Random Ramblings

The weather in Madrid has been kind of crappy for the past week and a half. It's been cloudy and rainy, especially in the beginning of this week. I've been told that Madrid winters are normally rainy and cool (but not like Chicago cold). But this winter (and the last 3 or 5 years), it's been very dry. Of course, this is just my kind of weather...it's way better than being in cold snowy Chicago. We had very sunny and warm (50's and 60's) weather the last two months...I even got to wear my flip flops a few times!

This weekend is supposed to be rainy. Since today was warm and sunny, I decided to take advantage of it. First, I went for a walk to the American store to buy some Duncan Hines cake mix...I want to bake a cake for Juan's birthday celebration tomorrow. Then I decided to go to Campo del Moro, which is a massive garden next to Palacio Real. My metro stop is right across from this and everyday, I think about going to it. But of course, I get tired or I have to go home and do work. Today was the perfect day for me to go.

So I walked around and admired the pretty trees and bushes (there aren't any flowers yet), and the enormousness of Palacio Real. It was very quiet and relaxing. Not many people were there - just old women (three of which passed me by and said hola...soo sweet) and couples making out. I found a nice empty bench under the sun and decided to chill for a while. I loved being there. It was nice to have peace and quiet. The only thing that bothered me were the peacocks. They had stupid peacocks!!! I know most people think they are beautiful birds, but to me, they are still birds!! One was hanging out about 20 feet behind me. I kept hoping it would leave, but it didn't. So of course I was constantly paranoid that it would attack me from behind. I started thinking, can peacocks fly??? I don't actually know! I imagine they can't with that big nasty thingy on their backs. Also, I learned today that peacocks make the ugliest sound. It's like this loud screeching squeaky noise. It was sick! It freaked me out each time I heard it. Anyway, the garden cops finally kicked me out at 6 because it was closing. I walked home so I could enjoy the sun as much as I can.

Besides being able to enjoy the weather. I was just glad that I was able to do something physical. Since I don't want to pay for a gym here - and I'm just lazy! - I've been feeling like the biggest fat ass! Going for walks is the only exercise I do here, which I got a lot of today. But of course I just have no self-control when it comes to eating. When I went to the American store, I saw a package of Pepperidge Farms Sausalito cookies. I decided to spend 4 freaking Euros ($6) on cookies. It just looked really good and I can't remember the last time I ate cookies. I think I totally underestimated how much I've been missing them. I started eating them during my walk. I ended up eating half of the package...that's 4 giant sausalito cookies! I am disgusting!

Pues, tonight hopefully I stop stuffing my face. Both my roommates went home to Pais Basco so I have the place to myself, and when I'm alone and doing nothing, I eat more. But sometimes a girl just needs some alone time, and I'm totally taking advantage of it this weekend.

Alright, time to go eat something...hahaha. Have a good weekend everyone!