPLETELY FREE!
Of course I wasn't thinking like this before, all I was thinking was, OMG, what am I going to do? All my things, furniture, clothes, etc are all in our apartment, I loved that apartment, I decorated it, we choose the wall colors and painted together, we put it ALL TOGETHER, TOGETHER! I was freaking out, BUT NOW, I'm ok, lol-- I started researching prices, neighborhoods, talking to people about their experiences living alone...
The thing is, I moved out of my house at a young age. I lived in the dorms, then I moved into an apartment with my guy of the time, then I moved to Ireland and spent the first half of my time living with a family and the second part with room mates and my guy at the time (same guy, ha). THEN I came back to NY and lived in my grandma's old apartment which was empty and nice, but wasn't really mine, and people came to stay with me all the time cause it was in such a great place in Manhattan,
THEN I moved in with my most recent ex, it was a great apartment and I bought a huge flat screen, and nice furniture (pic above)--
Now, I'm living with two girls in a three bedroom apartment, it's great and I am NEVER alone or lonely, and always have someone to do something with and talk to, but sometimes I'd like my own space. I have enough friends in NYC that they can come over when I need someone, ya know?
SO I am realizing, this will be my FIRST time living alone!!! HOW EXCITING! I don't think I want a room mate, and I might even consider buying a condo somewhere (the problem with this is that it is so permanent and I don't know if I am ready to settle down just yet). I can pick whichever borough and neighborhood I want to live in, how many rooms I want, how much sunlight, how high the ceilings are, hardwood floors, exposed brick, WOW! I'm excited just typing about it! lol.
(another picture of my previous apartment, ignore the person, lol)
So, so far, I'm leaning towards renting a two bedroom in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, (pic above) there's a lot of Hispanic Culture there, my mom and bro live there, it's close to Manhattan, my friends are in the area, and it's close to where I grew up, Park Slope, and I'll be near Prospect Park, so I could continue my running career! I'm thinking two bedrooms cause I am always having visitors from all over the world, and especially my friends in NYC, there's nothing better than going out with a girlfriend that lives in NYC, have them sleep over, then go out for breakfast (or cooking) the next morning! FUN FUN FUN! YAY, OMG, I cant wait, what a great summer it'll be apartment hunting!
I'm starting to collect things for my new apartment while I'm here. I bought a handmade picture frame from Malaga. I'm going to Portugal soon, I think I want some pillow shams from there and an area rug from Morocco. It's going to be beautiful!
AND-- I'm getting a baby bull dog! I wanted one forever and now I am finally going to commit, I know it's a big responsibility, but I'm ready! HOW CUTE! :) lol.
Today is a great day, I have finally come out of my rut and am so happy I can see the light!
the possibilities are endless, yippie skippy!So I got a job in NYC when I return in June, full-time, fun, good pay, so that's out of the way, something I don't have to worry about.
THEN just today I got an epiphany, how great! I can live where ever I want, with who ever I want, or alone, I can select my own apartment, or I can buy a condo! I am COMPLETELY FREE!
Of course I wasn't thinking like this before, all I was thinking was, OMG, what am I going to do? All my things, furniture, clothes, etc are all in our apartment, I loved that apartment, I decorated it, we choose the wall colors and painted together, we put it ALL TOGETHER, TOGETHER! I was freaking out, BUT NOW, I'm ok, lol-- I started researching prices, neighborhoods, talking to people about their experiences living alone...
The thing is, I moved out of my house at a young age. I lived in the dorms, then I moved into an apartment with my guy of the time, then I moved to Ireland and spent the first half of my time living with a family and the second part with room mates and my guy at the time (same guy, ha). THEN I came back to NY and lived in my grandma's old apartment which was empty and nice, but wasn't really mine, and people came to stay with me all the time cause it was in such a great place in Manhattan,
THEN I moved in with my most recent ex, it was a great apartment and I bought a huge flat screen, and nice furniture (pic above)--
Now, I'm living with two girls in a three bedroom apartment, it's great and I am NEVER alone or lonely, and always have someone to do something with and talk to, but sometimes I'd like my own space. I have enough friends in NYC that they can come over when I need someone, ya know?
SO I am realizing, this will be my FIRST time living alone!!! HOW EXCITING! I don't think I want a room mate, and I might even consider buying a condo somewhere (the problem with this is that it is so permanent and I don't know if I am ready to settle down just yet). I can pick whichever borough and neighborhood I want to live in, how many rooms I want, how much sunlight, how high the ceilings are, hardwood floors, exposed brick, WOW! I'm excited just typing about it! lol.
(another picture of my previous apartment, ignore the person, lol)
So, so far, I'm leaning towards renting a two bedroom in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, (pic above) there's a lot of Hispanic Culture there, my mom and bro live there, it's close to Manhattan, my friends are in the area, and it's close to where I grew up, Park Slope, and I'll be near Prospect Park, so I could continue my running career! I'm thinking two bedrooms cause I am always having visitors from all over the world, and especially my friends in NYC, there's nothing better than going out with a girlfriend that lives in NYC, have them sleep over, then go out for breakfast (or cooking) the next morning! FUN FUN FUN! YAY, OMG, I cant wait, what a great summer it'll be apartment hunting!
I'm starting to collect things for my new apartment while I'm here. I bought a handmade picture frame from Malaga. I'm going to Portugal soon, I think I want some pillow shams from there and an area rug from Morocco. It's going to be beautiful!
AND-- I'm getting a baby bull dog! I wanted one forever and now I am finally going to commit, I know it's a big responsibility, but I'm ready! HOW CUTE! :) lol.
Today is a great day, I have finally come out of my rut and am so happy I can see the light!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
oh no! how embarassing! like, butterflies a bit.
11:13 PM D: hola
me: hola!
11:17 PM D: how are you>?
11:18 PM me: i have bronchitis.
every 4 seconds i cough
:D
11:19 PM hows the shoulder?
D: meh, have to go back another day because of stupid insurance policies
11:21 PM me: oh... sucks, that happened to me and Im living in europe where shit should be free!
11:22 PM D: :(
that sucks
11:23 PM me: finally i was seen thought after 3 hours and 3 hospitals later
D: damn
| 9 minutes |
11:33 PM D: bronchitis is not fun
drop it off at the lost and found
11:34 PM me: lol, i wish, i was hoping obama would take care of it for me today, but he was busy with other things.
D: haha
11:37 PM me: have u ever love calculated yourself w anyone?
D: bope
nop
11:38 PM me: o
i did us and got a 33%. lol. remind me of how old I am again?
lol
11:39 PM D: 27 with the body of a beautiful woman
me: :)
11:40 PM D: :)
11:41 PM me: now im embarrassed and cant talk anymore.
11:41 PM me: now im embarrassed and cant talk anymore.
Obamas Inagural Address
In a few minutes America will make world history as the 44th president of the United States takes office and replaces a criminal, George W Bush. It's about time that a person of color that TRULY represents the people of the United States will come to lead our country the way it SHOULD have been led for the past 8 years!
President Barack OBAMA, myself, and millions of others welcome you to lead us. You are an inspiration to ME and I am proud to call you my president! I'll be watching the coverage online with the cnn/facebook collaboration.
What a blessed day!
President Barack OBAMA, myself, and millions of others welcome you to lead us. You are an inspiration to ME and I am proud to call you my president! I'll be watching the coverage online with the cnn/facebook collaboration.
What a blessed day!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Maybe your pain just don't care
--A Poem written by my gorgeous friend, Dilcia, and sent to me."Maybe your pain just don't care"
All along I've said I've kept my sad silent "no's" and screamed a "yes" into your face while you all along have your doubts clenching them in your pocket and waiting for me to open my big mouth to yell my big yes and you grab a hold of the doubt you love to hold on to so dearly and you shove them all into my open mouth and shove them deep down into my heart.
Killing me.
Bronchitis-- blah
So I just got back from the clinic. I have Bronchitis! Arg...
First of all, it was a mess to even get seen, I went to one hospital, and two clinics before I found a doctor available to see me (with the type of medical card that I had) I thought socalist countries were good with health care and such! I was soooo frustrated! Well, when I finally found a doctor, he was great! Young, smart and nice! :) I was done in an hour.
Anyway, I'm on med's now, and he told me to stay home and rest for two days, so no work for me! (I snuck in a quick run this morning after I left the clinic though, I HAD to!)
I am now bored out of my mind AGAIN. I am on the internet searching things for no reason, checking out other peoples blogs that I don't even care about, writing emails to people that I haven't spoken to in years, and looking through all my old pictures! LOL. I am desperate to keep myself busy. I'm NOT the type of person to just rest. I don't even know what REST means, lol.
Anyway, that's my medical update. Sorry it's so lame...
First of all, it was a mess to even get seen, I went to one hospital, and two clinics before I found a doctor available to see me (with the type of medical card that I had) I thought socalist countries were good with health care and such! I was soooo frustrated! Well, when I finally found a doctor, he was great! Young, smart and nice! :) I was done in an hour.
Anyway, I'm on med's now, and he told me to stay home and rest for two days, so no work for me! (I snuck in a quick run this morning after I left the clinic though, I HAD to!)
I am now bored out of my mind AGAIN. I am on the internet searching things for no reason, checking out other peoples blogs that I don't even care about, writing emails to people that I haven't spoken to in years, and looking through all my old pictures! LOL. I am desperate to keep myself busy. I'm NOT the type of person to just rest. I don't even know what REST means, lol.
Anyway, that's my medical update. Sorry it's so lame...
Sunday, January 18, 2009
TiiiZZZZZeeessstttt: Booyah-kah-- VIDEO BLOG#1
Testing out my video blog idea--
I'd like to occasionally post video's about stuff
instead of typing... we'll see.
I'd like to occasionally post video's about stuff
instead of typing... we'll see.
todavia... arggg...
Bueno, todos mis amigos saben español, entonces, voy a empezar a escribir en español.
Todavía estoy enferma, pero fui a la playa para caminar los perros de mi amiga y comer almuerzo. Mañana voy al médico para ver lo que está mal. Vamos a ver.
A veces como este, quiero alguin como mi familia aqui solo para me apoye. Esta es el mala parte de viviendo lejos de mi familia. Bueno, tengo suerte de tener tan buenos amigos. Mañana por la mañana, por ejemplo, me voy al médico sola, que triste. Nadie debería tener que ir al médico solo, pero que es la vida. Basta de esto, voy a estar bien, jaja.
Mi día hoy, fui a correr tambien, necessito, incluso si estoy mala:
(¡ahora estoy en mi cama, la noche es malo cuando estoy enferma, siempre! arg...)
mirar a mi estómago (afuera), jajaja
Todavía estoy enferma, pero fui a la playa para caminar los perros de mi amiga y comer almuerzo. Mañana voy al médico para ver lo que está mal. Vamos a ver.A veces como este, quiero alguin como mi familia aqui solo para me apoye. Esta es el mala parte de viviendo lejos de mi familia. Bueno, tengo suerte de tener tan buenos amigos. Mañana por la mañana, por ejemplo, me voy al médico sola, que triste. Nadie debería tener que ir al médico solo, pero que es la vida. Basta de esto, voy a estar bien, jaja.
Mi día hoy, fui a correr tambien, necessito, incluso si estoy mala:
(¡ahora estoy en mi cama, la noche es malo cuando estoy enferma, siempre! arg...)
mirar a mi estómago (afuera), jajaja
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The little latina that could
lol.
I've been looking forward to the Madrid International Marathon in April for 4 months now. I started training in October and everything was going good. I was losing weight at a healthy steady pace, getting back into shape after a glutinous year. THEN--- BAM bOoM BaMMMMM... one thing after another happened that stopped me from training:
1-BAMMMM- Me & Johnny split up and I spent a week in bed!
2-BOOooM- Birthday, holidays and travels, ie: drinking, eating, partying, and sleeping late. Dehydration!
3-BamMMm- El gripe, flu!
Finally, today, I got back into it. Last week I bought new running sneakers. They had some pink in them, but I thought, what the hell, they are only for training, I don't care. THEN, I get home and they are the exact same sneakers I was already using that I bought in NY (I didn't even realize)! This is significant because they are a Japanese Brand, and I went to a specialty running store in Park Slope, Brooklyn to buy them. They put me on a treadmill, measured my feet, and evaluated what the best running sneaker for my feet, my running technique, and body type was! CRAZY! So I knew I was buying the same brand, but not the exact same sneaker. My old ones were blue though, ha. Sorry to get off topic, I just thought that was pretty lucky of me!
Anyway, here I am, I have 3 more months to go. April 27th 2009 is the day, Madrid!
So far, I am trying to ease my body back into the day-to-day training. This shouldn't be too hard since I've been running for eight years now. Once I am back into it, I will slowly start piling on more weekly mileage. So far I'm up to about 20 miles per week. I know I am behind in the training, but I have to make it!
I am monitoring my eating too. not that I have to, but it's interesting for me. I only eat whole foods, ie: potatoes, carrots, from the fruit store, not frozen. I don't eat anything processed and I eat a fruit with every meal. this is hard for me because I don't really like fruit, BUT since I dont like deserts, or anything with sugar, my body is lacking natural sugar, so I have to eat fruits. PLUS it's part of the famous Mediterranean Diet plan and I live in the Mediterranean, so yeah! I also have extra virgin olive oil with every meal, I use it for flavoring instead of canned sauce or those other bad oils, or whatever...
All of this is not hard for me because I love to eat the natural way, whole grains (all my carbs come from whole grains, pasta, brown rice, multi grain bread, etc.) and different fresh vegetables each day! The people at the fruit & veggie store know me already!
I love to keep a healthy lifestyle and training for a marathon brings me to a higher place mentally. I have a goal, I see my body and mind changing. I shine and I am happy. It's one of the best things I can do for myself!
When I am in NYC, I don't have time for this, I am too busy working, but when I live abroad, I have much more time, it goes along with the European lifestyle.
This will be my second marathon, 26 miles. My first was Belfast Marathon, 2007. It was tough! This time, I hope, it'll be easier for me. I will continue updating about my training. Wish me Luck!
My goal is to be up to 24 miles a week in the next two weeks... we'll see.
I've been looking forward to the Madrid International Marathon in April for 4 months now. I started training in October and everything was going good. I was losing weight at a healthy steady pace, getting back into shape after a glutinous year. THEN--- BAM bOoM BaMMMMM... one thing after another happened that stopped me from training:
1-BAMMMM- Me & Johnny split up and I spent a week in bed!
2-BOOooM- Birthday, holidays and travels, ie: drinking, eating, partying, and sleeping late. Dehydration!
3-BamMMm- El gripe, flu!
Finally, today, I got back into it. Last week I bought new running sneakers. They had some pink in them, but I thought, what the hell, they are only for training, I don't care. THEN, I get home and they are the exact same sneakers I was already using that I bought in NY (I didn't even realize)! This is significant because they are a Japanese Brand, and I went to a specialty running store in Park Slope, Brooklyn to buy them. They put me on a treadmill, measured my feet, and evaluated what the best running sneaker for my feet, my running technique, and body type was! CRAZY! So I knew I was buying the same brand, but not the exact same sneaker. My old ones were blue though, ha. Sorry to get off topic, I just thought that was pretty lucky of me!
Anyway, here I am, I have 3 more months to go. April 27th 2009 is the day, Madrid!
So far, I am trying to ease my body back into the day-to-day training. This shouldn't be too hard since I've been running for eight years now. Once I am back into it, I will slowly start piling on more weekly mileage. So far I'm up to about 20 miles per week. I know I am behind in the training, but I have to make it!
I am monitoring my eating too. not that I have to, but it's interesting for me. I only eat whole foods, ie: potatoes, carrots, from the fruit store, not frozen. I don't eat anything processed and I eat a fruit with every meal. this is hard for me because I don't really like fruit, BUT since I dont like deserts, or anything with sugar, my body is lacking natural sugar, so I have to eat fruits. PLUS it's part of the famous Mediterranean Diet plan and I live in the Mediterranean, so yeah! I also have extra virgin olive oil with every meal, I use it for flavoring instead of canned sauce or those other bad oils, or whatever...
All of this is not hard for me because I love to eat the natural way, whole grains (all my carbs come from whole grains, pasta, brown rice, multi grain bread, etc.) and different fresh vegetables each day! The people at the fruit & veggie store know me already!
I love to keep a healthy lifestyle and training for a marathon brings me to a higher place mentally. I have a goal, I see my body and mind changing. I shine and I am happy. It's one of the best things I can do for myself!
When I am in NYC, I don't have time for this, I am too busy working, but when I live abroad, I have much more time, it goes along with the European lifestyle.
This will be my second marathon, 26 miles. My first was Belfast Marathon, 2007. It was tough! This time, I hope, it'll be easier for me. I will continue updating about my training. Wish me Luck!
My goal is to be up to 24 miles a week in the next two weeks... we'll see.
Friday, January 16, 2009
I have company!
My super cool neighbors brought over vegetarian soup for me!!!!! Thats the sweetest thing ever! Just when I thought I was alone to take care of myself, here they are! I hope they don't get sick sitting here with me coughing every second! Anti-bacterial spray anyone?
ok.. I'm being rude to them...
ok.. I'm being rude to them...
el gripe has a grip on me! lol
I am getting over the flu (el gripe). It's horrible. I knew it was coming sooner or later cause working with young children, I was bound to catch something, but who would have guessed it was the worst there was, EL GRIPE!
Well, I'm exaggerating, lol, I don't know if it is EL GRIPE, I didn't go to the doctor and I didn't have a fever, lol. BUT my whole body hurt and I felt like my eye balls were going to pop out of my head, like pressure was pushing them out! 8^)
I was vomiting (which I was pissed about cause I am loosing too much weight as it is, it's SICK!) I couldn't freakin breath and my throat and head were killing me. I still went to work though cause my students would have been sad if I wasn't there (when I came back from my NYC trip, and missed a week of work, some of them gave me the silent treatment! The little SNEAKS! BUT I had a secret weapon, reese's peanut butter cups I brought back from NYC, I whipped them out and they forgave me for being absent, lol)
Anyway, I'm still sick, I'm now coughing out of control. it sucks cause ppl are textin & emailin me to meet up tonight... its ok, I could use a night home alone. PLUS, Friday night is Spanish Documentary night on TV! YAY! I'm a nerd. I can't think of a better way to get over my GRIPE then to have hot tea, watch Spanish documentaries and BLOG! MORE BLOGS TO COME! YAY! ALL NIGHT LONG! WOO-HOO! PS-- thanks Paulina for reading!
Well, I'm exaggerating, lol, I don't know if it is EL GRIPE, I didn't go to the doctor and I didn't have a fever, lol. BUT my whole body hurt and I felt like my eye balls were going to pop out of my head, like pressure was pushing them out! 8^)
I was vomiting (which I was pissed about cause I am loosing too much weight as it is, it's SICK!) I couldn't freakin breath and my throat and head were killing me. I still went to work though cause my students would have been sad if I wasn't there (when I came back from my NYC trip, and missed a week of work, some of them gave me the silent treatment! The little SNEAKS! BUT I had a secret weapon, reese's peanut butter cups I brought back from NYC, I whipped them out and they forgave me for being absent, lol)
Anyway, I'm still sick, I'm now coughing out of control. it sucks cause ppl are textin & emailin me to meet up tonight... its ok, I could use a night home alone. PLUS, Friday night is Spanish Documentary night on TV! YAY! I'm a nerd. I can't think of a better way to get over my GRIPE then to have hot tea, watch Spanish documentaries and BLOG! MORE BLOGS TO COME! YAY! ALL NIGHT LONG! WOO-HOO! PS-- thanks Paulina for reading!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Melilla-- Northern Africa.
Most people (including me before I moved to Spain) have never heard of Melilla. Melilla is one of two Spanish autonomous regions in Africa. It's a 7 1/2 hour ferry ride from Malaga.
As soon as I heard of this place, I had to go and check it out! What was most interesting to me is the boarder it shares with Muslim Morocco, Nador to be specific. This border made the news several times in the past few months, mainly because all the Moroccans try to get through, to obtain what their lacking in their own country (it's one of 5 gateways to Spain).
Here's a Youtube video which is similar to what I've seen on the news here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaNZ5t75Y1g&NR=1
So I went with the only other person living here that would be interested in this: MEL!
Us on the way to Africa from Spain... (still happy, but a little sea sick)
When we got there, we found a beautiful, small and .......... DESERTED city! We walked and walked, and saw no people or cars, we had lunch and were the only ones in the restaurants, we had coffee and no one was in the cafe, we passed by a huge park and we didn't see any children... it gave me a weird feeling!
So-- once we realized we might be the only people in the whole city, we decided to take advantage of it and go exploring on our own! First we hit up the beach. The water was A LOT warmer than Malaga's water, but the problem is, it was too windy to swim, otherwise I would have. Instead my inner child came out in other ways...
So, while we were wandering all by our lonesomes, we tumbled upon a hidden natural treasure and we were mesmerized. Ballerina shoes and all, I climbed the salt water worn sea side rocks to experience the beauty of the Mediteranian Sea meeting the land.
That same night as we were still wandering looking for a place to eat, we hear music and laughing coming from afar... we followed the sound and it lead us to a restaurant called Tavern Andaluz, we went in, drank, ate, sang karaoke and found out the the owner (who declared us his best friend every 5 minutes with the microphone) is the father of a famous Spansh singer, se llama mimi! After closing time, we all danced for a few more hours, he kept the place open for us. CRAZY!
Finally, after all this strange activity or should I say, lack of activity, we made it to the boarder. Mel was scared to walk pass all the people, she thought they might rob her or something, I don't know... I looked at them like anyone else. I didn't want to be the ignorant North American, so I didn't take any pictures. It was the best idea because we passed a few people preparing their bodies for smuggling things through the boarder. We saw woman taping bags around mens waists and layering them with sweat shirts, woman, hanging bags from their belts, and a few people far away digging holes, or what looked like they were digging holes. a half mile up the road, we made it to the boarder. I took pictures of the boarder and the dividing fence until an angry Spanish man came up to me and told me I couldn't take pictures of the guards, as soon as I started talking (with my accent) he softened up and started a 15 minute conversation with me about the dangers of being here. He said that the people cross the boarder to shop for food and bring it back to their families. He also said that there is a high robbery rate in the area, none of this surprised me until I asked if the people stay and live in Europe, his answer was NO! OK, maybe his profession, he has to say that, but the truth is that the Moroccans make up a good part of the migrant workers Spain. Either way, it was quite an experience, but nothing like what I saw on TV, or what I found on youtube.
This 3 day trip was one of the most strangest experiences I've ever had. The lack of people, and desperation I saw was hard to handle. This is one of the experiences I will never forget, its places like this that are left unexplored that need to be visited in order to understand what is really going on, even if we understand it in our own way...
As soon as I heard of this place, I had to go and check it out! What was most interesting to me is the boarder it shares with Muslim Morocco, Nador to be specific. This border made the news several times in the past few months, mainly because all the Moroccans try to get through, to obtain what their lacking in their own country (it's one of 5 gateways to Spain).Here's a Youtube video which is similar to what I've seen on the news here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaNZ5t75Y1g&NR=1
So I went with the only other person living here that would be interested in this: MEL!
Us on the way to Africa from Spain... (still happy, but a little sea sick)
When we got there, we found a beautiful, small and .......... DESERTED city! We walked and walked, and saw no people or cars, we had lunch and were the only ones in the restaurants, we had coffee and no one was in the cafe, we passed by a huge park and we didn't see any children... it gave me a weird feeling!
So-- once we realized we might be the only people in the whole city, we decided to take advantage of it and go exploring on our own! First we hit up the beach. The water was A LOT warmer than Malaga's water, but the problem is, it was too windy to swim, otherwise I would have. Instead my inner child came out in other ways...
So, while we were wandering all by our lonesomes, we tumbled upon a hidden natural treasure and we were mesmerized. Ballerina shoes and all, I climbed the salt water worn sea side rocks to experience the beauty of the Mediteranian Sea meeting the land.
That same night as we were still wandering looking for a place to eat, we hear music and laughing coming from afar... we followed the sound and it lead us to a restaurant called Tavern Andaluz, we went in, drank, ate, sang karaoke and found out the the owner (who declared us his best friend every 5 minutes with the microphone) is the father of a famous Spansh singer, se llama mimi! After closing time, we all danced for a few more hours, he kept the place open for us. CRAZY!
Finally, after all this strange activity or should I say, lack of activity, we made it to the boarder. Mel was scared to walk pass all the people, she thought they might rob her or something, I don't know... I looked at them like anyone else. I didn't want to be the ignorant North American, so I didn't take any pictures. It was the best idea because we passed a few people preparing their bodies for smuggling things through the boarder. We saw woman taping bags around mens waists and layering them with sweat shirts, woman, hanging bags from their belts, and a few people far away digging holes, or what looked like they were digging holes. a half mile up the road, we made it to the boarder. I took pictures of the boarder and the dividing fence until an angry Spanish man came up to me and told me I couldn't take pictures of the guards, as soon as I started talking (with my accent) he softened up and started a 15 minute conversation with me about the dangers of being here. He said that the people cross the boarder to shop for food and bring it back to their families. He also said that there is a high robbery rate in the area, none of this surprised me until I asked if the people stay and live in Europe, his answer was NO! OK, maybe his profession, he has to say that, but the truth is that the Moroccans make up a good part of the migrant workers Spain. Either way, it was quite an experience, but nothing like what I saw on TV, or what I found on youtube.
This 3 day trip was one of the most strangest experiences I've ever had. The lack of people, and desperation I saw was hard to handle. This is one of the experiences I will never forget, its places like this that are left unexplored that need to be visited in order to understand what is really going on, even if we understand it in our own way...
Thursday, January 8, 2009
CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL Sevilla
What an experience!
First let me say that Sevilla is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Second I want to say, that my experience there was extra-odd. Let me explain...
Me & Mel were there for three nights. We started off in a beautiful, fancy smancy hotel (not our style at all-- we dont need upscale stuff, but we were with someone else that booked it for us). On the morning of the second day, we woke up and were looking for a place to have breakfast. As we were exiting the elevator and entering the lobby, we saw a busy boy. He was staring at us, but we didn't think anything of it. Then we left the hotel, walked a few blocks, and saw the same bus boy standing outside a shop. We saw him two times after that and thought it was strange. Finally, a guy that was staying at the hotel jumped out of a taxi and started harassing us on the street!! The cops came and we explained the situation as best we could in our intermediate Spanish. We come to find out that the guy paid the bus boy to follow us! The bus boy had been waiting outside our room since 5am, and checking security cameras for us! SICK!!! Anyway, I was not a happy girl after that! I wanted to kick their ass... but of course that wouldn't have solved anything. ANYWAY, Mellia Sevilla Hotel SUCKS! Don't stay there, you can't trust them!
Now that I got that out of the way, Sevilla took my breath away; it has the third largest Cathedral in the world and it has the largest interior in the world. There are also beautiful, well kept parks with huge old trees that dwarfed me in comparison! The holiday lights were mesmerizing and of course my company was great! This is a well known place, so I wont say more. I hope to make it back soon.
First let me say that Sevilla is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Second I want to say, that my experience there was extra-odd. Let me explain...Me & Mel were there for three nights. We started off in a beautiful, fancy smancy hotel (not our style at all-- we dont need upscale stuff, but we were with someone else that booked it for us). On the morning of the second day, we woke up and were looking for a place to have breakfast. As we were exiting the elevator and entering the lobby, we saw a busy boy. He was staring at us, but we didn't think anything of it. Then we left the hotel, walked a few blocks, and saw the same bus boy standing outside a shop. We saw him two times after that and thought it was strange. Finally, a guy that was staying at the hotel jumped out of a taxi and started harassing us on the street!! The cops came and we explained the situation as best we could in our intermediate Spanish. We come to find out that the guy paid the bus boy to follow us! The bus boy had been waiting outside our room since 5am, and checking security cameras for us! SICK!!! Anyway, I was not a happy girl after that! I wanted to kick their ass... but of course that wouldn't have solved anything. ANYWAY, Mellia Sevilla Hotel SUCKS! Don't stay there, you can't trust them!
Now that I got that out of the way, Sevilla took my breath away; it has the third largest Cathedral in the world and it has the largest interior in the world. There are also beautiful, well kept parks with huge old trees that dwarfed me in comparison! The holiday lights were mesmerizing and of course my company was great! This is a well known place, so I wont say more. I hope to make it back soon.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
New Year's Eve in Malaga, Spain-- 2009!
After much back and forth, thoughts of traveling to other Spanish Cities or countries, I decided to stay in Malaga to ring in the new year, there's nothing like home on these special days... here's how it was spent:Me and my girls cooked dinner at my house, we all had our cute little aprons that we just bought from Seville, and decided to start off the night in an intimate way, small, low key, so only a few girls were invited. we had lots of wine, German hot cider, good food and desserts.
My German friend brought over picture frames with red beautiful paper inside and gold, silver, & black pens so we can write our new year's resolutions in the frame and remember them all year, she knew how important resolutions were to me! I thought that was the cutest and most thoughtful idea/gift EVER! fun fun fun & unique! We did this before heading out, around 11:35!
Then we headed out to plaza del constitution, the main square in the center of Malaga to ring in the new year. Apparently the whole city had the same idea, cause it was packed, but not crazy packed-- I could move. There is a Spanish tradition, where on the count down to the new years, you have to eat a grape a second (12 in total) and make a wish after each one-- that's 12 wishes. Little ole me had no idea there was an organized grape eating effort, and plus, I already had a good amount of wine, cider and champaigne in me, so when the clock started ringing, everyone started eating their grapes, I looked around and thought--oh shit-- so I tried to stuff them all in my mouth to make up for my lost time. I tried to do it in a way that didn't attract attention, but instead, grapes started sliding out of my mouth, my friend blurted out a HUGE laugh when she saw me, I almost vomited-- I'm not really a fruit kinda girl, ya know? PLUS, as the grapes were dropping out of my mouth, there was a cute little white dog next to me dressed in a pink frilly dress, she was happy to clean up my mess! Anyway, it was a disaster, I was so worried about this whole grape business, that I missed the freakin midnight cue, I cant even remember how they did it! LOL! Anyway, it was hilarious in a disastrous kinda way! If I am here next year for new years, I will know...
Then we hopped and skipped through the street to dance the night away with our colorful dresses (uncoordinated might I add, it shows that we are truly in love)! We managed to sneak out at some point-- can't remember how, to go home and eat left overs, (YUM!) make an appearance at my neighbors house party, then head back out to another club until 9am! The whole night seemed to be over in an hour, we were actually together for 12 hours! wooo hooo!
PS-- I am absolutely IN LOVE with this dress! I wanted to sleep in it I loved it so much! (instead I threw on a Tee and passed out, lol)
PPS-- before we went out, I gave my BFF a hair cut-- I had no idea what I was doing, but we both thought it would be fun! lol, I gave her a few wispy layers in the back and framing her face, LOL-- what the hell were we thinking?
We started 2009 off right! :) Holler for Malaga, lol.
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